NFL News and Notes: Smith Back In Starting Role

With Week 9 of the NFL season in the books, it’s time to start looking ahead to Week 10. Let’s catch up on everything you need to know moving forward.
All the Way Back
Roughly two years after a devastating injury that put his career in jeopardy, Washington quarterback Alex Smith is set to make his first start this week against the Lions. Ironically, it took a gruesome injury for Kyle Allen to free up the starting job for Smith.
After Allen’s injury last week against the Giants, Smith entered the game and threw for over 300 yards, although he also threw three interceptions. Nevertheless, he will be Washington’s starter in Week 10 and not Dwayne Haskins.
The team hasn’t set a timeline for Allen’s injury, but it appears far from certain that he’ll be able to return before the end of the season.
Up in the Air
The Carolina Panthers waited a long time to get Christian McCaffrey back from injury, and they may have lost him to another injury. McCaffrey is officially listed as questionable to play against Tampa Bay this week because of a shoulder injury.
McCaffrey suffered a high-ankle sprain when Carolina played Tampa Bay in Week 2. But he showed no lingering effects of the injury while scoring two touchdowns last week, as the Panthers nearly pulled off a shocking upset over the Chiefs.
At 3-6, the Panthers are running out of time to make a playoff push and are desperate to keep McCaffrey in the lineup.
Guess Who’s Back
It appears the Browns will have Nick Chubb back on the field this week. Chubb was designated for return from IR this week, opening the door for his return. Chubb has been out since Week 4 because of a knee injury.
Before the injury, Chubb and Kareem Hunt formed arguably the best running back tandem in the league, helping Cleveland overcome inconsistency issues from Baker Mayfield.
Second Chance
Jacksonville rookie Jake Luton will make his second career start this week. Starter Gardner Minshew remains sidelined with a thumb injury, giving Luton another chance to play. The sixth-round pick out of Oregon State completed 26 of 38 passes for 304 yards in his first career start last week despite the Jags losing to Houston.
The team has not committed to Minshew starting when he’s healthy, giving Luton an opportunity to audition to be Jacksonville’s starter for the rest of the season.
Waiting for You
Unlike Minshew, Andy Dalton doesn’t have to worry about his job security while out with an injury. Dallas coach Mike McCarthy has said that Dalton will be the team’s starter when he’s cleared to play after going on the COVID-19 list. Garrett Gilbert nearly did enough to beat the Steelers last week but not enough to keep the job when Dalton is back.
The Rona
In addition to Dalton, Pittsburgh tight end Vance McDonald and San Francisco wide receiver Kendrick Bourne added to the COVID-19 list this week. Bourne was placed on the list last Wednesday but was activated on Friday.
However, he’s back after being one of four players to miss Thursday’s loss to the Packers while on the COVID-19 list. Meanwhile, McDonald tested positive on Monday after playing on Sunday against the Cowboys. He’s currently self-quarantining.