Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is hoping to get the ball into the hands of his offensive weapon more often.Quinn provided a direct response when asked if he's happy with how wide receiver Julio Jones has been used through the team's first five games of the season."No, and the reason I say that is that he's such a factor," Quinn said, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN. "We've got to get more possessions, more time, more plays. And I think that's more a byproduct of getting Julio the ball more. It's not where he needs the ball more. We need more plays so he can get the ball more."Jones currently ranks 40th in targets, 33rd in receptions, and 18th in receiving yards across the NFL this season. He's yet to score a touchdown on the campaign.Quinn says the Falcons don't want to force the ball to Jones, but he's one of the few receivers in the league who allows teams to take a few more gambles."He's 100 percent our guy. But wherever the coverage takes you, there's time where, 'No, you can't do that.' They're going to say, 'He's not going to beat us on this play.' And so then, that might not be the time to do it."But there's times that it is, even if he's got two (defenders) on him," said Quinn.The Falcons' red-zone efficiency has dropped from 64.56 percent in 2016 to 60 percent through the first six weeks of the season, according to TeamRankings.com. A large reason for that could be the fact that six other Falcons pass-catchers have received as many, or more, red-zone targets than Jones' two.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers' broken collarbone is bad news for the NFL. That much we can agree on. However, the debate surrounding why and how his injury happened is as hot as ever.The Green Bay Packers star went down in the first quarter of Sunday's game when he was taken to the ground by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr after he had rolled out from the pocket and threw a pass.

In spite of damning tape, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell insisted Monday he wasn't trying to injure Alex Smith during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs."The video shows what it shows. I wasn't trying to take Alex Smith's knees out," Mitchell told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "I went up to him and told him that. ... It's just one of those things you don't want to see in the football game."Mitchell was assessed a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer after he delivered a shot to the back of Smith's leg well after he had gotten rid of the football.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed quarterback Aaron Rodgers will require surgery to repair a broken collarbone suffered Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.McCarthy was not willing to write Rodgers off for the remainder of the season, but vented his frustrations Monday regarding the "totally unnecessary" hit by Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Rumors began to swirl immediately following Sunday's game about whether the Packers will look internally or externally to replace Rodgers, but McCarthy was quick to give backup Brett Hundley his vote of confidence moving forward.Related: Packers fans petitioning to bring Kaepernick to Green BayThe 53-year-old confirmed Monday that the team will look to add a third quarterback to slot in behind Hundley and Joe Callahan, who now moves into the backup role. However, he remained mum on the likelihood of bringing Colin Kaepernick into the fold, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's senior vice president of officiating, Al Riveron, stands by the decision of Sunday's officiating crew to overturn a touchdown scored by New York Jets tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins against the New England Patriots.Riveron called the review decision "clear and obvious," according to ESPN.The ball was loose when Seferian-Jenkins was in the air and contacted by a defender, making it a fumble. The player needs to re-establish possession before touching anything out of bounds, which Seferian-Jenkins did not do, according to Riveron.Riveron said the competition committee is likely to re-evaluate the rule giving the defense the ball when the offensive player loses control out of the end zone, but the current application of the rule was applied correctly in this instance."This has been something that has been brought forth to the competition committee on numerous occasions, and I'm sure we'll talk about it again. We might not agree with the rule, but that is the rule, so the rule was enforced correctly," Riveron said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders signed recently released linebacker NaVorro Bowman to a one-year contract worth a reported $3 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.Bowman was released by the San Francisco 49ers on Friday. The Dallas Cowboys were apparently among his strongest suitors as a free agent, while the New Orleans Saints reportedly tried to acquire him via trade prior to his release.Bowman was originally drafted by the 49ers with the 91st overall selection in 2010. He is a four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler. He was ranked 61st on the NFL's Top 100 list in 2016.He'll help a Raiders linebacker corps with Bruce Irvin, Marquel Lee, and Cory James listed as starters on the team's official depth chart.Head coach Jack Del Rio said it's "not out of the question" for Bowman to make his Raiders debut Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Each week during the pro football season, Covers Expert Art Aronson of AAA Sports looks at the NFL odds and tells you which spread to bet now, which one to bet later, and which total to watch as the week plays out.Game to bet nowDallas at San Francisco (+6)Call this one the National Anthem Bowl. The Cowboys, who have been ordered by owner Jerry Jones to stand for the anthem under penalty of benching (or worse), vs. the 49ers, who are the flagship franchise for protest and can stand or kneel depending on the depths of their beliefs.There will probably be a football game after said anthem, and it’s a big game for the Boys if not the out-of-it-already Niners. Dallas is 2-3 (both SU and ATS) and staring down the barrel of a nasty October/November run that includes four straight winning teams (Washington, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia) after this Sunday.It’s possible that all the hay will be in the barn by Thanksgiving, so the Cowboys really need this one to get some momentum for their most important four-game stretch of the season.Game to wait onNew Orleans at Green Bay (+4.5)Pro Football Talk has suggested that it might be time to institute even more protection for quarterbacks after Aaron Rodgers was lost for the year when he suffered a broken collar bone when hit a split second after throwing a pass last Sunday.Maybe, maybe not. But Rodgers might be the best QB in the world, and losing him is bad for business.The focus will now be on backup QB Brett Hundley, who has been holding a clipboard for a couple of years. Hundley threw 33 passes on Sunday and three of them wound up being intercepted. The Saints are scrambling to find tape on the kid. The line could expand based on early betting.Total to watchAtlanta at New England (53.5)A week or more of warm weather is predicted in New England, and that’s good news for both offenses in this Super Bowl repeat.The Falcons will welcome any help they can get after scoring just 34 total points in back-to-back losses to AFC East teams (Miami, Buffalo) – and the Patriots might just be the cure for what ails them.Last Sunday vs. the Jets, New England’s defense gave up more than 300 passing yards for the sixth consecutive. Every week fans figure that Bill Belichick will get it fixed, and every week it isn’t.Even with the high number, the over might be worth a long, hard look.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Aaron Rodgers potentially out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone, some Green Bay Packers fans are hoping the team will bring in Wisconsin native Colin Kaepernick as his replacement.Related: 3 QBs the Packers should pursue to survive without Aaron RodgersA fan named Tracey Corder has launched a petition on Change.org calling on the Packers to sign the free-agent quarterback. The petition has received over 5,300 signatures as of Monday afternoon.

