The Broncos announced Trevor Siemian is officially their starting QB.
Preseason Week 3 injury roundup.
San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver was taken off the field on a cart late in the first half of Sunday's preseason tilt with the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers announced it was an Achilles injury for Oliver and he won't return to the game. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, via a source informed, the running back tore his Achilles and will miss the season.
The Chargers lost tight end Jeff Cumberland to an Achilles injury last week. The devastating injury could have struck twice for the Bolts.
Oliver's injury is a significant blow to the Chargers backfield depth. Melvin Gordon is the workhorse with Danny Woodhead the backup, but Oliver provided toolsy utility insurance out of the backfield. The compact back was adept both between the tackles and in the run game.
Here's some other injury news from Sunday's games:
1. Bengals wideout A.J. Green suffered a right knee injury during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. The team reported it as not serious. Running back Cedric Peerman fractured his left forearm.
2. The already thin Cardinals cornerback group took a hit when veteran Mike Jenkins went down with what appeared to be a non-contact knee injury in the first quarter against the Texans. Jenkins was carted off the field after he was injured trying to tackle wideout DeAndre Hopkins.
3. Vikings safety Antone Exum Jr. was taken to the locker room and is getting x-rays on his leg.
4. Chargers offensive tackle Joe Barksdale has an ankle injury and is questionable to return.
5. The Colts received some good injury news today, as owner Jim Irsay announced that offensive lineman Jack Mewhort (knee) will be out 2-4 weeks and won't have to undergo surgery. That is a much better result for Mewhort than what was originally feared.
6. Dolphins coach Adam Gase on center Mike Pouncey's hip injury: "It's going to be week to week."
7. Rookie wideout Devin Fuller (shoulder) will be out for this week's upcoming game and could even need surgery, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
8. Falcons wideout Julio Jones (ankle) did not participate during Sunday's practice, the team announced.
9. Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon has an MCL injury that is expected to keep him out for roughly weeks, NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported.
10. Rams wideout Pharoh Cooper could miss the season opener due to a shoulder injury, Jeff Fisher told reporters.
San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver was taken off the field on a cart late in the first half of Sunday's preseason tilt with the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers announced it was an Achilles injury for Oliver and he won't return to the game. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, via a source informed, the running back tore his Achilles and will miss the season.
The Chargers lost tight end Jeff Cumberland to an Achilles injury last week. The devastating injury could have struck twice for the Bolts.
Oliver's injury is a significant blow to the Chargers backfield depth. Melvin Gordon is the workhorse with Danny Woodhead the backup, but Oliver provided toolsy utility insurance out of the backfield. The compact back was adept both between the tackles and in the run game.
Here's some other injury news from Sunday's games:
1. Bengals wideout A.J. Green suffered a right knee injury during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. The team reported it as not serious. Running back Cedric Peerman fractured his left forearm.
2. The already thin Cardinals cornerback group took a hit when veteran Mike Jenkins went down with what appeared to be a non-contact knee injury in the first quarter against the Texans. Jenkins was carted off the field after he was injured trying to tackle wideout DeAndre Hopkins.
3. Vikings safety Antone Exum Jr. was taken to the locker room and is getting x-rays on his leg.
4. Chargers offensive tackle Joe Barksdale has an ankle injury and is questionable to return.
5. The Colts received some good injury news today, as owner Jim Irsay announced that offensive lineman Jack Mewhort (knee) will be out 2-4 weeks and won't have to undergo surgery. That is a much better result for Mewhort than what was originally feared.
6. Dolphins coach Adam Gase on center Mike Pouncey's hip injury: "It's going to be week to week."
7. Rookie wideout Devin Fuller (shoulder) will be out for this week's upcoming game and could even need surgery, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
8. Falcons wideout Julio Jones (ankle) did not participate during Sunday's practice, the team announced.
9. Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon has an MCL injury that is expected to keep him out for roughly weeks, NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported.
10. Rams wideout Pharoh Cooper could miss the season opener due to a shoulder injury, Jeff Fisher told reporters.
Bill Belichick on releasing veteran DT Terrance Knighton: "Just didn't work out. He came in, worked hard, lost weight, got in good condition, tried to do the things we asked him to do. Just other people ahead of him."
