Packers’ Jordan Love getting back to full strength with Rams up next

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love gladly sported a green home jersey instead of a red no-contact one at practice last week.

After missing two games with a knee injury sustained late in Week 1, Love welcomed everything associated with being under center, including the physicality.

“That was the big test going into the game, how I respond to getting hit,” Love said. “So, it definitely gives me more confidence. I know going into the game that it’s football. I’m going to get hit at some point.”

After nearly rallying from an early four-score deficit against the Minnesota Vikings, Love and the Packers will try to climb above .500 when they visit the banged-up Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Inglewood, Calif.

Los Angeles (1-3) remains without top wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee).

The Rams entered the red zone four times in their Week 4 visit to Chicago but had just one touchdown to show for it in a 24-18 loss to the Bears.

Still, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was 20 of 29 passing for 224 yards and an interception, bolstered his connection with receiver Jordan Whittington, who had a team-high six receptions for 62 yards.

“He’s obviously done a really nice job stepping in with his opportunities,” Stafford said of Whittington. “Done a really nice job catching and running the last couple weeks. … You go out there and earn it, you know. You earn those opportunities, you earn the trust, you earn all that. And he’s come in with the right attitude since Day 1 and it’s showing.”

As the passing game adjusts, Kyren Williams continues to be a stabilizing presence in the backfield. Williams ran 19 times for 94 yards and a touchdown against Chicago. He has scored at least one TD on the ground in seven straight games dating back to last season.

Green Bay (2-2) fell behind 28-0 in the second quarter versus the Vikings. The Packers lost 31-29, though, as Love overcame struggles with accuracy and heavy blitzing from Minnesota to pass for a career-best 389 yards.

Love also had a career-high 54 passing attempts, completing 32, to go along with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

“It looks like he’s just getting back in the groove,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Love. “Like I mentioned the other day, not that we want to throw 50-some odd times in a game, but I thought the more we threw, the better he got.”

Green Bay will be without starting wide receiver Romeo Doubs after suspending him for one game on Saturday for conduct detrimental to the team. Doubs missed practice on Thursday and Friday for what the team called personal reasons and he was listed as doubtful. Media reports said the issue was not related to injury or a family matter, but the receiver’s unhappiness with his use in the passing game.

The Packers also may not have starting receiver Christian Watson, who left the Minnesota game with an ankle injury but won’t be placed on injured reserve. Watson did not practice Wednesday through Friday and was listed as doubtful for Sunday.

Green Bay defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle) was ruled out, while cornerback Jaire Alexander (groin), guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins (knee), tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle), defensive lineman Jonathan Ford (calf), linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hip), tackle/guard Jordan Morgan (shoulder) and cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle) were all listed as questionable.

Rams defensive end Larrell Murchison (forearm) is unavailable for Sunday.

The Packers have won eight of their past nine regular-season games against Los Angeles.

–Field Level Media

Trying to overcome 0-4 start, Jaguars collide with Colts

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the NFL’s only remaining winless team after four games, and a climb out of that big of a hole to reach the postseason has occurred just once in league history.

Jacksonville isn’t waving the white flag, but prospects of a turnaround will grow even bleaker if the Jaguars don’t defeat the visiting Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South clash on Sunday.

The 1992 San Diego Chargers are the lone 0-4 team to recover and reach the playoffs. That team started slowly while adjusting to new coach Bobby Ross and had strong leadership from Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau.

In Jacksonville, coach Doug Pederson is in his third season and is fielding questions about losing the locker room. His Jaguars have been outscored 109-60 to start the campaign.

“I talk to these guys every day. I see them every day. And no, I have not lost the locker room,” Pederson said Wednesday. “I think these guys have done everything I’ve asked. They continue to play and practice hard and battle.”

Pederson said the team will not make any excuses for the slow start that includes last week’s 24-20 road loss to the Houston Texans. Yet on the other hand, he seemed to point blame toward the players.

“We need our elite players to play elite. And that’s it,” Pederson said. “Sometimes, that’s what it comes down to. Are they going to be elite every week?”

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is getting paid like he’s elite — he was given a five-year, $275 million extension in the offseason — but he’s not performing at that level.

Lawrence’s completion percentage of 53.3 is second worst in the NFL among qualifiers — only Anthony Richardson (50.6) of the Colts is lower.

Worse is that the Jaguars (0-4) have lost each of Lawrence’s past nine starts.

