Justin Herbert

Chargers ‘Optimistic’ For Justin Herbert’s Week 14 Availability

As reported earlier this week, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert underwent surgery to address a broken bone in his left (non-throwing) hand. Per Nick Shook of NFL.com, while the 27-year-old passer is still considered day-to-day at the moment, the team — specifically head coach Jim Harbaugh — is “optimistic” that Herbert will be the one under center to start the game on Monday night.

According to Omar Ruiz of NFL Network, Herbert described the surgery, telling reporters that a plate and a few screws were put into his hand during the procedure. The current plan is just to prepare as if he’s starting against the Eagles this week, though an eye will be kept on his hand to determine if the swelling from the surgery has subsided enough for him to play. In Week 13, he wore a glove on his left hand made to stabilize the injury, and a similar technique could be utilized again in order to stabilize his healing hand.

While Harbaugh is optimistic, and Herbert is preparing like he’s starting, Harbaugh is not depending solely on Herbert. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, backup quarterback Trey Lance is expected to get some run with the first-team offense this week, in case the team feels Herbert’s hand won’t allow him to “function in enough basic ways or protect himself if he falls.” Lance, a former No. 3 overall pick, started four games in his first two years in San Francisco but has only logged one start in the past three seasons combined. If Herbert’s hand hinders him in the ways quoted above, though, Lance would be tapped as the starter.

Lance took all of the first-team reps in today’s practice, with Herbert not practicing in the traditional sense and, instead, just being present on the field through the first sessions of practice. Even if Herbert’s hand is doing well enough for him to start, Lance’s work with the first team could still be handy for certain situations.

Herbert’s hand may prevent him from being literally under center since it could be difficult for him to receive snaps between the center’s legs with his hand injury. Herbert can try to stay in shotgun formations as much as possible, but in short yardage or goal line situations, the team may rely on Lance, whose hand would be less at risk of injury in a scrum.

The news on the matter is still not definitive, but at least we now know what to keep an eye on in the days to come. As long as Herbert and Co. can get the swelling down over the next five days, he should return as the starter. In the meantime, Lance will continue preparing for roles both big and small.

Justin Herbert To Undergo Hand Surgery

DECEMBER 1: The Chargers announced that Herbert underwent successful surgery today. The quarterback is now day-to-day, and his status for next Monday’s matchup with the Eagles “will be determined later in the week.”

NOVEMBER 30: Following today’s victory over the Raiders, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told the media that quarterback Justin Herbert has suffered a broken bone in left (non-throwing) hand and that Herbert would be undergoing a procedure tomorrow to address the injury, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Harbaugh also told reporters that he doesn’t know whether Herbert will have to miss time because of the surgery or not.

It’s been a rough go for the Chargers offense this year. Injuries have taken their toll on a group that has seen both starting tackles and three running backs land on injured reserve. With so many pieces missing already, losing Herbert for even a week or two could be very hard for this team to weather. They’re currently a game behind the Broncos for the division lead, and it could be two, depending on the outcome of tonight’s game. They’re in a Wildcard spot at the moment, but there are multiple teams lapping at their heels in the standings.

With that in mind, it makes sense that Herbert will try not to miss any time because of this surgery. When asked if he would need to miss time, Herbert told reporters that doctors are “pretty hopeful” he won’t need to. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Herbert wore a hard cast on his left hand underneath his glove today, so it stands to reason that that may be a postop option, as well. “It’s one of those things where you just stabilize it,” Herbert told reporters. “I’m not the doctor, but yeah, they were hopeful, so I think that’s a good thing.”

Rhim’s fellow ESPN staffer Adam Schefter added on that Herbert is approaching next week’s game as if he will be playing in it. The Chargers next contest will be a Monday night road trip to Philadelphia. If Herbert is forced to miss any time, backup quarterback Trey Lance would likely get the start. Lance has four games of starting experience from his time in San Francisco, plus a start for the Cowboys last year, but he hasn’t thrown a touchdown since his rookie campaign in 2021.

Popper pointed to a moment earlier in Herbert’s career, two years ago, in which Herbert broke a finger in his left hand early in the season. He didn’t miss any games because of the injury back in 2023. Herbert drew on that experience to underline his confidence in being able to play for Monday Night Football next week, telling reporters, “In terms of experience, I’ve gone through similar things, so I think it will be helpful.”