The Lions are releasing veteran OL Geoff Schwartz. Schwartz tweeted about his departure this morning, something first reported by the Detroit Free Press. Schwartz was signed before the draft and then the Lions drafted two interior linemen.
Ravens RB Buck Allen and C Jeremy Zuttah are new absences at Monday's practice. TE Dennis Pitta, TE Maxx Williams, NT Brandon Williams, G John Urschel, S Lardarius Webb, S Kendrick Lewis, CB Jerraud Powers and LB Za'Darius Smith all remain out.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy on going forward with Tim Masthay as his punter: "Tim Mathay's in the driver's seat. It's important for him to have a good week of practice and perform in Kansas City just like everybody. We have a great history with Tim here." Meanwhile, McCarthy praised rookie Peter Mortell for "definitely pushing the envelope for competition."
WR Marquise Goodwin and S Aaron Williams, who remain in the concussion protocol, are practicing Monday for the Bills. Not spotted: LB David Hawthorne, OT Seantrel Henderson, RB Mike Gillislee, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, RB Jonathan Williams, CB Kevon Seymour.
Matt Ryan threw a career-high 4 INT in the red zone last season, which was the same number he threw over the previous THREE seasons
Chargers sign Joey Bosa to four-year contract.
Joey Bosa at long last -- is under contract. The Chargers announced Monday that they finally have signed the elusive first-round defensive end to a four-year contract.
The deal ends one of the more nettlesome and controversial rookie holdouts in recent league history after Bosa, the former Ohio State star, and the team were deadlocked on how guarantees in his contract would be distributed.
The nitty-gritty details have yet to be announced, but NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Bosa inked a four-year, $25.8 million deal, per a source. The fully guaranteed pact comes with a $17 million signing bonus, per Rapoport, the largest upfront bonus installment in Chargers history for a veteran or rookie.
"I am very relieved. I knew it was going to get done. I was just surprised how long it took," Bosa told reporters Monday. "I really left it mostly to my agents. That's why I trust them. We just wanted what's fair and what people in my position have gotten through the last five, six years. We came to a fair deal. There's no animosity between any of us, me towards them or them towards me."
"We look forward to having Joey join us and getting him prepared as quickly as possible for the 2016 season," Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a statement released by the club -- a statement far less incendiary than the contentious, detail-filled missive the Bolts released a week ago describing their dealings with the rookie.
The late-August signing leaves Bosa under the gun to develop in a hurry. After missing all of training camp and three preseason games, the third-overall pick is no guarantee to make an immediate impact in San Diego.
"Of course I'd loved to be out here with my teammates. NFL is a business and like I said I'm happy it's over with," said Bosa. "We'll see when he's ready to go. We're not going to put a timetable on it," head coach Mike McCoy told reporters Monday.
"We'll get him up to speed as quickly as we can. ... It's a matter of just getting used to playing in pads with his teammates."
The hope, though, is that he can help the team this season, channeling the disruptive play that helped the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder notch 26 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, 50.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles over 41 games with the Buckeyes.
Bosa's holdout triggered bad blood from both sides while bubbling into a nasty public-relations mess for the Chargers. With their first-round prize finally on the roster, it's time for everyone to bury the hatchet and prepare the newbie pass-rusher for the season ahead.
Joey Bosa at long last -- is under contract. The Chargers announced Monday that they finally have signed the elusive first-round defensive end to a four-year contract.
The deal ends one of the more nettlesome and controversial rookie holdouts in recent league history after Bosa, the former Ohio State star, and the team were deadlocked on how guarantees in his contract would be distributed.
The nitty-gritty details have yet to be announced, but NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Bosa inked a four-year, $25.8 million deal, per a source. The fully guaranteed pact comes with a $17 million signing bonus, per Rapoport, the largest upfront bonus installment in Chargers history for a veteran or rookie.
"I am very relieved. I knew it was going to get done. I was just surprised how long it took," Bosa told reporters Monday. "I really left it mostly to my agents. That's why I trust them. We just wanted what's fair and what people in my position have gotten through the last five, six years. We came to a fair deal. There's no animosity between any of us, me towards them or them towards me."
