Panthers WR Damiere Byrd Placed On IR
The Panthers have clinched a playoff spot after their comeback victory over the Buccaneers in Week 16. However, the team’s receiving corps has taken another hit as Damiere Byrd has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower leg injury, according to Bryan Strickland of Panthers.com (Twitter link). The team will likely activate defensive end Charles Johnson from suspension in a corresponding move, reports Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer (Twitter link).
Byrd, 24, was just starting to cement himself as the Panthers clear number two wide receiver before suffering the injury. In his second season in the NFL, Byrd had caught nine passes in Weeks 14 and 15, including two touchdowns. He had also solidified himself as the team’s primary kickoff return threat, having already returned one kick for a touchdown this season.
Without Byrd, head coach Ron Rivera will likely have to use running back Christian McCaffrey even more in the return game. On the offensive side of the ball, Rivera told Strickland that “it’s tough, but Kaelin Clay has stepped up.” The team also has wideouts Brenton Bersin and Mose Frazier to pick up more snaps in Byrd’s absence. In addition, the team will also get Russell Shepard from a shoulder injury next week.
Person further tweets that the Panthers will not be signing a free agent wideout to replace Byrd, instead opting to go with what the team has now going into the postseason.
The news certainly puts more pressure on the likes of Devin Funchess and Greg Olsen, who will likely see most of the targets when Cam Newton opts to throw the ball down the field. The Panthers have a chance to take the NFC South with a win and a Saints loss in Week 17.
Melvin Gordon Uncertain To Play In Week 17
The Chargers kept their playoffs hopes alive after defeating the Jets in Week 16. However, the team may have lost one of their biggest offensive weapons in the process. Running back Melvin Gordon is reportedly in a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury late in last week’s game, and now may be a “game-time decision”, according to Eric Williams of ESPN.com.
“He’s seeing the doctors on Tuesday, and we’ll know more about Melvin as we get going here,” head coach Anthony Lynn said. “Ankles can be kind of tricky. We can keep him out all week, and he’s had enough reps where he can go out and play. He knows what he’s doing, and that’s something that we’ll look at. But he’s another guy that’s probably going to come down to the end of the week.”
In his third-year in the NFL, Gordon has continued to establish himself as a better than average running back. While he may not be putting up elite numbers , the 24-year-old has remained consistent having just surpassed the 1,000 yard mark last Sunday. He’s averaging 3.8 yards per carry and has found the end zone on eight different occasions in 2017.
However, the former first round pick has now sustained injuries in each of his first three years in the league, which does not bode well for his long-term value when comparing him to other top backs. Losing Gordon would represent a major blow for a Chargers team that needs to win next week in order to even have a chance of sneaking into the playoffs. Los Angeles only had Austin Ekeler playing on special teams vs. the Jets and shouldn’t be thought of as a major factor out of the backfield as he continues to deal with a broken hand he suffered two weeks ago. Fellow backs Andre Williams and Kenneth Farrow are currently on the injured reserve as well. With that being the case, Branden Oliver would be the lone remaining running back on the roster if Gordon were to be unavailable. The Chargers would likely sign another free agent to help supplement the running game if Gordon’s injury keeps him from playing in Week 17.
West Notes: Broncos, Fitz, Mahomes, Rams
The Broncos my have lost their 10th game of the season on Sunday, but they also got a glimpse at a potential quarterback target in Washington signal caller Kirk Cousins. Playing on his second straight franchise tag, the 29-year-old posted close to 300 yards and tossed three scores against a very formidable Broncos defense. It was a performance that made Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post ask, “is Cousins worth $30MM?”
In fact, many Broncos defenders seemed to think that he could be worth that type of investment this offseason.
“A lot of teams would literally kill to have a quarterback like that,” Broncos linebacker Von Miller said.
“He’s the real deal as a quarterback,” Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall added.
Kiszla proclaimed that Cousins is unlikely to get another franchise tag given just how detrimental a guaranteed cap number like that would be on the Redskins roster. This would mean that Denver would have the opportunity to invest a lot of money in the soon-to-be free agent QB.
Denver clearly needs to address their quarterback situation this offseason. It’s clear that Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler are more backups, with Paxton Lynch still needing major development even when he gets healthy.
There’s a lot of QB needy teams in the NFL, but the Broncos got a personal look on Sunday of what Cousins could bring to a team that’s been craving any sort of offense since Peyton Manning retired after their Super Bowl 50 run.
