For the first time since injuring his knee Week 1 against Washington, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney returned to the practice field on Friday for the Houston Texans, per the official team site. Head coach Bill O'Brien is listing Clowney as a game-time decision for Houston's Monday night contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Texans and Steelers both enter at 3-3, so the game could have serious playoff implications.
Jadeveon Clowney returns to practice, Calvin Johnson likely out for Week 7
In other NFL news, Jake Locker is once again questionable for the Titans, while Jonathan Stewart will start for the Panthers.
Dustin Bradford
Clowney, who was chosen by the Texans as the first overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft in May, is expected to become a dominant pass-rusher opposite J.J. Watt. In his only game, Clowney recorded one tackle for loss. Pittsburgh has not been good in pass protection this season, allowing 17 sacks in six games.
Megatron Likely Out
The Detroit Lions could be without Calvin Johnson for a second straight week, as the All-Pro wide receiver is still hampered by an ankle injury. When asked if Johnson will suit up on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Jim Caldwell was less than enthusiastic, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Without Johnson, the Lions were still able to topple the Minnesota Vikings to remain atop the NFC North. However, they are losing a player who amassed 329 yards and two touchdowns in the first three games of the season (348 total in five games). Golden Tate will become the priority on the outside for Matthew Stafford. Tate leads the team with 495 receiving yards.
Stewart will start for Carolina
The Carolina Panthers are dealing with a plethora of injuries in the backfield but are getting healthy. Head coach Ron Rivera has proclaimed Jonathan Stewart will start this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, per the team's twitter page. With DeAngelo Williams still recovering from an ankle injury, Stewart will become the featured back against a Packers defense that allows opponents the eighth-highest yards per carry average in the NFL at 4.6.
Stewart has played in three games this year and rushed for 88 yards. He has been sidelined since Week 3 with a knee ailment.
Will Whitehurst start?
The Tennessee Titans are not sure who will be under center this Sunday against Washington. Jake Locker is listed as questionable with a thumb injury after only limited participation in practice on Friday, per Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. If Locker can't go, backup Charlie Whitehurst will get his third start of the season.
Whitehurst appears to be the front-runner to get the nod, according to team beat writer Terry McCormick. The veteran understudy has been capable for Tennessee, throwing for three touchdowns against one interception. Whitehurst was good in the team's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, completing 17 of his 28 passes for 233 yards.
Allen Benched by Pittshburgh
The Steelers have had issues defending the pass, and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is shaking things up by benching Cortez Allen in favor of Brice McCain. Allen was signed to a four-year, $26 million contract extension this offseason, but he has been beaten badly through the first six games.
Over at Behind The Steel Curtain, Neal Coolong explains why the move was made.
Targeted often and often seen well off the receiver upon the catch, Allen looks lost, a shell of the player who carries with him so much promise.
The reclamation project of Brice McCain takes a step forward while the long-term investment in Cortez Allen looks decidedly worse than it did. Two different players now going two different directions in their careers.
Pittsburgh ranks 15th against the pass in yards per attempt at 7.3, but has been victimized in recent weeks by big plays against the Browns and Buccaneers.
Willis hopes to return after bye
San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis hopes to return from his sprained toe after the team's bye week, according to Matt Maiocco of Comcast Sports Net. Willis was injured in the 49ers' win over the St. Louis Rams on Monday night and appears to be out against the Denver Broncos this Sunday heading into San Francisco's week off.
Without Willis, the 49ers are down three major playmakers at the linebacker positions. Aldon Smith is still serving a nine-game suspension for multiple violations of league policy, while NaVorro Bowman remains out with a torn ACL suffered in the NFC Championship game last season.
Zimmer undergoing ‘minor procedure’
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer missed practice on Friday to undergo a minor procedure, according to the team. Various reports are stating that Zimmer needed removal of kidney stones and will be back with the team on Saturday in preparation for their game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
Zimmer is in his first year as an NFL head coach and has been forced to start three quarterbacks due to injury, along with the placement of Adrian Peterson on the exempt list. However, Minnesota is a respectable 2-4 in the tough NFC North.
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