It’s home opener, take 2, for Jets’ Aaron Rodgers vs. Pats

Jets fans are hoping to get a longer look at quarterback Aaron Rodgers when New York faces the New England Patriots on Thursday night in East Rutherford, N.J.

The last time Rodgers stepped onto the turf at MetLife Stadium, he lasted just four plays, tearing his left Achillies tendon in the Jets’ 2023 season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

That injury put Rodgers on the shelf for the entirety of the campaign. He was still credited with the win against Buffalo, but it wasn’t until Sunday that Rodgers led the Jets (1-1) to victory while playing for a full game. The 40-year-old completed 18 of 30 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns as New York beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17.

Now that the Jets have their first real taste of success with Rodgers under center, New York coach Robert Saleh is banking on the home crowd giving his team a significant advantage on Thursday.

“I hope it’s off the chain,” Saleh said, referring to the type of atmosphere he expects. “I mean, shoot, it’s our home opener coming on a Thursday. I know our fans are some of the most passionate fans in all of football. … You want to play in the spotlight.”

The Jets will need all the help they can get as they try to crack a New England defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest points per game (16.5) through the first two weeks of the season.

After picking up a clean 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the Patriots (1-1) faltered late to drop a 23-20 overtime decision against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Rhamondre Stevenson found the end zone from 1 yard out to put New England up 20-17 with 12:43 left in regulation, but the Patriots let Seattle march its way to Jason Myers’ 38-yard field goal that tied the game with 55 seconds to go.

Myers nailed a game-winning 31-yarder in overtime. New England got the ball to open the extra session but went three-and-out.

It marked the first career loss for Patriots first-year coach Jerod Mayo, who is now trying to effectively navigate a short week.

“I think the first thing is to recover. That’s the first thing,” Mayo said. “So in saying that, we’re going to bring the guys in late every day this week. … I think it’s important that those guys rest up. It also gives the coaches an opportunity to get the game plan put together. That’s the first thing.

“Secondly, it comes back to executing. When you’re sore, when you’re tired, that’s what it really comes back to.”

And leaning on the defense might not be an option for New England come Thursday.

Multiple media outlets reported Monday that Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley sustained a season-ending pectoral injury against the Seahawks, and fellow linebacker Oshane Ximines (knee) also was ruled out in Wednesday’s injury report and went on injured reserve after not practicing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

New England guard Sidy Sow is dealing with an ankle issue and was ruled out along with offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee). Center David Andrews (hip), offensive lineman Mike Onwenu (wrist), defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) and safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) are listed as questionable for the game.

The Jets listed linebacker Jermaine Johnson II, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn right Achilles tendon, as out, and linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) as questionable.

–Field Level Media

It’s home opener, take 2, for Jets’ Aaron Rodgers vs. Pats

Jets fans are hoping to get a longer look at quarterback Aaron Rodgers when New York faces the New England Patriots on Thursday night in East Rutherford, N.J.

The last time Rodgers stepped onto the turf at MetLife Stadium, he lasted just four plays, tearing his left Achillies tendon in the Jets’ 2023 season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

That injury put Rodgers on the shelf for the entirety of the campaign. He was still credited with the win against Buffalo, but it wasn’t until Sunday that Rodgers led the Jets (1-1) to victory while playing for a full game. The 40-year-old completed 18 of 30 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns as New York beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17.

Now that the Jets have their first real taste of success with Rodgers under center, New York coach Robert Saleh is banking on the home crowd giving his team a significant advantage on Thursday.

“I hope it’s off the chain,” Saleh said, referring to the type of atmosphere he expects. “I mean, shoot, it’s our home opener coming on a Thursday. I know our fans are some of the most passionate fans in all of football. … You want to play in the spotlight.”

The Jets will need all the help they can get as they try to crack a New England defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest points per game (16.5) through the first two weeks of the season.

After picking up a clean 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the Patriots (1-1) faltered late to drop a 23-20 overtime decision against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Rhamondre Stevenson found the end zone from 1 yard out to put New England up 20-17 with 12:43 left in regulation, but the Patriots let Seattle march its way to Jason Myers’ 38-yard field goal that tied the game with 55 seconds to go.

Myers nailed a game-winning 31-yarder in overtime. New England got the ball to open the extra session but went three-and-out.

