Derek Carr, the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback, suffered an oblique injury during the team’s 26-13 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The injury occurred late in the game while Carr attempted an incomplete pass. Although Carr initially believed the injury happened during that play, he needed additional testing to confirm the diagnosis. An MRI taken the following day confirmed it was an oblique issue, but there’s no clear timeline for how long he will be sidelined.
Oblique injuries typically result in multi-week recoveries, which is worrying for the Saints given their upcoming schedule. The team will play two games in quick succession: one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and another against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, October 17. In Carr’s absence, either rookie Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener would step in as the starting quarterback, with Haener having already replaced Carr in the Chiefs game.
Derek Carr (NFL)
The severity of an oblique injury for a quarterback is heightened because much of a quarterback’s throwing power comes from the core muscles, not just the arm. Carr himself mentioned that he didn’t leave the game due to pain but because his injury affected his ability to perform effectively. He stated that his throwing mechanics were compromised, which prevented him from executing plays the way he normally would.
Looking back at history, this kind of injury can take a significant toll on a quarterback’s performance. In 2014, former Saints quarterback Drew Brees dealt with a left oblique strain and ended up missing two weeks of training camp. Despite returning to the field relatively quickly, Brees admitted that the injury impacted his mechanics, causing bad habits throughout the season. This raises concerns that Carr might face similar struggles if he rushes back before fully healing.
This isn’t the first time Carr has had to battle through injuries while with the Saints. Last season, he dealt with a shoulder sprain in Week 3, as well as two concussions, but was able to play through them without missing significant game time. This season, he’s already been listed with a groin injury in Week 4. With the Saints now potentially facing another extended absence from Carr, the team’s depth at quarterback could be tested once again as they navigate through the season.
On the day that New York Jets owner Woody Johnson made the significant decision to part ways with head coach Robert Saleh, he also took the opportunity to address a lingering issue with holdout Haason Reddick. In a conference call with reporters, Johnson commented on Reddick’s absence, describing the situation as unusual and difficult to understand.
He noted that such situations require a blend of psychological insight and other approaches to get to the root of the issue. Johnson’s response reflected his genuine uncertainty about the motivations behind Reddick’s ongoing holdout.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Reddick’s situation, Johnson remained optimistic about the possibility of the player returning to the team. He assured reporters that the Jets would welcome Reddick back “with open arms,” emphasizing that the Pro Bowl edge rusher would find a welcoming environment within the locker room.
Johnson expressed confidence that Reddick would integrate smoothly into the team and be a valuable contributor once he returns. The owner’s comments were designed to assure fans and the media that the team remained hopeful for a resolution.
Haason Reddick (NFL)
Johnson’s tone shifted as he directly addressed Reddick in a more personal manner. In an attempt to encourage Reddick to return, he issued a public appeal, urging him to drive to the Jets’ training facility. Johnson even joked about providing an escort for Reddick upon arrival, making the invitation sound warm and friendly. He stressed that the team would ensure Reddick felt welcome and appreciated, reinforcing the idea that his return would be a positive experience both for him and the team.
Reddick’s holdout stems from a dispute over his contract. The 30-year-old linebacker was acquired by the Jets in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 29, but he has skipped all team activities so far this season. His current contract, the final year of a deal, includes a base salary of $14.25 million, which is not guaranteed.
As a result of his absence, Reddick has already forfeited over $8 million in fines, including $4.2 million for missing the first five games. His absence has become a growing concern for the Jets, especially as they try to navigate their season without him.
The trade for Reddick, which involved sending a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Eagles, was seen as a major defensive acquisition for the Jets. However, the deal has not gone as planned. At the time of the trade, Reddick rejected a long-term offer from the Jets, expecting that contract negotiations would continue.
The Jets, on the other hand, believed Reddick had committed to playing under his existing contract. This discrepancy in expectations has led to tension between the two parties, with Reddick demanding a new deal while the Jets feel he is not honoring his initial agreement.
On August 13, Cleveland Browns rookie Michael Hall Jr. was arrested shortly after his first NFL appearance for allegedly holding a gun to his fiancée’s head and threatening to kill her. The NFL quickly launched an investigation, and Hall was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, barring him from participating in any team activities until the investigation was completed. Despite his fiancée later recanting her statement, Hall pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct, resulting in a five-game suspension from the league.
