It’s almost here. Everywhere and anywhere you look, football fans see the same headline: eleven days until kickoff. Yes, its true, the 2014 NFL season is about to begin. All that remains is Week Four of the preseason, and the show begins again when the Green Bay Packers travel to Seattle to face the defending Super Bowl Champion Seahawks. It’s a game that could have enormous implications in the NFC playoff picture when January rolls around, as two of the best teams in the conference will look to make an early impression on the league. Look for a full preview of that game right here next week, but in the meantime let’s take a quick look at some key stories around the league.
NFL Preseason Week Four Storylines
– Reports indicate that Rams’ quarterback Sam Bradford (SIA Alert) has sustained another torn ACL and will miss the entire 2014 campaign. This is tragic news for a promising young quarterback who was entering a make-or-break season, but the Rams were wise and added a capable backup during the off-season, as Shaun Hill figures to be an every week starter this season. Don’t count out Bradford yet, folks. He is a former first overall pick, and is an extremely talented passer. His next opportunity might not come in St. Louis, but it will come. Chin up, Sam. We’re all pulling for you.
– Minnesota Vikings’ first year head coach Mike Zimmer is not ready to name a starting quarterback for Week One just yet. Incumbent starter Matt Cassel has likely shown well enough this preseason to earn the nod, but he will have to be sharp to hold off rookie first rounder Teddy Bridgewater who has turned some heads this off-season.
– Speaking of rookie first round quarterbacks turning heads, Jaguars signal caller Blake Bortles has been impressive to date, but will not be making the Week One start for his club. The Jags are content to let Bortles sit and learn while Chad Henne does the heavy lifting. It would be surprising if Bortles doesn’t see some game action this season, but the club wants to protect their investment and not rush the youngster’s development.
– The Josh Gordon suspension watch continues. I’m not quite sure what the hold-up is, but the star wideout continues to wait to hear the final word on how many games he will miss in 2014. Though many still expect a season long ban, there has been some optimism that Gordon could see his penalty lessened. It remains to be seen what sort of punishment Gordon receives, or when he receives it, but I’m sure that Browns fans (and fantasy football players) would like to know what’s going on sooner than later.
– Broncos kicker Matt Prater is set to receive a four game suspension from the league for an alcohol-related offense. The details are sketchy, but Prater has accepted full responsibility for his actions and owned up to any mistakes, and he should be commended for that. Expect to see, the record-breaking boot back in action in Week Five.
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