Bears’ starting QB a game-time call
The Chicago Bears will wait until game time to announce their starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against Detroit, choosing between Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields.
Both quarterbacks are dealing with injuries, but Fields has been able to go through full practices the entire week while Dalton has been limited every day. Dalton is suffering from a bone bruise to his left knee, while Fields has worn a brace on his injured right hand all week in practice.
“The good part about both of those guys is that they’re both progressing in the right way,” Bears coach Matt Nagy said. “And then what we’ve got to do is be able to see where Andy’s at and really, up until Sunday. That’s why it’s the gametime decision.”
Ravens’ Jackson back at practice
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice, quieting concerns that a back injury might sideline him for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Jackson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, and offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday that he was “dealing with a little black flare-up,” which he said wasn’t serious. But coach John Harbaugh said after practice Friday that Jackson was a full participant in the session, a promising sign for his availability this weekend.
Betting action hot for Bucs-Pats
Sportsbooks say Sunday’s showdown between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick is shaping up to be the most heavily bet on NFL game of the regular season.
Brady returns to Gillette Stadium for the first time as a member of the visiting team, leading his defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the New England Patriots.
FanDuel said 95 percent of bets are on Tampa Bay to cover the 7-point spread, and other sportsbooks report similarly lopsided betting action on the Bucs.
Gronk doubtful for Patriots game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said tight end Rob Gronkowski (ribs) will be a game-time decision in his return to New England, although the team later listed him as doubtful on its final injury report.
Arians also said outside linebacker Jason PierrePaul (questionable with hand and shoulder injuries) will be a game-time decision.
Titans missing two star receivers
Wide receivers Julio Jones and A.J. Brown are among six Titans who won’t play Sunday against the New York Jets.
The Titans declared both of the Pro Bowl receivers out along with outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who didn’t play despite being dressed last week against the Colts.
Odds and ends
San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle (calf ) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, who expect to have wide receivers Tyler Lockett (hip) and DK Metcalf (foot) . ...
Washington activated wide receiver Curtis Samuel (groin), and he’s expected to make his season debut Sunday at the Atlanta Falcons . ...
New York Jets receiver Jamison Crowder (COVID, groin) is expected to make his season debut Sunday against the Titans . ...
The New England Patriots placed running back James White (hip) on injured reserve . ...
LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia’s all-time leading rusher, officially retired as an Eagle.