NFL news and notes: Cam Newton could be out for a while; Rams look to up Todd Gurley's workload

Kirstie Chiappelli

NFL news and notes: Cam Newton could be out for a while; Rams look to up Todd Gurley's workload image

Trouble could be brewing under center in Carolina.

We dive into the latest news regarding Cam Newton and other roster moves in the wake of more injuries in this edition of NFL news and notes.

Three things that matter

Cam Newton's injury could be out for a while 

The Panthers quarterback is reportedly dealing with a Lisfranc injury and not a mid-foot sprain, which raises questions regarding the team's knowledge of the extent of the injury when he was injured in the preseason as well as Newton’s long-term viability after playing the first two weeks of the regular season.

Newton has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans but could miss more time — including an Oct. 13 game in London — before the team's Week 7 bye given the new details that have emerged.

Carolina will quickly find out if Kyle Allen can stay consistent in Newton's absence or face the harsh realization that the team may be heading for a rebuild.

Eagles expect Alshon Jeffery to play this week

After the wide receiver missed most of the past two games with a calf injury, Jeffrey should give Philadelphia the boost it needs entering Thursday's game at Lambeau Field after being a full participant in practice Tuesday.

"I fully expect and anticipate Alshon, you know, to (be available)," Pederson told ESPN. "But listen, the season's young, we'll get these guys healthy and hopefully we can get things turned around soon."

Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (calf strain) is also expected to be available, but DeSean Jackson (abdominal strain) likely won't return.

Rams look to get Todd Gurley more 'involved'

After he missed time late last season with an injury, it was assumed the running back would ease back into things in Los Angeles in 2019. However, there's concern since Gurley's career-high 89.4 rushing yards per game last year has dipped to 67.7 rushing yards per contest this season.

But coach Sean McVay insisted Gurley is not on a load management program and won't continue to be underutilized in the weeks to come.

"No, we’re not doing anything like it," McVay told reporters. "It’s more along the lines of, each week presents a different approach. It’s kind of the feel of the flow of the game. We want to get Todd involved. I’d like to do better of being able to give him a chance to get more into a rhythm than I’ve enabled him to do these first three games."

Two things that don't matter

Saquon Barkley seeking second opinion on ankle sprain

The Giants running back underwent testing and was examined Monday by team consultant Dr. Martin O’Malley, though he is reportedly scheduled to see specialist Dr. Robert Anderson on Wednesday for an additional opinion on his high ankle sprain.

Barkley initially was expected to miss four to eight weeks after getting hurt Sunday against the Buccaneers, so he'll soon find out just how accurate that timetable is.

Vikings re-sign Laquon Treadwell 

The move comes after Chad Beebe tore ligaments in his ankle during Sunday's win over the Raiders. Since it's unclear how long the second-year receiver will be out or if he needs surgery, the Vikings opted to bring in a familiar face.

Treadwell, a first-round pick of Minnesota in 2016, had 35 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown in 15 games last season before being released this summer after falling down the depth chart. He has 56 catches for 517 yards over three seasons.

One video you have to see

The Browns had some special visitors at their facility, and Baker Mayfield made time for each of them.

Tuesday's tweet of the day

Torrey Smith pointed out how important it is for a person — especially a parent — to stay true to their word.

 

Kirstie Chiappelli