It marked the first career loss for Patriots first-year coach Jerod Mayo, who is now trying to effectively navigate a short week.

“I think the first thing is to recover. That’s the first thing,” Mayo said. “So in saying that, we’re going to bring the guys in late every day this week. … I think it’s important that those guys rest up. It also gives the coaches an opportunity to get the game plan put together. That’s the first thing.

“Secondly, it comes back to executing. When you’re sore, when you’re tired, that’s what it really comes back to.”

And leaning on the defense might not be an option for New England come Thursday.

Multiple media outlets reported Monday that Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley sustained a season-ending pectoral injury against the Seahawks, and fellow linebacker Anfernee Jennings (knee), defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder), safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) and cornerback Marcus Jones (knee) were all limited in practice on Tuesday.

New England guard Sidy Sow is dealing with an ankle issue and was among those who didn’t practice.

New York turned in an estimated injury report, simply holding a walkthrough on Tuesday, but linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) would not have participated in practice. Linebacker Jermaine Johnson announced on Monday that he has a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon.

–Field Level Media

Falcons counting on Kirk Cousins to continue success vs. Eagles

Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins hopes the third time is the charm when the Falcons visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.

It is the third straight season that Cousins has traveled to Lincoln Financial Field in Week 2 for a primetime game. He lost the previous two years while playing for the Minnesota Vikings, falling 24-7 on “Monday Night Football” on Sept. 19, 2022, and 34-28 on “Thursday Night Football” on Sept. 14, 2023.

Atlanta (0-1) is coming off a season-opening 18-10 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cousins’ Falcons debut. He looked rusty during his first game since tearing his right Achilles tendon last October and first since signing a $180 million contract in March.

Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against the Steelers. He was also sacked twice and hit seven times as the Falcons operated almost exclusively from the pistol or shotgun, opting to avoid play-action with their 36-year-old signal-caller.

“We did not have a good game. He (Cousins) did not have a good game,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “We were very clear about that. There was no sugarcoating that.”

Including his time with NFC East rival Washington, Cousins has had success against Philadelphia with a 6-5 record and more career passing yards (3,341) and touchdown passes (26) against the Eagles than any other opponent. In last year’s game at the Linc, he completed 31 of 44 passes for 364 yards with four TDs and no INTs.

“He’s gonna bring the urgency,” Morris said of what he expects from Cousins. “He’s gonna bring everything he has to do in order to play better, to find a way to get that thing to the results that we want.”

Cousins will face some heat from the Eagles (1-0), who should be rested and recovered playing 10 days after their 34-29 defeat of Green Bay in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Linebacker Zack Baun recorded two sacks in his Philadelphia debut, matching his career total from 62 games with the New Orleans Saints (2020-23). His game-ending sack against Malik Willis, after Jordan Love left with a knee injury, preserved the win.

“A great indicator of how you’re going to play in games is how you practice,” coach Nick Sirianni said of Baun, who added a game-high 15 tackles with 11 solo stops. “You know, he’s been relentless to the football. Relentless effort. That really showed up.”

The Packers gained 414 yards against the Eagles but came away with only one touchdown in four trips to the red zone against new coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense.

On the other side of the ball, Philadelphia offset Jalen Hurts’ two interceptions and a fumbled exchange with new center Cam Jurgens with a big debut by Saquon Barkley (132 yards from scrimmage, three touchdowns).

For Monday night’s game, Hurts will be without one of his favorite weapons in wide receiver A.J. Brown, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Brown had five catches for 119 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay.

The Eagles face an Atlanta defense that did not allow a touchdown to the Steelers, who settled for six field goals by Chris Boswell. Grady Jarrett had 1.5 sacks and Matt Judon added a half-sack and six tackles in his Falcons debut.

Sirianni is also concerned with stopping Bijan Robinson, who tallied 111 yards from scrimmage in Week 1 and who reminds the Philly coach of Barkley.

“He’s a really good football player who can create on his own,” Sirianni said. “Things can break down and he can still make a play.”

Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. Linebacker Devin White (ankle) and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (hand) were full participants after missing Week 1.

Falcons linebacker Nate Landman (calf, quad) and cornerback Antonio Hamilton (groin) did not practice Thursday and right tackle Kaleb McGary (groin) was limited.