"We look forward to having Joey join us and getting him prepared as quickly as possible for the 2016 season," Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a statement released by the club -- a statement far less incendiary than the contentious, detail-filled missive the Bolts released a week ago describing their dealings with the rookie.
The late-August signing leaves Bosa under the gun to develop in a hurry. After missing all of training camp and three preseason games, the third-overall pick is no guarantee to make an immediate impact in San Diego.
"Of course I'd loved to be out here with my teammates. NFL is a business and like I said I'm happy it's over with," said Bosa. "We'll see when he's ready to go. We're not going to put a timetable on it," head coach Mike McCoy told reporters Monday.
"We'll get him up to speed as quickly as we can. ... It's a matter of just getting used to playing in pads with his teammates."
The hope, though, is that he can help the team this season, channeling the disruptive play that helped the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder notch 26 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, 50.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles over 41 games with the Buckeyes.
Bosa's holdout triggered bad blood from both sides while bubbling into a nasty public-relations mess for the Chargers. With their first-round prize finally on the roster, it's time for everyone to bury the hatchet and prepare the newbie pass-rusher for the season ahead.
Seahawks cut defensive back Brandon Browner.
Brandon Browner's return to Seattle will end up being short lived.
The Seahawks are cutting the veteran cornerback, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Browner rejoined the Seahawks as a "hybrid safety" after spending 2015 in New Orleans, where he played through a torn MCL and wore out his welcome over the 16-game season, serving as one of the least effective corners in all of football.
Browner became the most-penalized player over a single season in NFL history, thanks to a bevy of defensive holding calls.
Browner spent 2014 in New England, playing in nine games and winning a ring as part of the Patriots' Super Bowl XLIV championship team.
The 32-year-old Browner apparently struggled to reclaim his prior form even when returning to a familiar place in Seattle, where he once played as a dominant corner opposite Richard Sherman in the original incarnation of the Legion of Boom.
Brandon Browner's return to Seattle will end up being short lived.
The Seahawks are cutting the veteran cornerback, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Browner rejoined the Seahawks as a "hybrid safety" after spending 2015 in New Orleans, where he played through a torn MCL and wore out his welcome over the 16-game season, serving as one of the least effective corners in all of football.
Browner became the most-penalized player over a single season in NFL history, thanks to a bevy of defensive holding calls.
Browner spent 2014 in New England, playing in nine games and winning a ring as part of the Patriots' Super Bowl XLIV championship team.
The 32-year-old Browner apparently struggled to reclaim his prior form even when returning to a familiar place in Seattle, where he once played as a dominant corner opposite Richard Sherman in the original incarnation of the Legion of Boom.
Osweiler: Will Fuller 'a very special football player'.
Houston has found help for DeAndre Hopkins.
If the preseason is any indication, the Texans have big plans for deep-threat Will Fuller, the ultra-fast first-rounder who now has touchdowns in back-to-back preseason tilts.
The former Notre Dame star hauled in three catches for 67 yards against the Cardinals, including a 26-yard touchdown that saw the rookie beat Arizona cover man Justin Bethel in coverage. Fuller also committed a bad drop, but his knack for explosive plays -- he fried the Saints last week for 73 yards and a score -- has turned quarterback Brock Osweiler into a believer.
"Will's a very special football player," Osweiler said, per the team's official website. "What people really need to know about him -- obviously everybody knows about his speed, they saw him all last season, they saw him at the combine -- but it's his work ethic. That's what really makes him special. He comes in every single day, he works extremely hard, studies hard and practices hard. We expect big things out of Will this season."
Fuller's reputation for drops has followed him to the NFL, but the Texans clearly plan to feature him in their Osweiler-led air attack. His presence demands defensive attention and opens up new opportunities for Hopkins and third-rounder Braxton Miller.
Houston's pass-catching depth was an issue last year, but coach Bill O'Brien now has a versatile selection of weapons to unleash on opponents. If August is any indication, Fuller will see his share of targets and should emerge as an impact rookie in the AFC South.
