Tag: NFL Week 3

Taysom Hill headlines Saints’ inactives list vs. Eagles

The Saints and Eagles shared their inactive lists for Sunday’s Week 3 matchup. Taysom Hill is out, but C.J. Gardner-Johnson will play for Philly:

The New Orleans Saints Week 3 matchup is here, and with that we have the full inactive players list heading into their game with the Philadelphia Eagles. As the Saints look to move on up to 3-0 for the first time since 2013, the Eagles look to bounce back off a close loss to the Atlanta Falcons this past Monday.

Taysom Hill came into this game as doubtful, and he will be out for this matchup. Four players came into this game questionable for the Saints, including Will Harris, A.T. Perry, Landon Young, and D’Marco Jackson. Harris and Young are both active, while Perry and Jackson will both be out.

Spencer Rattler will remain the third quarterback/emergency quarterback for the third straight week as well.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, despite being questionable, will play and is active for this matchup with his former team in the Saints.

Here are the inactive lists from each team for Week 3:

New Orleans Saints inactive players:

  • DT Khalen Saunders (calf)
  • TE Taysom Hill (chest)
  • WR Bub Means
  • WR A.T. Perry (illness)
  • LB D’Marco Jackson
  • QB Spencer Rattler (emergency third QB)

Philadelphia Eagles inactive players:

  • WR A.J. Brown (hamstring)
  • LB Devin White
  • CB Eli Ricks
  • DT Byron Young
  • OL Trevor Keegan
  • OL Darian Kinnard
  • QB Tanner McKee (emergency third QB)

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It’ll take a group effort for the Saints to replace Taysom Hill

It’ll take a group effort for the Saints to replace Taysom Hill if he can’t play against the Eagles. No single player can match his skill set:

All eyes are on Taysom Hill when the New Orleans Saints take the field for pregame warmups at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday. The do-it-all playmaker is dealing with a chest injury that’s left him doubtful to play against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Saints will need a group effort to replace him if he can’t go. No single player can match Hill’s versatile skill set.

Saints fans know it well. Hill can throw, block, run, and catch passes all  over the field. He even blocks punts and makes tackles on special teams when asked. But first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has used Hill’s  presence to dictate personnel on opposing defenses, and his absence would make it easier for the Eagles to get a read on their intentions.

It isn’t as simple as drafting and developing a backup. They’ve tried that before with players like Tommy Stevens and other teams have tried and failed to copy the strategy. Hill is one-of-one. So who steps up if Hill has to watch this game from the sidelines?

Look for rookie tight end Dallin Holker to make his Saints debut, for one. The former Colorado State standout impressed coaches at training camp over the summer and made the 53-man roster outright, but a minor injury sidelined him for the first two games. If Hill can’t go, Holker makes sense as someone who could dress out in his stead and make some plays as a receiver and blocker inline.

Another name to watch? Fullback Adam Prentice. As ESPN’s Mina Kimes noted earlier this week, Prentice is already up to 50 snaps played through  the first two weeks after never logging more than 125 across the last three seasons. He’s the obvious choice to step up as a blocker out of the backfield and occasionally move around like Hill has been asked to do.

But there are things Hill does that no one else on the roster can do. They don’t have another player who can run his signature QB power plays into the teeth of the defense. And his very presence forces the defense to guard them differently, never knowing his assignment or where he could become a problem.

If there’s a silver lining to Hill sitting out this game, it’s that it’s happening in September rather than December or January. This Saints team appears to be playoffs-bound and it’s good for Kubiak to get some work without such an important player early on in case they need to plan without Hill again down the line. We’ll see if he’s able to suit up or not when the inactives report is announced before kickoff.

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Lions vs. Cardinals: Last-minute thoughts and final score prediction

Lions vs. Cardinals: Last-minute thoughts and final score prediction for the Week 3 matchup

Autumn has arrived, even if it felt like midsummer for much of the last week in Michigan. The nights are getting cooler, and the warming power of the sun isn’t as high.

That lack of offensive heat has already hit the Detroit Lions. Ben Johnson’s unit has gained yards almost at will, but converting those yards into points has been like an early frost; it’s beautiful until you have to scrape it off your car windshield, and the hoodie and shorts you’re wearing makes you feel a lot colder than needed.

