NFL Notes: USC, Broncos, Cardinals, & Falcons

USC

• The University of South California announced Monday that they’ve named Clay Helton their permanent head coach
• This will end the speculation of NFL coaches like Chip Kelly, Jeff Fisher, and Jack Del Rio leaving for the USC job.

Broncos

• Broncos S T.J. Ward and DT Sylvester Williams both suffered high-ankle sprains on the same play Sunday night and are expected to be out for a period of time. (Mike Klis)

Cardinals

• Cardinals GM Steve Keim said that RB Chris Johnson has bone bruise in knee and RB Andre Ellington has toe injury. (Arizona Sports 98.7)
• Keim added that both players are likely day-to-day, but they’re still waiting for MRI results. (Darren Urban)

Falcons

Falcons owner Arthur Blank mentioned that they “absolutely” still have confidence in QB Matt Ryan.

“Absolutely,” Blank said told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. “He’s demonstrated his abilities over eight years. He’ll be fine. He’ll be good.”

“Am I worried about Matt? I’m worried about Matt, and I’m worried about the team,” Blank added. “We’re actually 1-5 in the last six games. We were off to a great start [5-0]. But this unit [the coaching staff] will figure it out.”

• Falcons WR/KR Devin Hester (toe) said he has been cleared to play this week against Tampa Bay. (Vaughn McClure)