Houston has found help for DeAndre Hopkins.
If the preseason is any indication, the Texans have big plans for deep-threat Will Fuller, the ultra-fast first-rounder who now has touchdowns in back-to-back preseason tilts.
The former Notre Dame star hauled in three catches for 67 yards against the Cardinals, including a 26-yard touchdown that saw the rookie beat Arizona cover man Justin Bethel in coverage. Fuller also committed a bad drop, but his knack for explosive plays -- he fried the Saints last week for 73 yards and a score -- has turned quarterback Brock Osweiler into a believer.
"Will's a very special football player," Osweiler said, per the team's official website. "What people really need to know about him -- obviously everybody knows about his speed, they saw him all last season, they saw him at the combine -- but it's his work ethic. That's what really makes him special. He comes in every single day, he works extremely hard, studies hard and practices hard. We expect big things out of Will this season."
Fuller's reputation for drops has followed him to the NFL, but the Texans clearly plan to feature him in their Osweiler-led air attack. His presence demands defensive attention and opens up new opportunities for Hopkins and third-rounder Braxton Miller.
Houston's pass-catching depth was an issue last year, but coach Bill O'Brien now has a versatile selection of weapons to unleash on opponents. If August is any indication, Fuller will see his share of targets and should emerge as an impact rookie in the AFC South.
Broncos shopping Mark Sanchez to Dallas Cowboys.
The Broncos are shopping veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez, with the Cowboys as an obvious target.
Denver has contacted Dallas to gauge interest in a trade for Sanchez, NFL Media's Jane Slater reported, via a source informed of the talks.
While the Cowboys are in the market for a veteran quarterback to back up rookie Dak Prescott with Tony Romo sidelined for two months, they are not interested in Sanchez at his current $4.5 million salary, per Slater.
Now that Trevor Siemian has won the Broncos' starting job, Sanchez has been rendered expendable. General manager John Elway is shopping the veteran quarterback around the league, hoping to collect a late-round draft pick rather than releasing Sanchez outright.
The Cowboys are unlikely to bite barring a Sanchez salary reduction and favorable conditions on the potential compensation of a late-round draft pick.
The Broncos are shopping veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez, with the Cowboys as an obvious target.
Denver has contacted Dallas to gauge interest in a trade for Sanchez, NFL Media's Jane Slater reported, via a source informed of the talks.
While the Cowboys are in the market for a veteran quarterback to back up rookie Dak Prescott with Tony Romo sidelined for two months, they are not interested in Sanchez at his current $4.5 million salary, per Slater.
Now that Trevor Siemian has won the Broncos' starting job, Sanchez has been rendered expendable. General manager John Elway is shopping the veteran quarterback around the league, hoping to collect a late-round draft pick rather than releasing Sanchez outright.
The Cowboys are unlikely to bite barring a Sanchez salary reduction and favorable conditions on the potential compensation of a late-round draft pick.
AFC North primer: Steelers poised for Super season.
Most significant changes from 2015
Standing out as perhaps the league's most consistent division over the past half-decade, the AFC North -- beyond a constantly churning Browns franchise -- marches into this season with plenty of familiar faces. The Steelers, Bengals and Ravens all have retained their longtime head coaches and starting quarterbacks. Cleveland, meanwhile, is starting over again with offensive-minded coach Hue Jackson angling to turn Robert Griffin III back into a starting quarterback. The Browns will continue to face growing pains in a division armed with two Super Bowl contenders and a Ravens club that wouldn't shock anyone if it returned to the playoffs.
Pittsburgh's high-ceiling offense will go through 2016 without the services of suspended wideout Martavis Bryant, while all-world running back Le'Veon Bell will serve a three-game ban to start the year. The latter looked good running and cutting in last weekend's long-awaited return to the field. In Cincinnati, losing Hue Jackson as the team's offensive coordinator puts Andy Dalton back in the spotlight. Can he still play at the MVP level he operated at for much of last season? Can Bengals rookie wideout Tyler Boyd make up for the loss of Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu? The Ravens have put last year's injury-plagued disaster behind them, but Baltimore's roster can't match what the balanced Steelers and Bengals bring to the table.
