Saints Seeking Options For Derek Carr; QB Will Not Require Surgery
Derek Carr is not in the picture for the time being after he fractured his non-throwing hand yesterday. The veteran Saints passer could still be an option to see time at the end of the campaign, however. 
When addressing the matter on Monday, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said time will be needed for the swelling in Carr’s hand to subside. Options are being sought out he added (h/t ESPN’s Katherine Terrell), while noting the wrist is affected as well. Rizzi said (via Terrell) a move to injured reserve is not expected at this point.
An IR stint would ensure a four-game absence and guarantee – unless New Orleans were to make the postseason – Carr would be sidelined until 2025. The door is still open to a comeback at the end of this season as things stand, with Rizzi adding (via Terrell’s colleague Adam Schefter) surgery will not be needed. For the time being, though, the Saints will again look to their other QB options.
Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener are the team’s available passers with Carr out of the picture for the immediate term. Rattler has logged three starts, but he was unable to make a notable impact in any of them. Haener, meanwhile, has made a total of seven appearances this season, including Sunday when he took over following Carr’s injury. The 2023 fourth-rounder has also failed to put up encouraging numbers during his limited time at the helm on offense.
The Saints are 5-8 on the year, so a run at the postseason is unlikely at this point. That was already the case given the team’s other injuries on offense, let alone Carr going down for at least a few weeks. Provided New Orleans does not move him to IR, however, the possibility will remain that he could return to the lineup before the season is over.
Commanders WR Jamison Crowder Returns To Practice
The Commanders will have a returner option available as early as Week 15. The team announced on Monday that Jamison Crowder has been designated for return. 
The veteran will also be in place as a depth receiver once he is back in the fold, of course. Crowder now has 21 days to be activated and avoid reverting to season-ending injured reserve. He has been out of the picture since he suffered a calf injury in Week 3.
The 31-year-old spent last season in Washington, where he began in NFL career. Crowder made only 20 catches in 2023, but he totaled 35 punt returns and posted an average of 7.9 yards per return. Once back on the roster, he will be a candidate to reprise that special teams role (although before getting injured Crowder did not register any kick or punt returns this season).
The former fourth-rounder was a regular offensive contributor during his first stint in the nation’s capital, and that remained the case during his three seasons with the Jets. Crowder only made four appearances with the Bills in 2022, and expectations were low when he took a one-year Commanders deal last September. His level of play on special teams led to another modest commitment, though, this time from Washington’s new regime led by general manager Adam Peters.
As Crowder looks to carve out a depth role on offense and/or special teams, Washington will prepare for a key stretch to close out the campaign. Sitting at 8-5 on the year, the Commanders are in a wild-card spot but are far from guaranteed to have a postseason berth with the Rams only one game back. Coming off the bye, the team will have another healthy option in place in time for its next contest provided Crowder is activated in the next few days. Once he is brought back, the Commanders will have four IR activations remaining on the year.
Texans Designate Christian Harris, Kenyon Green For Return
Coming off their bye week, the Texans could have a pair of reinforcements. Linebacker Christian Harris and guard Kenyon Green have been designated for return, per a team announcement. 
Harris has not played this season while recovering from a calf injury. Houston used an IR/designated for return slot during roster cutdowns, committing one of the team’s eight IR activations in the process. General manager Nick Caserio said last week Harris could be back shortly, and today’s news is an encouraging sign in that respect.
Harris and Green both have 21 days to be brought onto the active roster now that they have begun to practice. Harris’ return will be welcomed given his importance to Houston’s defense. The 2022 third-rounder has started 23 of his 28 career games, and in 2023 he eclipsed the 100-tackle mark. Especially with Azeez Al-Shaair facing a three-game suspension (pending appeal), getting Harris back in time for Week 15 would be critical for the Texans.
Green started each of Houston’s first nine games this season, a positive development after he missed all of last year. The former first-rounder struggled at left guard when in the lineup, though, as PFF charged him with five sacks and 27 pressures allowed. A dislocated shoulder was expected to result in a lengthy absence, and Green was indeed moved to IR in November. Pass protection has been an issue for the Texans, a team which did not make any O-line moves at the trade deadline. Green’s return would give them another healthy option up front.
Houston has only two IR activations remaining, one of which will be used to bring Green into the fold. The Texans sit at 8-5 on the year and hold a two-game advantage over the Colts for top spot in the AFC South. Getting healthier in advance of the postseason will be critical over the coming weeks, and seeing Harris and Green return to the lineup will be notable in that regard.
Aidan O’Connell Suffers Bone Bruise; Raiders QB Not Ruled Out For Week 15
When an air cast was placed on Aidan O’Connell‘s leg prior to being carted off the field, the possibility existed he would be dealing with a major injury. A report from Sunday night indicated the Raiders feared the second-year quarterback suffered a season-ending knee injury, but the worst-case scenario appears to have been avoided. 
