Gridiron Update
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: NFL News - scores, highlights and news
Transcript
Welcome back to Big Dill Sports, where we dive deep into the heart of the NFL. I'm Dillon, your host, and today we're recapping an unforgettable Thursday Night Football game and catching up on the latest league news. Let's get right into it with "Gridiron Update."
Last night, the Cincinnati Bengals outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers in a thrilling 33-31 showdown at Paycor Stadium. It was a classic back-and-forth battle, and if you missed it, you missed a wild ride.
The Bengals, now 3-4, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to a clutch, last-second field goal. This was set up by a crucial strip sack by T.J. Watt, allowing the Bengals to kick their way to triumph. Joe Flacco, the seasoned QB who recently joined Cincinnati, showed his veteran prowess by completing 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns. He looked like he’d been in stripes all season.
Ja’Marr Chase was the star of the night, breaking records with 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. His chemistry with Flacco was electric, propelling the Bengals to snap a three-game skid and stay competitive in the AFC North.
On the flip side, the Steelers felt the sting of this close loss. Defensive leader Cam Heyward wasn’t shy about expressing his disappointment, criticizing their defensive front for allowing nearly 150 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, who threw for four touchdowns, had a heated moment with teammate Broderick Jones over a post-touchdown celebration. Tensions were high, and it showed.
Switching gears, let's look at some crucial roster updates. The Washington Commanders are shuffling things around, adding Treylon Burks to their practice squad due to injuries in their receiver lineup. Over in London, the Rams are without Puka Nacua against the Jaguars, counting on their rookie Jordan Whittington to step up. And in Dallas, Trevon Diggs will miss this weekend after entering concussion protocol, giving room for the rookies to shine.
Now, let's spotlight the Bengals' resurgence—since Joe Flacco's arrival, the Bengals’ offense has fired up, averaging over 331 yards per game. It’s like he’s injected new life into the team, and that brings us to our segment of the show where we crown the player who is a ‘big dill.’ This week, it's gotta go to Joe Flacco. His leadership and calm under pressure were exactly what Cincinnati needed.
Elsewhere in the league, injuries are causing a shuffle. Key players across various teams are either limited or sitting out practices. Jacksonville's Travis Etienne and Gabe Davis, the Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby are some to watch this week. The Saints also have injury concerns but got good news as Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave were full participants in practice.
On the managerial front, several personnel changes caught our attention. The Titans parted ways with coach Brian Callahan, and the 49ers faced a setback placing Fred Warner on injured reserve. Interesting trades went down as well, including another move involving Joe Flacco, swapping between the Browns and Bengals.
That wraps up this episode of Big Dill Sports. Thanks for joining me on this whirlwind recap of all that’s happening on and off the field. Keep it locked here for more, and until next time, remember, every player can be a big dill in their own right. Take care!
## NFL Thursday Night Football Recap (Week 7)
In the lone NFL contest on Thursday night, the Cincinnati Bengals edged the Pittsburgh Steelers 33–31 in a back-and-forth thriller at Paycor Stadium. According to the official NFL schedule, the Bengals (3-4) overcame the Steelers (4-2) thanks to a last-second field goal after T.J. Watt’s strip sack of quarterback Kenny Pickett in overtime set up the game-winner ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/schedules/2025/by-week/reg-7/?utm_source=openai)). Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, making his second start since the Bengals traded for him earlier this month, completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns, while Ja’Marr Chase set a new franchise record with 16 receptions for 161 yards and one score ([talksport.com](https://talksport.com/nfl/3654065/joe-flacco-jamarr-chase-cincinnati-bengals-pittsburgh-steelers-tnf/?utm_source=openai)).
## Steelers’ Locker Room Fallout
The narrow loss drew sharp criticism from veterans on the Steelers’ roster. Defensive stalwart Cam Heyward publicly placed blame on the defensive front for failing to control the line of scrimmage and stop the run, noting that Cincinnati amassed nearly 150 rushing yards against a unit that had allowed the league’s lowest total previously ([behindthesteelcurtain.com](https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-news/160478/cam-heyward-blames-defensive-line-for-loss-to-bengals?utm_source=openai)). On the offensive side, quarterback Aaron Rodgers—despite a strong outing of 23 completions on 34 attempts for four touchdowns—was visibly upset with teammate Broderick Jones after an overzealous post-touchdown tackle during a 68-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth in the fourth quarter ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/10/17/sports/aaron-rodgers-snaps-at-teammate-over-tackle-touchdown-celebration-during-loss-to-bengals/?utm_source=openai)).