Injuries are the worst. And while the NFL is no stranger to them, this season has been particularly cruel, especially when it comes to the league's biggest names.In fact, the 2017 campaign's storm of ailments has been so severe that you can actually form an amazing roster from those who've sustained either season-ending or significant long-term injuries:Position PlayerInjuryQBAaron RodgersCollarboneRBDavid JohnsonWristRBDalvin CookKneeWROdell Beckham Jr.AnkleWRAllen RobinsonKneeSWRJulian EdelmanKneeTEGreg OlsenFootLTTaylor DeckerShoulderLGJack MewhortKneeCForrest LampKneeRGMarshal YandaAnkleRTZach StriefKneeDEJ.J. WattLegDLHaloti NgataBicepsDLSharrif FloydKneeDEDerek RiversKneeLBJerrell FreemanPectoralLBWhitney MercilusPectoralLBDenzel PerrymanAnkleCBRonald DarbyAnkleCBJason VerrettKneeSCBTavon YoungKneeSEric BerryAchillesSClayton GeathersNeckKSebastian JanikowskiBackPKasey RedfernKneeAaron Rodgers was the latest superstar to go down, breaking his collarbone in Week 6 and radically altering the complexion of the NFL. But even before then, this team could've had Andrew Luck under center.The offense boasts some of the NFL's most electric players, headlined by arguably the game's best wide receiver - Odell Beckham Jr. - and running back - David Johnson. Rookie Dalvin Cook was already looking like a star before a torn ACL ended his first season.On the defensive side of the ball, J.J. Watt looms large. The future Hall of Fame defensive end suffered another injury after missing nearly all of 2016, and it'll be a tragedy if we never see him perform at his never-before-seen standard again.Likewise, seeing all-world safety Eric Berry, who successfully beat cancer and won Comeback Player of the Year in 2015, fall to an Achilles tear was brutal.This starting lineup would likely be a Super Bowl contender, which highlights just how much the NFL is missing in terms of star power this season.Again, injuries suck.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed Monday that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been cleared and will practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a major knee injury in August 2016.Zimmer said the Vikings intend to ease the quarterback back into action."He hasn't practiced in 14 months," said Zimmer.The Vikings reportedly expect the young pivot to play this season and apparently plan to elevate Bridgewater from the physically unable to perform list to the 53-man roster by next week. At which point, it will be a matter of getting healthy enough for game action.Backup Case Keenum has been forced into action with Sam Bradford battling a lingering knee injury, so the prospect of Bridgewater returning to an NFL field - especially considering the seriousness of his injury - should be a significant boost to Minnesota.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Any time you have all five Gronkowski brothers in one room together, hilarity is sure to ensue.Gordie Jr., Dan, Glenn, and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski joined brother Chris on Sunday's episode of "Shark Tank" to help pitch his product Ice Shaker, an insulated water bottle and shaker cup that can hold ice for up to 30 hours.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle and head coach Vance Joseph says he'll miss the Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Sanders suffered the injury in Sunday night's loss to the New York Giants.He has 25 receptions on 41 targets for 266 yards and two touchdowns on the season.He'll be considered week-to-week following Week 7, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Sanders was hurt on a hit from Giants safety Landon Collins.Collins issued an apology to Sanders following the game.

