NFL News & Analysis

Latest NFL News & Rumors: Monday, September 26

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Sept. 25, 2022.

Trio of AFC East quarterbacks dinged up in Week 3

  • New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones will likely require surgery for his high ankle sprain, according to the NFL Media's Mike Giardi. 
  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sparked an NFLPA investigation into the circumstances surrounding his concussion check during a Week 3 win over the Buffalo Bills. Tagovailoa was cleared to return in the second half, citing a back injury as opposed to hurting his head. He’s also dealing with an ankle issue according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Miami now has just three days to get ready for a Thursday Night football trip to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Bills quarterback Josh Allen told reporters he's “fine” after hitting his hand on an opponent's face mask or helmet, per ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. 

Los Angeles Chargers‘ injuries piling up

  • Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played late into the fourth quarter of a game the team was trailing 38-10. Head coach Brandon Staley said Herbert wanted to stay out there and battle with his teammates, which represents the rare good news when it comes to health for the Chargers. 
  • Wide receiver Keenan Allen was unable to play in the team's Week 3 demolition by the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Sophomore third-round wide receiver Joshua Palmer recorded the most receiving yards in a game of his young career (99) and should be rostered in all redraft fantasy formats until Allen is able to return from tweaking his hamstring.
  • Star edge rusher Joey Bosa left Week 3 with a groin injury and big-ticket free agent cornerback J.C. Jackson did not play Week 3 after suiting up in Week 2 following a procedure to his foot/ankle.
  • Tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a ruptured biceps tendon and will miss the season according to the NFL Media's Tom Pelissero. Slater’s 86.0 grade since 2021 was fifth among left tackles, and his replacement, Storm Norton, allowed eight quarterback pressures on 23 pass blocking snaps (34.8%) in relief. Slater had allowed eight quarterback pressures over his last 285 pass-blocking snaps (2.8%). 

Trio of NFC North running backs could miss time

  • Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift could miss a few games with a shoulder injury according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett, who also noted that head coach Dan Campbell mentioned Swift could benefit from healing up through the team’s Week 6 bye. Jamaal Williams is likely rostered in most redraft fantasy football leagues already, but if not, he’s a valuable addition with a league-leading four rushing touchdowns already.
  • Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery left in the first quarter against the Houston Texans with knee/ankle issues and did not return. Backup Khalil Herbert earned an 80.2 rushing grade (fifth among running backs in Week 3), had six explosive rushes to lead all running backs and forced seven missed tackles — tied for the most in the NFL with Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb. Herbert should be rostered in all fantasy football formats if Montgomery misses extended time.=
  • Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook dislocated his shoulder against the Detroit Lions in Week 3, but according to the NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Cook hopes to wear a harness for an unrepaired labral tear and suit up in Week 4. Backup Alexander Mattison forced five missed tackles on just seven carries with a touchdown, proving to be a viable replacement if necessary. 

Tackles for loss

  • San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain according to the NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. If confirmed, the high ankle sprain would likely cause Williams to miss time. Williams earned the highest grade for an offensive lineman in PFF history last season with a 97.8 mark. His loss would negatively impact the 49ers rushing and passing attack. 
  • New York Jets offensive tackle George Fant suffered a knee injury and did not return. The Jets are already dealing with injuries to Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown so look for New York to perhaps add a tackle to their roster in the near future.

Monday Night football notes

  • Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup will not play tonight after participating in padded practice the past two weeks according to ESPN's Ed Werder. There was reportedly no injury setback, but the two parties mutually agreed to hold off one more week.
  • Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz will test the knee he injured in Week 2 prior to tonight’s matchup with the 2-0 New York Giants according to the NFL Media's Tom Pelissero. It’s considered unlikely he will ultimately suit up. 
  • Cowboys star edge defender Micah Parsons will play tonight despite an illness, with his 21.7% quarterback pressure percentage ranking fourth so far this season. He’ll square off with Giants tackle Andrew Thomas, whose 82.6 pass block grade ranks sixth among tackles. 
  • Veteran offensive lineman Jason Peters was signed off the practice squad today and will make his 2022 debut at guard, with upshot rookie Tyler Smith keeping his spot at left tackle.
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