Here’s more from the NFL’s West divisions:
- Even though Cardinals star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald signed a one-year contract extension during the season, that does not mean it’s a guarantee he will return to the football field in 2018. However, Fitz looks to be in a much better position to return than a year ago, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Rapoport suggests that the 34-year-old is much healthier than at the conclusion of the 2016 regular season. He’s also on track to post better numbers this year, as he’s just slightly behind his 2016 totals in receptions and yards, while just needing another touchdown to surpass his six scores from a season ago. Fitzgerald is a surefire Hall of Famer as well, but could also be motivated to surpass Terrell Owens on the all-time receiving list. He sits just a few hundred yards behind T.O. and would assuredly pass him if he remains healthy in 2018. Fitz has clearly shown that he can continue to play at a high level in his mid-30’s, so there’s hope from Cardinals fans he could return for another season in Arizona.
- With their win yesterday, the Chiefs have clinched the AFC West and the fourth seed in the AFC. This means that rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes could get the start or at least see a lot of playing time in a meaningless Week 17 game against the Broncos. But as expected, head coach Andy Reid wasn’t tipping his hand about how the team will approach the QB position next week. “We’ll get through Christmas and then we’ll get on with that,” Reid said. There had been some speculation that Reid may turn to Mahomes during the team’s midseason losing streak, but veteran Alex Smith has bounced back in a big way and led Kansas City to their second straight division title. Mahomes has been playing with the scout team and would probably be well served in getting some actual playing time in his first professional season.
- While it was a very good day for a Rams franchise that clinched their first division title since 2003, the team was forced to deal with injuries to a pair of starters, reports Aiden Gonzalez of ESPN.com. Left guard Rodger Saffold was forced to exit the game with a rib injury, but head coach Sean McVay said after the victory that, “I think he’s OK.”. Gonzalez added that Saffold was “seen in good spirits” in the postgame celebration as well. However, linebacker Mark Barron‘s achilles injury could be worse than expected. The 28-year-old was a suprise inactive in Week 16 and has dealt with a variety of minor ailments throughout the season, according to Gonzalez. McVay wasn’t as clear with how his prognosis looked for the remainder of the season. “We’ll have some updates on that moving forward,” said the Rams head coach. If Barron should miss time, backup Cory Littleton would likely be forced into the starting lineup.
James Harrison Goes Unclaimed On Waivers
The Steelers made the relatively surprising decision to release longtime linebacker James Harrison a few days ago. Now we have learned that the 39-year-old went unclaimed on waivers and is free to sign with any team, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Yates does point out that if both sides are willing, the Steelers and Harrison could work out another agreement so the veteran could play with the team in the postseason. However, that is certainly not a given because of how sparingly the veteran defender played in Pittsburgh.
Harrison only appeared in five games with the Steelers, as the team opted to go with more of a younger linebacker group in Ryan Shazier, T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree and Vince Williams.
But with Shazier sadly out for the season as he deals with his devastating back injury, the defense could use Harrison’s leadership during postseason play.
It’s unusual to see players as old as Harrison find a role in today’s NFL. But he’s known for his incredible workout regimen and passion for football, which could be of great value for any team that’s looking for an extra spark on defense in the playoffs.
Falcons TE Levine Toilolo Sprains MCL
The Falcons face a win and in scenario in Week 17 when they take on the Panthers at home. However, they be could be without one of their tight ends going into the contest. Second-string tight end Levine Toilolo sprained his MCL in the team’s loss to the Saints on Sunday, making his status for next week’s game “in doubt”, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Toilolo, 26, has been mostly a complementary piece in a dynamic Falcons offense over the past few seasons. He’s caught a combined 15 balls and scored three touchdowns in the last two years. Second-year tight end Austin Hooper has been one of the team’s best receiving threats after the Falcons drafted him in the third round in 2016.
The Falcons are just a win away from their second straight postseason appearance, although beating Carolina, who’s still in the running for the NFC South title, will be no walk in the park. Should Toilolo be unable to play in Atlanta’s regular season finale, third-string tight end Eric Saubert could see increased snaps. The team could also bring in a free agent tight end if the coaching staff is uncomfortable going into the contest with just two players available at the position.
Jags WR Jaelen Strong Tears ACL
An encouraging comeback game turns out to be the final one of the 2017 season for wide receiver Jaelen Strong. After catching his first touchdown pass of the season against the 49ers, the 23-year-old wideout revealed on his own personal Instagram that he has torn his ACL, effectively ending his third professional season.
“I was cut in September by the Texans. Jags claimed me a day after. 14 weeks later I am finally active. My first reception goes for a TD. IM SO EXCITED to finally be out here w GANG grinding w my dogs and then I tear my ACL. I walked off on my own power cause i immediately thought of who was watching me, our youth! Let this be a testimony for you. No matter what knocks you down you gotta pull ya self back up and what better way to show you then this… can’t wait to watch my dogs in the OFFS! Love everybody who been in my corner.”
Strong had spent his first two seasons in the NFL with the Texans, who had selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Strong was cut by Houston in September, but was signed by the Jaguars after the team needed wide receiver depth. Strong was activated for the first time this season as Jacksonville dealt with injuries to starters Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns.
