Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Tuesday, Sept. 29:
After the Chicago Bears made a pair of trades on Monday, it wouldn't be a surprise to see GM Ryan Pace make more moves before the Nov. 3 trade deadline. ESPN's Dianna Russini reported the Bears are "looking to unload players [from the previous regime] that don't fit their scheme," while ESPN's Jeff Dickerson suggests that any offers for pending free agents Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery should be considered. Shipping off Forte might make sense -- the running back turns 30 in December and is due for a new contract, while fourth-round rookie Jeremy Langford is waiting in the wings -- but it would certainly be a surprise to see Jeffery moved. Though the wideout will command a hefty deal this offseason, NFL teams rarely go into "fire sale" mode and trade away a young asset who is entering his prime. However, a few defenders who -- like Jared Allen -- were among the 2014 additions to the club seem like prime candidates to be moved. Willie Young, who led the team in sacks a year ago, has played just 40 snaps through two weeks and was a healthy scratch on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. It appears that Lamarr Houston isn't fitting into the coaching staff's plans, as he's played just 47 snaps through three games. It's also worth keeping an eye on 2014 second-round D-lineman Ego Ferguson, who's been outsnapped 99 to 57 by 2014 third-rounder Will Sutton. Houston might be tough to move, as he's coming off of an ACL tear and in the second year of a five-year, $35 million deal, but any of these three could be next to go as Pace continues to clean house.
After Ryan Mathews' big day in the Meadowlands on Sunday, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer raises the idea that Mathews could take over as the Philadelphia Eagles' starting running back, or at least eat into DeMarco Murray's carries moving forward. Mathews certainly got better blocking from his line than Murray received in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, but it's also fair to wonder whether Mathews is simply a better fit for the offense. Murray's fantasy stock simply can't catch a break right now, while owners who have Mathews on their roster should pay close attention to how things shake out this week. Even after Andrew Gardner's season-ending injury, the Eagles' offense can pile up the production at a moment's notice, making whoever is Philly's top back a valuable commodity.
After Washington Redskins backup quarterback Colt McCoy missed practice on Monday, the Washington Post's Mike Jones reports McCoy is dealing with a cut on one of his feet. Jones does not know how the injury was suffered or how long it could keep McCoy out, but it's an important development because it could lead to Robert Griffin III dressing as the No. 2 quarterback for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Griffin seeing the field would be a risk because if he were to get hurt, Washington could wind up paying $16 million (guaranteed for injury only) in 2016 to a player who doesn't appear to factor into the team's future plans. To this point, Griffin has been kept on the roster and been inactive for games, but a significant injury to McCoy could force Washington's hand to either dress Griffin or sign another quarterback.
Updating an item from yesterday, it seems Buffalo Bills rookie running back Karlos Williams may be in for a larger opportunity after all. NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported Monday evening that LeSean McCoy is "unlikely" to play in Week 4 against the New York Giants due to an injured hamstring. If that's the case, Williams immediately becomes a starting-caliber option in fantasy, with the possibility of earning a bigger role in the future.
Getlin also offered an update on the status of Bills rookie guard John Miller, reporting Miller has a groin strain and is "week-to-week." Miller has been part of a much-improved Bills offensive line, but Pro Football Focus has graded him as easily the worst of the starting five. By contrast, PFF graded replacement Kraig Urbik as slightly above average in three quarters of work against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Buffalo's line shouldn't miss Miller much, but the Bills would surely like to get Miller back quickly so he can continue to develop in his rookie season.