Tag: NFL Week 4

Chris Olave ‘day to day’ with hamstring injury, could be game-time decision

Chris Olave is ‘day to day’ with a hamstring injury, and he could be a game-time decision against the Falcons on Sunday:

All eyes will be on Chris Olave when the New Orleans Saints hit the  field  for pregame warmups at Mercedes-Bensz Stadium on Sunday. The star wide receiver is questionable for Week 4’s game with the Atlanta Falcons due to a hamstring injury he suffered during Friday’s practice session, but NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports Olave will travel with the team and test his injured leg to see if he’s able to play. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has said Olave is managing this injury on a “day to day” basis, which is also encouraging.

But the decision to play may not be up to him. Saints head coach Dennis Allen has shut down players like Marshon Lattimore and Demario Davis when they’ve wanted to play through injury this season. But if Olave responds well to rest and treatment and the team is confident he can play to his usual standards, he’ll be out there.

The Saints could certainly use his help. They’ve been hit hard with injuries at wide receiver — backups like Cedrick Wilson Jr. and A.T. Perry are both dealing with ailments this week, so someone like Equanimeous St. Brown or Kelvin Austin Jr. will probably get called up from the practice squad to at least fill out their numbers. Bub Means was a healthy scratch last week, but he along with Rashid Shaheed and Mason Tipton are the only other options on the roster if Olave can’t go.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Saints’ big defensive ends will be key in stopping Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson is looking to run outside the tackles, so Carl Granderson and Chase Young will be key to the Saints stopping the Falcons’ leading rusher:

The defensive ends will be a critical part of helping the New Orleans Saints stop Atlanta Falcons’ running back Bijan Robinson. When you think about containing a running back, you typically think of linebackers. Their job got more difficult with Demario Davis ruled out, but they’ll need the help of Carl Granderson and Chase Young.

Robinson likes to gets around the corner, and he’s extremely productive when he does. The running back has 196 yards on the season, and 155 of them are from runs outside the tackle. If you expand that range to Robinson’s career, he’s racked up 950 yards outside the tackle. Only Christian McCaffrey has more yardage since Robinson came to the NFL.

Robinson is looking to stretch the defense, and the play-side tackles are going to attempt to hook the defensive ends inside.

Granderson and Young are athletic players. If they can shed their blockers, they should do a good job turning Robinson back inwards. That’s where Willie Gay and Pete Werner should be to finish the play.

Continuing to force Robinson horizontal is also effective. Granderson and Young’s ability to keep Robinson from getting outside and down hill is key. If they can consistently force him to the sidelines or back towards hell then they’ve done their job.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Derek Carr and Klint Kubiak must bounce back in Week 4 vs. Falcons

Derek Carr and Klint Kubiak must bounce back in Week 4. They’ve had a week to work on the problems that plagued them against the Eagles:

Derek Carr and Klint Kubiak are looking for bounce-back performances versus the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The New Orleans Saints’ offense was one of the biggest stories through the first two weeks of the season, but they fell flat against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3.

Rashid Shaheed was catching career-long touchdowns. Alvin Kamara was rejuvenated. The offense looked better than it ever had in the Dennis Allen era. But all of that stopped against the Eagles. Many of the Saints’ struggles could be tied to Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy leaving with an injury. Pressure from the interior disrupted the Saints’ entire plan, and they had a tough time making adjustments at the line without him.

That’s where Kubiak comes into focus. His play calling felt stagnant, and he didn’t appear to adjust to the Eagles’ defensive strategy. Philly took advantage of their unique personnel to match up with the Saints at the line of scrimmage, effectively fielding a 6-1 front that didn’t allow New Orleans’ blockers to get to their spots on run plays. When Carr dropped back to pass there were too many unblocked rushers.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Atlanta attempt to implement a similar strategy. If the offense is stopped by it again, Kubiak has to display the ability to alter his play calling. That Eagles game is going to give every opponent on their schedule some valuable tape to study. The Saints had a ton  of success off working off play-action early on but they can’t rely on plays that take so long to develop with so many backups starting along the offensive line.

