The Marathon Continues.

[Soapy]

Week 14 Preview: Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 7-5, 3rd AFC North

Team Leaders
Passing: Joe Burrow (62% completion, 1523 yards, 11 TD, INT, 102.0 rating)
Rushing: Miles Sanders (755 yards, 4.0 ypc, 2 TD)
Receiving: Sage Surratt (48 receptions, 857 yards, 10 TD)
Defense: Carl Lawson (40 tackles, 5 TFL, 6.0 sacks)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 15th
Total Defense: 20th
Points Per Game: 19th
Turnover Differential: 14th

Injuries
OLB Rashan Gary
TE Hunter Bryant
S Greg Eisworth

The prognosis on Will Castonzo's shoulder injury was a lot better than expected with the rookie QB expected to be back on the field before the end of the regular season, if necessary.

The Cincinnati Bengals dealt with injuries at the position as well with Joe Burrow missing five games due to an injury. Joseph Bailey was effective, fielding a higher passer rating and completion percentage in those games than Burrow has on the season. The Chargers will hope for a similar outcome with Marcus Mariota serving as the starter and Rashaud Wheaton, last year's starter, being his backup.

The big question mark is if the other injuries along the Chargers starting lineup -- notably D.K. Metcalf and Hunter Henry -- be too much for the wounded Chargers to overcome?

[Soapy]

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CIN (8-5) | 0 | 7 | 0 | 12 || 19
LAC (11-2) | 3 | 6 | 7 | 0 || 16
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Badgley's Missed Kick Keeps Bengals Playoff Hopes Alive
Michael Badgley's second stint with the Los Angeles Chargers has been nothing short of unquestionable success, not missing a kick all of last season.

In a game where the Chargers needed everything to go right, it would only make sense if one of the most reliable units on their team fell short as Badgley's potential game-tying 40-yard field goal went right left as the Bengals hung on for a 19-16 win.

The Bengals scored most of their points in the fourth quarter and was the only quarter where the Chargers did not score. With many of their starters out, Los Angeles went with a conservative approach in the fourth quarter after entering with a 16-7 lead.

A holding penalty in their own endzone by right tackle Colton McKivitz gave Cincinnati their first points of the quarter with Zach Moss scoring on the ensuing drive to tie the game. Both teams traded punts until Cincinnati was able to secure a field goal with 1:29 left in the game and drained the Chargers of their timeouts.

Despite this, backup QB Marcus Mariota was able to complete passes of 12, 9 and 16 yards before Tyron Floyd's 17 yard run put them in scoring position.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LAC] M. Badgley, 25 Yd FG (8:43)

Quarter 2
[CIN] M. Sanders, 12 Yd run (14:55)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 55 Yd FG (8:40)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 25 Yd FG (1:28)

Quarter 3
[LAC] D. Henry, 30 Yd run (12:11)

Quarter 4
[CIN] Team Safety (8:29)
[CIN] Z. Moss, 7 Yd run (5:23)
[CIN] W. Lutz, 50 Yd FG (1:24)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Marcus Mariota: 16 of 28, 113 yards, 2 carries, 28 yards.
Tyron Floyd: 14 carries, 77 yards, fumble.
Derrick Henry: 11 carries, 61 yards, touchdown.
Eric Harper: 1 carry, 5 yards, 3 receptions, 22 yards.
Justin Jefferson: 3 receptions, 24 yards.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1 reception, 18 yards (left game with injury).
Sean Butler: 9 tackles, tackle for loss.
Christian Childs: 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 sacks
Vincent Zellner: 1 tackle, sack.

Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow: 24 of 34, 237 yards.
Zach Moss: 8 carries, 30 yards, touchdown.
Miles Sanders: 5 carries, 57 yards, touchdown (left game with injury).
Tyler Boyd: 6 receptions, 66 yards.
Foster Moreau: 4 receptions, 62 yards.
Tyronne Delmas: 4 receptions, 45 yards.
Samson Ebukam: 8 tackles, sack.
Kirk Layman: 6 tackles, sack.
Jahlil Cummings: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack.

[Captain Canada]

the most pain.

[Soapy]

the most pain.

