This week's NFL practice reports have provided a comprehensive look at the current state of player fitness and readiness, influencing predictions for upcoming games.
Bengals Assess Player Availability
For the Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase's limited participation in practice this week has raised some eyebrows. However, there’s a more positive outlook for Joe Burrow, who has been a full participant, indicating that he should be in prime condition for the next game.
Cardinals and Giants Tackle Injury Setbacks
The Cardinals have faced a setback with Marquise Brown being sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The Giants also have a list of players who were limited in practice: Drew Lock, Micah McFadden, Dane Belton, and Gunner Olszewski. These limitations could impact their strategizing for the near future.
Packers Estimate Limited Participation
In Green Bay, six players have been flagged for limited participation, with Romeo Doubs and Tucker Kraft being among the most notable. Doubs has been limited for two consecutive days, while Kraft’s limitation emerged as a new development on Wednesday. It is important to note that the Packers did not practice, and these designations were merely estimates.
Player Changes Affect Team Dynamics
Devin White has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, making way for Nakobe Dean to make his fifth career start in his place. The Colts have seen changes as well, with wide receiver Josh Downs and kicker Matt Gay absent from practice. The team has taken measures to bolster their ranks by re-signing Spencer Shrader to the practice squad.
Hamstring Injuries Prove Pervasive
Hamstring injuries are plaguing multiple teams. Adisa Isaac has been sidelined with such an issue, joining a list that includes John Stephens Jr. from an unspecified team.
Falcons, Bears, Saints, and Patriots Monitor Limitations
The Falcons report limited participation from Kyle Pitts and Nate Landman. The Bears see Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat limited in practice as well. For the Saints, Willie Gay Jr., Pete Werner, and Marshon Lattimore were all limited, highlighting a broader issue across several teams. The Patriots also have players under limited practice, specifically Jonathan Jones and Vederian Lowe, with guard Sidy Sow not practicing at all.
Browns and Buccaneers Have Injury Woes
Eight Cleveland Browns players were noted to be limited in practice, adding to their concerns. Meanwhile, in Tampa Bay, Logan Hall and Chase McLaughlin did not practice. Notably, the Buccaneers currently do not have a kicker on their practice squad, a concern that could impact their special teams performance significantly in upcoming matches.
Star Players Setbacks and Positive Notes
DeAndre Hopkins missed most of training camp due to a knee problem, while DJ Reader was limited in practice on Wednesday. On a reassuring note, Dan Campbell remains optimistic about DJ Reader's availability for Sunday.
Panthers and Texans Roster Updates
The Panthers have had additional absences with Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble missing from practice. Rookie Messiah Swinson was signed off the Packers' practice squad, indicating the Panthers’ proactive approach to filling gaps. Meanwhile, Texans safety M.J. Stewart didn’t practice due to a knee injury, adding to the list of significant absences around the league.
Jordan Addison’s Encouraging Progress
On a positive note, Saints coach Kevin O'Connell has confirmed that Jordan Addison is moving well and that they anticipate increasing his workload as the week progresses. “Jalen Nailor is a bit behind Addison but is progressing well,” O’Connell added, shedding light on another player's development within the team.
These updates reflect a mix of caution and optimism as teams prepare for their upcoming games, balancing injuries with strategic decisions.