Vikings To Start QB Jaren Hall In Week 17
A decision has emerged with respect to Minnesota’s quarterback plans to close out the season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Thursday that Jaren Hall will start in Week 17. 
Signs pointed to another change under center in the aftermath of Nick Mullens throwing four interceptions in the Vikings’ loss last week. O’Connell acknowledged a decision would need to be made in the coming days, and first-team reps were split at practice to begin the week. Now, Hall will be entrusted with his second career start in a crucial game as it pertains to Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
In the wake of Kirk Cousins suffering an Achilles tear, the Vikings have struggled to find a consistent replacement at the QB spot. Mullens was injured at the time Cousins went down, which thrust Hall into action. The latter, a fifth-round rookie, suffered a concussion and was forced to exit his debut as a starter. That paved the way for Josh Dobbs to take over immediately upon arrival with the team after he was acquired at the trade deadline.
Dobbs enjoyed a surprising run at first, but his struggles led to Mullens being installed as the starter. The most experienced healthy option at the position, Mullens threw for over 700 yards in his two starts, both of which resulted in losses. A major reason for that was his six interceptions, something O’Connell referenced when making the announcement of the decision to return to Hall. In a pair of appearances this regular season, the BYU alum has thrown a total of 10 passes.
Despite that tangible lack of experience, Hall will be counted on to keep Minnesota in reach of a playoff position. Top spot in the NFC North is no longer attainable, but a wild-card berth is. The Vikings play the Packers on New Year’s Eve before a rematch with the Lions to close out the regular season. Sitting at 7-8 at the moment, Minnesota will need to win both to have a chance at a postseason appearance. Much of whether or not that is achieved will depend on the latest switch under center.
WR Keon Coleman Declares For 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL draft is expected to feature a number of high-profile wideouts, and the list of options available at the position has grown. Florida State’s Keon Coleman has declared for the draft, as noted by ESPN’s Jordan Reid. 
While Ohio State phenom Marvin Harrison Jr. is widely regarded as a top-three prospect, Coleman is one of several receivers who are expected to hear their names called on Day 1 this April. The latter flashed potential in his sophomore season with Michigan State, totaling 798 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 catches. Upon transferring to Florida State, expectations were high for the 2023 season.
Coleman did not disappoint in his first and only campaign with the Seminoles. Early in the season in particular, he showcased his basketball background and skillset as a jump-ball specialist. After Florida State lost quarterback Jordan Travis for the season, the team’s offense took a step back and Coleman’s production suffered as a result. Still, he posted 50 receptions, 658 yards and an ACC-leading 11 touchdowns across 12 games.
Those totals – along with his 6-4, 210-pound frame – have put Coleman firmly on the first-round radar. The Athletic currently has him rated as the No. 17 overall prospect, and fourth amongst receivers (subscription required). Likewise, ESPN’s Matt Miller slots Coleman 11th overall, behind the same trio of WR prospects (Harrison, Washington’s Rome Odunze and LSU’s Malik Nabers).
By declaring for the draft, Coleman joins fellow Seminole Jared Verse in making the decision to turn pro. The latter is seen as one of the top edge rushing prospects in the 2024 class, giving him a strong chance of being a Day 1 selection. The same is true of Coleman, who will profile as a top option on 50-50 balls and in the red zone right away upon entry into the NFL.
Broncos Asked Russell Wilson To Adjust 2025 Injury Guarantee; QB’s Benching Was Contemplated Midseason
The Broncos made a potentially franchise-altering move on Wednesday by benching Russell Wilson. Given his struggles in Denver across the past two seasons and the nature of his contract, it is widely believed his time with the team has come to an end. 
In the wake of the news regarding Wilson’s demotion, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported the Broncos first threatened to bench Wilson after their upset win over the Chiefs on October 29. The reason for that action, both then and with today’s move of making it official, he notes, was tied to the timing of Wilson’s 2025 injury guarantee. If on the roster on the fifth day of the 2024 league year, Wilson’s mega-pact would trigger $37MM in 2025 money.
Schultz adds the Broncos asked the former Super Bowl winner to delay the time at which that clause kicked in. Further reports (including from Denver7’s Troy Renck) have corroborated that, with the latter noting the Broncos intended to have Wilson compete for the starting role this offseason without having a guarantee in place for the following year. To no surprise, the 35-year-old did not acquiesce to that plan.
During the time after Denver’s attempt to remove the 2025 guarantees, the NFL, NFLPA and an “unknown party” took part in negotiations over the matter, per Schultz and Mark Maske of the Washington Post. In the end, no adjustments were made to Wilson’s contract, leaving the Broncos in a unenviable financial position. With a substantial dead cap charge looming, the team is positioned to release him and begin another search process for a long-term answer under center.
