NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

The Cowboys lost their top cornerback, Orlando Scandrick. They’ll have to make due with Brandon Carr and Mo Claiborne. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys:  The Cowboys suffered a huge blow by losing their top defensive back, Orlando Scandrick.  The Cowboys secondary is now anchored by former Chief, Brandon Carr, and Morris Claiborne…neither of whom have lived up to their investments.

• Chiefs’ take: The Cowboys have some considerable questions in their secondary, at running back, and at back up quarterback…all positions where Chiefs have some interesting trade pieces.  Meanwhile, the Cowboys have some quality offensive linemen.  One would have to think that the phones are at least ringing.

Denver Broncos:  The Broncos bolstered their offensive line by signing veteran Pro Bowl guard, Evan Mathis.  The Broncos were in a very questionable situation with their O-Line, but Mathis will bring some much needed talent and experience.  Mathis is coming off an injury-shortened year, and is 34 years old, but is still considered one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.

Chiefs’ take

: There was obviously a ton of excitement amongst Chiefs fans over Mathis.  That was bolstered by some very shoddy reporting by a Denver AM radio host who claimed to have sources on the situation.  That report was 100% refuted by Mathis himself.  Be careful who you get your information from.

Aaron Rodgers will have to make due without his top target after Jordy Nelson’s injury last week against the Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers:  The Packers were dealt a huge blow when wide receiver Jordy Nelson went down with a torn ACL against the Steelers.  Nelson will miss the entire season.  The Packers are deep at wide receiver, but nobody on the roster is a proven commodity like Nelson, who has been Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target the past couple of seasons.  The Packers defense also suffered a blow this week as defensive tackle Letroy Guion was suspended for the first three games of the year for violating the substance abuse policy.

Houston Texans:  The Texans have named Brian Hoyer as the starting quarterback for the 2015 season.  He beat out highly-touted former Patriots backup Ryan Mallett.  The move really isn’t surprising to anyone who has watched this competition play out, but when head coach Bill O’Brien brought in Mallett, it was expected that he was the team’s future starting quarterback.

• Chiefs’ take: This is good news for the Chiefs.  A backup running back, a questionable offensive line, and now a fringe starting-caliber quarterback.  The Chiefs have no excuses for not absolutely stomping the Texans.

Next: Vikings move on at long snapper