Dez’ season might be done
Dez Bryant’s tenure with the Saints might have been short-lived.
In just his second practice with New Orleans, the newly acquired wide receiver indicated in social media posts yesterday he has had a significant setback.
The team’s injury report listed Bryant as questionable for tomorrows game in Cincinnati because of an ankle injury, but a person familiar with the situation said the team is still awaiting the results of a doctor’s examination of the receiver.
Bryant has indicated on social media that the injury will be challenging to overcome, writing on his verified Twitter account, “Things was just starting to heat up for me ... I won’t question the man upstairs ... this is the ultimate test.. thank you everyone for the prayers.”
The 30-year-old signed with the Saints on Wednesday following a workout in New Orleans a day earlier. After his first practice on Thursday, he expressed an eagerness to play with NFL all-time passer Drew Brees, and help a club that looks like a Super Bowl contender. The surging Saints have won seven straight and last Sunday knocked off the previously unbeaten Rams.
Bryant spent his first eight NFL seasons with Dallas and in 2017 caught 69 passes for 838 yards and six touchdowns, including a 50-yard TD, for the Cowboys.
Anderson out
Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott has ruled out quarterback Derek Anderson (concussion) from playing against the New York Jets tomorrow, and continued leaving open the possibility of Josh Allen’s return after missing three games with a sprained right elbow.
If Allen isn’t deemed ready, turnover-prone backup Nathan Peterman likely will start for a second straight week. Buffalo’s only other option would be Matt Barkley, signed last week . ...
Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson is optimistic running back Darren Sproles will play again this season despite suffering a setback with his hamstring injury.
Darnold a no-go
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is doubtful for the Bills game, making it unlikely he will serve as Josh McCown’s backup.
Davis Webb likely will be signed from the practice squad to the active roster to provide insurance for the 39year-old McCown, making his first start of the year . ...
The NFL fined Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard $10,026 for celebrating his end-zone interception on the Dallas Cowboys star logo at midfield.
Rams shut down
The Los Angeles Rams canceled practice after a wildfire forced about 20 players and coaches to evacuate their homes.
The Rams will cram their normal Friday preparations into a workout at USC today before they host the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow.
Just one day after the Rams were stunned by a mass shooting less than five miles from their training complex in Thousand Oaks, they were affected by two wildfires burning in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
The San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders also had to change their practice schedules because of heavy smoke and other precautions . ...
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (hamstring) practiced without any limitations or setbacks all week, prompting coach Doug Marrone to declare him “completely healthy” for the first time since Week 4 ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Beckham optimistic
New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr., asked what he hopes to see from his 1-7 team the rest of the season, didn’t pull any punches.
“I think the goal is to win eight games, go 9-7 and go to the playoffs,” Beckham said.
Even though no NFL team has ever pulled off such a comeback?
“It’s not an easy task,” Beckham added. “But that’s the goal. We want to win every game and I want to do everything I can to help.” ...
The Detroit Lions will be without standout cornerback Darius Slay for tomorrow’s game at Chicago.
The Lions ruled Slay out because of a knee injury. Guard T.J. Lang is also out with a neck problem.