News
12/19/22
21 min read
Hurts' Status in Doubt for Cowboys Game; Jets' Wilson Likely to Start TNF
Wednesday, Dec. 14
Cardinals GM Keim On Indefinite Leave
Cardinals general manager Steven Keim is taking an indefinite leave of absence for health-related reasons, the team announced. Keim's duties and responsibilities will be handled in the interim by VP of Player Personnel Quentin Harris and VP of Pro Personnel Adrian Wilson.
The 50-year-old Keim, in his 10th season as GM of the Cardinals, signed a contract extension through the 2027 season in March.
Jerry on OBJ Decision: 'Stand by'
The Cowboys' interest in free agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr. remains strong, and owner Jerry Jones said on the final day of the NFL owners meeting in Dallas that a decision needs to made "sooner rather than later."
"I don't want to talk about that but stand by," Jones said via ESPN. "This thing could break."
The Cowboys seemed to be moving on from Beckham when they signed T.J. Hilton on Tuesday, but Jones' comments on Wednesday hint that something could be decided soon.
Ravens' Jackson Misses Practice, Huntley Full Participant
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed his second straight practice with a PCL strain, ESPN reported. Jackson's regular backup, Tyler Huntley (concussion), was a full participant in practice, however.
The Ravens will head to Cleveland to take on the Browns on Saturday in a battle of NFC North foes. The Ravens are tied for first place in the division at 9-4 while the Browns are tied for last at 5-8.
Purdy Questionable for Thursday Night Game
The 49ers could be without quarterback Brock Purdy on Thursday night as he was designated questionable on Wednesday, ESPN reported. Purdy is currently dealing with both oblique and rib injuries.
Purdy was filling in for injured starters Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, thus his injury could force the team into starting their fourth option at QB, recently signed veteran Josh Johnson. The 49ers take on the Seahawks in prime time on Thursday evening.
Playoff Picture Beginning to Take Shape
Five teams can clinch playoff berths this weekend in Week 15 of the 2022 NFL season, per NFL Media. In the AFC, the Bills can clinch a playoff berth with a win against the Dolphins on Saturday, while the Kansas City Chiefs can clinch their division with a win against the Texans on Sunday.
On the NFC side, with the Eagles already clinching a playoff berth, the Cowboys can join them with a win against the Jaguars. The Vikings are firmly in the driver's seat for the NFC North crown, with an opportunity to clinch the division title with a win against the Colts or a Lions loss against the Jets. Finally, the 49ers can clinch the NFC West title with a win against the Seahawks on Thursday night.
Wilson Elevated to QB2
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has been promoted to the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart, coach Robert Saleh told reporters. The Jets are preparing to start Mike White again this week, but Wilson has now been elevated over veteran Joe Flacco, who filled in last week after White suffered an injury.
Wilson was benched due to poor performance after the Jets' loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11. He has been inactive in every game since. But in the media availability session where Saleh announced Wilson as QB2, he praised Wilson's work ethic and accountability in practice during the last three weeks.
Eric Mangini, an analyst for The 33rd Team, believed the Jets should've gone back to Flacco instead of Wilson before Wilson's promotion was announced.
Walker Back in Week 15
Kenneth Walker will play in Week 15, ESPN reported. Walker missed the Seahawks' Week 14 game due to an ankle injury but will carry no injury designation into the team's Thursday matchup with the San Fransisco 49ers.
Mariota to Have Surgery
Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota will have knee surgery and be placed on injured reserve for at least the rest of the regular season, coach Arthur Smith told reporters. This comes after Tuesday's report that Mariota had left the team upon hearing he would be benched for rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Smith added the injury had nothing to do with his decision to start Ridder over Mariota against the Saints this week. Recently signed free agent Logan Woodside will serve as Ridder's backup.
NFL Discussing Roughing the Passer Changes
The NFL will consider whether roughing the passer should be reviewable during the March meeting of the league's Completion Committee, NFL Media reported. There have been a number of controversial roughing-the-passer penalties this season.
Troy Vincent, the NFL's Executive Vice President of Football Operations, said there would be a "healthy discussion" on whether routing the passer could be reviewable or able to be challenged by coaches.
Barkley Comes Off Injury Report
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is officially off the team's injury report after being listed with a neck injury previously, the team reported.
Barkley, who played just 20 snaps in Week 14, seems to have the greenlight heading into the team's Week 15 matchup against the Commanders.
Cowboys Sign Trayvon Mullen
The Cowboys signed defensive back Trayvon Mullen on Wednesday, NFL Media reported. Mullen was a second-round pick by the Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft but was traded to the Cardinals prior to the 2022 NFL season.
Murray, Moore Officially Added to IR
Kyler Murray (ACL) and Rondale Moore (groin) were officially added to injured reserve on Wednesday, NFL media reported. The designation means both players will be out for at least the next four weeks, though Murray's ACL injury ensures he will miss the rest of the 2022 NFL season.
Fields Misses Practice
Bears quarterback Justin Fields missed practice on Wednesday with an illness, coach Matt Eberflus told reporters. Fields has missed time with a shoulder injury this season, and the team is listing him as "day to day." The Bears play the NFC-leading Eagles on Sunday in Chicago.
Raiders Designate Waller, Renfrow for Return
The Raiders have started the practice window for tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, coach Josh McDaniels told reporters. Waller hasn't played since Oct. 2 and Renfrow hasn't played since Nov. 6.
The Raiders play the Patriots on Sunday, but it's unclear if either Waller or Renfrow will play.
Broncos Could Get Pass Rush Boost
The Broncos started the practice window for pass rusher Randy Gregory on Wednesday, NFL Media reported. There's a chance Gregory is active for this week's game against the Cardinals.
The Broncos signed Gregory to a long-term deal this offseason, but he hasn't played in a game since Week 4 this season.
Cardinals Add Another Quarterback
The Cardinals signed quarterback David Blough off the Vikings practice squad on Wednesday, NFL Media reported. Blough will take Kyler Murray's place on the roster after he tore his ACL against the Patriots on Monday night.
The Cardinals also signed 2022 UDFA Carson Strong to their practice squad on Tuesday.
Hardman Off IR
Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman is being designated to return off of injured reserve, but it's unclear whether he'll play this week vs. the Texans. Hardman hasn't played since the team's Nov.6 game against the Titans.
Walker Suffers Injury
Jaguars defensive end and 2022 No.1 overall pick Travon Walker has a high-ankle sprain and is officially "day to day," coach Doug Pederson told reporters. Walker had one of his best statistical performances of the season against the Titans last week as he recorded one sack and one forced fumble.
