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10/23/22

29 min read

NFL Week 7 News and Notes

J.C. Jackson injury Chargers vs. Seahawks

Thursday, Oct. 20

Dak Prescott Says He's Starting on Sunday

After being medically cleared to return to practice Wednesday, Dak Prescott told the media he would be starting for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. According to Jane Slater, Prescott said he would not wear a brace but would most likely wear KT tape on his hand and thumb.

The Cowboys suffered their first loss with Cooper Rush at quarterback last Sunday night at the hands of the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. In his last start in Week 1, Dallas and Prescott lost at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week, they'll take on the Detroit Lions at home at 1 p.m. ET.

Aaron Rodgers Back at Practice

After sitting out practice yesterday, Aaron Rodgers was back participating with the Packers today during their padded practice, according to Wes Hodkiewicz.

The Packers are coming off a disappointing loss to the New York Jets in Week 6 that dropped their record to 3-3 — good for second in an NFC North division many predicted the team would dominate. The Packers take on the Washington Commanders on Sunday with signs pointing towards their superstar QB Aaron Rodgers leading them in that contest.

Jets' Elijah Moore Taking Personal Day

Elijah Moore, wide receiver for the New York Jets, took a personal day on Thursday — an excused absence related to a family matter — according to The Athletic.

Moore notably went without a target during the Jets' Week 6 win over the Green Bay Packers. The wide-out expressed his frustration with the limited role publicly potentially creating friction for the Jets coaching staff and front office.

The team is 4-2 and experiencing its most successful start to the season in years. They take on the Broncos in Week 7 with a chance to draw closer to the first-place Buffalo Bills, currently on their bye.

Mac Jones Expected to Be Available Monday vs. Bears

The New England Patriots expect to have Mac Jones back from injury on Monday when they take on the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN. Still, the Patriots have yet to name a starter for the prime-time matchup.

Jones suffered a high ankle sprain in late September that forced backup Brian Hoyer into starting action. Hoyer didn't start long, after suffering an injury that pushed rookie, fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe into the spotlight. Zappe has performed admirably, leading the Patriots to wins over the Lions and the Browns in the two games he has started.

Zappe was especially impressive in the team's 38-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 when he threw for 309 yards passing and converted on two TD passes without throwing an interception.

Coach Bill Belichick has yet to clarify his team's plans for the position going forward, telling members of the media, "Hypotheticals and all that, I'm going to stay away from those."

Belichick added: "We'll see what we are actually dealing with here as we go forward." These quotes have led some to speculate the Patriots may stick with the hot hand and let Zappe continue to compete, regardless of Jones' health status.

Signs Point Towards Dalton as Saints' Starter for Thursday Night

Despite dealing with back issues throughout the week it appears likely that Andy Dalton will be called on to start yet again for the New Orleans Saints when they take on the Arizona Cardinals Thursday night, according to NFL Media.

Regular starter Jameis Winston has missed the team's last three games with back and ankle issues. Both Winston and Dalton are 1-2 in their respective three-start stretches for the team, leaving the 2-4 club in the third place the NFC South.


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