NFL rumors: Latest news entering Week 5 on injuries and more

See the latest news and rumors around the NFL heading into Week 5.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 7, 2015

As the NFL moves into its fifth week, only the Detroit Lions are left searching for their first win, while the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots all remain undefeated. This week, certain key players will return around the league from four-game suspensions, which could shake things up for upcoming matchups.

Check out the latest NFL News and rumors below.

• Lions head coach Jim Caldwell told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein that he’s instructed his players to stop talking about the missed illegally batted ball in the final minutes of the Lions’ 13–10 loss to Seattle on Monday night.

• The Dallas Cowboys return defensive end Greg Hardy this week against the Patriots, a needed boost for a team plagued by injuries. Hardy controversially said he wants to to “come out guns blazing” in his return.

• The New York Jets get back defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Richardson could still face charges from a high-speed road race earlier this season, but the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says the league will likely allow him to play until his trial is completed.

• Also returning from suspensions in Week 5 are San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavius Bryant. The return of Bryant gives the Steelers a deep threat, something quarterback Mike Vick could utilize with his arm strength.

• New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has reportedly been fined for throwing punches against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

• Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has heard the NFL Media report that the Bears could trade him, but he doesn’t think he’s going anywhere. Forte told CBS Sports Radio, “it’d be crazy to trade me.”

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• Multiple reports said Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has a slight shoulder separation, but an ESPN report disputes that. ESPN’s Mike Wells says there is “zero truth” to the reports that Luck has a shoulder separation.

• Either way, head coach Chuck Pagano expects Luck to play Thursday night against the Houston Texans.

• Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is happy with the Falcons’ 4–0 start, but said he wants to catch more passes. Since Week 1, White has caught just two passes on four targets. Leonard Hankerson has surpassed White as the No. 2 receiver in Atlanta, recording 15 catches on 24 targets in the last three weeks.

• The Minnesota Vikings traded linebacker Gerald Hodges to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth round draft pick and center Nick Easton. The Vikings are without John Sullivan until at least Week 9. The 49ers lost middle linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland to retirement this offseason.

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- Tom Downey