Tag: NFL Week 4

Khalen Saunders active for his first Saints game since injury

Khalen Saunders is active for his first Saints game since suffering a preseason calf injury. And don’t forget he’s wearing a new number in 2024:

Khalen Saunders is active for his first New Orleans Saints game since suffering a preseason calf injury, having replaced John Ridgeway III in the rotation at defensive tackle for Sunday’s game with the Atlanta Falcons. And don’t forget he’s wearing a new number in 2024 after giving No. 99 to Chase Young; “Bink” has switched to No. 50 instead.

He was a big part of Dennis Allen’s defense last season. Saunders played 523 snaps across 17 games, totaling a career-high 57 tackles (24 solo). He also got some looks on offense as a blocking fullback and decoy in the backfield. There aren’t too many guys at his size (6-foot, 324 pounds) who can do that, but Saunders is more nimble than you might expect.

We’ll see what he has in store for Sunday. The Saints have given the lion’s share of reps to Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd at defensive tackle, though rookie draft pick Khristian Boyd has had an active presence. We’ve also seen Cameron Jordan and Payton Turner move inside for obvious passing situations. Here’s hoping Saunders makes the most of his chances.

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Chris Olave is officially active for Week 4 vs. Atlanta Falcons

Despite suffering a hamstring injury on Friday, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is active and will play against the Atlanta Falcons:

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave suffered a hamstring injury on Friday, and Dennis Allen said Olave was day-to-day after practice. The expectation was that Olave would be a game-time decision.

Suffering an injury that late in the week will always put your status in question. When the Saints chose to bring up an offensive lineman from the practice squad instead of a wide receiver, it felt likely Olave would play.

Alongside Alvin Kamara and Rashid Shaheed, Olave makes up nearly the entirety of the Saints passing attack. He’s one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets, so Olave absence would have been greatly felt.

Luckily, the Saints won’t have to find out, because Olave is active and will play in Atlanta. His injury happened late enough in the week to where he was already fully implemented into the game plan. Olave and Shaheed will have a fun matchup against the Falcons’ secondary. Olave will see A.J. Terrell frequently in one of our matchups to watch.

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More experts pick against the Saints than for them in Week 4

The experts have been wrong about the Saints two weeks in a row. Let’s hope that continues now that they like the Falcons to win in Week 4:

According to Pickwatch, 56% of NFL experts — a group of media analysts, former players and coaches — are taking the Atlanta Falcons over the New Orleans Saints in Week 4. They’ve been wrong about the Saints in each of the last two weeks, so let’s hope that trend continues.

Two-thirds of these same experts backed the Saints one week ago against the Philadelphia Eagles, which was a game New Orleans lost 15-12. And before that, an astounding 97% of them took the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints won that one 44-19.

Pro football is a tough sport to predict. Teams are often evenly matched and it may take only a slight advantage here or there for things to tailspin out of control. We’ll see what matters most on Sunday when the Saints match up with the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT/1 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Anthony Richardson doesn’t fear Steelers’ defense—but he should

Anthony Richardson may not fear the Steelers defense, but with a unit led by T.J. Watt, one of the greatest to ever do it, he may want to reconsider.

While Anthony Richardson was recording his second consecutive game with a passer rating under 50 against the 1-2 Chicago Bears, the Pittsburgh Steelers were busy holding one of the league’s best rushing attacks, from the Los Angeles Chargers, to negative five total yards in the second half of Week 3’s contest.

Richardson spoke with reporters during media availability and stated that he wasn’t “concerned” about this Steelers defense and that he could actually care less about “who’s on the other side.” As a leader, while it is understandable to believe highly in yourself and your teammates, it makes zero sense to motivate the league’s best defense, led by T.J. Watt.

I think Richardson needs to wake up and smell the Primanti’s—he’s thrown one touchdown in the last 2 games, while also throwing five times as many interceptions. Maybe it is time it is time to start worrying about who the other team has on defense.

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Brian Branch downgraded for Week 4 with an illness

Lions safety Brian Branch downgraded for Week 4 with an illness and is now listed as doubtful for Monday night

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was set to play in the Week 4 matchup on Monday night after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol. However, the team updated his status and it’s not trending well for Branch.

The team provided an update that indicates Branch is now doubtful for Monday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with an illness. That info breaking out on Sunday morning is not good at all; no player ever listed with a “doubtful” status has ever played under head coach Dan Campbell.

If Branch can’t go, undrafted rookie Loren Strickland and second-year Brandon Joseph will fill in at safety. The Lions placed Ifeatu Melifonwu on I.R. on Saturday.

Rob Gronkowski predicts big bounce-back from Saints vs. Falcons

Rob Gronkowski predicts a big bounce back to success from the New Orleans Saints. He’s eager to see what they have in store for the Falcons:

The New Orleans Saints have a big fan in Rob Gronkowski. The longtime New England Patriots tight end is confident the Saints will rebound from their disappointing performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last week. He expects them to come away with a win on Sunday’s game with the Atlanta Falcons. He knows both teams well after briefly playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close out his career.