–Field Level Media

With QB situation unsettled, Packers take on Colts

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur says the door remains “pretty open” for quarterback Jordan Love to start Sunday’s home opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

But Saturday’s developments point toward Love possibly serving as a spectator due to his left knee injury.

One day after Love was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, Green Bay downgraded him to doubtful for the contest against the Colts and elevated Sean Clifford from the practice squad. Clifford would serve as the backup if Malik Willis starts.

Love sustained a sprained MCL late in a Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, an injury with a recovery timetable of three to six weeks. Putting Love on injured reserve would require him to miss four games.

Love did not practice all week and has not yet received medical clearance to play, LaFleur said Friday.

Willis took the final two snaps of Green Bay’s 34-29 defeat in Brazil, throwing an incompletion and taking a sack.

Green Bay (0-1) acquired Willis from the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round pick on the eve of final roster cuts in August.

LaFleur lauded Willis’ diligence and preparation to date. The third-year pro out of Liberty is 35-for-67 for 350 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions in 12 career games.

“It’s not like we’re dealing with a rookie here,” LaFleur said. “He’s got a process. I thought he did a great job in his three weeks, which feels like three months since he’s been here, of being dialed in.”

Love passed for 260 yards and touchdowns to Jayden Reed and Christian Watson as well as an interception before getting injured. Running back Josh Jacobs rushed 16 times for 84 yards in his team debut, with 32 yards coming on one carry.

After struggling to contain Eagles dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Packers face a similar test in Colts QB Anthony Richardson.

Back under center for Indianapolis (0-1) after an injury-shortened rookie season, Richardson kept the Colts afloat in a season-opening 29-27 home loss to the Houston Texans despite inconsistency.

Richardson passed for 212 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, with both scores covering more than 50 yards.

“He’s got a huge arm that allows us to push the ball down the field, and then we’ve got the speed on the outside to go get it,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “I think when you’re explosive like that in the pass game, instead of having those 12-, 13-, 14-play drives, you get an opportunity to hit some big ones.”

Richardson rushed for a team-leading 56 yards, including a 3-yard TD with 2:14 that drew Indianapolis within the final margin.

The Colts endured a substantial injury of their own in Week 1, as starting cornerback JuJu Brents sustained a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve — a designation the Packers didn’t assign to Love.

Veteran Kenny Moore II looms as a possibility to start at the other corner opposite Jaylon Jones and says he’s ready to follow Steichen’s “next man up” mantra if summoned.

“It speaks true to always being ready,” Moore said, “always being prepared.”

Houston gained 417 yards of offense against Indianapolis, including a 213-yard effort on the ground.

If the Packers can duplicate that sort of success in the run game, Willis won’t need to be supernatural, although he admittedly is cramming to get up to speed.

“The reality is I just got here, so it’s gonna be a little bit in overdrive,” he said. “It’s been pretty much around the clock since I got here. You try to come in and be ready to go if you’re called upon.”

Green Bay also listed Reed (calf/shin) and running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) as questionable for Sunday.

The Colts ruled out safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder), while defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (back), defensive end Kwity Paye (hamstring) and receiver Josh Downs (ankle) are questionable.

–Field Level Media

Christian McCaffrey out again as 49ers battle Vikings

Christian McCaffrey was optimistic that he would make his season debut when the San Francisco 49ers play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.

But the calf injury and Achilles tendinitis that caused him to sit out the 49ers’ season opener continues to flare up, and McCaffrey will sit out again in Week 2.

In fact, he might be placed on injured reserve after a setback in Thursday’s practice.

The developments of the week are much different than McCaffrey envisioned. Earlier this week, he said “my mindset is I’m going to play no matter what I’m going through on Wednesday or Thursday in practice.”

San Francisco (1-0) will stick with the backup plan, which was a sensational move in the opener. The 49ers turned to second-string running back Jordan Mason on Monday, and he had 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut to lead the team to a 32-19 win over the visiting New York Jets.

Meanwhile, Minnesota (1-0) is looking to play the role of spoiler in its home opener. The Vikings are coming off a decisive 28-6 win over the New York Giants in Week 1 that marked the team debut for Sam Darnold at quarterback.

Darnold completed 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception to register a 113.2 passer rating. He now will go up against the 49ers, with whom he played last season as a backup to starter Brock Purdy.

