News
10/10/22
18 min read
NFL Week 5 News and Notes
Saturday, Oct. 8
Broncos QB Wilson Has Partially Torn Lat
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has been playing through a partially torn lat muscle near his right throwing shoulder the last two weeks, ESPN reported.
Wilson initially suffered the injury during the team's Week 4 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, and played through it four days later in the Broncos' Thursday night loss to Indianapolis. He received an injection in his shoulder after the Colts game in the interest of being able to continue playing. Denver has 10 days between its Thursday loss and its next game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Analyst Mike Martz of The 33rd Team noticed something appeared off with Wilson after Denver's loss to the Colts.
“He does not look healthy to me,” the former Rams head coach said. “He doesn’t miss throws. Russell Wilson, he just doesn’t miss. And he missed a lot of throws in this game. There’s something going on with him. He just doesn’t look comfortable . He’s tentative.”
Through five games this season, Wilson has led the Broncos to a 2-3 record, completing 59.4% of his passes for 1,254 yards and four touchdowns, with three interceptions. Prior to 2021, Wilson had been on an ironman streak for the entirety of his career, starting a full 16 games in each of his first nine seasons, all with Seattle. He missed three games last season, the first of his career, with a finger injury. The Broncos acquired Wilson this offseason, signing him to a five-year, $245 million extension.
NFL, NFLPA Agree to Amend Concussion Protocols
The NFL and NFL Players' Association announced in a joint statement on Saturday a change to the league's concussion protocols. Moving forward, any player who is diagnosed with ataxia will not be permitted to return to a game. Ataxia can be abnormalities in motor control, balance, or speech, typically coming as a result of an injury to the brain. That statement and subsequent change came as a result of an investigation into the Miami Dolphins' handling of a head injury suffered by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from Week 3. The statement concluded the concussion protocol was followed, but "the outcome in this case was not what was intended when the Protocol was drafted."
Return of T.J. Watt Delayed by Knee Procedure
Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt will not be returning to the field as early as originally hoped. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, already out since Week 1 with a torn pectoral, will have his return delayed after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, as reported by ESPN. Watt's knee injury reportedly came in the preseason, not the Week 1 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team's lone win this season. This is the first prolonged absence of Watt's six-year NFL career. He missed two games last season and a game each in 2020 and 2017.
Thursday, Oct. 6
Patriots Place QB Brian Hoyer on IR
The New England Patriots placed quarterback Brian Hoyer on the injured reserve list on Thursday. Hoyer suffered a concussion in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rookie QB Bailey Zappe replaced Hoyer on Sunday and completed 10 of his 15 passes for 1 TD in his first NFL action. Depending on the recovery status of Mac Jones, Zappe could be the starter this week against the Lions on Sunday.
Daniel Jones Practices — Could Play Week 5
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (ankle) could be the team's starter in Week 5 after all, according to NFL Media. Jones appears to be trending in the right direction for a Giants team preparing to play the Green Bay Packers in London on Sunday. Jones suffered an ankle injury in the team's Week 4 win over the Chicago Bears, forcing backup Tyrod Taylor into the starting role late in the game. However, Taylor (concussion) was also injured and thus it seemed the Giants would be looking to free agency to fill the hole. Former SEC stars A.J. McCarron and Jake Fromm both worked out for the team, but no signings were announced. Jones active participation in Thursday is good news for a 3-1 Giants team experiencing sustained success for the first time in years.
Notable Names Missing Practice
Saints: QB Jameis Winston (back), WR Micheal Thomas (foot)
Lions: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder)
Cowboys: WR CeeDee Lamb (groin)
Eagles K Jake Elliot (Ankle) Out
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliot (ankle) will miss Sunday’s game agaisnt the Arizona Cardinals. The Eagles signed former University of Texas kicker Cameron Dicker, who is expected handle the kicking duties on Sunday. Elliot’s injury is not expected to keep him sidelined for an extended amount of time.
Joe Burrow Discusses His Experience With Concussions
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow addressed the topic of head injuries Thursday saying "I had some where I don't remember the second half or I don't remember the entire game," while speaking with Colin Cowherd. Burrow's openness about experiencing significant head trauma and memory loss comes on the heels of a national conversation about concussions spurred by Dolphins' quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his experience the past two weeks. Burrow went on to say that these kinds of experiences are "part of what we signed up for."
