In a week marked by numerous injury updates and player adjustments, NFL teams are grappling with the inevitable toll of a grueling season. The practice reports paint a vivid picture of who might take the field this weekend, and who will remain on the sidelines nursing injuries.
Bengals' Situation
The Cincinnati Bengals had some mixed updates. Star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was limited in practice, a development that could have implications for their offensive dynamics. In better news for Bengals fans, quarterback Joe Burrow participated fully in practice, a reassuring sign for the team’s chances this weekend.
Key Absences and Rookie Opportunities
Several teams are dealing with notable absences. Marquise Brown is out due to a shoulder injury, which will require adjustments in the offensive plans. Adisa Isaac is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Rasheen Ali is out with a neck injury. The Packers, meanwhile, report that six players, including Romeo Doubs and Tucker Kraft, were limited in practice. Notably, Doubs has been limited for two consecutive days while Kraft’s limitation on Wednesday marked a new development.
Despite not practicing, these designations were mere estimates as the Packers did not actually hold practice. Over in Tampa Bay, Devin White has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, paving the way for Nakobe Dean to make his fifth career start as a replacement.
Steelers and Falcons Concerns
The Steelers are monitoring Troy Fautanu, Roman Wilson, and Jaylen Warren, all of whom were limited in practice. Similarly, the Falcons saw limitations for Kyle Pitts and Nate Landman, adding to their injury-related concerns.
Widespread Impact Across the League
Xavier Weaver is battling an oblique injury, and Tip Reiman was limited due to an ankle issue. Javon Solomon is also out because of an oblique injury, which adds to the list of sidelined players. For the Seahawks, Jamal Adams' hip injury kept him out of practice, reflecting a struggle to maintain player availability this season.
The absence of DeAndre Hopkins for most of training camp due to a knee issue continues to loom over the team, while the Bears had key players Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat limited in practice. As for the Texans, safety M.J. Stewart didn’t practice because of a knee injury, adding to the defensive concerns.
Colts Adjustments and Panthers' Moves
The Indianapolis Colts saw wide receiver Josh Downs and kicker Matt Gay absent from practice, necessitating tactical adjustments. The Colts also re-signed Spencer Shrader to the practice squad, aiming to bolster depth in light of these absences. For the Panthers, the situation is similarly concerning, with Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble absent from practice, and Miles Sanders limited due to a finger injury. The Panthers acted swiftly by signing rookie Messiah Swinson off the Packers' practice squad.
Saints and Giants: Limited Practice Participants
For the Saints, Willie Gay Jr., Pete Werner, and Marshon Lattimore were limited in practice, prompting cautious optimism about their game readiness. Giants' players Drew Lock, Micah McFadden, Dane Belton, and Gunner Olszewski also had limited participation, putting their game status in a grey area.
Browns and Commanders Updates
In Cleveland, eight players were limited in practice, reflecting the wide-reaching impact of injuries. Jedrick Wills, who has been sidelined since surgery last December, remains absent. The Commanders reported that Daron Payne and Marcus Mariota were limited in practice, while Logan Hall and Chase McLaughlin of the Buccaneers did not practice. Notably, the Buccaneers are yet to fill the kicker’s spot on their practice squad.
DJ Reader’s Situation
DJ Reader, limited in practice on Wednesday, is another focal point of concern. Yet, head coach Dan Campbell remains optimistic about Reader's potential to play on Sunday, noting that they are monitoring his recovery closely.
Key Quotes and Statements
Among the quotes circulating this week, Bears GM Ryan Poles provided an assurance regarding Keenan Allen’s status: “Allen’s injury would not impact his Week 1 status.” In contrast, Saints coach Kevin O'Connell offered insights into the progress of Jordan Addison, remarking, "Jordan Addison moved around well, and they anticipate increasing his workload as the week progresses.” O'Connell also commented on Jalen Nailor, stating, “Jalen Nailor is a bit behind Addison but is progressing well.”
These updates highlight the dynamic nature of maintaining an NFL roster amid the physical toll of the game. As teams make last-minute adjustments, fans eagerly await the weekend’s action to see how these developments play out on the field.