Bears guard Kyle Long‘s status for Week 1 is entirely unclear as he deals with a labrum issue, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. While one source tells Biggs that Long is sure to be ready in time for the season opener, another source “isn’t optimistic” on Long’s outlook. Long is universally regarded as Chicago’s best offensive lineman, so if he is absent, the club will have some shuffling to do. For the time being, the Bears have moved free agent signing Ted Larsen from center to right guard, while installing Cornelius Edison at the pivot.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two North divisions:
- The Steelers extended linebacker Vince Williams through 2018 earlier today, and that deal could have an impact on veteran defender Lawrence Timmons, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Timmons, 30, is entering the final season of his current contract, and recent reports have indicated that he isn’t close to a long-term extension with Pittsburgh. If the two sides can’t hammer anything out before next spring, the Steelers now have a ready-made replacement in the form of Williams.
- Teams are calling the Browns about Josh Gordon‘s availability but, for what it’s worth, he doesn’t want to be traded, as Tony Grossi of ESPN.com writes. “I haven’t heard too much about it,” Gordon said. “Cleveland is my team. That’s where I want to be, everything like that. That’s not even in the ballpark for me. I’m not sure how that works.” Gordon went on to express his gratitude towards owner Jimmy Haslam and coach Hue Jackson and said that he is excited about making his comeback in Cleveland.
- Patrick Murray seems to be separating himself in Browns‘ kicking duel, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal tweets. Today, he went 4-for-4 on field goals while Travis Coons went 2-for-3. Coons made 87.5% of his attempts with Cleveland last season, but the Browns’ new regime added Murray on a cheap one-year deal earlier this summer.
- As part of its PED investigation, the NFL will interview Steelers linebacker James Harrison on Thursday, not Tuesday the 30th as originally reported.