Gronkowski sat down with Kay Adams to share his thoughts on Week 4’s matchups, and he has high expectations for the Saints.

“I think the Saints are gonna put it on them,” Gronkowski mused, “I think the Saints, they had a bad loss last week, their offense was kind of down a little bit but they showed they can turn it up in crunch time on that final draft that they had. I think Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara, they’re going to turn it up. They’re gonna hit that switch again and they’re gonna down there and they’re gonna make some plays. The deep ball is gonna be back in play. I think they’re going to put it on the Falcons.”

He added that this wasn’t meant as a slight to the Falcons — Gronkowski simply believes the Saints are a better team that plays more complimentary football. Between their dynamic offense, shutdown defense, and effective special teams coverage, it’s easy to see why the Saints have won twice as many games as the Falcons this season. Kickoff is just hours away. We’ll find out soon whether Gronkowski made the right pick.

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Report: Saints expect both Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave to play vs. Falcons

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Saints expect both Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs) and Chris Olave (hamstring) to play against the Falcons:

It’s been a rough week for New Orleans Saints injury news. The offensive line is dealing with a host of issues and absences, but several star talents at the skills positions have gotten nicked up, too. Running back Alvin  Kamara was limited in practice this week with hip and  rib problems. Wide receiver Chris Olave pulled up with a hamstring during Friday’s final practice session. They were each listed as questionable for Week 4’s road game with the Atlanta Falcons, but both of them expected to play, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

That’s big news for the New Orleans offense. Kamara accounts for 285 of the team’s 459 rushing yards this season (62.1%). Olave is tied for the team lead with 14 targets through three weeks and Kamara is just behind with 11. They are vital pieces to Klint Kubiak’s unit.

We’ll see what they can manage against a Falcons defense that has held each of its last three opponents to 22 or fewer points and 365 or fewer yards of offense. Hopefully they can play through these injuries and help the team overcome some adversity in a divisional grudge match.

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Final score predictions for Bengals vs. Panthers in Week 4

A final prediction for Bengals vs. Panthers in Week 4.

Cincinnati Bengals players and coaches obviously won’t say it, but it’s panic time going into Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers.

At 0-3, the team is a historical longshot of near-impossible odds to make the playoffs.

And the outlook would be dire even if they had won a game or two to start the year. Last week, Lou Anarumo’s defense coughed up 38 points to a rookie passer and didn’t force a single punt. Defensive interior starters BJ Hill and Sheldon Rankins won’t play again on Sunday, either.

There’s also the matter of that Andy Dalton revenge game.

Dalton has gotten the best of his former teaM with a 2-1 record across multiple meetings with different teams. He just replaced former No. 1 pick Bryce Young and threw a trio of scores in a win, too.

The silver lining, at least, is quite large. Joe Burrow looked back to form in Week 3, which meant a big outburst from Ja’Marr Chase. Tee Higgins returned, too.

It should be a day filled with offensive outbursts, especially on the ground, considering the Panthers cough up 150-plus rushing yards on average so far and 31.7 points per game, the worst mark in the NFL.

For better or worse, too, Anarumo is a coordinator who seems to thrive against veteran passers and trip over his own feet against rookies or guys with limited experience. There is droves of film on Dalton, so even down some key guys, there is hope that the defense can get at least a few stops.

An 0-4 mark ends the season. Ideally, this would have been a nice time to rise to say, 2-2 or 3-1. But getting that first win is key and Burrow’s offense should be able to drag the rest of the franchise kicking and screaming to it in Carolina.

Prediction: Bengals 28, Panthers 17

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Top storylines, players to watch for Bengals vs. Panthers in Week 4

Top players and stories to know before the Bengals play the Panthers in Week 4.

The Cincinnati Bengals now face historically long odds to make the playoffs as they visit the Carolina Panthers in week 4.

But the path to making some history starts with a single game and Sunday’s matchup, if nothing else, appears winnable.

Granted, so were the first three games of the season. And now Joe Burrow and Co. have to worry about an Andy Dalton revenge game once again after the Panthers were bold enough to bench former No. 1 pick Bryce Young.

Still, if the defense can improve (there’s only one way to go now, right?) and the offense keeps humming, 1-3, at least, is a possibility.

Here are top storylines and players to know for Bengals vs. Panthers.

 

Lou Anarumo’s Defense

Can it get a stop? That almost sounds mean, but just a few days back, it literally couldn’t, allowing 38 points without forcing a single punt. And we could argue semantics, saying that Andy Dalton isn’t the threat Jayden Daniels is, sure. But Dalton just brought the Panthers back to life last week, throwing for 319 yards and a trio of scores. If the lack of pass rush up front continues, he is more than capable of putting up a similar showing.

 

The RBs

This one goes for both sides. Chuba Hubbard has proven to be a dangerous weapon for the Panthers, rushing for 114 yards on 21 carries last week, plus five catches for 55 yards and a score. If he finds that type of efficiency again, it makes Dalton’s life incredibly easier.

As for the Bengals running backs, Zack Moss has dominated the snap counts. But it does feel like Chase Brown is close to breaking off a few huge chunk plays. Maybe this is the game where things even out.

