NFL Notes: Saquon Barkley, Jets, Packers, Seahawks

Saquon Barkley

An AFC executive tells Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com that Penn State RB Saquon Barkley is so good and solid in all areas that he’s the kind of talent you can build an entire offense around.

“You can build an offense around him,” said one AFC exec of Barkley. “He’s so f—ing good. Zeke is solid in all areas. Fournette is a special athlete for the position. This kid? He’s way better than both of them . . . He’s a step above Zeke in all categories, and has much better hands and feet and vision than Fournette does. He’s special. I haven’t seen a better college football player.”

Meanwhile, an NFC personnel director believes Barkley is probably “a little better” than Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott in terms of explosiveness at the line of scrimmage.

“When I first saw Zeke, it was his explosion from the line to the second level that was rare, and Saquon’s is probably a little better,” said the NFC personnel director. “There’s something different about this guy, he has rare things about him—his explosion, his balance, his vision, his ability to cut laterally. Someone hits him and he lands on his feet. And he’s tougher than s—. He steps up in pass protection.”

Jets

• Jets HC Todd Bowles announced Wednesday that RB Matt Forte is dealing with a turf toe and he isn’t sure if he’ll be ready for Week 4’s game. Although, Bowles added that Forte should be ready to go next week. (Connor Hughes)
• According to Bowles, the Jets placed WR Charone Peake on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. Bowles added that Peake is a candidate to return from injured reserve later on in the year. (Brian Costello)

Packers

• The Packers officially listed starting offensive tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga as doubtful for Thursday’s game against the Bears.
• This means that the Packers will likely be forced to start Justin McCray and Adam Pankey with newly signed Ulrick John operating as their backup tackle.
• Green Bay also ruled out CB Davon House for Week 4.

Seahawks

• Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said Wednesday that WR Doug Baldwin (groin) is planning to play in Sunday night’s game against the Colts. (Adam Schefter)
• Ian Rapoport reports that Seahawks RB C.J. Prosise (ankle), is not expected to play in Week 4 and is considered week-to-week.