NFL News and Notes: Lamar Jackson's first start in the NFL

News and notes to know before the 11th week …

1. As a coach John Harbaugh kept his cards near the vest, this week's wait has been Lamar Jackson will start for the Ravens Sunday. Baltimore is ready for that. Harbaugh, OC Marty Morhinweg, Quarterback Coach James Urban and assistant head coach Greg Roman actually a presentation before the April version to show staff people how they had built a plan that could work for both Jackson and for Joe Flacco. At least on paper, the shift from one quarter to another should be smooth.

2 One of the guys working on Lamar Jackson's defense today? That's right, new Bengals assistant Hue Jackson. Hue spent this week working on the defensive side of the ball, and will probably be there the rest of the season. As a result of DC Teryl AustinEviction, Jackson gives Marvin Lewis, who will lead the defense again, another look.

3 I do not give anyone fantastic advice on Dalvin Cook after what happened this summer (I wrote beautiful things about him, he hurt himself and people said he was not nice about me). But I'm told it's good to go, unrestricted, against the Bears tonight. We should see the full version of the back of the second year, which the Vikings (and many fantasy owners) were waiting for. Both Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are good to go as well.

4 According to the players, the biggest difference in the game of Vikings' defense lately has been their concentration on football by assignment. At the beginning of the year, the difficulties of the team encourage guys to do a little too much. And I would expect the coach of the Bears Matt Nagy, with a host of moves and bad directions, will test how well they arrived tonight.

Looking for deeper information and the best results on this week's chart? Subscribe to MMQB podcasts and receive the MMQB game show every Friday

5 The long-awaited return of Joey Bosa is on us – I am told that there is a tendency for the Chargers' third year pass to be ready for their game against the Broncos. Of course, it will be treated and foot injuries can be delicate. But a 7-2 Chargers team named one of the best football players should be fun to follow in the coming weeks.

6 Cowboys offensive line dragging bears watching. The expectation is that Zack Martin, considered questionable with a knee injury, will go against Atlanta. Things are less safe from the other guard, rookie Connor Williams. Even if Williams dresses, Xavier Su'a-Filowho played well in his place, should start.

7. Washington has been trying to speed up Trent WilliamsCalendar, but it still seems unlikely that he can play with a dislocated thumb. Because it is a thumb injury, it really depends on its ability to function.

8 Sammy WatkinsThe foot injury was such that it would appear that they would leave his status unresolved for Monday, and would drag him before the showdown against the Rams to see if he could go.

9 I thought it was an interesting thing for the Eagles coach Doug Pederson say about second year corner Sidney Jones Friday: "He will be an excellent player for us." Philly needs him, with all the attrition he has had in this job. Jones would probably have been one of the top 20 players if he had not ripped his Achilles in his 2017 Pro Day. The Eagles have taken it as a choice for futures in the second round, there are two April, and have essentially turned into a red shirt last year. In the current state of things, the faster they can get a return on investment (like this afternoon at the Superdome?), Better it will be.

ten. Of course Dirk Koetter for recognizing his mistake by taking the call of the coordinator of the offensive Todd Monkenand to give it back after last week's three-point effort against Washington. Monken has been a bright spot in a spiral season for Tampa Bay, and should find a place somewhere as a coordinator next year on that basis.

• Question or comment? Write to us [email protected].