HEADLINES

Year: 2024

Trevor Lawrence To Start In Week 14

December 10th, 2023 at 10:25am CST by Sam Robinson

DECEMBER 10: Trending upward throughout the week, Lawrence will complete a surprisingly quick recovery effort by starting Sunday. The Jaguars will have their QB1 in the lineup against the Browns, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. The Jags have since announced Lawrence will get the call, continuing a streak of availability to start his NFL career.

DECEMBER 8: Despite exiting Monday night’s game severely hobbled, Trevor Lawrence is firmly in play to avoid missing a game. The Jaguars quarterback, who has never missed a game during his three-year NFL career, practiced in a limited capacity for the second time this week.

Missing practice Wednesday, Lawrence moved well on his injured ankle Thursday, per Doug Pederson (via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco). The Jaguars have listed their franchise centerpiece as questionable for their Week 14 game against the Browns. Jacksonville has deemed the former No. 1 overall pick a game-time decision.

Considering the visual Monday night, Lawrence having a chance to play six days later is rather surprising. But he has played through issues before. The Clemson product returned from an October knee injury on a short week, playing with a sleeve on his sprained knee during a Thursday-night win against the Saints.

While this high ankle sprain represents a more serious threat to Lawrence’s availability, he has demonstrated early-career durability. Patrick Mahomes also showed how quickly a quarterback can return from this injury last season, when he went down against the Jaguars in the divisional round. Though, a report earlier this week detailed Lawrence’s precise injury and the uphill battle associated with it.

The Jags would start C.J. Beathard, who re-signed this offseason, should they exercise caution with Lawrence. Beathard is not on the team’s injury report after suffering a shoulder setback Monday night. The team’s three-season backup, Beathard last started a game for the 49ers in 2020.

The Week 13 loss to the Bengals dropped the Jaguars to 8-4, behind the Chiefs (due to the defending champs’ head-to-head win in Week 2) in the AFC playoff picture. Lawrence returning so soon would certainly help the team as it attempts to keep the AFC South lead and win back-to-back division titles for the first time since it claimed AFC Central crowns in 1998 and ’99. The Colts and Texans are each a game back of the Jags in the division.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Not On Hot Seat

December 9th, 2023 at 9:04pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Steelers’ postseason chances took a hit over the past several days with upset home losses to the Cardinals and Patriots. Those defeats leave the team at 7-6, once again threatening head coach Mike Tomlin‘s well-known mark of never posting a sub-.500 record in a season.

Regardless of if that streak continues or is brought to an end, a change on the sidelines should not be expected in Pittsburgh. Tomlin is not seriously seen by any member of the organization as being on the hot seat, Dianna Russini of the Athletic reports (subscription required). The 51-year-old is currently in his 17th season at the helm of the Steelers.

Offensive struggles have been a major storyline surrounding the team in 2023, and shortcomings on that side of the ball led to increasing calls for OC Matt Canada to be replaced. In an extraordinarily rare move given the franchise’s track record on in-season firings, Canada was let go last month. The change to a new setup of Eddie Faulkner serving as OC and Mike Sullivan calling plays seemed to spark an immediate improvement, but things took a turn for the worse over the past two contests.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett was injured in the Arizona loss, leaving Mitch Trubisky in place to serve as starter for the Thursday night New England game. The latter is set to have a multi-game run in the No. 1 role given the recovery timeline for Pickett’s ankle sprain, on which he immediately had surgery. Even when healthy, the 2022 first-rounder has not developed as hoped this year, leading many to identify quarterback as an area of need for the Steelers this offseason. Plenty is yet to be determined for the team down the stretch, however.

Pittsburgh could still qualify for the postseason in a crowded AFC wild-card picture; doing so would mark the 11th playoff appearance in Tomlin’s tenure. The Super Bowl XLIII winner has not managed a postseason victory since the 2016 season, however, and the Steelers have recorded double-digit wins only twice in the span. In spite of the relative cold spell, Tomlin had always maintained security from a contractual perspective before the current season.

The Steelers followed a pattern of authorizing two-year Tomlin extensions every other spring for several years, but that cycle did not continue in 2023. As a result, Tomlin is on the books through 2024 and in danger of entering next season in a lame-duck situation. Given Pittsburgh’s reputation for stability on the sidelines, though, it comes as no surprise that Tomlin is set to remain in place for at least the remainder of the current campaign.

Only Bill Belichick has a longer tenure amongst active NFL head coaches, and his New England future has been the subject of signficant speculation this year. A change in New England could vault Tomlin to the top of the list in terms of longevity, but the latter will no doubt be the subject of considerable scrutiny if the Steelers fall outside the playoffs for a second straight year in 2023.

