News
1/2/23
20 min read
Titans to Start Dobbs vs. Jaguars; Seahawks' Brooks Suffers Torn ACL
Wednesday, Dec. 28
Henry Doubtful vs. Cowboys
The Titans on Wednesday listed running back Derrick Henry (hip) as doubtful to play in the team's Week 17 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.
Rookie fourth-round pick Hassan Haskins could be in line to take over the majority of the backfield workload if Henry is unable to play. Regular backup Dontrell Hilliard was added to injured reserve this week with a neck injury.
At 7-8, the Titans are tied with the Jaguars for first place in the AFC South with just two weeks left to play.
Tagovailoa Suffered Concussion, NFLPA Reviewing Incident
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion against the Packers on Christmas Day, coach Mike McDaniel told reporters. Tagovailoa entered concussion protocol on Monday, but it was unclear if he would be diagnosed with a concussion. This marks Tagovailoa's second concussion this season.
The NFLPA will conduct a joint review with the NFL into the application of concussion protocol by the Dolphins, NFL Media reported. This is the second time this season the NFLPA has had to investigate the use of the concussion protocol by the Dolphins in regard to Tagovailoa. Their first investigation took place in early October.
The Dolphins play the Patriots on Sunday in a game with major playoff implications. If Tagovailoa can't play, Miami is expected to start Teddy Bridgewater.
Commanders Make QB Switch
Carson Wentz will start for the Commanders against the Browns this week in place of Taylor Heinicke, the team announced. Wentz began the season as Washington's starter before he suffered a finger injury when the team was 2-4.
Heinicke got off to a fast start winning five of his first six starts, but in the Commanders' last three games the team is 0-2-1. Washington is 7-7-1 and holding on to the last playoff spot in the NFC. It will be Wentz's job to make sure they don't lose it.
Raiders Place Chandler Jones on IR
The Las Vegas Raiders had more news on Wednesday than just an abrupt switch at quarterback. Vegas announced it had placed two of the team's top defenders, pass rusher Chandler Jones and linebacker Denzel Perryman, on injured reserve, ending their 2022 seasons.
Jones has appeared in all 15 games for the Raiders this season, his first with the team after signing as a free agent, working as Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby's partner coming off the edge. Jones finished the season with 4.5 sacks, the lowest single-season total of his career for a year in which he played as many games.
Perryman had already missed games earlier in the season, appearing in 12 total for the Raiders. He was the team's leading tackler despite the time missed, with 83 stops to go along with a sack and pair of interceptions. He is in his second season as a Raider, and made his first career Pro Bowl last season.
Lane Johnson Puts Off Surgery
Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson elected not to have surgery for a torn adductor so he can return for the Eagles' playoff run, NFL Media reported. Johnson was injured late in the team's loss to the Cowboys on Saturday. He will miss at least the next two games as he rehabs the injury.
The expected timetable for adductor surgery is 10 to 12 weeks, meaning Johnson would've missed all of the playoffs if he had surgery.
Buccaneers Open Jensen's Practice Window
Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen's 21-day practice window was opened on Wednesday, the team announced. Jensen suffered a significant injury to his left knee early in training camp and has not played at all this season.
Jensen could return for the team's game against the Carolina Panthers. With a win, Tampa Bay would clinch its second straight NFC South division title.
Bakhtiari Returns to Practice, Rodgers Misses It
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (appendectomy) returned to practice on Wednesday while quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) missed practice, NFL Media reported. There was no indication given on Rodgers missing any time or on when Bakhtiari would return to his starting role.
Cardinals' Baker, Hill on IR; McCoy Returns
Quarterback Colt McCoy was cleared from concussion protocol on Wednesday and is expected to start the Cardinals' game against the Falcons, ESPN Reported.
Additionally, Safety Budda Baker (shoulder) and defensive lineman Trysten Hill (knee) are being placed on injured reserve, ending their seasons, NFL Media reported. Baker and Hill suffered their injuries in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers.
Burrow, Nick Bosa Among Players of the Week
Joe Burrow, Cam Heyward and Riley Patterson were named AFC Players of the Week for Week 17, NFL Media reported. Burrow led his Bengals to a tight victory over the New England Patriots, throwing for more than 300 with three TDs. Cam Heyward turned in one of the best performances of his career against the Las Vegas Raiders, recording seven tackles, three TFLs, two sacks and one pass defended.
On the NFC side, Carolina Panthers RB D'Onta Foreman took home NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 165 yards on 21 carries with one TD. The 49ers Nick Bosa further solidified his case for Defensive Player of the Year, recording seven tackles, two TFLs, two sacks and one forced fumble against the Washington Commanders. Finally, Greg Joseph earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after making all three extra points and two field goals, including a 61-yard game-winner for the Minnesota Vikings.
