Packers star pass rusher Micah Parsons feared to have torn ACL, AP source says By ROB MAADDI and PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writers The Associated Press DENVER
DENVER (AP) — Micah Parsons is believed to have suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, a person with knowledge of the All-Pro pass rusher’s injury told The Associated Press on Sunday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the severity of the injury hadn't been confirmed by tests.
“I’m sickened,” Parsons told the AP in a text message.
Parsons’ injury is a devastating blow to the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1), who lost 34-26 to Denver on Sunday to fall a half-game behind the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears.
Parsons was steps away from another sack when he suddenly pulled up and fell to the ground, grabbing at his left knee. And in that moment, the Packers lost more than a showdown with the Broncos.
Asked about the possibility that Parsons tore his ACL, coach Matt LaFleur responded: "It doesn’t look good. I’ll leave it at that.”
It was the second significant injury for the Packers, who lost receiver Christian Watson to a chest injury after All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II fell on him following a third-quarter interception. LaFleur confirmed that Watson went to a hospital for tests.
“I told the guys, ‘Nobody is going to feel sorry for us,’” LaFleur said. “Everybody's going to have to elevate their play.”
Parsons blew past right tackle Mike McGlinchey and was chasing after Broncos quarterback Bo Nix when he suddenly pulled up and fell to the ground. Parsons clutched his knee as trainers and teammates came over to check on him. Surtain walked onto the field and tapped Parsons on the shoulder pads before he left for the locker room.
“It's obviously tough," LaFleur said after the Packers' four-game win streak was halted. “We all know what type of player he is and the impact he's had on our football team. To lose somebody like that, it's tough. ... We've got to find a way. Guys have to rally around one another.”
Parsons was having a big game. He forced an early fumble and was credited with a pass breakup.
Parsons has 12 1/2 sacks this season after the Packers acquired him from Dallas in late August for two first-round picks and three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark . The Packers gave Parsons a four-year, $188 million contract with $136 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.
“Hurt to see,” defensive end Rashan Gary said. “Will be missed on this defense. You all know his impact.”
Gary had a chance to briefly speak with Parsons after the game.
“Told him to keep his head up and we're going to finish strong for him,” Gary said. “It hurt.”
Green Bay was clinging to a 23-21 lead when Parsons was hurt. Soon after, Nix connected with Troy Franklin for the go-ahead score as the Broncos ran their winning streak to 11 games.
Was it hard for the Packers to get back into it without No. 1 on the field?
“You see your star player like that go down ... trying to finish the game strong for him. Trying to finish the game strong for us,” Gary said. “The situation, when we go on the field, we've got to find a way to get off — period.”
The 26-year-old Watson was hurt in the third quarter when Surtain made a diving interception and landed on top of him. Watson missed the start of the season as he recovered from tearing his ACL in Green Bay’s 2024 regular-season finale. He returned on Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh.
“A double whammy for us, just losing some pieces that are critical for our success,” LaFleur said.
The Packers have to regroup in a hurry. They play at Chicago on Saturday.
“We’ll come up with a plan,” LaFleur said.
___
Maaddi reported from Tampa, Florida.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Kansas City Chiefs say Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee and that he and team are exploring surgical options The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs say Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee and that he and team are exploring surgical options.
Vikings eliminated from playoffs before taking the field against Cowboys The Associated Press ARLINGTON, Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before taking the field for their game at the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.
The Vikings have alternated between making and missing the playoffs in four seasons under coach Kevin O'Connell. Minnesota lost in the wild-card round after going 13-4 in 2022, O'Connell's first year, and 14-3 in 2024.
Minnesota started 3-2 before losing six of seven games after its open week. The Vikings stopped a four-game losing streak with a 31-0 victory over Washington last week that ended up being too little, too late .
J.J. McCarthy is in his first season as the starting quarterback after his rookie year was wiped out by a torn meniscus in his right knee. Injuries have marred this season as well, including a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games.
