NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

Denver Broncos:  The Broncos defense will be short-handed this week as cornerback Aqib Talib has been suspended for poking Colts tight end, Dwayne Allen, in the eye.  Talib appealed the suspension but that was quickly tossed aside by the league.  Adding to this is the loss of pass rusher Demarcus Ware who is dealing with a back injury.  Ware is a major part of the Broncos defense, so this hurts them a lot.  The Broncos will have their other star pass rusher, Von Miller, on hand despite what appeared to be a blatant attempt to choke another player by placing his knee over a downed opponent’s throat.  Lost in the mix however was safety TJ Ward also being fined for an illegal hit in the same game, as well as an untucked shirt (that sunnavabitch!!!!).

• Chiefs’ take:  I’ve called Von Miller out before for being a dirty player, and he continues to prove me right.  I won’t deny that he has a ton of talent, but I won’t turn a blind eye to the fact that he takes every cheap shot he can.  While I applaud the league for doing the right thing with Talib, I’ll chastise them for not holding Miller to the same level of conduct.  And with three players being in the news for playing dirty…well, something about a trend?

The Lions appear to be seriously considering moving on from Calvin Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions:  There is talk that the new leadership in Detroit may move on from both quarterback Matt Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson.  The Lions are clearly cleaning house right now, and after moving on from Ndamukong Suh last year, I would not put this out of the realm of possibility.

Indianapolis Colts:  The lack of effort in fixing the offensive line has taken its toll on the Colts this year.  And now quarterback Andrew Luck has gone down for the second time this season as he is expected to miss two to six weeks for an abdominal injury.  The Colts already fired their offensive coordinator, and I would be surprised if they stop there after losing their franchise quarterback for the second time this year.  The rumors that Pagano is about to get the ax are heating up again.

Minnesota Vikings:  Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a vicious hit to the head Sunday that left him knocked out cold on the field.  He is going through concussion protocol, but based on him going unconscious, it’s likely that he will miss at least this week.  Bridgewater took an elbow from Lamarcus Joyner, in what many have deemed a “cheap shot”.

New York Jets:  Quarterback Geno Smith is insisting that he never owed former Jets linebacker, IK Enemkpali, $600, which was the supposed root cause for Enemkpali breaking Smith’s jaw.  Of course, the last time Geno Smith insisted this…Enemkpali broke his jaw.  Smith is the least of the Jets concerns right now though as they have placed guard Willie Colon on injured reserve.  That weakens their offensive line significantly.  However, New York has gotten back cornerback Dee Milliner from the short-term injured reserve list.

Oakland Raiders:  The Raiders and Chargers took a huge step towards relocating by naming Disney CEO Robert Iger the head of Carson Holdings LLC, which will head up the Carson City bid for the LA relocation project.  Iger’s Disney contract expires in 2017 which means a real window for relocation has been established.  Iger will also be given the option to buy into the team.  On the field, the Raiders are dealing with a questionable offensive line due to center Rodney Hudson going down with an ankle injury.

Chiefs’ take

: With the Raiders and Chargers working together, there seems to be almost no way this move doesn’t happen.

Next: More setbacks to a Wild Card contender