It’s an exciting time to be an NFL fan as a full slate of games is on tap this week. The Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens kicked off the preseason schedule last week in the 2018 Hall of Fame Game. The Ravens were able to hold off a late Bears charge and win the game 17-16. Rookie quarterback, Lamar Jackson, struggled to throw the ball for the Ravens, but still made some electrifying plays in his first taste of professional football. The defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Preseason Week 1 on Thursday, August 9th.
2018 NFL Hall of Fame Class Enshrined
A whopping eight inductees were enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame on Saturday evening. Leading the 2018 class was linebacker Ray Lewis and wide receiver Randy Moss. Both players earned induction in their first year on the ballot. Joining them were Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher and former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins. The fifth modern era player to enter the 2018 class was a controversial wide receiver, Terrell Owens. Owens chose to skip the 2018 enshrinement ceremony and hosted his celebration at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Jerry Kramer and Robert Brazile were also inducted as senior members. Rounding out the 2018 class was executive Bobby Beathard, who was chosen as a contributor.
Patriots Rookie Michel Undergoes Knee Surgery
Rookie running back, Sony Michel recently underwent a minor knee surgery that will knock him out for 10-14 days this preseason. The former Georgia star had fluid buildup in his knee, and the procedure was to drain the knee. Michel is expected to be the number one running back for the Patriots in 2018 and is supposed to be back for the 2018 season opener. The Patriots have plenty of depth in the backfield if Michel is unable to return in a timely manner.
Gordon Still Absent From Browns Camp
Talented wide receiver, Josh Gordon, has not reported to Cleveland Browns training camp in 2018. The former Pro Bowler is taking steps to continue in his battle with Drug and Alcohol Addiction and is seeking additional help. The league has confirmed that Gordon has not been suspended, but his status is still unclear for the Browns. The 27-year old Gordon will be a crucial piece for the Browns when he makes his return. The Browns have expressed support for Gordon since training camp began.
Packers Bakhtiari Carted Off With Injury
The Green Bay Packers got a big scare at practice on Saturday when offensive tackle David Bakhtiari was carted off the field with an ankle injury. The severity of the injury was not immediately known, but Ian Rapoport reported that the injury does not appear to be serious. Bakhtiari will miss practice time and will likely have to miss the preseason week one game. Bakhtiari is a key member of the Packers offense, tasked with the job of keeping quarterback Aaron Rodgers healthy. The Packers will be looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season.
Shazier Shows Up at Steelers Practice
Linebacker Ryan Shazier made an appearance at Steelers practice on Friday, and he did so by walking onto the field. Shazier suffered a devastating back injury in Week 13 of last season and has been undergoing rehab in an attempt to make a comeback to the NFL. Shazier was able to walk across the field without assistance on Friday to a chorus of cheers from Steelers fans. The 25-year-old is unlikely to return to the Steelers in 2018. Pittsburgh is still one of the favorites to win the AFC North Division and will open up the preseason schedule by taking on the Eagles in week 1.
Richard Sherman to Miss Preseason Week 1
All-Pro cornerback, Richard Sherman will not play in the San Francisco 49ers preseason opener later this week. The former Seattle Seahawks star felt his hamstring tighten up during drills on Friday and had to leave the field. Sherman missed the end of the 2017 season after suffering an injury to his Achilles tendon. The 49ers signed Sherman to a three-year deal after the Seahawks released him after a very successful run.
