Jets S Jamal Adams was fined $21,000 for his roughing penalty on QB Baker Mayfield, and he blasted the NFL on social media. He said the league is "a damn joke! .., I signed up to play football not two hand touch. Bulls—-! I don't give a damn about these soft rules protecting QBs. I'm gonna play MY brand of football everytime I step on the field." Even if it hurts the team?
Rams injury report for Wednesday: DT Aaron Donald (Back) limited; RB Malcolm Brown (Ankle) limited; RG Austin Blythe (Ankle) DNP; TE Tyler Higbee (Chest) DNP.
The Saints are thin at WR, with backup Keith Kirkwood being placed on injured reserve and backup Tre'Quan Smith missing Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury. Starter Ted Ginn Jr. was also limited with a thigh injury. The Saints will be counting on third-year pro Austin Carr and undrafted rookie Lil'Jordan Humphrey (who was just promoted from the practice squad) to pick up the slack. On a positive note, the offensive line should be intact, with guard Andrus Peat (ankle) returning to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.
Despite a 2-0 start, the Rams offense still has a few issues to work through -- including scoring in the first half. Through two games, the Rams have scored only 19 of their 57 points in the first half. Last season, the Rams ranked second in the NFL with an average of 17.4 points per first half (The Chiefs had 18.6), per ESPN Stats & Info.
The Seahawks list Ziggy Ansah as a full participant Wednesday. That's another sign that he's on track to make his debut Sunday against New Orleans, which Pete Carroll said Monday was the expectation. D.J. Fluker was among four Seahawks who didn't practice. Carroll said Fluker is optimistic about playing Sunday.
Pete Carroll sounded as excited about safety Adrian Colbert as he ever has about a player the Seahawks added to their practice squad. He said they've had their eyes on the former 49ers starter for a couple years and pounded his hand on the podium for emphasis as he praised GM John Schneider and pro scouting director Nolan Teasley for the job they did getting him on Seattle's practice squad. Said Carroll: "We really think he's got great potential. He's really fast, he's really tough … He's one of those guys to me that demonstrates the kind of energy that we like when he plays. He loves to run and hit now and he's really fast. He ran in the 4.3s and he's 211 [pounds] yesterday. Big kid, strong kid and he's got a spirit about him, too. So that kinda fired me up."
The 49ers practice report for Wednesday: Did not participate - DE Dee Ford (knee), OT Joe Staley (fibula), WR Trent Taylor (foot), WR Jalen Hurd (back), S Jaquiski Tartt (toe), RB Tevin Coleman (ankle). Limited participation - FS Jimmie Ward (hand/finger), DE Nick Bosa (ankle).
Pete Carroll said right guard D.J. Fluker (ankle) and defensive tackle Poona Ford (calf) are both optimistic about their chances of playing Sunday against New Orleans. Ford missed the Steelers game while Fluker was hurt in that game but managed to finish it. Of Ford, Carroll said: "If you talk to him, he thinks he's playing. His attitude is perfect to get back. We'll see if he can get that done." Carroll said that free safety Tedric Thompson (hamstring) will likely be back next week if he doesn't return this week.
Sean McVay on Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr.: "He's a unique player, he can go at any time. He's so explosive. He's got aggressive hands, they can really move him all around. There's no limitations. I mean his talent is incredible, he's an elite competitor. So he's definitely somebody that we've got to be aware of and you can see he made the most of his touches. In an instance he's going 80-plus on a touchdown on a quick RPO, catching it from the three spot, and you're like ‘Wow' and that's why he's special and that's why he is who he is."
The Seahawks' 84 snaps in their base defense over the first two games are the most in the league, according to ESPN charting. The next closest is Carolina at 72. Bobby Wagner doesn't mind that one bit as it means more playing time for fellow linebackers K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks. One of those two comes off the field in favor of an extra defensive back when Seattle is in its nickel defense. "The more linebackers the merrier," Wagner said.
Sean McVay said RG Austin Blythe (Ankle) and TE Tyler Higbee (Chest/Lung) are making good progress in their recoveries, but neither will practice today. McVay said they are considered "day-to-day."