NFL Finds Bengals Compliant After Lack Of Injury Report On QB Joe Burrow

December 9th, 2023 at 9:03pm CST by Ely Allen

After Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending torn thumb ligament during a Thursday night loss to the division-rival Ravens in Week 11, the NFL decided to conduct an investigation into whether or not Burrow should have been included on the injury report prior to the matchup. The result of the investigation was reported on today by Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports with Jones stating that the league found no wrongdoing as Cincinnati was “in full compliance with the league’s injury report policy.”

The investigation was deemed necessary after an intriguing series of events that saw the Bengals’ social media team delete a post that showed the team arriving in Baltimore. Closer inspection of video revealed that Burrow has an apparatus on his wrist, the same wrist that he would eventually injure against the Ravens. This led many to believe that the Bengals were perhaps covering up a potential injury from the NFL and their opponents, which would be against NFL regulations.

Officially, teams are required to disclose injuries in the spirit of fairness, so that an opposing club has the ability to strategize against the correct personnel. It’s also in the best interest of the players, as playing with injuries can lead to more severe consequences for the individual. In theory, if a team fails to report concussion symptoms from a practice injury, the NFL would be unable to hold that player from participation. Unofficially, now that gambling has become a prevalent source of income for the NFL, accurate injury reports become crucial for the appropriate setting of lines. Unknown injuries, especially at a position as critical as quarterback, could result in major line swings.

The Bengals immediately denied any wrongdoing, with team doctors claiming that Burrow’s injury was “acute and not one that happened over time.” Burrow would later claim that the apparatus was merely a compression sleeve used to help prevent swelling during flights and was unrelated to any injuries.

Regardless, Cincinnati turned over medical records and practice footage from the week prior to the game. After reviewing the materials and interviewing Burrow and relevant medical personnel, the league determined that the team had been in compliance with their reporting. Burrow successfully underwent wrist surgery at the end of November and is expected to return to play well before the start of the 2024 season.

While some have speculated that the league’s young ties to the betting world made this their only possible conclusion, the Bengals have avoided the potential punishment of a team fine, individual fines, or the loss of future draft picks. The team reportedly followed the necessary protocol on disclosing their injuries and should have Burrow back next year.

NFC Coaching Notes: Phillips, McCarthy, Rumph

December 9th, 2023 at 7:35pm CST by Adam La Rose

Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was arrested Friday night and charged with misdemeanor operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert notes.

Phillips’ blood alcohol content was tested after he was stopped on I-394 at roughly 9:45pm, per the Minnesota State Patrol. His BAC was 0.10, putting it above the legal limit (0.08) for the state of Minnesota. Phillips was booked later that night and released on a $300 bond a few hours later. He has a court appearance scheduled for December 21, and for the time being, he is on track to continue his team duties.

“Wes immediately notified the team following his arrest last night,” a Vikings statement reads. “This morning we contacted the NFL, and after internal discussion, made the decision Wes will travel with the team to Las Vegas this afternoon. We will continue to gather information regarding the incident and have further comment at the appropriate time.”

Phillips is in his second season as Minnesota’s OC. The former Rams staffer followed head coach Kevin O’Connell to the Vikings in his first coordinator opportunity. The team ranked top 10 in total and scoring offense last year, though it has taken a step back in both categories in 2023. Improvement could be coming soon with wideout Justin Jefferson set to return on Sunday, however.

Here are some other coaching notes out of the NFC:

  • Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had surgery for acute appendicitis earlier this week, threatening to keep him sidelined for Dallas’ upcoming divisional clash against the Eagles. It was announced at the time he intended to coach as usual, though, and that will indeed be the case. Owner Jerry Jones confirmed (via ESPN’s Todd Archer) McCarthy and Co. will be “business as usual” for tomorrow’s crucial matchup of NFC contenders.
  • Returning to Minnesota, Vikings D-line coach Chris Rumph has departed the team to take a college position. Clemson announced this week Rumph has joined the team’s staff under the title of assistant head coach/defensive ends. The 51-year-old took a leave of absence from the Vikings in October, and he will now return to the Tigers after coaching with them from 2006-10. Vikings assistant defensive line coach Pat Hill has filled in for Rumph during his absence, along with assistant head coach Mike Pettine and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Seifert notes. That arrangement will likely continue for the rest of the season with Rumph’s future now clear.

S Jahleel Addae, DE Damion Square Retire As Chargers

December 9th, 2023 at 6:43pm CST by Adam La Rose

Neither Jahleel Addae nor Damion Square have played in the NFL since 2021, and both have now officially ended their careers. Both defenders signed one-day contracts with the Chargers on Saturday, allowing them to retire with the franchise they spent most of their time with.

The former spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Chargers, establishing himself as a full-time starter along the way. Addae topped 1,000 defensive snaps in both the 2017 and ’18 seasons, the two years in which he played on a four-year, $22.5MM deal. The Central Michigan alum was released halfway through that pact, however, which led to his departure. After a one-year stint with the Texans, Addae returned to the Chargers for the 2020 campaign before playing with the Colts the following season.

