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Atlanta Falcons safety Dwight Lowery (right) intercepts Arizona Cardinals’ Drew Stanton during their November 30 game in Atlanta, Georgia. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS)
One NFL quarterback is eyeing a playoff return, another has been shut down for the season, and a third team is weighing its options at the position. |
Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday that quarterback Drew Stanton has an “85 percent” chance to be back for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns placed rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, while Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly said the team must determine whether Nick Foles is their future quarterback.
Stanton is likely out of Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers to give his right knee time to heal, but Arians hopes Stanton will be ready for the Cardinals’ first postseason game since 2009.
Manziel was hurt during the second quarter Sunday in Cleveland’s 17-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He started two games this season and completed 18 of 35 passes for 175 yards and added nine rushes for 29 yards.
In Philadelphia, Kelly said: “We’ve got to make decisions moving forward in terms of what we’re going to do (at quarterback)... It doesn’t matter if I (got enough of a look.) The reality is the reality.”
Smith in Falcons active roster
The Atlanta Falcons promoted running back Jerome Smith to the active roster due to uncertainty over Steven Jackson, who has a quadriceps injury.
Jackson underwent an MRI exam Tuesday, but his status is unknown heading into Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Jackson was unable to practice Wednesday. He has rushed for 707 yards this season.
Browns sign Hughlett
The Browns signed long snapper Charley Hughlett to the active roster from the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad and activated defensive lineman John Hughes (knee) from injured reserve-designated for return.
The team also placed defensive lineman Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (leg) on injured reserve.
Vikings sign Josey
The Minnesota Vikings signed running back Henry Josey off the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad.
Josey entered the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. He went through training camp and the preseason with the Eagles before being released during final roster cuts. He replaces running back Ben Tate, who was waived Tuesday.
Wilson is Offensive Player of the Week
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was selected the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 339 passing yards and 88 rushing yards Sunday in Seattle’s 35-6 win over the Cardinals.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers took the AFC offensive honour after leading his team back from a 21-point deficit to beat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime. Rivers passed for 356 yards and four touchdowns.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews won the NFC defensive award, and Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick took the AFC defensive honour. The special teams honorees were Atlanta Falcons punter Matt Bosher and Houston Texans kicker Randy Bullock.