“I’ve dealt with a few of these (slumps) in my career unfortunately. It’s never fun,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “You have to be thick-skinned. You have to be persistent when you’re in a situation like this. Keep your head down and keep working.”

Indianapolis (2-2) has lost in each of its past nine visits to Jacksonville.

Colts coach Shane Steichen isn’t the least bit concerned with the Jaguars’ record.

“I don’t care that they’re 0-4,” Steichen said. “They’re a damn good football team. They’ve had some close games, obviously, that could have went either way. And we’ve got a division opponent that we gotta go beat.”

It appears the Colts won’t have Richardson (oblique) available after he exited last week’s 27-24 home victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Richardson was a limited practice participant on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday. Joe Flacco likely will step in and start after he completed 16 of 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh.

Running back Jonathan Taylor injured an ankle against the Steelers and was ruled out after missing practice every day this week. Taylor is fifth in the NFL in rushing yardage (349) and missed practice on Wednesday. Trey Sermon will start in Taylor’s place.

Defensive end Kwity Paye (quadricep) and cornerback Kenny Moore (hip) were ruled out, center Ryan Kelly (neck) was downgraded to doubtful, and tackle Braden Smith (knee) is questionable.

Jacksonville star defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) missed practice on Wednesday, but returned in a limited capacity Thursday and Friday.

Hines-Allen is questionable along with five of his teammates: tight end Evan Engram (hamstring), linebacker Yasir Abdullah (neck), linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee), safety Darnell Savage (quadricep) and safety Daniel Thomas (hamstring). Engram has missed the past three games and is not expected to play, per an ESPN report on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Patriots, Dolphins both looking to turn things around

Changes could be coming for the Miami Dolphins as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.

Miami (1-3) has been feeling the loss of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa over the past two weeks, getting outscored 55-15 in losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.

With Tagovailoa on injured reserve because of a concussion sustained in a Week 2 setback against the Buffalo Bills, Tyler Huntley started under center against Tennessee on Monday. He threw for just 96 yards on 14-of-22 passing as the Dolphins fell 31-12.

Even though Miami beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17 in its season opener, it didn’t lead until Jason Sanders booted a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Since then, the Dolphins haven’t been able to get the upper hand on their opponent, making them the first team since the 2017 Cleveland Browns to never hold a lead through the first four games of a season.

“Everything’s on the table,” Miami coach Mike McDaniel said following the loss against the Titans. “You can’t argue that the offense is good. … In a situation like this, I hadn’t really been in one where we haven’t had production consecutively like this.

“So, you really have to open your mind to all things.”

Still, Huntley is expected to draw the start against New England (1-3).

The Dolphins will also have to adjust to life without linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during Monday’s game.

“I know that my purpose is to inspire people to never give up, no matter how many times you get knocked down,” Phillips said Wednesday in a social media post. “There is nothing in life that you can’t overcome as long as you don’t quit.”

Moving in a different direction offensively is also something that the Patriots are considering.

Lead back Rhamondre Stevenson, who started his season with a promising 120-yard performance on the ground against the Cincinnati Bengals, has been struggling to hang on to the ball. He has one fumble in each of his four games, two of which have been recovered by opposing defenses.

Because of those issues, Antonio Gibson could end up serving as RB1 on Sunday.

“That’s definitely under consideration,” New England coach Jerod Mayo said of moving Gibson up on the depth chart. “I’ve had multiple conversations with Rhamondre. But look, we can’t preach that ball security is job security and still have him out there the majority of the time.

“So, I think it sends a stronger message to the players that there are certain things that we just can’t do to win, especially with the team that we have today.”

Whoever starts at running back will have to get to work behind an offensive line that is now without center David Andrews. The nine-year veteran needs shoulder surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season. Mayo said Friday that Andrews and right tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) will go on injured reserve.

Like Miami, the Patriots have followed a season-opening victory with a three-game losing streak, most recently getting pounded by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, 30-13. Gibson was New England’s leading receiver, hauling in three catches for 67 yards.

The Patriots will be without starting safety Jabrill Peppers, who was ruled out on Saturday with a shoulder injury after a pair of limited practices.

Safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and wide receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) didn’t practice for New England all week and are questionable. Receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) and guard/center Nick Leverett (ankle), Andrews’ replacement, were among those who remained limited at practice Friday and are listed as questionable. Linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee) is doubtful after three limited practices this week.

Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer missed practice all week due to a shin injury and was ruled out. Running back Raheem Mostert (chest) returned to full practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday. Backup QB Skylar Thompson (ribs) was limited all week and is questionable, as is corner Cam Smith (hamstring), who practiced all week.

Veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who had his first full practice with the Dolphins on Thursday and practiced in full again on Friday, was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday and is set to make his team debut on Sunday.

Beckham, 31, signed a one-year, $8.25 million deal with Miami in May, but the three-time Pro Bowler missed the first four games of the season after he was placed on the PUP list with a knee injury.

–Field Level Media

Rookie Caleb Williams leads Bears vs. veteran Andy Dalton, Panthers

The Chicago Bears have found good footing with a rookie quarterback drafted first overall.

That could be another harsh reminder for the Carolina Panthers, who weren’t able to benefit from an overall No. 1 draft pick a year ago, when the teams meet Sunday afternoon in Chicago.

Caleb Williams is running the show for the Bears (2-2) fresh off a stellar college career during which he won the Heisman Trophy in 2022. Williams has given his teammates confidence in the way he has gone about his first month in the NFL.

“He’s doing a good job of just kind of taking what the defense is giving him,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “Having that awareness and knowing when to be aggressive.”

Williams, who has thrown three touchdowns and four interceptions thus far, said he has developed a better comfort level along with what he has described as regular learning moments. He’s not surprised that the Bears have experienced success after a tough start.

“We expected it and wanted it to happen faster, but that’s the process we’re in,” said Williams, who posted a 106.6 passer rating in last Sunday’s 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams (his first triple-digit rating as a pro). “When we get going, just finding that flow, keeping that flow.”

Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said Williams is displaying more patience and is willing to take shorter yardage pickups. For Carolina coach Dave Canales, it’s clear that Williams has been adjusting as it relates to Chicago’s offense.

“It takes time to figure out your identity and they’re working toward that,” Canales said. “They obviously have some skilled players and talent around him.”

The Bears are feeling good after improving to 2-0 at home following the win over the Rams.

The Panthers (1-3), on the other hand, are trying to bounce back from a 34-24 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. Even with that, however, they seemed to gain positive vibes behind quarterback Andy Dalton, who replaced Bryce Young as Carolina’s starter.

Young was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023, but he didn’t generate the early success that has come for Williams. He was benched after two games this season.

Among Williams’ top targets is receiver DJ Moore, who’s in his second season with the Bears after five years with Carolina.

Dalton, a former starter with the Bengals, has thrown five touchdowns across the past two games. The Bears have noticed.

“They’re a team that is up and rising since he has taken over,” Kmet said. “It will be a good challenge for our defense.”

Canales praised the 14-year veteran Dalton’s approach.

“We’ve asked him to hit the first open guy, and he has done that well,” Canales said.

The Panthers also are benefiting from regular production from running back Chuba Hubbard, the first Carolina player with back-to-back games of 120 or more yards from scrimmage since Christian McCaffrey in 2021.

The Bears have been stingy on defense. When the Rams gained 322 yards of offense and racked up 21 first downs, those were the most allowed by Chicago in both categories this season.

“Everyone on our side of the ball is continuing to gel and we know what we’re trying to do defensively,” cornerback Jaylon Johnson said.

The Panthers have more questions on defense with the loss of veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, who is done for the season with an Achilles injury and was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. Linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin) is out after not practicing all week.

No. 1 wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) returned for limited practices on Thursday and Friday and will play Sunday. Right guard Robert Hunt (hip), linebacker Charles Harris (shoulder) and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (foot) are among the Panthers listed as questionable. Center Andrew Raym (concussion) is out.

Panthers tight end Ian Thomas (calf) and cornerback Dane Jackson (hamstring) were ruled out on Saturday after beginning a 21-day practice window this week in hopes of being activated to the 53-man active roster or spend the rest of the season on injured reserve.

Carolina on Tuesday signed linebacker Chandler Wooten, who has previously played in 17 games for the Panthers. The team activated defensive lineman T.J. Smith and linebacker Thomas Incoom on Saturday from the practice squad for game-day elevations.

For the Bears, defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) and cornerback Terell Smith (hip) are out while offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (ribs) and receiver DeAndre Carter (ribs) are questionable. Kmet (knee) and defensive end Montez Sweat (ankle) will play after being limited earlier in the week.

Defensive tackle Byron Cowart and receiver Collin Johnson were signed on Saturday from the practice squad to the active roster. Running back Travis Homer (finger) was placed on IR on Saturday and will miss the next four games as a result.