A season on the sidelines was a blessing in disguise, Darnold said.

“Being able to prepare and be ready like I was the starter, but just sit back and watch everything that was going on in the organization, how things were run there, (really helped),” Darnold said. “I really did learn a ton from Brock and the way he prepared, his quiet confidence that he had every single day.

“He’s not the rah-rah guy, not going to lead the team in breakdowns at the end of the year, but he’s just as steady as they come.”

Purdy proved steady last week as he completed 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards. He also had one rush for 11 yards in the victory.

Both teams’ defenses will look to repeat impressive performances in Week 2.

San Francisco held the Jets to 266 total yards and spoiled the opener for Aaron Rodgers, who passed for 167 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Leonard Floyd recorded a sack for San Francisco.

The Vikings also shined in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system. Free-agent acquisition Andrew Van Ginkel had an interception return for a touchdown, and veteran safety Harrison Smith baited Daniel Jones into another interception.

Minnesota racked up five sacks, including a pair from linebacker Patrick Jones II. Van Ginkel also notched a sack, as did rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner.

San Francisco wideout Brandon Aiyuk is hoping for better production in his second game back from a long delay over a contract dispute. Aiyuk caught two passes for 28 yards in Week 1 but said he felt like he was in good game shape.

“It felt good,” Aiyuk said. “(I felt) a little sore. (I was) solid though.”

Vikings wideout Jordan Addison was ruled out of Sunday’s game after he did not take part in practice because of a Week 1 right ankle injury. Addison had three catches for 35 yards before he left the game in the third quarter. Jalen Nailor will start opposite Justin Jefferson.

Safety Harrison Smith (hip), tackle Brian O’Neill (elbow) and guard Ed Ingram (tricep) were limited at practice on Friday and are listed as questionable for the game.

San Francisco listed safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) as doubtful and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle) as questionable.

–Field Level Media

Bengals, aiming to bounce back, renew acquaintances with Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs will look to build upon their momentum from a dramatic opening-night win while the visiting Cincinnati Bengals will aim to forget a dismal showing in their opener when the teams meet Sunday.

The Chiefs (1-0) held on for a 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens when Isaiah Likely’s toe landed just out of bounds in the closing seconds, nullifying his would-be touchdown grab.

The Bengals (0-1) saw their offense sputter in a stunning 16-10 home loss to the rebuilding New England Patriots, with Joe Burrow completing 21 of 29 passes but only for 164 yards and no touchdowns.

The Chiefs and Bengals are certainly no strangers to each other. They are meeting for the sixth time in the last four seasons, with the Bengals winning three times, including the AFC Championship Game after the 2021 season in Kansas City.

The Chiefs returned the favor in the AFC Championship Game the following year, quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ first win over Burrow in four meetings.

Last season, the Chiefs topped the Bengals 25-17 in Week 17, a game Burrow missed with torn ligaments in his right wrist. Jake Browning started in Burrow’s place and the Bengals lost, eliminating them from postseason contention.

“Yeah, of course, you miss that,” Burrow said of sitting out last season’s matchup. “I just miss playing football. I miss being out there with the guys, so it’s a luxury right now to be criticized by all (the media) about how we played on Sunday, because I was sitting in the wings for seven weeks last year. So I’m just excited to be out there.”

Injuries could again play a key factor in Sunday’s outcome. On Wednesday, Burrow addressed his recovery from wrist surgery, as cameras caught him repeatedly flexing and rubbing his wrist during the Week 1 loss.

“It feels better this week than it did last week, than it did the week before, so it’s continually getting better,” Burrow said of the wrist.

Burrow was a full participant in practice all week and is good to go for the game.

Receiver Tee Higgins, who missed Week 1 with a strained hamstring, is listed as doubtful. Cincinnati ruled out defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (thumb), while tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) and right tackle Amarius Mims (pectoral) are doubtful.

Chiefs veteran receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve on Friday and will undergo surgery.

In the Chiefs’ Week 1 win, Mahomes completed 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards, with a 35-yard pass to 21-year-old rookie Xavier Worthy, who also ran 21 yards for a score.

The Bengals, meanwhile, could get almost nothing going on offense, going three-and-out on their first three possessions, scoring just one touchdown and never holding a lead before a frustrated home crowd.

Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast, “The Bengals are going to be ready for us. We’re going to be dialed up and have a great game plan. It’s going to be exciting to go up against one of the best teams in the league.

“I think they have a great defense. Their defensive coordinator (Lou Anarumo) always plays extremely tough. They’re very well coached. They got players all over the place, and great players all over the place. And sure enough, it’s one I would call rivals, now that we’ve actually won a few.”

After beating Mahomes and the Chiefs twice in the 2021 season and once in in the ’22 season, coach Zac Taylor and his Bengals have dropped the last two meetings, both in Kansas City, the site again of Sunday’s showdown.

Taylor said of going up against Mahomes, “He’s one of the greatest ever to do it. … He’s just a very aware player. He’s always in the moment. He’s got a lot of strengths, not a lot of weaknesses.”

–Mike Petraglia, Field Level Media

Bears, rookie QB Caleb Williams face gold standard in Texans’ C.J. Stroud

Early during his Wednesday presser, Bears coach Matt Eberflus was asked how the historic production Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud enjoyed as a rookie last season could be used as a template for Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, whose debut last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans could reasonably be described as inauspicious.

Eberflus adroitly sidestepped making a comparison that would only add to the already enormous expectations resting on Williams’ shoulders. While Stroud crafted one of the greatest seasons for a rookie quarterback in NFL history, Williams struggled in his first career start and relied on the Bears’ exceptional defense and special teams to steer the way to a 24-17 home win over the Tennessee Titans.

The Texans (1-0) will host the Bears (1-0) in a showdown on Sunday highlighting the standard Williams is charged with meeting. Stroud thrived in a 29-27 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, passing for 234 yards and two touchdowns with a 115.9 rating.

Williams, conversely, averaged 3.2 yards per attempt, threw for only 93 yards, posted a 55.7 rating and helmed an offense that didn’t score a touchdown. His handling of a middling performance struck Eberflus.

“He’s been really good,” Eberflus said. “Him and I watched the plays Monday morning. He comes into my office and was really good there. He’s really good with the players owning up to everything and taking responsibility for performance and accountability. That’s what you need from leaders on the football team, not just him.

“And then moving forward to coming in (Wednesday) morning and figuring out what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and having conversations with him. I think he’s in a good spot.”

The Bears were buoyed by a pair of touchdown returns, including a 43-yard interception return by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson with 7:35 left in regulation that sealed the win. Chicago sacked Titans quarterback Will Levis three times, picked him off twice and limited Levis to 4.0 yards per attempt.

The Bears might need another stifling performance against the Texans, not only to cover Williams as he develops but to help a Chicago offense that has a pair of receivers — Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (MCL strain) — listed as questionable for Sunday.

Wins can mask warts. But Williams acknowledged that ample work remains for the offense.

“We’re here getting better,” Williams said. “Just getting back out here making sure we’re focused on the small things, the details. Whether it’s myself of footwork, drops … or whether it’s the routes, whether it’s the run game, hand placement, all these other things when blocking to make sure as an offense we’re successful.”

The Texans had no such problems offensively. Houston seamlessly inserted veteran newcomers Stefon Diggs (two touchdown catches) and Joe Mixon (30 carries, 159 yards and a touchdown) into their potent mix, with Mixon earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts.

Stroud was sacked four times but did not commit a turnover and was in complete control even under duress, finding Nico Collins (six catches, 117 yards) when the moment was dire.

In the aftermath of its win, Houston had reason to be optimistic that more can be unlocked.

“I think watching the film from last week, there’s definitely a lot of play left on the field,” Stroud said. “We can clean up a lot of things. So, yeah, I definitely think that we barely showed what we’ve got. But it’s kind of cool because we still did kind of play pretty good once we stopped shooting ourselves in the foot.

“The plays that we ran good looked great. But the ones that we just barely missed on, it was just the little, little, small things. If we clean those up, man, I think we would’ve had a way better day, but definitely great to learn in a win.”

The Bears ruled out two players for the game, offensive tackle Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) and fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee). In addition to Allen and Odunze, Chicago listed defensive end DeMarcus Walker (foot) as questionable.

The Texans will be without safety M.J. Stewart (knee). Running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) and center Juice Scruggs (groin) were considered questionable as of Friday.

–Field Level Media