Dose: RGIII will start Week 9
NBC Washington’s Dianna Marie Russini reported on Wednesday that Robert Griffin III (ankle) will start Week 9 against the Vikings. Griffin got in a full day of practice on Wednesday, but shared first-team reps with Colt McCoy.
Jay Gruden has been steadfast that Griffin will not play until he is 100 percent both physically and mentally, but that moment appears to be at hand. Griffin reportedly looked like his old self during practice, and has the full week of practice to get mentally prepared for the Vikings. All signs point to Griffin suiting up this weekend.
In Other News…
Tony Romo (back) did not practice Wednesday. He has been labeled “questionable at best” for the Cowboys’ Week 9 matchup with Arizona, and his status likely depends on his ability to handle the pain of a muscle contusion near the site of his offseason back surgery. He will be a full-blown game-time decision this week. Brandon Weeden would start if Romo cannot play.
Giovani Bernard (hip) did not practice Wednesday. The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Richard Skinner wrote on Twitter Bernard is dealing with a “hip pointer” and could miss Sunday’s game. The Bengals have been virtually silent on the injury. With a Thursday night matchup with the Browns in Week 10, the Bengals may decide to rest Bernard against the one-win Jaguars so he can be a full-go for an important divisional game. Jeremy Hill would be a solid RB2 if Bernard is not able to play.
A.J. Green (toe) practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday. It was his first Wednesday practice in almost a month, but Green cautioned he is still unsure about his availability for Week 9. "I’m just going to go day-by-day and do a little more tomorrow," Green said. "I think I’ll be fine, but we’ll just take it day-by-day. I have to take care of my body. I have a long career ahead of me. I don’t want anything serious when I can just rest it and make it feel better." Green has said he will not be on a snap count if he plays.
Doug Martin (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday and is still in a walking boot after being forced from last week’s game. His availability for Week 9 is still unclear, but it does not look good. Bobby Rainey and Charles Sims need to be owned in most leagues. The Bucs would likely turn to a committee if Martin is unable to play.
Jordan Cameron (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday. He is extremely doubtful to play Week 9 against the Buccaneers, and could miss the Browns’ Thursday night matchup with the Bengals Week 10. Cameron had both his 2012 and 2013 seasons ended by concussions.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said the team would not “force” Johnny Manziel into any games this season. “If it ever gets to the point whether we’re potentially up big, down big, or if there's a situation that calls for him to go in, we'll get an opportunity to see him,” Pettine said. “You’re looking for an evaluation at some point, but what I'm saying is I don’t think you can force it." Brian Hoyer has been an effective game manager, but he is not taking the Browns anywhere.
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News and Notes
Arian Foster (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. It is possible the Texans are just giving their workhorse some rest. … Jimmy Graham (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday night. He will start and has a great shot at a touchdown. … Ronnie Hillman (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. The severity of the injury is unknown. … Justin Forsett (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. He expects to play Week 9. … Khiry Robinson (forearm) was listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Panthers, but he is not expected to play. … Ryan Mathews (knee) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely be held out through the Chargers’ Week 10 bye. … Patrick Peterson (concussion) has been cleared to practice. He should be fine to get burned by Dez Bryant on Sunday. … Owen Daniels (knee) was a limited participant in Ravens’ practice five days after undergoing a “knee scope.” … Panthers LT Byron Bell (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday night’s game against the Saints. UDFA David Foucault will start in his place. … Vontaze Burfict had his left knee scoped on Wednesday. The Bengals expect Burfict to miss two weeks, but that timetable is extremely optimistic. … The NFL is not expected to reduce Aldon Smith’s suspension this week. He may be able to return Week 10. … Giants placed LB Jon Beason (toe) on injured reserve. … Cowboys placed LB Justin Durant on injured reserve with a torn bicep. LB Tim Dobbins was signed in his place. … Jaguars placed CB Alan Ball on injured reserve with a bicep injury. CB Tommie Campbell was signed in his place. … Rams signed WR Damian Williams. … Raiders signed S Larry Asante. … Browns signed WR Phil Bates.
Injury Quick Slants
Andre Johnson (ankle), Montee Ball (groin), Jeremy Kerley (illness), Michael Campanaro (hamstring), Jadeveon Clowney (knee), Brandon Flowers (concussion) and Jason Verrett (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday.
Andre Ellington (foot), Vincent Jackson (ribs), Kenny Britt (hip), Travis Kelce (ribs), Alfred Blue (ankle), Charles Clay (knee), Allen Hurns (ankle) and Geno Smith (shoulder) were limited in practice on Wednesday.
DeAngelo Williams (ankle), Eric Decker (hamstring), Tom Brady (ankle), Alex Smith (shoulder), Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), Darren Sproles (knee), Juwan Thompson (knee), Jason Kelce (sports-hernia surgery) and Donald Brown (concussion) were full participants in practice on Wednesday.