Largest 2025 Cap Hits: Offense

Last offseason brought about a record-breaking jump in the salary cap. This year, the ceiling rose to $279.2MM, another notable spike. The market at a number of positions will benefit from the ongoing surge in spending power available to teams, with quarterbacks obviously the largest standout in that respect.

In 2024, a pair of signal-callers surpassed the $50MM mark in terms of cap charges for the season. That will not be the case this time around, but to little surprise quarterbacks once again lead the way in terms of representing the largest share of many teams’ financial commitments for 2025. Positions such as receiver and offensive tackle have also generally not reached the same peak in terms of cap commitments as last year.

Leading up to training camp, are the NFL’s top 25 cap charges for offensive players:

  1. Dak Prescott, QB (Cowboys): $50.52MM
  2. Matthew Stafford, QB (Rams): $47.47MM
  3. Joe Burrow, QB (Bengals): $46MM
  4. Lamar Jackson, QB (Ravens): $43.5MM
  5. Kyler Murray, QB (Cardinals): $43.33MM
  6. Kirk Cousins, QB (Falcons): $40MM
  7. Geno Smith, QB (Raiders): $40MM
  8. Tua Tagovailoa, QB (Dolphins): $39.18MM
  9. Justin Herbert, QB (Chargers): $37.35MM
  10. Josh Allen, QB (Bills): $36.34MM
  11. Deshaun Watson, QB (Browns): $35.97MM
  12. Jared Goff, QB (Lions): $32.6MM
  13. Taylor Moton, RT (Panthers): $31.35MM
  14. Jordan Love, QB (Packers): $29.69MM
  15. Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs): $28.06MM
  16. Calvin Ridley, WR (Titans): $28MM
  17. Tyreek Hill, WR (Dolphins): $27.7MM
  18. Jawaan Taylor, RT (Chiefs): $27.39MM
  19. Baker Mayfield, QB (Buccaneers): $26.48MM
  20. Terry McLaurin, WR (Commanders): $25.5MM
  21. Mike Evans, WR (Buccaneers): $25.36MM
  22. D.J. Moore, WR (Bears): $24.9MM
  23. Tee Higgins, WR (Bengals): $24.06MM
  24. Ja’Marr Chase, WR (Bengals): $23.57MM
  25. Trey Smith, RG (Chiefs): $23.4MM

Prescott’s last-minute 2024 Cowboys extension made him the first player in NFL history to carry an AAV of $60MM. That pact will have lasting impacts well beyond the coming campaign, as the team looks to also fit in the big-ticket extension CeeDee Lamb inked last summer and the one Micah Parsons is in position to sign at some point before Week 1.

Once again, Stafford and the Rams entered the spring with plenty of uncertainty. Retirement was a consideration quickly done away with in the case of the 37-year-old, but it remained to be seen if he would remain in Los Angeles. Trade offers came in from numerous suitors, and the chance existed for Stafford to land a more lucrative deal elsewhere. In the end, though, team and player reached agreement on another reworked pact. Stafford is now in line to receive $84MM over the next two years, including guaranteed money in 2026. A bit of continuity will thus be in place under center for the Rams.

2020 draft classmates Burrow, Tagovailoa and Herbert are understandable top-10 players on this list given their respective deals. All three are on the books for years to come as they look to unseat the Chiefs atop the AFC. Burrow spoke about restructuring his pact to create the cap space necessary for the Bengals to retain or extend each of their key in-house players this offseason. That has yet to take place, and it will be interesting to see if a reworking is explored while talks on the Trey Hendrickson front continue.

The Ravens have worked out a few extensions on offense already (Derrick Henry, Rashod Bateman) but Jackson looms as a candidate for a new deal. Three years remain on his pact, but starting in 2026 his cap charge is scheduled so spike well past its current figure. The two-time MVP has discussed a new arrangement this offseason, and a bump in guarantees and overall compensation similar to what the Bills did with Allen would come as no surprise.

Cousins’ figure stands out, of course, given the fact he is slated to operate as Atlanta’s backup this season. With no release coming and no trade imminent, the four-time Pro Bowler is set to stay in place behind Michael Penix JrCousins has made progress in his rehab from shoulder and ankle injuries suffered prior to his benching midway through his debut Atlanta season. With $10MM already guaranteed for next year, it will be interesting to see if a trade market develops in the coming months in his case.