Further testing revealed O’Connell is dealing with a bone bruise, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Considering the potential for more drastic outcomes, that is certainly a welcomed development for team and player. O’Connell will attempt to play in Week 15, so his status over the coming days will be key.
O’Connell already had a stint on injured reserve earlier this year, with his activation coming in time for him to replace Gardner Minshew in the lineup. The latter is out for the year due to a broken collarbone, an injury which opened the door for O’Connell to once again compete for a potential starting spot in 2025. Things have generally not gone well in that regard, with O’Connell’s play on Black Friday being an exception. If he can manage to suit up, though, the Purdue product could continue auditioning for a role next season.
Two more years remain on O’Connell’s rookie contract, so he should still be in consideration for at least a depth spot on Vegas’ QB depth chart moving forward. Minshew is also on the books for 2025, however, and the Raiders are on track to be in position to select a quarterback in the upcoming draft. A strong end to the season would not give the team a chance at a postseason berth, but it would help O’Connell’s stock in the organization.
The Raiders’ other healthy option under center is Desmond Ridder, who took over yesterday after O’Connell’s injury. The former Falcon would be in position to start against his former team if he were to get the nod for Week 15, but that will depend on O’Connell’s ability to recovery in short order.
Saints’ Derek Carr Suffers Hand Fracture
DECEMBER 9: Carr is in fact dealing with a fracture in his left hand, per Rapoport and colleague Tom Pelissero. A multi-week absence is expected as a result, which could very well mean Carr will be out for the remainder of the season.
DECEMBER 8: The Saints’ 2024 NFL season has been a frustrating one full of streaks. Despite breaking up the streaks today with a win, an injury today could lead to another streak of losses to close the season. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, quarterback Derek Carr suffered a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand during today’s win over the Giants. 
In an effort to dive over several players to reach the first down marker, Carr was upended and landed directly on his hand and wrist. This led to the initial fear that he had suffered the fracture in his nondominant hand. He ended up leaving the stadium with the injured hand in a cast, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.
The Saints began their season with two dominant wins, with the second coming against a team most thought would be a contender in the NFC. Looking back, the win over the Cowboys wasn’t quite as impressive as was initially thought, which was well-reflected in the six-game losing streak that would follow.
Part of the reason for that losing streak was the loss of Carr at quarterback. An oblique injury forced him to miss three games — all lopsided losses. With Carr out, the Saints opted to start rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler out of South Carolina. In the three losses, Rattler averaged about 190 yards per game, throwing one touchdown to two interceptions. In the second and third starts of his career, Rattler saw second-year passer Jake Haener enter the game in relief of him.
It’s unclear if Carr will miss any time yet, but it’s highly likely. We often see defenders play with a club cast on an injured hand, but even though it’s not his throwing hand, it would be extremely difficult for Carr to receive the snap under center or catch a snap in shotgun with a cast on his left hand. Add in the risk of further damage with little left to play for as a 5-8 team with a difficult path to the playoffs ahead of them, and we may have seen the last of Carr this season.
If that’s the case, New Orleans will have to make a decision of whether to give Rattler or Haener more starting opportunities to close the year. Rattler has been deemed the investment piece so far but has ceded his responsibilities to Haener twice in three starts. Regardless, it does seem that Carr’s injury makes the outlook for the remainder of the Saints’ season a bit grim.
Buccaneers’ Antoine Winfield Jr. Expected To Miss Multiple Weeks
Antoine Winfield Jr. has run into further injury trouble in 2024. The All-Pro safety is expected to miss multiple weeks with a knee sprain, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday. 
Winfield suffered an ankle and foot sprain in Week 1, and that injury led to missed time. After missing four games, the 26-year-old returned to the lineup and had remained healthy until going down during Sunday’s game. His absence will once again be felt in the Tampa Bay secondary.
Over his first four seasons in the league, Winfield established himself as one of the league’s most productive defensive backs, and it came as little surprise when he received the franchise tag this offseason. That move was used to provide additional time for negotiations on a long-term deal, and in May the sides agreed to a four-year, $84.1MM extension. The contract is the most lucrative one in NFL history for safeties.
The former second-rounder has not enjoyed as productive of a season as 2023, but Winfield has remained a full-time starter and a key member of the Bucs’ secondary when healthy. He has amassed 60 tackles and a pair of sacks this year, and while his coverage statistics have not been impressive the team will be shorthanded down the stretch while attempting to improve against the pass. Tampa Bay is averaging 253 yards allowed through the air per game, which ranks 30th in the NFL.
Efforts to take a step forward in that regard will depend on other options on the backend, although Winfield’s injury is not the only one the team is dealing with at the moment. Fox Sports’ Greg Auman notes fellow safety Jordan Whitehead will miss Week 15, while Mike Edwards‘ status is in the air. That will leave Christian Izien and Kaevon Merriweather in place to handle a large defensive workload for the time being. Veteran Ryan Neal recently returned to Tampa Bay on a practice squad deal.
The Buccaneers’ win on Sunday (coupled with a loss by the Falcons) has left them alone atop the NFC South. The 7-6 outfit still has plenty of work down the stretch to do to clinch another division title, and that process will not feature Winfield for the time being.
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart To Enter Draft
Shemar Stewart will not take part in Texas A&M’s upcoming bowl game. The junior defensive lineman announced on Monday that he is declaring for April’s NFL draft. 
A former five-star recruit, Stewart arrived with high expectations based on his size and athleticism. He has been a key figure along the D-line throughout his three seasons with the Aggies, although his production does not stand out compared to other prospects seen as potential edge rushers at the NFL level. Stewart just recorded 1.5 sacks every year, but he set a new career high in total stops (31) and tackles for loss (six) in 2024.
Given his 6-6, 290-pound frame, Stewart certainly has the potential play on the interior upon turning pro. His ability to see time as a defensive end could add to his versatility, something which will be key in determining his draft stock. Stewart’s upside will be weighed against his limited production as teams consider him as a Day 1 option.
Both ESPN Matt Miller and The Ringer’s Danny Kelly have Stewart landing in the middle of the first-round order in their latest mock drafts. Any team making that notable of an investment would bank on his athletic upside, and Stewart’s performance at the Combine in March will be critical in establishing his range during the draft. A strong showing in that respect could increase the number of suitors interested in adding him during the spring.
A number of high-profile edge rushers figure to be available on Day 1 of this year’s draft, and the extent to which Stewart is viewed as a hybrid defender (as opposed to being strictly a five-technique) will be interesting to follow over the coming months. His stock could fluctuate considerably over the pre-draft process.
Browns Will Not Replace K Dustin Hopkins
Sunday’s loss saw Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins‘ 2024 struggles continue. No thought is being given to finding a replacement at this time, though. 
“He’s our kicker,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said after Cleveland’s 27-14 loss to Pittsburgh (via Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). “We expect him to make those. He’s a veteran. He’s a pro. I expect him to work through it. He’s our kicker.”
Hopkins missed field goal attempts of 38 and 45 yards while the Browns were trailing 13-7, continuing his accuracy struggles endured through much of the campaign. The 34-year-old has connected on only 16 of 25 attempts in 2024, including five misses from inside 50 yards. Hopkins’ overall accuracy rate of 64% is by far the lowest of his career and it represents a stark contrast to his success from last season.
The former sixth-rounder missed only three of his 36 field goal tries last year, and he went 8-for-8 beyond 50 yards. That success helped land Hopkins a three-year, $15.9MM extension during the summer, a deal which obviously created high expectations for 2024 and beyond. The Florida State product sits in a tie for eighth in terms of annual average compensation amongst kickers, but like a number of the players ahead of him in that regard he has not enjoyed a strong campaign. Cleveland is 3-10 and Sunday’s loss officially knocked the team out of postseason contention.
Hopkins’ contract includes $2.8MM in guaranteed compensation for 2025, and even a post-June 1 release would not create salary cap savings (although the $3.5MM dead money charge it would generate is not an unrealistic figure to absorb). As a result, it comes as little surprise Stefanski is publicly backing him as the Browns prepare to play out the final weeks of a lost season. If Hopkins manages to rebound down the stretch, he will help his chances of offseason competition not being brought in. Failing that, however, his status could be a talking point during the spring.
Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson On Future With Jets
The Jets were officially eliminated from playoff contention by virtue of today’s loss to the Dolphins. Of course, the 3-10 club – which came into the season with championship aspirations – has not looked like a viable contender at any point during the campaign, and it will go into the offseason at yet another organizational crossroads.
Gang Green will need to hire a new head coach and general manager and will need to make a final decision on the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There are also plenty of high-profile, non-QB talents to monitor, including the top two wideouts on the team’s depth chart.
Davante Adams’ dissatisfaction with the Raiders’ quarterback situation led him to engineer a midseason trade to the Jets in the hopes that a reunion with Rodgers would help both players recapture some of the form they displayed as longtime teammates in Green Bay. In the immediate aftermath of the trade, Adams expressed his desire to remain with the Jets beyond 2024, though he has naturally become more non-committal in the waning days of another lost season.
When asked this week about his future with the club, Adams said, “[that’s] a great question, and I truly don’t have the answer to it right now” (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini).
Adams further indicated that his contract situation and Rodgers’ status would be factors in his New York future.
“I would love to be a part of this football team,” he said (via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). “… I’d love to go to war with these guys, but it’s a business and there are a lot of pieces, contractually, and, obviously, with Aaron’s future — a lot of things that I can’t control. Hopefully, we do enough to where everybody’s feeling like it’s the right thing to do for us to stay here.”
Cimini, echoing recent reports, says that Rodgers is unlikely to be back with the team in 2025, which would encourage Adams to cut ties. Adams is still under club control through 2026 thanks to the Raiders-constructed deal that the Jets took on when they acquired him, but as Rapoport observes, the three-time First Team All-Pro controls his own destiny.
New York restructured Adams’ 2024 salary while leaving his 2025 and 2026 figures untouched, meaning that Adams is due base salaries of $35.6MM over each of the next two years. However, no portion of those salaries is guaranteed, and all parties know that the Jets will not retain Adams at those price points. Another restructure would therefore be necessary to keep the soon-to-be 32-year-old on the roster, but if Adams wants to leave, he can simply decline such a restructure – if the Jets even approach him about one – and effectively force his release.
Per Cimini, there has been no indication that Adams’ younger running mate, Garrett Wilson, is planning his own exit strategy by requesting a trade. The 2022 draftee is eligible for an extension at the end of the 2024 season, and though he continues to be one of Rodgers’ top targets, his production has declined in recent weeks. Unlike Adams, however, Wilson says his tenure with the Jets will be unaffected by Rodgers’ fate.
“No impact. No impact,” Wilson said. “I’ve been here with Aaron, and I’ve been here without him. No impact.”
The Jets rebuffed trade interest in Wilson at this year’s deadline, and the immensely talented 24-year-old is clearly a foundational piece upon which New York can rebuild. Wilson’s trade suitors were reportedly willing to offer him a new contract this offseason, and while the Jets could do the same, they can also control him at team-friendly rates through 2026 and franchise tag him in 2027. Speculatively, Wilson’s thoughts about requesting a trade could change if it becomes clear that his current employer is not interested in immediate extension negotiations.
For now, he is clearly suggesting that he will be back next year.
“[Whichever quarterback] they send me out there with (in 2025), I’m going to put my best foot forward and try to show that I belong, that I’m one of the guys in this league that’s a great player,” Wilson said. “So I just have to figure out a way to prove that. I thought it would be easier this year. It hasn’t been.”
Vikings Expected To Offer Extension To Kevin O’Connell; No Talks Ongoing
Kevin O’Connell‘s third season at the helm of the Vikings has gone well to date, in no small part due to his work guiding Sam Darnold to a productive showing so far. A new commitment from the front office could soon be coming as a result. 
The matter of extensions for O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (also in place since 2022) came up this offseason. Owner and president Mark Wilf noted no thought had been given at that point to new deals, but strong start to 2024 has no doubt boosted O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah’s stock. The Coach of the Year candidate is expected to receive an extension offer, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required).
O’Connell – like Adofo-Mensah – is under contract through 2025. As a result, the Vikings do not need to act with much urgency especially in the immediate aftermath of the current season. Still, it would come as no surprise if that tandem were to remain in place on new accords given the track record currently in place. Minnesota went 13-4 in 2022 before injuries to Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson contributed to a 7-10 campaign which left the team out of the playoffs. Moving on from Cousins opened to door to Darnold’s one-year free agent pact, which put the latter in position to rebuild his value this year.
With J.J. McCarthy out for the year, Darnold has not faced competition for the QB1 spot and has generally thrived atop the depth chart in 2024. The former No. 3 pick is in position to land a lucrative free agent deal this spring, one which will will likely send him out of Minnesota. Regardless of how the Vikings proceed in that event, O’Connell’s success in leading Darnold to a strong outing this year has boosted his stock in terms of being considered one of the league’s top offensive minds. As Russini notes, though, no extension talks are ongoing at this time.
O’Connell, 39, helped lead the Vikings to a 42-21 win over Cousins and the Falcons on Sunday; as a result, Minnesota sits at 11-2 on the year and remains in contention for the top seed in the NFC. O’Connell could boost his stock even further by landing the No. 1 spot, but in any case the regular season can be considered a success. The team’s defense entered Week 14 at No. 5 in scoring, a testament to the job done by Brian Flores (hired as defensive coordinator by O’Connell in 2023).
Of course, success in the playoffs could be a key factor in determining how Minnesota operates on the O’Connell front. The Vikings were upset at home in the wild-card round in his only postseason contest to date, but 2024 is on track to provide him with the opportunity to go on a run. O’Connell’s standing in the organization will be an interesting storyline to follow over the coming weeks.