NFL News & Rumors: Packers, Colts, Vick, Bears

October 7, 2010

Week 5 is shaping up to be the most interesting week of the NFL season so far. Two big trades, a number of important injuries, and a list of available trade options has made for a busy week.

The Green Bay Packers defensive injuries continue to keep coming. This time it’s MLB Nick Barnett who will miss the remainder of the NFL season because of a wrist injury. This report comes from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Packers have already lost Morgan Burnett for the season and could be without Brandon Chillar for the next few weeks. ESPN NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert writes that the team will have to consider making some roster moves to bolster their line backing core. Right now, the team has Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk as their only healthy options at inside-linebacker. Schefter just announced that Packers have promoted LB Maurice Simpkins for the teams practice squad and placed Burnett on IR.
Unfortunately for the Indianapolis Colts, Melvin Bullitt’s injury is as bad as initially feared. Bullitt will miss the rest of the season due to a broken bone in his right shoulder, per Adam Schefter. Bullitt was filling in for Bob Sanders who was lost for the season after suffering a torn bicep. The Colts have ready signed Aaron Francisco and promoted Mike Newton from their practice squad. Filling their strong safety position seems to becoming a regular problem for Indianapolis.
Jonathan Tamari of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid stated that Michael Vick will be the teams starting quarterback upon his return from injury. Kevin Kolb will start this weekends game against San Francisco. Recent reports have suggested that Vick could be out two weeks because of the damage that he suffered to his ribs against Washington. What does Andy Reid do it Kolb comes in and plays great? The drama never stops in Philadelphia.
Adam Schefter has just confirmed that the Chicago Bear’s will have to start Todd Collins this weekend against the Carolina Panthers. This will be the first game that Jay Cutler has missed in his NFL career. Collins hasn’t started a game since the 2007 season. Bad news for the Bears struggling offense.