NFL news and notes: Antonio Brown won't face prosecution; Eagles injuries force canceled practice

Kirstie Chiappelli

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NFL news and notes: Antonio Brown won't face prosecution; Eagles injuries force canceled practice image

While teams make adjustments in the wake of injury disasters last week, one squad opted to scrap their workout all together.

Then there's the status of one wide receiver, which is still up in the air.

Three things that matter

Antonio Brown won't face prosecution

According to the Allegheny County (Pennsylvania) district attorney, a statute of limitations issue prevents prosecutors from opening a probe into the Patriots receiver, meaning there won't be an investigation.

"Our office, along with the Allegheny County Police Department, made contact with counsel for the plaintiff in the federal lawsuit involving Antonio Brown," a statement to Omnisport read. "Procedurally, it appears there is a statute of limitations issue in moving forward with any inquiry involving the Allegheny County allegation mentioned in the lawsuit."

In the meantime, Brown continues to deny all accusations against him and remains eligible to play in Week 3 against the Jets after making his debut in New England's shutout of the Dolphins.

Doug Pederson cancels practice because of injuries

You could say things are getting pretty serious in Philadelphia. The Eagles coach also has to consider the team's schedule, which has the Eagles visiting the Packers next Thursday on a short week.

"I want these guys as fresh as possible obviously for these next two weeks," Pederson said. "I got to think of the big picture here obviously and keeping guys this early in our season and keeping guys as fresh as possible now, so we can make a push later in the season — that's also a factor in this decision."

Pederson reiterated that defensive tackle Tim Jernigan remains the furthest from returning while labeling tight end Dallas Goedert and receivers DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery as day to day.

Saints won't name starter before Sunday

As injured quarterback Drew Brees prepares for thumb surgery, his offense must prepare for his extended absence. But Saints coach Sean Payton has yet to reveal which of his backups will start, and doesn't plan on announcing it before Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Instead, Payton will approach this week with both Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill as options under center.

Bridgewater completed 17 of 30 passes for 165 yards and no touchdowns as he filled in for Brees against the Rams, while Hill has played multiple roles filling in where needed.

Two things that don't matter

Cam Newton doesn't practice again

It's looking more and more like 23-year-old Kyle Allen will get the start Sunday against the Cardinals after Newton didn't work out for the second straight day.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney confirmed Newton re-aggravated the mild-foot sprain he suffered during the preseason and couldn't provide a timetable for his return, but the writing was on the wall Tuesday when Newton was spotted in Charlotte, N.C., with a boot on his foot.

James Conner expects to play Week 3

In the wake of Ben Roethlisberger's season-ending elbow injury, the Steelers appear to have caught a break when it comes to the running back's hurt knee. Conner was sidelined Sunday against the Seahawks and while he may not be a full-go at practice all this week, he appeared confident in his availability for Sunday at San Francisco.

Much of Mason Rudolph's success under center in place of Roethlisberger as he makes his first career start will depend on his offense's ability to help him transition.

One video you have to see

Retired safety Ryan Clark has nothing but respect for Eli Manning despite him being benched for rookie Daniel Jones but admitted he was unimpressed by the veteran during his reign in New York.

Wednesday's tweet of the day

Brees expressed gratitude for his wife, Brittany, who spent her birthday at the hospital as the quarterback prepared to have his thumb surgery.

 

Kirstie Chiappelli