This swift response from the NFL reflects the procedures put in place after public backlash over the Ray Rice incident in 2014. Following the release of a video showing Rice assaulting his fiancée, the NFL faced criticism for its delayed and inconsistent handling of domestic violence allegations. In response, the league introduced tougher policies, including mandatory education on domestic violence for players and specific penalties for violations. First-time offenders now face a minimum six-game suspension.
Over the years, the NFL claims that arrests for all offenses, including domestic violence, have decreased by about half since these policy changes were implemented. However, the number of domestic violence cases reported annually has varied, with some years seeing a rise in incidents. In 2023, the NFL reported 11 domestic violence cases, a significant increase compared to previous years like 2015, which saw only eight reported cases. By mid-2024, five cases had already been reported.
Michael Hall Jr. (NFL)
The NFL’s response to domestic violence cases stems from efforts led by Lisa Friel, a former Manhattan prosecutor, who was hired to oversee investigations after the Ray Rice incident. Friel emphasized the complexity of such cases, where victims sometimes do not cooperate or recant their statements. She noted that many victims may face financial dependency or other pressures, which can complicate investigations.
The league’s personal conduct policy, introduced in the aftermath of the Rice incident, includes various sanctions for players found guilty of domestic violence. These range from suspensions for first-time offenders to a lifetime ban for second offenses. Friel explained that her role in overseeing investigations is to ensure that there is “credible evidence” before recommending any disciplinary action. While she cannot impose punishments herself, she works closely with Commissioner Roger Goodell, who makes the final decisions.
Despite the new policies, there have been inconsistencies in the punishments handed out to players. For instance, players like Ezekiel Elliott and Kareem Hunt were suspended after allegations of domestic violence, while others, like Tyreek Hill, were not suspended despite accusations and investigations. Hill was accused of child abuse, but the NFL ultimately found insufficient evidence to charge him under its conduct policy.
Public scrutiny has remained high regarding the NFL’s handling of these sensitive cases. Some players have been cut from teams entirely, while others have resumed their careers after serving suspensions. In cases where players are not suspended, critics argue that the league should be more transparent and consistent in its enforcement of its conduct policy.
In 2023, Buffalo Bills defensive end Von Miller was suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Miller had been arrested on a charge of assaulting a pregnant woman, though he denied the allegations, and the case against him had been closed by the district attorney’s office. This case highlights the ongoing challenges the league faces in dealing with allegations where criminal charges may not be pursued, but the NFL still considers the behavior unacceptable.
The NFL’s response to domestic violence cases has evolved, with additional programs like the Critical Response Team being introduced. This team is composed of NFL employees, including a domestic violence adviser, who respond to crises involving players or their families. The league has also partnered with organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, donating millions to help support their work. However, critics believe that the NFL could do more to assist victims, with some calling for dedicated advocates to guide individuals through the reporting and recovery process.
Former victims of domestic violence, like Alleah Taylor, who was assaulted by former NFL player Chad Wheeler, have voiced concerns about the league’s involvement in such cases. Taylor, who was attacked by Wheeler in 2021, said that while the league reached out once to check on her condition, they did not offer any further support. Taylor emphasized the need for more proactive assistance from the NFL, particularly in offering counseling and other resources to victims of domestic abuse.
Despite these criticisms, Friel and the NFL continue to argue that the league has made significant progress in addressing domestic violence issues. Friel pointed out that while the number of cases may never reach zero, the drop in arrests and increased awareness are signs that the policies are having a positive effect. The NFL remains committed to improving its response and ensuring that players are held accountable while providing support to victims.
Davante Adams, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star wide receiver, is expected to miss the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hamstring injury. He hasn’t played since Week 3, following the Raiders’ loss to the Carolina Panthers, and while he was present on the sidelines for their Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, Adams has not addressed the media since September 25.
After the Panthers’ defeat, he expressed frustration with the team’s lack of motivation and called for both personal and collective improvement among the players.
In addition to his injury, Adams has requested a trade, adding uncertainty to his future with the Raiders. The 31-year-old wants to be traded to a team where he has a strong connection with the quarterback, naming the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints as his preferred destinations.