One player to watch from each team
Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, left tackle. Baltimore must keep Joe Flacco upright this season, which puts plenty of pressure on his rookie blind-side protector to shine right away. While we're on the subject of Flacco assistance ... Can Mike Wallace finally give the Ravens the deep threat they've missed since Torrey Smith exited stage left for San Francisco? We have our doubts.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Boyd, wide receiver. For the Bengals, much of Dalton's success will depend on how three pass catchers -- veterans Brandon LaFell and Brandon Tate, as well as the rookie Boyd -- make up for the loss of Jones and Sanu. This is especially critical with tight end Tyler Eifert (ankle) not expected back until Week 4 at the earliest.
Cleveland Browns: Corey Coleman, wide receiver. The rookie has dazzling potential and could make waves in 2016 alongside Josh Gordon and Terrelle Pryor. Still, there are so many new faces in Cleveland, it's impossible to pick just one. On defense, keep an eye on high-motor pass rusher Carl Nassib, another promising first-year player. The offensive line, though, could be this squad's fierce undoing.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Shazier, inside linebacker. A healthy Steelers offense can still blister teams with yardage and points, but let's focus on defense: Shazier needs to pick up where he left off last season, playing the best football of his young career alongside fellow inside 'backer Lawrence Timmons. With Pittsburgh's secondary still a major question, Shazier is the most important figure on this side of the ball.
What we'll be talking about at season's end
Can someone please start carving Ben Roethlisberger's Hall of Fame bust? After Big Ben dials up his third Super Bowl win since 2004, it will be time to acknowledge Roethlisberger for what he is: One of the finest quarterbacks of our lifetime. The Steelers remain the class of this division and, in 2016, they'll be much more than AFC North champions, thanks to their massive-framed, strong-armed leading man.
Most significant changes from 2015
Standing out as perhaps the league's most consistent division over the past half-decade, the AFC North -- beyond a constantly churning Browns franchise -- marches into this season with plenty of familiar faces. The Steelers, Bengals and Ravens all have retained their longtime head coaches and starting quarterbacks. Cleveland, meanwhile, is starting over again with offensive-minded coach Hue Jackson angling to turn Robert Griffin III back into a starting quarterback. The Browns will continue to face growing pains in a division armed with two Super Bowl contenders and a Ravens club that wouldn't shock anyone if it returned to the playoffs.
Pittsburgh's high-ceiling offense will go through 2016 without the services of suspended wideout Martavis Bryant, while all-world running back Le'Veon Bell will serve a three-game ban to start the year. The latter looked good running and cutting in last weekend's long-awaited return to the field. In Cincinnati, losing Hue Jackson as the team's offensive coordinator puts Andy Dalton back in the spotlight. Can he still play at the MVP level he operated at for much of last season? Can Bengals rookie wideout Tyler Boyd make up for the loss of Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu? The Ravens have put last year's injury-plagued disaster behind them, but Baltimore's roster can't match what the balanced Steelers and Bengals bring to the table.
One player to watch from each team
Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, left tackle. Baltimore must keep Joe Flacco upright this season, which puts plenty of pressure on his rookie blind-side protector to shine right away. While we're on the subject of Flacco assistance ... Can Mike Wallace finally give the Ravens the deep threat they've missed since Torrey Smith exited stage left for San Francisco? We have our doubts.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Boyd, wide receiver. For the Bengals, much of Dalton's success will depend on how three pass catchers -- veterans Brandon LaFell and Brandon Tate, as well as the rookie Boyd -- make up for the loss of Jones and Sanu. This is especially critical with tight end Tyler Eifert (ankle) not expected back until Week 4 at the earliest.
Cleveland Browns: Corey Coleman, wide receiver. The rookie has dazzling potential and could make waves in 2016 alongside Josh Gordon and Terrelle Pryor. Still, there are so many new faces in Cleveland, it's impossible to pick just one. On defense, keep an eye on high-motor pass rusher Carl Nassib, another promising first-year player. The offensive line, though, could be this squad's fierce undoing.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Shazier, inside linebacker. A healthy Steelers offense can still blister teams with yardage and points, but let's focus on defense: Shazier needs to pick up where he left off last season, playing the best football of his young career alongside fellow inside 'backer Lawrence Timmons. With Pittsburgh's secondary still a major question, Shazier is the most important figure on this side of the ball.