And Carr just needs to get the ball out faster. The pressure clearly affected him. He was well-protected the first two weeks, but he also remained unphased by closing defenders. He lost that cool in Week 3.

He will see more pressure than first pair of games but hopefully less than last week. Will he continue to step into throws or loft them? The latter got him in trouble versus the Eagles. If that happens again with the Falcons the Saints will fall to 2-2.

[lawrence-auto-related count5]

Fantasy football injury report: Week 4

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 4.

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 4 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: WR Diontae Johnson, RB Joe Mixon, QB Justin Herbert, WR Keenan Allen, QB Jordan Love, WR Deebo Samuel, RB Alvin Kamara, WR Chris Olave, WR A.J. Brown, RB Bucky Irving, RB Kenneth Walker III, RB Raheem Mostert

ARIZONA CARDINALS
TE Trey McBride (concussion) is out. WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps) will play after a full session Friday.

ATLANTA FALCONS 
RT Kaleb McGary (knee) is out. That could complicate things for RB Bijan Robinson (shoulder), who popped up Thursday with limited work. He will play after a full session Friday.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 
RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) remains on the PUP.

BUFFALO BILLS 
LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is out again. QB Josh Allen (hand) practiced fully all week and will play.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) went on IR and will miss at least four games. WR Diontae Johnson (groin) is questionable after limited work Friday, pointing to him being a game-time call. QB Andy Dalton (ankle) practiced fully and will start.

CHICAGO BEARS 
WR Keenan Allen (heel) is questionable after missing two weeks. He improved to a full practice Friday and is expected to play. WR Rome Odunze (hip) traded a knee injury for a hip injury, but he had a full session Friday and will play.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
QB Joe Burrow (wrist) and WR Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and are good to go.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 
RB Nick Chubb (knee) remains on the PUP. TE David Njoku (ankle), RB Pierre Strong (hamstring), LT Jedrick Wills (knee) and RT Jack Conklin (knee) are out. WR Jerry Jeudy (knee), RB Jerome Ford (knee) and DE Myles Garrett (foot, thigh) practiced Friday and are good to go.

DALLAS COWBOYS – Played Thursday
LB Micah Parsons (ankle) left Thursday’s game with a high-ankle sprain. DE Demarcus Lawrence (foot) left with a foot sprain that is believed to not be minor. 

DENVER BRONCOS 
WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) had full sessions Thursday and Friday and will play.

DETROIT LIONS – Monday night
TE Sam LaPorta (ankle) didn’t practice Thursday but provided a sigh of relief with a full session Friday.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
QB Jordan Love (knee) was limited all week, and he’s listed as questionable again. There is optimism he goes this week, though. WR Jayden Reed (calf, quadriceps) added a quad ailment to his rap sheet, but he’ll play.

HOUSTON TEXANS
RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) and WR Tank Dell (chest) are out. RB Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable this week after graduating to limited work Friday. WR Nico Collins (hamstring) and TE Dalton Schultz (ankle) had full sessions Friday and will play.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
RT Braden Smith (knee) and C Ryan Kelly (neck) are both questionable after sitting out Friday.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
TE Evan Engram (hamstring) and LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) are out. WR Gabe Davis (shoulder) is questionable after he was limited all week. RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was limited all week, but he’s good to go. LT Cam Robinson (knee) will, too, after a full session Friday.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (personal) remains on NFI list. RB Isiah Pacheco (leg) remains on IR. WR Rashee Rice (ankle) practiced all week and is good to go.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
WR Davante Adams (hamstring) is out. DE Maxx Crosby (ankle) is doubtful after he was idle all week.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip) remains on IR. QB Justin Herbert (ankle) is questionable with a high-ankle sprain. He was limited in practice all week. WR Joshua Palmer (elbow, calf) and TE Hayden Hurst (ankle) are both good to go. Palmer had full sessions Thursday and Friday, and Hurst made it through a full practice Friday.

