Colts Sign CB Chris Lammons To Practice Squad
4:05pm: Lammons’ time on the open market has proven to be rather short-lived. Per a team announcement, he has signed onto the Colts’ practice squad.
3:43pm: As is the case for Alvin Kamara, Monday marks the end of Colts cornerback Chris Lammons‘ suspension. Unlike the Saints running back, the latter is now on the lookout for a new home. 
The Colts announced they have released Lammons, meaning he will not be given the opportunity to carve out a role upon his return to game action. Both he and Kamara were issued three-game suspensions to begin the campaign stemming from the violent altercation they were involved in during the 2022 Pro Bowl weekend in Las Vegas.
The players reached a settlement with the victim this past July, and entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor charge. Despite having previously been indicted by a grand jury on felony charges, then, it appeared likely Kamara and Lammons would be facing six-game personal conduct violations. The former met with commissioner Roger Goodell days before the bans were handed down.
Kamara’s pedigree as a five-time Pro Bowler (along with the the placement of Jamaal Williams on IR) will see him take on starting duties right away, but Lammons was never in line for such a signficant role with the Colts. The 27-year-old has played almost exclusively on special teams in his career, which began in Miami but saw him spend the next three seasons in Kansas City.
Lammons had a brief spell with the Bengals after being claimed off waivers, but he signed with the Colts in July. That move seemed to give him the opportunity to continue his third phase role at a minimum, though Indianapolis’ lack of experienced cover men could have paved the way to defensive playing time. Instead, the former UDFA is now a free agent.
Given the suspension and his role in the incident which led to the ban, it will be worth watching how interested teams around the league are in adding Lammons. With 42 games to his name, though, he could be a serviceable depth addition for clubs in need of in-season reinforcements.
Ravens Re-Sign QB Josh Johnson, Place WR Tylan Wallace On IR
SEPTEMBER 25: To little surprise, the Ravens have brought back Johnson by re-signing him to the active roster, head coach John Harbaugh announced on Monday. Releasing the veteran was simply a case of roster gymnastics and a move which allowed a healthy option at another position to dress on Sunday.
The spot allowing Johnson to return to Baltimore was opened by wideout Tylan Wallace being placed on IR, per a team announcement. The latter has appeared in 29 games across three seasons with the Ravens, playing primarily on special teams. A hamstring injury will shut down the 24-year-old for at least the next four weeks, though, while the team looks to rebound from yesterday’s overtime loss.
SEPTEMBER 23: The Ravens’ backup quarterback situation has become clearer for the time being. Josh Johnson was released on Saturday, per a team announcement. 
As a result of the move, only Tyler Huntley remains on the active roster to serve as QB2 behind Lamar Jackson. Johnson’s time in the organization may not be over, however. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reports Baltimore’s preference would be to retain the latter via the practice squad. In any event, this marks the latest chapter in Johnson’s journeyman tour around pro football.
The 37-year-old signed with the Ravens this offseason, beginning his third stint with the franchise. Baltimore had attempted to add him last December, while Jackson was dealing with what turned out to be a season-ending knee injury. His latest pact brought Johnson – a veteran of the NFL, UFL, AAF and XFL – back to the Ravens and gave him a chance to win the backup job in the preseason.
Huntley had been dealing with a hamstring injury to start the year, so Johnson dressed as the backup for Weeks 1 and 2. Moving on from Johnson (at least temporarily) is a sign that Huntley, the Ravens’ starter for most of the end of 2022 in Jackson’s absence, including the team’s wild-card loss, is now fully healthy. The former UDFA will resume QB2 duties beginning tomorrow.
The Ravens released Anthony Brown (who made one start for them last season) earlier this month, leaving the team without a developmental passer on the taxi squad. That adds further to the likelihood Johnson will be brought back in the near future, though as a vested veteran he is not subject to waivers. Johnson is free to sign with any interested party, and 2022 saw the latest example of him leaving one team’s practice squad (Denver) to join another’s active roster with a greater chance of playing time (San Francisco). A repeat of that move could now take place in 2023, as the Ravens move forward with the familiar Jackson-Huntley pairing under center.