Tom Brady Returns to Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, according to Rick Stroud. Brady and the Buccaneers are looking to rebound from a disappointing loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night in Week 4. They have a divisional game at home in Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, with the winner taking an early lead in the NFC South.
Ravens Sign LB A.J. Klein
The Baltimore Ravens signed veteran linebacker A.J. Klein on Thursday, according to ESPN. Klein had been on the New York Giants practice squad prior to the move but will make his jump to an active roster in Baltimore. Klein was drafted in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Panthers and spent the first four seasons of his career in Carolina. He then had a three-year stint in New Orleans and played two subsequent seasons in Buffalo. The Ravens are coming off a brutal loss against the Bills in Week 4 and will be hoping Klein can help fortify the defense heading into a Week 5 matchup with the Bengals Sunday night in Baltimore.
Saints' Alvin Kamara Plans to Play Week 5
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ribs) plans to play in his team's Week 5 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN. Kamara sat out the Saints' Week 4 games against the Vikings in London, but he told reporters that he was "feeling great" ahead of the team's upcoming bout. The Saints are still waiting on news regarding the availability of a few other key contributors: wide receiver Michael Thomas (toe) and quarterback Jameis Winston (back/hip).
Landon Collins Signing With Giants
The New York Giants and safety Landon Collins have reportedly come to an agreement on a deal that will bring Collins back to New York, according to Josina Anderson. Collins was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft and had a great deal of success in his career with the team. He was a 2016 First-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in three of the four seasons he spent with the team. Collins failed to find similar acclaim in his three seasons in Washington, and he was released following the conclusion of the 2021 season. Collins will remain in the NFC East and is reportedly flying to London to spend time with his new team as they prepare for a Week 5 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Colts Elevate Phillip Lindsay to Active Roster
The Indianapolis Colts elevated running back Phillip Lindsay from the practice squad on Thursday, according to NFL Media. The move comes ahead of the Colts' matchup with the Broncos Thursday night in Denver. Lindsay spent the first three seasons of his career in Denver, where he was a productive piece of the offense. In each of his first two seasons with the Broncos, he rushed for at least 1,000 yards. Lindsay will look to help supplement a Colts rushing attack that will be without superstar Jonathan Taylor and on the brink of falling further behind in an AFC South division, many felt they had a chance to win.
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Ravens Sign WR Andy Isabella
The Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday signed former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andy Isabella, according to ESPN. Isabella was a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but in 39 career games, he's recorded only 33 receptions. The Cardinals certainly hoped for more when they drafted him out of the University of Massachusetts, but now it will be up to the Ravens to try and get the most out of him.
Tom Brady Misses Wednesday Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) missed practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN. The Buccaneers lost their Week 4 matchup to the Kansas City Chiefs and now look ahead to a Week 5 matchup with the Cardinals. Brady was asked about the status of his shoulder and simply said it was "just football." There is no official word yet on whether the injury will impact Brady's status on Sunday.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (Ankle) Officially Out
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out of the team's Thursday night game due to an ankle injury, according to ESPN. Taylor suffered the ankle injury in Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, and the short week leading up to Thursday's game played a part in his being ruled out. He isn't expected to miss any significant time, according to NFL Media. Nyheim Hines is expected to play in the starting role for the Indianapolis Colt's game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.
Browns DE Myles Garrett Returns to Practice
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett returned to practice today, according to the team. Garrett missed the Browns' game on Sunday due to injuries suffered in a car accident last week. Garrett was left with injuries to his shoulder and biceps and suffered facial lacerations. He is no longer listed on the team's injury report as of Wednesday and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Commanders RB Brian Robinson (Knee) Designated for Return
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson is set for a return to the active roster within the next 21 days, according to NFL Media. Robinson was a third-round pick for the Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft and had earned the starting running back role in training camp. Shortly after being named the starter, he was the victim of an armed robbery. During the incident, Robinson was shot in the leg. Despite the gunshot wound, he didn't suffer any significant injuries to his knee, allowing for a quick return. Until then, the team has and will continue to utilize both Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic in a running back rotation.
Buccaneers WR Cole Beasley Retires After an 11-Year Career
Tampa Bay wide receiver Cole Beasley has decided to retire effective immediately, according to NFL Media. He retires after an 11-year career between the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Beasley entered the league in 2012 after a college career at SMU but went undrafted before signing with the Cowboys. Beasley carved out a meaningful career by accumulating 554 receptions, 5,726 receiving yards, and 34 touchdowns during his 11-seasons in the NFL. Beasley had played in just two games for the Buccaneers before making this decision on Wednesday.
