Patriots and Saints start the week with lengthy injury reports
The first month of the NFL season has clearly taken a physical toll on both the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints. Ahead of their Week 5 matchup on Sunday, both teams turned in lengthy injury reports following their first practice of the week on Wednesday.
In total, the Patriots have 12 players listed on their side of the report. Of those 12, seven are new additions from last week.
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—J.C. Jackson is back with the Patriots
—Three players designated to return from IR/PUP
—Christian Gonzalez’s season is likely over
Those seven included the two non-participants from Wednesday, cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) and linebacker Matthew Judon (elbow). This doesn’t come as a surprise as both have reportedly underwent surgery that is supposed to keep them out for months, if not the remainder of the season.
10 players were listed as limited on Wednesday. That group includes the three players that were designated to return from IR or PUP – offensive lineman Riley Reiff (knee), defensive lineman Trey Flowers (foot), and special teamer Cody Davis (knee). For Flowers, his listing is notable because he was placed on PUP shortly after signing in August, without his injury being clarified. This is the first time it has been classified as a foot issue.
The other new additions to the report on Wednesday are running backs Rhamondre Stevenson (thigh) and Ty Montgomery (illness). Guard Cole Strange (knee), defensive linemen Christian Barmore (knee) and Davon Godchaux (ankle), and cornerbacks Jonathan Jones (ankle) and Shaun Wade (shoulder) were all limited, as was the case last week.
Meanwhile, New Orleans had 11 players listed on the injury report. Six of those players didn’t practice, mostly starters. That group is made up of tight ends Juwan Johnson (calf) and Jimmy Graham (rest), offensive linemen Andrus Peat (concussion) and Ryan Ramczyk (rest/foot), defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (illness), and safety Lonnie Johnson (hamstring).
Three players were limited including quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder). Carr suffered a sprained AC joint in his right (throwing) shoulder two weeks ago, but still played last week, completing 23 of his 37 passes for 137 yards in the Saints’ 26-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Saints head coach Dennis Allen told reporters that Carr did throw during Wednesday’s practice, despite being limited.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
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The top-10 quarterbacks in the NFL ... right now
There are many top-10 quarterback lists on the internet. We at the Joe Murray show give you the top-10 quarterbacks in the NFL…..right now.
1. Tua Tagovailoa
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Tua has been the best quarterback this season, in my opinion. I know he has Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but I don’t hold that against him. Tua is the key to the success of the already stacked Miami Dolphins offense.
His quick decision-making and sometimes even quicker release make him the best quarterback in the league this season. If he can stay healthy, I expect he will stay at the top of this list every week.
2. Josh Allen
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Allen is right behind Tua. After getting off to a slow start in week one, he’s had an incredible season so far. Allen’s quick footwork and his ability to turn broken plays into positive ones separate him from most QBs in the league. While he still has some turnover issues, I expect him to battle for the top spot with Tua all year.
3. Lamar Jackson
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Lamar Jackson comes in at No. 3 on this list and, to me, right now he could be the league’s MVP. Even though the Ravens’ roster seems depleted by injuries yet again, Jackson continues to find ways to win with his arm and his legs.
Dragging his team to victory each week, Jackson continues to prove he is as dynamic as any player in the NFL. I expect Jackson to be in the MVP race all season and the Ravens to be a tough out in the playoffs.
4. Patrick Mahomes
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Yes, Patrick Mahomes is No. 4. Some of this may be due to Mahomes fatigue, or the fact that his only real offensive threat is Travis Kelce, but he has also made some uncharacteristic mistakes turning the ball over this season. I still think Mahomes can be the best QB in the world and if you were starting a franchise today you’d be silly not to take him No. 1.
However, if we’re just going based off the first four games of the season, I think it’s fair to say he hasn’t been quite as sharp as he has been in the past.
5. Justin Herbert
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Justin Herbert is one of the more polarizing QBs in the league, as the Internet seems to have a love-hate relationship with him. One side considers him one of the great young QBs, and the other side points to his win-loss record and lack of big game moments.
I tend to lean toward the view that Herbert is slightly overrated, but when you look at his numbers and watch the games, it’s clear that his coaching staff is letting him down. Losing Austin Ekeler for a couple weeks certainly didn’t help either, as Herbert and the offense struggled to close out games and find the red zone when they needed it most.
I don’t think the Chargers have the roster to make a late season push, but Herbert has potential if he gets a real coach and defense to rack up those big wins.
6. Jared Goff
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Goff has been one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL for the last calendar year. Bringing the Lions back to relevancy is no easy task, and Goff and Dan Campbell have done more than that.
The Lions look to be the favorite in the NFC North right now. Goff still has some questionable decision-making, but he seemed to limit it enough where his big plays outweigh the bad decisions. If Goff can keep things simple and continue to play within the system, get the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown and their other weapons, the Lions have a real chance to win the NFC North, and maybe even make some noise in the playoffs.
7. Baker Mayfield
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Mayfield is one of the more surprising names on the list, but if you’ve watched him play at all this year it shouldn’t be too surprising. Mayfield’s gotten back to his roots of being a quick decision-maker and letting his playmakers do most of the work.
No one really knew what to expect out of the Buccaneers this season, but with Mayfield at the helm of a weak NFC South, they have a chance to make a run at the top of the division. I don’t expect the Buccaneers to make any noise in the playoffs, but if Mayfield continues to play well, they’ll be a hard team to beat late in the season.
8. C.J. Stroud
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Stroud is probably the most surprising name on the list going into this season, but Stroud has been absolutely tremendous in his rookie campaign. Stroud has yet to throw an interception in the NFL and he looks like an absolute monster in the red zone.
The Texans are in a rebuilding year, but Stroud certainly seems to be speeding up the process. In another weak division, the Texans could be right back on top of the AFC South with only a few small moves, especially if the Jaguars continue to struggle.
9. Jalen Hurts
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I’m having a tough time with Jalen Hurts. Last season, I thought he was a top 3-5 QB in the league and he dominated with his arm and legs. This season, he doesn’t seem to be reaching the same level.
Hurts could have been as high as No. 6 on this list, but I think the QBs in front of him have had more impressive seasons, and some with far less talent around them. Overall, the Eagles offense has still been very good, but not quite as in sync as it was last year. Hurts is a dynamic player who already has 5 throwing and 3 rushing touchdowns.
He’s what makes the Eagles offense go, and I expect them to figure things out as the season goes on.
10. Kirk Cousins
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I think Kirk Cousins is a perfectly average quarterback in the NFL. He doesn’t win a ton of games, but he’s also not going lose too many games.
Listing him as a top 10 quarterback feels high, but watching him play so far (even though I saw him throw one of the worst interceptions I’ve ever seen this season) and looking at his numbers, he deserves the spot. Not only does he currently lead the league in touchdowns, but he and Justin Jefferson are one of the most deadly offensive duos.
Cousins is a name that I wouldn’t expect to finish in the top 10, but up to this point, the Vikings’ problems haven’t been Cousins’ problems.
