The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
QB Bradford to miss another game
Keenum to start for Vikings vs. Bucs; RB Murray in doubt.
The Minnesota Vikings face another quarterback quandary, with Sam Bradford sidelined against Tampa Bay because of an ailing left knee and Case Keenum set for his second straight start.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer eliminated the mystery before the weekend this time. He ruled out Bradford, who was not at practice Friday because of his injury from the season opener against New Orleans.
Bradford joined the team on the field in a limited basis Wednesday and again Thursday, when Zimmer sounded upbeat about his progress. ESPN, citing unidentified sources, reported that Bradford was traveling to seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedist who performed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions on the quarterback’s knee in 2013 and 2014.
Zimmer declined to discuss the report. He even said Bradford saw more action Thursday than Wednesday, declining to characterize the situation as a setback during a terse meeting with reporters after practice Friday.
“He could be back the following week. I don’t know. ... But I tell you I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said.
Titans: Pro Bowl running back DeMarco Murray returned to practice, but his status for Sunday’s game against Seattle remains undecided because of a hamstring injury.
Murray was listed as questionable after being limited Friday. He had missed two straight practices with the injury.
Murray led the AFC with 1,287 yards last season. But he has been off to a slow
start this season with just 69 yards rushing in two games after hurting a hamstring the first week of training camp.
Bills: Will be without left tackle Cordy Glenn (ankle) and defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (foot) when they host the Broncos. Neither player practiced this week.
The Bills will be facing one of the NFL’s best pass rushers in Von Miller. Rookie Dion Dawkins will replace Glenn.
Defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (concussion) also is out.
Falcons: Will be without three starters when they face the Lions in a matchup of unbeaten teams. Linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. (hamstring), right tackle Ryan Schraeder (concussion) and defensive lineman Courtney Upshaw (knee) were all ruled out.
Redskins: Cornerback Josh Norman, tight end Jordan
Reed and running back Rob Kelley are among five players who will be gametime decisions Sunday night against the Raiders.
Coach Jay Gruden said Norman, Reed, Kelley, linebacker Mason Foster and safety Montae Nicholson are all questionable. Norman, Foster and Nicholson have shoulder injuries, Reed has chest and rib problems, while Kelley is dealing with injured rib cartilage.
Browns: Rookie defensive end Myles Garrett might be close to making his NFL debut. The top overall pick in this year’s draft has missed Cleveland’s first two games because of a high right-ankle sprain sustained earlier this month, but coach Hue Jackson has not yet ruled him out of this week’s game at Indianapolis. The Browns are
listing Garrett as doubtful.
Linebacker Jamie Collins (concussion) is out.
Packers: Could be without seven front-line players for Sunday’s game against the Bengals. Left tackle David Bakhtiari (hamstring), safety Kentrell Brice (groin), receiver Randall Cobb (chest), defensive tackle Mike Daniels (hip), cornerback Davon House (quad), outside linebacker Nick Perry (hand) and inside linebacker Jake Ryan (hamstring/concussion) were listed as doubtful.
Wide receiver Jordy Nelson (quad) and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (ankle) are questionable, though Nelson has been a full participant so far in practice this week.
Cowboys: A federal appeals court has set oral arguments for Oct. 2 in the NFL’s bid to reinstate Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension over a domestic case in Ohio, meaning the star running back will play at least two more games. The NFL sought an emergency stay, hoping to put the suspension back in place while Elliott’s case is in the courts.
Giants: Middle linebacker B.J. Goodson (shin) and right tackle Bobby Hart (ankle) are going to miss Sunday’s game at Philadelphia. Coach Ben McAdoo said backup linebacker J.T. Thomas also is out with a groin injury.
Raiders: Sean Smith’s sore neck and shoulder appear to be getting better and coach Jack Del Rio is hopeful the veteran cornerback will be able to play Sunday in Washington.
Jets: Will be without starting right guard Brian Winters (abdominal) for their home opener against the Dolphins.
Late Thursday
Rams 41, (at) 49ers 39: With Jared Goff and Todd Gurley leading a resurgent Rams offense, Brian Hoyer sparking what had been a dormant San Francisco attack and a few late special teams blunders that almost produced an epic comeback, the win for Los Angeles over the 49ers was exciting to watch and exhausting for those involved.
“That takes a toll on you,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “Just getting ready on a short week, and then that emotional up-and-down right there certainly wears you out. I know that I’ll sleep very well tonight.”
Goff connected on big pass plays to Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods in throwing for 292 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions for the Rams (2-1).
Hoyer did his part as well — after shaking off an interception on the first play from scrimmage. He threw for 332 yards and two scores for the 49ers (0-3).