This is the second straight year that the Panthers visit Chicago, where they lost 16-13 last season. The Bears lead the series 8-3.

–Field Level Media

49ers look to pick up steam in clash vs. NFC West rival Cards

The San Francisco 49ers will try to string two wins together for the first time this season on Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif.

The 49ers (2-2) used a strong defensive performance to stop a two-game slide with a 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots last Sunday.

Arizona (1-3) played its past three games at home, following up a decisive victory over the Los Angeles Rams with losses to the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders.

The setback to the Commanders was a 42-14 rout at the hands of former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who now is Washington’s offensive coordinator.

“I told (the team), ‘You have a game like that and you think you’ve got to blow it all up, tear it all down and we’re so far away. We’re really not,'” Arizona second-year coach Jonathan Gannon said earlier this week. “We’re close but not there yet with how the last game went.”

Gannon mentioned two areas the Cardinals must correct: their third-down conversion attempts and stopping opponents on their third-down tries.

The Lions converted 50 percent of their third-down situations (6 for 12) in a 20-13 win over Arizona.

The Cardinals then allowed the Commanders a 75 percent success rate (9 for 12) on third down.

Arizona’s offense, conversely, went 1 for 9 (11.1 percent) on third-down attempts against the Lions and 4 for 11 (36.4 percent) versus the Commanders.

“I know that any offense — in Pop Warner to the NFL — has a better chance converting when it’s third-and-manageable, so we have to do a better job there,” Gannon said.

The promising news for the Cardinals is the 49ers’ defense is allowing the seventh-highest third-down conversion rate in the league at 46.0 percent.

Another encouraging development is rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. reeling in 14 receptions for 239 yards and four touchdowns over the past three weeks.

The 49ers got good news on the injury front when tight end George Kittle (ribs) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) returned for limited practice participation on Friday after sitting out the previous two days. Both were listed as questionable for Sunday, alongside wide receiver Jacob Cowing (shoulder), cornerback Isaac Yiadom (thigh) and defensive lineman Kalia Davis (knee).

Davis finally might play for the 49ers this week after the team opened the practice window Wednesday for the 2022 sixth-round draft pick.

Davis sustained a knee injury that required surgery in the preseason opener at the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 10.

Defensive lineman Nick Bosa said the possibility of Davis playing against the Cardinals is “huge,” especially after the news of the 49ers likely not having defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (partially torn triceps) the rest of the season.

“We needed a little help with depth,” Bosa said of the defensive line. “Hopefully, (Davis) works in slow, but I think if his body is in good shape, then we already know what he can do as a player.”

San Francisco ruled out two players for the game: defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf).

The 49ers’ defensive line was a significant factor in the win over New England.

Givens recorded 2.5 sacks, Maliek Collins added 1.5, and Evan Anderson and Bosa each had one.

“I thought the defense as a whole, and especially the D-line, really rose to the occasion for that game,” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said.

The Cardinals will be without guard Isaiah Adams (thumb) and cornerback Garrett Williams (groin). Veteran kicker Matt Prater, who missed two days of practice this week due to a knee injury, was listed as questionable, as were tackles Christian Jones (ankle) and Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (knee).

–Field Level Media

Without star rookie Malik Nabers, Giants press on vs. Seahawks

The New York Giants had a couple of extra days to prepare for their Sunday road game against the Seattle Seahawks.

But that still will not be enough for Malik Nabers.

The rookie, who leads the NFL in receptions, missed practice this week because of a concussion sustained late in a 20-15 loss against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 26. He was ruled out for the Seahawks game Friday afternoon.

Nabers had a career-high 12 catches for 115 yards before being hurt.

Through four games, Nabers has 35 receptions — five more than Houston’s Nico Collins. Nabers also is second in the league with 386 receiving yards and tied for third with three touchdown catches.

“There’s no doubt he’s been a big part of our offense so far and someone who we’ve counted on in a lot of spots,” Giants quarterback Daniel Jones said. “So, it’ll change a little bit. But the guys we got out there, we have a lot of confidence in them winning their matchups and getting open. I know we’ll play well.”

The Giants (1-3) could use all their weapons against a banged-up Seattle defense that was without five injured starters — and lost a sixth during the first half, safety Julian Love (quad contusion) — in a 42-29 loss Monday night at Detroit.

Wan’Dale Robinson, who is second on the Giants in receptions with 26, was limited in practice all week with a heel injury but carries no game designation. However, starting running back Devin Singletary (groin) is doubtful and cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Adoree’ Jackson are questionable with calf injuries. Linebacker Matthew Adams (quad) is also questionable.