With the exception of Watson – whose second Achilles tear is set to sideline him for most or all of the coming campaign – the remaining quarterbacks on the list are positioned to serve as starters for their respective teams. Only Geno Smith will be suiting up for a new organization after he was traded from the Seahawks to the Raiders. That swap was followed up by a two-year, $75MM extension and allowed him to reunite with head coach Pete Carroll. A short-term upgrade under center will be key as Vegas looks to find stability on the sidelines and in the front office.

Moton’s cap figure was a talking point earlier this offseason, but the Panthers are content to avoid a fourth restructure in his case. The pending free agent hopes to finish his career in Carolina, but an extension would have helped ensure that while lowering his immediate cap charge. In the absence of such an agreement, it will be interesting to see if Moton, 30, can deliver another strong showing in 2025.

Ridley is perhaps a surprising figure to lead the way in terms of cap charges at the receiver spot. He will operate as a key member of the Titans’ offense, a unit whose success will of course depend in large part on the play of rookie Cam Ward. Ridley has two more years left on his deal beyond 2025, but with limited guarantees owed over that span his Tennessee future could be greatly impacted by who this season plays out.

The likes of Hill, Evans and Moore are not currently the subject of speculation regarding their future. McLaurin, however, was absent from much of the Commanders’ spring practices with little progress being made at the negotiating table. Plenty of work is still required at this point to avoid a potential free agent departure next spring. Coming off a career-high in touchdowns while thriving alongside Jayden Daniels, the two-time Pro Bowler is in line for a raise which will likely lower his cap hit this season.

Chase and Higgins inked their deals simultaneously, putting an end to questions regarding where the latter in particular would play on his second contract. Those two, together with Burrow, will serve as foundational players for years to come in Cincinnati. It will be interesting to see how long Chase (with an AAV of $40.25MM) remains the league’s top earner in that respect for non-quarterbacks.

Kansas City’s offensive line faces questions entering the season. Despite his big-ticket contract, Taylor is not a lock to remain a starter at this point. With no guaranteed left on the final year of his deal (2026), a parting of ways could be in store next spring if a backup gig ensues. Trey Smith, meanwhile, remains attached to the franchise tag although an extension is among the team’s remaining offseason priorities.

Chargers Owner Congratulated Cardinals Owner On Kyler Murray Extension

Earlier this offseason, we learned an independent arbitrator concluded that NFL owners (and the league office) did not collude in an effort to reduce contract guarantees, especially in regards to quarterback contracts. A recent investigation by Pablo Torre led to the release of a 61-page document that detailed the arbitrator’s findings. While the investigation was inspired by the fallout from Deshaun Watson‘s contract, anecdotes surrounding other notable QBs have started coming out in the laundry.

[RELATED: Russell Wilson Asked Broncos For Fully Guaranteed Deal]

Following a peek behind the curtain surrounding Russell Wilson‘s past negotiations with the Broncos, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com has uncovered some notable correspondence following the Kyler Murray extension. Specifically, two owners may have hinted that Murray’s deal influenced Justin Herbert‘s eventual extension with the Chargers.

Four months after Watson inked his fully guaranteed extension, Murray signed a new deal with the Cardinals that guaranteed $160MM of the $230.5MM total. When word of this extension got leaked to the media, Chargers owner Dean Spanos texted Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill to congratulate him on the specific terms of the deal. Per Florio, Bidwell noted that his front office managed to limit “the fully guaranteed money and have some pretty good language,” with Spanos responding that the Murray contract would “[help] us for our QB next year.”

“I think many teams will be happy with it once they have a chance to review,” Bidwell responded. “Cleveland really screwed things up, but I was resolved to keep the guaranteed [money] relatively ‘low.’”

As Florio notes, this exchange would seem to contradict the findings of arbitrator Christopher Droney. The Cardinals and Chargers are intended to operate as competitors, leading Florio to question why the duo may be coordinating. Florio believes the smoking gun is Spanos admitting that the Murray contract will have an influence on Herbert’s eventual deal. On the flip side, Droney opines that a QB extension would naturally influence future deals, and the correspondence between the two owners doesn’t constitute any circumstantial evidence.