The Lions travel to Arizona to try and defrost the scoring bus. Spoiler alert: They get it rolling today.

Why I think the Lions will win

The offense has been outstanding until it reaches the red zone. It’s inside the opposing 20-yard line (really the 25) where the opposing defenses have done a really good job of condensing the middle of the field and forcing QB Jared Goff to get the ball out on his first read. Other than the smashmouth overtime touchdown drive by RB David Montgomery and the offensive line in Week 1, the defenses have gotten the better of Johnson’s offenses.

I don’t think the Cardinals can do that with their defense. Outside of Dennis Gardeck, the Arizona pass rush isn’t one that intimidates the offense. Their cornerbacks, led by 2023 Lions castoff Starling Thomas, aren’t sticky in coverage or particularly disruptive.

Let’s play the “don’t overthink it” card: Starling Thomas starts at outside CB for the Cardinals. It’s the same Starling Thomas that couldn’t make the CB-desperate Lions a year ago (Detroit kept Steven Gilmore and Kindle Vildor over him). He’s actually shown some improving ability and certainly has closing speed, but it’s unlikely Thomas would be active on game days in Detroit.

On defense, the Lions draw a good RB in Arizona’s James Conner and a complementary back in rookie Trey Benson. They’re an impressive 1-2 punch, though that’s been more in theory than practice in the first two weeks. Detroit’s ability to snuff out the run by RBs is the basis for their defensive rise. The Cardinals line is a good one in run blocking, but I still buy into Detroit’s interior combo of DJ Reader and Alim McNeill and a deep LB corps behind them to control it.

Speaking of the run…

I think this is a get-right game for Ben Johnson and his play-calling. If Montgomery is racking up six yards a carry behind the snowplow of an offensive line, I am of the belief that Johnson won’t foolishly abandon it like he’s done this year. I am also of the belief that Dan Campbell won’t let Johnson deviate from what’s working to earn style points. This team needs actual points, not the style one.

Detroit’s pass rush has been outstanding, and the “crush the can” style from big EDGEs Aidan Hutchinson, Levi Onwuzurike and Marcus Davenport can be very effective against a more finesse-based Cards tackle combo. Led by Hutchinson, this pass rush can contain the edges on its way to the quarterback, and it also opens up opportunities for slot blitzes that have proven very effective against the Cardinals.

What worries me about the Cardinals

Two words: Kyler Murray.

Don’t mistake Murray for a run-only threat. The young Cardinals QB has evolved as a passer, showing better timing and ball placement than he has in the past. He’s capable of winning from the pocket as long as the line keeps him clean, a la Jared Goff.

Unlike Goff, Murray is one of the NFL’s best escape artists and runners. Detroit’s defense has been endemically vulnerable to quarterbacks who can tuck and run, and I don’t think that changes against Murray and the Cardinals. He could very well get 100 yards on the ground, and that sets up a spritzing of read-option runs and quick passes that can make the defensive heads spin.

Murray also has a couple of impressive targets in rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and TE Trey McBride. Harrison vs. fellow first-rounder Terrion Arnold is a premium rookie matchup, and I expect each to record some victories in that battle. McBride serves the Sam LaPorta role in Arizona and does so a lot more effectively than his low name recognition might have Lions fans expecting.

Final score prediction

I see the Lions prodigious offensive yardage production finally turning into points on the scoreboard. I think going on the road, wearing the all-whites, and being focused on what’s gone right thus far will serve them very well. Arizona will put up more than 20 on Aaron Glenn’s defense. I think Detroit’s offense will outscore whatever the defense gives up.

Lions 36, Cardinals 31

Saints only use one of two practice squad elevations in Week 3

The Saints used only one of their two practice squad elevations for Week 3, adding linebacker Isaiah Stalbird to their active roster against the the Eagles:

The New Orleans Saints used just one of their two available practice squad elevations heading into Week 3’s matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding linebacker Isaiah Stalbird to the active roster.

This is the second week in a row where he has been brought up from the practice squad, and he did make one tackle last week against the Dallas Cowboys while playing 14 snaps on special teams.

