NFL Notebook: Wilson exits TNF showdown with sprained finger

An NFC West clash kicked off the Week 5 National Football League slate Thursday night, and even this early in the season, every game in that division seems to mean more because of the talented teams that are in it. A recap of that contest kicks off this week’s NFL Notebook!

Rams Top Seahawks, 26-17

A week after laying an egg against the Arizona Cardinals, the LA Rams rebounded with a nine-point win in the Pacific Northwest. Matthew Stafford threw for 365 yards in the win, and Robert Woods (who made an appearance on an ignominious list earlier in the week) erupted for 12 catches and 150 receiving yards.

With the win, the Rams move to 4-1 on the season, while the Seahawks stumble to 2-3 and are currently last in the division.

Wilson Exits Due To Injury

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson sprained a finger on his throwing hand in the third quarter Thursday night.

Head coach Pete Carroll wouldn’t put a timetable on Wilson’s return, and we likely won’t know if the superstar signal-caller will be ready for next Sunday night’s tilt with the Pittsburgh Steelers until this time next week. Geno Smith stepped in to finish off Thursday’s game, and he’d likely continue to assume those duties should Wilson miss significant time.

London Not Calling For Calvin Ridley

The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver will not make the trip across the pond for Sunday’s contest with the New York Jets. Atlanta cited an undisclosed personal matter, and it means an offense that has sputtered at times in a 1-3 start will be without its most recognizable playmaker this weekend.

McCaffrey Optimistic About A Sunday Return

Carolina Panthers franchise running back Christian McCaffrey exited the team’s win over Houston two weeks ago with a hamstring injury, one that sidelined him for last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He’s still on the injury report this week, but he’s gotten in a few limited practices ahead of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

If he’s unable to go, Chuba Hubbard figures to get the lion’s share of the work in the Carolina backfield.