“These communications are more in line with ‘independent response to common stimuli, or mere interdependence unaided by an advance understanding among the parties,’ rather than participation in a collusive agreement,” Droney wrote (per Florio).

Herbert signed his extension almost exactly a year after Murray. The Chargers QB temporarily reset the QB market, and he got $218MM of his $262MM total guaranteed.

For what it’s worth, Droney did note that “the NFL Management Council, with the blessing of the Commissioner, encouraged the 32 NFL Clubs to reduce guarantees in veterans’ contracts” following the signing of Watson’s extension. While players likely have little recourse, there may be some eventual fallout following this recent investigation.

Khalil Mack Chargers’ Top FA Priority?

The Chargers are set to have 30 players hit unrestricted free agency, including several starters on both sides of the ball.

Their biggest pending free agent is Khalil Mack, who is mulling retirement after his 11th NFL season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz both recently expressed their desire to re-sign the All-Pro edge rusher, per ESPN’s Kris Rhim.

I don’t know if it’s possible to get everybody back, but I wanna get as darn close as possible,” said Harbaugh, “and nobody more than Khalil Mack.”

However, the Chargers are unlikely to keep both Mack and Joey Bosa, who combined for just 11 sacks in the regular season. Los Angeles already has Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree on affordable contracts for the 2025 season, and Bosa’s cap hit is set to jump to $36.5MM. Cutting him would save $25.4MM, enough money to re-sign Mack and add talent elsewhere on the roster.

Mack agreed to restructure his contract with the Chargers to save cap space ahead of the 2024 season, but his void years will still result in a $8.9MM dead cap hit in 2025. Money will play a role in Mack’s decision, as will his desire to be on a contender.

Despite their first-round playoff exit, that label seems to still apply to the Chargers. They have their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert and a championship culture-setter in Harbaugh, who led the team to a seven-win improvement in his debut season. His ability to form strong relationships with his players has led several to publicly state a desire to stay in Los Angeles.

Among them are running back J.K. Dobbins (via team editorial director Eric Smith), safety Elijah Molden (via Rhim), and defensive tackle Poona Ford (via Rhim). All three arrived in Los Angeles last offseason and quickly bought into Harbaugh’s culture.

Dobbins averaged just under 70 rushing yards per game with nine touchdowns on a one-year, $1.61MM deal with just $50k in fully guaranteed money. Crucially, after losing most of the last three years to injury, he appeared in 13 games – his most since his rookie year – and came back from a monthlong absence to play the Chargers’ last three games of the season. He’ll be looking for a pay increase after outperforming fellow former Raven Gus Edwards with a team-leading 905 rushing yards (4.6 per carry) and nine touchdowns.

Molden broke his leg in the Week 17, but recorded career-highs in starts (12), tackles (75), interceptions (three), and passes defended (seven) as a crucial part of Los Angeles’ defense. With his rookie contract expiring, Molden will be looking to catch the rising tide of safety contracts after Antoine Winfield Jr.‘s market-resetting deal last offseason.

Like Dobbins, Ford took a “prove it” deal with the Chargers and will be looking to cash in after outperforming his $1.8MM earnings. He anchored the L.A. run defense while adding three sacks, five passes defended, and the first interception of his career.

Another candidate to return to the Chargers is veteran safety Tony Jefferson, who came out of a retirement scouting gig with the Ravens to join several former coaches and teammates in Los Angeles. Jefferson revealed that he trained for just eight weeks before his tryout with the Chargers; now, he will have a full offseason to physically and mentally for the 2025 season, whether he re-signs with the Chargers or lands elsewhere.

The Chargers are currently projected to have $73.2MM in 2025 cap space, so they have plenty of money to re-sign their pending free agents. However, their need to upgrade at wide receiver will likely divert a large chunk of that money, especially if they pursue a player like Tee Higgins at the top of the market.

NFL Injury Updates: Herbert, Bullard, Prater

The Chargers are 8-5 under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff, good for second place in the AFC West and the sixth seed in the AFC. Harbaugh gave the media an update today that could spell trouble for the team hoping to make a playoff push and run, per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty as Charged podcast.

