Denver Broncos sustain injuries to two key players and sign an RB to help replace Javonte Williams
Quarterback Russell Wilson was listed as limited with a shoulder injury again Tuesday.
- Wilson’s 67.2 passing grade ranks 17th among quarterbacks, but Week 4 was his highest single-game grade of the season at 79.9.
Edge defender Randy Gregory was placed on injured reserve following a knee procedure.
- Gregory’s 24.7% pass rush win rate ranks fourth among edge defenders.
Broncos sign running back Latavius Murray off the New Orleans Saints practice squad.
- Murray had his first game action in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings and earned an 83.3 rushing grade with 11 carries for 57 yards (5.2 YPC), a touchdown, two explosive rushes and a forced missed tackle.
Jonathan Taylor injury update
The Indianapolis Colts running back has not been ruled out yet for Thursday Night Football but was seen wearing a boot on his right ankle during the team’s walkthrough Tuesday.
- Taylor’s 45.7 grade in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans was the lowest single-game grade of his career, gaining just 42 yards on 20 rushing attempts with a lost fumble.
Kenny Pickett era in Pittsburgh begins
Pittsburgh Steelers name the 2022 first-round quarterback their starter.
- Despite throwing three interceptions, Pickett was not credited with a turnover-worthy play, per PFF charting, earning a 71.6 passing grade. While on a very small sample size, Pickett’s 9.2 yards per attempt is the highest among all quarterbacks with at least 10 pass attempts in 2022 — an encouraging sign going forward (Mitchell Trubisky’s 5.5 yards per attempt ranks 38th/39 qualifying quarterbacks).
Rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin begins practice window to return from injured reserve.
- The rookie fourth-rounder out of Memphis may be a candidate for punt return duties upon his return. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday his confidence in Gunner Olszewski is “not very high” following fumbles in consecutive weeks.
Dak Prescott not quite back
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback is still not 100% healthy and cannot grip a football well enough to play in Week 5, according to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
- Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush is PFF’s highest-graded passer on play action dropbacks through Week 4 with a 90.5 grade, and his 90.4 passing grade on intermediate throws — throws 10-19 yards downfield — ranks third.
Players activated from injured reserve
Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards began his practice window to return to game action.
- Removing all quarterback rushing attempts from the equation, the Ravens have earned a 56.4 rushing grade through Week 4, which ranks 31st. The unit’s 2.6 yards after contact per attempt ranks 27th, and Edwards’ 3.3 yards after contact per attempt from 2019-20 ranked eighth among qualifying running backs.
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. began his practice window to return to game action.
- Head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Tuesday that Robinson has a “very good chance” to play in Week 5 against the Titans, who has held opponents to a 33% success rate on rushing attempts this season, fifth-best in the NFL.
- Running back Antonio Gibson’s 41% snap share in Week 4 was the lowest of the season, perhaps signaling a legitimate workload awaits Robinson very soon.
San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward and cornerback Jason Verrett are expected to practice Wednesday and start their three-week timetable to work back from injured reserve.
- San Francisco’s -0.256 expected points allowed per play on defense is the best mark in the NFL by a wide margin, its 90.4 coverage grade is also the best in the league, and now, it is set to welcome back a top safety and cornerback on their roster.
New York Giants work out trio of quarterbacks ahead of London matchup with Green Bay Packers
- The Giants worked out quarterbacks A.J. McCarron, Brian Lewerke and Jake Fromm after Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor were injured during Week 3’s win over the Chicago Bears.
Arizona Cardinals waive 2019 second-round wide receiver Andy Isabella
- Isabella recorded 33 receptions over three-plus seasons but just three total since the beginning of 2021. The 2019 second rounder's 57.5 receiving grade since entering the league ranks 19th out of the 23 wide receivers drafted that year.
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