Arizona rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is trending toward availability for the Cardinals’ Week 1 matchup with the Chargers after an ankle injury, while several NFL clubs continue to finalize starting roles, practice squads and injury plans ahead of the regular season.
SEO Title: NFL Sunday Desk: Week 1 injury updates, starters and roster moves
SEO Description: Arizona expects rookie RB Jeremiyah Love to have a chance for Week 1, Atlanta names Tua Tagovailoa its starter, and NFL teams make injury and practice-squad moves.
NFL Sunday Desk: Week 1 injury updates, starters and roster moves
What changed for the franchise
Arizona encouraged by Love’s recovery
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said he feels good about Love’s prospects of playing in the opener against the Chargers. The rookie hurt his ankle during Arizona’s Aug. 13 preseason game against the Raiders.
Atlanta names Tagovailoa as starting quarterback
The Falcons have chosen Tua Tagovailoa to open the season as their starting quarterback against Pittsburgh. Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive for the game, leaving Cooper Rush as Tagovailoa’s backup.
Gwyn set to start at center
Jovaughn Gwyn will take the first-team center job into Week 1 against the Colts, coach Jesse Minter said.
Key injury updates
- Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has missed three consecutive practices because of general soreness. Coach Dave Canales remains optimistic Brooks can play against the Bears in Week 1.
- Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase returned Monday after dealing with a knee issue, and wide receiver Tee Higgins also returned from a heel injury.
- Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith is expected to miss four to six weeks after thumb surgery. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said injured reserve remains a possibility.
- Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is expected to play against Baltimore despite an ankle injury, coach Shane Steichen said.
- Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson missed a second straight practice with an ankle injury. Offensive lineman Ben Brown has been ruled out against Seattle because of a knee issue, while defensive tackle Christian Barmore was upgraded to full participation following a knee injury.
- Seattle’s Emanuel Wilson was a full participant after a hamstring issue. Tory Horton was limited with a hamstring injury, while tight end AJ Barner was full after an oblique issue. Tackle Josh Jones remained limited by a knee injury, guard Anthony Bradford advanced to full participation with a knee injury, cornerback Julian Neal was full with a quadriceps injury, safety Nick Emmanwori was limited by an ankle injury, and safety Ty Okada did not practice because of a hamstring injury.
- Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker will be a game-time call for the Cincinnati opener because of an undisclosed injury. Receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan both participated Monday, with Egbuka managing a toe issue and McMillan working through a knee injury.
- Linebacker Cedric Gray entered concussion protocol after a UTV accident in Tennessee. The team said Gray sustained a concussion along with minor injuries.
Rams await Donald decision
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has not committed to traveling to Australia or playing in the team’s Week 1 game against the 49ers. Donald said the club is approaching his status “day by day.”
Giants move on from Slayton
New York released wide receiver Darius Slayton after seven seasons. Slayton was the Giants’ longest-tenured player when he was let go, finishing his New York career with 296 receptions, 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.
Practice-squad and roster activity
- Defensive tackle Zion Logue joined a practice squad, while defensive tackle Tyreak Sapp was released from a practice squad.
- Running back Jabari Small and center Seth McLaughlin were added to a practice squad. Linebacker Joe Bachie was also signed.
- Offensive guard Mason Miller was placed on the practice-squad injured list.
- Safety Taylor Rapp was signed to a practice squad, and long snapper Luke Basso was released.
- Tight end Patrick Gurd and defensive tackle Tim Keenan III joined a practice squad. Defensive tackle Gary Smith III and safety Devin Lafayette were cut from a practice squad.
- Cornerback Isas Waxter was added to a practice squad, while wide receiver Gary Jennings was released.
- Defensive lineman Dean Lowry is expected to sign with New York’s practice squad.
- Linebacker Caden Fordham joined a practice squad, and cornerback Roman Parodie was removed from one.
- Defensive back Isaiah Oliver signed with a practice squad, while safety Jerrick Reed II was released.
- Wide receiver Van Jefferson was added to a practice squad, and tight end Joshua Simon was cut.