Saints’ Derek Carr Suffers AC Joint Sprain
SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Dennis Allen confirmed on Monday that Carr is dealing with an AC joint sprain. That means the worst-case scenario is not in play, with Allen acknowledging the team “dodged a bullet” in this instance. Carr is now week-to-week, though Allen declined to immediately rule him out for Week 4. Winston and fourth-round rookie Jake Haener are in place on the Saints’ active roster, but the latter is serving a six-game PED suspension. Any missed time by Carr would thus leave the team shorthanded under center.
SEPTEMBER 24: The Saints saw quarterback Derek Carr exit their Week 3 loss on Sunday, and it may take some time before he next takes the field again. Carr is facing at least a short-term absence due to a shoulder injury, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. 
Carr was slow to get up after taking a sack in the third quarter, and he was taken to the locker room before being ruled out shortly thereafter. The 32-year-old underwent X-rays at a local hospital, but Rapoport notes testing revealed a more serious injury appears to have been avoided. For now, Carr is believed to have suffered an AC joint sprain.
The four-time Pro Bowler was released from hospital in time to fly back home with the team, ESPN’s Katherine Terrell notes. That adds a slight bit of optimism to this situation, with multiple reports confirming Carr’s ailment is not season-ending. Any missed time would nevertheless be a notable blow to a franchise which has had to deal with a slew of availability issues under center in recent years.
New Orleans inked Carr to a four-year, $150MM deal in March not long after his Raiders tenure came to an official end. His addition raised expectations for the Saints’ offense, though his 1:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 80.2 passer rating through two games left plenty to be desired. Carr has a history of playing through pain dating back to his time with the Raiders, so it will be interesting to see how aggressive he is in returning while the team weighs the risk involved given their investment made in him.
With Carr sidelined, Jameis Winston took over at QB to finish the game on Sunday. The former No. 1 pick went 10-for-16 with 101 passing yards, but New Orleans blew a 17-0 lead established with Carr playing to ultimately lose 18-17 to the Packers. Winston took a pay cut to remain with the Saints this offseason despite the Carr addition. After losing his starting gig to an ACL tear in 20121 then being supplanted as QB1 by Andy Dalton last year, Winston could again be positioned to see first-team action moving forward.
The Saints’ next contest is a Monday night game against the Buccaneers, with whom Winston spent his first five seasons. Even if Carr’s injury proves to be a minor one, it seems likely the latter will be forced to miss at least the upcoming Week 4 tilt. New Orleans will, however, receive a boost in the ground game with Alvin Kamara set to return from his three-game suspension to open the campaign. Especially with fellow running back Jamaal Williams on IR, Kamara should see a notable workload right away in his 2023 debut. The Saints’ longer-term offensive outlook could, however, take a hit if Carr is shut down for an extended stretch.
Chargers WR Mike Williams Suffers ACL Tear
11:30am: An MRI confirmed Williams has torn his ACL, per Rapoport. The news confirms he will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, though ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes Williams is expected to be available for the start of training camp in 2024. Given his importance to the Chargers’ offense, however, that point will come as little consolation as the team prepares to move forward without him.
8:47am: The Chargers picked up their first win of the season on Sunday, but their offense suffered a major blow in the process. Wideout Mike Williams left the contest with a knee injury, and it may cost him the remainder of the campaign. 
An MRI is scheduled for Monday, but for now the team fears Williams’ knee injury could be season-ending, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (video link). The 28-year-old went down in the third quarter of Los Angeles’ win over Minnesota, and he needed to be carted off the field. That led to concerns a lengthy absence could ensue, and that would certainly be the case if testing were to confirm the worst-case scenario.
Williams is no stranger to injury, having played a full season only once in his seven-year career. He has dealt with back ailments on a number of occasions, including a herniated disc in his rookie campaign and a fracture suffered in Week 18 of last season which kept him out of the Chargers’ wild-card loss. This latest injury is of a different variety, but it will nevertheless be a signficant one if it proves to shut Williams down for the remainder of 2023.
The Clemson alum is currently in the second season of his three-year, $60MM extension. That pact took the place of a potential 2022 franchise tag, and ensured the Chargers would have the tandem of Williams and Keenan Allen intact through 2024. Both wideouts are set to hit free agency at the end of next season, but an extension for either or both could be in order since they are each scheduled to count for more than $32MM against the cap next year.
