NFL Notes: NFL Draft, Bills, Buccaneers, Patriots, Texans

NFL Draft

• MSU QB Connor Cook mentioned on multiple occasions this week that he intends to return to school for his senior season.

“That’s the main goal,” Cook said Thursday while appearing on the “The Dan Patrick Show,” via Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press. “I’ve always talked about it with my parents and stuff, and you want to use up your eligibility. Michigan State’s a great place, and I’ve had a lot of fun here and I had a lot of great relationships. You never want to kiss stuff good-bye. I looked at it the same way as graduating high school early to come to school. You only have one prom, you only go to high school once, you only go to college once is how I look at it. But things could change if, you know, things go really well. I don’t know. But my goal, my main priority is to use up my years here at Michigan State.”

Bills

• ILB Kiko Alonso is making steady progress after he underwent ACL surgery close to three months ago.

“I’ve started running already,” Alonso said, via Buffalobills.com. “I’m just doing straight line running, so I’m doing everything but cutting right now. Obviously I’m progressing to full speed running. I’m doing everything, but I’m limited.

“My knee feels great,” Alonso said. “It definitely doesn’t feel like there’s anything wrong with it. It’s just a matter of time. You’ve got to let that ligament heal and strengthen the muscles around it. It feels probably where it should be right now.”

Buccaneers

• RB Doug Martin is officially doubtful to play in Week 9’s game.

Patriots

• The Patriots are signing LB Deontae Skinner to their practice squad after he clears waivers and releasing WR Jonathan Krause to make room for him. (Mike Reiss)

Texans

• HC Bill O’Brien said that it’s not looking good for rookie OLB Jadeveon Clowney playing on Sunday. (Tania Ganguli)
• Clowney is sick and will end up being a game-time decision. (Tania Ganguli)