Strong responded by catching three balls and a game tying touchdown at the end of the first half. It’s a cruel turn of events for what was looking to be a nice turn around story. Now the Jaguars will have to hope for the likes of Lee and Hurns to return for the postseason. Rookies Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook and Jaydon Mickens have stepped up admirably for quarterback Blake Bortles over the past few weeks, but Jacksonville would certainly like their more veteran playmakers to get back in the lineup with the playoffs just two weeks away.
DeMarco Murray May Not Play In Week 17
The Titans dropped their third game in a row when they fell late to the Rams in Week 16. However, that was not the only bad news that came from their defeat. Starting running back DeMarco Murray was helped off the field after suffering a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the contest, according to the team’s official website.
While there was no immediate diagnosis, Titans head coach Mike Mularkey did not like what he saw when Murray went down.
“We’re going to get an MRI on him and see the extent of it,” Mularkey said. “Didn’t look good. He’s a pretty tough guy, watched him walk off, and it didn’t look good.”
Murray will be 30 years old next month and has not looked as dynamic as he did a season ago. The veteran back has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in 2017, which is a notable step down from his 4.4 yards per carry mark from last year.
If the injury turns out to be as bad as it appeared on the field, Tennessee would lean heavily on backup running back Derrick Henry to help carry them to the postseason.
The 23-year-old has clearly been the more effective back this season and has seen his workload increase in his second full year in the NFL. Henry has totaled double-digit carries seven times in 2017, but would be in-line for at least 20 touches should Murray be forced to sit.
He’ll, obviously, he’ll get a bigger load,” Mularkey said. “It’s good for him, I’m glad we have him. That’s what he’s here for, and (David) Fluellen as well. And again, that’s me speaking right after the game. I’ve seen him before come back pretty strong. He’s about as tough a player we got.”
The Titans are still in a prime position punch their postseason ticket for the first time since the 2008-09 season. All Tennessee needs to do is beat a Jaguars team that could have nothing to play for should the Steelers win their game this afternoon. Nevertheless, the prospect of losing another playmaker for a franchise that has stumbled mightily towards the finish line is not an ideal situation entering the final week of the 2017 regular season.
Cam Robinson Injured, Expected Back for Playoffs
The Jaguars suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of the 49ers on Sunday, but it looks like the AFC South champs avoided what would be a critical blow to their offensive line. Rookie offensive tackle Cam Robinson was forced to leave the game with an abdominal injury, but it will likely not keep him out for the team’s first postseason appearance in ten years, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Rapoport further describes the injury as more of a “nuisance”, so it is something the young offensive lineman can play through in January. Jacksonville will be locked into the three seed in the AFC should the Steelers win one of their final two games. If Pittsburgh were to win today vs. Houston, the Jags could rest Robinson to make sure that he is as healthy as possible heading into the Wild Card round.
Robinson, 22, has not been graded kindly by the likes of Pro Football Focus, as he ranks as the 79th best tackle in football, according to the website. Although, Robinson has only given up two sacks on the season as the blindside protector of quarterback Blake Bortles.
The Jaguars invested highly in the former Alabama lineman when they selected him in the second round of last year’s draft. The team has veteran Josh Wells available as the immediate backup should Robinson miss time. He would join what’s been a productive offensive that includes Patrick Omameh, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann and Jermey Parnell.
Jets Notes: Wilkerson, Bowles, QB’s
Jets embattled defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was inactive for the second game in a row in the team’s loss to the Chargers in Week 16. While Wilkerson did sign a lucrative $86MM contract extension about a year and a half ago, it’s unlikely that the former first round pick will be back in New York next season, opines Rich Cimini of ESPN.com.
Heach coach Todd Bowles was unsure whether the healthy scratch trend would continue for Wilkerson in the final week of the regular season, noting to reporters simply that “We’ll see.” Cimini also points out that the decision to keep Wilkerson off the field appeared to come directly from Bowles himself and not the front office.
“I made him inactive,” Bowles said. “Coach’s decision.”
Wilkerson did practice during the week, but notably arrived late for a team meeting, which may have ultimately titled Bowles’ decision to sit his highest-paid player. Cimini further reports that the Jets plan on cutting the 28-year-old before his $16.8MM salary becomes guaranteed in March.
The Jets decided to extend Wilkerson after a 12.5 sack performance in 2015. But he’s disappointed since then, collecting just eight sacks in 28 games, including only 3.5 sacks this season.
