Is David Bakhtiari boycotting turf?
After David Bakhtiari saw his former teammate Aaron Rodgers tear his Achilles' on the fourth play of his career with his second-ever NFL team, he had choice words for the NFL. Bakhtiari believed the injury to be yet another data point in his crusade to swear off all non-natural playing surfaces in the NFL, since Rodgers' injury happened at MetLife stadium, on turf.
Previously, Rodgers played all his home games with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, which has natural grass.
Bakhtiari took issue with the news that has come out recently that the NFL stadiums hosting World Cup games in the coming years will have grass installed.
Bakhtiari didn't play on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, and conspiracy theories were starting to bubble because the Falcons, an indoor team, also have turf. Was he sitting out as a matter of principle, to prove a point?
A Tweet from his brother created more questions than answers and asked directly about the topic early in the week, the tackle didn't give a very clear answer about if he would sit out turf games.
Adam Schefter joined Pat McAfee on his show live on Monday and fielded questions about the theory.
"Those knees have given him problems," Schefter said. "And I don't think it was an issue of they're playing on turf or not. I think he just basically had some sort of flare-up that prevented him from going [Sunday]."
Doesn't appear to be turf related... But it's hard to ignore the pattern. The next two games are at home in Green Bay before they travel to Las Vegas which is, notably, turf. Keep an eye out for his availability then.
Could Anthony Richardson play Week 3?
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is the real deal, but the true efficacy of him as an NFL quarterback may come down to whether or not he can stay on the field. Through two weeks, Richardson is tied for the most rushing touchdowns (3) of any player. Two such touchdowns were scored in the first quarter of Sunday's game.
Richardson, unfortunately, left the game before the first half ended in Indianapolis to be evaluated for a concussion, with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew put in as the starter in his place. Indy wound up beating the Texans 31-20, but Richardson's availability figures to be a big storyline in the team's quest to earn a winning record in Week 3.
Schefter spoke on McAfee about Richardson as well. He addressed the news that he will start the week in concussion protocol.
"You can't tell on Monday... I've seen players say, 'it's serious,' and then they go through and they clear [concussion protocol]," Schefter said.
The protocol is a several-step process that requires players to prove their readiness before returning to play. It's difficult to jump multiple stages in the process in a single day, so there's limited time for Richardson to prove he is healthy enough to go for Sunday's game against the Ravens.
That said, it's certainly good to hear that, despite entering protocol on Monday, he has a chance at getting back healthy in time for Week 3.
The Jets quarterback situation is not going to be enjoyable for Jets faithful
The New York Jets are in a dire situation. After Aaron Rodgers went down on the team's first offensive drive of the season -- and appears to be out until at least the postseason due to a torn Achilles' -- Zach Wilson is the guy at quarterback.
That can't be for the season, right? The Jets have two quality running backs, great receivers, and a strong defense. The only deficiency, now that Rodgers is out, is the offensive line and quarterback. They should be incentivized to add a QB, whether via trade (hello, Kirk Cousins!) or free agency (RGIII?!), right?
Not so fast. Schefter's update on the topic is going to have Jets fans pulling their hair out.
"I just think that they're committed to Zach Wilson... The fact of the matter is I think they'll add a quarterback to that room eventually, whether that's this week or next week. But it's not going to be some guy that I expect that they're turning the offense over to and benching Zach Wilson. They believe in him."
Schefter went on to point out that Wilson's draw for his first start of the season wasn't exactly easy, either, as the Cowboys boast what is likely the best defense in the NFL this season. Dallas has the league's best point differential at a whopping 60 through two games.
Still, fans want to see a flashier name than Wilson after hyping themselves up all offseason over the likelihood of a former MVP under center. Right now, it doesn't seem like that's in the cards.
They better hope those dolphin noises really work.
