Injury Updates: Cobb, Wilson, Waletzko, Leonard
The Packers and veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb were granted a silver-lining after hearing that what was feared to be a season-ending broken ankle was potentially a high ankle sprain that would require several weeks of recovery. The diagnosis of a high ankle sprain was confirmed, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, and Cobb told reporters that he “expects to return in two to six weeks,” a much more optimistic timeline than what was initially feared.
Green Bay had lost another veteran receiver when Sammy Watkins was placed on injured reserve back in September. Watkins was the team’s leading receiver at the time and now the Packers will lose their second-leading receiver as Cobb is being considered for an IR stint. With no Cobb and Watkins, and with rookie receiver Christian Watson also ailing, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has only Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, Amari Rodgers, and Samori Toure as targets out wide. Head coach Matt LaFleur did express some optimism that Watkins could be working his way towards a return soon, though.
Here are a few more injury updates from around the league:
- After he suffered a hamstring injury in their game against the Chargers, Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett announced that quarterback Russell Wilson will be a gametime decision this week against the Jets, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS. The 11th-year veteran has struggled to lead Denver to the endzone this year but still represents the team’s best chance to win by far. If Wilson is unable to suit up this week, third-year backup Brett Rypien is the next name on the depth chart. Rypien has one start on his record from his rookie season. In his starting debut from 2020, Rypien led the Broncos to a win over the Jets, completing 19 of 31 attempted passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing three interceptions.
- The Cowboys lost rookie fifth-round pick Matt Waletzko after only three weeks as the backup offensive lineman’s lingering left shoulder issues continued to trouble him. Waletzko knew that surgery was an inevitable outcome but delayed the procedure in an attempt to become a contributor in his rookie season, but, after three subluxations, his first year will come to an end, according to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News. Waletzko had played in all of the team’s first three games, mostly serving on special teams units and earning one offensive snap in the team’s Week 3 win over the Giants. Dallas doesn’t have a ton of depth behind the starters on the offensive line, but backups Josh Ball, Jason Peters, and Matt Farniok provide some versatility that allow them to fill in most empty spots in the lineup.
- Colts star linebacker Shaquille Leonard cleared concussion protocol today, according to Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4 Sports, but the team will still hold him out against the Titans this week. In addition to the concussion, Leonard is listed with a nose injury, which he recently had surgery on, according to Zak Keefer of The Athletic. Fourth-year linebacker E.J. Speed will continue to start in Leonard’s place as he works his way back to the field.
49ers Getting Key Starters Back Against Chiefs
San Francisco obviously got a big boost in acquiring former Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey this week, although his impact for Sunday afternoon’s matchup against the Chiefs is still yet to be determined. Well, the good news keeps rolling in for the 49ers as three starters in defensive end Nick Bosa, offensive tackle Trent Williams, and safety Jimmie Ward are all set to play this week as the team hosts Kansas City, according to a tweet from NFL Network’s Taylor Bisciotti. 
Bosa returns to the lineup after missing last week’s game, a loss to the Falcons, with a groin injury that knocked him out in the first half of the team’s win over the Panthers in the week prior. Bosa should return his normal dominance to the Niners defense. In five games this year, Bosa has 6.0 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits. His presence will be a big boost against the wily Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
San Francisco hasn’t seen Williams on the field since the star tackle went to the locker room in the third quarter of a Week 3 matchup against the Broncos. The 49ers offense has been relying on backup swing tackle Jaylon Moore during Williams’ absence, and, while he has filled in admirably, the return of the nine-time Pro Bowl tackle, Williams, will be a welcome addition.
While the 49ers have also been utilizing and enjoying the depth of their safety position, they will welcome the return of safety Jimmie Ward. The ninth-year veteran has enjoyed a starting role in San Francisco since 2015 with only injuries here and there limiting his playing time. Ward had returned from injured reserve against the Panthers, after missing the first four weeks of the season, but suffered a broken hand on the opening kickoff and left the game. After sitting out last week, the Niners are ready to put Ward back on the field. He’ll sport a full club cast on his left hand and, depending on how he’s feeling on the field, they’ll likely be careful with his return to avoid any more stints on the injured lists, meaning Tashaun Gipson, who has been starting in Ward’s absence, could still see some significant snaps.
