There wasn't a shortage of news heading into Week 2 as the Antonio Brown chronicle took yet another disastrous turn.
Elsewhere around the league, the reality of injuries suffered opening weekend began to sink in as some players hit injured reserve early.
Three things that matter
Antonio Brown practices in wake of rape accusation
Just when you thought the saga was finally over, the Patriots receiver was accused of sexually assaulting and raping his former trainer, Britney Taylor, in a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit alleges there were three separate incidents, two of which occurred in June 2017 and a third that took place in May 2018.
Brown's attorney denied "each and every allegation in the lawsuit" and it was reported Brown is planning to countersue. Patriots coach Bill Belichick couldn't confirm if Brown would play against the Dolphins in Week 2 but he was on the field for practice at the team facility in a No. 1 uniform.
Antonio Brown, wearing No. 1, is here at #Patriots practice. Would need to pick a different number for games. pic.twitter.com/iIKDoMTtIV
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) September 11, 2019
"I’m not going to be expanding on the statements that have already been given," Belichick told reporters sternly. "When we know more, we’ll say more."
Tyreek Hill likely out 4-6 weeks
The Chiefs appear optimistic, however, as the team opted not to place the receiver on injured reserve. It's a good indication that Hill avoided serious injury, but it still leaves a sizable void on offense. The setback also comes after Hill agreed to a reported three-year, $54 million extension despite an offseason overshadowed by numerous off-field incidents.
Meanwhile, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes practiced Wednesday after playing through a sprained ankle in the team's chippy Week 1 win over the Jaguars.
Quincy Enunwa out for season with another neck injury
The Jets receiver has now suffered two in the last three years, though it's unclear whether the most recent injury is considered career-threatening. Enunwa previously missed the entire 2017 season after hurting his neck in training camp.
New York is already without tight end Chris Herndon, who is serving a four-game suspension to start the season, so losing Enunwa is another blow to the team's offense, especially after he signed a four-year extension worth $36 million in December.
Two things that don't matter
Hunter Henry is hurt again
The Chargers tight end is no stranger to injuries, but the latest is pretty significant. The team announced Henry suffered a tibial plateau fracture — a break in the upper portion of the tibia or the shin bone — to his left knee Sunday and will be out for an undisclosed time, though it was reported he could miss four to six weeks.
Henry, who had four catches for 60 yards against the Colts, previously suffered a lacerated kidney in 2017 and a torn ACL in the 2018 preseason.
AJ Green out of walking boot
While there's still no timeline for his return, it's a positive sign for the Bengals receiver, who continues to make strides in his recovery from preseason ankle surgery.
"Everything's going in a great direction," Green told reporters in his first public comments since suffering the injury during training camp.
Green added that he ran for about 10 minutes Tuesday and worked out his legs with the team's strength and conditioning coach Wednesday, noting that his range of motion remains limited but is improving.
One video you have to see
Because even after 18 years, we will never forget.
From ESPN NFL LIVE: NFL players remember where they were 18 years ago during 9/11 pic.twitter.com/dWsCTLecGJ
— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) September 11, 2019
Wednesday's tweet of the day
After all his helmet drama, Brown didn't even wear the headgear he had settled on before leaving Oakland during his first practice with the Patriots.
Doesn’t look like Antonio Brown was wearing his Xenith Shadow helmet at practice today pic.twitter.com/Q6PMgrknH6
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) September 11, 2019