Newsflash: Aaron Rodgers is the Green Bay Packers.Arguably more so than any NFL player, Rodgers is the be-all and end-all for his team.And it's not just because he's the best player in football, though that's obviously a huge factor. Arguments over schemes and supporting casts aside, no NFL quarterback makes more throws that make you think: "He's the only guy on this planet who could have done that" more than Rodgers.That's what the Packers could be missing for the rest of the 2017 season. That's what Mike McCarthy and Co. are tasked with replacing. The irreplaceable.But still, Rodgers' status remains an "if." Broken collarbones can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to heal if a non-surgical approach is taken, according to emdeicinehealth.com.So, if we go with the conservative end of that timeline, Rodgers would either be ready to return Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns or Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers.Working under that assumption, and with the Week 15 return date the more likely because, you know, if the Rodgers-less Packers can't even beat the Browns then this is all moot, Green Bay needs to survive seven games without their All-Pro pivot.It's going to be easier said than done. Here are the Packers' next seven contests:Opponent Current recordvs. New Orleans Saints3-2vs. Detroit Lions3-3at Chicago Bears2-4vs. Baltimore Ravens3-3at Pittsburgh Steelers4-2vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers2-3at Cleveland Browns0-6Outside of Cleveland, there are no easy wins for the Packers, though the schedule could've been much more brutal.McCarthy said after Sunday's loss to the Vikings that Brett Hundley "is my quarterback," so let's do something crazy and take an NFL head coach at his word and assume he'll remain the starter.The young pivot struggled in relief of Rodgers, but he was thrown in against a stout Vikings defense and has shown promise in the past, albeit in preseason action:Comp. %YardsYPATDINTPasser rating66.211797.97102107.4However, while Hundley may be capable of playing solidly enough to keep the Packers afloat - and that's a significant "may" - he won't do so if the Packers' injury woes continue, especially on the offensive line.Offensive tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga were finally both back in the starting lineup in Week 6, but both ended the game on the sidelines - Bakhtiari with a re-aggravated hamstring injury and Bulaga with a concussion.The two elite tackles' importance to this in-transition offensive line cannot be oversold. The interior of the offensive line is average at best, and injuries have robbed Green Bay of most of its depth.Consequently, Rodgers - a magician in the pocket with uncanny awareness - was sacked 19 times over the first five games of the season, which still stands as the NFL's fifth-worst mark despite him missing most of Week 6.Simply put, Hundley, for all his athleticism, might join Rodgers on the sidelines unless Green Bay can solidify his protection.And the Packers' roster concerns don't end there.The defense ranks 18th in points allowed per game and is also dealing with a rash of injuries, especially to its secondary.The unit wasn't exactly built to win games on its own back even when healthy, and with only 11 sacks in six games - tied for 25th - the pass-rush looks incapable of equalizing the quarterback downgrade by making life hell for the opposing pivot.The skill positions are still strong, but the talents of Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, and Martellus Bennett won't matter unless the Packers improve their playcalling.Hundley was essentially asked to run an offense that only Rodgers can likely excel in, with McCarthy's love of long-developing routes remaining prominent and the backup's athleticism and rushing skills underutilized. McCarthy needs to prove he can be adaptable and construct a version of the offense that helps Hundley as much as possible.As for the running game, which is usually a backup's best friend, the Packers have struggled to establish much consistency on the ground, averaging a 26th-ranked 88.3 yards per game.Ty Montgomery and rookie Aaron Jones form a talented backfield. But Montgomery is playing with a rib injury, and, while Jones has impressed in a small sample, trying to ride an unproven running back is unwise. And in Week 6, neither was able to perform with Rodgers out and the offensive line decimated.The NFC North isn't a juggernaut, but the Vikings are already tied with the Packers at 4-2, while the 3-3 Lions sit one game behind. Expecting both to remain in the Packers' range is optimistic, to say the least.In short, the odds are greatly stacked against the Packers. A healthy Green Bay team might have been able to weather the storm, but based on its schedule, even three wins could be difficult, leaving little to no margin for error if Rodgers somehow manages a late-season return.Pray, Wisconsin. Pray.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate is expected to miss a few weeks after sustaining a shoulder injury in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.An MRI on Monday revealed Tate is dealing with an AC joint sprain, added Rapoport.The Lions are on a bye in Week 7, so Tate may only be at risk of missing one game.The 29-year-old has had a solid start to the 2017 season, catching 36 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns. His absence should open up more opportunities for preseason standout Kenny Golladay.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

CBS reported it's best single-game rating of the season in Sunday's Pittsburgh Steelers win over the Kansas City Chiefs, scoring seven percent higher than 2016's top-rated game, according to A.J. Perez of USA TODAY.With an overnight household rating/share of 14/27 in average metered markets, it was the highest-rated game of the weekend on any network.The rating also topped the 13.1/25 share of 2016's Week 5 game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, the highest coverage game of the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

DeAndre Hopkins may not have been on the Deshaun Watson bandwagon from Day 1, but the Houston Texans receiver - along with the rest of the NFL world - is buying the rookie quarterback's hype after an electric start to his career."From training camp when he came in and the way he handled himself in the film room, even when in training camp he wasn't getting reps with the ones, he was still learning," Hopkins said, according to Sarah Bishop of ESPN. "He was still going over things, talking about it to us when he got the opportunity, and it's presented itself."Nobody in this locker room is honestly surprised with the way he's developed so far."The Texans have been on an insane scoring tear since Watson took over as the starter, putting up 33, 57, 34, and 33 points in the last four games.The first-year pivot has scored 14 total touchdowns over that span, and now holds the record for passing touchdowns by a rookie through six games since the NFL-AFL merger."Every time we step on the field, we want to score," Hopkins said. "If we don't, then we're disappointed. We don't settle for three."We know with the ball in No. 4's (Watson) hands, anything is possible."Based on Watson's incredible play so far, it's hard to argue with Hopkins.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It looks as though Jameis Winston has avoided major injury to his shoulder, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Per the report, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has a sprained AC joint and may try to play through the pain.Winston sustained the injury during Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, leaving the game after throwing just 10 passes.Ryan Fitzpatrick came on for the injured star and threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns, but was also intercepted twice by the Cardinals' defense.Winston has struggled in recent weeks, failing to complete over 57 percent of his passes in the last three games. The Bucs travel to face the vaunted defense of the Buffalo Bills next Sunday, and will certainly need a strong performance from their ailing quarterback to get the win.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Through six weeks of the NFL season, there are no more undefeated teams, and it’s anybody’s guess as to which squad is best. Covers checks out the opening lines on four Week 7 games, with insights from Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders (+3)Kansas City tumbled from the ranks of the unbeaten with a sluggish Week 6 offensive performance, failing to put up touchdown until the fourth quarter. The Chiefs (5-1 SU and ATS) lost to Pittsburgh 19-13 as a 3.5-point home favorite.Oakland welcomed the return of star quarterback Derek Carr, then promptly mirrored KC with a lackluster effort. The Raiders (2-4 SU and ATS) had just one second-half score – a fourth-quarter touchdown after which they missed the extra point. That proved critical when the Raiders, 3-point home faves, lost 17-16 on a last-second San Diego field goal.Both teams now have a short week, playing in the Thursday nighter.“What a change in perception between these teams from the offseason to the present,” Cooley said. “The Chiefs finally put up a dud, but that’s expected at some point, while Oakland looks like it’s already left for Vegas. But as we’ve seen in recent weeks with teams that look disoriented, expect the Raiders’ best effort Thursday night.”

