NEWSLETTER
The Kansas City Chiefs eeked out a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but they lost Isiah Pacheco for the foreseeable future in the process—that and more in today’s NFL Notes.
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco Fractures Fibula
The Kansas City Chiefs will be without running back Isiah Pacheco for several weeks following a fractured fibula he sustained during their Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Pacheco, who played most of the game, left Arrowhead Stadium on crutches with a protective boot. He’s expected to be placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games.
Head Coach Andy Reid hasn’t given a specific timeline for Pacheco’s return but said: “It’s going to take a little bit of time.”
Kansas City, already thin at running back, will turn to rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire remains sidelined due to illness. Before his injury, Pacheco had accumulated 135 rushing yards and one touchdown in the season.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Was Awesome on Sunday
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. rebounded from a quiet NFL debut to showcase his talent in a dominant 41-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
After just one catch for four yards in Week 1, Harrison exploded for 130 yards and two touchdowns on six targets, helping quarterback Kyler Murray achieve a perfect passer rating. Harrison’s playmaking ability, highlighted by catches of 23, 60, and 32 yards (two for touchdowns), demonstrated why he was a top draft pick and added a new dynamic to the Cardinals’ offense.
Malik Nabers Was Pretty Good, Too
Malik Nabers played an impressive game for the Giants in their 21-18 loss to the Commanders, tallying 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. However, a critical fourth-down drop with 2:09 left sealed the Giants’ fate, as it led to the Commanders’ game-winning field goal.
Frustrated by the missed opportunity, Nabers expressed disappointment for letting his team down but vowed to improve. Despite the drop, his dynamic playmaking throughout the game showed why he’s a promising young talent for the Giants.
“I’m disappointed,” Nabers said. “No matter how good of a game you can play, that last play came down to me. I’m hurt that I let those veterans down. I know what kind of confidence…. I don’t want to ever let my team down. That’s the main model that’s in my head — don’t let my team down. And I let my team down.”
Panthers Bench Bryce Young
The Carolina Panthers have decided to bench second-year quarterback Bryce Young for their Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders following two blowout losses to open the season.
Andy Dalton will start in his place, marking a change after Young struggled in a 26-3 loss to the Chargers, throwing for just 84 yards. Coach Dave Canales said the decision, made after reviewing game film, is aimed at helping the Panthers win. Dalton, a 14-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowler, expressed readiness for the upcoming challenge.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Dalton said. “I’m excited about what’s ahead. It’s a tough situation. I’ve been on both sides of it. It’s hard on everybody.”
After a rough rookie season where Bryce Young was the NFL’s lowest-rated passer, the Panthers invested heavily in improving their offensive line and adding playmakers. However, through two games this season, Young regressed further, failing to throw a touchdown while recording three interceptions and just 245 passing yards.
Head Coach Dave Canales faced growing pressure to make a change as fans began booing Young, wearing paper bags over their heads, and calling for owner David Tepper to sell the team during a loss to the Chargers.
Other NFL Notes
- With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined indefinitely with another concussion, the Miami Dolphins added quarterback Tyler Huntley to their roster on Monday. However, Head Coach Mike McDaniel said the move was about depth and had nothing to do with backup Skylar Thompson, who will start in Tagovailoa’s place.
- On Monday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that Malik Willis’ play and the Packers’ win on Sunday over the Colts will have no bearing on Jordan Love’s return timetable. “If he’s ready, he’ll be ready. If he’s not, we’ll proceed with Malik,” LaFleur said.
- Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor said today that wide receiver Tee Higgins is trending in the right direction. Tee Higgins missed a second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. He injured his hamstring in practice on September 5.