When addressing the matter publicly, head coach Sean Payton admitted that “economics” were a factor in the decision to essentially put a firm end to the Wilson era in the Mile High City. Since he will dress as the backup this week, though, the possibility remains the longtime Seahawk could be thrust back into action and thus put himself at risk for injury. Still alive for the playoffs, Denver’s middling offense will rely on Jarrett Stidham at the QB spot to finish the season.
Following that, Payton (whose relationship with Wilson has been the source of plenty of speculation during the year) will likely be heavily involved in the search process for a new quarterback. That, coupled with Wilson’s first career foray into free agency – presuming the team follows through with his release – will be among the league’s top 2024 offseason storylines.
Patriots Place RB Rhamondre Stevenson On IR
The Patriots added to their defense on Wednesday by claiming cornerback Marco Wilson off waivers from the Cardinals. The corresponding move will leave the team’s offense shorthanded, however. 
New England placed running back Rhamondre Stevenson on injured reserve, confirming that he will not return this season. The Patriots have only a pair of games remaining in what has been an underwhelming 2023 campaign, and IR stints are guaranteed to be at least four weeks in length. Stevenson has missed the past three contests, and with the team out of contention is comes as little surprise he will not see the field again.
Stevenson suffered a high ankle sprain in the Patriots’ loss to the Chargers earlier this month, an injury which has now officially put an end to his third season with the team. The former fourth-rounder entered the year with high expectations coming off a 1,000-yard campaign the season prior. Splitting time with veteran Ezekiel Elliott, Stevenson saw his yards per carry drop one full yard in 2023 (from five to four) when on the field.
In spite of that, along with the missed time, the 25-year-old still leads the team in rushing with 619 yards and four touchdowns. Stevenson added 38 catches for 238 yards in the passing game, demonstrating his two-way value and his status as a focal point of New England’s offense. That unit has struggled mightily both with and without him in the lineup, but his absence will be felt to close out the campaign.
With Stevenson out of the picture, the Patriots will continue to lean heavily on Elliott. The latter has received 45 carries in the last three games, scoring a pair of receiving touchdowns in the process. On a one-year deal following the end of his Cowboys tenure, Elliott could help his market value late in the year by continuing to shoulder a starter’s workload. Stevenson, meanwhile, will be eligible for an extension this offseason.
Brian Burns Wants To Remain With Panthers
The top offseason priority for the Panthers will be working out a contract with edge rusher Brian Burns. No new progress on that front will take place until after the 2023 campaign has ended, but there is a mutual interest in reaching an agreement. 
When speaking to the media on Wednesday, Burns stated his desire to remain in Carolina in 2024 and beyond (video link via ESPN’s David Newton). The two-time Pro Bowler is playing on his $16MM fifth-year option this season, but his future is uncertain due to the lack of progress on negotiations for what will be a lucrative long-term extension.
The Panthers have turned down trade offers on several occasions, including the 2023 deadline when multiple teams inquired about his availability. Despite making it clear the former first-rounder was not on the market, Carolina was not able to gain much traction during offseason negotiations. After this year’s trade deadline passed, a new round of talks did not take place.
As a result, the franchise tag looms as a backup option for the team if no multi-year deal can be worked out. As things stand, the one-year tag is the likeliest course of action, and using it as at least a placeholder would come as no surprise given the alternative of allowing Burns to depart in free agency. The 25-year-old has developed into a cornerstone for the rebuilding franchise, recording at least nine sacks each season from 2020-22.
Burns’ sack total this year (six) represents a step back, but the team has dealt with a number of injuries along the edge amidst its overall struggles. As he noted today, however, his preference would be to avoid needing to start a new chapter of his career in a new environment. It will be interesting to see how much that mutual interest in striking a deal will result in progress on contract talks in the near future.
The Florida State alum has been attached to an asking price near the record-setting $34MM AAV Nick Bosa got on his 2023 49ers extension. The Panthers, by contrast, have eyed a package closer to the back end of the top 10 in terms of annual compensation amongst edge rushers. The position Burns is classified as (defensive end vs. outside linebacker) in the event he receives the franchise tag could also become a sticking point, given the projected $3MM difference in value between the two.
Negotiations with Burns will be a major storyline for Carolina after a disappointing season which resulted in a coaching change. The degree to which his stated desire to remain with the Panthers holds true will be worth watching closely when talks resume.
Jaguars Open LT Cam Robinson’s Practice Window
Looking to rebound in the closing weeks of the season, the Jaguars could soon receive a boost along the offensive line. The team announced on Wednesday that left tackle Cam Robinson has been designated for return. 
