Four NFC teams remain undefeated, and two of those are NFC South squads, which is surprising, considering no team in that division posted a .500 record in 2014. As the Falcons, Panthers, Packers, and Cardinals prepare to put their 3-0 records on the line this weekend, let’s check in on the latest out of the conference….
- Discussing Kiko Alonso with reporters today, Chip Kelly mentioned that the linebacker isn’t an injured reserve candidate at this point, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com (via Twitter). While Shorr-Parks wasn’t the only reporter to interpret Kelly’s comments that way, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer isn’t so sure that’s what the Eagles head coach meant, as he explains (via Twitter).
- According to Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News, Alonso will have his troublesome left knee scoped to determine the extent of the damage. If it’s minimal, the Eagles linebacker should be able to return to the field following some rehab. If the ACL graft is significantly damaged, Alonso may require season-ending surgery.
- The 49ers aren’t getting much out of their 2015 free agent class, writes Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, pointing out that defenders Darnell Dockett and Philip Wheeler were released weeks ago, Jerome Simpson is serving a suspension, Reggie Bush has been injured, and Shareece Wright has been inactive for three games (and wants to be traded or cut).
- With Jay Cutler expected to miss another game this weekend, Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen should get four quarters to prove why he still deserves a roster spot, opines David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. If Clausen can’t perform capably in a home game against Oakland this week, the Bears should look to upgrade the position, in Haugh’s view.
- Joel Corry of CBSSports.com identifies 20 players with big money on the line this year, including Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford, Bears running back Matt Forte, and Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, among others.