What we'll be talking about at season's end
Can someone please start carving Ben Roethlisberger's Hall of Fame bust? After Big Ben dials up his third Super Bowl win since 2004, it will be time to acknowledge Roethlisberger for what he is: One of the finest quarterbacks of our lifetime. The Steelers remain the class of this division and, in 2016, they'll be much more than AFC North champions, thanks to their massive-framed, strong-armed leading man.
Jordan Matthews (knee) returns to practice field.
Jordan Matthews is on track for Week 1.
The Philadelphia Eagles' No. 1 receiver has insisted he'll be back by the regular season opener, despite sitting out all of preseason due to a knee injury.
On Monday, Matthews will return to the practice field, coach Doug Pederson said.
Getting Matthews back to practice a week before the season is a positive sign for the Eagles and quarterback Sam Bradford.
There are a ton of questions at the receiver position for Philly heading into the regular season. Matthews is the only proven commodity of the group and he works best out of the slot. After the team jettisoned veterans Rueben Randle and Chris Givens on Sunday, it's clear former first-round pick Nelson Agholor will get a chance to prove he deserves to keep a big role on the outside. Josh Huff should also start opposite Agholor. Recently acquired Dorial Green-Beckham will be used as a red-zone target early, with a chance to earn more snaps as the season progresses.
Other injury notes we are tracking Monday:
1. Pederson said rookie quarterback Carson Wentz is still dealing with a rib issue. One of Wentz's injured ribs is fully healed, but another remains just 60 percent. Pederson said Wentz won't play in the final preseason game if he's not fully healed by Thursday, and Wentz on Monday told NFL Media's Mike Garafolo that the rib remains sore and he won't play in the preseason finale.
"I was obviously hoping for more time in the preseason but it is what it is," Wentz said. "I'm still trying to learn as much as I can and be ready for Cleveland."
The Eagles will be cautious with their investment -- why stick him out there with a backup offensive line? Given that he's missed the majority of the preseason, it seems unlikely we'll see Wentz at all this season.
"Where we are this late in the preseason, it obviously hurts from a young quarterback standpoint to fully grasp his position," Pederson said. "But (I like) what I see in the classroom and out here (on the field), what he understands and knows. The situation with Sam (Bradford) and Chase (Daniel) and him as the third, it doesn't concern me as much."
2. The Patriots' offensive line received good news with the return of guard Jonathan Cooper to practice. Cooper battled a plantar fascia issue early during camp.
3. The Ravens are expecting two of their tight ends to return to practice after the preseason concludes Thursday night, saying Dennis Pitta (finger) will be back before Week 1 and Maxx Williams will return shortly after Thursday. Baltimore is also hoping wide receiver Breshad Perriman will play Thursday. Coach John Harbaugh said Perriman will participate if he gets approval from the medical team.
4. Bears guard Kyle Long (shoulder) and linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) did not practice Monday. Tight end Zach Miller and wide receiver Eddie Royal were cleared from the concussion protocol and returned to practice.
5. Redskins coach Jay Gruden confirmed that running back Keith Marshall (elbow) will be out for three weeks. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (groin) is day to day. Running back Matt Jones (shoulder) is progressing nicely.
6. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians told reporters cornerback Mike Jenkins suffered a torn ACL.
7. Falcons safety Keanu Neal had surgery to repair damage in his knee on Monday, and the operation went well, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Jordan Matthews is on track for Week 1.
The Philadelphia Eagles' No. 1 receiver has insisted he'll be back by the regular season opener, despite sitting out all of preseason due to a knee injury.
On Monday, Matthews will return to the practice field, coach Doug Pederson said.
Getting Matthews back to practice a week before the season is a positive sign for the Eagles and quarterback Sam Bradford.
