Kirk Cousins could remain starter over RGIII, Jerry Jones disses Morris Claiborne

Robert Griffin III's injury might have been the impetus for Kirk Cousins taking the reins as Washington's starting quarterback, but the team could stick with the Michigan State product even when RGIII is healthy.

Kirk Cousins replacing RGIII permanently in Wash? "Crazy things have happened in NFL," Jay Gruden said. "I'm not going to discount anything"

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) September 23, 2014

Jay Gruden, the team's head coach, has clearly enjoyed an offensive surge with Cousins in the lineup, so he might be inclined to stick with the hot hand. Washington crushed the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 and Cousins kept the team's offense matching Chip Kelly's high-powered offense in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the loss, Gruden had to be ecstatic with the offense's performance.

One thing is true about Jerry Jones: he tells the truth. Whether he's admitting he really wanted to draft Johnny Manziel or badmouthing Jimmy Johnson, the Dallas Cowboys owner tells it like it is. His latest subject: Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne. The former first-round pick has yet to blossom in the NFL as expected after being taken No. 6 overall, and Jones admitted his disappointment when asked about him in a recent interview.

Vernon Davis is 'way better'

Limp-less Vernon Davis walks through the locker room, says ankle is "way better."

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 23, 2014

Davis has missed the entire season so far, and the team faces one of the NFL's few undefeated teams left on Sunday when they play against the Philadelphia Eagles. Given the injury to the team's other top tight end, Vance McDonald, a return from Davis would come at an ideal time.

Mike Tolbert placed on IR

The Carolina Panthers are hurting at running back. Jonathan Stewart is likely out with a knee sprain suffered on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Tolbert was also injured with a hairline fracture in his leg. That leaves DeAngelo Williams to handle the workload, an iffy proposition for a player who was already dealing with a thigh injury of his own.

Williams was inactive the last two games, but he was able to practice during the week before the Steelers game. Unfortunately for Williams, he won't be able to ease back into game-shape given the Panthers offensive issues. Darrin Reaves is also around to potentially help carry the load.

Ryan Shazier out

The Pittsburgh Steelers won on Sunday but they took a loss for the long-term. The team's stout defense lost Jarvis Jones and Ike Taylor to injuries, and even rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier will remain out at least another week. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Shazier would miss the team's upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The move leaves the Steelers thin in the middle, and the front office responded by signing familiar veteran James Harrison. Still, Harrison will need to work himself back into shape, and that means Sean Spence will get the start in the middle of the Steelers defense.