As a result of the move, the veteran’s 21-day practice window is now open. He must be activated within that span to avoid reverting to season-ending injured reserve. Robinson was placed on IR last month due to a knee injury, guaranteeing a four-week absence. The fact he has returned to practice when first eligible is an encouraging sign for his Week 17 availability.
Robinson has remained a full-time presence on the blindside in 2023, his seventh season in Jacksonville. The 28-year-old faced a reported recovery timeline of three to six weeks in the aftermath of being injured, so managing to suit up for the final two games of the Jags’ season would represent a positive with respect to his rehab process. In need of consistency on offense, the team could stand to return to health up front.
Once seen as a lock to win the AFC South, the Jaguars now find themselves in a three-way tie atop the division. That is due in large part to a four-game losing streak in Robinson’s absence, during which quarterback Trevor Lawrence has dealt with a number of injuries. The latter is now saddled with an AC joint sprain, and his availability for Sunday’s game against the Panthers is in question as a result. Having a healthy Robinson protecting whichever Jacksonville quarterback suits up would be a welcomed sign.
Attached to a three-year, $52.75MM deal, Robinson has delivered a level of play similar to his previous seasons when on the field this year. The Alabama product has earned an overall PFF grade of 63.5, which is in line with his career averages. He has, though, drawn a personal best 79.6 mark in pass protection. Both of those figures are higher than those produced by Walker Little, who has stepped in for Robinson during his absence.
Set to play the Panthers and Titans to close out the campaign, the Jaguars remain in contention for both the top spot in the division and a wild-card berth. Improved play on offense will be crucial to a securing a postseason position of any kind, and Robinson will look to help in that regard when he suits up. The Jaguars have four IR activations remaining.
Texans Claim S Kareem Jackson Off Waivers, Place S Jimmie Ward On IR
After his Broncos tenure came to an unceremonious end, Kareem Jackson will return to where his career began. The veteran safety was claimed off waivers Tuesday, as first reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. 
Jackson’s roster exemption for his second suspension of the 2023 season expired on Monday. After Denver elected not to activate him in time for the team’s Week 16 game, though, questions were raised about his future with the franchise. The Broncos waived Jackson with the intention of retaining him via the practice squad.
That will no longer be the case, as he will now head to Houston for the first time since his Texans tenure came to an end in 2018. Jackson was once a teammate of head coach DeMeco Ryans, and he spent nine years with the franchise after arriving in the NFL as a first-round pick. He could have a path to immediate playing time, given the corresponding move made alongside his addition.
The Texans placed fellow safety Jimmie Ward on injured reserve due to a quad injury, per Wilson. After nine years in San Francisco, Ward followed Ryans to Houston this offseason. He has served as a full-time starter in his first Texans campaign, collecting 50 tackles and one interception while providing experience to a transitioning team. Jackson will look to do the same as Houston chases a postseason berth over the final two weeks of the season.
“I’m thrilled to be back with the Texans,” the 35-year-old said, via Wilson. “It’s all coming full circle, having spent a lot of time in Houston. I’m really excited and happy for DeMeco and all the success he’s having. I’m here to be a piece of the puzzle and help them win these last two games and get to the playoffs.”
The Broncos are still alive for a wild-card berth, but their playoff hopes took a major blow with Sunday’s loss to the Patriots. Jackson officially leaving the organization confirms that P.J. Locke, who filled in as a starter during his suspensions, will remain in a first-team role to close out the season. Houston is one of three teams still eligible to win the AFC South, but failing that a wild-card spot is still within reach. If Jackson does see time in the 2023 postseason, it will be with his original NFL team.
Colts Place S Julian Blackmon On IR, Sign S Henry Black Off Steelers’ Practice Squad
Already facing injury issues on offense, the Colts will be shorthanded on the other side of the ball during their late-season playoff push. The team announced on Tuesday that safety Julian Blackmon has been placed on injured reserve. 
As a result of the move, Blackmon will be shut down for at least four weeks, leaving him out of the lineup for Indianapolis’ two remaining regular season contests. James Boyd of The Athletic reports, though, that he could return to the lineup if the Colts manage to make a deep postseason run. The former third-rounder has remained a full-time starter in his fourth season, making his absence a notable one.
Blackmon entered the season as a pending free agent, and he has upped his value on a new Colts deal or the open market with his level of play in 2023. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a career year with 88 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass deflections and a pair of fumble recoveries. He has been a key contributor for an Indianapolis defense which has struggled in a number of categories but ranks in the top half of the league against the pass.