Williams was off to a good start to the campaign, especially in yesterday’s contest. Allen, too, has had a highly productive first three weeks (posting 402 yards and a pair of touchdowns on a league-leading 32 receptions); the Chargers will need the latter to continue those performances if Williams does indeed miss the remainder of the campaign. 2021 third-rounder Josh Palmer – who enjoyed a career-year in 2022 with 72 catches and 769 yards – will take on a larger role in Williams’ absence.
The same will likely be true of rookie Quentin Johnston. One of four wideouts taken in a four-pick span in the first round of April’s draft, the TCU product entered the league with signficant expectations but plenty of competition for snaps and targets. If Williams is forced to miss signficant time, Johnston (who has played only 48 snaps to date) could find himself in a starter’s role. His ability to shoulder an increased workload could go a long way in keeping the Chargers’ passing offense intact through the remainder of the campaign.
QBs Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan Reached Out To Jets
SEPTEMBER 25: In an interview with colleague Brandon Baylor, Ryan shot down speculation he has discussed a Jets deal (video link). Citing an enjoyment of the early days of his broadcasting career, Ryan added he has “no interest in doing that right now” with respect to taking on a mid-season New York starting gig. Jets head coach Robert Saleh has repeated his confidence in Wilson anyway, so a return to the playing field for Ryan remains unlikely at this point.
SEPTEMBER 24: The Jets have yet to make an addition at the quarterback position in response to Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles tear, with Zach Wilson in place to serve as the team’s starter in his absence. New York has received interest from a pair of notable free agent veterans, though. 
Jay Glazer reported on Fox Sports’ pregame show that Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan have reached out to the Jets about a potential deal. Notably, though, he adds the team has not shared their interest in working out an agreement. Both veterans are among the experienced signal-callers available to the Jets, a team which has held talks with free agent passers but has yet to add an outside option.
Ryan was released from the Colts after his one-season Indianapolis tenure proved to be a disappointment. The former MVP has taken a broadcasting gig with CBS, but he has made it clear on multiple occasions he would be interested in another playing opportunity if one presented itself. Ryan’s name has been floated as a potential option for the Jets, but it has not been expected the 38-year-old would find himself in New York’s plans.
Wentz likely represents the top signal-caller still unsigned at the moment, but he has burned through multiple starting opportunities in recent years. After leading the league in interceptions in 2020, the season in which he lost the Eagles No. 1 role to Jalen Hurts, Wentz followed that up with a one-and-done campaign with the Colts. He spent last year with the Commanders, and his Washington release came as no surprise with the decision to move on to Sam Howell in the nation’s capital.
The Jets have been adamant about keeping Wilson atop the depth chart, citing confidence in the former No. 2 pick’s growth this past offseason under Rodgers’ tutelage. Only Tim Boyle remains in place as a backup for the time being, but the team has been linked to the likes of Brett Rypien, Colt McCoy and Chad Henne regarding potential free agent additions. Only the latter two have been contacted by the team so far, but other options are willing to explore a deal if the Jets wish to expand their pool of targets.
NFL Eyeing Games In Spain, Brazil
Week 4 will begin the 2023 season’s run of international games in the NFL, with a trio of contests in England and a pair in Germany. The idea of regular season contests in new foreign markets is currently being explored. 
The NFL has sent officials to Spain and Brazil to “investigate the possibility” of playing there, per executive vice president Peter O’Reilly. Regular season games could be scheduled as early as 2024, he added, depending on the success of the league’s fact-finding missions and the feasibility of playing games in Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, specifically.
“That’s the diligence that we do constantly,” O’Reilly said during an appearance on the Adam Schefter Podcast. “What is the stadium like here? Could we play a game here? What does the support look like? So we’re not there yet in terms of timing on that. But we are spending time in those markets, building relationships and looking at the stadia there.”
In the wake of last year’s debut Germany game, Spain was listed as one of the European markets the league was interested in exploring regarding new hosts. Two teams – the Bears and Dolphins – have international marketing rights there, meaning they would be logical choices to take part in a game played in Spain in the near future. Stadiums being explored as possible host sites include the iconic Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid.
The Dolphins are the lone NFL team with marketing rights in Brazil, a country which, like Spain, has yet to host a game. Given the success of the league’s expanding international series, though, it would come as no surprise if at least one of the two countries being looked into was granted hosting rights sooner than later. Brazil and Spain are each home to one active NFL player (Bears kicker Cairo Santos and former Eagles draftee JJ Arcega-Whiteside, who is currently unsigned).