The Vikings beat NFC North rival Detroit to even their record at 4-4 in McCarthy's return on Nov. 2 before losing the next four. McCarthy struggled through the losing streak before throwing a season-best three touchdown passes and going without a turnover for the first time against the Commanders.
Minnesota chose to stick with McCarthy after his promising 2024 preseason, even though a breakout year from Sam Darnold resulted in a playoff trip. The Vikings let Darnold go to Seattle in free agency.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Rams WR Davante Adams might not be ready for Seahawks showdown after reinjuring hamstring vs Lions By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer The Associated Press INGLEWOOD, Calif.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Wide receiver Davante Adams could miss the Rams' short-week showdown with Seattle after reinjuring his right hamstring in the fourth quarter of Los Angeles' 41-34 victory over Detroit on Sunday.
Adams got hurt while running a long route downfield in double coverage with 12:36 to play. The NFL's leader in touchdown receptions fell and landed facedown on the SoFi Stadium turf, staying down for a long moment before walking slowly to the Rams' locker room.
Coach Sean McVay said Adams will be evaluated in the next few days before the Rams (11-3) travel to Seattle on Thursday night to face the Seahawks (11-3) in a game for control of the NFC West and the No. 1 playoff seed. The team gave no prognoses about the seriousness of Adams' injury or the potential length of his recovery.
“(Adams) was optimistic, talking to him,” McVay said. “He knows his body really well. ... We'll see what that means. I can't imagine that's good for Thursday with just the short amount of time, but I certainly wouldn't rule him out quite yet. But it didn't look good.”
The 32-year-old Adams has been excellent during his first season with the NFC-leading Rams, who formally clinched their third straight playoff berth by beating the Lions. Adams had four catches for 71 yards against Detroit, giving him 56 receptions for 718 yards and a league-best 14 TDs this year.
But Adams has been slowed by hamstring problems twice during the season, and he was listed as questionable for this game after missing practice for much of the week.
“A huge part of our offense, a guy that’s put it in the end zone a bunch for us this year,” Stafford said. “That’ll be a tough one. I don’t know the extent of it. Didn’t look like it was a good one. Feel so tough for him. He’s been a warrior for us all year, really.”
The Rams would be short of proven options at receiver behind Puka Nacua if Adams is out for an extended time. Nacua has 102 catches for 1,367 yards in just 13 games after going off for nine receptions and 181 yards against the Lions.
Tutu Atwell returned to the Rams' lineup for the first time since mid-October against the Lions, making one impressive catch on just two targets. Youngsters Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield have all failed to make a significant impact as a target for Stafford despite getting more playing time than Atwell.
The Rams' solution could be even more reliance on the three-tight-end sets that McVay has used prolifically this season. Colby Parkinson made two TD catches against Detroit, giving him six in his last six games, while Davis Allen and rookie Terrance Ferguson also get extensive playing time.
"I've got a lot of faith and trust in the other guys that we have in the locker room, and our coaching staff to put us in a great position to let our play do the talking and just go play," Stafford said.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Coach Kyle Shanahan explains why the 49ers placed Brandon Aiyuk on season-ending reserve list By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan called the decision to put missing receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a season-ending reserve list an easy one and it won't change what the team plans to do the rest of the season.
The 49ers officially placed their former No. 1 receiver on the reserve/left squad list on Saturday with Aiyuk no longer showing up as rehabilitates a knee injury that has sidelined him since last October.
“We haven’t seen him in forever," Shanahan said after San Francisco's 37-24 win over Tennessee on Sunday. "That’s the decision they make. It’s been pretty simple for me. I haven’t seen him in a month. It hasn’t been an issue with our team at all. We’ve been plugging away. No big deal. It’s something we've been used to for a while.”
The issues with Aiyuk go back to the summer previously voided $27 million guaranteed in his contract for next season for failing to participate in meetings and other team activities.
Shanahan had expressed hope earlier this year that Aiyuk could return, but the move made by the team this weekend makes him ineligible to play the rest of the season and makes it unlikely he will ever play again for San Francisco.
