Around the NFL: Puka Nacua Out, George Kittle Back, Joe Flacco Shines, More ...Middle East

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As Week 7 kicks off, injuries and lineup changes continue to shape the league’s biggest storylines — especially for teams making the trip across the pond. One of the NFL’s top receivers, Puka Nacua, will be sidelined when action gets underway in London this weekend.

Puka Nacua Will Miss Rams Game vs Jaguars

The Los Angeles Rams will be without one of the league’s top pass-catchers when they head overseas to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Wide receiver Puka Nacua has been ruled out with the ankle sprain he suffered in last week’s win over Baltimore, marking his first missed game of the season.

It’s a smart long-term move for L.A., pairing the absence with a well-timed bye week. Nacua made progress in his rehab this week, but never returned to practice, and the team will use the extra rest to ensure he’s fully ready after the break. Right tackle Rob Havenstein will also miss his third straight game, while everyone else — including linebacker Omar Speights — is expected to suit up.

With Nacua sidelined, the Rams’ offense will rely on fellow receiver Davante Adams, who has seen 55 targets this season but is still working on timing with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Expect Tutu Atwell to step into Nacua’s starting role, with Jordan Whittington and heavier two-tight-end looks helping fill the void. Up front, Warren McClendon Jr. will make another start at right tackle.

At 4-2, the Rams will look to stay in stride in the NFC race — and a productive week of rest for two key starters could be exactly what they need for the stretch ahead.

Sep 28, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) and wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) flex as they prepare for the game against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Joe Flacco Shines in Bengals Win on TNF

Week 7 started with a thriller in Cincinnati, where a veteran quarterback found new life and a team on the brink found a spark.

Evan McPherson drilled a 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left to lift the Bengals past the Steelers 33-31 on Thursday night at Paycor Stadium. The kick capped an eight-play, 52-yard drive engineered by Joe Flacco — yes, that Joe Flacco — who threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in just his second game with the team. Ja’Marr Chase was the star, setting a franchise record with 16 catches for 161 yards and a score, while Tee Higgins added 96 yards and another touchdown.

This was more than a win for Cincinnati — it was a breakthrough. Flacco, acquired earlier this month, already looks like the steadying veteran presence this offense desperately needed. His chemistry with Chase has been instant, and his command of the pocket gave the Bengals a rhythm they hadn’t shown all year. From a deep shot to Andrei Iosivas to a crucial third-down touchdown strike to Noah Fant, Flacco spread the ball with precision and poise.

The result is a Bengals team that suddenly looks alive again after weeks of offensive futility. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, was left frustrated. The Steelers built their secondary to handle the Bengals’ star receivers, but Flacco picked them apart, repeatedly finding soft spots against Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Jalen Ramsey. A final Higgins reception over Ramsey set up McPherson’s winner, and the Bengals held off one last Hail Mary attempt to seal it.

At 3-4, Cincinnati might have found its answer at quarterback until Joe Burrow returns — and maybe, just maybe, its season’s second wind.

Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

George Kittle is Back

The 49ers are set to get one of their biggest stars back just in time for Sunday night.

Tight end George Kittle told reporters Thursday that his hamstring injury in Week 1 was a complete tear, though not requiring surgery. After missing more than a month, Kittle said he’s “feeling great” and expects to return when San Francisco hosts the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. The final call will come from head coach Kyle Shanahan, but all signs indicate Kittle will be active.

Kittle was injured during the season-opening win over Seattle after catching four passes and a touchdown in just a quarter and a half. Jake Tonges has filled in admirably in his absence, totaling 25 catches for 224 yards and three scores — including the game-winner against the Seahawks two weeks ago. Still, the 49ers’ run game has clearly missed Kittle’s blocking presence, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry since he went down.

Kittle’s return should help stabilize a San Francisco offense that’s been adjusting to life without Brock Purdy. Mac Jones is expected to make his fifth straight start, having gone 3–1 in relief while Purdy recovers from a turf toe injury. If Kittle is truly back at full strength, the 49ers’ attack may finally start to look like itself again.

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Extra Points

This continues to be one of the strangest dynamics in the football (or football-adjacent) world:

EXCLUSIVE: UNC football is a hot mess. Can we interest you in Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson on a hot mic? pic.twitter.com/L0Y83HpLMy

— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) October 17, 2025 Cleveland is letting Browns GM Andrew Berry have it this morning for his decision to trade Joe Flacco to their AFC North rivals:

This morning in Cleveland after Joe Flacco’s performance last night: (via @ESPNCleveland)pic.twitter.com/NxunCIfpks

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 17, 2025 Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed today that quarterback Carson Wentz will start again while J.J. McCarthy continues to recover from an ankle injury. (Schefter)

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