What has struck DK Metcalf the most over his first two NFL games? "How much fun it is," he said. "It's just like playing in college."
The Saints have filled their two open roster spots by promoting undrafted rookie WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey to their active roster and signing veteran LB Ray-Ray Armstrong. Humphrey, a 6-foot-4, 225-pounder, was especially impressive during the Saints' preseason games before landing on their practice squad. Armstrong (6-3, 220) has primarily been a backup and special teamer, with 12 starts in his six-year career with the Rams, Raiders, 49ers, Giants and Browns. The Saints also added third-year WR Krishawn Hogan to their practice squad after he spent the summer with the Colts.
Matthew Slater smiles when asked about playing four offensive snaps at the goal-line, saying, "I tried to do my best Jackie Slater impression." Slater's father Jackie, of course, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who had a 20-year career as a Rams offensive tackle.
The Colts have waived QB Chad Kelly. Kelly, the nephew of Hall-of-Fame QB Jim Kelly, is coming off a two-game suspension. The Colts can sign Chad Kelly to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Raiders are dealing with a lot of bumps and bruises and adjusted practice accordingly on Wednesday.
Perhaps the biggest concern after the first injury report of the week? TE Jimmy Graham (groin) would not have practiced. But ILB Oren Burks was listed as limited for the first time since his preseason torn pec, so a sign of progress there.
The biggest questions for the Jets are LB C.J. Mosley and DT Quinnen Williams. Williams is likely to practice tomorrow, which bodes well for Sunday. Mosley still iffy. The Jets could be short at receiver, with Demaryius Thomas and Josh Bellamy banged up. Also note: Tom Brady was limited.
Saying he has "full confidence" he will be ready for the Eagles in Week 5, QB Sam Darnold (mono) spelled out his recovery timetable. This week: No conditioning or lifting. This weekend: He won't travel to New England. Next Monday: A medical evaluation and, he hopes, clearance for light running during the bye week. Darnold confirmed his spleen remains enlarged, and he recognizes it could be "a life or death situation" if he plays with an enlarged spleen.
Injury report: FB James Develin (neck) and DL Shilique Calhoun (not injury related) did not participate in practice Wednesday. Meanwhile, OL Caleb Benenoch (calf), QB Tom Brady (calf), OT Marcus Cannon (shoulder) and TE Matt LaCosse (ankle) were limited, while RB Brandon Bolden (hamstring) was a full participant. As for Brady, barring something unexpected, the expectation is that he will be back at practice in full Thursday.
Patriots versatile OL Joe Thuney is surrounded by a large media crowd, which reflects how the offensive line is a big storyline. Thuney said he is open to playing any position on the line that helps the team.
The Cowboys have released defensive end Taco Charlton. If Charlton is claimed by another team, the Cowboys would not owe him any of the guaranteed money in his contract. If he goes unclaimed and signs with a lower salary, the Cowboys would have to make up the difference in the guaranteed money. The team had a roster exemption through 4 p.m. ET with Robert Quinn returning from a suspension. Charlton, the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2017, has been inactive the first two games and is not hurt. Quinn said he is ready to play whatever role needed against the Dolphins.
Jarrad Davis (ankle), Taylor Decker (back), Da'Shawn Hand (elbow) and C.J. Moore (heel) all limited for the Lions. Good news for Detroit that Rashaan Melvin isn't listed at all.
Several new names appearing on the Bucs' injury report this week, including Jameis Winston (foot). Shaq Barrett is dealing with a groin injury. Coach Bruce Arians said Beau Allen had an issue with the heat today.
As a three-touchdown favorite, many people assume the 2-0 Cowboys will steamroll the winless Miami Dolphins on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. The Dolphins have been outscored, 122-10, in two games. They traded one of their best defenders to start the week in Minkah Fitzpatrick. But the Cowboys are saying the right things. “I think our team is young in years but old in experience,” center Travis Frederick said. “I think our team is well ware of what a game can be when you have people on the outside talking about it like that. If you ask around the room there isn't anybody in here that believes this will be an easy game. Everybody understands what a challenge it'll be and we need to go out there and be at our best if we're going to win this game.”
