Team news | Page 27

Bryce Young started because of Andy Dalton's sprained thumb, and after the game, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he wanted to wait a few days and gauge Dalton's ability to grip and throw a football before making any decisions on next week's starter for the home rematch against the Saints.

"We will look at all the information," Canales said when asked who would start next week. "We'll look at Andy's health over the next couple of days, and we'll make that decision, and we'll have an answer for you."

Dalton was involved in a car accident in the days leading up to the game, which kept him out of action. Young got the call and was a mix of good and bad, throwing for two TDs but also throwing two interceptions as well. He was without his best WR in Diontae Johnson as well. The Panthers host the Saints in Week 9 in what will be a favorable matchup for whoever gets the start. It does seem like Dalton's injury and his ability to grip the ball will be a big factor in the team's decision, but the Panthers may be best to see what Young can do against a struggling Saints team. It will be worth monitoring Dalton's injury status this week. The teams play an early Sunday game in Week 9.

The Jags may be even more short-handed, as stellar rookie Brian Thomas Jr. will have an MRI on his ribs to determine his status for the week, source said.

Related players: Gabe Davis, Parker Washington, Devin Duvernay, Tim Jones

Thomas wasn't able to get back on the field after putting up a line of 3-60-1 last week. The Jags are already with Christian Kirk heading into a game with the Eagles. The bit of good news is the Eagles-Jags game was flexed out of Sunday night, so owners will have a little bit more time to figure out a backup plan should Thomas come down to a game-time call. The game is now in the later Sunday window. Rib injuries can be tricky, so owners will want to monitor this all week.

Jaguars WR Christian Kirk suffered a broken collarbone during Sunday’s game against the Packers.

Kirk is expected to miss the rest of the season as a result. Kirk had become the No. 2 wide receiver behind rookie Brian Thomas. He had two catches for 59 yards in the loss. Gabe Davis also left the game with a shoulder injury so Parker Washington saw more work while the Jags involved both of their top tight ends, Evan Engram and Brenton Strange — the two combined for eight catches for 95 yards. The Jaguars visit Philadelphia next week.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said there is “obviously a high level of concern” regarding the groin injury for quarterback Jordan Love.

Love left in the middle of Green Bay’s 30-27 win over the Jaguars. He went 14-of-23 for 196 yards with an interception before leaving. He has already missed time this season with a knee injury. Malik Willis finished the game and led the drive that resulted in the game-winning field goal. The Packers host the Lions next week before their bye in Week 10.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye left Sunday’s game against the Jets as he was being evaluated for a concussion.

Head coach Jerod Mayo said after the game Maye wanted to return, “the competitor he is”, as Mayo put it, but he has to go through protocol. Jacoby Brissett came on in relief and led New England to a last-minute score and a 25-22 win. The Patriots head to Nashville next week for a date with the Titans.

The Dolphins officially activated quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from injured reserve Saturday.

The move was a formality after head coach Mike McDaniel announced Friday Tagovailoa cleared concussion protocol and will start Sunday against the Cardinals. He is still listed as questionable but is fully expected to play. The Dolphins hope Tagovailoa’s return will give them the spark they need on offense. Tim Boyle was released in a corresponding move.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins is listed as questionable for Sunday with a quad injury.
Higgins was limited in practice today and his status will be monitored through the weekend.
Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (knee) and safety Geno Stone (shin) both went full today and do not have a game status.

Related Players: Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin

If Higgins misses more time, expect Chase's target share to skyrocket, while Iosivas would once again be an interesting Flex play option.

Chris Olave has been cleared from the concussion protocol

Related Players: Bub Means, Mason Tipton, Cedrick Wilson

Olave should return to his tole as the WR1, but it still looks like Spencer Rattler will be out there, which slots him somewhere around a fantasy WR3.

Andy Reid says WR JuJu Smith Schuster (hamstring) and DE Mike Danna (pectoral) won’t play Sunday vs Raiders. Deandre Hopkins likely will play.

Related Players: Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman, Justin Watson

We would put the odds quite high that Hopkins suits up, but it's fair to question how much he'll be involved right out of the gate. He's an interesting desperation play in Week 8, but with no byes, your team would really be banking on a high-risk, moderate-reward outcome. Worthy projects as a fringe WR2/3.

Browns game status for Week 8 vs. Ravens

Wyatt Teller - questionable
Jerome Ford, Ronnie Hickman, Jordan Hicks and Jedrick Wills Jr. - out

Related Players: Nick Chubb, Pierre Strong Jr.

Chubb is set to continue taking a big piece of the backfield pie here, but it's doubtful he gets to a huge workload for another week or two. Consider him an RB3 option in Week 8.