Second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt could see a bigger role with Nabers and Robinson ailing.

“I think we got a lot of guys who can make plays,” Jones said. “… We’re confident in all our guys.”

The NFC West-leading Seahawks (3-1) couldn’t keep up with Detroit despite a big night from quarterback Geno Smith. The veteran broke a franchise record for pass attempts (56), had the second-most completions in a game (38) and set a career high with 395 yards passing.

“I have no problem with (coach Mike Macdonald) putting the game in my hand. I’m actually hoping for that every time I go out there, and so, whenever that’s the situation, I just got to do what I got to do to make the right plays,” Smith said.

Kenneth Walker III overcame a slow first half to rush for 80 yards and three TDs on 12 carries and DK Metcalf added seven receptions for 104 yards.

But Macdonald’s defense allowed the Lions’ Jared Goff to go 18-of-18 passing, the most attempts without an incompletion in NFL history. Goff also made a TD reception.

“We have time to grow as a football team, we have a short week, we have to have a sense of urgency about it, and we need to take the next step,” Macdonald said. “But (Monday) just wasn’t good enough, especially on the defensive side of the ball. So, we’ve got to make it right and move forward.”

The Seahawks’ defense will be healthier than it was Monday. The only players ruled out were defensive tackles Byron Murphy II (hamstring) and Cameron Young (knee). Love is questionable, along with linebacker Boye Mafe (knee), but defensive tackle Leonard Williams (ribs) and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) will be able to return.

–Field Level Media

Dak Prescott, injury-riddled Cowboys take aim at Steelers

Quarterback Dak Prescott was midway through his 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign the last time Dallas played in Pittsburgh.

A once-classic rivalry that includes three Super Bowl showdowns renews in prime time in Week 5 as the Cowboys (2-2) visit the Steelers (3-1) on “Sunday Night Football.”

Prescott’s 35-30 victory eight years ago, which was part of an 11-game Dallas winning streak, is the only time he has faced Pittsburgh until now.

Prescott returns to the Steel City at age 31 as the NFL’s highest-paid player, directing an offense with the league’s worst rushing attack (75.3 yards per game) and no serious receiving threats beyond All-Pro CeeDee Lamb.

“I got a lot of respect for Dak Prescott,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said this week. “He’s got a steady demeanor, man. He utilizes his quarterback mobility in a very prudent way. He extends plays, he’ll run if given the opportunity. He’s got a real rapport obviously. … His work with CeeDee Lamb is real impressive.”

The Cowboys have had a few extra days of rest — and need it — since leveling their record with a 20-15 Thursday night road win over the New York Giants in Week 4. Prescott posted his highest passer rating of the season (125.5) and threw touchdown passes to Lamb and running back Rico Dowdle.

Tomlin also had positive things to say about his own quarterback, Justin Fields, who remains the starter as Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury. Wilson is officially questionable for the game.

The Steelers are coming off their first loss of the season, falling 27-24 at Indianapolis last weekend despite Fields throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 55 yards and two scores. Pittsburgh had a chance to drive for a tying field goal late but came up short.

“I didn’t feel any blinking,” Tomlin said of Fields’ effort. “Justin, we’ve talked about his steady demeanor in recent weeks in terms of the things that I’ve grown to know and understand about him. I think it’s really on display in moments like that.”

Fields won’t have to worry about Dallas pass rushers Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (injured reserve) on Sunday.

“It’s definitely the unfortunate part of our game,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said of the injuries to two of his top defenders. “It takes a lot of players to win in this league, week in and week out. It creates a great opportunity for others. That’s really our approach.

“At the end of the day, it’s our job as coaches to make sure we got a heck of a game plan for our players to go to Pittsburgh and get the win.”

It’s possible the back end of the Cowboys’ pass defense will take a hit, too. Cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) was limited all week and is questionable, as is Trevon Diggs. Diggs (ankle) did not practice on Friday.

Fields has faced the Cowboys once before while with the Chicago Bears, completing 17 of 23 passes for 151 yards, two TDs and no picks in a 49-29 road loss on Oct. 30, 2022. He rushed eight times for 60 yards and a score and posted the third-highest passer rating (120.0) of his career to date.

Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) is on target for his season debut Sunday. Running back Jaylen Warren (knee), linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) are out.

Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks developed an infection following a procedure on his right knee and was declared out earlier in the week.

–Field Level Media