Dolphins CB Byron Jones (Achilles) has his Return Delayed
Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones had offseason Achilles surgery in March, and despite the team's hope of having him return soon, that is no longer the case. Coach Mike McDaniel addressed Jones' status when speaking to the media, saying his Achilles is "not progressing as fast as we'd hoped." The team added he would not be starting his 21-day practice window as he was not being designated to return. Jones signed a 5-year, $82.5 million deal with the Dolphins in March of 2020 and in that time, he has missed just two games before this year.
Tuesday, Oct. 4
Jonathan Taylor (Ankle) Sits Out of Practice
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) sat out of practice for the second consecutive day. Taylor suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s 24-17 loss to the Titans. The Colts are hopeful that Taylor will be active for Thursday night’s matchup against the Broncos.
Colts LB Shaquille Leonard (Head) to Miss Time
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard left Sunday’s loss with a concussion and also suffered a broken nose. Coach Reich expects the nose injury to affect Leonard’s timetable to return to action.
Giants Working Out AJ McCarron, Jake Fromm and More
The New York Giants will work out veteran quarterback AJ McCarron on Tuesday, according to NFL Media. The Giants lost backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a concussion in a Week 4 win over the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, Taylor himself was replacing Daniel Jones, who left the game with an ankle injury. It remains to be seen whether or not Jones can suit up on Sunday in Week 5, but in the meantime, McCarron is amongst several QBs the team is likely to work out as they prepare for their Week 5 showdown with the Green Bay Packers in London. McCarron most recently played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 but suffered a torn ACL in the team's second preseason game.
Jake Fromm also worked out for the team today, per ESPN. Fromm started two games for the Giants in 2021, throwing one touchdown pass with three interceptions.
Kenny Pickett Named Starting QB in Steelers' Initial Week 5 Depth Chart
The Pittsburgh Steelers released their initial Week 5 depth chart on Tuesday, with Kenny Pickett listed as the starter for the first time, according to ESPN. Pickett relieved starter Mitch Trubisky during the team's Week 4 contest against the New York Jets as coach Mike Tomlin looked for something to spark his team. Pickett went 10/13 for 120 yards and threw 3 interceptions in a 24-20 loss. He'll make his first official start in Week 5, on the road, against the Buffalo Bills. The former University of Pittsburgh signal-caller was a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and Pittsburgh fans are hopeful he'll bring the storied franchise back to the Super Bowl soon.
Colts Elevate K McLaughlin, Waive WR Patmon
The Indianapolis Colts promote kicker Chase McLaughlin from their practice squad on Tuesday. The Colts have also waived wide receiver, Dezmin Patmon. Patmon is expected to draw interest from around the league, per sources.
Broncos Move RB Williams DE Gregory to IR, Sign RB Murray
The Denver Broncos officially placed running back Javonte Williams (knee) and defensive end Randy Gregory (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, according to ESPN. The move ends Williams' season and ensures Gregory won't see the field for another four weeks minimum. The Broncos signed running back Latavius Murray off the Saints' practice squad to fill one of the roster spots left vacant by the injuries.
Commanders OL Chase Roullier Likely out for the Year
The Washington Commanders are likely to be without their starting center for the rest of the 2022 NFL season following news that Chase Roullier will undergo knee surgery on Tuesday, according to ESPN. Although the decision does not definitively rule Roullier out for the rest of the year, it is unlikely that Roullier will retake the field in 2022. The team may revisit Roullier's status later on in the season.
Cowboys Owner Gives Dak Prescott Update, QB Having Difficulty with Grip
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't think Dak Prescott is ready to return just yet. The Dallas Cowboys initially hoped that Dak Prescott could return from the injury to his thumb in Week 5. However, that seems increasingly unlikely as team owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan that Prescott is still recovering, specifically regarding his grip. Although the team has yet to release any official statements on Prescott's availability for their Week 5 contest against the Rams, it appears likely that Cooper Rush will once again be called on to start. Rush has led the Cowboys to victory in each of his three starts thus far.
WATCH MORE: Wingo, Cassel Discuss Cowboys QB Situation
