College Connections: It may not quite be Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase in their LSU days that has carried over to the NFL in Cincinnati, but the Nix to Troy Franklin connection is starting to take shape. They were Batman and Robin at Oregon and have now started to click with the Broncos. Franklin caught five passes for 50 yards, which led the Broncos in each category. In his final season at Oregon, Franklin caught 81 passes from Nix for 1383 yds and 14 TDs. This is a dynamic duo.
Game Manager 101: Bo Nix led the Broncos to a win in New Orleans on Thursday. He gave his HC Sean Payton a win in his return to his former home of 15 seasons as head coach of the Saints. Nix was an efficient 16-26 for 164 passing yards and added 75 rushing yards on 10 carries. He basically did exactly what was asked of him. RB Javonte Williams did the heavy lifting, rushing the ball 14 times for 88 yards and two TDs.
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Shooting his way out of town? The Raiders just traded their most dynamic offensive weapon, sending WR Davante Adams to the Jets. Maxx Crosby has voiced his disgust. And although he hasn’t outright demanded a trade or made any threats, the outspoken defensive star has expressed his concerns. He has been quoted as saying, “I’m not here for a rebuild”. New owner Tom Brady may have to sit Crosby down and assure him that nobody wants to win more than he does. It may take some serious convincing.
Only by God’s Grace: This week, San Fransisco’s rookie WR Ricky Pearsall will be making his first NFL start after being shot before the season started. Amazingly, after only a couple of months, he has recovered from a gunshot wound to the chest. WR Juaun Jennings is out indefinitely with a hip injury, so the addition of Pearsall is timely.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 08: Malik Nabers #9 of the New York Giants runs a route during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on August 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Concussions: Arizona’s WR Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn’t been cleared yet, while Giants WR Malik Nabors has been cleared.
A Sight for Sore Eyes: Cleveland’s RB Nick Chubb left the field after a gruesome knee injury on September 23rd, 2023. It has taken over a year for him to recover from his MCL and ACL surgeries, but HC Keven Stefanski has indicated Chubb will be returning this week. His return should give the beleaguered Browns a boost, certainly on the field, and an emotional boost.
INJURIES:
Tennessee Titans-Tyjae Spears: Spears has been ruled out this week due to a hamstring issue.
Jacksonville Jaguars-Travis Etienne: Etienne is listed as questionable with a hamstring issue. The Jaguars need a win in the worst way, and not having Etienne will definitely hinder their chances.
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 04: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts-Jonathan Taylor: Taylor has been ruled out with an ankle injury. He is the spark in the Colts offense, which opens up the passing game. Without him, this week’s game against the Dolphins will be much more difficult.
Indianapolis Colts-WRs Josh Downs, Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce: With Taylor out, losing any or all of these WRs will make it even more difficult for the Colts. They are all listed as questionable; Downs is dealing with a toe issue, Pittman has a back issue, and Pierce has a shoulder injury.
Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Goedert: Goedert has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Las Vegas Raiders-Jakobi Meyers: With Davante Adams shipped off to New York, Meyers becomes the de facto no.1 WR in Las Vegas. But in game one, post-Adams, Meyers is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury.