However, recent developments have complicated the situation. The Jets recently fired their head coach, Robert Saleh, and the Saints’ starting quarterback, Derek Carr, who is also a former teammate of Adams, suffered an injury that will keep him out for several games, slowing potential trade talks.
Davante Adams (NFL)
Despite the trade request and Adams’ injury, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce remains hopeful about the receiver’s return. Pierce mentioned that Adams is recovering and is mentally ready to play football. While Adams has not been cleared to play yet, he is reportedly working hard on his rehabilitation, and the team is optimistic about his eventual return. Nevertheless, there is still uncertainty about when he will be fit to return to action, and his trade request looms large over the situation.
Adams’ decision to request a trade surprised the Raiders, particularly since he made his intentions clear just after their win against the Browns. In a curious twist, a social media post linked to Coach Pierce hinted that Adams may have already played his final game with the Raiders, though this post was later removed. When asked about the situation, Pierce declined to provide an explanation for why things had taken this turn, stating that the answers lie with Adams himself.
As the situation unfolds, the Raiders are left in a challenging position. Adams’ trade request remains unresolved, and the team is reportedly asking for a second-round draft pick as part of any deal. However, the combination of Adams’ injury and his desire to join a team with a familiar quarterback has slowed negotiations. For now, the Raiders must manage both the uncertainty around Adams’ future and the possibility that he may not return to the team, further complicating the Raiders’ plans for the season.
Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys star quarterback, had his Texas mansion demolished on Tuesday, turning it into a pile of rubble. Prescott, however, was present for the demolition and observed the process closely, as the destruction was pre-planned. He informed his neighbors in advance that the demolition was part of a plan to rebuild the home with a more modern design that would better fit his current needs.
Prescott enlisted the help of the trick-shot team Dude Perfect to assist in the demolition, making the process more entertaining. Footage from the scene shows the team filming the bulldozing process, even using drones to capture some of the action. Prescott also took part in the event, posing for shots alongside the construction equipment as the house was torn down.
Dak Prescott (NFL)
Later in the day, Prescott was seen standing with his girlfriend, Sarah Jane, as an excavator took down the remains of his multi-million-dollar home. The destruction, however, was a step towards a more customized and updated residence for the NFL star, as part of his plan to upgrade his living space.
Given his hefty salary—Prescott is one of the highest-paid players in NFL history, earning $60 million annually—the quarterback can certainly afford such luxury home renovations. The demolition marked a new chapter for Prescott, allowing him to rebuild a home that reflects his success and current lifestyle.
The NFL has placed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers on the commissioner exempt list following his arrest on charges that include strangulation and drug possession. Being on the exempt list means Peppers is not allowed to practice or attend games while the case is ongoing. This decision follows Peppers’ not-guilty plea in Quincy District Court on Monday after his arrest on Saturday by Braintree, Massachusetts police.
According to police, Peppers was arrested after officers responded to a disturbance at a residence where a woman claimed he assaulted her. The charges against Peppers include assault and battery, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance, which police identified as cocaine.
The woman involved in the incident told police that Peppers hit her, choked her multiple times, and forced her outside. Police said Peppers answered the door calmly and was arrested without any further issues. Officers also found a bag of white powder that tested positive for cocaine at the scene.
Jabrill Peppers (NFL)
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addressed the situation, condemning any form of domestic violence but also stressing the importance of due process. He said that Peppers’ placement on the exempt list would allow time for more information to come to light. Mayo, who is also a father, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations while expressing hope that they are not true. Peppers, a team captain in his eighth NFL season, has been with the Patriots for three years and is an integral part of the team.
Peppers’ lawyer, Marc Brofsky, argued in court that the evidence casts doubt on the allegations, referencing video evidence in Peppers’ defense. He confirmed that Peppers agreed not to have any contact with the woman and that his client was cooperating with the investigation. Peppers was released on $2,500 bail and ordered to stay away from the woman. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 22, though he is not required to attend.
The Patriots’ next game is scheduled for Sunday at home against the Houston Texans. However, with Peppers on the exempt list, he will not be participating. The team will be waiting for more developments in the case as the legal process unfolds.
