Ravens Prepare for Thursday Without Lamar Jackson, Add Jacoby Brissett
The Baltimore Ravens are finalizing a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for quarterback Jacoby Brissett, according to ESPN. Brissett will not be available for Thursday night’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving the Ravens to turn to Joe Fagnano at quarterback.
Fagnano’s expected start comes with Lamar Jackson sidelined by his latest injury. The circumstances have put Baltimore’s quarterback situation under scrutiny, but speculation about Jackson’s long-term future remains just that; the available reporting does not indicate that the team expects him to leave. NFL.com’s report on Fagnano previews the unusual assignment, while the Brissett trade would add an experienced option after Thursday’s game.
Jalen Hurts Visits Eagles Facility While on Injured Reserve
Jalen Hurts appeared at the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice facility Wednesday, the first time some teammates had seen him since he was placed on injured reserve because of blood clots in his lungs, according to ESPN. He attended team and other meetings but did not address the players, according to the report.
Hurts’ visit offered a chance for teammates to see him during his absence, but it does not change his injured-reserve status. The supplied reporting provides no updated timetable for his return.
Several Teams Face Significant Injury Questions
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is dealing with a quad injury and a cracked rib, according to a report attributing the information to head coach Mike Macdonald. The post says Darnold is expected to miss at least this week; the rib injury reportedly occurred on Seattle’s opening offensive series in Monday’s game.
The Chicago Bears will be without offensive tackle Braxton Jones for the rest of the season after he underwent knee surgery, head coach Ben Johnson said, per NFL.com. The Los Angeles Rams also lost cornerback Jaylen Watson for the season: coach Sean McVay said Watson is expected to have shoulder surgery.
In San Francisco, Christian McCaffrey said he feels great after a hamstring injury but did not practice Wednesday. Nick Bosa is eyeing a return, though the available report does not provide a specific timetable. Those updates were included in NFL.com’s coverage.
Brandon Aiyuk Seeks Reinstatement With 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk has submitted paperwork seeking reinstatement and is expected to report to the San Francisco 49ers’ training facility Friday, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Aiyuk is currently on the reserve/left squad list, so the paperwork and planned report do not, by themselves, confirm that he has been reinstated or will immediately rejoin the active roster.
Josh Jacobs Addresses Allegations, Says He Does Not Expect to Miss Time
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said he does not anticipate missing additional time amid further allegations made about him, according to ESPN. Jacobs described some claims as false. ESPN also reported that he pleaded no contest to battery of a woman earlier this year; the supplied reports do not detail the additional allegations or indicate that the NFL has announced disciplinary action.
Robert Kraft Recovering From Back Surgery
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is recovering from back surgery and said the procedure will keep him from attending Rob Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction Saturday, according to ESPN. Kraft joked that he would be on “injured reserve” during his recovery. No further details about his recovery timeline were included.
Colts Coach Says Jonathan Taylor’s Workload Is Not Limited
Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen said he is not restricting running back Jonathan Taylor’s workload amid trade speculation. “He wants to go win this game,” Steichen said, according to NFL.com. The comments address Taylor’s use on the field; the supplied report does not describe a trade agreement or confirm that Indianapolis is moving him.