NFL

Kupp, who sustained a major hamstring injury in August, should be ready to go for Week 5 against the Eagles, though he could be on something of a snap count as Sean McVay eases him back into the offense. Kupp’s return is a boon for Matthew Stafford, but could be a hit to Puka Nacua’s target share. Kupp drafters should play Kupp if he suits up against the Eagles.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the Broncos “want to focus on younger players,” which could mean they’re tanking for Caleb Williams. Gregory, who signed a five-year, $70 million deal with Denver in 2022, played ten games for the Broncos and recorded three sacks and 21 tackles. Gregory’s deal with Denver will go down as one of the worst in league history — not a surprise considering the Broncos’ decision making over the past decade. Gregory, 30, will surely land elsewhere in short order.

Berry added Watson’s injury — which kept him sidelined in Week 4 against Baltimore — probably won’t affect the quarterback going forward. Watson sat out against the Ravens after gaining clearance from the team’s medical staff. The Browns hope Watson can return after their Week 5 bye. If Watson remains sidelined, rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson would get another start.

Gonzalez tore his labrum and injured his shoulder in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Cowboys and will miss the rest of his rookie campaign. It’s a devastating loss for New England’s struggling defense, which has allowed the tenth highest completion rate (68 percent) to opposing quarterbacks through Week 4. The Patriots acquired J.C. Jackson from the Chargers to fill in for Gonzalez. Last year, Jackson was graded by PFF as the NFL’s worst cover corner.

Jackson returns to New England after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Pats, emerging as a shutdown corner in 2020 and 2021, when he combined for 17 interceptions and 37 defended passes. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Patriots traded for Jackson because they lost rookie CB Christian Gonzalez to a season-ending labrum injury. Jackson’s time with the Chargers was an abject disaster both for Jackson and the team. He’s been a healthy scratch of late while dealing with legal issues related to the alleged negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Jackson in 2022 was graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s worst cover corner. He’ll join a New England defense allowing a 68 percent completion rate, the tenth worst in the NFL.

“There’s nothing normal about how I’m attacking this rehab,” Rodgers, 39, told ESPN this week. Rodgers, who tore his Achilles on September 11 four snaps into the Jets’ season opener against the Bills, said he’s already months ahead of a normal Achilles rehab. Positive thinking, Rodgers said, could put him back on the playing field late this season. “This is just my mindset,” Rodgers said. “I believe in the power of intention. I believe in prayer. I believe in your mental status and the power of will. I believe in making room for the miraculous to happen.” Zach Wilson would have to keep the Jets in the postseason hunt if Rodgers were to have a reason to rush his return to action. It’s possible, if unlikely, Rodgers could suit up in January.

We wish the Panthers good luck in their endeavor. Schultz said Carolina “is all in on Bryce Young — the player and the person. They love him and want to support him. They believe they can push this season by adding another big time playmaker.” It’s hard to say which top-flight wideout would be available via trade, and who would want to go to a terrible Panthers team. Perhaps this means the Panthers will acquire the currently doghoused Chase Claypool and call him a WR1. Schultz said the team attributes Young’s massive struggles to his lack of a dominant No. 1 receiver. Through Week 4, only Zach Wilson has a worse EPA per drop back than Young.

Scruggs was selected by the Texans with pick 62 in the 2023 draft, but landed on injured reserve before getting the chance to start at center. He suffered a hamstring injury prior to the season and is expected to be activated within the next few weeks. An ideal scenario is for Scruggs to return against the Saints in Week 6, otherwise a post-bye return against the Panthers in Week 8 is likely. Scruggs’ return would provide a boost to a banged-up Texans offensive line.

The Eagles add to their secondary with Roby. The veteran 31-year-old last played for the Saints before being cut in August. Roby now finds himself with a solid Eagles defense that can use his help.

The Texans traded for Green prior to the season and now lose the starting offensive lineman for the near future due to a torn meniscus. C.J. Stroud has been throwing behind a banged-up offensive line and that will continue with Green’s absence.