RB Josh Jacobs expected to report to Raiders before Week 1
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has been away from the team for training camp and preseason while holding out, but that is expected to change within the next week or so, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore.
While Jacobs has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender ($10.1 million), the two sides could also come to an agreement on renegotiated one-year deal, similar to what the New York Giants did with Saquon Barkley.
There’s a growing sense in league circles that Josh Jacobs will be back with the @Raiders before the season opener. But when, exactly? And will he have enough time to be ready to play against the @Broncos? The latest: https://t.co/rywXOljDzD
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 21, 2023
Jacobs had a career year in 2022, leading the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards and 2,053 yards from scrimmage. His 91.6 overall grade ranked first among 60 qualifying running backs, and his 97 missed tackles forced on runs led the league.
The Raiders open their season Sept. 10 against the Denver Broncos. At this point, it’s unclear if Jacobs will be in good enough game shape to play a full complement of snaps or if he will defer more to 2022 fourth-rounder Zamir White early on in the season.
Teven Jenkins expected to miss time in regular season due to leg injury
The Chicago Bears are expected to be without starting left guard Teven Jenkins when they host the Green Bay Packers in their season opener Sept. 10 (and potentially longer).
Leg injury could keep Teven Jenkins out into regular season. https://t.co/CFinJqnWIT
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 21, 2023
The injury (leg) is the latest for a player who has appeared in 19 games over his first two seasons in the NFL.
When healthy, Jenkins has proven to be one of the best at his position. Last season, his 80.7 overall grade ranked third among 77 qualifying guards in the NFL. His presence is crucial to the development of third-year quarterback Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears‘ offense. Former first-round pick Alex Leatherwood is expected to fill in for Jenkins when the season beings.
Robert Jones out 4-6 weeks with sprained MCL
Miami Dolphins guard Robert Jones will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL. The good news for Jones and the team is that no surgery is expected at this time, meaning he can return in late September.
Per his agent, @DrewJRosenhaus , #Dolphins OL Robert Jones suffered an MCL sprain in his knee and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. He is not expected to undergo surgery. Was in a battle for a starting O-line spot. #FinsUp #NFLPreseason pic.twitter.com/sCh4pR4xw9
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) August 20, 2023
The timing of the injury is unfortunate for Jones, who was battling for a starting spot on the offensive line. He earned an elite 91.2 overall grade in the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, which was the third-highest for any guard in the NFL that week.
With Jones out of the picture for the time being, the left guard position comes down to 2022 starter Liam Eichenberg (39.8 overall, 75th out of 77 qualifying guards) and former New England Patriot Isaiah Wynn (69.9 overall or higher in three of four seasons).
DaVon Hamilton sidelined indefinitely with back issue
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton will be out indefinitely with a non-football-related back issue.
From the Jaguars:
“DaVon Hamilton is currently dealing with a non-football related medical issue with his back. At this time we do not have a timetable on his return. Our medical staff plans to keep us informed on his progress and we will provide updates at the appropriate time"
— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) August 20, 2023
Hamilton signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension with the team back in April.
After struggling his first two years in the league, Hamilton earned a 72.6 overall grade in 2022, 26th among 127 qualifying interior defenders. He finished the season with 35 defensive stops, as well as 31 total pressures on 380 pass-rushing snaps. He landed on PFF's Gordon McGuinness' list of the top 32 interior defenders in the NFL heading into 2023.