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

MIAMI DOLPHINS – Monday night
QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) remains on IR. RB Raheem Mostert (chest) and QB Skylar Thompson (ribs) were limited Thursday and Friday.

[lawrence-related id=493798]

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) remains on the PUP. WR Jordan Addison (ankle) announced he’ll make his return this week. He had a full session Friday to boot. QB Sam Darnold (knee) also brings good news with full practices all week and no injury designation. 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 
WR Kendrick Bourne (knee) remains on the PUP. TE Hunter Henry (ankle) had a full practice Friday, and he’ll play.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) remains on IR. RB Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) and WR Chris Olave (hamstring) are both questionable. Kamara was limited Thursday and Friday, but Olave may have some issues because he was added to the report Friday as limited.  QB Derek Carr (groin) and TE Taysom Hill (chest) will play after practicing all week.

NEW YORK GIANTS – Played Thursday
WR Malik Nabers (concussion) left Thursday’s game due to a concussion.

NEW YORK JETS 
RB Breece Hall (quadriceps) played through a quad injury last week and is fine.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES  
WR DeVonta Smith (concussion) is out. WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) is questionable after seeing limited work Friday for the first time.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 
RB Jaylen Warren (knee) is out. 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) is questionable after limited work Thursday and Friday. TE George Kittle (hamstring) and QB Brock Purdy (back) both practiced Friday and both will be in the starting lineup. LT Trent Williams (illness, toe) carries a questionable tag after limited work Thursday and no work Friday.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – Monday night
RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique) and TE Noah Fant (toe) saw limited work Friday. Monitor them Saturday. WR Tyler Lockett (thigh) and WR DK Metcalf (hand) practiced fully Friday.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) is out once again. RB Bucky Irving (hamstring) is questionable after limited work Friday.

TENNESSEE TITANS – Monday night
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) has been ruled out. 

Patriots Week 4 injury report: Battered OL gets good news vs. 49ers

The Patriots released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the 49ers

The New England Patriots have ruled out three players ahead of Sunday’s road trip to Levi’s Stadium to take on the San Francisco 49ers.

Cornerback Alex Austin, guard Michael Jordan and tackle Vederian Lowe will be out for the Week 4 matchup. More could join them if any of the four questionable players aren’t able to go.

Anfernee Jennings, Jonathan Jones, Sidy Sow and Caedan Wallace are all questionable with injuries.

Wallace being questionable is the biggest concern because it would force the Patriots to start their fourth different left tackle this season. The team would have to turn to second-year tackle Demontrey Jacobs in hopes that he can help fill the void against one of the NFL’s scariest pass-rushing teams.

The good news for the Patriots is Sow potentially playing in his first game of the season. A combination of Sow and Layden Robinson on the interior could give the offensive front the push it needs to sustain a strong rushing attack in this matchup.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Saints rule out Demario Davis, Cesar Ruiz on final injury report vs. Falcons

The final Week 4 injury report has the Saints ruling out a couple of starters against the Falcons, with Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave both questionable:

There’s a long list of absences and situations to watch on the final Week 4 injury report. The New Orleans Saints ruled out a couple of starters including linebacker Demario Davis (hamstring) and right guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), having already placed center Erik McCoy (groin) on injured reserve. Backup wide receiver A.T. Perry (hamstring)has also been ruled out.

Several others are questionable —  most prominently running back Alvin  Kamara (hip/ribs), but also veteran wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle). On top of all of that, wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) suffered an injury during Friday’s practice session, so he’s questionable to play, too.

It’s not like Atlanta is in much better shape. The Falcons already ruled out starting right tackle Kaleb McGary and they’ll be playing Storm Norton in his place; Norton is a former member of the Saints practice squad. Like New Orleans, they’re also down their starting center, with Drew Dalman having gone on injured reserve earlier this week.

