Week 1 of the regular season is finally here and teams across the NFL are putting the final touches on their roster while others are dealing with last-minute injury news before the season kicks off Wednesday with the Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and Seahawks.
The Atlanta Falcons formally named Tua Tagovailoa as their Week 1 starting quarterback, while the Dallas Cowboys suffered a blow to their offensive line with All-Pro guard Tyler Smith set for thumb surgery.Â
Down under, the Niners and Rams are preparing to play the first NFL game in Australia and one side is confirming the return of a pass rusher while the other is being more secretive about theirs.
Here is the latest news from around the league on Monday.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald remained noncommittal Monday about whether he will travel, let alone suit up for the team’s Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.Â
Speaking to reporters following practice, the recently unretired veteran offered vague answers when asked if he plans to make the trip and play on Thursday.
“Feeling really good. Feeling great,” Donald said when asked about traveling to Australia. “Come up with a game plan and see what’s going on.”
Donald, who ended his retirement Aug. 30 to rejoin the Rams, continues to work through a progressive conditioning ramp-up.Â
While head coach Sean McVay previously indicated the entire roster is expected to make the flight, Donald’s actual game-day snap count and active availability remain a day-to-day evaluation as kickoff approaches.
Meanwhile, Myles Garrett looked like he was trying to add more power to his tackles, so the Rams’ pass rush will still be plenty for opposing offenses to handle.
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris told reporters Monday that star defensive end Nick Bosa will play in Thursday’s season-opening matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.Â
Bosa, who tore his right ACL in Week 3 of last season and dealt with knee tendinitis during training camp, returned to practice last week before making the flight with the team.
“Hes going [to play]. We are not hiding that,” Morris told reporters.
Bosa’s return provides a key boost to a San Francisco pass rush that finished last in the NFL in sacks last season. While the team may manage his snap volume as he continues building up his conditioning, his active status anchors the 49ers’ defense for the historic kickoff in Australia.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told reporters Monday that sixth-round rookie quarterback Taylen Green could be active for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, potentially serving as the primary game-day option behind starter Deshaun Watson.Â
When asked if Green could earn the gameday active spot over Shedeur Sanders to run specialized athletic pac
