News
10/23/22
29 min read
NFL Week 7 News and Notes
Wednesday, Oct. 19
Aaron Rodgers Misses Practice
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers missed practice on Wednesday, according to NFL Media. Rodgers continues to recover from a right thumb injury that hampered the reigning MVP's ability last week in his team's loss to the New York Jets.
The 3-3 Packers travel to Washington next week to take on the struggling Commanders, with an opportunity to get their season back on track and pull themselves back into contention for the NFC North division crown. There has been no indication that Rodgers will miss the team's upcoming game, though it appears he may be further limited in the contest as his ailing thumb recovers.
Lamar Limited in Practice, Andrews Did Not Participate
The Ravens' two most important offensive weapons carried injury designations into practice, though there is no word yet on their status for Sunday, according to ESPN.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson was limited by a hip injury, while star tight end Mark Andrews missed practice entirely with a knee injury.
The Ravens are coming off a disappointing loss to the New York Giants in Week 6 and are preparing to take on their divisional rivals, the Cleveland Browns, in Week 7.
Dak Prescott Medically Cleared
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was medically cleared to play according to team Coach Mike McCarthy, putting the star QB in line to start on Sunday against the Lions in Arlington. Cooper Rush has filled in for Prescott in the quarterback's absence, leading the team to a 4-1 record over his five games under center. However, a loss on Sunday night in Week 6 dropped the team into third place in a crowded NFC East division behind the 5-1 New York Giants and the 6-0 Philadelphian Eagles.
Hollywood Brown Out at Least One Month
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown will miss at least one month with a foot injury, coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters on Wednesday. It was reported on Tuesday that Brown could miss the entire season, but recent tests have come back positive.
The Cardinals added Robbie Anderson in a trade with the Panthers on Monday, and DeAndre Hopkins is back from his six-game suspension, giving the Cardinals a strong receiver group without Brown.
Saints Will Miss Multiple Key Players for TNF
The New Orleans Saints will be without Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Andrus Peat, Adam Trautman and Marshon Lattimore for their Thursday night game against the Cardinals, coach Dennis Allen told reporters on Wednesday.
Allen also remains uncommitted on whether Andy Dalton or Jameis Winston will start at quarterback.
Thomas and Landry, two of the team's best pass catchers, have both missed significant time this season as they've only played in three and four games, respectively. Lattimore, the team's best cornerback, will miss his second game of the season on Thursday.
Gordon Will Start This Week
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon will start against the New York Jets this week, Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett told reporters on Wednesday.
This comes after Gordon was pulled after just three carries in the team's overtime loss to the Chargers on Monday night. Gordon was expected to get the majority of the work in the Broncos' backfield following Javonte Williams' season-ending injury.
"No one mentioned anything to me," Gordon said after Monday's game. "I was just waiting for my number to get called so I can help my teammates. It was a close game. I felt like I could've helped make a difference but apparently not."
For now, it looks like Gordon and Hackett have worked out their differences.
Darnold Comes Off IR, Walker Will Start
The Carolina Panthers designated quarterback Sam Darnold to return off injured reserve, the team announced. Darnold now has 21 days to return to practice and be placed on the 53-man roster, which could happen at any time.
Interim coach Steve Wilks also announced P.J Walker would start against Tampa Bay this week. Walker left Sunday's game against the Rams with a neck injury. Walker finished the game 10-of-16 for 60 yards and took two sacks.
Darnold is returning from an ankle injury he suffered in the team's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. He lost the starting quarterback job to Baker Mayfield, who is out with an ankle injury right now. If Darnold does return before Mayfield, he might get a chance to earn his starting job back.
Giants WRs Miss Practice, Thomas Limited
New York Giants wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Kenny Golladay did not practice today, while offensive tackle Andrew Thomas was limited, coach Brian Daboll told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
Toney and Golladay were expected to be big contributors this season, but they've combined for two total catches (both are from Golladay). On the other hand, Thomas has developed into a solid left tackle, so his status is worth monitoring.
The Giants will attempt to improve to 6-1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.
Wilson Not Ruled Out Yet
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson was reportedly going to miss 2-5 weeks with a shoulder injury, but Bengals coach Zac Taylor told reporters he wasn't ruling out Wilson this week against the Falcons.
Wilson's injury is similar to one he had last season that required surgery, however, his injury this season is less severe. The young linebacker has become an important piece of the Bengals' defense this season.
Prescott Back at Practice
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott returned will return to practice on Wednesday for the first time since his thumb surgery following Week 1, NFL Media reported.
This is a good sign for Prescott will make his first start since Week 1 this week against the Detroit Lions. Dallas went 4-1 with backup Cooper Rush, but Rush had his worst game of the season against the first-place Eagles last week.
Players of the Week Announced
The NFL announced its Week 6 AFC and NFC Players of the Week on Wednesday. In the AFC, Bills quarterback Josh Allen won Offensive Player of the Week, Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams won Defensive Player of the Week and Chargers kicker Dustin Hopkins won Special Teams Player of the Week.
In the NFC, Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota won Offensive Player of the Week, Seahawks rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen won Defensive Player of the Week and Vikings punter Ryan Wright won Special Teams Player of the Week.