## Bengals’ Resurgence Under Joe Flacco
The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for Cincinnati and kept the Bengals within striking distance of the AFC North lead. Flacco, who joined the team just 11 days prior, demonstrated poise in critical moments, including a fourth-quarter scramble that set up the tying field goal before overtime. With the win, Cincinnati improved to 3-4 and the Benny’s offense, which had sputtered in the first half of the season, now boasts 331.3 yards per game since Flacco’s arrival ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/schedules/2025/by-week/reg-7/?utm_source=openai)) ([talksport.com](https://talksport.com/nfl/3654065/joe-flacco-jamarr-chase-cincinnati-bengals-pittsburgh-steelers-tnf/?utm_source=openai)).
## Friday’s Key Roster Moves and Injuries
- The Washington Commanders bolstered their depleted wide receiver corps by signing former first-round pick Treylon Burks to the practice squad, a move prompted by injuries to Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Deebo Samuel (heel) ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/commanders-add-wr-treylon-burks-practice-squad--flm-2025-10-17/?utm_source=openai)).
- In London preparations, the Los Angeles Rams ruled out All-Pro receiver Puka Nacua for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after he aggravated a sprained left ankle last week. Rookie Jordan Whittington is expected to see an expanded role, alongside veteran Davante Adams ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/rams-wr-puka-nacua-ruled-out-london-vs-jaguars--flm-2025-10-17/?utm_source=openai)).
- The Dallas Cowboys announced that Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs will be sidelined this weekend after entering concussion protocol following an undisclosed home accident. Rookie Trikweze Bridges and second-year player Caelen Carsen will fill in opposite Stephon Gilmore ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/10/17/sports/cowboys-trevon-diggs-out-with-concussion-after-mystery-accident/?utm_source=openai)).
## League-Wide Injury Report (Oct. 17, 2025)
Friday’s NFL.com roundup detailed key practice limitations ahead of Week 8 for several teams:
- Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Travis Etienne (hamstring) and WR Gabe Davis (knee) were limited; TE Evan Engram (hamstring) also saw reduced reps ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-thursday-oct-17?utm_source=openai)).
- Kansas City Chiefs: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) returned to full participation; DE Michael Danna (pectoral) did not practice ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-thursday-oct-17?utm_source=openai)).
- Las Vegas Raiders: WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) did not practice; DE Maxx Crosby (ankle) was limited ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-thursday-oct-17?utm_source=openai)).
- Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnston (ankle) and TE Will Dissly (shoulder) did not practice; LB Joey Bosa (hip) was a non-participant ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-thursday-oct-17?utm_source=openai)).
## New Orleans Saints Friday Injury Report
Preparing for their Sunday clash with the Chicago Bears, the Saints listed six players on Friday’s injury report. RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) and WR Chris Olave (hip) were marked as full participants, while CB Isaac Yiadom (hamstring) and DT John Ridgeway III (shoulder) were deemed questionable. DT Davon Godchaux was designated as a non-injury-related rest designation, and CB Alontae Taylor (knee) practiced fully ([neworleanssaints.com](https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/chicago-bears-vs-new-orleans-saints-friday-injury-report-2025-nfl-week-7?utm_source=openai)). This came amid the news that WR Rashid Shaheed underwent meniscus repair surgery and has been placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-thursday-oct-17?utm_source=openai)).
## Thursday, Oct. 17, 2025: Minor Transactions and Coaching Changes
ProFootballRumors reported several minor NFL transactions on October 17, including:
- The Tennessee Titans relieving Brian Callahan of his head coaching duties.
- San Francisco 49ers placing veteran LB Fred Warner on injured reserve for the year.
- A personnel swap between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars involving CB Greg Newsome and CB Tyson Campbell.
- A trade sending QB Joe Flacco from the Browns to the Bengals for a 2026 fifth-round pick, with a sixth-rounder coming back to Cleveland.
- A personnel exchange between the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers involving OLB Odafe Oweh and S Alohi Gilman ([profootballrumors.com](https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/10/minor-nfl-transactions-10-17-25?utm_source=openai)).
On the same day, the Browns’ official site confirmed the Flacco deal, noting the exchange of fifth- and sixth-round picks and highlighting Flacco’s 16th season of NFL play ([clevelandbrowns.com](https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-trade-joe-flacco-to-the-bengals?utm_source=openai)).
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