Injuries are easily the worst part of the NFL, and even the biggest names in the sport are not immune to the injury bug. Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon suffered an injury late in Thursday night’s contest and, according to the latest NFL rumors, the running back should be fine in the long run. In other news, Keenan Allen was limited in Thursday’s practice, while DeAndre Hopkins returned to full participation.
NFL Rumors: Joe Mixon, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins Injury Updates
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon was having a fantastic game throughout the early portion of Thursday Night Football. During the contest, the running back recorded 16 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown but was notably absent on the game’s final drive.
With the Bengals going for the game-winning score, Mixon remained on the sideline in evident pain. As it turns out, the running back suffered a minor ankle injury, and head coach Zac Taylor doesn’t sound too worried about his long-term availability.
“It’s a minor ankle injury, I believe,” Taylor said. “I would have to confirm…I had no idea what the diagnosis or timeline was.”
From the sound of it, Mixon should be on the field sooner rather than later. Seeing as this injury happened on Thursday Night Football, the running back will have a little more time to get ready for Week 5’s slate of games. If he cannot go, then Samaje Perine should get the first shot at the starting job. The veteran played the majority of the snaps in Mixon’s absence, although rookie Chris Evans will still get some playing time.
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Keenan Allen Limited
Speaking of ankle injuries, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is battling one of his own. According to practice reports, the former third-round pick was limited in Thursday’s practice due to an ankle injury.
As of this posting, it’s safe to assume that Allen will take the field in Monday’s showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. The fact he was able to practice at all usually means that the player will see the field, and the Chargers have an extra day to make sure Allen is ready for action.
Keenan Allen with the shake.pic.twitter.com/alSmlVnpXF
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 26, 2021
Through three weeks, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have formed one of the best 1-2 punches in football. So far, Allen has recorded 21 receptions for 258 yards and a touchdown, while Williams sits at 22 receptions for 295 yards and four touchdowns. It’s clear that both players are natural fits for Brandon Staley’s scheme, and having a great young quarterback in Justin Herbert certainly doesn’t hurt.
The Chargers are going to need all hands on deck for their Monday night showdown. At 3-0, the Las Vegas Raiders are one of the biggest surprise teams in the league through the first month of action. The AFC West looks like one of the most competitive divisions in football, so this game will probably have significant playoff implications.
DeAndre Hopkins Practicing In Full
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins suited up in Week 3, but he clearly wasn’t himself. The receiver spent the previous week battling a rib injury and was nothing more than a decoy on game day. Well, fortunately for the Cardinals, practice reports indicate that Hopkins will be back to full strength in Week 4.
According to official team practice reports, Hopkins was a full participant in Thursday’s practice session. This should mean that he’s back to full strength and should return as the top option in Arizona’s high-octane passing attack.
Through the first three games of the season, Hopkins has recorded 13 receptions for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Interestingly enough, his numbers are very similar to that of teammates Christian Kirk (15/239/2), A.J. Green (10/181/1), and Rondale Moore (13/183/1). Hopkins will probably return to his usual alpha status as the season progresses, but early signs indicate that this offense might go through multiple receivers.
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