Analysis

12/6/22

22 min read

Pickett, Wilson, Huntley in Concussion Protocol; Purdy Getting MRI

Russell Wilson

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Shanahan 'Not Optimistic' About Garoppolo Return

The 49ers are not optimistic Jimmy Garoppolo will return at any point in the 2022 season, coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters. If at all, Garoppolo would be available late in the playoffs.

“There's that way outside chance late in the playoffs," Shanahan said. "But it's just an outside chance. We're not real optimistic about that.”

Garoppolo suffered a foot injury in the team's Week 13 win over the Miami Dolphins but received good news from doctors Tuesday when they concluded the 49ers QB would not need season-ending surgery. For now, it'll be Brock Purdy serving as the 49ers' starting quarterback.

Donald Ruled Out Against Raiders

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald (ankle) has been ruled out of Thursday's matchup against the Raiders, ESPN reported.

The Rams are already dealing with several major injuries to significant players such as Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, who are both on injured reserve. Donald hasn't joined them on IR, but this is the second consecutive game he will miss after missing last week's game against the Seahawks.

49ers Ailing in Wednesday Practice

The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with mid-week injuries to several of their key players, reported by NFL Media. Top pass rusher Nick Bosa missed the team's practice due to injury, while on offense, skill players Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel were both limited.

Should either of the latter players miss further practices, it would create more uncertainty on a 49ers offense trying to support seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy as he replaces the injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 14.

Lawrence's Status for Sunday Unclear

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence's status for Sunday's game against the Titans is "up in the air" due to a foot injury he suffered in Week 13 against the Lions, NFL Media reported. Coach Doug Pederson told reporters Lawrence is "day to day."

Lawrence was rolled up on during a sack late in the second quarter and exited the game hobbling to the sideline. However, he returned following the halftime break and played the rest of the game. Jacksonville's backup is C.J. Beathard.

Beckham Could Be Back in 5 Weeks

Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons told reporters on Wednesday that, when speaking with the free-agent wide receiver, Odell Beckham told him he could be ready to play in five weeks.

The news comes almost exactly five weeks prior to the start of the NFL playoffs.

Cowboys Closer to Getting Smith Back

The Cowboys designated offensive tackle Tyron Smith to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, the team announced. Smith suffered a torn hamstring in the preseason and has yet to play in a game this season.

Smith can begin practicing with the team this week.

Mark Ingram Season Likely Done

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram is likely out for the remainder of the season after suffering a slight tear in his MCL, per NFL Media. The injury is expected to sideline Ingram for four-to-six weeks, and with only five weeks remaining in the regular season, it is unlikely Ingram will suit up again for New Orleans.

Texans Will Start Mills

The Texans are going back to Davis Mills as their starting quarterback for Week 14 against the Cowboys, coach Lovie Smith told reporters. Mills was benched for Kyle Allen the past two weeks, but the Texans finished that stretch 0-2 and scored just three offensive touchdowns.

Mills has 11 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions this season, while the Texans have the NFL's worst record at 1-10-1.

Broncos Likely to Miss Sutton vs. Chiefs

The Broncos likely won't have starting wide receiver Courtland Sutton on Sunday due to a hamstring injury vs. the Chiefs, coach Nathaniel Hackett told reporters. Sutton has 52 catches for 668 yards and one touchdown so far this season.

Players of Week Announced

The NFL announced its AFC and NFC players of the week on Wednesday. In the AFC, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow won Offensive Player of the Week, Raiders pass rusher Chandler Jones won Defensive Player of the Week and Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones won Special Teams Player of the Week.

In the NFC, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won Offensive Player of the Week, 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa won Defensive Player of the Week and Lions kicker Michael Badgley won Special Teams Player of the Week.

Browns Lose Starting LB

The Browns placed starting inside linebacker Sione Takitaki on injured reserve Wednesday after he suffered a torn ACL against the Texans on Sunday, NFL Media reported. The former third-round pick from BYU ranked second on the team in tackles and was tied for fourth in tackles for loss.

The Browns signed linebacker Reggie Ragland off of the Raiders practice squad to help fill Takitaki's spot.

Vikings Get Healthier

Vikings running back Ty Chandler, and potential starting cornerback Cameron Dantzler returned to practice on Wednesday, the team announced. Dantzler has been out since early November, and the Vikings' passing defense has struggled without him.

Chandler and Dantzler's first chance to return to action is this week against the Lions.

Foreman Misses Practice

Panthers running back D'Onta Foreman missed practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury he suffered last week, the team announced. The Panthers are preparing to play the Seahawks coming off their Week 13 bye.


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