Teddy Bridgewater has been cleared to practice by the doctor who performed his surgery following a devastating August 2016 knee injury, a source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.Minnesota has a three-week window in which to either add the quarterback to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the season, and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Vikings plan to activate him this week or next week.Minnesota expects Bridgewater to play this season, added Rapoport.Bridgewater hinted he'd received good news earlier Monday, simply tweeting, "Thank you."It's been a near-miraculous recovery for the young pivot, who needed an ambulance after suffering a non-contact knee injury in practice. It was believed his career was in serious jeopardy.If Bridgewater returns, the timing couldn't be better for the Vikings, who appear set to start Case Keenum for the foreseeable future with Sam Bradford struggling to recover from a knee injury.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With only the Monday Night Football contest left to play in Week 6, there are just eight NFL teams that have at least four wins.Mediocrity certainly rules the day in the NFL for the 2017 campaign.Every team that's reached the four-win mark still has one glaring issue that could derail their season:Kansas City ChiefsRelying on Alex SmithThrough five weeks, Smith was arguably the favorite in the MVP race. That's how messed up 2017 has been. The Chiefs were an offensive juggernaut as they opened the campaign 5-0, but managed just 13 points in Sunday's loss to the Steelers. Smith's limitations were obvious yet again, as Kareem Hunt was held to just 21 yards rushing. Kansas City's running game is dominant, but once again it's clear the team won't be going deep in the playoffs if they're relying on Smith to beat teams through the air.Philadelphia EaglesWeak scheduleAre the Eagles really good, or have they just played a fairly weak schedule? Philadelphia's five wins have come against opponents with a combined 13-16 record. The good news for the club is the upcoming schedule doesn't look much tougher, so there's a chance they get to the playoffs in great shape. The bad news? That scenario sets up an early-round exit perfectly.Pittsburgh SteelersGood Ben, bad BenThe Steelers enter each weekend wondering which Ben Roethlisberger they're going to get. Good Ben completes 68 percent of his passes for 252 yards and a touchdown to help the club to a big road win over the Chiefs. Bad Ben throws five interceptions in a shocking home loss to the Jaguars. Le'Veon Bell isn't going to rush for 179 yards each week, so the Steelers will need more consistency out of Roethlisberger before they can be identified as a strong outfit.New England PatriotsLeague's worst defenseIn the first half of Sunday's Patriots-Jets game, Josh McCown sliced up the New England defense. No, that isn't a typo, as the journeyman quarterback had his way with the NFL's worst defense. It seems unfathomable for a Bill Belichick-coached team to have such a terrible defensive unit, but here we are in 2017. Tom Brady remains great, but the porous defense is something not even he can overcome.Minnesota VikingsOffensive injuriesNo Sam Bradford, no Dalvin Cook, and no Stefon Diggs can make the Minnesota Vikings a very difficult watch. The defense remains one of the NFL's best, but they won't be knocking the opposition's quarterback out of the game every week. There will come a time when the offense has to get the team a win, and they've shown no indication of being able to do so with Case Keenum.Green Bay PackersAaron Rodgers' collarboneNo need for a ton of words on this one, as Rodgers' collarbone injury basically spells the end for the Green Bay Packers. Unless Brett Hundley can shock the world and perform anywhere close to Rodgers' weekly brilliance, it's going to be really tough for the Packers to make the playoffs.Carolina PanthersStruggling running gameDrafting Christian McCaffrey was supposed to help the Panthers' running game immensely, and while the former Stanford star has been great in the passing game, his impact on the rushing attack has been virtually non-existent. The team is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry with a mere 108 yards in the last two games. Cam Newton's three-interception performance against the Eagles shows the Panthers need to get their rushing attack back in order. Whether they'll be able to do so remains to be seen.Los Angeles RamsJared Goff's recent regressionGoff's last two games have seen the second-year pivot complete just 49 percent of his passes for one touchdown and two interceptions with a 67.5 quarterback rating. Special teams touchdowns don't grow on trees, so Sean McVay is going to have to get Goff back on track to keep the Rams' momentum rolling.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Is Teddy Bridgewater set to pass a major milestone in his journey back to an NFL field?The Minnesota Vikings quarterback is reportedly set to undergo an important physical Monday, which could help clear him to practice for the first time since his devastating August 2016 knee injury.And based on a cryptic tweet, Bridgewater may have received good news:

There are few statistical categories in which Eli Manning can claim supremacy over his older brother, Peyton Manning, the most prolific passer in NFL history.However, by starting his 209th consecutive game in Week 6, the New York Giants quarterback passed Peyton for second on the all-time list for consecutive regular-season starts by a quarterback."I'm proud of him, 209 consecutive starts," Peyton said, via Mike Klis of 9News. "As a guy who played, I appreciate how Eli has been there for his team every Sunday. He's taken a lot of hits. For him to do that for going on 14 years in a row, I'm proud of him for that."Of course, the NFL's all-time iron man is Brett Favre, who started 297 straight games.Eli would need to keep his streak alive until the 13th game the 2022 season to eclipse Favre, a tall order but not impossible considering how well the veteran pivot has avoided injuries during his 14 NFL seasons.