Aiyuk has three years remaining on the four-year, $120 million extension he signed last year. But he now has no guaranteed money remaining, making it simpler for the team to cut ties in the offseason.
“I wouldn’t say that’s for sure been decided,” Shanahan said. “I literally haven’t had to think about BA or had a reason to think about him in a long time. He is under contract next year. BA’s a guy we’ve had a relationship for a while. We’ve always liked BA. Everyone knows how good of a player he is. It’s extremely unfortunate that it’s gone to this point. But when this year’s over, we’ll see where we’re at.”
Aiyuk signed the lucrative extension last summer following a lengthy contract hold-in that kept him out of training camp. He was coming off a 2023 season when he had 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns and was a second-team All-Pro.
Aiyuk had only 25 catches for 374 yards in seven games last season before getting injured. He has been paid about $48 million the past two seasons for that production.
The 27-year-old Aiyuk has 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 TDs since being drafted in the first round in 2020.
The Niners have overcome his absence to improve to 10-4 this season. The depth at receiver was shown on Sunday with Jauan Jennings catching two touhdown passes and Ricky Pearsall catching six passes for 96 yards.
“We’ve been playing with our receiver group all year,” Shanahan said. "I really have been hoping he would come back all year, but not one point was I really planning on it. That would have been a great bonus. That would have been awesome. I would love to have BA out there, would love to have that type of player.
"But that was something I realized early on wasn’t going to come for a while and there was nothing that made me sit there and think it was happening soon."
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Titans' Jeffery Simmons records a sack, forced fumble and a TD catch in loss to 49ers By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Jeffery Simmons took over the game for the Tennessee Titans in one three-play stretch in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.
What went on in the other 59 minutes of San Francisco's 37-24 win over Tennessee on Sunday made that impressive period a footnote to yet another loss for the Titans.
Simmons put together the sixth game on record with at least one sack, a forced fumble and a touchdown catch as the do-everything defensive tackle showed off his wide array of skills.
“You just absolutely love the way Jeff plays, the way he leads, you do love everything about him,” interim coach Mike McCoy said. “You can see him catch that ball, I mean, those are natural hands. And that was pretty sweet. He’s caught a couple of balls like that in practice. What a great effort by everyone to get that touchdown.”
The stretch started when Simmons beat a one-on-one block and hit Brock Purdy just before he was attempting a pass. The ball got knocked loose and Kaiir Elam recovered it.
Simmons was credited with his career-high ninth sack of the season on the play and his second forced fumble.
“This year, I try to take every play like I’m going to get a one-on-one,” he said. “Finally got it and made a hell of a play on the ball. I was excited to get my career high today and hopefully we can keep stacking. Every time I step on the field, I want to be that player that can go make that play. I want to be the player that can cause and create sacks and whatever it may be, be disruptive.
"I think that’s my calling is to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage.”
Simmons showed he can be more than just a dominant defensive player after Cam Ward connected with Van Jefferson on a deep strike to the 1 on the next play.
Simmons then entered the game on offense and got loose in the back of the end zone after Ward scrambled for about 6 seconds and the D-lineman caught his second career TD pass .
Simmons said he never got the ball in practice on that play when he goes out in the flat, but the scramble allowed him to improvise and it led to the touchdown.
“He probably throws the ball, which is dangerous, across his body more than any quarterback in the league,” Simmons said. “I’m like, ‘I’m going to go the opposite way. I know Cam can make that throw.’ When I saw him release it, I said, ’Just don’t drop this ball.' That’s all the was going through my mind right there. Do not drop this ball. And he made a hell of a throw across his body. That’s Cam. Cam can do that, and it looked like effortless.
"I was happy to be able to catch that.”
The last time a player had a sack, a forced fumble and a TD catch in the same game came in 2014 when J.J. Watt did it twice for Houston. The only other players to pull that off since sacks became official were Mike Vrabel (2007), Jared Allen (2017) and Barry Krauss (1982).
