NFL News Roundup: December 24th, 2023 – Feasting on Football Headlines Before Christmas
The NFL action may be taking a brief break for Christmas, but that hasn’t stopped the news cycle from churning out hot headlines like gingerbread out of the oven. From injury updates to contract extensions, playoff implications to coaching whispers, let’s dig into the December 24th NFL news buffet:
Quarterback Carousel Spins:
- Trevor Lawrence Back in the Driver’s Seat: Jacksonville Jaguars fans can breathe a sigh of relief. After clearing concussion protocol, their young signal-caller Lawrence will travel with the team to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is a crucial matchup for the Jags’ playoff hopes, and having Lawrence behind the helm makes all the difference.
- Geno Smith Ready to Retake the Helm: In Seattle, the Geno Smith era looks set to continue. After missing two games with a shoulder injury, Smith is expected to reclaim his starting quarterback spot for the Seahawks’ Christmas showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Raiders Eye Garoppolo Exit: Las Vegas has reportedly soured on Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance, with talks of releasing the veteran quarterback in the offseason gaining momentum. This could pave the way for a QB shakeup in Sin City come draft day.
Injury Report Woes:
- Colts Running Backs Bite the Dust: Indianapolis Colts fans received a double dose of bad news, as running backs Zack Moss and Phillip Lindsay were both downgraded to out for their Week 16 clash against the Los Angeles Chargers. This leaves rookie Deon Jackson as the lone healthy back in the Colts’ stable.
- Titans Lose Hooker on Defense: The Tennessee Titans’ secondary suffered a blow with safety Amani Hooker being placed on injured reserve. Hooker has been a key playmaker for the Titans all season, and his absence will be a significant challenge to overcome.
Contract Capers:
- Bears Lock Down Cairo Santos: Chicago secured the future of their kicking game by signing kicker Cairo Santos to a four-year extension. Santos has been a reliable weapon for the Bears since joining the team in 2021.
- Giants Bolster Practice Squad: Needing some insurance behind Graham Gano, the New York Giants signed veteran kicker Mason Crosby to their practice squad. Crosby, a 16-year veteran, provides depth and experience in case of any Gano hiccups.
Playoff Picture Flickers:
- Browns Eye Clinching: A win over the Houston Texans in Week 16 could see the Cleveland Browns secure their playoff berth. However, a complex web of scenarios involving other teams’ results makes the path to the postseason anything but straightforward.
- Chiefs Aim for Top Seed: The Kansas City Chiefs are already playoff-bound, but they have their sights set on the coveted AFC No. 1 seed. A victory against the Seahawks would be a step in the right direction, but other factors, including the Buffalo Bills’ performance, will ultimately determine their fate.
Coaching Carousel Whispers:
- Panthers Consider Ejiro Evero?: The Carolina Panthers’ search for a new head coach might take an unexpected turn, with reports suggesting defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is emerging as a potential candidate. This would be a bold move, considering Evero’s lack of head coaching experience.
- Eagles Appeal Denied: The NFL upheld the fine and suspension imposed on Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen for his sideline outburst in Week 15. This adds fuel to the already simmering tension between the Eagles and the league office.
And in Other News:
- Chiefs’ Offensive Line Impresses: ProFootballFocus named Chiefs left tackle Joe Thuney the third-best pass blocker in the NFL since Week 12. This is a testament to the improved protection Patrick Mahomes has been enjoying during the team’s recent surge.
- Mahomes Tops Chiefs’ PFF Grades: Speaking of Mahomes, the star quarterback earned the highest PFF grade on the Chiefs roster for the 2023 season so far. His leadership and performance have been crucial to Kansas City’s success.
That’s a wrap on the NFL news feast for December 24th! Remember, with Christmas just around the corner, these storylines are only going to get juicier. So stay tuned, grab your favorite eggnog, and prepare for an NFL playoff season that promises to be as delicious as gingerbread cookies.
Article above assisted by Google Bard, article below assisted by ChatGPT.
NFL News Summary – December 24th, 2023
Action-Packed NFL Weekend
This weekend, NFL fans are treated to an exciting lineup of games. The festive football fun includes games on December 23, 24, and 25, with the action concluding on Christmas Day.
Notable Matchups and Highlights
- Las Vegas Raiders’ Crucial Clash: The Raiders are coming off a record-setting 63-21 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. They face an uphill battle for a playoff spot, with their chances standing at just 2%. They are set to face the Chiefs, Colts, and Broncos in their final games.
- New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles Showdown: The Giants, led by rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito, face the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC East matchup. The Eagles, already in the postseason, are aiming for the division crown and the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The Giants, at 5-9, have slim postseason hopes, which they aim to keep alive with a win.
- Christmas Day Triple-Header: NFL fans have a triple-header to look forward to on Christmas Day, featuring teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers.
- Exciting Christmas Eve Games: Ten games are scheduled for Christmas Eve. Highlights include the Detroit Lions at the Minnesota Vikings and a potential playoff decider between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. The Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins face off in what some are calling a Super Bowl preview.
- Injury Updates: Several teams are facing key player injuries. The New England Patriots have ruled out tight end Hunter Henry and offensive lineman Conor McDermott for their game against the Broncos. The New York Giants’ Evan Neal is out, and the Eagles will be without Landon Dickerson, Avonte Maddox, and Darius Slay for their game against the Giants.
- Steelers vs. Bengals Recap: The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 34-11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Key performances included George Pickens for the Steelers with 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
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Concluding Thoughts
As the NFL season heads towards the playoffs, each game holds increasing significance. Fans can look forward to a blend of high-stakes matchups and festive football fun this weekend.