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Leonard Fournette is expected to suit up for the Week 7 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts, despite suffering a non-contact foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Fournette went down untouched in the fourth quarter, rolling his ankle as the turf gave way. He was cleared to return to the game, but stayed on the sidelines as the Jaguars attempted an unlikely comeback."It's nothing serious," Fournette said, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "It was a hard fought game through the game. Like I said, it's all about consistency with this team. As one of the leaders on this team, I take fault. We have to come out and play better."Fournette has basically been the entire Jaguars offense in his first NFL season and is only behind fellow rookie Kareem Hunt in total rushing yards.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders have looked nothing like the offensive juggernaut most expected them to be coming into the 2017 season.The Raiders failed to score 20 points for the fourth straight game in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, after missing just one game with transverse process fractures in his back, Derek Carr refused to blame the offense's struggles on his injury."It had nothing to do with my back," Carr said, according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area. "They play really soft zone coverage. That's what (Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley) does. He tries to create pressure and hide some things. Usually, when they play soft, you have to take those."While Carr denies his back being a factor, he was unable to test the Chargers' defense downfield, averaging 5.3 yards per pass on 30 attempts.And despite his injury, the pivot insists he was healthy enough to run the team's entire playbook."We go out there as an offense and we're going to run what's called to the best of our abilities," Carr said. "There was no talk of trying to get the ball out of my hands or to not take hits or anything like that."The Raiders dropped to 2-4 after the loss to L.A., and now own the league's 30th-ranked offense.Some fans have begun to point the finger at offensive coordinator Todd Downing, but Carr called his scheme "great," and took responsibility for throwing two interceptions."Details. That's a frustrating thing,” Carr said. "I'm not going to lie to you. I'm really frustrated. We work too hard for that kind of stuff to happen. That's an easy catch, that's an easy play, if I do the right thing, if our players do the right thing. What I'm trying to say, is that it should be an easy play. And it was a turnover. That should never happen. We gave them two gifts.“It's myself and the whole offense included. We need to lock into every little detail, that's the problem. There's nothing else. Our guys work their tail off. When I get there, guys are there and they're working. We're working hard, but we have to lock in on the details."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the wake of reports he wants out, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant tweeted Sunday night that he's perfectly content with his current situation.

Longtime NBC play-by-play commentator Al Michaels apologized for making a joke about Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein on the air during Sunday night's game between the Denver Broncos and New York Giants.During the third quarter, Michaels said the Giants were "coming off a worse week than Harvey Weinstein" in a joking attempt to compare a barrage of football injuries to multiple public allegations that the executive sexually assaulted and harassed women.Michaels apologized on air after the beginning of the fourth quarter."Sorry, I made a reference earlier before, was trying to be a little flip about somebody obviously very much in the news all over the country, and it was not meant in that manner," he said, according to Rob Lopez of Def Pen Sports. "So my apologies and we'll just leave it at that."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant recently requested a trade, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and there should be a robust market for his services.Bryant missed the entire 2016 season due to a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, and his volatility may scare off some teams. At his best, however, Bryant is a dynamic force that can elevate any passing attack.Below, we examine five teams that ought to trade for him.Atlanta Falcons Bryant would hop from one Super Bowl contender to another upon joining the Falcons, working alongside Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Taylor Gabriel. Defensive coordinators everywhere would lose sleep over this combination.The 25-year-old is a fit for the Falcons as he provides them with a genuine downfield weapon - essentially, a supersized version of Gabriel. If the Falcons' offense has one fault, it's the lack of a potent red-zone threat, and Bryant also helps alleviate that problem. Get Thomas Dimitroff on the phone.Chicago BearsBryant would become the Bears' No. 1 receiver by default, since Cameron Meredith and Kevin White are out for the season with injuries. The Bears selected Mitchell Trubisky second overall, and now he's starting with a host of sub-replacement options. Bryant would facilitate Trubisky's development and get the increase in targets he so desires, while the Bears land another young, talented player.Don't be surprised if Ryan Pace strikes a deal.Cleveland BrownsThe Browns are still rebuilding and the 25-year-old Bryant would be a foundational piece of the young offense. Bryant has a base familiarity with the AFC North that his prospective teammates would certainly appreciate, and few things are more gratifying than getting revenge twice a year against your former club.Kenny Britt hasn't worked out the way the Browns envisioned, and Bryant is three years younger while boasting much more potential. As Cleveland's quarterback carousel spins, Bryant could provide some stability for the basement-dwellers.Dallas Cowboys It's always painful to acknowledge the passing of time, but the 2014 iteration of Dez Bryant isn't coming back. While the elder Bryant is still a strong contributor, the Cowboys lack a fear-inducing complementary piece - Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, Brice Butler, Noah Brown, and Ryan Switzer round out the receiving corps.Dallas' chances of returning to the postseason seem dire with Ezekiel Elliott entangled in a complex legal battle, but Martavis could change the trajectory of the offense. Despite the chaos around Dak Prescott, the quarterback has played very well in 2017, and a Bryant-and-Bryant duo could give him plenty of weapons as the Cowboys attempt a second-half surge.Seattle Seahawks The Seahawks generally don't seem to care about "character issues" or other coded terms used to denigrate players. Winning is paramount, and Martavis Bryant would be a good fit in the NFL's most liberal locker room.Doug Baldwin is a jack of all trades, and like Bryant, Paul Richardson and Tyler Lockett serve as downfield threats - only they're smaller and far less consistent than the Steelers wideout. The Seahawks are hell-bent on winning a Super Bowl while most of their core players are entering the latter stages of their peaks, and Bryant could accelerate Seattle's championship push. Imagine Bryant seeking vengeance against the Steelers in the Super Bowl. It's an enticing prospect for both parties.