Here’s the full injury report from each team:

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Derek Carr explains why some players haven’t seen as many targets

Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed make up 66% of Derek Carr’s targets and 82% of his yards. Carr explained why he isn’t spreading the ball around as much:

The New Orleans Saints’ passing attack has been heavily concentrated on three weapons: Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. That trio has been the recipients of 29 of Derek Carr’s 44 completions this year. That’s 65.9% of his completions. They also make up 81.9% of Carr’s yards.

They’ve been essentially the entire passing offense. Foster Moreau is the next most productive receiving threat, and he only has five catches. Juwan Johnson has been less existent in the offense than projected.

Carr explains why this has been the case. Carr kept the explanation simple. The Saints haven’t passed the ball much. They are a run-first team.

The Saints were up big, early in Weeks 1 and 2. That leads to, “some guys maybe don’t get as many attempts as they normally would have.”

“We really haven’t thrown the ball a lot, just in attempts,” Carr said. Thee Saints quarterback ranks 28th in the NFL in attempts. Names like Tua Tagoviloa and Bryce Young are less than 10 attempts behind Carr despite playing one less game. Green Bay’s two starters this season combine for more than Carr.

“When there’s not as many attempts, targets for guys who aren’t first or second in the read go down,” Carr stated. Getting the ball out quickly has also been a point of emphasis given the state of his offensive line, so naturally players at the top of the read are going to get the ball more often.

He maintains it’s important to get others involved because it keeps the defense on their toes. They have to respect other players. Carr wants to make sure he’s walking the fine line of dispersing the ball and getting the top players the ball. Hopefully that strategy continues to do well against the Falcons this Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Derek Carr’s little league team let him know ‘it’s Falcons week’

Derek Carr says his son’s little league team cares more about Sunday’s Saints-Falcons matchup than their own game:

Derek Carr is in his second year with the New Orleans Saints, and he is fully aware of how the rivalry with the Atlanta Falcons expands beyond the team’s practice facility and into the city.

He was reminded of that this week at his son’s football practice. Carr came to the Saints with New Orleans native, and former Raiders teammate, Foster Moreau. The duo have a good relationship, and they coach Carr’s sons’ little league team together.

Carr shared a funny story about how the upcoming little league game was secondary to the Saints’ upcoming game with the Falcons: “Every parent and every kid knows what week it is.”

Not only do they know what week it is, Carr says “they didn’t care about the game we’re about to play, like ‘Hey, it’s Falcons week.'”

This is a great example of what the game means to fans within the city. Who cares who the little league team is playing? Coach Carr needs to understand the only thing that matters is Saints versus Falcons.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Lions vs Seahawks: Thursday injury report medical breakdown

Lions vs Seahawks: Thursday injury report medical breakdown for both teams entering Week 4

Thursday is the first injury report since the game is on Monday. Thankfully, there were no further surprises on the Lions report this week. The Seahawks will be without their starting RT and possibly a few other impact players as well.

DETROIT LIONS

Brian Branch LP concussion, S

Good news that Branch is presumably asymptomatic based on the LP today. This puts him on track to pass through the NFL 5-step protocol and play Monday.

However, it still might be a good idea to give him a week off because of a hit he took in game one. In that game, Branch took a hard hit to the side of the head, was down briefly, but not diagnosed with a concussion.

While there were no external signs of a concussion to warrant a diagnosis, mild concussions may only have vague symptoms that require self-reporting like headache, nausea, and fogginess. Looking back, if he indeed had some concussion symptoms, then this would be two concussions in three weeks which might warrant some precaution.

Sam LaPorta NP ankle, TE

A right low ankle sprain didn’t stop LaPorta from intermittently returning to the game last week. He won’t be fully healed by Monday night, but I expect him to play.

Frank Ragnow NP pectoral, C

Ragnow strained his left pec early in the game but battled to the finish.