While we still can’t be sure just how much McCaffrey will be a part of San Francisco’s gameplan, the addition of Bosa, Williams, and Ward bodes well for the 49ers’ chances against one of the juggernauts of the AFC.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/21/22
Here are the day’s only practice squad moves:
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Washington Commanders
- Signed: CB Troy Apke
Apke returns to Washington after being released just over two weeks ago. At his peak, Apke earned the starting free safety job for Washington over Sean Davis after filling in some during the prior year for injured starter Montae Nicholson. After struggling at the position, Apke lost the starting job and transitioned to cornerback. His role since losing the starting safety job has mostly been on special teams, where he had been a contributor earlier on in his career.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/21/22
Here are today’s minor moves from around the NFL:
Denver Broncos
- Placed on IR: OLB Aaron Patrick
Washington Commanders
- Signed to active roster: LB Khaleke Hudson
- Placed on IR: CB Tariq Castro-Fields
Patrick is being placed on injured reserve after an awkward collision on the sideline with a member of the media led to a torn ACL. He becomes the fifth Bronco to suffer the dreaded knee injury since training camp, following wide receiver Tim Patrick, running back Javonte Williams, cornerback Ronald Darby, and running back Damarea Crockett.
Saints Rule Out Five Starters For Week 7
While their opponent has added a pair of contributors in DeAndre Hopkins and Robbie Anderson, the Saints will come into Thursday down five more starters than they were hoping for, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. Injuries continue to plague New Orleans as it has ruled out wide receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, tight end Adam Trautman, guard Andrus Peat, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Peat suffered a pectoral strain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Saints have not placed the eighth-year blocker on IR, but he is week-to-week at this point. Thomas also remains on the team’s active roster, but the team considered placing him on IR due to the foot injury he sustained, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com tweets. The Saints instead opted to keep Thomas active in case he beat his recovery timetable. After missing just two games over his first four seasons, Thomas has now missed 28 games since 2020.
The Saints, who were hoping to get back Thomas from a three-week absence and Landry from a two-week absence, will now go into their Week 7 matchup with the Cardinals missing two of their starting slate of receivers for the third week in a row. Rookie first-round pick Chris Olave is set to return after missing time last week with a concussion that knocked him out of the team’s Week 5 win over the Seahawks.
Olave is set to see a huge share of targets with Thomas and Landry out, as will backup receivers Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith. Behind star running back Alvin Kamara and Juwan Johnson, who transitioned to tight end in the NFL after playing wide receiver at Penn State, Callaway and Smith were the top targets last week for Andy Dalton, who has been filling in for injured starting quarterback Jameis Winston. When Olave was in the week before, he matched Kamara for the team lead in targets with six apiece. Smith and Callaway trailed the two with four and three, respectively.
Lattimore is also set to miss his second straight game with an abdomen injury. In his absence last week, the Saints asked veteran Bradley Roby to fill in opposite Paulson Adebo as a starting cornerback. They’re also able to get some help at corner from the practice squad with veteran defensive back Chris Harris who has been called up for two games so far this year.
The Saints will have tough hill to climb in a game that could be a big step in staying in the thick of the NFC South race. The five missing starters will be in addition to the nine players currently recovering on injured reserve. If New Orleans can keep the division in reach until it starts getting big contributors back on the field, the Saints could have a path back to the playoffs after missing out last year.
NFL Workouts: Ross, Austin, Butler
Despite adding star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins back to the active roster and acquiring former Panthers wide out Robbie Anderson for a pair of draft picks, the Cardinals worked out another receiver yesterday in John Ross, according to Field Yates of ESPN. While many viewed Anderson as a replacement for the lost production of draft day acquisition Marquise Brown, who faces a potential multi-week absence, the speedy Ross would be a better match, in terms of skill set, to team up with diminutive wide outs Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch to replace Brown’s ability.
A former top ten draft pick for the Bengals in 2017, Ross is widely considered not to have lived up to his draft stock. After missing the majority of his rookie season with knee and shoulder issues, Ross was still able to salvage some bright spots in his second and third seasons, reaching career highs for touchdowns with seven in 2018 and receiving yards with 506 in 2019. Despite showing some promise, injuries continued to drag the young wide out down. Over the final two years of his contract, Ross missed 21 games, leading him towards free agency. He signed with the Giants last year and appeared in 10 games, catching 11 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown.
Here are a couple of other workouts reported around the league, starting with Brown’s former home in Baltimore:
- After losing second-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman to injury for the past two weeks, the Ravens were looking to add some receiving depth recently, as well. This desire resulted in the practice squad addition of veteran DeSean Jackson, but, according to Yates, Baltimore auditioned another veteran wide out in Tavon Austin. The former long-time Ram has spent the last four seasons since leaving Los Angeles with three other teams. Austin has seen quite a down-sized role since his heyday as a starter with the Rams, but showed a big-play ability in Dallas, averaging 15.1 yards per reception as a Cowboy three seasons ago. With Jackson now on the practice squad, Austin will likely have to keep searching for his fifth NFL squad.
