Stroud’s status is in doubt
HOUSTON — Quarterback C.J. Stroud remains in the concussion protocol and could miss a second straight game Sunday when Houston hosts Cleveland in a key AFC matchup.
Coach Demeco Ryans said Wednesday that Stroud was doing better, but that he didn’t know when he’d be cleared to play.
“We’re going through the protocol and each person, each concussion is different,” Ryans said. “So, it takes a different amount of time for each person to heal just like with anything else. So, he’s just going through the protocol just like everyone else has whenever they’ve been in the concussion protocol and … the most important thing is making sure C.J. is healthy and when he’s ready to go, he’ll be ready to go, and I’ll let you guys know.” Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence was in the facility but still in the NFL’S concussion protocol Wednesday, leaving the Jacksonville Jaguars preparing to play without their star quarterback for the first time in three seasons.
Coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence is “progressing well” but declined to speculate on Lawrence’s chances of gaining clearance before Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay (7-7). Steelers: Coach Mike Tomlin believes second-year wide receiver George Pickens’ growth off the field remains a work in progress but will not bench Pickens on Saturday when Cincinnati visits.
Pickens has drawn scrutiny outside the organization for his lack of hustle of late, particularly in a loss to Indianapolis last weekend in which replays caught him declining to block downfield for teammate Jaylen Warren and jogging after an Indianapolis interception rather than attempting to make a tackle.
Falcons: Arthur Smith’s future as Atlanta’s coach is uncertain with two straight losses severely damaging the team’s playoff hopes and
costing quarterback Desmond Ridder his starting job for the second time this season.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he’ll wait until after the regular season to make a decision on Smith’s status for 2024.
Broncos: Kareem Jackson, the hard-hitting safety who has forfeited nearly $1 million in fines and paychecks over a series of over-the-top tackles this season, returned to practice Wednesday after completing his second suspension.
After missing six of the Broncos’ last seven games, Jackson is eligible to return to action Sunday night when the Broncos (7-7) host the New England Patriots (3-11).
Titans: Rookie quarterback Will Levis hopes to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks as he recovers from a sprained left ankle similar to the injury that cost veteran Ryan Tannehill his job as the Tennessee Titans’ starter.
Levis did not practice Wednesday, and coach
Mike Vrabel said Tannehill will start if the rookie can’t play.
Bears: Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson says he would sign a new contract with the Chicago Bears instead of testing the free agent market if they made the right offer.
“I want to stay here,” Johnson said Wednesday. “I definitely want to get something done (here) first. But at the end of the day, if something doesn’t get done, then I’m not opposed to any other options. But I would love to stay here. So that’s that.”