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Detroit Lions are running out of time to make playoff push, though belief remains strong By DAN GREENSPAN Associated Press The Associated Press INGLEWOOD, Calif.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Detroit Lions know what it takes to compete with the best in the loaded NFC after a 41-34 loss to the conference-leading Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
But with three games and zero margin for error remaining to make the playoffs, the Lions are running out of time to be able to put those lessons to use.
“You know what it is. And we’re not there right now,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “Doesn’t know we can’t be, but now we know what it looks like, and you got to get better. We got to get better. We got to move on. Can’t sulk about it. Can’t felly sorry for ourselves. We make the corrections, and we move on.”
The Lions (8-6) haven’t made the postseason in three consecutive campaigns since 1993-95, and understood coming into the weekend that even winning out might not be enough to get a playoff berth and end that streak.
They came out with a first half worthy of the Super Bowl aspirations they entered the season with, taking a 24-14 lead with 30 seconds remaining behind a dynamic passing attack from quarterback Jared Goff to wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, plus a jaw-dropping interception by edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson on a tight end screen and returning it 58 yards.
“Aidan made a great play,” Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “Looked like he was the primary receiver on the damn play. Made me look silly in space.”
But the Rams (11-3) snatched a field goal to end the second quarter, and the Lions could not regain momentum after the break, going three-and-out on both possessions in the third quarter while the defense gave up 17 points.
Goff pointed to ineffectiveness on first down in the second half, forcing the offensive line into situations where Los Angeles could turn to its powerful pass rush. Campbell essentially agreed, noting an overall inability to run the ball as Detroit had two carries for 11 yards in the third quarter, plus a holding penalty which negated a first down and left the offense facing third-and-long.
“But, the bottom line is, we weren’t able to convert, and so then we strung the defense out, and then all of a sudden it flips,” Campbell said. “You’re up 10, you’re down 10, and that was a rough quarter for us.”
The Lions finished with just 70 yards rushing on 20 carries, having failed to win any of their five games this season when totaling less than 100 yards on the ground.
Goff went 25 of 41 for 338 yards and three touchdowns, finding St. Brown 13 times for 164 yards and two scores and Williams seven times for 134 yards and a score, though their overall effectiveness dropped off in the second half.
Detroit needs to win its final three games — against Pittsburgh, at Minnesota on a short week, and at Chicago — and get help to have a shot at the playoffs
Goff expressed belief the Lions can still put a streak together, even after alternating wins and losses for the past 10 games.
“We’re resilient,” Goff said. “I hope I can give you a really good answer in a couple weeks. But we’re resilient. We really are, and I expect us to bounce back from this, and we still have plenty of stuff in front of us.”
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
TJ Watt is basically irreplaceable for the Steelers. Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer are ready to try By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer The Associated Press PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH (AP) — T.J. Watt enjoys being a mentor. Yes, the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker understands it's part of the job when you're among the best in the world at what you do. Still, the perennial Pro Bowler has long leaned into it, particularly when it comes to Nick Herbig.
The first tell-tale sign that Watt understood Herbig had the potential to be a difference-maker came during Herbig's rookie season two years ago.
Asked what makes the undersized Herbig stand out, Watt didn't point to Herbig's quickness or tenacity.
“He asks the right questions," Watt has said more than once .
Time to find out if all those “right questions” have led Herbig to the right answers. When Herbig steps onto the frigid Acrisure Stadium turf on Monday night as the Steelers (7-6) host the Dolphins , he'll do it without Watt nearby for the first time in his three-year career.
One of the NFL's elite pass rushers is out indefinitely after surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung following a dry-needling treatment mishap this week. Enter Herbig and rookie Jack Sawyer, who will both take on an increased workload while Watt recovers.
“I think that he’s prepared not just myself, but a bunch of the younger guys in that sense to be able to take on that larger role, not just as a player but as a leader, and bringing that energy and just doing everything that he does right,” said Herbig, whose 6 1/2 sacks this season trail only Watt's team-leading seven.