The Houston Texans have placed wide receiver Nico Collins on injured reserve after he sustained a hamstring injury during the team’s Week 5 victory against the Buffalo Bills. Collins, who leads the NFL with 567 receiving yards this season, was hurt on a 67-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud. After scoring, Collins limped off the field and was unable to return for the remainder of the game. His absence will sideline him for at least four games.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the situation, acknowledging that Collins’ production will be difficult to replace. Ryans highlighted Collins’ dominant performance this season, calling him the best receiver in the NFL. He emphasized that while no one can fully step into Collins’ role, each player must step up and play their part. The team’s offensive struggles were evident after Collins exited in Week 5, as they managed just nine points for the rest of the game.
Nico Collins (NFL)
Collins has been a key factor in rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s impressive start to the season. When targeting Collins, Stroud has posted a passer rating of 133, leading the NFL in expected points added (EPA). Even when Collins is not targeted, Stroud’s numbers remain solid, completing 70% of his throws and maintaining a 107 passer rating. However, without Collins on the field, Stroud’s performance dips, showing no touchdowns, one interception, and a significant drop in passer rating to 72.
The Texans have also been dealing with the absence of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, who has missed three weeks with an ankle injury. It’s unclear if Mixon will return in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. In Collins’ absence, Stefon Diggs is expected to assume the role of the primary receiver, with wideout Tank Dell likely seeing more involvement in the offense after a slow start to his season.
Looking ahead, the Texans will face the Patriots, Packers, Colts, and Jets over the next four games. Of these opponents, only the Jets boast a top-tier pass defense, while the others rank in the bottom half of the league in terms of passing yards allowed. This presents an opportunity for the Texans to adjust their game plan without Collins, though they will need key players to step up in his absence to maintain their offensive rhythm.
The NFL is currently reviewing Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens’ eye black message during the Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys for a potential fine. Pickens had the explicit message “Open F—ing Always” written in silver on his eye black, which may violate the league’s uniform policy. The NFL’s Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 prohibits players from displaying personal messages unless they have been pre-approved by the league office. This review could result in a fine being issued to Pickens.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he was unaware of the message displayed by Pickens and did not notice anything unusual regarding his effort during the game. When asked about the situation, Tomlin stated, “I don’t know what messaging you’re talking about regarding his eye black.” Tomlin did not express any concerns about Pickens’ performance on the field, despite the player’s reduced involvement during the game, with only 34 snaps played.
George Pickens (NFL)
The NFL has a history of issuing fines for players who display personal messages without prior approval. In 2015, several Steelers players were fined for similar violations, including Cam Heyward, who wrote “Iron Head” on his eye black in memory of his late father, and DeAngelo Williams, who wrote “Find the Cure” to honor family members lost to breast cancer. Another player, William Gay, was fined for wearing purple cleats in support of domestic violence awareness.
Any fine for Pickens’ message is expected to be disclosed in the NFL’s game-day accountability report, which will be issued on Saturday. The situation reflects the NFL’s strict stance on maintaining uniformity and limiting personal expressions on game day, even when the messages are intended as tributes or for causes.
Phillies Face Elimination in Game 4 Against Mets as Castellanos Urges Team to Embrace Critical Moment
The Philadelphia Phillies face a critical moment in their National League Division Series (NLDS) against the New York Mets, trailing 2-1 after a disappointing 7-2 loss in Game 3. Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognizing that another loss would mean elimination.
He stressed the importance of embracing the moment, noting that if the Phillies can secure a win in Game 4, the Mets would not want to return to Philadelphia for a Game 5, where the Phillies would have a significant advantage.
One of the key reasons for Castellanos’ confidence is the Phillies’ strong home-field advantage, having posted a 54-27 record at Citizens Bank Park during the regular season. If the series extends to a fifth game, the Phillies would likely start ace Zack Wheeler, who performed well in Game 1 before the bullpen let a lead slip away. This makes a potential Game 5 a promising scenario for the Phillies, although they first need to overcome the Mets in Game 4.