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will undergo an MRI on his ankle Monday after leaving Sunday's game against the New York Giants during the third quarter with an ankle injury.Sanders was carted to the locker room. X-rays were negative, head coach Vance Joseph revealed postgame, according to the Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala.The veteran wide receiver left the field with the assistance of trainers - putting no weight on his right leg - and was placed on a cart shortly thereafter.

Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian returned to the field to start the second half after briefly being replaced by Brock Osweiler against the New York Giants on Sunday night in the second quarter.Siemian was taken to the locker room with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder and was ruled questionable to return after being injured while attempting to make a tackle on an interception return.The third-year pro dove as he attempted to stop Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins following an interception, but Jenkins reached the end zone for a touchdown.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant recently asked for a trade, and his coaches and teammates know he's disgruntled in the Steel City, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The request was submitted several weeks ago, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano, who reports that Bryant is aggrieved by his diminishing role with the Steelers in the wake of rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster's emergence.Despite his desire for a fresh start, Pittsburgh doesn't plan to trade Bryant, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN - at least, not at this juncture.Bryant caught two passes for 27 yards Sunday in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, and has just 15 receptions for 204 yards and one touchdown through five contests this season.The 25-year-old appeared to be on the verge of stardom after racking up 765 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games in 2015, but he was suspended the entire 2016 campaign for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.Bryant, a fourth-round pick of the Steelers in 2014, is in the final year of his rookie contract.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colin Kaepernick's grievance against the NFL - alleging collusion against him - could lead to a landmark decision for the league, and the world of sports at large.A source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio that Kaepernick's grievance is aiming to invalidate and terminate the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).Per Florio's report:

This year's NFL rushing title remains up for grabs, and the league's injection of youth is spicing up the race.Kareem Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs and Leonard Fournette of the Jacksonville Jaguars have taken the league by storm during their rookie years, Los Angeles Rams star Todd Gurley is benefiting from a coaching change, and Pittsburgh Steelers standout Le'Veon Bell remains the best all-around threat in the NFL.Below, we handicap the odds of winning the rushing title for each member of the quartet.Note: Ezekiel Elliott isn't included due to the ongoing legal battle surrounding his six-game suspension.Le'Veon Bell Current stats: 555 yards, 134 carries, 4.14 yards per carryThe most dynamic of these four players, Bell is equally adept as a receiver or a runner. Sporting the lowest yards per carry of the group, however, he may be in a tough spot trying to win his first rushing title, since the Steelers deploy him as a master of all trades. When he's at the top of his game, it's impossible to conceive of a running back better suited for the modern era, but in order to win the rushing title, Bell would likely need to neglect his receiving duties. The Steelers, of course, won't consider that option.Odds: 10-1Todd Gurley Current stats: 521 rushing yards, 123 carries, 4.24 yards per carryGurley is undergoing a rebirth of sorts under new Rams head coach Sean McVay after struggling miserably during his sophomore campaign. He's displaying his excellent open-field ability and agility, submitting four 100-yard-plus games during the first half of the year. Gurley is the focal point of the Rams' offense, and if the team harbors serious ambitions of making the playoffs for the first time since 2014, he'll need an uptick in carries, which should help his bid for the rushing title.Odds: 8-1Kareem Hunt Current stats: 630 yards, 106 carries, 5.94 yards per carry.After fumbling his first carry of his professional career, Hunt has been nothing short of remarkable. The current NFL rushing leader, Hunt has stepped up admirably for an injured Spencer Ware, and has displaced his predecessor entirely. Hunt submitted his worst rushing total so far on Sunday against the Steelers, stumbling to 21 yards on nine carries - though he was still productive in the passing game, with five catches for 89 yards.Odds: 5-1Leonard Fournette Current stats: 596 yards, 130 carries, 4.58 yards per carryFournette is a safe bet to catch Hunt in the rushing race. He's improving on a weekly basis, bursting for 75-yard touchdown runs with impressive consistency. Tasked with keeping the Jaguars' offense afloat, the 2017 fourth overall pick will continue to see a high volume of carries. That workload, combined with Fournette's unique blend of speed, size, power, and field vision, could make him the second consecutive rookie to win the title after Elliott captured it last year.Odds: 4-1(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In addition to all the new offensive personnel for the New York Giants on Sunday, the team also made