NFL news and notes: Mason Rudolph practices after knockout hit; Case Keenum to start for Redskins

Kirstie Chiappelli

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NFL news and notes: Mason Rudolph practices after knockout hit; Case Keenum to start for Redskins image

The Redskins can't commit to Dwayne Haskins just yet, and the Giants aren't willing to roll the dice on Saquon Barkley.

But will Antonio Brown find a way to slither his way back into the league? We take a look at the latest news around the league in this edition of NFL news and notes.

Three things that matter

Mason Rudolph back at practice after knockout hit

Three days after being knocked unconscious by Ravens safety Earl Thomas, the Steelers quarterback resumed workouts in pads and a helmet.

Rudolph is unlikely to play Sunday against the Chargers, but it's remarkable progress from the scary scene that unfolded Sunday in Pittsburgh. It could even be a sign that he'll be ready to return after the team's Week 7 bye. Expect his status to be monitored closely until he is deemed healthy enough to clear the concussion protocol.

Case Keenum expected to start for Redskins

The 31-year-old will reportedly start under center against the Dolphins as long as he is able to play on his injured foot. It's the first major move for interim head coach Bill Callahan, who replaced Jay Gruden after he was fired Monday. 

Keenum has completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 970 yards and seven touchdowns with four interceptions in three games this season. He opened 2019 as the team's starter but was pulled for rookie Dwayne Haskins in Washington's Week 4 loss to the Giants and later replaced by Colt McCoy in a Week 5 loss to the Patriots.

Chargers place Mike Pouncey on injured reserve

The Chargers suffered another major blow when the team announced the veteran center will be sidelined with a neck injury, but quickly signed offensive lineman Ryan Groy to fill the void. Pouncey suffered the injury in the team's loss to the Broncos and was forced to leave the game.

Los Angeles is expected to move Dan Feeney into the middle and insert Forrest Lamp at left guard in Pouncey's absence over the next eight weeks. The earliest he can return is the team's Week 14 game at Jacksonville.

Two things that don't matter

Saquon Barkley officially out Thursday vs. Patriots

The running back was able to return to practice last week but apparently was unable to get medical clearance to play this week. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3 and was given an initial recovery timetable of four to eight weeks. Barkley expressed optimism he could beat it.

The Giants don't appear willing to take a chance rushing him back too soon, though, especially considering they could also be without receiver Sterling Shepard, who entered the concussion protocol for the second time this season, and tight end Evan Engram, who is dealing with a sprained MCL.

Antonio Brown wants New England to re-sign him

Even though the Patriots have moved on since releasing the receiver last month, Brown isn't giving up hope of playing in the league again and suggested the team re-sign him. 

“You guys that follow the Patriots, tell them to call me,” Brown said in a live video that streamed on Instagram. “They’ve still got to pay me, so might as well let me earn it.”

Brown filed an NFL-record nine grievances and appeals last month, which total more than $61 million he believes he is owed from the Raiders and Patriots and remains without a team after accusations of sexual misconduct, sexual assault and rape have surfaced.

“The Patriots have to pay me,” Brown said. “They may as well play me.”

Since Brown likened his legal situation to Robert Kraft's misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute in a now-deleted tweet, the Patriots owner has reportedly vowed to never sign a check.

One video you have to see

Richard Sherman expressed regret for inciting "handshakegate" by accusing Baker Mayfield of dissing him before Monday's game.

Wednesday's tweet of the day

Panthers coach Ron Rivera brought his epic t-shirt collection overseas.

 

Kirstie Chiappelli