- The Seahawks worked out a former first round pick in defensive tackle Vernon Butler yesterday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Butler waited until the final year of his rookie contract with the Panthers to play up to his draft stock, racking up 6.0 sacks, 7.0 tackles for loss, 32 tackles, and three forced fumbles, which all still stand as career highs by quite a bit. Butler signed a two-year contract with the Bills after leaving Carolina but failed to match the production from his best year with the Panthers. He’s available after failing to make the Raiders’ final 53-man roster and looks to add some depth to a minorly banged up Seahawks defensive line.
Panthers’ Post-Rhule Fallout: Termination, Replacement, Trades
The NFL news circuit was set ablaze today when news broke of the firings of Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow. The termination of Rhule was not necessarily a surprise, as he’s been firmly on the hot seat all year and the possibility of firing Rhule had been discussed “well before” today, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, but it did create a newsworthy fallout of information that is of interest to those who follow the sport.
Many have talked about the contract implications of Rhule’s termination, alluding to the millions of dollars still remaining on his contract. While it’s completely applicable to Rhule’s situation, it doesn’t sound like it is a concern to Carolina. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweeted out that “Carolina is on the hook for this season, but the salaries for the ensuing seasons are offset by what his future college job pays him.” Essentially, Rhule will absolutely get his guaranteed money, but the onus won’t be on Carolina to pay it. Whenever Rhule, who is presumed to be a top college coaching candidate for next year, gets another job, his salary from the new school will offset the amount the Panthers owe him.
It was also announced that Panthers defensive passing game coordinator & secondary coach Steve Wilks will sub in as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The defensive-minded former head coach of the Cardinals has apparently already begun to make the team his own. When Panthers owner David Tepper was asked why Snow was fired, he reportedly pointed the finger at Wilks, telling reporters to direct that question to the interim head coach, according to ESPN’s David Newton.
Here are a few more fallout items from today, starting with some ideas on Rhule’s replacement:
- The biggest nugget to come out of today concerning Carolina is that, as most NFL executives expected Rhule to lose his job, many in league circles are expecting the Panthers to start dealing veteran assets in an attempt to accrue draft capital that might make the head coaching position more attractive, according to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post. The Panthers currently only hold four draft picks for 2023: first-, second-, fourth-, and fifth-round picks, supporting the idea that trading away veterans could improve their current situation. Trading away veterans with expensive contracts, such as star running back Christian McCaffrey or wide receiver Robbie Anderson, could prove troublesome, according to La Canfora, so the Panthers are reportedly willing to eat some of those salaries in order to facilitate moving those assets. Early reports claimed that the Bills have reached out about McCaffrey and that they did in the offseason, as well, according to Person, but Tom Pelissero of NFL Network clarified that, while every team will be calling about McCaffrey, the Panthers haven’t engaged in any trade talks yet. In addition to McCaffrey and Anderson, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports expects wide receiver D.J. Moore, defensive end Brian Burns, and defensive tackle Derrick Brown to be on the table.
- Jeff Howe of The Athletic posed the question today of who might replace Rhule and offered quite a few suggestions. Howe started the list with Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn who took the Falcons to the Super Bowl as head coach in 2016. Next, he mentioned 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Ryans interviewed for the Vikings’ job this offseason and was expected to interview for the Raiders’, as well. The 38-year-old has rocketed up coaching boards since retiring as a player in 2015. Another name mentioned was Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon who also interviewed for the Vikings last year, in addition to the Texans and Broncos. Howe went into great detail on every candidate, seeming to list anybody who may be up for a head coaching job in the next few seasons. His list included former NFL head coaches including the retired Sean Payton, Steelers senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach Brian Flores, Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, and former Colts and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, as well as the current interim head coach, Wilks. Other serious candidates Howe mentioned were Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, and Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. The list essentially devolved into an article about anybody who may make the jump to NFL head coach in the next few seasons, pointing out “wait and see” candidates such as Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, and Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale.
