Steven Ruiz· Sep 23, 2026
Ruiz argues Aaron Rodgers is physically and mentally declining and that giving him more play-calling control won't fix Pittsburgh's offense; he expects Drew Lock's play to earn him interest from another team next offseason, with Atlanta as his bet, and notes Michael Penix Jr. is set to return in Week 3.
“If he can keep this up while Sam Darnold works his way back from a hip injury, another team may view him in the same light next offseason. My money's on the Falcons.”
published in writing · Fox Sports · read the original →
2 checkable claims — 1 availability call and 1 trade and signing call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 3 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
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Who this take is about
2 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Availability CallsMichael Penix Jr.Sep 23, 2026
“I'm not the biggest fan of Michael Penix Jr.'s game, but I am thankful that he's returning for Week 3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Trade and Signing CallsDrew LockAtlanta FalconsSep 23, 2026
Drew Lock to move to Atlanta Falcons
“If he can keep this up while Sam Darnold works his way back from a hip injury, another team may view him in the same light next offseason. My money's on the Falcons.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Fox SportsDepth Chart Calls · Michael Penix Jr.Hit · 100Fox Sports states that a healthy Tua Tagovailoa will serve as Atlanta's backup quarterback in Week 3, with Michael Penix Jr. handling the starting duties against Green Bay.
- Scott KennedyRoster Spot Calls · Tua TagovailoaHit · 100Kennedy reports that Atlanta is expected to keep three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster: Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
- Tyler SullivanRoster Spot Calls · Jack StrandMiss · 0In a rookie quarterback report card following the 2026 preseason, CBS Sports projects Fernando Mendoza opening the year as Kirk Cousins' backup in Las Vegas, Luke Altmyer settling as the Lions' third quarterback behind Joshua Dobbs, and Jack Strand most likely landing on Atlanta's practice squad rather than the 53-man roster.
- Carter BahnsRoster Spot Calls · Cooper RushMiss · 0A CBS Sports piece names 20 notable veterans it considers at risk of being cut before the 53-man roster deadline, with several pegged for the practice squad or outright release, and also sketches a few depth-chart pecking orders (Titans QBs, Panthers tight ends, Texans receivers, Eagles backfield).
- Scott KennedyRoster Spot Calls · Charlie WoernerHit · 100Kennedy projects the Falcons' roster locks: Kyle Pitts Sr., Austin Hooper and Charlie Woerner are locks at tight end, while Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and Zachariah Branch are all but locks at receiver. He suggests Cash Jones would claim a sixth receiver spot if Atlanta keeps six, and that Muse, Simon and Velling are bubble players.
- Jim MoormanRoster Spot Calls · Zachariah BranchMiss · 0Moorman names five undervalued wide receivers to target relative to their current ADP: Jaylen Waddle, Josh Downs, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jayden Higgins and Zachariah Branch, projecting bigger roles and better finishes than their draft prices suggest.
More availability calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Ralph VentreAvailability Calls · Christian BenfordPendingVentre expects Christian Benford's toe injury to sideline him for at least the Week 4 game against New England, and believes the Bills will have to add a cornerback to the 53-man roster this week — likely by moving Benford to injured reserve — with practice squad rookie Kani Walker the most likely player elevated.
- Fox SportsAvailability Calls · Jayden DanielsPendingWith surgery ruled out, Washington's outlet speculates Jayden Daniels avoids injured reserve and, if he isn't back for the Week 4 game in London, returns either in Week 5 against the Giants or Week 6 against the 49ers.
- Ian RapoportAvailability Calls · J.J. McCarthyPendingOn the JJ McCarthy trade he expects Jameis Winston to keep starting for the Giants while McCarthy learns, with McCarthy ready to go around midseason weeks six through eight; he also expects Tyson Bagent to start for the Bears next week with Caleb Williams out.
- Jordan DajaniAvailability Calls · Baker MayfieldPendingDajani writes that, based on the injury timeline, Baker Mayfield should be available to return for Tampa Bay's Oct. 25 game against the Carolina Panthers.
- Evan TarraccianoAvailability Calls · Garrett WilsonPendingIn his Week 3 studs and duds recap, Tarracciano says Drake London becomes a mid-tier WR1 now that Michael Penix Jr. is back, maintains Chase Brown should still be ranked as an RB1 despite a slow start, and expects Garrett Wilson to be fine after a concussion evaluation and play in Week 4.
- Kelly KirbyAvailability Calls · Breece HallPendingKirby suggested Breece Hall's leg injury casts doubt on whether he will be available for the Jets in Week 4, making Braelon Allen a priority pickup.