Deshaun Watson tears ACL. On a rate basis, Watson was in the midst of one of the more successful rookie campaigns in NFL history. Among first-year signal-callers since the merger, Watson ranked first in touchdown percentage and second in quarterback rating while tossing a league-leading touchdowns and scoring twice more on the ground. An ACL tear (suffered in practice) means the Texans will turn to Tom Savage as their starter, while the club also added veterans Matt McGloin and T.J. Yates.
Trades, trades, trades! The NFL’s trade deadline hit last Tuesday, and five deals were made in advance of 4pm ET. The 49ers surprisingly picked up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo from the Patriots, the Seahawks fortified their offensive line by acquiring left tackle Duane Brown from the Texans, the Bills got wideout Kelvin Benjamin from the Panthers, running back Jay Ajayi was shipped from the Dolphins to the Eagles, and the Jets received cornerback Rashard Robinson from the 49ers. Perhaps most notable, however, was the non-trade of quarterback A.J. McCarron from the Bengals to the Browns.
Ezekiel Elliott saga continues. Elliott’s six-game suspension was once again restored last week, but after another appeal, an administrative stay allowed the Cowboys running back to play against the Chiefs today. A three-judge panel is scheduled to rule on Elliott, and after that decision, his six-game suspension may finally be put in place for good. New reports have indicated Elliott and his legal team are open to a settlement, but the NFL isn’t interested in any sort of agreement.
Josh Gordon granted reinstatement. At long last, Gordon is now on to track to appear in an NFL game for the first time since 2014. Still only 26 years old, Gordon led the league in receiving in that 2013, managing 1,646 yards in only 14 games. He’s been suspended for much of the three-plus seasons since, but will now likely be eligible to play in Week 13. Cleveland management is set to meet with Gordon soon.
Andrew Luck finally shelved. The Colts finally capitulated and placed Luck on injured reserve after the starting quarterback had not played a down for the club in 2017. Still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Luck is expected to be fully healthy in time for the 2018 season, but with Indianapolis going nowhere fast this year, it didn’t make sense for Luck to come back. The Colts “won’t ignore” the 2018 quarterback draft class, although they now boast another competent signal-caller — Jacoby Brissett — in addition to Luck.