As part of the team’s young array of contributors on the backend, the Colts were already using 2022 seventh-rounder Rodney Thomas as a starter. The 25-year-old has amassed six interceptions in his young career, and he will be counted on to remain productive with Blackmon out of the fold. The latter’s starting spot will likely be given to Nick Cross, who has largely played on special teams to date in the NFL.
To fill Blackmon’s roster spot, the Colts brought back fellow safety Henry Black. The former UDFA signed a futures deal with Indianapolis this winter before spending time (as he did in 2022) on the team’s practice squad. He was most recently with Pittsburgh’s taxi squad, but this Colts reunion will allow him to remain on an active roster for the time being.
One of three teams still in contention to win the AFC South, the Colts have games against the Raiders and Texans remaining on their schedule. Their ability to reach the postseason in any capacity will take a hit without Blackmon available down the stretch.
Zach Wilson Remains In Concussion Protocol; Jets To Start Trevor Siemian In Week 17
Coming off a high-scoring win on Sunday, the Jets will have the same quarterback situation on a short week. Head coach Robert Saleh announced on Tuesday that Zach Wilson is out for New York’s upcoming Thursday night contest, meaning Trevor Siemian will get a second straight start. 
Wilson exited the Jets’ Week 15 game due to a concussion, and he remains in the protocol. The former No. 2 pick’s latest departure from the lineup – which itself came not long after he was placed back atop the depth chart – paved the way for Siemian to handle starting duties. He joined the team in September amidst their search for an Aaron Rodgers replacement.
That has ultimately resulted in an audition period in the No. 1 role. Seeing his first full game atop the depth chart against the Commanders, Siemian went 27-for-49 for 217 yards and two touchdowns while throwing one interception. A game which appeared to be comfortably in hand for New York came down to a last-minute field goal to give the team the win. Siemian will have plenty of room for improvement on Thursday, although the Browns’ defense represents a much stiffer challenge than that of the Commanders.
Wilson was set to finish out the season as the starter after being reinstalled as the No. 1 option (due to Rodgers’ efforts to recover from an Achilles tear falling short), but his concussion has put that plan on hold. It would come as a surprise if Wilson was still in New York by the start of the 2024 season, although his play this year and this latest missed time has certainly not helped any trade value he may have.
The Jets are out of postseason contention, but the Browns are one of three teams still eligible to claim the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The opening contest of Week 17 thus has signficant playoff implications as New York prepares to hand the reins to Siemian for at least one more game.
Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson Out For Season
Signs from the aftermath of the Vikings’ loss over the weekend pointed to an extended absence for T.J. Hockenson. That has now been confirmed, as head coach Kevin O’Connell said Tuesday the Pro Bowl tight end will require surgery to repair ACL and MCL tears. 
Hockenson was forced to exit Minnesota’s game against Detroit due to the injury, and O’Connell admitted not long after that signs were pointing to a lengthy absence. After further testing, the 2022 trade acquisition is now out for the year. The news puts an end to a productive campaign, and leaves the Vikings without another key member of their offense due to a major injury.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles tear earlier in the year, something which threatened to derail the team’s season. Especially given the time missed by star wideout Justin Jefferson, Minnesota’s playoff prospects appeared to take a turn for the worse. The Vikings are now 7-8 on the year, but they face uncertainty under center and they will now be without a major weapon in their passing game as they push for an NFC wild-card berth.
Hockenson was acquired at the trade deadline last season in a deal which put an end to his hot-and-cold tenure with the Lions. The intra-divisional swap resulted in a strong showing in the second half of the season, however, as he posted a 60-519-3 statline in 10 games. That production proved his effectiveness in O’Connell’s system, and set him up for a major payday in the offseason.
The 26-year-old signed a $16.5MM-per-year extension in August, keeping him on the books through 2027 and making him the league’s second-highest paid tight end in terms of annual compensation. That pact raised expectations for Hockenson, and he delivered in 2023 despite Cousins’ missed time. The Iowa alum set new career highs in catches (95) and yards (960) in 15 games this season. As a result, his absence will deal a substantial blow to the Vikings’ offense.
O’Connell also confirmed that edge rusher D.J. Wonnum is headed to injured reserve due to a torn quad. That was the expected outcome in this situation, but it confirms his season is over, something with signficant financial implications given his status as a pending free agent. Minnesota’s defense will be shorthanded as the team approaches a pair of must-win games, while the offense will likewise be without a top contributor.
With Hockenson out of the picture, Josh Oliver will likely assume starting duties at the TE spot. A free agent addition from this past offseason, Oliver has established himself as a strong blocker in recent years, which led to a three-year, $21MM contract. The former third-rounder has made only 19 catches this season serving as a complement to Hockenson this season, though. Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse have likewise seen small workloads in the passing game to date, but that could change in the immediate future.