Addae, 33, played 116 games in the NFL, 91 of which were spent with the Bolts. In all, he racked up 453 tackles, five interceptions, 26 pass breakups and five sacks. He collected roughly $17.5MM in career earnings, almost all of which came from his time with the Chargers.

“It means a lot to me because first and foremost, they were one of the teams who took a chance on me coming out of Central Michigan 11 years ago,” Addae said, via Omar Navorro of the team’s website, when reflecting on today’s symbolic transaction. “[General manager] Tom Telesco believed in me, gave me a fair opportunity and I turned that into seven years for them and a nine-year career in total. It means everything.”

Like Addae, Square entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2013. After failing to establish himself with the Eagles and Chiefs, he found a home in San Diego. The Alabama product remained with the franchise through its relocation to Los Angeles, enjoying a career year in 2018. He posted 31 tackles and a trio of sacks that season while starting 11 contests.

Square remained a rotational presence along the Chargers’ D-line for another two campaigns after that before bouncing around to three teams in 2021. He amassed 129 stops and seven sacks during 100 career games, a total which includes 81 Chargers contests. The 34-year-old saw just over $10.5MM in career earnings, the majority of which came from pacts signed with the Bolts in 2017 and ’19.

“That’s home for me and for those people to take the time to put something together for me like this, for me to have one last hoorah for my career, I really appreciate them for that,” Square said. “Like I said, no better place to play my career than in Southern California with the Chargers.”

Bills Activate TE Dawson Knox From IR

December 9th, 2023 at 5:58pm CST by Ely Allen

Set to enter their second juggernaut matchup in a row, the Bills will be getting a reinforcement to their offensive unit. Tight end Dawson Knox has officially been activated off of injured reserve and should be available this weekend against the Chiefs. In order to make room on the active roster, Buffalo has waived veteran linebacker A.J. Klein.

Klein was signed to the active roster back in mid-October, after spending some time on the practice squad, and has been a bit of a nonfactor this year. Since being promoted, Klein has only appeared in two games, serving special teams duty in both contests.

Knox has missed the team’s last five games as he’s recovered from a wrist injury that required surgery back in late-October. He’ll be able to return to the offensive lineup this week, but he could be returning to a bit of a different situation than when he left. Knox’s absence has given rookie first-round pick Dalton Kincaid every opportunity to learn on the job and take over his role as the primary pass-catching tight end.

Knox had signed a significant four-year, $52MM extension prior to the 2022 season, and though he took a slight step back from an impressive 2021 campaign, Knox still was a heavy factor in Buffalo’s passing attack, even earning a Pro Bowl selection. Matters were slightly complicated by the decision to draft Kincaid, with many questioning the call to utilize such high draft capital on a position they had just dedicated a lofty contract extension to.

Regardless, Knox and Kincaid shared the load through the first few weeks of the season, with each staying fairly even in terms of targets and snaps. Neither really seemed to be taking control of the job too much until Kincaid delivered a 75-yard performance while catching all eight of his targets in Week 7. Kincaid has been impressive since then, embracing his larger role in the offense and striving in it. Add in the fact that the team has recently been mentioned in the same breath as veteran free agent tight end Zach Ertz, and things get a little more complicated for Knox.

The Bills will be happy to see Knox back in the fold, but with the price tag he carries, it will be interesting to see how they use him after watching Kincaid look a bit more effective in his role as a rookie. Things could get even more complicated if Ertz does indeed enter the picture, as well.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/9/23

December 9th, 2023 at 5:02pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves and callups heading into the Week 14 slate of Sunday games:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There was some thought that Ammendola’s stint with the Texans had come to an end after four appearances. However, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes that regular starting kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn still isn’t ready to return from his strained quadriceps, requiring the practice squad kicker to step in for at least another week. Ammendola has connected on six of his nine field goal attempts and all 10 of his XP tries this season.

With Trevor Lawrence a game-time decision for Sunday’s game, the Jaguars are adding some QB depth to the active roster. Rourke is a former CFL standout, with the quarterback earning the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2022. Following that breakout, 25-touchdown campaign, Rourke got a look from a number of NFL teams and ultimately signed a three-year deal with the Jaguars this past offseason. He was waived at the end of the preseason and has spent the majority of the season on Jacksonville’s practice squad. Per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, the rookie will be the emergency QB3 for Week 14.

Similarly, the Seahawks will call up Mannion and O’Connell as they deal with injuries to starting quarterback Geno Smith and linebacker Jordyn Brooks. Smith is questionable heading into tomorrow’s game with a groin injury.

