First Week Fun Begins

What a day! We knew Thursday would bring us the official kickoff of the 2019 NFL season as the Bears played host to NFC North rival Green Bay, but before kickoff, there was a serious appetizer.

The never-ending off-field issues involving Raiders WR Antonio Brown took another turn yesterday and we probably should’ve seen it coming. On Wednesday, Brown took to social media, sharing a letter from Oakland GM Mike Mayock informing Brown he’d been fined for previous absences from practice. This is a clear policy and Brown has been in and out of camp all summer long. Brown added text overlaying the image of the letter, claiming his “own team want to hate,” along with the phrase “devil is a lie.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Brown and Mayock “got into it” on Wednesday and had to be separated. Because of this, the Raiders are reportedly planning to suspend their star receiver. Despite the widespread discussion that took over the football community, the Raiders decision-makers did not make an official announcement about the suspension, so the length of any possible absence is still unclear.

If the Helmet Fits

Schefter later added to the report, saying that some around the league expect the Raiders will attempt to void Brown’s $30.125 million guaranteed money, which would essentially end his time in Oakland and make him a free agent. When Brown was a no-show to Thursday’s practice, the team labeled the cause as “conduct,” which opens the door to suspending Brown for conduct detrimental to the team.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later added more details to the Brown saga, including the receiver threatening to punch Mayock, punting a ball and daring the team to fine him again. Rap Sheet also confirmed that we should not expect to see Brown in uniform against the Broncos this week. Beyond that is anyone’s guess.

Julio, too?

As if the Brown storyline wasn’t causing enough angst for fantasy players, Falcons star WR Julio Jones hinted on Thursday that he is unhappy with his contract and said he didn’t know if he would play in Week One against the Vikings. A longtime Falcons beat writer called the entire exchange bizarre and said Jones was “battling something physical or emotional.” Along with the contract concern, Jones seemed to allude to a possible injury he’s dealing with, though he hasn’t shown up on the injury reports. In the end, the Falcons blamed Jones’ Thursday practice absence on “rest,” though that is hard to believe following his earlier comments. Hopefully, this situation is cleared up before Sunday’s kickoff.

Backfield News

Redskins HC Jay Gruden confirmed RB Derrius Guice would be the team’s starting back and see the majority of the touches. Surprisingly, veteran RB Adrian Peterson is in danger is being pegged as a healthy scratch. … Baltimore OC Greg Roman admitted veteran RB Mark Ingram is the team’s starter but “everybody is going to contribute.” Roman also used the term “hot hand.” Other key members of the Ravens backfield include rookie Justice Hill and Gus Edwards. … If Baltimore becomes a running back by committee, they won’t be alone. Coaches from Buffalo, Philadelphia and the Chargers also suggested their teams would implement the RBBC, using multiple backs early this season.

Injury Updates

Rookie WR DK Metcalf (knee) was a full participant in practice. … 49ers WR Dante Pettis (groin) practiced fully and is good to go for Week One. … Bears TE Trey Burton (groin) was inactive for last night’s game as he continues to recover from hernia surgery. … Veteran Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery popped up on the injury report with an arm injury but was able to get in a limited practice. … Titans RT Jack Conklin (knee) returned to a full practice. … WR Keke Coutee (ankle) was limited at Texans’ practice. … Ravens rookie WR Marquise Brown (foot) is practicing in full…Browns WR Odell Beckham (hip) says he still hasn’t “opened up” while running. That is not good. … Vikings WR Stefon Diggs (hamstring) was limited for Thursday’s practice. While he is expected to play, Diggs has a long history of struggling when showing up on the final injury report. Look out for that prior to inserting him into your Week One lineups. … Redskins TE Jordan Reed (concussion) took part in practice but is still in the league protocol. … Jets HC Adam Gase said WR Robby Anderson is ready to go for Week One.

Quick Hits

Now that they have RB Ezekiel Elliott wrapped up for the long-term, the Cowboys have to make a plan to retain QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper. Owner Jerry Jones suggested that signing Prescott to a new deal remains a top priority for the team, while talks between Cooper and the team have reportedly been quiet. … The Rams signed TE Tyler Higbee to a four-year extension, paying him over $31 million.