Herbig is not Watt, but he has shown flashes of being the latest link in Pittsburgh's long line of chaos-rendering edge rushers, a lineage that includes James Harrison, Greg Lloyd and Joey Porter Sr.
At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, Herbig makes up for his lack of bulk with lightning-quick reflexes and a relentlessness that helped him lead the Big Ten Conference in sacks during his final year at Wisconsin in 2022. He has showcased both on several occasions this year. In addition to the sacks, he's picked off a pass, forced two fumbles and recovered another for a Pittsburgh defense that relies heavily on creating turnovers to make up for an alarming inability to get stops, particularly against teams such as Miami that like to run the ball.
The Dolphins have won four straight games and five of six following a 1-6 start by putting the ball in running back De'Von Achane's hands and getting out of the way. Achane is averaging 109 yards during Miami's surge, taking some of the pressure off quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
In that way perhaps, having Sawyer play more might be a benefit. The fourth-round draft pick out of Ohio State lacks Watt's pass-rush skills but is adept at setting the edge against the run, something Pittsburgh has struggled to do consistently this season.
“I feel like I’m getting better each week and getting more comfortable with this level each week and the scheme and just trying to help this team win anyway I can,” Sawyer said.
Sawyer saw the field for just three plays last week against Baltimore, though that number figures to spike against the Dolphins as Pittsburgh tries to keep its tenuous hold on its AFC North lead while looking to extend its winning streak for Monday night home games to 23.
That streak began before Herbig or Sawyer — or even Watt for that matter — were born.
Sawyer is no stranger to high stakes. He played a pivotal part in the Buckeyes' run to a national championship last winter and is eager to show he's not intimidated by the stakes or the stage.
“I’ve always put on my best games late in the year at Ohio State,” Sawyer said, later adding, “You know, going on with this run, I want to be that guy that they can lean on if they need me and whenever my number is called.”
The potential return of rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon might help keep Achane in check. The first-round pick out of Oregon is questionable after missing the last two games with a knee injury unrelated to the one he sustained near the end of training camp that cost him a couple of games in September.
The rushing defense numbers with and without Harmon in the lineup are jarring. The Steelers are surrendering nearly 100 yards fewer a game on the ground with Harmon's No. 99 manning the interior line.
“Derrick is very stout,” longtime Pittsburgh defensive lineman Cam Heyward said. “We’re having guys that are learning and coming along very well.”
The Steelers need that learning curve to start leveling off if they want to reach the playoffs for a third straight season. The finishing stretch beyond Monday night includes a trip to run-heavy Detroit and a visit by Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.
Whether that game is for a playoff spot or chance to rest will rely heavily on Pittsburgh's ability to adapt without arguably its best player. While the “next man up” mentality has long been an NFL cliche, the Steelers have embraced it.
Embracing it and succeeding at it, however, are two different things. And Herbig and Sawyer and everyone else in black and gold know it.
“Obviously you can’t replace a guy like (Watt),” Herbig said. “A Hall of Famer, the best in the league, the best to ever do it. It’s hard to replace a guy like that. But we’re going to do everything in our ability to make sure we do the right things by him.”
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Patrick Mahomes suffers a torn ACL and Chiefs say he's considering surgical options By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee while trying to keep the Kansas City Chiefs' postseason hopes alive in the waning seconds of a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, and the two-time MVP quarterback was considering surgical options.
It's the most significant injury of a superlative nine-year career for Mahomes, who has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles and reached the AFC championship game in each of his seven previous seasons as the starter in Kansas City.
This year, the Chiefs won't even make the playoffs, and Mahomes won't be back on the field until sometime in 2026.
“Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes posted on social media before the diagnosis was announced. “And not going to lie it hurts. But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.”
How it happened
The Chiefs had just crossed midfield with less than two minutes to go Sunday when Mahomes scrambled toward the Kansas City sideline, then tried to get rid of the ball. He was spun to the ground upon release by Chargers defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, and Mahomes immediately grabbed at his left knee while trainers converged on him.
