NFL Rumors: Bengals add former Alabama and XFL star to backup Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals don't know if Joe Burrow will be good to go on Monday Night Football against the Rams. He's still dealing with a calf injury with an official injury designation of "questionable."
This weekend, Cincinnati has been covering every possible base with quarterback signings as a result.
On Friday, the Bengals picked up Reid Sinnett, who was with the team this offseason and added him to the practice squad, per Adam Schefter. Sinnett was out of football and revealed he got the call from Christian Sarkisian during a "business work call."
Sinnett isn't the only option to back up Jake Browning on Monday if Burrow can't go. Because the Bengals also picked up AJ McCarron on Saturday, according to Ian Rapoport.
The Bengals drafted McCarron in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He started three games for them in 2015 with a 2-1 record. Most recently, he starred in the XFL in 2023 but that didn't turn into an NFL opportunity until now.
McCarron gives the Bengals a veteran option with starting experience and recent success in a spring football league. That's more than even Browning can say. While Browning has been with the Bengals since 2021, he has taken a total of four NFL snaps in his career.
The plan is obviously to give Browning the start if Burrow can't go, but it can't hurt to have someone like McCarron available as a "break glass in case of emergency" option.
NFL Rumors: Packers close to getting Aaron Jones, Christian Watson back
The Green Bay Packers couldn't outpace the Falcons in Week 2, dropping to 1-1 on the season. But there's reason for optimism against the Saints because the Green Bay offense may get two key playmakers back in time to play on Sunday.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN (subscription required), Aaron Jones and Christian Watson are "getting closer" to a return.
Both players are technically listed as questionable but Fowler referred to both as "close calls" for Sunday's game as they nurse hamstring injuries.
Getting Jones back is particularly important for the Packers. He had 41 yards and a touchdown on the ground with 86 yards and a touchdown through the air in Week 1 against the Bears. His absence was notable against the Falcons as AJ Dillon managed 55 yards on the ground and wasn't the same level of receiving threat.
Speaking of receiving threats, the Packers are certainly lacking those without Watson on the field. He has missed both games so far.
NFL Rumors: Lions will have Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Falcons
The Detroit Lions knew it was possible to start 1-1 after two tough matchups to start the season. They went into Arrowhead and stunned the Chiefs in Week 1 but got bit in overtime against the Seahawks in Week 2.
Next up it's the Atlanta Falcons, and with a road trip to Green Bay looming, it's critical Detroit gets the win lest they risk falling to 1-4 to open the campaign.
Having star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on the field would go a long way toward getting that victory.
St. Brown is officially listed as questionable going into the game after limited practice time this week, but he confirmed to reporters on Friday that he intends to play on Sunday.
The receiver has a toe injury but it appears to be a bone bruise and not something more serious. His ability to play comes down to pain management.
St. Brown had six catches for 102 yards against the Seahawks. He had six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown against the Lions.
