News and Views
The Facts: The Vikings won't put Justin Jefferson on the field until he's ready to come off IR. But according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, there good signs for next week.
Diehards Line:
Jefferson spent the week jumping in practice drills and was seen sprinting without issue before Saturday's walk-thru. ... At the very least, he's close.
The Facts: Thomas was arrested on misdemeanor charges of simple battery and criminal mischief around 7 p.m. Friday, according to Kenner police. Thomas was cooperative and booked without incident. He was released from lockup around 10 p.m., according to the police.
Diehards Line:
Thomas was arrested following an altercation with a man who was doing construction work on a house being built in Thomas' neighborhood. The charges will be adjudicated in Kenner's Mayor's Court, which has jurisdiction over traffic, misdemeanor and code enforcement violations occurring within the city of Kenner. The Saints said last night that they were aware of the incident and were gathering information. Thomas' arrest was the second in the past month by a Saints player in the city of Kenner. Wide receiver Chris Olave was arrested Oct. 23 on suspicion of reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
The Facts: Following up on this week's Team Notes. ... The Bears are officially listing Fields as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Panthers with a right thumb injury.
Diehards Line:
Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is poised to start his fourth game on Thursday night against the Panthers. It’s hard to imagine a player being listed as doubtful on Wednesday miraculously being healthy enough to play on Thursday, so it’s safe to say Fields is out.
The Facts: Following up on this week's Team Notes. ... The practice window for Jefferson is being opened this week, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Raport, as he now has 21 days to be activated.
Diehards Line:
This does not mean he’ll play this week. But he’s on his way back from the hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. ... We'll follow up when Late-Breaking Updates begin early Thursday.
The Facts: Following up on this week's Team Notes. ... With Kyler Murray slated to return at quarterback on Sunday, the team also designated Conner to return and opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday. Conner is on Injured Reserve with a knee issue.
Diehards Line:Conner has a chance to be activated for Sunday's game against the Falcons, which would give the Cardinals a decidedly different flavor than last week in Cleveland. ... We'll have more when Late-Breaking Updates begin early Thursday.
The Facts: Wentz will get another shot to reignite his NFL career. The Los Angeles Rams are expected to sign Wentz, pending a physical, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, per a source.
Diehards Line:
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford missed the team's Week 9 loss in Green Bay due to a thumb injury. Backup Brett Rypien was ineffective in the defeat, throwing for 130 yards with an interception and a fumble. That performance apparently was enough to end Rypien's time in L.A. as Pelissero later reported that L.A. was waiving the veteran. The Rams are on a bye in Week 10. Head coach Sean McVay sounded optimistic this week that Stafford would be able to return after the week off, but adding Wentz provides another arm for the QB room.