Stalbird was a rookie undrafted free agent signing for the Saints this spring after he played 52 games for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. In those 52 games, he accrued 238 tackles (139 solo, 99 assisted), 18.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 18 pass deflections, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Prior to that, Stalbird spent two seasons with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, redshirting his freshman season in 2018, and then being a critical special teams player in 2019 appearing in all 12 games and leading the team with 10 special teams tackles (out of his 13 total on the season).

This level of production and versatility is what likely caught the eye of the Saints’ scouting department, and why he ended up remaining with the team, even if it’s on the practice squad. That he’s now been activated for two games so early in the season speaks well to how highly his coaches value him.

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Lions elevate two WRs from the practice squad for Week 3

Lions elevate WRs Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson from the practice squad for Week 3

The Detroit Lions receiving corps will look bigger in the team’s Week 3 match with the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions elevated two veteran wideouts with some size to the active roster from the practice squad.

Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson earned the elevations for the game in Arizona. It’s the second week in a row that Patrick will be elevated. He caught two passes for 12 yards in Detroit’s Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers.

Robinson will be making his Lions debut. The 31-year-old was added to the practice squad shortly after roster cutdowns.

They immediately become the two largest receivers on the Detroit offense. Robinson is listed at 210 pounds at 6-foot-2, while Patrick is 6-foot-4 and 212.

No other roster moves were made, meaning Tom Kennedy will not be active for the first time this season.

What to make of the A.T. Perry healthy scratch situation from Week 2

A hand injury sidelined him for Week 1, but A.T. Perry was a healthy scratch for Week 2. What should we make of his situation going into Week 3?

The New Orleans Saints have been hitting a little more often on their draft picks as of late, with players like Bryan Bresee, Taliese Fuaga, Chris Olave, and even a resurging Trevor Penning all helping them to a 2-0 start.

But one of their most-hyped picks in the later rounds was in 2023, when they took A.T. Perry out of Wake Forest. He was a highly gifted athlete who produced at the college level and seemed very talented, so why did he fall? Perry himself cited that he was told teams were scared off by unspecified character issues, which he said was due to him being a quieter person.

The concern now lies in his utilization through the first few weeks of the season, including preseason. He was marginally used in most of the preseason games but many believed that was because he had locked in a higher-up spot on the depth chart. That may have been the wrong read on the situation. NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill tracked all 267 passes Derek Carr threw during team drills at training camp and Perry only caught one of them.

Then he suffered a hand injury, missing Thursday and Friday practices before Week 1’s kickoff game, and was questionable to play before being ruled out. This is pretty normal and nothing really looked awry. Then he returned to practice before Week 2, fully practicing the whole week and entering game-day without a designation.

However, he ended up being a healthy scratch in Week 2, despite the team generally being somewhat short at the wide receiver position. They ran Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Bub Means, and Mason Tipton in his stead the first two weeks.

Could this have been purely precautionary as it was a hand injury, and avoiding further complications is for the best? Possibly. But this week against the Philadelphia Eagles will be very telling, as Wilson is coming off an abdomen injury and was limited all week despite having no designation.

Perry was limited Thursday with an illness but returned fully on Friday, and is again questionable to play. If he misses a third game to start the season, it will be a somewhat odd occurrence for sure. He seemed to play well in his time last year, totaling 12 receptions for 246 yards (20.5 average) and 4 touchdowns, but who knows what is going on behind the scenes. Hopefully Perry can work his way back into the rotation. If not, Tipton, Means, and Wilson will need to step up in his stead.

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Jalen Hurts’ success against the Saints goes back to his first start

Jalen Hurts is 2-0 against the Saints, and Dennis Allen hasn’t figured out how to stop him yet. Week 3 is his next chance to spoil the Eagles QB’s winning recipe:

Jalen Hurts watched from the sidelines at the beginning of career before becoming the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback in the last four games of his rookie season. In that span, Hurts won just one game. It was his starting debut against the New Orleans Saints.

He faced the Saints again the following season. The results were the same. The Eagles walked away with the victory and Hurts terrorized Dennis Allen’s defense with his athleticism. Hurts has proven himself to be one of the most  mobile quarterbacks in the game, and that’s a skill set the Saints struggle to defend.

