Everything else we know, love and care about might be in ways large and small affected by a global pandemic, but the NFL continues to move forward; all games are on as scheduled today. Here are some of the Sunday morning news and notes.
Matthew Stafford was questionable with a damaged throwing hand, but the morning reports indicate he won't be limited in today's game. The matchup is fine, although Stafford won't have three of his top 5 receiving weapons (Kenny Golladay, Danny Amendola and D'Andre Swift). But it does sound like at least he'll be able to throw the ball without issues, a plus for those hoping to use either Stafford, Marvin Jones or T.J. Hockenson.
Teddy Bridgewater (knee) is inactive. P.J. Walker is expected to draw the start. The Panthers passing game doesn't look as good.
Damien Harris is expected to play for New England, like everyone they list as questionable week after week after week. Sony Michel has been activated from IR, but he is officially INACTIVE for this game. Harris is expected to be the main runner against a really bad run defense. Same game, Stephon Gilmore is expected to play (and that was the thought while writing the Weekly).
Ian Rapoport reports that a "realistic target" for Drew Brees to return is Week 15. Let's look at that. We already knew he was out for Week 11, 12 and 13 due to being on IR. Now Rapoport is all but stating he's not playing in Week 14, and that he might not play in Week 15, either. The Saints host Kansas City in Week 15 and Minnesota in Week 16, matchups that aren't terrible (Minnesota in particular is great), but this report suggests some doubt whether he'll be available for Week 15 at a minimum. He has a punctured lung that is "rapidly improving" (as opposed, I guess, to rapidly deteriorating while he doesn't do anything?) and multiple rib fractures. And a shoulder injury. I'm not a doctor, so I'll let you decide for yourself whether the guy is going to see the field before the playoffs. I know what I'd do if I had him on a roster anywhere without an IR spot.
Also with the Saints, they won't have cornerback Marshon Lattimore this week. That's a plus for Julio Jones and the Falcons passing game.
Allen Lazard (core) expected to play for the Packers. Davante Adams (ankle) also. These were expected.
--Andy Richardson