Who’s starting, who’s hurt, and who’s on the move?
NFL news is nonstop, and we’re breaking it all down week by week this season.
Here’s the latest on what’s happening around the league entering Week 9:
Bears sign veteran safety
Chicago signed defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and is elevating him to the active roster, per ESPN. Gardner-Johnson spent the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, reeling in six interceptions and winning Super Bowl LIX. He was traded to the Houston Texans the following offseason but cut after three games. Shortly after signing with the Baltimore Ravens, Gardner-Johnson was released again.
Through three games played this season, he has totaled 15 combined tackles. By signing with the Bears, Gardner-Johnson reunites with Dennis Allen, who was the safety’s defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints from 2019-21 and now holds the same position in Chicago.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in line to play
After missing three games with a hamstring injury, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is healthy and expects to play Thursday against the Dolphins. Jackson practiced in a limited fashion last week, but was unable to suit up for Baltimore’s Week 8 game against the Bears. The Ravens were able to take care of business, and will look to start a much-needed win streak with Jackson back in the lineup.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to practice this week
After missing Week 8 with a hamstring injury, Daniels appears to be on track to play after being cleared to resume practicing following a good rehab session on Sunday, Commanders coach Dan Quinn announced Tuesday.
Daniels has missed three games this season due to injury, with his latest absence coming after he injured his hamstring in the Week 7 loss to the Cowboys. Washington faces the Seahawks, who are coming off a bye, in Week 9.
The Patriots announced that 27-year-old cornerback Marcus Jones has signed a contract extension. The deal is for three years, per the Boston Globe, and will keep Jones from entering free agency this summer when his rookie deal was set to expire.
A third-round draft pick by New England in 2022, he has totaled 36 tackles, two interceptions, nine pass breakups and a sack through eight games while being on the field for 76% of the defensive snaps. The two picks have already tied his career high from his rookie season. The nine breakups are one shy of equaling his career best.
Jones’ efforts as a punt returner earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 87 yards for a touchdown in the Patriots’ 42-13 win over Carolina in Week 4. He finished that game with a single-game franchise record 167 yards on three punt returns, topping the 156 return yards by Mike Haynes against Buffalo in 1976.
A concerning update on Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco’s health
The Chiefs’ depth at running back has been a question all season. Now, a notable injury has threatened to alter their starting lineup, and potentially the team’s approach to the trade deadline.
Pacheco is currently being considered week-to-week after sustaining an MCL sprain during Monday night’s victory over the Commanders, per NFL Network. The RB limped off the field late in the game after taking a hard hit to his leg. Pacheco finished the game with 12 carries for 58 yards.
Rams expecting Week 9 return for two offensive starters
The Rams could be close to welcoming back two key pieces in wide receiver Puka Nacua and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein.
Nacua (ankle) and Havenstein (knee) are expected to practice and play in Week 9, according to head coach Sean McVay. Nacua’s injury sidelined him for Week 7, while Havenstein last played in Week 4.
McVay also announced WR Tutu Atwell will be placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Atwell’s absence for, at least, the next four games could prove critical to the offense given his role as a deep threat.
Jets still mulling QB change entering bye
Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor?
Entering New York’s bye week, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn remained noncommittal to Fields as his starting quarterback for when the team returns from its break. Even after a wild, 39-38 comeback victory, the first of the season, Sunday at Cincinnati.
“I think you know what my answer’s going to be on that,” Glenn said Monday when asked if Fields would be the starter against the Browns on Nov. 9, per AP. “This is the bye week and we’re going to focus on us. And, listen, I have time to make that decision. Again, that’s one of the good things of the bye week.”
Glenn laughed and added: “But seriously, man, this gives us a chance to really just hone in on the good, bad and ugly and try to get those things worked out because we know we have a ways to go.”
Fields, who has yet to throw an interception in seven starts, went 21 of 32 for 244 yards and a touchdown, along with 31 yards on 11 rushes. He also threw a pass and had a run for 2-point conversions.
“I think he played the game exactly like we see him playing for us to win the game,” Glenn said. “There are still some things within that game that he knows he has to improve on, and that’s going to be every game. We’re going to always be critical of ourselves. …
“But, yeah, he did a really good job for us (Sunday). I thought he managed that game really well.”
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced Monday Flacco (shoulder) and Hendrickson (hip) will be labeled as “day-to-day” heading into a Week 9 meeting with the Bears.
Hendrickson re-aggravated a hip injury that previously sidelined him for one game during Sunday’s loss to the Jets. Flacco’s injury also occurred in Week 8, but the veteran QB was able to finish the game.
Vikings QB room trending toward Week 9 shakeup
J.J. McCarthy’s return to the lineup could be imminent, with the second-year QB re-joining the Vikings for practice Monday. Notably missing from the session, however, was Carson Wentz, who has been nursing a left shoulder injury since Week 5.
Wentz, Minnesota’s starter the last five games, could be in danger of missing time after the QB was in noticeable pain during the Week 8 loss to the Chargers. For McCarthy, taking the practice field is encouraging as he continues working his way back after being sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 2.
Judkins received the designation after exiting Sunday’s loss to the Patriots early with a shoulder injury. The Browns are on a bye and will face the Jets following the break.
Bills DT Ed Oliver facing extended absence
The Bills’ defense has battled injuries all year, but this one will have a long-term impact. Head coach Sean McDermott announced Oliver suffered a torn bicep in Sunday’s win over the Panthers, and will be out indefinitely after undergoing surgery.
Saints making QB change?
Spencer Rattler’s second-half benching in a brutal loss to the Buccaneers has potentially opened the door for a new starting quarterback.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore told reporters he’s undecided on whether Rattle or rookie Tyler Shough will start against the Rams in Week 9. Shough replaced Rattler after New Orleans’ first drive of the third quarter; the QBs each tossed an interception, and were sacked a combined five times while totaling 32 completions on 51 pass attempts for 227 yards and zero touchdowns.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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