Super Bowl LX

This reinforces previous reports that indicated the team was not considering injured reserve, with the injury believed to be of the short-term variety. Destin adds that Darnold’s hip joint is unaffected. Seattle fans breathe a collective sigh of relief as the team looks to become the third franchise to repeat as Super Bowl Champions since the turn of the century. Still no word from the team on Darnold’s expected recovery timeline, leaving fantasy managers scrambling to fill the roster hole in the interim.

This is an encouraging step forward for Henderson, who has missed the last several weeks of practice due to his injury and was inactive for Week 1 against the Seahawks. Assuming he doesn’t suffer any setbacks this week, Henderson should have a chance to suit up in Week 2 when the Patriots play host to the Steelers.

Prior reports described Darnold’s injury as a hip issue, and the Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported last week that Darnold had suffered an “unusual muscle strain.” Florio cites a report from FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer from earlier today, in which Glazer said Darnold actually suffered a glute tendon injury. Evidently, the injury is so unusual that, per Glazer, the team is gathering four second opinions to determine a course of action. Darnold is not expected to require surgery, but missing four-plus weeks could land him on injured reserve. The Seahawks will not be required to make that decision until late next week, though. Regardless, Glazer said QB Drew Lock will start next week against the Cardinals. He is a QB2.

Schefter added Brown will miss four to six weeks with the high ankle sprain he sustained on Wednesday night against the Seahawks. It could be much longer than that before Brown is back to full health and operating as the Patriots’ alpha WR1. For now, Mack Hollins will slide into three-receiver sets and Romeo Doubs — who didn’t catch any of his three targets against Seattle — will likely function as Drake Maye’s top option. Demario Douglas could be an interesting add in deeper formats after leading the team with seven targets in Week 1.

This doesn’t come as much of a surprise after it was reported on Thursday that Brown could miss at least the next four games. Now that he finds himself on injured reserve, the star receiver won’t be able to return until at least Week 6 when the Patriots play host to the Jets. Brown caught just three passes for 26 yards in his debut with the Patriots before exiting the game. After running just four routes in the first half of Wednesday’s game, Mack Hollins ran 22 routes in the second half and should see an increase in snaps in the coming weeks. Brown’s absence should also pave the way for Romeo Doubs to see more looks in the passing game after he saw just three targets in Week 1.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jones will receive $3.5 million in base salary with a chance to earn up to $6 million on his deal. The 34-year-old vet started in all 12 games he appeared in for the Bills last season, totaling 22 tackles, three TFLs, and three sacks while also forcing a fumble. Jones played under head coach Mike Vrabel from 2018 to 2020 and should provide immediate help up front for the Pats’ d-line.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz puts Brown’s return timeline between 3 and 6 weeks. Both reports make Brown a candidate to be placed on short-term injured reserve. The rest of the Patriots’ wide receiver corps failed to step up in Week 1. Newcomer WR Romeo Doubs will undoubtedly be given a chance to earn his hefty contract in Week 2.

The report comes from the Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, who adds that “there is no timetable” for Darnold’s recovery, which will be based on “how he feels and how he recovers.” Pelissero referred to QB Drew Lock as “the likely starter” for the Seahawks’ Week 2 game against the Cardinals.

Darnold underwent tests last night that ruled out a hip fracture. He went in for an MRI this morning, and the team’s medical staff is still trying to determine how much time he will miss. Still, the outcome is overall positive given that a season-ending injury looks unlikely at this point. Ian Rapoport later added that Darnold will miss Week 2 but could only miss a few weeks. Drew Lock will start for Seattle until Darnold is healthy. Lock threw for 187 yards and a score in relief of Darnold last night. He was only sacked once and did not turn the ball over. As long as he keeps that up, the Seahawks will be able to stay afloat on the back of their elite defense.

Garafolo added, “MRI today after X-rays were negative.” That’s a good sign, but there is currently no timeline for Brown’s return. It will ultimately be a multi-week injury that could linger well into the season. Demario Douglas led the Pats with seven targets last night, though his looks are generally low-value check-downs. Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs will serve as the team’s primary outside receivers until Brown is healthy. Hollins led the Pats in receiving yards at a modest 51. Hollins is worth adding in deeper leagues, but it’s hard to imagine him putting up anything more than WR4 numbers while Brown is sidelined. Doubs should improve in Week 2 after failing to catch any of his three targets versus the Seahawks. He will get another shot at WR3 numbers against Pittsburgh next week.