Despite having an athletic linebacker like Demario Davis, the Saints haven’t done well tracking guys like Hurts once they break into the open field. Hurts feels like the epitome of their issues guarding players of this archetype. Kwon Alexander was a member of the team for both games versus Hurts. Even with two linebackers who could run, the Saints haven’t been able to defend Hurts appropriately.

In his first game versus New Orleans, Hurts ran for 106 yards. The Saints were able to keep Hurts out of triple digit yards in the rematch but he scored three touchdowns as a runner. The Saints haven’t been able to find the right combination in the front seven to stop Jalen Hurts. This goes all the way to his first career start. Maybe the third time’s the charm for New Orleans against Hurts.

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Marlon Humphrey must play well vs. Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb

Baltimore Ravens DB Marlon Humphrey needs to be the answer for Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb in week 3.

Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey needs to be the answer for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in week 3.

With the Ravens’ pass defense struggling, it’s time for Humphrey to have a statement game. Humphrey may get help from rookie Nate Wiggins, who is listed as questionable, but if not, Humphrey will need to step up big.

Fortunately for defensive coordinator Zach Orr, the front seven for the Ravens have been exceptional. With a healthy pass rush, there’s no reason why the Ravens’ secondary can’t elevate themselves and get the job done.

Humphrey did, however, record an interception last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was sinking into zone coverage disguisedly when he picked off quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Humphrey is far too talented a player to squander his career while chasing internet fame. Of course, ranking last in opponent pass yards allowed is embarrassing. However, it’s Humphrey’s lack of self-reflection that makes his online podcast feel like a real distraction.

Fantasy football injury report: Week 3

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 3.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases its final official injury report each Friday (approximately 6:00 p.m. ET). West Coast teams often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Week 3 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: QB Jordan Love, TE Evan Engram, WR Michael Pittman Jr., RB Joe Mixon, QB Justin Herbert, WR Joshua Palmer, QB Russell Wilson, RB Raheem Mostert, RB Kenneth Walker III, TE George Kittle

ARIZONA CARDINALS
WR Greg Dortch (hamstring) is questionable after he was limited in practice Friday. 

ATLANTA FALCONS 
RB Tyler Allgeier (hip) was limited Wednesday but had full sessions the rest of the week and is good to go.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 
RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) remains on the PUP. OT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) practiced Thursday and Friday and will play.

BUFFALO BILLS – Monday night
LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral) hasn’t practiced yet this week due to a pectoral strain, and he’s unlikely to play. QB Josh Allen (hand) has been full participants thus far and should be fine. 

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
TE Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) was limited all week but doesn’t carry an injury designation.

CHICAGO BEARS 
WR Keenan Allen (heel) didn’t practice all week and is out again this week. WR Rome Odunze (knee) was limited Wednesday and Thursday but made it back to full Friday. He’ll play and have a heavier load with Allen out.

CINCINNATI BENGALS – Monday night
WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) and TE Mike Gesicki (calf) were limited Thursday and Friday, and their statuses are in question. QB Joe Burrow (wrist) practiced Thursday and Friday and is on track to play.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 
RB Nick Chubb (knee) remains on the PUP. TE David Njoku (ankle) and RB Pierre Strong (hamstring) are out. LT Jedrick Wills (knee) and RT Jack Conklin (knee) are questionable this week. Wills was limited all week, and Conklin was limited Friday. WR Jerry Jeudy (knee) practiced fully all week and will play. DE Myles Garrett (foot) was out of practice Wednesday and Thursday but had limited work Friday. He’s dealing with injuries to both feet, but he’s expected to play.

DALLAS COWBOYS 
TE Jake Ferguson (knee) made it back to a full practice Friday and will play. WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday, but made it back for a full session Friday. He’ll be good to go.

DENVER BRONCOS 
TE Greg Dulcich (knee, ankle) was limited Wednesday but practiced the rest of the week and will suit up. WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) had full sessions Thursday and Friday and will play.

DETROIT LIONS 
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (quadriceps) practiced all week and will play.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
QB Jordan Love (knee) was limited all week, and he’s listed as questionable. He’ll be a game-time call. WR Jayden Reed (calf) and RB Josh Jacobs (back) were limited Friday but both will play.