- One interesting name that came out of today’s rumors was former Panthers All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly. Joe Person of The Athletic advised that an eye be kept on Kuechly, who remains close with Wilks and new defensive coordinator Al Holcomb, to come back in some capacity. After retiring from a pro scout position last year, Kuechly has been working as an analyst on Panthers radio broadcasts.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/10/22
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: TE Maxx Williams
- Released: WR C.J. Board
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Kobe Smith
- Released: DT Christopher Hinton
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: S Jared Mayden
- Released: CB Ja’Marcus Ingram
Cleveland Browns
- Released: QB Josh Rosen
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LB Harvey Langi
- Released: TE Dominique Dafney
Houston Texans
- Signed: KC McDermott
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: CB Tino Ellis, DT Jaylen Twyman
- Released: CB Chris Steele, DT Markaviest Bryant
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Robert Foster
Rosen’s short stint with the sixth NFL franchise of his career has come to an end, for now. Rosen joined the Browns in the offseason and battled with Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond for backup positions behind temporary starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett while Deshaun Watson fulfills his 11-game suspension. Rosen lost out to Dobbs and Mond, eventually signing on to Cleveland’s practice squad, where he’s stayed until now. Rosen will likely continue to search for a team that he fits with, since he does not have to clear waivers as a vested veteran. It may behoove him to contact two teams he has a history with as both San Francisco and Miami have suffered injuries in their quarterback rooms.
Jaguars Place OLB K’Lavon Chaisson On IR
Former first-round draft pick K’Lavon Chaisson‘s struggles in the NFL will continue for at least another four weeks as the Jaguars pass rusher is headed to injured reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The LSU product is dealing with a meniscus injury suffered this past Sunday that was severe enough to warrant the extended time out. 
Chaisson has failed to catch on in the NFL after being drafted 20th overall in 2020. He got his most playing time as a rookie, appearing in every game and starting three. While he got five more starting opportunities in his sophomore season, Chaisson saw his snap usage plummet as, even though he started eight games, he was only on the field for over half of the defensive snaps in only two games all year. This year has seen his usage plummet even more. In four games this season, Chaisson has played more special teams than defense.
Chaisson had shown some flash of ability as a rookie. Despite recording only one sack, Chaisson got to the quarterback nine times and racked up three tackles for loss. In 2021, he was able to replicate his sack and tackles for loss totals, but only managed four quarterback hits. So far this year, through four games, Chaisson has failed to tally a sack, tackle for loss, or quarterback hit.
Chaisson’s waning usage is easily a result of the increasing talent of Jacksonville’s linebacking corps. No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker has played up to his value across the field from star defender Josh Allen and, after a breakout contract year in Atlanta, Foyesade Oluokun has continued to be a tackling machine. That’s not even mentioning that Walker faces some stiff competition for Defensive Rookie of the Year from his own teammate, inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. The talent-laden position group not only has Jacksonville as a top-five scoring defense but also has pushed Chaisson aside for more productive teammates.
Chaisson will be eligible to return from IR in time for a mid-November matchup with the Chiefs, but, if the injury shows any possible chance for long-term damage, the Jaguars may decide to hold him out through their Week 11 bye to give him a solid six weeks off. Regardless, Chaisson will be feeling the pressure once he returns. He will be heading into a contract year next season, but, with a $4.25MM cap hit in 2023, he may end up becoming a cap casualty before playing out the last year of his rookie contract.
Bears Activate WR N’Keal Harry From IR
The N’Keal Harry-era is about ready to begin in Chicago. After three seasons in New England, and a short stint on injured reserve to begin the 2022 NFL season, Harry will finally get to wear a second NFL jersey after being activated from the team’s IR, according to Bears senior writer Larry Mayer. 
The former first-round pick for the Patriots was acquired by the Bears in July in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick. He had requested a trade from New England just over a year before the trade came but was forced to play out the 2021 season with the Patriots. In three seasons with the Patriots, Harry played in 33 games, catching 57 passes for 598 yards and four touchdowns.
Thus far, injuries have played a significant role in Harry’s young career. The 24-year-old has yet to play a full season in the NFL, missing at least three games each season. His best season came when he appeared in 14 games, hauling in 33 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns.
The big-bodied wide receiver should be granted an immediate opportunity to contribute in a Bears’ wide receiver room that lacks star talent. Harry should, at the very least, be in the rotation as a top-four receiver on the team, ahead of Ihmir Smith-Marsette and rookie Velus Jones, as well as Byron Pringle who was placed on IR two weeks ago.
The addition provides second-year quarterback Justin Fields with two options each for two types of receivers. Leading receiver Darnell Mooney and talented return man Dante Pettis function as smaller, speedier possession and deep ball receivers. Harry joins Equanimeous St. Brown as a second massive target that can be a matchup nightmare for jumpballs and the endzone.
Harry, who returned to practice last Wednesday, will hope to get quickly up to speed. He’ll be available for Chicago’s Thursday night football game this week against the Commanders, then he’ll get a week and a half to prepare for his return trip to New England.