Ja’Marr Chase Suspended, Penix Jr. & Johnson Out: NFL Injury News

Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers head coach, mentioned that receiver Jayden Reed and running back MarShawn Lloyd might be eligible for designation to return from the injured reserve list in the coming week. He indicated that Lloyd is currently in a “favorable position.”

Reed has been inactive since fracturing his collarbone during the Packers’ Week 2 victory against the Commanders. Lloyd has not participated in a game since Week 2 of his rookie year, last year, when he sustained an ankle injury during a game against the Colts. He participated in Green Bay’s second preseason game this year but had to leave due to a hamstring injury. That game was also against the Colts. Lloyd is still awaiting his first game appearance this season.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced that Anthony Richardson will be designated as QB2 whenever he is cleared to return from the injured reserve list. Richardson has been unavailable since suffering an orbital fracture. After being a starter in 11 games in 2024, Richardson has only appeared in a limited capacity in two games this season, attempting only two passes, completing one for nine yards.

Raheem Morris, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, announced that wide receiver Drake London’s status will be reassessed on a weekly basis due to the PCL injury he sustained during Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

The NFL has announced a one-week suspension for Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase following an incident where he spat on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during their Sunday game.

The league stated that Chase’s suspension is for “unsportsmanlike conduct.” He is expected to be absent from Cincinnati’s Week 12 game against the New England Patriots, although he retains the right to appeal the decision.

The altercation involving Ramsey and Chase occurred in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 34-12 victory. Chase spat on Ramsey, leading Ramsey to retaliate with a punch. Both players were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Reports indicate that rookie Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ home was burglarized on Sunday during Cleveland’s match against the Ravens. The reported break-in occurred while Sanders was making his NFL debut, which was somewhat rocky.

Details about the break-in are scarce, including whether any items were stolen. No suspects have been identified.

Sanders is the most recent professional athlete to have his home burglarized during a game. Following a series of high-profile burglaries last year, the NFL issued a statement advising players on the issue.

The Commanders are releasing kicker Matt Gay after he missed two field goal attempts in an overtime loss against the Dolphins in Madrid.

Gay’s missed attempts included a potential game-winning kick from 56 yards in regulation time and a 51-yarder in the second quarter. These misses are consistent with his struggles from 50 yards and beyond this season.

He has a 4-of-9 success rate from that distance this season.

In another setback for the Bengals defense, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt is likely to undergo season-ending surgery for a Lisfranc (mid-foot) injury, according to coach Zac Taylor.

“Surgery is the likely course of action,” Taylor stated. “This will obviously take him out of the game.”

Taylor-Britt, a second-string cornerback, has recorded 21 total tackles this season, with 12 solo tackles and five passes defended.

Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals star, may face a substantial fine from the NFL. Chase was involved in an altercation with Jalen Ramsey, a corner for the Pittsburgh Steelers, during Sunday’s game, which resulted in Ramsey’s ejection for hitting Chase in the helmet.

Video evidence suggests that Chase might have initiated the incident. Footage that emerged on Sunday allegedly shows Chase spitting on Ramsey, which prompted the cornerback to retaliate with a swing at the wide receiver.

The day after the video surfaced, Chase declined to comment to reporters.

While not necessarily conclusive, this behavior suggests that Chase is unwilling to address questions about the event at this time. He may be awaiting the NFL’s decision on the matter, which is expected to be announced on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Steelers were not significantly affected by Ramsey’s absence, managing to secure a 34-12 victory over the Bengals. Chase had three receptions for 30 yards in the loss.

Michael Penix Jr., quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, is slated to be placed on injured reserve after sustaining a knee injury during Sunday’s match against Carolina, according to reports from Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. It is possible that Penix will be unable to play for the remainder of the season due to the injury.

Atlanta’s loss brings their season record to 3-7, and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will assume the starting role.

Over the course of nine games this season, Penix has completed passes for 1,982 yards, scoring 9 touchdowns while incurring 3 interceptions.

Drake London, a prominent wide receiver, sustained a PCL sprain during Week 11’s defeat to the Carolina Panthers, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Monday. It is anticipated that he will miss at least Week 12 due to the knee injury, although the duration of his absence may be longer.

London has recorded 60 receptions for 810 yards and six touchdowns this season. In his absence, Bijan Robinson (running back), Kyle Pitts (tight end), and Darnell Mooney (receiver) are expected to have an increased workload.

Michael Penix Jr., the quarterback, also sustained a knee injury that could potentially end his season.

The Falcons are scheduled to play against the New Orleans Saints in their upcoming game. The Falcons are currently ranked 16th in passing offense and have a season record of 3-7.

Jacobs left the Packers’ win over the Giants early on Sunday with a knee injury, but his knee is “structurally sound” per NFL Network, and surgery is not necessary.

He still has a chance to play Sunday against the Vikings.

Justin Fields’ tenure as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets concluded after nine games. Due to a disappointing start to the season, Fields has been removed from the starting lineup in favor of Tyrod Taylor ahead of Week 12, as reported by Diana Russini of The Athletic.

While there remains a possibility that Fields could be selected to start in future games, the decision signifies a shift in direction for the Jets. The team signed Fields to a two-year contract worth $40 million during the offseason, intending for the former first-round pick to serve as a capable temporary option with the potential for more over the next few seasons.

Jets owner Woody Johnson commented on Fields’ subpar performance during the season at the annual Fall League Meeting. Despite stating that the decision regarding the team’s quarterback lies with head coach Aaron Glenn, Johnson acknowledged in October that Fields had not met expectations.

Sources indicate that the Philadelphia Eagles might be without offensive tackle Lane Johnson for a significant period, following the Lisfranc injury he sustained on Sunday night, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The five-time NFL All-Pro was injured during the Eagles’ 16-9 victory over the Detroit Lions. While Johnson is not expected to miss the entire season due to the injury, he may be placed on injured reserve, which would sideline him for a minimum of four games.