“Brazil and Spain are two strong markets and two important markets,” O’Reilly added. “And importantly, there are also markets that clubs are interested in… Marrying where clubs are now building their fan base is important.”
O’Reilly also mentioned Australia is on the league’s radar as a potential destination for regular season games, but logistics on that front represent more of a roadblock than they do for Europe and South America. In the immediate future, attention will soon turn to London and Frankfurt for their role in the 2023 International Series, but new locations for NFL games could soon be in place.
Jets HC Robert Saleh Endorses Zach Wilson As Starting QB
The Jets’ offense endured another underwhelming performance on Sunday, but a change under center does not appear to be forthcoming. Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed in his post-game press conference that he is committed to Zach Wilson as the team’s starting quarterback. 
[RELATED: Jets Turned Down Interest From Wentz, Ryan]
Saleh said, via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Wilson is the passer “who gives us the best chance to win.” That remark comes after the team publicly endorsed Wilson as their QB1 following Aaron Rodgers‘ season-ending Achilles injury. The Jets have been in contact with a small number of veteran passers, but no additions have been made at this point.
Wilson went 18-of-36 for 157 yards as the Jets lost 15-10 to the Patriots in Week 3. New York’s offense converted just two of 14 third downs, adding to the major struggles the unit has endured with the former No. 2 pick at the controls. Wilson’s poor showings led to his benching midway through the 2022 campaign, and they were a driving factor in the Jets’ pursuit of an upgrade at the QB position this offseason. Calls for another switch will intensify in the wake of another forgettable outing.
Tension on the Jets’ sideline was visible during Sunday’s contest, and many have pointed to the possibility of the team’s locker room fracturing given the struggles of the offense relative to the defense. SNY’s Connor Hughes speculates a shake-up in the form of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett losing play-calling duties to Todd Downing could be on the horizon if things continue as they have early in the year.
“I feel like I’m in a really good spot as far as my ability and I don’t feel like I’ve been able to put that on display,” reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson said after the game, via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “And that’s for multiple reasons. I don’t know what it may be, but I just know I’m ready.”
Indeed, increased production in the passing game will be required for the Jets to rebound from their lackluster offensive start to 2023. Better health and play along the offensive line – a unit which is without left tackle Duane Brown for the foreseeable future – would no doubt go a long way in helping Wilson or a new face under center moving forward. In any case, the status quo can be expected as the Jets prepare to face the Chiefs in Week 4.
Nick Chubb Diagnosed With MCL Tear; Browns RB Likely Facing Multiple Surgeries
Nick Chubb‘s season-ending knee injury has led some to question his ability to return to football given the nature of the damage seemingly done during the Week 2 Monday night contest. Further testing has indicated the worst-case scenario has been avoided for the Browns back, however. 
Testing revealed Chubb suffered an MCL tear in his left knee, as detailed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Crucially, though, his ACL is believed to be intact. Surgery will likely take place in the coming days, and there is optimism that no further damage in the knee will be discovered during that process.
Presuming that winds up being the case, Schefter adds Chubb will be facing a 6-8 month recovery timeframe. Given how early in the season the injury occurred, that timetable could put him in line to return to action by the start of next season, a relatively encouraging development considering the nature in which he departed Cleveland’s loss to the Steelers.
On the other hand, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes Chubb will likely require two surgeries to addresses the damage done to his knee (something which is common practice in cases such as his). A full ACL reconstruction may be required, though determining whether that is the case or not will take place during the first procedure. Plenty thus remains to be seen regarding the extent of Chubb’s injury and the specifics of his rehab process to come.
With the four-time Pro Bowler sidelined, Cleveland turned to 2022 fifth-rounder Jerome Ford as the team’s new lead back. That decision came with the knowledge a backfield addition of some kind would be made, and the Browns made the unsurprising move of reuniting with Kareem Hunt earlier this week. The tandem logged 19 total touches in Sunday’s lopsided win over the Titans, with Ford scoring a pair of touchdowns.
