News
12/25/22
26 min read
Chargers' James Ejected for Vicious Hit; Tua In Concussion Protocol; Jets to Start White
Friday, Dec. 23
Tannehill's Season Could Be Finished After Surgery
Ryan Tannehill had surgery on his injured right ankle this week, leaving him as a longshot to return this season, ESPN reported.
The Titans quarterback, who has been dealing with a sprain to his right ankle since October and who reaggravated last Sunday against the Chargers, had the procedure in an attempt to return by the final week of the regular season. Now that looks unlikely.
Malik Willis will start for the Titans on Saturday against the Texans. Tennessee, 7-7 after losing four straight, is trying to hold off the fast-charging Jaguars (7-8), who won Thursday night against the Jets and moved within a half-game of the AFC South lead. Tennessee and Jacksonville play each other in the regular-season finale in a matchup that could determine who gets in the playoffs and who goes home.
Out Saturday, Hurts Could Also Miss Week 17
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is recovering from a sprained shoulder that will keep him out of Saturday's game against the Cowboys, is also uncertain to play in Week 17 when the Eagles face the Saints, ESPN reported.
The Eagles just need one more victory to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A win on Saturday against the Cowboys would most certainly keep Hurts on the sideline against New Orleans and maybe even against the Giants in the regular-season finale. If he were to sit out the Eagles' final three games, he potentially would have a full month of rest before Philadelphia's first playoff game in the divisional round.
Gardner Minshew will start in place of Hurts against the Cowboys.
Rams Likely Shutting Donald Down for Season
The Los Angeles Rams have ruled out superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald for their Christmas Day match against the Denver Broncos, per ESPN. In addition, Rams head coach Sean McVay said that it was unlikely that Donald would play in any of their remaining games this season. With their elimination from the playoffs on Monday night, the Rams are looking to get healthy and recuperate for next season.
Browns, Conklin Agree to Contract Extension
The Cleveland Browns and right tackle Jack Conklin have agreed to a new contract extension Friday morning, ESPN reported. The extension is a four-year, $60 million deal with $31 million guaranteed. Conklin was sidelined until Week 3 with a patella tendon injury he suffered last season, but he has not missed a game this year for the Browns, and now cashes in for his stability.
Conklin was slated to be a free agent in the offseason. This deal puts Conklin as one of the highest-paid right tackles in the NFL.
Packers Make Elgton Jenkins Second-Highest Paid Guard
The Green Bay Packers and guard Elgton Jenkins reached an agreement on a contract extension Friday morning, per NFL Media. Jenkins received a four-year, $64 million deal from the Packers worth up to $74 million. This deal keeps one of the best guards in the NFL in Green Bay, as he was slated to be a free agent this offseason.
Bengals Ruled TE Hurst Out vs. Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals' tight end Hayden Hurst has missed the last few weeks with a calf injury he sustained in their game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13, and that absence will last a bit longer. The Bengals ruled him out for their game against the New England Patriots this week despite optimism for his return, per ESPN.
In his absence, Mitchell Wilcox has stepped up.
Jaguars Fear DE Smoot Suffered Torn Achilles
NFL Media reported Friday Morning that Jaguars standout defensive end Dawuane Smoot is feared to have torn his Achilles in Thursday night's game against the New York Jets. He is undergoing further diagnosis to confirm the extent of his injury.
Smoot has six total sacks and 10 tackles for loss this season, per Sports Info Solutions.