Dan Campbell stated Thursday: “We’re going to put Frank down this week”. After further clarification, Ragnow is apparently not being euthanized and could return for week six vs the Cowboys.

Alim McNeill LP shoulder, DT

Dan Campbell stated Thursday: “Alim’s doing better… he’s day to day, he’ll be out there running around today, so we’re pretty good there”.

Great news for McNeill to be practicing already after missing the entire 2nd half of the Cardinals game. He might have a left AC joint sprain with how he landed on the ground. Sounds like he’s in for Monday.

Alex Anzalone FP concussion, LB

Anzalone is firmly on track to play Monday. On the sidelines vs the Cardinals, he appeared mentally sharp while calling out defensive signals and pumping up the tens of thousands of Lions fans.

Dan Skipper NP ribs, OT

Skipper landed on a defender’s elbow which likely caused a right rib bruise/strain with a small chance of a fracture. Unless something unexpected showed on XR, I expect him to be available on Monday.

Ennis Rakestraw LP hamstring, CB

After hurting his hamstring in pregame of week two, Rakestraw has missed the past two games. Not putting him on IR meant that this was likely a short-term issue. He had 3x NP last week so it’s good to see an LP today which puts him on track to make his MNF debut.

Levi Onwuzurike LP knee, DL

Onwuzurike was hurt in the 1st quarter last game and there was no video of the injury. Medical appeared to be examining his right knee. He finished out the game without noticeable problems. With an LP early in the week, I expect him to play vs the Seahawks.

Ifeatu Melifonwu NP ankle, S

With an NP, he’s likely out this week. Hopefully, the bye will help Melifonwu’s ankle.

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Terrion Arnold was hit in the right knee area last game and was gimpy for a while on the sideline. He returned to the game and played well. Unlisted suggests there is no structural damage to the knee and he may have just had a contusion.

Graham Glasgow was a surprise listing last week with a knee but still played the entire Cardinals game. Good to see the knee is off the report.

Derrick Barnes was placed on IR after being hit in the right knee with a possible MCL sprain. He has a chance to return later this year.

Marcus Davenport was placed on IR due to a left elbow injury and reportedly is out for the year.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Leonard Williams NP ribs, DE

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

Byron Murphy NP hamstring, DT

Murphy was the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft and has already been impactful in his rookie year. Reports are that he is expected to be out for this game.

Kenneth Walker LP oblique, RB

MSU and U of M fans are well aware of Walker’s capabilities. He missed last game but is expected to be ready for Monday night.

Uchenna Nwosu NP 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. His target return was Monday night but with an NP, that makes it much less likely.

NOTABLES UNLISTED

George Fant, the starting RT, was placed on IR a few days ago due to a right knee injury. This will be the fourth straight game the Lions opponent is missing a starting OT.

The rest of the lengthy Seahawks report is here:

 

 

Patriots Week 4 injury report: 3 players out on Thursday

3 players were out for the Patriots on Thursday

The New England Patriots released their injury report on Thursday with the only notable change being linebacker Anfernee Jennings returning to the practice field.

Jennings was held out of Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder injury, and this recent upgrade increases the likelihood of him playing in Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The non-participants at practice were cornerback Alex Austin, offensive tackle Vederian Lowe and offensive guard Michael Jordan. Lowe is trending towards missing another game, which is concerning considering rookie tackle Caedan Wallace is also dealing with an injury.

Here’s the full injury report for the Patriots from Thursday’s practice:

Did not participate

CB Alex Austin

T Vederian Lowe

G Michael Jordan

Limited participation

CB Christian Gonzalez

LB Anfernee Jennings

G Sidy Sow

CB Jonathan Jones

T Caedan Wallace

TE Hunter Henry

Full participation

G Michael Onwenu

S Jabrill Peppers

The Patriots will need all of the healthy bodies they can get to fend off a tough 49ers team on the road at Levi’s Stadium. Both teams are coming off back-to-back losses and eager to get back into the win column.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]