Like it or not, all injuries are not treated the same in the NFL.
When franchise quarterbacks are sidelined, people take notice of even the slightest bit of improvement. Naturally, many eyes have been on Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and Mac Jones of the New England Patriots as they get closer to returning to the field. It might not happen this week, but it shouldn’t be much longer.
Jerry Jones was asked on @1053thefan if he expects Dak Prescott to start next week vs. the Lions: “I don’t want to say, but he has made a lot of progress. Throwing the ball with zip and (that’s) very, very important. How he is healing is just great. So all systems on go there.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 14, 2022
It might not be the best idea to bring Prescott back against an undefeated Philadelphia Eagles team tied for the best point differential in the NFC. Dallas is also hoping to get tight end Dalton Schultz back soon rather than later.
This is the first week with byes coming into play. Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, and Tennessee don’t have games this weekend, which could prove beneficial for the ailing players on those teams.
Those who bet online have players to keep an eye on in every game as the injuries start to pile up.
Let’s check the latest NFL picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL predictions. We’ve plenty of NFL expert picks for you to consider.
Cardinals Continue to Be Grounded
If the Arizona Cardinals didn’t have bad luck, they wouldn’t have any luck at all. Running backs James Conner and Darrel Williams were added to the injury list. Both of them missed practice on Thursday. Williams is considered doubtful, and Conner is questionable for Sunday’s game against Seattle. Making matters worse, offensive linemen Justin Pugh, Max Garcia, Rodney Hudson, and Sean Harlow are also questionable.
The good news is that defensive lineman J.J. Watt is not on the injury report, and this will be the final game that star receiver DeAndre Hopkins has to sit out.
High Profile Pass Catchers on the Mend
Once again, some of the NFL’s better receivers and tight ends are dealing with various ailments.
Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis on Thursday after missing last week’s game. That could be huge for an Atlanta offense already without leading rusher Cordarelle Patterson and offensive linemen Jalen Mayfield.
Updated status on Kyle Pitts and Mykal Walker after Thursday’s practice. https://t.co/ryGvK7JT1y
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 13, 2022
Baltimore might be without receiver Rashod Bateman who has missed practices this week with a foot injury. Running back Gus Edwards has returned to practice, while Justice Hill practiced on a limited basis on Thursday.
Buffalo tight end Dawson Knox (foot/hamstring) remains limited at practice.
Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) continues to be limited at practice.
The Saints were once again without receivers Jarvis Landry (ankle) and Michael Thomas (foot) at Thursday’s practice. Quarterback Jameis Winston (back/ankle) and receiver Chris Olave (concussion) did some drills on Thursday. Keep an eye on cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has missed practice time this week.
Neither Kenny Golladay nor Kadarius Toney practiced on Thursday for the Giants.
Panthers Might Be Without Starting QB
Carolina is not only moving on from head coach Matt Rhule but now likely won’t have quarterback Baker Mayfield either, as an ankle injury has prevented him from practicing all week. In addition, fellow quarterback Sam Darnold is on injured reserve, so the Panthers could be without the two veteran quarterbacks they traded for.
On the other side of the ball, cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and CJ Henderson are both questionable.
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (knee) might be able to return to action this weekend. The NFL betting lines currently list Miami as a three-point underdog to Minnesota, so keep an eye on the line in that game.
Rams fans can’t love hearing that former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald did not practice on Thursday and star receiver Cooper Kupp was out there in a limited capacity. The feeling is that both of them will play against Carolina. That is huge since the NFL predictions have Donald and Kupp among the front-runners in the NFL Defensive and Offensive Player of the Year award odds.
Donald is not the only standout defensive player trying to get healthy.
Cleveland defensive ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney are both questionable.
Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) did not practice on Thursday, while San Francisco defensive end Nick Bosa has missed back-to-back practices with a groin injury.
On the other side of the ball, Denver offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz could return to action as soon as this week as he is back to practicing on a limited basis. His return will certainly help quarterback Russell Wilson‘s ailing shoulder, which is said to be getting better.
Indianapolis running backs Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Nyheim Hines (concussion) are both questionable, as both were limited at Thursday’s practice. Jacksonville is hoping to have linebacker Foye Oluokun and defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi available.
It goes without saying that the NFL picks could be impacted by who sits out the Indianapolis-Jacksonville game.
The Chiefs are dealing with some question marks to key defensive players with defensive end Frank Clark and cornerback Rashad Fenton.
Rookie Watch
Green Bay receiver Christian Watson did not practice on Thursday as a result of a hamstring issue, and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt is also questionable.
The Jets ruled out linebacker Jermaine Johnson for Sunday’s game against Green Bay due to an ankle injury, as that matchup could be without some key first-year players.
Kansas City safety Bryan Cook is questionable for the huge game against the Buffalo Bills.
