NFL monitoring Charlotte protests
Thomas Davis said that the Carolina Panthers’ game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at Charlotte, N.C., should “absolutely” be played as scheduled, even with the city under a state of emergency because of violent protests over a police shooting.
The All-Pro linebacker said that football has a unique way of bringing people together and believes the game is something the community needs.
“If you take this game away,” Davis said Thursday, “I think it is going to just continue to add to the stress and add to what is already going on in a negative way.”
Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency in Charlotte on Wednesday night and has sent the National Guard and state troopers in to help restore peace after two nights of looting and rioting .
The NFL said its plans are for the game to be played as scheduled, although it will continue to monitor the ongoing protests that have gripped Charlotte.
Barkley promoted
The Chicago Bears promoted former USC quarterback Matt Barkley from the practice squad to their 53man roster, a transaction that seems to shed additional light on Jay Cutler’s status for Week 3.
Cutler left Monday night’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles because of a sprained thumb and was unable to practice Wednesday as the Bears began preparations for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
On Thursday, Alshon Jeffery sat out practice because of a knee injury, meaning the Bears also could be without their No. 1 wide receiver in the game at Dallas.
Etc.
Adrian Peterson underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee, the Vikings announced, and no additional issues were found. It’s not clear whether the Vikings’ all-time leading rusher will return this season. The team has held off putting him on injured reserve and gave no update on his expected return. Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, leaving his availability in question for the immediate future. Floyd sat out four games last season after a similar procedure on his left knee . ... Rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman of the Cleveland Browns, injured Wednesday in practice, will be sidelined for at least one month because of a broken right hand but will not require surgery . ... Outside linebacker O’Brien Schofield, who started 10 games with the Atlanta Falcons last season, re-signed with the team and said that he would be ready to play Monday night at New Orleans . ... Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson is expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, one week after suffering a mild concussion . ... The New York Jets waived fullback Julian Howsare, who surprisingly beat out veteran Tommy Bohanon in training camp. The move left the Jets without a fullback on their roster.