If you look at the scores, there weren’t many close games in the NFL this weekend. However, there was certainly no shortage of drama around the league. Let’s catch up on all of the major headlines from Week 7.
Holding Their Breath
A lopsided win over the rival Denver Broncos on Thursday night wasn’t all that comforting for the Kansas City Chiefs after quarterback Patrick Mahomes left the game with an injury in the first half. Mahomes dislocated his kneecap while executing a quarterback sneak to give Kansas City a first down.
Initial reports indicate that Mahomes could return in as little as three weeks. It’s worth noting that he’s also been nursing a sprained ankle, so the Chiefs aren’t likely to rush him back.
Matt Moore will step in as the starting quarterback during that time. Meanwhile, Kyle Shurmur will likely be promoted from the practice squad to become the backup, at least until Chad Henne is eligible to return from injured reserve after Week 8.
Matty On Ice
The other big quarterback injury of the weekend was Atlanta’s Matt Ryan, who hurt his ankle after being sacked by Aaron Donald in a 37-10 loss. Ryan was wearing a walking boot by the end of the game and will undergo an MRI on Monday to examine his right ankle.
Sunday’s loss was the fifth in a row for the Falcons, so an injured quarterback is the last thing they need right now. Veteran Matt Schaub will start next week if Ryan has to miss his first game since 2009.
Almost There
On the other side of the injury front, Drew Brees is nearing his return and is hoping to play next week when the Saints host the Cardinals. Head coach Sean Payton says that Brees playing next week is the “goal,” and that he will play if he’s healthy.
After Brees suffered a thumb injury during a Week 2 loss to the Rams, the Saints have won five games in a row with Teddy Bridgewater starting at quarterback. Bridgewater has been fine, but the Saints would obviously prefer to have Brees back.
If he’s not ready to play this week, the Saints have a bye in Week 9, allowing Brees to return in Week 10 against the Falcons.
Good First Impression
The drama with Jalen Ramsey and the Jaguars finally ended last week when he was traded to the Rams. In his debut with his new team, Ramsey seemed to have made a positive first impression despite not starting the game.
He helped hold Julio Jones to six catches for 93 yards, although Ramsey was not in the game for two of those catches. Rams coach Sean McVay called Ramsey a “big boost to our team” after a 37-10 win over the Falcons.
Broncos On The Block
With the NFL trade deadline just over a week away, things are heating up on that front. The Bengals are expected to keep A.J. Green, but the Broncos are reportedly likely to trade Emmanuel Sanders.
After Thursday’s loss to the Chiefs, the Broncos are 2-5 and said to be “taking calls” from teams interested in Sanders. Cornerback Chris Harris is another potential candidate for the trade block, giving Denver two of the most intriguing trade chips on the market as the deadline approaches.
