NFL news and notes: Drew Brees takes big step in rehab; Earl Thomas reached out to Mason Rudolph after hit

Chelsea Howard

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NFL news and notes: Drew Brees takes big step in rehab; Earl Thomas reached out to Mason Rudolph after hit image

With another slate of games coming up in Week 6, we take a look at all that's happening around the league. 

From key injuries to fines for big hits, we cover it all in Friday's edition of NFL news and notes.

Three things that matter

Chiefs' Tyreek Hill will be a game-time decision

There's a chance Tyreek Hill could return Sunday. Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters Friday that the star receiver will be a game-time decision in Week 6 against the Texans after missing the team's last four games with a shoulder injury. Reid added that Hill, who returned to practice last week, ran with the scout team and the offense this week.

"He did a little bit of everything last week. This is pure how he feels," Reid said earlier this week. "This isn't a real common injury in the NFL. We're just trying to make sure it's right."

Hill initially injured his shoulder in Kansas City's season opener against the Jaguars on just his second catch of the day when he was tackled by Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey. 

Steelers will start Devlin Hodges after Mason Rudolph injury 

The Steelers are moving on to their third quarterback this season after Mason Rudolph was injured in Week 5 and ruled out for Sunday.

“He’s doing well,” Hodges said earlier this week. “That was a scary situation, a really scary situation. He was knocked out pretty cold. To see him here and moving around and see him smiling, it’s a good sign.”

While it wasn't likely Rudolph would return this week after taking a hit from Ravens safety Earl Thomas that resulted in a concussion, it's significant news considering Hodges will make a start against the Chargers as a rookie.

Rudolph, selected in the third round of the 2018 draft, had stepped in for Ben Roethlisberger, who is recovering from a season-ending elbow injury he suffered in Week 2.

Hodges replaced Rudolph during Pittsburgh's 26-23 loss to Baltimore where he went 7 of 9 for 68 yards with no touchdowns.

Rams' Todd Gurley doubtful, Aqib Talib out vs. 49ers

The Rams could be without two key players for their matchup against the 49ers on Sunday. Running back Todd Gurley is doubtful, while cornerback Aqib Talib has been ruled out. 

Gurley missed practice this week because of a quad injury he suffered last Thursday in a loss to the Seahawks.

"You feel something during the game and then I guess the adrenaline ...," Gurley said Thursday (via NFL.com) when asked about the injury. "Most definitely, though, it's those days off for sure — then it just kind of kept lingering on. It's been getting a lot better since the day after the game — always a positive way to look at things."

Talib, on the other hand, also didn't practice this week as he's dealing with a rib injury.

Two things that don't matter

Redskins confirm Case Keenum will start at QB against Dolphins

Bill Callahan has made his first major move as the Redskins' interim head coach. Quarterback Case Keenum, apparently sufficiently recovered from a foot injury, will start Sunday against the Dolphins, the Washington coach confirmed Friday.

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

At 0-5, the Redskins are still trying to figure out their quarterback situation.

Ravens' Earl Thomas reached out to Mason Rudolph after hit

Ravens safety Earl Thomas told ESPN he received a $21,000 fine for his hit on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. Thomas said he attempted to reach Rudolph through a phone call and text, but hasn't heard back.

"I wanted him to know that I didn't do it on purpose," Thomas said. "That's all I wanted him to know."

Rudolph was injured in the third quarter of last Sunday's game as he was attempting to make a throw, but he took a hit from Thomas before he got the pass off. 

One video you have to see

Is Saints quarterback Drew Brees nearing a return? Brees was seen without a thumb brace at the team's practice on Friday and did throw some routes.

Friday's tweet of the day

Mark this one as unusual. The Jaguars are giving out fake mustaches to 35,000 fans as part of the Gardner Minshew craze. What's more is those who cut their jeans into shorts (aka "jorts") will get a free Minshew jersey.

Chelsea Howard