Wednesday NFL Buzz: Cam Newton practices for first time since suffering concussion
Check back throughout the day for all the latest quick hits from around the NFL:
Things looking up for Cam
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton practiced Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion 10 days ago in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Newton, the reigning MVP, is expected to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints provided he doesn't suffer any setbacks this week.
The Panthers clearly need their star healthy. At 1-4, Carolina has only a 6% chance to reach postseason based on historical figures since the NFL went to a 12-team playoff format in 1990.
Redskins' Reed evaluated for concussion
Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed missed practice Wednesday while being evaluated for a concussion.
Reed, often quarterback Kirk Cousins' favorite target, has 17 catches over his past two games. When he produces, the rest of the offense often follows suit. Not having him for Sunday's divisional matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles would be a major blow.
Veteran Vernon Davis joined Washington this year as Reed's backup.
Steelers add RB to practice squad
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Wednesday morning they have added former Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams to the team’s practice squad.
Williams was released by the Bills on Aug. 20 following his struggles with weight control, which he says came from not wanting his fiancée – pregnant at the time – to have to eat alone.
"She'd wake up, one or two o'clock, 'I want a snack.' Well, I'm not going to sit here and watch you eat because I don't want you to feel bad,” he told reporters at training camp.
Williams had served a four-game suspension for violating the NFL substance abuse policy.
He was a fifth-round pick by Buffalo in 2015.
Who will be Browns QB this week?
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Cody Kessler still has discomfort when he throws, but says he’s planning to play this week against Tennessee.
Kessler sustained an injury to his chest when he was hit hard in Sunday’s loss to New England. Kessler threw during the team’s walk-through on Wednesday and will practice.
Kessler said he’s day-to-day with the injury, but hopes to be ready to face the Tennessee Titans.
Josh McCown is returning to practice after breaking his left collarbone in Week 2. McCown gives coach Hue Jackson a viable option if Kessler can’t go.
Also, Browns starting left guard Joel Bitonio suffered a foot injury and the team said he “will miss an extended period of time.”
— The Associated Press
Could Watkins return?
Buffalo Bills wideout Sammy Watkins does not need additional surgery on his foot, per NFL Network, and could return this season.
Watkins, who had an operation on the foot in the offseason, had struggled to recover and went on injured reserve after Week 3, meaning he has time to come back later in the season.
The Bills currently rank last in the NFL in passing yards per game.
Bryant limited in practice
Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, who missed the past two games with a hairline fracture of his knee, returned to practice Wednesday, but only participated in individual drills.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones cautioned on Tuesday that a return to practice – even on a limited basis – does not mean Bryant will be able to play Sunday when the Cowboys travel to Green Bay.
"We'll have to see how he works this week," Jones said during a radio interview. "We won't take any chances there. But with the way he was running at the end of last week, he had some sensitivity or he would've played. We'll take a good look at it this week. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be big days in where he's going to be against Green Bay."
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