Week 3 Essential NFL Practice News & Notes for Thursday

Sep 24, 2015

Saints QB Drew Brees (right shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Brees has a bruised rotator cuff, but says he’s “pretty confident” that he’ll be able to play in Week 3 against the Panthers. It’s not a great spot for him, but the Saints tend to go pass-heavy when the chips are down.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. Cutler is supposed to miss at least two weeks with a bum hamstring, though the deceitful Bears are intimating that he may be able to play. We should know more when the Bears fly to Seattle. He obviously won’t play if he’s not on the plane. Jimmy Clausen will start against the Seahawks. Poor guy.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (not injury related) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. Manning will be out there against the Lions.

Browns QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. The team announced that Josh McCown will start against the Raiders.

Browns QB Josh McCown (concussion) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. The team announced that McCown will start against the Raiders.

Jets QB Geno Smith (jaw) took full practice reps again Thursday. Ryan Fitzpatrick will remain the starter.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (ribs) took full practice reps again Thursday. Stafford is expected to play, but isn’t an appealing start against a tough Broncos defense.

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. It looks like Tannehill is on track to play against the Bills. The Dolphins have gone pass-heavy in the first two weeks and are likely to do so again in Week 3.