He was eventually helped to the blue injury tent on the sideline, but Mahomes only stayed there for a few moments. He soon emerged with staff members on either side of him, limping toward the locker room with a white towel draped over his head.
“He will get an MRI tomorrow or this evening,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “whenever we can.”
It turned out to be Sunday night. And the news was what everyone in Kansas City had feared.
“I just hugged him, man,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “That’s my brother. We’ve been through so much. We love Pat.”
Gardner Minshew entered the game and completed three straight passes to give the Chiefs a chance. But he was picked off by Derwin James on a jump ball intended for Travis Kelce with 14 seconds remaining, sealing the Chargers' season sweep of Kansas City.
“I hate the situation. I hate that I couldn’t deliver the win and keep our hopes alive,” Minshew said.
The loss, along with wins by Jacksonville, Buffalo and Houston, eliminated the defending AFC champs from playoff contention.
“It’s very frustrating, man. It’s been hard to watch for Pat, a dude that puts so much into it,” Minshew said. “I’ve never seen someone give so much of themselves to the team. I have confidence in him and his ability to come back better than ever.”
The 30-year-old has dodged severe injuries for most of his career.
The worst previous injury may have come in 2019, when Mahomes dislocated his right kneecap on a quarterback sneak against the Broncos, a fluke injury that may be why Reid has not called another traditional QB sneak in years.
Mahomes has dealt with a concussion, turf toe and other minor injuries, but his most famous may have occurred during the 2022 playoffs, when he sustained a severe high ankle sprain. Questions swirled around whether Mahomes would be able to play the next week, and he not only was on the field but the led the Chiefs to victory, and then to an eventual Super Bowl title.
Chiefs banged up everywhere
The injury to Mahomes, who threw for just 189 yards with an interception, was merely the latest — and most severe — in a series of setbacks that had turned what had been one of the NFL's best offenses for the better part of a decade into a shadow of itself.
Kansas City started the game with left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve with a fractured wrist, backup Wanya Morris out with a knee injury, right tackle Trey Smith inactive with an ankle injury and right tackle Jawaan Taylor dealing with a triceps injury.
Backup right tackle Jaylon Moore hurt his knee during the game, too, leaving journeyman Esa Pole and Chukwuebuka Godrick — an international pathway player who had never appeared in an NFL game — to protect Mahomes down the stretch.
The Chiefs also were missing Marquise Brown, who was inactive while dealing with a family matter, and fellow wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who was crushed by Chargers cornerback Tony Jefferson after a 20-yard catch and was evaluated for a concussion.
Another receiver, Xavier Worthy, missed part of the game while clearing the concussion protocol.
It hasn't just been the Chiefs' offense where the injuries have mounted.
They began the game without Trent McDuffie, who was inactive with a knee injury. Then in a span of three straight plays, they lost linebacker Nick Bolton, defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback Jaylen Watson, though each of them eventually returned.
“We have a lot of guys who are very resilient in our locker room,” Jones said. “We all knew what was at stake. We all wanted to be part of this game. We were looking forward to it. Unfortunately, we didn't get the outcome we hoped for, but everyone battled.”
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Arizona's Baccellia expected to fly home with team after leaving field on stretcher with neck injury By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer The Associated Press HOUSTON
HOUSTON (AP) — Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia was expected to return home with the team Sunday after being taken off the field on a stretcher with a neck injury against the Houston Texans.
During the game, the Cardinals announced Baccellia was being taken to a hospital for further evaluation and would not return to the game. They added that Baccellia was alert and had full movement of all of his extremities.
Coach Jonathan Gannon provided an update on his condition after the 40-20 loss.
“I think he'll fly home with us, so that's good to see,” Gannon said.
Baccellia returned a kickoff 26 yards just before halftime before being taken down in a group of several players. He remained on the ground for several minutes while medical staff tended to him as players from both teams looked on with concern.
The wide receiver was then immobilized and placed on a stretcher before being taken off the field. He raised his right arm in the air and gave a thumbs up as he was taken off the field.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL