Panthers’ Cam Newton To Undergo Surgery
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will undergo foot surgery, according to Tiffany Blackmon of NFL.com (on Twitter). The operation will completely rule Newton out for the remainder of the year, though he was unlikely to return from injured reserve even before the news. 
[RELATED: Panthers Fire Ron Rivera]
The surgery to repair his Lisfranc injury has a recovery time table of 8-10 weeks, typically. At worst, it’ll take three months for Newton to bounce back.
In theory, Newton could have held off on surgery to leave the door open for a playoff return. But, at 5-7, the Panthers have less than a 1% chance of reaching the postseason. Kyle Allen figures to handle starting duties the rest of the way, with serious question marks about what the Panthers will do under center in 2020.
With $18.6MM owed to him in 2020, plus a $2MM option bonus, Newton seems unlikely to return. That’s particularly true after Tuesday’s firing of head coach Ron Rivera – the Panthers seem prepared to start fresh.
Meanwhile, Allen is making just $495K this year and will be an exclusive rights free agent in 2020 and 2021. After that, he’ll be an RFA for 2022. The Panthers could extend Allen at any time, or leave things as-is and have a starting quarterback at a dirt cheap rate.
Panthers Fire Ron Rivera
The Panthers have fired longtime head coach Ron Rivera. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with secondary coach Perry Fewell serving as the interim lead. 
“I have a great deal of respect for Ron and the contributions he has made to this franchise and to this community,” owner David Tepper said in a press release. “I wish him the best. I will immediately begin the search for the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers.”
The shakeup also will see offensive coordinator Norv Turner transition to special assistant to the head coach as quarterbacks coach Scott Turner moves to offensive coordinator.
Rivera became just the fourth head coach in Panthers history when he was hired in 2011. He went on to amass a 76-63-1 regular season record, a 3-4 playoff record, and, most notably, a Super Bowl appearance. The Panthers did not win it all under Rivera’s watch, but he was a beloved figure nonetheless.
Midway through a trying season, the Panthers opted for a change.
“We are going to take a comprehensive and thorough review of our football operation to make sure we are structured for long-term sustained success,” said Tepper. “Our vision is to find the right mix of old-school discipline and toughness with modern and innovative processes. We will consider a wide range of football executives to complement our current football staff. One change that we will implement is hiring an assistant general manager and vice president of football operations. We all must recognize that this is the first step in a process, but we are committed to building and maintaining a championship culture for our team and our fans.”
Rivera was one of the major faces of the franchise, alongside one-time MVP quarterback Cam Newton. After the dust settles from the sideline shakeup, it’s quite possible that the QB will also follow him out the door. Newton is among the league’s most dangerous and electrifying signal callers when healthy, but he has been sidelined all year and is now far removed from his best work.
For the time being, Newton and GM Marty Hurney are still in the picture. Rivera, meanwhile, stands as one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL and could easily find work elsewhere, if he wants to continue coaching.
Terrelle Pryor In Stable Condition After Stabbing
1:11pm: Pryor’s condition has been upgraded from critical to stable, according to Rapoport (on Twitter).
9:27am: Free agent wideout Terrelle Pryor is in critical condition after being stabbed last night in Pittsburgh, according to a report from Action 4 News (and passed along by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter). ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that Pryor was stabbed in the shoulder and chest, and he underwent surgery this morning. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets that Pryor’s family expect him to survive the stabbing.
According to the initial report, a woman “is in custody at Pittsburgh Police headquarters in connection with the stabbing.” The incident took place at the Heinz Lofts apartment complex in Pittsburgh, and police were seen in the area on Saturday morning.
Pryor grew up in Jeannette, Pa., and he starred in both football and basketball at Jeannette High School. He twice earned Pennsylvania Player of the Year for football, and he was named a fourth-team Parade All-American for basketball in 2008. Pryor was initially expected to play basketball under Jamie Dixon at the University of Pittsburgh, but he later committed to playing football for Ohio State.
Pryor won a number of accolades as Ohio State’s quarterback, but he later withdrew from the university following an autographing scandal. This led to him entering the NFL’s Supplemental Draft, where he was selected by the Raiders in the third round. While Pryor showed special talent in the open field, he struggled as a passer, and his stint with Oakland ended with a trade to the Seahawks in 2014.
Pryor bounced around the NFL a bit before the Browns gave him a chance as a wideout in 2014. He proceeded to haul in 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns that season, earning him a one-year, $8MM deal with the Redskins. Pryor hasn’t been able to replicate those numbers since that time, and he was released by the Jaguars injured reserve back in September. The 30-year-old hasn’t had any reported workouts this season.
Eagles, Lane Johnson Agree To Extension
The Eagles and Lane Johnson agreed on a record extension Friday. In a year featuring several re-ups for Eagles offensive linemen, Johnson agreed to a four-year, $72MM deal, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).
Johnson will receive a staggering $54.595MM guaranteed in this contract, per Garafolo. In terms of per-year value ($18MM), this is the most lucrative contract given to an offensive lineman. The seventh-year lineman’s guarantee also tops the league, making this a banner day for Johnson and the oft-overlooked right tackle position.
This marks a near-$7MM-per-year raise for Johnson, who was previously signed to a five-year, $56.25MM deal that ran through the 2021 season. The 29-year-old blocker is now signed through 2025.
This pact follows a spree of 2019 extensions, with the Eagles planning far ahead with their O-line. Philadelphia has extended Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce and Isaac Seumalo this year. Four members of Philly’s current front five are locked up into the mid-2020s, with only 37-year-old Jason Peters on a year-to-year setup at this point. While the Johnson deal represents the biggest number, the Eagles are showing tremendous faith in their current blockers.
Philly now employs the highest-paid tackle and guard in the league, with Brooks’ $14MM-per-year deal edging Zack Martin‘s pact earlier this month. Johnson’s new contract eclipses Trent Brown‘s $16.5MM-AAV price set earlier this year. The NFL’s two highest-paid offensive linemen, interestingly, now each play right tackle. The highest-paid left tackle, Taylor Lewan, signed for $16MM annually last year. Johnson’s deal figures to move that market, however.
Taken in a 2013 draft that produced several top-10 busts, Johnson is the rare Pro Bowl right tackle. Twice given the honor that almost exclusively goes to left tackles, Johnson has helped the Eagles form one of the league’s top lines. Pro Football Focus grades Johnson as this season’s No. 2 overall tackle.
He has dealt with suspension and injury issues, however. Johnson has missed 14 career games due to two PED bans, the most recent of which in 2016. He earned first-team All-Pro honors the next year and helped the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title. Helping to explain the record-smashing contract: in Carson Wentz‘s four-year career, his QBR figure drops by more than 20 points without Johnson in the lineup. He is set to return to Philadelphia’s lineup this week after missing Week 12 with a concussion.
Cardinals DB Josh Shaw Suspended For Betting On NFL Games
Josh Shaw will draw a season-long suspension. The NFL suspended the fifth-year defensive back for the entire 2020 season for betting on NFL games. An appeal must be filed within three days.
Currently stationed on the Cardinals’ IR list, Shaw bet on multiple games this season, according to the NFL. While a league investigation did not find Shaw to have used inside information, this is still a major development. The nature of this infraction certainly makes the Friday after Thanksgiving a logical target for this news dump. Shaw cannot apply for reinstatement until Feb. 15, 2021.
“The continued success of the NFL depends directly on each of us doing everything possible to safeguard the integrity of the game and the reputations of all who participate in the league,” Roger Goodell said in a statement. “At the core of this responsibility is the longstanding principle that betting on NFL games, or on any element of a game, puts at risk the integrity of the game, damages public confidence in the NFL, and is forbidden under all circumstances. If you work in the NFL in any capacity, you may not bet on NFL football.”
While this will not register on the same level as Paul Hornung and Alex Karras‘ season-long gambling bans in 1963, with Shaw being a journeyman, it’s still quite the late-season development. It is not known if Shaw bet on Cardinals games, though Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic tweets Shaw is not believed to have been around the team since going on IR in August.
Shaw, 27, was a 12-game Bengals starter in 2016. The 2015 fourth-round pick played at Florida and USC and has spent most of his career as a backup with the Bengals, Chiefs and Buccaneers. The Cardinals signed Shaw to a one-year, $895K deal in March. This ban certainly puts the veteran defender’s career in jeopardy.
NFL Upholds Myles Garrett’s Suspension
Myles Garrett‘s historic suspension will stand. The NFL upheld the indefinite ban handed down to the Browns defensive end for striking Mason Rudolph in the head with the Steelers quarterback’s helmet. However, Maurkice Pouncey‘s appeal will drop his penalty from three games to two, the league announced Thursday.
Pouncey will still miss the Steelers’ rematch with the Browns, which will occur in Week 13. Pouncey will also be fined $35K. The 10th-year center will miss out on two game checks but can return for Pittsburgh’s Week 14 game in Arizona. Garrett, however, is done for the regular season and any possible playoff games.
The standout defensive end must apply for reinstatement in the offseason. With Garrett firmly in the defensive player of the year conversation, this guts the Browns, who had won two straight. The league also will fine Garrett $45K. This comes a day after the league upheld Larry Ogunjobi‘s one-game suspension. Ogunjobi will be eligible to play in the AFC North rivals’ rematch next week.
In addition to Garrett’s side arguing that the CBA does not contain precise language stipulating a ban of this nature could occur for an on-field act, they cited Antonio Smith‘s one-game suspension for swinging his helmet at Richie Incognito in 2013. Garrett also alleged the Steelers quarterback used a racial slur. The Steelers and Rudolph’s attorney deny this. The NFL looked into Garrett’s racially charged accusation and did not find evidence to support the claim, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said (Twitter link).
Of course, Garrett striking Rudolph in the head during a nationally televised game obviously differentiates this sequence from the Smith-Incognito dust-up, which did not involve clear contact. Despite the former No. 1 overall pick making the Pro Bowl last season and building an All-Pro-caliber resume leading up to his now-infamous moment, this is certainly the former Texas A&M standout’s defining NFL act to date.
Latest On Colin Kaepernick Workout
Colin Kaepernick‘s Saturday workout will not go according to the NFL’s plan. The quarterback’s camp changed the venue. Instead of the session commencing at the Falcons’ Flowery Branch, Ga., facility, Kaepernick will work out at a different location.
The NFL declined to allow media into the workout, which went against Kaepernick’s wishes for transparency, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). Kaepernick’s representatives have rescheduled the workout for 3pm CT, moving it back an hour. Charles Drew High School in Riverdale, Ga., will serve as the new venue, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (on Twitter).
“From the outset, Mr. Kaepernick requested a legitimate process and from the outset the NFL office has not provided one,” Kaepernick reps Ben Miselas and Jeff Nalley said in a statement (Twitter link). “Most recently, the NFL has demanded that as a precondition to the workout, Mr. Kaepernick sign an unusual liability waiver that addresses employment-related issues and rejected the standard liability waiver from physical injury proposed by Mr. Kaepernick’s representatives.
“Additionally, Mr. Kaepernick requested all media be allowed into the workout to observe and film it and for an independent film crew to be there to ensure transparency. The NFL denied this request. … Mr. Kaepernick still looks forward to seeing the representatives from the clubs today.”
Kaepernick’s camp requested to record the workout alongside the NFL’s camera crew, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com (on Twitter); the group did not trust a process with the NFL being the only party with the tape. When the league refused that arrangement, Kaepernick requested media be permitted to view the session. When that was nixed, the quarterback ditched the previous setup, Robinson tweets. This distrust should not surprise given the contentious history between the former Super Bowl starter and the league.
More than three-fourths of the league will send reps to watch the ex-49ers starter throw. While there will not be head coaches or GMs on hand, Steve Wyche of NFL.com reports (video link) many pro personnel heads and scouting directors are in Atlanta. Some execs on hand are believed to be in consideration for future GM jobs, a sign some teams are taking this workout seriously. However, some may not be. Some teams may have been there only because of the NFL’s request, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com tweets.
The NFL was set to provide three wide receivers to participate, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Considering this 11th-hour venue change, it’s possible that will no longer happen. However, ex-Kaepernick teammate Bruce Ellington will be there, with Fowler adding the 32-year-old free agent will bring up to five wideouts to the workout.
The Panthers will not be among the 25 teams in Atlanta for the workout, per The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue (on Twitter). This is interesting given Carolina’s quarterback uncertainty and employment of Eric Reid, who joined Kaepernick in alleging collusion against the NFL. Per Reid, Panthers owner David Tepper told him the team was not planning to add a veteran quarterback.
Eagles To Sign Jay Ajayi
The Eagles intend to sign free agent running back Jay Ajayi, a source tells NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). Ajayi worked out for the club this week and a deal should come together before the end of business today. 
Ajayi joins the club just after word of Darren Sproles‘ season-ending (and possibly career-ending) injury. Given his track record, Ajayi figures to provide some serious support in the backfield, if he is healthy himself.
The Eagles traded for Ajayi in 2017 and saw immediate results out of the former Dolphins ball carrier. After his 1,272-yard 2016 season with Miami, he became a key part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl run the following year. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry with the Eagles in 2017. He did not fare as well with the ’18 Eagles, who lacked consistency on the ground. But, the team will see what the 26-year-old can provide as they come down the home stretch.
Ajayi may make his Eagles return on Sunday, when the Eagles face the Patriots in Philly.
Browns’ Myles Garrett Suspended Indefinitely
The NFL has suspended Myles Garrett indefinitely for his actions on Thursday night. Garrett, at minimum, will be banned for the remainder of the 2019 season. The rest will be determined at a later time and will likely involve a lengthy process of hearings, meetings, and appeals. 
In addition to Garrett’s suspension, the league has also suspended Steelers offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey for three games and Browns defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi for one game. Garrett will not be paid during his ban and Ogunjobi and Pouncey have been fined.
In the waning moments of Thursday night’s win over the Steelers, Garrett ripped the helmet off of Mason Rudolph and smashed the Steelers quarterback in the head with it. The brutal incident could even have consequences beyond football. Rudolph’s agent says the QB’s camp will review the matter thoroughly and intimated that the matter could be taken to the legal system.
Garrett’s actions in the brawl were somewhat reminiscent of former Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth’s actions years ago, when he stomped on the forehead of Cowboys center Andre Gurode with his cleats. Haynesworth got a five-game ban for that, but the league has stepped up its punishments for brawls and between-the-whistle violence recently. Vontaze Burfict, for example, was banned for the entire 2019 season after his latest safety violation.
Garrett, 23, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft. On the field, he’s been mostly exceptional – he notched 13.5 sacks in 2018 en route to his first ever Pro Bowl nod and, through ten games this year, he has ten sacks. He will not record another sack in the 2019 season and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be permitted to play in 2020.
Eagles’ Darren Sproles Done For Season
The Eagles announced that running back Darren Sproles is done for the season. The veteran suffered a partial tear of his right hip flexor against the Jets on Oct. 6 and, at some juncture, aggravated the injury further. 
Sproles went through four weeks of rehab after the initial injury against Gang Green and managed to play against the Bears on Nov. 3 after he was cleared. Later, doctors found that he had suffered a much more serious tear of the muscle.
Sproles, 36, re-signed with the Eagles in July. Despite his advanced age, he was hoping to return to his old form after losing the bulk of the 2018 season to a broken arm and a torn ACL. All the health issues left a bad taste in his mouth, and he didn’t want to go out like that.
“That’s my whole thing,” Sproles said over the summer. “I want a full year. I want to get up to top-four or top-five in all-purpose yards, like ever. Right now, I’m number six. If I would have played a full year last year, I’d be number four right now.”
Unfortunately, this latest injury could be the end of the line for the fan favorite. His 2019 season concludes with just 17 carries for 66 yards, plus six catches for 24 yards.
Over the course of 14 seasons with the Eagles, Saints, and Chargers, Sproles has earned three Pro Bowl trips with a strong 4.9 yards per carry average. He’s also been a remarkably effective pass-catcher – in his three seasons with the Saints, Sproles totaled 232 grabs for 1,981 yards and 16 touchdowns through the air.