Bengals get good news, Falcons don't, and Chicago's backfield is back to full strength

PatBerry can exhale about Ja'Marr Chase. The elite receiver, sidelined since hyperextending his knee on Aug. 25, suited up for Monday's practice, a sign he's trending toward playing Sunday against the Bengals. PatBerry's Week 1 lineup got murkier elsewhere, though. Alec Pierce is expected to play against the Ravens but could see reduced snaps, and Rome Odunze didn't practice Monday after leaving last week with a leg issue — both flex-caliber concerns worth monitoring before kickoff.

Cincinnati also brought better news for CapitanKampana, whose weekly starter Tee Higgins practiced in full pads after missing time with a bruised heel.

cbbrew's elite RB Jeremiyah Love is trending toward playing Week 1 against the Chargers, but coach Mike LaFleur's cautious language suggests Tyler Allgeier still handles the bulk of the work. Modest upside, real risk.

Chicago's backfield picture cleared up nicely for two managers. D'Andre Swift (Cmoney7) and Kyle Monangai (zmoneyballers) both returned to practice after their respective abdomen and knee issues, with Swift locked in as a starter and Monangai a worthwhile bench stash.

DamnBrit had a rougher week. TreVeyon Henderson looks increasingly likely to sit out New England's opener, while Jonathon Brooks remains limited in practice, though Carolina's coaching staff still sounds optimistic.

Elsewhere: vaniano's Michael Penix will stay on the bench in Atlanta as Tua Tagovailoa opens the season under center. Zach Charbonnet (ssbradley40) is progressing but still weeks away. Emeka Egbuka (cplabarge) looked good running routes, trending toward playing. Mike Evans (Cmoney7) was full-go in Melbourne, a quiet non-event for a bench piece.