Phillies Face Elimination in Game 4 Against Mets as Castellanos Urges Team to Embrace Critical Moment
Offensive struggles have been a major issue for the Phillies, particularly early in games. Philadelphia has only managed one run in the first five innings across the three games so far, highlighting their difficulties in generating offense against the Mets’ starting pitchers. This is compounded by the fact that their only early run came from a Kyle Schwarber leadoff homer in Game 1. To have any chance of extending the series, the Phillies will need to find ways to spark their stagnant offense.
Castellanos, who was the hero in Game 2, had an opportunity to change the course of Game 3 when he came to bat with two runners on in the sixth inning. However, his double play ended the Phillies’ rally attempt, and the Mets extended their lead in the following inning, effectively sealing the game. Castellanos and the Phillies’ offense, currently struggling with a .204/.304/.337/.641 slash line, must step up in Game 4 if they want to avoid elimination.
Despite the tough situation, Castellanos remains optimistic, stating that this moment is as close to “death” as the team will get, which should drive them to play with a sense of urgency. With everything on the line in Game 4, the Phillies need to leave it all on the field, or Castellanos’ warning about avoiding a return trip to Philadelphia will be irrelevant.
The New York Jets made a surprising move by firing head coach Robert Saleh after a pair of consecutive losses, which left the team with a 2-3 record. Although owner Woody Johnson consulted with general manager Joe Douglas, he emphasized that the decision to let go of Saleh was ultimately his own. Johnson didn’t offer much detail on why he chose this moment but stated that it simply felt like the right time to make a change.
Speculation quickly followed the firing, with Joe Benigno, a former radio host and die-hard Jets fan, offering a controversial theory. Benigno suggested that Saleh’s dismissal could be linked to his choice of attire during a game in London, where he wore a black Jets sweatshirt featuring the Lebanese flag. This raised eyebrows given the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, especially the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based group, and Israel.
Robert Saleh (NFL)
Benigno’s comments touched on sensitive political issues, as he noted the escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel. He wondered if Saleh’s public display of the Lebanese flag might have contributed to his firing, particularly at a time when tensions in the region are high. The timing of the flag display, just before the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, fueled further speculation.
However, Saleh’s wearing of the Lebanese flag is not new or unusual. He has previously worn the patch as part of the NFL’s Heritage Program, which allows players and coaches to honor their cultural backgrounds. Saleh, who is of Lebanese descent, has used this opportunity to recognize his heritage since the program’s inception, without previous controversy. His visible pride in his background had not been a problem in prior seasons or games.
In his time with the Jets, Saleh compiled a 20-36 record over three and a half seasons, failing to achieve a winning season. Although there has been much discussion about the potential impact of his cultural background and attire, it is likely that his overall performance as a coach was the primary factor in the decision to part ways. Despite the speculation, the exact reasons behind his firing remain unclear.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned earlier this week that he would think about whether it might be better for the offense if he let offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey handle the playcalling. He shared his decision on Wednesday.
Stefanski acknowledged that the team understands there are areas they need to improve to be more successful in the future, but he will keep calling the plays for the game against the Eagles this week.
“We look at everything every week, whether it’s scheme, personnel, or how we call it,” Stefanski said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
“There are things we’ve reviewed this week and things we know we can improve. I’m comfortable with the level of teamwork we have right now and how we operate, so that won’t change.
Deshaun Watson and Kevin Stefanski talks in the practice
But I want to stress that, number one, we are always looking for ways to do better, and number two, this is a team effort from both players and coaches to ensure we improve on offense.”
The Browns have made it to the playoffs twice during Stefanski’s four years as head coach and playcaller, including last year, when they managed to reach the playoffs despite using five different quarterbacks during the regular season.
This suggests that the play calls might not be the main problem, but rather how the team executes them. Still, the Browns aren’t planning any major changes to their lineup.
The Cardinals are bringing back an important rookie to practice.
On Wednesday, Arizona announced that they have opened the 21-day practice window for defensive lineman and first-round pick Darius Robinson.
Robinson, selected 27th overall in this year’s draft, hurt his calf in August and has been on injured reserve, missing the first five games of the season.
Darius Robinson (NFL)
The team now has 21 days to add him to the 53-man roster.
Also, Arizona has re-signed offensive lineman Austen Pleasants to their practice squad.
