NFL News and Notes: Biggest stories from Monday, Oct. 16

From Aaron Rodgers’ broken collarbone to Colin Kaepernick taking on the NFL, a look at the biggest news bits from around the league on Monday, Oct. 16.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of NFL Spin Zone’s “News and Notes”, a one-stop daily destination providing the latest headlines — with analysis — from around the league. Every Monday through Saturday, you can check here for up-to-date information from around the NFL.

With that, let’s jump into today’s major headlines:

Packers lose Aaron Rodgers indefinitely

On the road Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers lost future Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers for an indefinite period of time after he suffered a broken collarbone in the first quarter.

The Packers — who have qualified for the postseason in eight consecutive seasons with Rodgers under center — fell to 4-2 with second year quarterback Brett Hundley, 24, under center for most of the game. Hundley, a 2016 fifth-round selection out of UCLA, is expected to make his first career start in Week 7 vs. the New Orleans Saints.

Considering Rodgers’ resume and Hundley’s inexperience, it is little wonder why USA Today’s Nancy Armour wrote that Green Bay’s franchise quarterback was the one player the Packers could not afford to lose.

Texans rookie Watson continues to shine

2017 No. 12 overall pick Deshaun Watson continues to shine at quarterback for the Houston Texans. As pointed out by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Watson leads the league in passing touchdowns and is the first rookie ever to throw for at least three scores in three consecutive contests:

Yesterday, Watson led the Texans (3-3) to a 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns on the strength of three touchdown throws and a 103.4 passer rating. Through Week 6, the Clemson product is a heavy favorite for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and is proving deserving of his first round draft status.

Al Michaels apologizes for Weinstein joke in Giants game 

Last night, NBC play-by-play man Al Michaels created some controversy when comparing the New York Giants on-the-field play with that of shamed film producer Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused of all sorts of misconduct recently.

According to this report from the Washington Post, which shared the audio/video of Michaels’ remarks, the veteran announcer has apologized for his remarks. It is unclear at this time what action — if any — NBC will take in response to the Michaels’ fallout.

Steelers wide receiver Bryant reportedly wants to be traded 

According to a variety of reports,WR Martavis Bryant requested a trade a few weeks ago. The team has not granted it. A look at the situation:

Bryant, who suffered a season-long suspension last year after generating productive freshman and sophomore seasons in 2014 and 2015, has caught just 17 passes to date this year. The 6-4, 25-year old South Carolina native is one of the game’s fastest players and could draw some interest if Pittsburgh makes him available prior to the NFL’s Oct. 31 trade deadline.

NFL Week 6 ratings solid thus far 

A couple of big national games — CBS’s Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers feature and NBC’s Sunday Night Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants matchup — have both drawn strong ratings, according to a tweet from Austin Karp of Sports Business Daily:

NFL ratings have been an intense point of focus since the league’s numbers began dipping early in the 2016 campaign.

Adrian Peterson shines in Cardinals debut 

The struggling Arizona Cardinals ground game got a big boost from seven-time Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson, who the Cards acquired last week from the New Orleans Saints for a 2018 conditional sixth round pick.

Peterson — who amassed just 27 carries in five games with the Saints — toted the rock 26 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns in his first games with Arizona. Next week, the Cardinals will square off with the Los Angeles Rams in a pivotal NFC West battle from London.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains controversial

The Dallas Cowboys are loved by many, but hated by more than just a few, too. That same love/hate dynamic certainly applies to owner Jerry Jones, who bought the franchise in 1989. Jones, the often outspoken and bold figurehead of America’s Team, is regarded by Randy Karraker of 101 ESPN St. Louis as the NFL’s biggest problem. Agree or disagree, the piece is certainly an interesting read.

Vikings quarterback Bridgewater may return in 2017

Via a tweet from Ian Rapaport, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater — who underwent major surgery to his left knee in September of last year — will be activated from injured reserve soon:

If Bridgewater indeed makes it back to the active roster before the close of the season, the Vikings will be well-armed at the quarterback position with Sam Bradford and Case Keenum already in the fold.

National anthem policy to be discussed at league meetings

While the national anthem is expected to be a key topic at this week’s league meetings, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports does not expect any major game-day anthem related changes to be implemented. The protests occurring during the anthem continue to be a point of controversy for the league, and the NFL would like to find some sort of solution that will please fans and players sooner rather than later.

Next: 2017 NFL Power Rankings: Week 7

Colin Kaepernick files suit against NFL for collusion

According to a variety of reports including this one from ESPN, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has filed grievance against the NFL for collusion. Kaepernick — who was the first player to sit and then kneel during an NFL game — opted out of his contract with the 49ers in the offseason and yes yet to be signed by another team.