Daily Newsletter: NFL Week 11 Headlines + Early Injury Report
Welcome to our daily newsletter! In today’s edition, we’re breaking down some key NFL updates as we head into Week 11. From quarterback changes in Indianapolis and Las Vegas to the Chicago Bears’ decision to part ways with their offensive coordinator, we’ve got you covered on all the latest news. Plus, we’re tracking important injury updates, including the status of Trevor Lawrence, Najee Harris, and DK Metcalf. Let’s dive into today’s top stories!
Returning Quarterbacks
The Colts announced on Wednesday that they will be going back to Anthony Richardson for the rest of the season, benching Joe Flacco after his last two starts. The entire premise of this move to Flacco never made any sense, given that it was known at the time of drafting him that he needed game reps. Flacco provided absolutely nothing in relief of Richardson the last two weeks – the team went 0-2 and actually went an entire game against the Vikings without a trip to the red-zone. Hopefully they try and let Richardson develop the rest of the season, and they can make decisions in the off-season.
The Raiders also announced they’d be going back to Gardner Minshew this week with HC Antonio Pierce quoted as saying “he gives us the best chance to win”. Minshew was benched a few weeks ago for the opposite, if you needed any further evidence that some of these teams have no idea what they’re doing.
Great Expectations
Much has been made of the Chicago Bears struggles this season, and they’ve finally made a move, firing their offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Waldron was abysmal as a play-caller last season in Seattle despite being loaded with offensive weapons – and much of the same ensued in Chicago despite having Keenan Allen, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Kole Cmet and D’Andre Swift at his disposal. Chicago ranks second worst in the league in Yards per Play on offense, which shouldn’t fly with those names + Caleb Williams at QB. It remains to be seen what we will get from new play-caller Thomas Brown – but it certainly has to be an improvement.
Early Week 11 Injury Report
Trevor Lawrence- Lawrence has already been ruled out again for Week 11, meaning we get at least one more start from Mac Jones.
Aaron Jones- As I noted in Monday’s edition, Jones returned to the game late vs the Jaguars and looks good to go for Week 11 despite the scare.
Najee Harris- Harris didn’t practice on Wednesday, but I’ve written often about how Wednesday’s are the least important when it comes to injury reporting. Thursday/Friday will be much more telling as the Steelers prep for the biggest game of their season yet vs the Ravens.
Isiah Pacheco- Pacheco was basically ruled out for Week 11 already, but it appears he is nearing his long awaited return after returning to practice this week.
Keon Coleman- Coleman was also ruled out in that same game. It appears Amari Cooper could be back for the Bills, but they will be without Coleman and potentially Dalton Kincaid as well.
DK Metcalf- Metcalf missed the Seahawks last few games, but with them coming off the bye week he practiced on Wednesday and looks set to return in Week 11.
Written by Ben Hossler