Freeman ruled out for Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons will be missing another key starter for Sunday’s game against Carolina.
Two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman was ruled out after missing the entire week of practice with a knee injury, another blow to a team that already lost defensive stalwarts Keanu Neal and Deion Jones.
Coach Dan Quinn said he’s hopeful that Freeman’s injury isn’t too serious. But there was a bit of uncertainty in his voice Friday.
“We’re under the hope that it’s not a long-term thing,” Quinn said.
The Panthers, meanwhile, will be without three starting offensive linemen.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera has ruled out threetime Pro Bowl right guard Trai Turner this week because of a concussion. The team previously placed left tackle Matt Kalil and right Daryl Williams on injured reserve with knee injuries.
Roethlisberger back at Steelers practice
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was back at practice after missing the previous two practices with a bruised right elbow.
He is officially listed on the injury report as questionable to play, but Roethlisberger’s teammates expect him to be on the field for the Steelers’ home opener Sunday against Kansas City.
Rodgers could play against Vikings
Green Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is questionable for Sunday’s NFC North showdown with Minnesota.
Rodgers, who missed the end of the first half of the Week 1 victory against Chicago with an injured left knee, did not practice Wednesday and Thursday; the Packers don’t practice on Fridays.
Even if Rodgers doesn’t practice Saturday, he could play Sunday, coach Mike McCarthy suggested.
Saints tackle f ined for two illegal hits
Two illegal hits cost David Onyemata more than he made for playing in New Orleans’ season opener.
The Saints defensive tackle was fined $40,108 by the NFL for two roughingthe-passer calls — $20,054 for each of the penalties — in a 48-40 loss to Tampa Bay last Sunday.
Onyemata, in his third NFL season, makes a base salary of $630,000 this season — or $39,375 per game.
Kendricks signs with Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are hoping linebacker Mychal Kendricks can provide a short-term boost on the field that overshadows the issues of signing a player with a pending jail sentencing in his future.
The Seahawks announced the signing of Kendricks to a one-year deal despite his recent guilty plea on insider trading charges.
It’s an odd situation for all parties involved, but fills a need for Seattle even if it’s just for a short time. Kendricks could make his Seattle debut Monday night when it plays at Chicago, and the finalization of his deal came after visiting the team on Thursday.
Etc.
Miami Dolphins left guard Josh Sitton is out for the season. Sitton has been diagnosed with a torn left rotator cuff, an injury sustained last week in the Dolphins’ Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans. The team placed him on injured reserve . ... Former New York Jets linebacker Dylan Donahue has been suspended 14 weeks by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy. The free agent pleaded guilty last month to charges in two separate incidents in which he was arrested for driving while intoxicated . ... Oakland Raiders rookie defensive tackle P.J. Hall will miss this week’s game at Denver with an ankle injury. ... With Marquise Goodwin being ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Dante Pettis is slated for his first NFL start.