5 Key Stories: 12/20/21 – 12/26/21

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

• Buccaneers’ Godwin Done For Year: Turns out, it was more than just an MCL sprain. On Monday, Chris Godwin was diagnosed with a torn ACL, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. The star wide receiver finishes the year with 98 catches for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns (as well as one rushing TD). It’s undoubtedly a bad blow for the Bucs, though they still have enough ammo to keep the chains moving, especially with the return of Antonio Brown. Lavonte David and Leonard Fournette were also placed on IR, but they remain eligible to return for the playoffs.
• Saints Asked Brees To Come Out Of Retirement: You can’t blame them for trying. After placing Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian on the COVID-19 list, the Saints asked Drew Brees if he’d be interested in a mid-season return. After some thought and a chat with head coach Sean Payton, Brees texted a picture of himself playing golf. Needless to say, Brees is quite happy in retirement. Those currently with the Saints — and not parked on the COVID list – will face the Dolphins on Monday night as they fight for a playoff berth.
• Titans Activate Brown For Week 16: A.J. Brown is back. The wide receiver — who had been out for several weeks with a chest injury – was brought back in time for Thursday night’s game against the Niners. Brown showed zero signs of rust as he tallied eleven catches for 145 yards and a touchdown.
• Titans’ Henry To Return For Week 18?: Derrick Henry, once thought to be done for the year, is expected to play in Round 1. In theory, if the Titans still have a shot at a first-round bye, the star running back could even suit up for Week 18. Whether or not they deploy him in the season finale, that’s an encouraging sign for the Titans as they head into the New Year.
• Colts Place Nelson On Reserve/COVID-19 List: Without Quenton Nelson, the Colts had to go without their starting interior line on Saturday against the Cardinals. Still, thanks to a pair of missed field goals and Carson Wentz‘s fourth-quarter TD, the Colts pulled off the 22-16 win.