There are a ton of questions at the receiver position for Philly heading into the regular season. Matthews is the only proven commodity of the group and he works best out of the slot. After the team jettisoned veterans Rueben Randle and Chris Givens on Sunday, it's clear former first-round pick Nelson Agholor will get a chance to prove he deserves to keep a big role on the outside. Josh Huff should also start opposite Agholor. Recently acquired Dorial Green-Beckham will be used as a red-zone target early, with a chance to earn more snaps as the season progresses.
Other injury notes we are tracking Monday:
1. Pederson said rookie quarterback Carson Wentz is still dealing with a rib issue. One of Wentz's injured ribs is fully healed, but another remains just 60 percent. Pederson said Wentz won't play in the final preseason game if he's not fully healed by Thursday, and Wentz on Monday told NFL Media's Mike Garafolo that the rib remains sore and he won't play in the preseason finale.
"I was obviously hoping for more time in the preseason but it is what it is," Wentz said. "I'm still trying to learn as much as I can and be ready for Cleveland."
The Eagles will be cautious with their investment -- why stick him out there with a backup offensive line? Given that he's missed the majority of the preseason, it seems unlikely we'll see Wentz at all this season.
"Where we are this late in the preseason, it obviously hurts from a young quarterback standpoint to fully grasp his position," Pederson said. "But (I like) what I see in the classroom and out here (on the field), what he understands and knows. The situation with Sam (Bradford) and Chase (Daniel) and him as the third, it doesn't concern me as much."
2. The Patriots' offensive line received good news with the return of guard Jonathan Cooper to practice. Cooper battled a plantar fascia issue early during camp.
3. The Ravens are expecting two of their tight ends to return to practice after the preseason concludes Thursday night, saying Dennis Pitta (finger) will be back before Week 1 and Maxx Williams will return shortly after Thursday. Baltimore is also hoping wide receiver Breshad Perriman will play Thursday. Coach John Harbaugh said Perriman will participate if he gets approval from the medical team.
4. Bears guard Kyle Long (shoulder) and linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) did not practice Monday. Tight end Zach Miller and wide receiver Eddie Royal were cleared from the concussion protocol and returned to practice.
5. Redskins coach Jay Gruden confirmed that running back Keith Marshall (elbow) will be out for three weeks. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (groin) is day to day. Running back Matt Jones (shoulder) is progressing nicely.
6. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians told reporters cornerback Mike Jenkins suffered a torn ACL.
7. Falcons safety Keanu Neal had surgery to repair damage in his knee on Monday, and the operation went well, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Sounds like Packers receiver Jeff Janis will practice with the club cast again today. "We want to gather information on him playing with it," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "Just give Jeff a chance to compete and there's still some things he can do."
Panthers Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short is not at practice again. Coach Ron Rivera said on Monday that Short was "sore" from Friday's preseason game against New England. If Short doesn't practice today it will be three straight he has missed. The first two Carolina was installing the game plan for the Sept.8 opener at Denver.
Ravens CB Shareece Wright and LB Elvis Dumervil are new absences at Tuesday's practice. Ravens CB Lardarius Webb, RB Buck Allen and C Jeremy Zuttah returned to practice. TE Dennis Pitta, TE Maxx Williams, NT Brandon Williams, G John Urschel, S Kendrick Lewis, CB Jerraud Powers and LB Za'Darius Smith all remain out.
Jason Garrett said Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee is dealing with a knee injury but the team doesn't believe it is something that will keep him out of the season opener. Lee had an MRI on Monday and has not practiced since playing vs. Seattle.
Rex Ryan will not inform players who are being cut today as part of 75-man cutdown until after practice. "For no better term, we're gonna use this -- we can practice today -- I guess we'll use guys as cannon fodder, if you will," he said. "But that's not really the case. I mean, it is the case, but it's also, if there is an injury or something like that, then you have your whole roster to choose from. But obviously we have a plan in place for letting guys go."
Redskins rookie receiver Josh Doctson is working off to the side today as his teammates practice. Coach Jay Gruden is throwing passes to him. Doctson continues to make progress from his Achilles' tendon injury and a tweet he sent Monday implied he was returning to practice. The Redskins remain optimistic about his availability for the season opener.