a play-calling change.Giants head coach Ben McAdoo handed over the duties to offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan against the Denver Broncos, according to the television broadcast. McAdoo had been calling offensive plays since taking over as head coach in 2016.McAdoo's offense has occasionally come under fire for being too predictable and the Giants are off to an 0-5 start.New York entered Sunday ranked 28th in points per game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While the NFL is full of ultra-talented players who are the best in the world at what they do, there are only a handful of true superstars who transcend the sport. They're guys who even your mom has heard of; guys who have their own brand; guys who can show up on "Ellen" without seeming odd.Aaron Rodgers, Odell Beckham Jr., and J.J. Watt are all at that level - and they are all expected to miss the remainder of the 2017 season due to injury, leaving a significant void in the league-wide spotlight.But with 11 weeks remaining in the regular season, there's still plenty of time for younger players who've been waiting their turn to crack the top ranks of NFL superstardom. Here are five mid-level stars who could finish this campaign at the elite level of popularity and importance.Deshaun WatsonEveryone who meets Watson seems to come away with the same realization that he's a special spirit.The former college star who led Clemson to back-to-back national championship games and donated his first NFL game check to Texans cafeteria workers affected by Hurricane Harvey has similar off-field qualities to Watt. He's not afraid to bomb it deep to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, or to tuck the ball and try weaving through defenses.Though it's only five starts into his NFL career, Watson seems to have it all.Todd GurleyThe Los Angeles Rams running back is already the face of the franchise and the best offensive player in Hollywood as the region gets accustomed to hosting professional football.Gurley, 23, has rebounded strongly from his sophomore slump under new head coach Sean McVay, who's found creative ways to use his star runner. If Gurley can continue his MVP-like pace, he could become the NFL's next household name and emerge in L.A. as the first clear-cut superstar on the relocated Rams or Chargers.Dak PrescottWithout Ezekiel Elliott for the next six weeks, the Cowboys will become solely Dak's team, whether he likes it or not.Personality-wise, Prescott has said and done all the right things, though it's been easier with Elliott sucking up the negative attention off the field and the opposition's attention on it. Playing in Dallas will definitely put Prescott in the league-wide spotlight, but whether he can permanently be the man will depend on how he leads the Cowboys' offense, and how he reacts in the media.Myles GarrettIt's only two games into the first overall pick's career, but with three sacks in that span - including on his very first snap - Garrett's off to a great start.He's shown personality and creativity early on, saying he was hoping for a "fat guy's touchdown" in his debut and signalling his return from injury with a cryptic tweet. His athleticism is tough to top, and he's got a smile that's easy to imagine on magazine covers.Being a defensive player in Cleveland will make Garrett's climb to superstardom a little bit higher, but the Texans weren't seen as a popular franchise before Watt took over either.Carson WentzThe North Dakota native is off to a solid start, keeping his team atop the NFC through six games.The second-year quarterback has the personality and background to capture the hearts of Middle America (if he hasn't already). Like Prescott, Wentz has navigated the media well, giving credit to his teammates after wins and taking the blame after losses. It might help if he made some stronger statements or continued to donate his game checks to charity, but Wentz seems to be narrowing in on the "let my actions speak louder than my words" personality.(Photo Courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns said Sunday a report that the team is reaching out to front-office candidates is "false and erroneous," according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.After the Browns dropped to 0-6 with a poor display against the Houston Texans, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported the organization has already spoken to executives around the league about joining the suffering club. Florio added that the "wheels are in motion" for the Browns to reboot their franchise for what seems like the umpteenth time.Currently, Cleveland's front office is headed by Sashi Brown, who brought in former MLB executive Paul DePodesta to install an analytics-based philosophy for personnel matters.The Browns are 1-21 since hiring Hue Jackson as head coach ahead of the 2016 campaign.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adrian Peterson proved his tank isn't empty yet, at least for one game.The Arizona Cardinals' new running back went off for 134 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the first time since 2015. "I feel good," Peterson said afterward, according to FOX Sports Arizona. "This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for ... When I got that call I was rejuvenated."The 32-year-old, who was traded to Arizona from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, certainly looked rejuvenated against the Bucs. With his effort Sunday afternoon, Peterson surpassed his combined rushing yardage total from his four games with the Saints.Arizona came into the game averaging a league-worst 2.6 yards per carry, so Peterson's effort was a massive improvement. He thinks the best is yet to come, though."I feel like the sky is the limit for us," Peterson added, according to Bo Brack of Fox Sports 910.