Johnson ‘more than ready’ for Stafford
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson is in for an eventful debut against the Lions.
Not only does quarterback Matthew Stafford have a reputation for letting it fly and taking risks down the field, he’ll be even more inclined to do so with a rookie in coverage. Johnson is planning on it.
“I would expect every quarterback to go after the rookie,” he said Tuesday. “That’s what I would do if I was a quarterback. For me, it’s just about preparing myself to be able to make plays in those positions, and if I give up plays, just keep a strong mindset to just keep pushing.”
With two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller as their top corner and 10-year veteran Buster Skrine at nickel, the Bears just need Johnson to be solid, not a star.
He certainly has the potential to do that and eventually be Fuller’s successor. Johnson had seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups in three seasons at Utah. He was the 50th pick in the draft (seventh among corners), and he already has NFL-level confidence.
“I’m more than ready,” he said.
Jason Lieser
Cards WR Hopkins agrees to $54.5M deal
Three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins agreed with the Cardinals on a twoyear, $54.5 million extension with $42.5 million guaranteed. The deal, which Hopkins negotiated himself, will keep him with the team through the 2024 season. It also has a no-trade clause and no-franchise-tag clause. The Cardinals acquired Hopkins in a surprising trade with the Texans during the offseason, sending veteran running back David Johnson to Houston.
Browns give RB Hunt two-year extension
After being suspended last season by the NFL for two physical off-field altercations, Kareem Hunt signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract extension with $8.5 million guaranteed with the Browns, who took a chance on the running back and are now committing to him for the next three seasons. Hunt served an eight-game suspension after joining Cleveland as a free agent following his release from Kansas City last season.
Broncos LB Miller likely out for season
Broncos eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller suffered an injury to a tendon in his ankle near the end of practice and is expected to need surgery that likely will end his season, according to ESPN. One person described it as a “freak” injury. Miller, 31, had 33 solo tackles and eight sacks for the Broncos last season.
Cowboys committed to DE Gregory
Defensive end Randy Gregory signed a one-year extension through 2021 with the Cowboys. Gregory, who was conditionally reinstated last week after multiple violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy, will be able to participate in workouts and meetings but not practice until Oct. 5. He is eligible to return to game action Oct. 25.
Only 1 NFL player positive in latest tests
The NFL and NFLPA say there has been just one new confirmed positive test for COVID-19 among players and seven new confirmed positives among other personnel in the latest round of testing, which covered Aug. 30 through Labor Day.
This and that
The Giants waived cornerback DeAndre Baker with the 22-year-old facing armed robbery charges relating to an incident in Florida in May.
Ron Rivera missed Washington’s first game week practice to begin treatment for a form of skin cancer. Jack Del Rio stepped in as planned.