According to Harbaugh, quarterback Justin Herbert is dealing with a leg contusion as well as a sprained left ankle this week. Harbaugh claimed that Herbert is “doing everything and anything in his power to play on Sunday,” hinting that practicing was a possibility today, but ultimately, Herbert was not a participant in today’s practice.

Herbert had been the picture of health, starting every game since his debut until missing the final four games of last year. Los Angeles will hope that he doesn’t need to miss much time, if any, and that he’ll be able to help them close out the season as a playoff team.

Here are a few other injury updates from around the league:

  • Packers safety Javon Bullard left the locker room this Sunday on crutches after suffering a right ankle injury. After undergoing MRI testing today, it was determined that the injury was not guaranteed to be long-term. There is still a risk that Bullard may miss time, as he’s been designated as week-to-week, per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
  • We’ve been reporting on the injury of Cardinals veteran kicker Matt Prater this season and the possibility of his return without much understanding of his injury. Last we had heard, Prater’s knee injury was not considered season-ending despite all the time missed already. Josh Weinfuss of ESPN finally shed some light on the situation, reporting that Prater has been recovering from meniscus surgery to his left knee. This is far more clarity than the “soreness” designation that had been prevalent earlier in the season and gives us a better idea of what Prater is working through to return to the field.

Chargers’ Justin Herbert Expected To Play In Week 4

The Chargers will be shorthanded along the offensive line during their Week 4 game against the Chiefs. They are on track to have Justin Herbert available, however.

Los Angeles’ franchise passer is expected to play tomorrow, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. As long as a last-minute setback does not occur regarding Herbert’s high ankle sprain, he will be in the lineup against Kansas City. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adds Herbert made it through the practice week without issue and that he is feeling better now than he was ahead of last week’s contest.

That game saw the 26-year-old exit after taking a sack which aggravated his ankle sprain. Herbert’s availability was in doubt for the following contest, but he quickly expressed optimism he would be able to suit up for Week 4. Signs pointed in that direction midweek, so today’s update comes as little surprise. Herbert will likely have two backup offensive tackles protecting him as he aims to play a full game, though.

Left tackle Rashawn Slater has been ruled out due to the pectoral injury he suffered last week. Rookie right tackle Joe Alt, meanwhile, has been downgraded to doubtful as a result of his MCL sprain. This year’s No. 5 pick is expected to miss time, so he is likely to join the likes of Slater and edge rusher Joey Bosa on the inactive list tomorrow.

The Chargers started 2-0 to kick off Jim Harbaugh‘s tenure as head coach, but Week 3 resulted in a 20-10 loss to the Steelers. The team’s offense was entirely ineffective during the second half, a discouraging sign for backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke if he finds himself back on the field at some point on Sunday. If all goes well, though, it will be Herbert in place throughout the contest.

Justin Herbert Trending Towards Playing In Week 4

The last we saw of Justin Herbert was the Chargers quarterback limping off the field midway through the third quarter of last weekend’s loss to the Steelers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh made the move to sub in backup Taylor Heinicke, likely a smart move as Heinicke was sacked three more times in the remainder of the contest. As we approach Week 4, there seems to be an increasing expectation that Herbert will be back behind center when Los Angeles hosts the Chiefs on Sunday.

Herbert had been nursing an ankle injury all week after getting rolled up on in the team’s Week 2 matchup. Throughout the week there were questions on whether or not he would even play in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, Herbert made the start, and the offense struggled to pick up where it had left off in the previous week before ultimately losing their quarterback in the second half.

Initially, rumors seemed to indicate that there was a chance Herbert would be benched until the team’s Week 5 bye in order to rest. This would have entailed him skipping this week’s matchup with their division-leading rival, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported today that Herbert “doesn’t think that’s the way (they’re) heading,” indicating that he was trending towards playing this week.

Supporting that theory, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tells us that Herbert was listed as a limited participant at practice today. Daniel Popper of The Athletic adds that, according to Harbaugh, an MRI on Monday showed progress in Hebert’s healing, and the quarterback has ditched the protective walking boot. Herbert claimed that he’s feeling “less pain” and was able to do some 7-on-7 work at practice today.

With two more days of practice until the weekend, all signs are pointing to a return for Herbert on Sunday. There’s always a chance of an injury flare up sometime during the week, but things are trending in the right direction as of right now.

