NFL news and notes: Rams noncommittal on Jalen Ramsey's status; Russell Okung could return this week

Kirstie Chiappelli

NFL news and notes: Rams noncommittal on Jalen Ramsey's status; Russell Okung could return this week image

Jalen Ramsey is on the Rams but we have no idea if he'll play this week or not.

All that and more in this edition of NFL news and notes.

Three things that matter

Rams noncommittal on Jalen Ramsey's Week 7 availability

Los Angeles acquired the star cornerback Wednesday for its 2020 and 2021 first-round picks in addition to a 2021 fourth-round pick, but Rams coach Sean McVay might not want to put the team's newest addition to work right away.

"The goal is to be able to do that, but we’ll be smart about it," McVay told reporters. "I think that we definitely want to have the intent to get him ready to go and we’ll always make smart decisions. But, yes, that’s the goal."

Ramsey has missed the last three games with a back injury, though some reports suggest it was a ploy to get the Jaguars to give into his trade request.

"I hope so. We'll see," Ramsey said when asked Wednesday at his introductory press conference if he'll make his Rams debut Sunday in Atlanta. "I've been missing football, I love football, so I would love that, but at the end of the day, we do have to be smart."

Chargers could get boost with Russell Okung return

Los Angeles has struggled with injuries this season, but the star offensive tackle could give the Chargers the confidence they need entering a crucial matchup at Tennessee.

"I’ve been looking forward to this day for several weeks and I’m excited to officially announce that I will be back to football as early as Week 7," Okung said.

Okung revealed he experienced "unusual chest pain at practice" on June 1 and decided to visit urgent care, where it was revealed he suffered a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition in which a blood clot gets lodged in an artery in the lung. He was told by doctors that the decision to seek treatment likely saved his life.

He hasn't played in months, but apparently is ready to make his comeback.

C.J. Mosley participates in individual drills 

New York already got a boost with Sam Darnold back, and more help could be on the way. The Jets linebacker will be back on the field for the first time since Week 1, giving optimism that he could be available to play Monday against the Patriots. Jets coach Adam Gase added there’s hope Mosley will do more in Friday and Saturday’s practices to ensure he'll be ready to go.

Mosley has been dealing with a groin injury but New York has opted to take a more cautious approach with one of its best defensive players early in the season.

Two things that don't matter

Seahawks will embrace Earl Thomas' return to Seattle

The veteran safety didn't exactly leave the organization on the best terms, but the two sides appear to have put their differences aside to share a mutual respect.

"Earl was a great football player for us in the years he was here. We loved what he did — his uniqueness and his style of play," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters Thursday. "The way he practiced and his focus was somewhat unmatchable. We just couldn't stay together forever, you know. Couldn't figure out how to do that. But wish him the best and looking forward to (Sunday).

"When we know guys, we like playing against them. You've got relationships and it's fun to see them out there and it's fun to go against them. There's nothing we like more than beating the guys that we love."

A.J. Green still has "a little ways to go" in rehab

The Bengals receiver has struggled to get healthy since suffering an ankle injury early in training camp and undergoing surgery in late July, but told reporters he's progressing with the injury.

Cincinnati will host the Jaguars in Week 7, a game Green is unlikely to play, then head overseas to play the Rams in London before the team's Week 9 bye. It's possible Green could return in Week 10 against the Ravens, assuming the team doesn't deal him before the Oct. 29 trade deadline.

One video you have to see

It's Eagles-Cowboys week, and Stephen A. Smith is FIRED up.

Thursday's tweet of the day

Former Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware is pumped for Patrick Mahomes and company to visit Denver on Thursday.

 

Kirstie Chiappelli