Around The NFL: Hellos, Goodbyes And A Reunion For One Quarterback
By Danny Cox
Injuries are really damaging some teams and it means so much more to those that are playoff bound rather than those whose season is just about over. Some injuries can force a season to be over in a heartbeat, and other injuries can cause players to find work where they least expected it.
Titans quarterback Jake Locker lost for the season
The Tennessee Titans have not had the best season and it just got worse. Starting quarterback Jake Locker is officially out for the rest of the year due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. Veteran back-up Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over as starter for Locker, who will officially be placed on injured reserve this week.
Earlier this year, Fitzpatrick filled in for an injured Locker and he didn't fare very well. In those two games, Fitzpatrick threw just one touchdown compared to four interceptions in losses to Kansas City and Seattle.
The injury to Locker came in the upset loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Sunday.
New York Jets getting back two big targets on offense
The New York Jets are hoping that the return of two big targets from injury will help rejuvenate a lackluster passing game. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes and tight end Kellen Winslow are both slated to return this week when the Jets face off against the Buffalo Bills on the road.
Holmes has missed five games with a hamstring injury while Winslow actually is coming back from a four-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy. The returns of both men will surely get the offense going a bit more than it has been at really any time this season.
Unfortunately, leading receiver Jeremy Kerley will be out with a dislocated elbow. The good news is that tight end Jeff Cumberland is also expected to play after sitting out a game with a concussion.
Matt Flynn and Green Bay to reunite
Injuries to both Aaron Rodgers and Seneca Wallace have caused the Green Bay Packers to go looking for another quarterback that can take the field instead of Scott Tolzien. The Pack decided to go with a familiar face and they had former back-up Matt Flynn in for a workout on Monday, and the job appears to be his.
Well, the back-up job is his again. It seems as if Tolzien is going to remain the starter for now and Flynn will play second string for him. Coach Mike McCarthy has already said that Tolzien will start on Sunday against the New York Giants.
Flynn had unsuccessful stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, and Buffalo Bills before being cut, sitting, and waiting. Now he's back where he started as Rodgers heals a broken collarbone and Wallace heals from a groin injury.
For more NFL news and updates, visit NFL Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