Chargers’ Justin Herbert Exits Game; QB Hopeful To Play In Week 4

SEPTEMBER 23: X-rays on Herbert’s ankle came back negative, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. That is an encouraging sign, although his status over the course of the coming week will of course be carefully monitored. How Herbert progresses over the coming days will determine his ability to return to the lineup.

SEPTEMBER 22: Justin Herbert battled an ankle injury during the build-up to Week 3, leading to questions about his availability. The Chargers’ franchise passer did indeed start today’s contest, but he reaggravated the injury and was pulled in the third quarter.1

A sack caused Herbert to limp off the field, and head coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game he decided at that point to make a change at quarterback. Taylor Heinicke took over for the remainder of the contest, but he took three sacks and did not lead any scoring drives. The Chargers lost 20-10 to the Steelers, dropping them to 2-1. The most important situation to monitor is of course Herbert’s status, though.

The 26-year-old was in a walking boot after the game, as noted by ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry. That comes as no surprise given the nature in which he was injured, and his progress in recovering over the coming days will be a key storyline. Herbert may not need to practice for the Bolts to determine he is able to play in Week 4, although a cautious approach would also be reasonable. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year said X-rays were taken on his foot after the game.

The Chargers inked Herbert to an extension which temporarily made him the league’s highest-paid player last offseason. That $52.5MM-per-year accord has been surpassed multiple times since, but he is still the centerpiece of Los Angeles’ offense. His health is paramount, although some eyebrows were raised by the Chargers’ decision to start him given how serious the injury was over the past week. Further testing will no doubt take place before a prognosis emerges, although Herbert added he is hopeful to play in Week 4.

Heinicke was acquired via trade from the Falcons ahead of the roster cutdown deadline. With Atlanta signing Kirk Cousins in free agency and selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft, Heinicke assumed he would be on a new team by the start of the season. The 31-year-old is a veteran of 29 starts, so he would represent an experienced option if the Chargers were to be sit Herbert. Updates on the latter’s status will be worth watching closely.

NFL Injury Updates: Texans, Herbert, Love, Mims

The Texans offense has been inundated with injuries over the past week. Both starting running back Joe Mixon and primary backup rusher Dameon Pierce are set to miss the team’s trip to Minnesota this weekend, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. In addition, center Jarrett Patterson has been ruled out, as well.

Mixon is still dealing with an ankle injury that knocked him out of last week’s win over the Bears. After an explosive Week 1 debut with the Texans, in which he rushed 30 times for 159 yards and a touchdown, Mixon only rushed the ball nine times before getting knocked out last week. Pierce was absent in last week’s game as he dealt with a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 1.

With its RB1 and RB2 on the injury report, Houton will have to turn to Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale in Week 3. The team also called up practice squad rusher J.J. Taylor as some potential insurance. Juice Scruggs should be back starting at center, though he’s also listed as questionable with a groin injury. With Patterson out, Kendrick Green will be the backup center.

Here are some other injury updates from around the NFL:

  • Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has spent the week dealing with a high ankle sprain, barely appearing at practice since last Sunday. Yesterday, it was announced that there was no decision on whether or not he would be able to start this Sunday. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, though, there’s growing optimism in Los Angeles that Herbert will be able to start in Pittsburgh tomorrow. He’s currently listed as questionable, and he’ll reportedly test the ankle before the game before making a final call.
  • Another starting quarterback, Jordan Love, is currently listed as questionable to play tomorrow. The Packers anticipated a multi-week absence for their newly-paid passer, but per Pelissero, the team has not yet ruled out the possibility that Love returns after only one absence. Still, Green Bay called up Sean Clifford from the practice squad. Clifford will back up Malik Willis if Love is unable to go in time for tomorrow.
  • We already knew that wide receiver Tee Higgins was set to make his 2024 debut on Monday, but Pelissero adds that rookie first-round offensive tackle Amarius Mims has been removed from the injury report and is set to make his NFL debut for the Bengals, as a result. Mims had been dealing with a pectoral muscle injury that limited his time in training camp and kept him out of the team’s first two contests. It’s unclear what his role would be if he does play immediately, as Trent Brown has been starting for the first few games, but regardless, Cincinnati will be happy to add a first-round talent to their offense this week.