Notably, Schefter adds that the Browns – named as a suitor for Cam Akers, who was ultimately dealt to the Vikings – also considering poaching Bam Knight off the Lions’ practice squad. The latter was added to Detroit’s active roster earlier this week with David Montgomery suffering an injury, but he would have added a depth presence to the Browns’ backfield had the team enticed him to head to Cleveland. In the end, though, Hunt is back for a fifth campaign with his hometown team while all parties move forward in Chubb’s absence.
Latest On Colts, Jonathan Taylor
One more week remains until Jonathan Taylor will be eligible to be activated from the PUP list. Plenty remains to be seen what will happen next for the Colts running back, but the chances of a trade appear to be dwindling. 
The Colts have explored a deal sending the 24-year-old elsewhere, something which would be difficult to sort out given the price required in a trade and a subsequent extension handed out by an acquiring team. Indianapolis was originally thought to be seeking a first-round pick (or a package of draft capital with equal value), but that may no longer be the case. A report from earlier this week indicated a lesser asking price might be sufficient to get a deal done.
In spite of that, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports it is increasingly likely Taylor remains with the Colts. He notes executives around the league doubt that Indianapolis has ever truly intended to move on from the 2021 rushing champion, whose PUP designation came amidst speculation his ankle injury is not serious enough to keep him out of game action. A few teams have been brought up in Taylor trade negotiations, but at least one of them (the Packers) is no longer interested in a swap.
The first few weeks of the NFL season has seen several major injuries at the running back spot, including J.K. Dobbins and Nick Chubb being lost for the year due to Achilles and knee injuries, respectively. As Jones notes, those examples of the injury risk the position is marked with “have not helped” Taylor’s market. The Ravens and Browns have looked elsewhere for depth options (reuniting with Kenyan Drake and Kareem Hunt) in lieu of a Taylor trade. The Bears, Jones adds, never emerged as an interested party.
With few obvious suitors in place at this point, the likeliest outcome in this situation is that Taylor remains with the Colts through Week 4, when he will first be eligible to be activated. As Jones notes, though, the true calendar point to watch in Taylor’s case will be the Oct. 31 trade deadline. Taylor must play six total games (with the Colts and/or another team) in 2023 to accrue another year toward free agency. He is on the final year of his rookie pact, meaning the franchise tag looms as a viable option for 2024 from the Colts’ perspective.
General manager Chris Ballard has publicly expressed optimism the team’s relationship with Taylor can be repaired. With a trade still Taylor’s preference, per Jones, it will be worth watching how active Indianapolis is in working out a potential deal. For the time being, though, it seems unlikely Taylor will be on the move in the immediate future.
Latest On Bears DC Alan Williams’ Resignation
The Bears had a tumultuous week in preparation of their Week 3 contest today, including the sudden resignation of defensive coordinator Alan Williams. Plenty of speculation has emerged regarding why that took place, and specifics on that front remain elusive at this point. 
Williams cited personal health as the reason for his absence in Week 2, which was quickly followed by his decision to resign his post. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Williams engaged in “inappropriate activity,” which was part of the cause of his tenure coming to an end, though he adds the 53-year-old was not involved in any criminal activities.
The Bears’ human resource department was involved in the resignation process, Schefter adds, and a digital forensic search was conducted in line with standard procedure. Head coach Matt Eberflus has publicly cited Williams’ privacy when addressing the latter’s departure, and subsequent reports have attempted to pour cold water on online speculation naming Williams as the target of an FBI raid at his home. Eberflus – who will retain defensive play-calling duties for the rest of the season – recently spoke about his and the Bears’ collective response to the sudden news.
“I said, ‘hey all those rumors and stuff going on right now, that crazy stuff, none of that is true,'” he said while informing players on a position-by-position basis of the situation. “‘Alan is resigning,’ and I said, ‘We’ll be keeping all the same responsibilities on defense and I’ll be calling the plays on game day. Any questions?’ It was better that way, with fewer people in the room. It took me more time, but that’s the way I wanted to do it” (h/t Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).
Questions will no doubt continue to be asked regarding Williams’ specific actions and their role in his decision to step aside. For the time being, though, the Bears will move forward with an otherwise-intact coaching staff in place as they look to rebound from an 0-2 start. With a matchup against the Chiefs on tap today, though, they will be hard-pressed to enter the win column for the first time this season. In any event, improvement on Chicago’s 31st ranking in scoring defense will be welcomed.