Stewart is back on the Colts active roster after having served a six-game ban for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Through six games this season, the veteran has compiled 20 tackles, two stops for a loss, and five QB hits.

Crosby is set to make his 2023 debut and make an appearance for a team other than the Packers for the first time since the 39-year-old was drafted back in 2007.

Schweitzer head right back to injured reserve after being activated last week. The Jets signed a lineman to the active roster from the practice squad and elevated one for tomorrow’s game to add some depth at the position.

49ers Place WR/KR Ray-Ray McCloud On IR

December 9th, 2023 at 4:52pm CST by Ely Allen

The 49ers were forced to make a roster move today, announcing that they have placed wide receiver and return man Ray-Ray McCloud on injured reserve. The 27-year-old will be forced to miss at least the next four weeks as he deals with a rib injury.

McCloud is in his second year with the 49ers after time with the Bills, Panthers, and Steelers before this. His biggest year came in 2021 with Pittsburgh when he led the league in punt return yardage with 367 yards and finished with career-highs in kick return yards (776) and receiving yards (277). Despite being on the field for both special teams return units and offense, McCloud has only scored two career touchdowns. Both came last year for the 49ers with one coming through the air and one on the ground. This year, he’s continued his role as the team’s primary return man while also still playing a small role in the offense.

To fill his roster spot, San Francisco has signed practice squad receiver Chris Conley to the active roster. At 31 years old, the veteran wideout has failed to see extended action in the past two years. Conley has been elevated for gameday three times this year, the limit for a single practice squad contract, and though he found almost 20 snaps on offense, he has yet to register a target in 2023. Still, he has the vast experience as a supporting receiver to step up, should the team ask him to.

Additionally, the 49ers announced that safety Erik Harris and running back Jeremy McNichols will be called up as standard gameday elevations from the practice squad for tomorrow’s contest. Harris was called up last week in an effort to add depth at the position with injured starter Talanoa Hufanga out. McNichols, on the other hand, has not appeared in a game since his time with the Titans in 2021.

Dolphins Place LB Jerome Baker On IR

December 9th, 2023 at 12:41pm CST by Ben Levine

Jerome Baker is heading to injured reserve. The Dolphins have placed their starting linebacker on IR, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

[RELATED: Dolphins To Host LB Reuben Foster]

Baker suffered an MCL injury last weekend that limited him to a season-low 22 defensive snaps. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t described as a season-ender, and while Baker will be forced to miss the next four weeks, there will still be plenty of time for him to get right before the postseason.

A 2018 third-round pick, Baker has turned into one of Miami’s most dependable defenders. Through his first five seasons in the NFL, the linebacker collected 509 tackles, 21 sacks, and 42 QB hits. It’s been more of the same in 2023, as the 26-year-old has compiled 69 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions (including a pick-six) in 12 starts.

Duke Riley was inserted into the lineup last Sunday when Baker exited the game. The veteran ended up playing in a season-high 31 defensive snaps in the win over the Commanders, and he’ll likely be in line for more playing time on Monday night against the Titans.

After taking a look at Reuben Foster earlier this week, the Dolphins decided to move in a different direction as they look to temporarily replace Baker. Per Schefter, the Dolphins have signed linebacker Calvin Munson off the Patriots practice squad.

Munson has effectively split his career between Miami and New England; this latest transaction marks his third stint with the Dolphins and ends his third stint with the Patriots. The veteran has seen time in 46 career games, collecting 88 tackles. He’s been limited to four appearances with the Patriots over the past two seasons, with the majority of his playing time coming on special teams.

Additionally, the Dolphins placed linebacker Alexander Johnson on the practice squad/injured list.

Browns WR Amari Cooper Clears Concussion Protocol

December 9th, 2023 at 12:25pm CST by Ben Levine

After being listed as questionable for Week 14 with a concussion and rib injury, Browns wideout Amari Cooper is expected to play tomorrow against the Jaguars, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Cooper had to overcome a pair of hurdles to play on Sunday. Most notably, Cooper is now out of concussion protocol after receiving his final clearance from an independent neurological consultant, as Rapoport passes along.

The wide receiver has also been dealing with a rib issue. Cooper suffered the injury in Week 12, but subsequent x-rays came up negative for any damage. Cooper still managed to play last weekend against the Rams, hauling in three of his five targets for 34 yards. The wideout was limited to a season-low 23 snaps after having to exit the contest due to his head injury.

Cooper is putting up strong numbers during his second season in Cleveland. The 29-year-old receiver has collected 50 receptions for 799 yards and two touchdowns.

In addition to clearing Cooper, the Browns made a handful of additional moves ahead of tomorrow’s game. The team announced that they’ve elevated quarterback Joe Flacco as a standard gameday practice squad elevation while waiving QB P.J. Walker. The team also activated rookie cornerback Cameron Mitchell from injured reserve.

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