HOUSTON TEXANS
RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has been ruled out. Complicating things more is RB Joe Mixon (ankle) didn’t practice all week and is doubtful. WR Nico Collins (hip, foot) and TE Dalton Schultz (ankle) had full sessions Friday and will play.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
WR Josh Downs (ankle) practiced all week and will play. WR Michael Pittman Jr., (back, calf) popped up on the injury report Friday as a did not practice, and he has been deemed questionable.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – Monday night
TE Evan Engram (hamstring) hasn’t practiced yet and is of concern to play Monday night. RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was limited Thursday and Friday. Monitor his progress Saturday.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (personal) remains on NFI list. RB Isiah Pacheco (leg) is on IR and will miss six to eight weeks. WR Xavier Worthy (quadriceps) practiced all week and will play.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
DE Maxx Crosby (ankle) was limited in practice all week and has been deemed questionable. 

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip) remains on IR. QB Justin Herbert (ankle) is questionable with a high-ankle sprain. He didn’t practice all week. Nor did WR Joshua Palmer (elbow, calf), who is also questionable. TE Hayden Hurst (ankle) made it back to a full session Friday after limited work the previous two days.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
TE Tyler Higbee (knee) remains on the PUP. WR Puka Nacua (knee) remains on IR. WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is out as well.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 
QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) landed on IR ahead of Week 3 due to a concussion. RB Raheem Mostert (chest) is doubtful and was limited in practice all week. RB Jeffrey Wilson (oblique) had full practices Thursday and Friday and will suit up.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS
TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) remains on the PUP. WR Jordan Addison (ankle) has been ruled out once again. WR Justin Jefferson (quadriceps), RB Aaron Jones (hip) and WR Jalen Nailor (ankle) practiced Friday and will play.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – Played Thursday
WR Kendrick Bourne (knee) remains on the PUP. 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) remains on IR. WR Rashid Shaheed (hip) had a full session, and he’s good to go. TE Taysom Hill (chest) is questionable after limited work Thursday and Friday.

NEW YORK GIANTS 
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

NEW YORK JETS – Played Thursday
RB Breece Hall (quadriceps) played through a quad injury.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES  
WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 3.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 
QB Russell Wilson (calf) is questionable after he was limited all week. 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 
RB Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) remains on IR. WR Deebo Samuel (calf) also is out. TE George Kittle (hamstring) is doubtful after sitting out Thursday and Friday. DE Nick Bosa (ribs) is questionable after limited work Thursday and Friday

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 
RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was out Wednesday and Thursday but saw limited work Friday. He’s still rendered doubtful. WR Tyler Lockett (thigh), WR DK Metcalf (hand) and TE Noah Fant (toe) are good to go after full sessions Friday.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) is out once again. RB Rachaad White (groin) was limited Wednesday and Thursday but had a full session Friday. He’ll play.

TENNESSEE TITANS
RB Tyjae Spears (ankle) is questionable but made it back for a full practice Friday after limited action Thursday. 

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS – Monday night
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

Saints have good news in the final injury report for Week 3 vs. Eagles

Friday’s injury report provides points of optimism for the New Orleans Saints leading into their Week 3 game with the Philadelphia Eagles:

While the New Orleans Saints streak of having the longer injury report continues, Friday’s report gives plenty reason for optimism. The Saints had five players go from DNP to limited reps or limited to full participation on Friday.

There were big names among that group such as Tyrann Mathieu, Taliese Fuaga and Marshon Lattimore. All three men made the jump to full participant and have no injury designation for Sunday’s showdown with the Philadelphia. This mean they’ll be set to go unless they encounter a setback on Saturday.

Taysom Hill is one of five players who are listed as questionable for Week 3. Hill suffered a chest injury last week, and had to go to the hospital after the game.

An underrated player to watch is Will Harris. Harris won the starting spot next to Mathieu. He’s made a couple of plays in the first two games of the season.

Philadelphia’s injury report is simple. Wide receiver A.J. Brown will miss the game with a hamstring injury and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is questionable with a foot issue. The road team have no other health concerns heading into the game.

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