The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Packers pass rusher Perry sidelined
Outside linebacker needs hand surgery; QB Newton limited.
The banged-up Green Bay Packers lost another key player to injury with outside linebacker Nick Perry scheduled to have hand surgery.
Coach Mike McCarthy says he doesn’t know how much time Perry will miss. He was off to a good start as the bookend to fellow edge rusher Clay Matthews with 1.5 sacks.
The Packers’ first-round draft pick in 2012, Perry had a breakout 2016 season with 11 sacks in 14 games.
The loss of Perry places added importance on the return of Ahmad Brooks, who was a full participant in practice Wednesday after missing the Week 2 loss at Atlanta because of a concussion.
McCarthy also said the team brought back defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois, who was just cut by the Packers last week. The veteran will help add depth up front with standout lineman Mike Daniels dealing with a hip injury.
Perry and Daniels were two of 13 players on Green Bay’s injury report this week.
Panthers: Cam Newton was limited to mostly light throwing during practice as the Panthers continue preparations for their game Sunday against the Saints. Newton is expected to start.
Coach Ron Rivera called Newton’s limited practice schedule during the week the “new normal” until the quarterback completely recovers from offseason rotator cuff surgery.
Two-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil, who missed last week’s game with neck soreness, has not practiced this week. Tyler Larsen is taking reps with the first team.
Vikings: Coach Mike Zimmer said quarterback Sam Bradford, who sat out last Sunday’s loss at Pittsburgh with a left knee injury, was doing “better” and his chances of playing this Sunday against the Bucs had increased from Wednesday.
Bradford was limited in practice for the fifth straight time since he was injured in the Sept. 11 season-opener. He likely will be listed as questionable.
Eagles: An injury list littered with defensive backs has Philadelphia searching for healthy bodies to face the Giants on Sunday.
Top cornerback Ronald Darby went down in Week 1. Safety Rodney McLeod and versatile defensive backs Jaylen Watkins and Corey Graham got hurt last week at Kansas City. This week the Eagles claimed safety Trae Elston off waivers and are trying linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill in the secondary.
Redskins: With the return of tight end Jordan Reed to practice, the Redskins could have all their injured players active for Sunday night’s game against the Raiders, even if none are 100 percent.
Reed is being bothered by a chest/rib injury, running back Robert Kelley by a rib cartilage injury, cornerback Josh Norman and linebacker Mason Foster by shoulder injuries and right tackle Morgan Moses by shoulder and ankle injuries.
Broncos: Left tackle Garett Bolles returned to practice four days after hurting his left leg in a game against the Cowboys.
Though he initially feared it was a season-ending Achilles tendon tear, Bolles was a surprise participant in practice after sitting out Wednesday following confirmation that he had bruised a bone in his lower left leg.
Giants: Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (ankle/hand), linebacker B.J. Goodson (shin) and offensive tackle Bobby Hart (ankle) all missed their second consecutive day of practice.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham (ankle) and tight end Evan Engram (concussion) were limited again.
Chargers: Running back Melvin Gordon (knee) was added to the injury report after being limited in practice. Rookie wideout Mike Williams (back) was also limited for the second consecutive day.
Bills: Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (ankle) sat out practice for the second straight day. Offensive lineman Cordy Glenn (ankle) returned but was limited.
Defensive lineman Shaq Lawson (foot) also returned but is expected to sit against the Broncos.
Bengals: Tight end Tyler Eifert (back) did not participate in practice for the second straight day, putting his status is doubt for Sunday’s game at Green Bay.
Steelers: Defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt returned to practice after missing Week 2 with a biceps injury. Linebacker T.J. Watt (groin) did not participate in practice.
Bears: Running back Jordan Howard (shoulder) was limited again at practice, NFL Network reported.
Jets: Signed linebacker David Bass, adding a veteran pass rusher, and re-signed wide receiver/kick returner Kalif Raymond to the practice squad three days after he was waived following his fumbled punt at Oakland.