Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson remains undecided on his starting quarterback for the team’s upcoming game against the New York Jets. Johnson acknowledged having three quarterbacks on the roster but declined to confirm who will take the field on Sunday. With Caleb Williams sidelined by a right hamstring injury, Case Keenum helped the Bears secure a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to scoring on a one-yard quarterback sneak. Tyson Bagent, generally considered the backup to Williams, was recently cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol and is expected to be available this week. Williams suffered his injury in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 20 and is progressing, though he did not participate in Wednesday’s walk-through.
In other NFL developments, the Los Angeles Rams learned from the league that officials made an incorrect call in their recent loss to the Denver Broncos. Cornerback Josh Wallace was penalized for pass interference against wide receiver Pat Bryant late in the game, which nullified an interception and extended Denver’s drive, ultimately leading to a game-winning touchdown. Replays indicated that Bryant had initiated contact by grabbing Wallace, contrary to the officials’ ruling.
The New York Jets face injury concerns as their leading rusher, Breece Hall, remains sidelined with a quadriceps injury and is considered week-to-week by coach Aaron Glenn. Hall sustained the injury during last Sunday’s 31-24 loss to the Detroit Lions. Additional Jets players — left guard Dylan Parham, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, tight end Mason Taylor, and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa — are also out of practice and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons has been dealing with a bulging disk in his lower back, according to coach Andy Reid. Simmons, a first-round draft pick last year, has missed the first three games of the season and is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Reid noted Simmons’s condition has affected leg strength but praised the player’s commitment to recovery. The team has not placed Simmons on injured reserve, allowing roster flexibility.
The Carolina Panthers placed starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on injured reserve ahead of their Sunday night game against the Detroit Lions. Coach Dave Canales expects both players to miss roughly eight weeks. Horn sustained a quadriceps injury in last week’s loss to the Cleveland Browns, while Jackson underwent surgery for a groin injury.
The Green Bay Packers continue to reshape a struggling offense after acquiring veteran guard Kevin Zeitler. Additionally, wide receiver Jayden Reed will miss the remainder of the season due to a neck injury that required surgery following a game on September 20. The Packers have been working to improve offensive protection and production after recent disappointing performances.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed quarterback Brett Rypien to their practice squad amid injuries to their quarterback group. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to miss at least three games due to a dislocated thumb, according to head coach Todd Bowles.