Bart Starr suffers stroke, Nick Hardwick out for season

In other NFL news, the Bears practice without both of their wide receivers and Cam Newton is finally back at practice for the Panthers.

by Jason Hirschhorn

Sep 10, 2014, 10:57 PM UTC

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Michael Thomas

Starr suffers stroke

According to the family of Bart Starr, the former Green Bay Packers quarterback suffered a stroke this week. Fortunately, the now 80-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer is expected to make a fully recovery.

While Starr should be OK, his stroke is the latest reminder that the NFL legends of the 50s and 60s may not be with us much longer. Starr captained the Packers to six title games and five championships, including the first two Super Bowls. Current Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers has repeatedly referred to Starr as a personal role model.

Hardwick out for season

The hits for the San Diego Chargers didn't end with their 18-17 loss in Arizona on Monday night. The team learned Wednesday that it will be without starting center Nick Hardwick for the rest of the 2014 season, and perhaps even longer.

According to the Chargers' website, Hardwick suffered a neck injury during the team's season opener that's serious enough to land the veteran center on injured reserve. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, there's concern that Hardwick has or is in danger of enduring nerve damage. Neck injuries are a serious concern for the NFL, with Jermichael Finley, David Wilson and Johnathan Franklin recently seeing their careers end due to similar issues.

Hardwick's neck injury will end an impressive 67 game starting streak that dates back to 2009. Fifth-year center Rich Ohrnberger will take his place on the starting line.

Long to miss 8-10 weeks

The St. Louis Ram's dominant front four lost one of its key members this weekend when defensive end Chris Long exited the game with an ankle injury. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Long has already undergone surgery and will miss 8-10 weeks while he recovers.

Because Long will miss so much time, the Rams have reportedly placed him on short-term injured reserve:

The #Rams are expected to place DE Chris Long on IR/Designated to return following ankle surgery, source says. Out 2 months
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2014

Even without Long, St. Louis' defensive line should still be able to generate a pass rush behind Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, and Aaron Donald. However, that may not satisfy wrestling legend the Iron Sheik, who bestowed upon Long his own article:

Respect the Chris Long I hope he get better soon bubba
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) September 10, 2014

Bears hurting at wideout

Bears head coach and offensive play caller Marc Trestman saw his passing attack fall flat this Sunday in large part because receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery missed large stretches of the game. Marshall shuffled on and off the field with an ankle injury while Jeffery pulled his hamstring and did not return.

Marshall and Jeffery make up one of the best wide receiver combos in the NFL, and their absence makes a tremendous impact on Chicago’s offense. As such, it’s noteworthy that neither participated in the Bears’ Wednesday practice:

Bears say WRs Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) did not practice today. Neither did LG Slauson nor C Garza.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) September 10, 2014

As of now, both are expected to play this Sunday when the Bears travel to Santa Clara, Calif., for the regular season debut of the new San Francisco 49ers facility Levi's Stadium.

Cam Newton back to full practice

One of the biggest injury surprises of the first week was Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton missing Week 1 with sore ribs. Newton and the team expressed confidence throughout the week that the injury wouldn't keep him from playing. Yet his ribs regressed late in the process, and head coach Ron Rivera elected to start Derek Anderson to allow Newton some rest. The extra few days apparently made the difference, as Newton was back in full pads on Wednesday.

Newton's return is especially good news considering the Panthers' upcoming schedule. This week, they welcome the Detroit Lions and their stingy defense, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming into town a week after.