We've got another three football games today, and looks like the Saints will be at something close to full strength. Alvin Kamara, who'd been on the COVID-reserve list, has been activated, as has Michael Thomas (ankle) from injured reserve.
This was expected, and now it's official. Kamara was only able to practice virtually during the week, but sounds like he should be good to go against the Bears.
In other news:
Fantasy teams (and those participating in online games of chance) got a gut-punch yesterday with Ronald Jones aggravating a quad injury in pregame warmups and being held out of the game. That helped anyone who happened to start the Bucs' backup running back, Leonard Fournette. Fournette had his best game since joining the team, even getting a gift touchdown after Cameron Brate dropped a short score. Those of us who have Jones on playoff rosters are going to have a hard time putting him into a lineup next week even if he's available after a painful zero.
Jared Goff (thumb) didn't have any setbacks yesterday after being forced into action with John Wolford suffering a neck injury. Wolford is also OK, but will presumably be Goff in the lineup next week.
No update yet on Cooper Kupp (knee), who left yesterday's game after a fourth-quarter blocking assignment. Looked like a non-contact injury, which is pretty troubling.
There have been no positive COVID tests for the Browns the last two days, so seems like everyone not already ruled out (like head coach Kevin Stefanski) should be fine to play tonight.
Saturday's results mean that if the biggest favorites (Saints, Steelers) win today, next week's games will be Steelers at Bills, Bucs at Saints, Rams at Packers, and the Titans-Ravens winner at Kansas City. Bears and Browns wins would send those teams to Green Bay and Kansas City, while the Bills would host the Titans-Ravens winner and the Bucs would actually get a home game against the Rams.
--Andy Richardson