Here’s more stories surrounding Gang Green:
- In another story from Cimini, he passes along that while the Jets will finish under-.500 for the second season in a row, Bowles should still be the team’s head coach come Week 1 next year based on what Jets ownership has said throughout this season. Acting owner Christopher Johnson emphasized early on the word “progress” over “playoffs” and it seems like the team has made a lot of strides in Bowles’ third go around with the franchise. The Jets have been in nearly every game this year without the talent you expect from a at least a mildly competitive team. “You just keep your head down and just keep working,” Bowles said. “We’re in every game. We’re not closing them out. We’re not finishing them. For whatever reason, we’re not making plays in the fourth quarter to finish these games. You keep working and you keep trying to find a solution.” Cimini only sees the Jets ownership firing Bowles if there is a dramatic shift in philosophy, even though there’s be nothing to signal that there is a change in the way Johnson is thinking about the future of the organization.
- Former fourth round pick Bryce Petty continues to struggle in a starting role for the Jets. Cimini notes that since he made his first start in 2016, the former Baylor quarterback has thrown at least one interception and no more than one touchdown in every start he’s made. Without veteran QB Josh McCown, the team has taken a major step back with Petty under center, which has caused a lot of frustration around the team, according to Brian Costello of the Brian Costello of the New York Post. “Bryce needs to work his way through things,” Bowles explained. “It’s only his second game starting this year. He needs to go through that.” However, it’s clear that after two separate tryouts in the past two seasons, Petty doesn’t look like he’s going to be a major factor on the Jets QB depth chart moving forward.
- Costello also reports that backup quarterback Christian Hackenberg was close to relieving Petty at some point in the second half, but Bowles ultimately decided to keep him on the sideline. “Bryce is the backup quarterback,” Bowles explained. “He won it in the summer. You put the backup in. You don’t put a three over a two. Christian is not that bad. Bryce did not have a good ballgame. It’s only his second start. I’m not going to sit here and condemn the guy because he didn’t play well in week two of starting this year after not playing all year.” Hackenberg has been notably absent from the quarterback conversation since he was drafted by New York in the second of the 2016 NFL Draft. Many pundits understood that he was raw coming out of Penn State, but it’s been surprising that he has gotten zero snaps in what’s been two lost seasons for the franchise. The lack of playing time certainly points to the Jets looking for another long-term option either in the draft or the free agent market for next year’s team.
Coach Notes: Jackson, Patricia, Coordinators
Hue Jackson has accumulated a stunningly poor 1-30 record in almost two seasons as the head coach of the Browns. However, despite his poor performance, he looks to be safe for next season. Other factors such as a lack of talent and a disfunctional front office certainly play a big role in the team’s failures, but basic logic must win out in determining his coaching future, opines Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
La Canfora notes that while Jackson appears to be “immune to review” at the moment, the team should be thinking about moving on from their second-year head coach. It’s not ideal for a franchise that has shuffled through many coaches in the past, but La Canfora argues that the job is more attractive then some may think when just observing this season.
New general manager John Dorsey has a track record of success and the team could be bringing in a young franchise QB with the number one pick, even though Josh Rosen has reportedly had some reservations about going to Cleveland.
La Canfora notes that finding a better replacement to Jackson shouldn’t be hard, even if the team is unlikely to do so given most of the reports coming from Browns ownership.
Here’s more notes from around the coaching carousel:
- The Lions have stood behind head coach Jim Caldwell for the past four seasons, despite not winning a playoff game. However, it may be time for the franchise to move on after the team lost to the Bengals on Sunday. Patriots defense coordinator Matt Patricia may be a prime candidate if the job opens up because of his relationship with current Lions general manager Bob Quinn, according to Alex Marvez of Sporting News (Twitter link). The two men worked together in New England when Quinn was a high level decision maker in the Patriots front office, so the hire would be a natural fit.
- The Redskins missed the playoffs for the second straight season, but could still lose their quarterback coach Kevin O’Connell to another opportunity. O’Connell is reported to be a “top target” for the UCLA offensive coordinator post, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). New Bruins head coach Chip Kelly is looking for another offensive mind to add to his staff and the offensive coordinator job would be a difficult position to turn down if O’Connell was offered, according to Rapoport. Under O’Connell’s guidance, Kirk Cousins has continued to produce solid numbers in 2017, which has certainly helped make him more sought after for promotions at the collegiate level.
- There’s a number of attractive coordinators who will be free agents this offseason. Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com run down a list that includes defensive coordinators: Gus Bradley, Paul Guenther, Vic Fangio and George Edwards. They mention that Bradley in particular is an odd situation because he signed just a one-year deal with the Chargers last offseason and has a great track record as a defensive coordinator with the Seahawks as well. At the moment, the Chargers have the third ranked scoring defense in the league, which should help make him in high demand for open defensive coordinator jobs after this season is over. Guenther on the other hand has been mentioned has a potential replacement for longtime Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, although he would be free to look at other opportunities should the team opt to go in a different direction. The article also makes note that popular Eagles quarterback coach John DeFilippo and Cowboys passing game coordinator Matt Eberflus would bring widespread interest as well if they move on from their current teams.