News
11/6/22
23 min read
NFL Week 9 News & Notes
Thursday, Nov. 3
Ravens' Bateman to Have Surgery, Andrews Misses Practice
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman will miss the rest of the season after having surgery for a Lisfranc injury, Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the media on Thursday. Coupled with the loss of Bateman, Baltimore's top pass-catcher, tight end Mark Andrews, may also miss the team's Week 9 contest after missing practice on Thursday, as reported by ESPN.
Initial reporting on Bateman's injury indicated he would only miss a few weeks of action, but things clearly worsened. Bateman only played in six games this season and recorded 15 catches for 285 yards and two touchdowns. The former first-round pick from the University of Minnesota missed the first chunk of last season with an injury as well.
Andrews left Baltimore's Week 8 game against Tampa Bay with a pair of injuries, and did not return. Harbaugh downplayed concern that Andrews suffered any type of serious injury. Should Andrews miss Week 9, backup Isaiah Likely would step in as the team's top tight end in the Ravens' final game before their bye week.
Saints' Thomas to IR
The New Orleans Saints have placed wide receiver Michael Thomas on injured reserve with a toe injury and do not expect him to play again this season, Saints coach Dennis Allen told reporters on Thursday.
Thomas hasn't played since Week 3 as he's been a consistent name on the Saints' injury report. Thomas missed the entire 2021 season after suffering a setback on an ankle injury that cost him the end of the 2020 season.
He had 16 catches for 157 yards and three touchdowns before his injury in Week 3.
Texans' Brandin Cooks Out Week 9
Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks will not play in the team's Week 9 matchup on Thursday night, according to NFL Media. Cooks had been at the center of trade speculation leading up to Tuesday's 2022 NFL trade deadline, but Houston decided to hold on to the veteran receiver. The Texans take on the Philadelphia Eagles in prime time Thursday evening in front of their home crowd in Houston.
Rams' Akers Returns to Practice, Could Play Sunday
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers returns to practice Thursday, potentially putting him in line to play Sunday, according to NFL Media. The Rams take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, looking to get their Super Bowl defense back on track. They currently sit at 3-4, putting them in third place in the NFC West.
Akers had been at the center of a great deal of trade speculation before Tuesday's trade deadline, but the Rams chose to keep him, hoping he'll be able to contribute in the second half of the season. Akers is, in many ways, still recovering from a devastating Achilles injury he suffered in July 2021. Nevertheless, the Rams will be counting on the former second-round pick to turn a corner in his recovery and provide a spark for the offense.
Dolphins Lock Up Chubb
The Miami Dolphins and newly acquired pass rusher Bradley Chubb have agreed to a five-year, $110 million contract extension, ESPN reported. Chubb has incentives that can increase the contract to $111.25 million.
The Dolphins traded running back Chase Edmonds and draft picks, including a 2023 first-round pick to the Denver Broncos for Chubb just hours before the Nov. 2 trade deadline. Chubb was playing this season on the last year of his rookie contract.
“Chubb is a very good player and worth what they gave if healthy,” said analyst Joe Banner of The 33rd Team. “The problem for me is that betting on both Chubb and Tua Tagovailoa — two of their better players — staying completely healthy is a long shot. Chubb has missed 22 games in the last three years. That’s more than seven per year. Taking injury risk on some selective players isn’t crazy, but doing it on both of your best players is very dangerous.”
Players, Rookies of the Month Announced
The NFL revealed its October selections for Conference Players and Rookies of the Month on Thursday.
In the NFC, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was named Offensive Player of the Month, Vikings pass rusher Za'Darius Smith was named Defensive Player of the Month and Commanders punter Tress Way was named Special Teams Player of the Month and Seahawks running back.
In the AFC, Titans RB Derrick Henry was named Offensive Player of the Month, Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was named Defensive Player of the Month and Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse was named Special Teams Player of the Month.
The Rookies of the Month are Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker and Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.
