Team news: Atlanta Falcons | Page 19

ESPN's Courtney Cronin spoke to teammates of WR Justin Jefferson about his breakout game in Week 3. In the piece, QB Kirk Cousins discussed how Jefferson earned his trust on contested throws and throws into tight windows. "There were obviously a lot of shorter throws, quick-gain throws, intermediate catches that he brought in that were not easy catches," Cousins said. "Or he made an intermediate catch and was able to turn up the sideline and run with the football for another big chunk of yards."

"It was a combination of different types of plays. He was just a consistent contributor on Sunday, and that's great to see. It's great to see the talent that he brought to the offense and that it certainly wasn't too big for him. We will try to build on that as best we can as we move forward here."

Jefferson has usurped Olabisi Johnson on the depth chart and should continue to see looks Sunday against the Houston Texans, especially if Adam Thielen is covered by CB Bradley Roby for majority of the game. Jefferson is a locked-in WR3 as long as Kirk Cousins is not throwing away games.

49ers TE Jordan Reed will miss 6-8 weeks with a sprained MCL, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Reed was injured on a low hit during their win against the New York Giants. Reed was placed on Injured Reserve.

Related players: George Kittle, Ross Dwelley

Reed has never played a full 16-game schedule in his career. 2020 is no different. If George Kittle is sidelined again, Ross Dwelley will start at tight end for the 49ers.

49ers TE George Kittle will not play Sunday against the New York Jets, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Related players: Jordan Reed, Ross Dwelley

The 49ers lose their top offensive weapon for at least Week 2. Jordan Reed or Ross Dwelley will start, and both figure to see targets from Jimmy Garappolo.

The Raiders are making some changes in their quarterback room.

Marcus Mariota, the backup quarterback who has been struggling with a strained pectoral muscle, has been placed on injured reserve. Under the NFL’s rules for the 2020 season, that means Mariota can return after three weeks.

DeShone Kizer, who spent last season with the Raiders, has been added to their practice squad. A 2017 second-round pick of the Browns, Kizer has some playing experience, both in Cleveland and in Green Bay, and could be called upon in an emergency.

Related players: Derek Carr, Nathan Peterman

Carr, of course, remains the starter but the only other healthy QB on the roster is Peterman at this point.

Congrats to @KirkCousins8 on agreeing to a 2 year extension with the @Vikings

This deal has Kirk Cousins under center for Minnesota through the 2022 season and he certainly has plenty of fantasy weapons at his disposal. John Paulsen currently has Cousins as QB18 in his early rankings.

The Vikings are leaning towards sitting QB Kirk Cousins and other offensive starters in Week 17 against the Bears.

The Vikings are locked into the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs and are already likely not playing Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison. Minnesota will be traveling to one of Seattle, New Orleans OT Green Bay, most likely one of the first two, so they want to get some rest before hitting the road. Sean Mannion would start at quarterback if Cousins sits.