With 10 weeks in the books, the NFL season is kicking into high gear. Teams are jockeying for playoff positions and division crowns. The AFC is wide open, and some early season NFC favourites have come crashing back down to earth. Here’s what’s making news ahead of the Week 11 slate:
Big Ben is Back: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is expected to be activated from the COVID list today and will suit up for the Steelers matchup with the Chargers. Roethlisberger had previously self-reported to team officials about experiencing COVID like symptoms. He ultimately sat out last weekend’s game against the Lions, but has passed all return to play protocols this week. While he’s a far cry from his former self, Steelers fans have to be ecstatic after seeing what Mason Rudolph was capable of last weekend against an awful Detroit defense.
Cooper is Out: Dallas Cowboys WR Amari Cooper will miss at least the next two games after testing positive for COVID on Friday. Dallas currently has 3 games scheduled in a 12 day span, and they will be without Cooper for a minimum of two of their next contests. Cooper will miss tomorrow’s game against the Chiefs, and because he is unvaccinated, will have to be quarantined for 10 days which makes him ineligible to return for the Thanksgiving showdown with the Raiders.
Carson to Have Surgery: Chris Carson gave it his best shot, but in the end his attempts to rehab his injured neck were unsuccessful. As a result, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll announced Friday that Carson would be undergoing neck surgery, effectively ending his 2021 campaign. Alex Collins, who has been filling in for Carson in his absence, will assume RB1 duties for the foreseeable future.
AB Accused of Using Fake Vax Card: On Thursday an article appeared in the Tampa Bay Times alleging that Antonio Brown had procured a fake vaccine card which he submitted to the NFL. Citing sources close to Antonio Brown, the article suggests that Brown’s girlfriend purchased the counterfeit vaccination cards for herself and Brown. The Buccaneers front office has issued a statement that they did their due diligence regarding the matter and have found nothing irregular with Brown’s proof of vaccination. It’s unclear what (if any) investigation the NFL will launch from here.
Eagles Extend Maddox: The Philadelphia Eagles have extended CB Avonte Maddox through the 2024 season. The new deal is $22.5M with $13.3M of the contract guaranteed. The 25 year old currently has 31 tackles and 1 INT for the year, and has been a mainstay on an undermanned Eagles secondary since he was drafted in 2018.
Wilson Eyes Ownership: Seahawks QB Russell Wilson recently told reporters that his goal is to play for 20 years and eventually own an NFL team. The soon to be 33 year old is already a minority owner in the Seattle Sounders MLS franchise, and recently founded his own production studio. After suffering an injury on his throwing hand, Wilson has found a renewed love for the game and wants to help grow the sport and impact communities through ownership one day.