 

Amarius Mims

Mims might’ve been the Day 1 starter were it not for that pec injury late in camp. Last Monday, they tried to ease him in as a sixth lineman in jumbo looks. Then, Trent Brown went down with a season-ending injury, so the rookie finished the day there. Now, he’s tasked with remaining healthy and effective without lapses against a new defense and formations in his first official start.

 

Injuries

Sam Hubbard is apparently playing through an injury that could bother him all season. That, while getting little relief on the sideline while Myles Murphy is on injured reserve. Interior starters BJ Hill and Sheldon Rankins are out, creating a brutal outlook as rookie Kris Jenkins Jr. (with a club on the one hand) and veteran Lawrence Guy hope to hold up against the run, if not create some pressure.

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Lions vs Seahawks: Final injury report medical breakdown

Lions vs Seahawks: Final injury report and medical breakdown

Health news improved throughout the week for many of the Lions. While there are major long-term losses to Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport and a short-term loss to Frank Ragnow, the team is otherwise in pretty good shape.

The Seahawks will be missing multiple impact defenders along with their starting RT. Kenneth Walker returns though after missing one game.

DETROIT LIONS

Brian Branch (LP FP FP- IN) concussion, S

Branch will be available on Monday night. The 2x FP means he has passed through the 5-step concussion protocol without a recurrence of symptoms. Interestingly, the other player concussed in the collision, Trey McBride, was ruled out earlier this week which demonstrates the variability of concussions.

Sam LaPorta (NP FP FP- IN) ankle, TE

LaPorta will play vs the Seahawks with a right low ankle sprain. He won’t be 100% for this game but should be close after the bye.

Frank Ragnow (NP NP NP- OUT) pectoral, C

Ragnow strained his left pec and is out for this game, but has a chance to be back after the bye. If he is not placed on IR by Monday, then that suggests a short-term injury of less than four weeks. Dan Campbell’s statements on Saturday suggest that Ragnow will not be going on IR.

Dan Skipper (NP FP FP- IN) ribs, OT

Skipper landed on a defender’s elbow which likely caused a right rib bruise/strain. There is a chance of a rib fracture but the 2x FP rules out a complex fracture or lung injury.

Ennis Rakestraw (LP LP FP- Questionable) hamstring, CB

After hurting his hamstring in pregame of week two, Rakestraw has missed the past two games. Not putting him on IR last week meant that this was likely a short-term issue. With the other CB’s healthy, he might still be inactive as a precaution even though the FP means he could play.

Alim McNeill (LP FP FP- IN) shoulder, DT

McNeill fortunately escaped significant injury despite missing the 2nd half of last game. Based on video, he might have had a mild left AC joint sprain.

Levi Onwuzurike (LP FP FP- IN) knee, DL

No video of this suspected right knee injury, but it’s apparently minor and won’t keep him out on Monday.

Alex Anzalone (FP FP FP- IN) concussion, LB

Anzalone had a concussion two weeks ago, missed one game, but is ready to roll now.

Hogan Hatten (UL UL FP – IN) shoulder, LS

This new addition to the report on Saturday is no concern with the FP.

PLACED ON IR THIS WEEK

Derrick Barnes right knee

The video isn’t clear but it looked like a lateral side impact which can cause an MCL sprain and possibly more. The official diagnosis and severity are still unknown, but it sounds like he has a chance to return later this year.

Marcus Davenport left elbow

The official diagnosis is unclear, but video shows a possible elbow flexor injury to the biceps or brachialis. If that’s indeed the case, it’s likely a full rupture given that he is reportedly out for the year.

Ifeatu Melifonwu ankle

Hurt since the 2nd preseason game, Melifonwu was finally placed on IR which puts him out for another four games.

OTHER NOTES

Dan Campbell stated on Saturday that Christian Mahogany (mononucleosis, NFI) and Brodric Martin (right knee hyperextension, IR) are close to returning to practice with Mahogany being closer.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Leonard Williams (NP NP NP- OUT) ribs, DE

Williams is one of the Seahawks star defenders having signed a three-year, $64.5 million contract in the offseason.

Boye Mafe (NP NP NP- OUT ) knee, LB

This key pass rusher for the Seahawks has had a sack in each game this year.

Byron Murphy (NP NP NP- OUT) hamstring, DT

Murphy was the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft and has already been impactful in his rookie year.

Uchenna Nwosu (NP NP LP – OUT) knee, LB

This impact LB for the Seahawks sprained his MCL in preseason on August 24 and has yet to play in the regular season.

Kenneth Walker (LP LP FP – IN ) oblique, RB

MSU and U of M fans are acutely aware of Walker’s capabilities. He missed last game but is back for Monday night.

NOTABLES PLACED ON IR

George Fant RT

Fant, the starting RT, was placed on IR a few days ago due to a right knee injury. He was filling in for original starter Abe Lucas (PUP). This will be the fourth straight game the Lions opponent is missing a starting OT.

The rest of the lengthy Seahawks report is below. Most had FP’s and are IN.