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colin Kaepernick's legal counsel, Mark Geragos, released a statement regarding the grievance the free-agent quarterback filed against the NFL for collusion on Sunday morning:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston's shoulder injury does not appear to be as serious as some might have speculated after he left Sunday's 38-33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.X-rays came back negative on Winston's shoulder, and he'll undergo an MRI on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Winston could have returned to the game if needed for an emergency situation, but was held out to avoid further damage, according to Roy Cummings of WFLA News Channel 8.The quarterback also said he was confident that he wouldn't miss any time."I don't think I've (ever) missed a game. I don't think I'm going to miss a game, either," Winston said, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times.The third-year pro left the game in the second quarter and was ruled doubtful to return, though he was seen throwing passes on the sideline. Winston completed 5 of 10 passes for 61 yards before being replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adrian Peterson said he had plenty left in the tank, and it sure looked like it in the future Hall of Fame running back's debut with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.The 32-year-old rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the Cards to a 38-33 victory in the desert.Prior to Sunday's affair, Peterson hadn't reached the century mark since Week 16 of the 2015 season, when he also ran for 134 yards on the Detroit Lions. He hadn't enjoyed a trip to the end zone since Week 15 of the 2015 season, when he scored twice against the Chargers, then of San Diego.It took Peterson less than one half Sunday to match, and then top, his production from his entire four-game tenure with the New Orleans Saints.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adrian Peterson appears to be enjoying his new surroundings.The new Arizona Cardinals running back topped 100 yards in his debut with the team Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making it the first time he's hit the century mark since Week 16 of 2015.Peterson scored a touchdown on Arizona's first possession, and he's already surpassed his rushing total in four games with the New Orleans Saints this year.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers held the Kansas City Chiefs' top-scoring offense to a paltry 6 yards during the first half of their Sunday matchup, holding a 12-3 lead at the break.Kansas City leads the NFL with 32.8 points per game and is the league's lone undefeated team.It remains to be seen whether Alex Smith, Kareem Hunt, and Co. can turn it around against one of their primary AFC rivals.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman is scheduled to visit the Dallas Cowboys after he first meets with the Oakland Raiders on Monday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Bowman, a four-time All-Pro, was released by the 49ers on Friday after the team failed to trade him.The veteran was reportedly unhappy with his decreased playing time, while rookie linebacker Reuben Foster was scheduled to displace him in the 49ers' lineup.Bowman would potentially fortify a Cowboys linebacker corps that has dealt with several injuries this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints provided fans with arguably the game of the season on Sunday, as the Saints emerged with a 52-38 victory.Jaw-dropping highlights were abundant during the Week 6 thriller, and below we recap the craziest moments from the game.Tate dangles through traffic, backflips into end zoneGolden Tate put the Saints' defense on skates during the first quarter.After recording a catch near the sideline, the Lions receiver spun away from his defender and darted upfield where it seemed certain he'd be brought down. However, Tate had other ideas, bursting through a series of Saints defensive backs before taunting his opponent with a backflip into the end zone. We give the landing a solid 9/10.

We won't be seeing a 48-year-old come out of retirement to play quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.Not that it was a plausible scenario anyway, but Brett Favre confirmed he has no desires to return to football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals after suffering a right shoulder injury in the second quarter, according to the FOX broadcast.Veteran signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken the reins in his stead.Winston landed hard on his throwing shoulder after being chased down by Cardinals edge rusher Chandler Jones. He exited with five completions on 10 attempts for 61 yards in a game Tampa Bay trailed 24-0 at the two-minute warning of the first half.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike McCarthy suggested Sunday the Green Bay Packers won't look externally to replace injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who could miss the rest of the season with a broken collarbone."Brett Hundley is my quarterback," the 12th-year head coach told reporters after the Packers fell 23-10 to the Minnesota Vikings, per Jason Wilde of ESPN. "Joe Callahan is the backup."Speculation began flying immediately after Rodgers' prognosis was announced that the Pack could look to pry Tony Romo out of retirement, sign Colin Kaepernick, or pursue some other veteran quarterback via the trade or free-agent market.Related: 3 QBs the Packers should pursue to survive without Aaron Rodgers

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan named rookie C.J. Beathard the team's new starting quarterback Sunday.Beathard replaced Brian Hoyer in the second quarter of that afternoon's game against the Washington Redskins and went on to complete 19-of-36 pass attempts for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 26-24 loss.The 49ers selected Beathard out of Iowa in the third round of the 2017 draft.Hoyer, a nine-year NFL veteran, had started all six games for the 49ers this season, completing 119 of 205 pass attempts for 1,245 passing yards, with four touchdowns and four interceptions.Signed as a free agent in the offseason, Hoyer was widely viewed as a stopgap at the position for Shanahan's and general manager John Lynch's first season in charge of the team.Now 0-6, the 49ers will be able to see what they have in their rookie signal-caller before potentially turning their attention toward the top of the 2018 draft and the upcoming free-agent class - likely to include former Shanahan pupil and current Redskins starter Kirk Cousins.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, fantasy managers and fans of all NFL teams were shocked and disappointed.Related: Rodgers could miss rest of season with broken collarboneThey weren't alone, as two of the league's most prominent defensive stars shared similar sentiments on Twitter.The Seattle Seahawks' Week 6 bye allowed cornerback Richard Sherman to be one of the first to react to Rodgers' potentially season-ending injury.