my dawg typically clutch too smh

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Fourteen Loss vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive Line Grades
LT Melvin McKinley: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, sack allowed, QB hurry allowed, 60.6 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, sack allowed, QB hurry allowed, run stuff allowed, 52.1 PFF grade.
C Austin Griggs: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, sack allowed, QB hurry allowed, run stuff allowed, penalty, 47.5 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, 3 run stuffs allowed, penalty, 49.7 PFF grade.
RT Colton McKivitz: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, 3 penalties, 49.2 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 54 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 sacks, run stuff, 74.7 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 17 snaps, no stats, 46.2 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 50 snaps, tackle, sack, pass breakup, 62.0 PFF grade..
EDGE Joey Bosa: 46 snaps, no stats, 40.6 PFF grade.
EDGE Rashard Keaton: 50 snaps, tackle, tackle for loss, run stuff, 60.6 PFF grade.
LB Michael Pinckney: 12 snaps, 2 tackles, tackle for loss, run stuff, 84.7 PFF grade.
LB Shaq Quarterman: 23 snaps, tackle, 3 catches allowed, 44.3 PFF grade.
LB Layne Scott: 46 snaps, 9 tackle, 3 run stuffs, 4 catches allowed, 69.9 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 42 snaps, 8 tackles, 5 catches allowed, 57.0 PFF grade.
CB Jalen Ramsey: 50 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, run stuff, catch allowed, 83.2 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 60 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 4 catches allowed, 73.4 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: DNP
S Samuel Fleming: 57 snaps, 2 tackles, pass breakup, 73.4 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 57 snaps, 3 tackles, 3 catches allowed, 60.8 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 58 snaps, 9 tackle, tackle for loss, pass breakup, QB hurry, run stuff, penalty, 5 catches allowed, 62.8 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2027 Report Card
QB Will Castonzo: Did not play.
LT Melvin McKinley: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, sack allowed, QB hurry allowed, 60.6 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, sack allowed, QB hurry allowed, run stuff allowed, 52.1 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 66 snaps, 31 dropbacks, 35 rushes, 3 run stuffs allowed, penalty, 49.7 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 42 snaps, 8 tackles, 5 catches allowed, 57.0 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 58 snaps, 9 tackle, tackle for loss, pass breakup, QB hurry, run stuff, penalty, 5 catches allowed, 62.8 PFF grade.
FB Eric Harper: 32 snaps, 1 carry, 5 yards, 3 receptions, 22 yards.

Injury Report
HB Felix Whittaker: Probable (shoulder)
TE Hunter Henry: Probable (shoulder)
CB Donovan Bigby: Questionable (abdominal)
QB Will Castonzo: Questionable (shoulder)
WR D.K. Metcalf: Out (ankle)
WR Travis White: Out (abdominal)

[Soapy]

Week 14 NFL Results
GB 26 - CAR 23 :: DAL 21 - NO 17 :: ATL 31 - PHI 27 :: HOU 21 - IND 21
CHI 23 - DET 21 :: TEN 28 - NYJ 19 :: NYG 39 - NE 13 :: TB 27 - TOR 17
SF 24 - ARI 14 :: MIN 21 - LAR 7 :: PIT 35 - LV 21 :: CIN 19 - LAC 16
DEN 41 - KC 35 :: BUF 28 - MIA 14 :: CLE 21 - JAX 7 :: BAL 28 - SEA 23
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Players of the Week
QB Patrick Mahomes (KC): 25 of 28, 362 yards, 4 touchdowns.
QB Mitchell Trubisky (GB): 23 of 37, 333 yards, 3 touchdowns.
CB Daevonte Nicholas (NYJ): 9 tackles, interception.
LB Fred Warner (SF): 13 tackles, 2 sacks.
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AFC Playoffs Seedings
1. LA Chargers, 11-2 y
2. Pittsburgh, 11-2 x
3. Houston, 10-2-1 y
4. Buffalo, 6-7
5. Baltimore, 9-4
6. Cincinnati, 8-5
-- Denver, 7-6
-- Cleveland, 7-6
-- Miami, 6-7
-- NY Jets, 5-8
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NFC Playoffs Seedings
1. NY Giants, 10-3
2. Chicago, 9-4
3. New Orleans, 9-4
4. San Francisco, 6-6-1
5. Dallas, 10-3
6. Green Bay, 9-4
-- Carolina, 7-5-1
-- Atlanta, 7-6
-- LA Rams, 5-8
-- Seattle, 5-8
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Notable Injuries
T Taylor Agnew (CHI): Season (knee)
HB Dalvin Cook (CHI): Season (foot)
HB Miles Sanders (CIN): Season (shoulder)
DE Myles Garrett (CLE): Season (knee)
WR Tee Higgins (TB): Season (hip)
CB Josh Jackson (MIA): Season (knee)
G Anthony Andrews (MIA): Season (knee)
DE Deron Polley (MIA): Season (knee)
WR Andy Isabella (MIA): Season (knee)
G Robert Gilmore (PHI): Season (shoulder)
DE Thomas Booker (PHI): Season (knee)
CB Rafael Boswell (SF): Season (femur)
DE Nick Bosa (SF): Season (arm)
TE T.J. Hockenson (DET): Season (chest)
QB Keenan Church (CAR): Season (hip)
CB Donte Jackson (CAR): Season (ankle)
LB Tramon Cox (CAR): Season (elbow)
HB Josh Jacobs (LV): Season (collarbone)
DE Fletcher Cox (BAL): Season (quad)
HB Alvin Kamara (NO): Season (knee)
QB Justin Fields (NO): 2 weeks (ankle)
DE Jadeveon Clowney (SEA): Season (foot)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (PIT): Season (hip)
CB Adoree' Jackson (TEN): Season (knee)
WR Willie Paige (TEN): Season (foot)
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Notable Transactions
None

[Soapy]

Week 15 Preview: Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 5-8, 3rd AFC West

Team Leaders
Passing: Patrick Mahomes (68% completion, 3266 yards, 31 TD, 10 INT, 102.0 rating)
Rushing: Denard Melvin (672 yards, 3.6 ypc, 5 TD)
Receiving: Tyreek Hill (67 receptions, 977 yards, 10 TD)
Defense: Jaelan Phillips (50 tackles, 5 TFL, 8.0 sacks)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 6th
Total Defense: 31st
Points Per Game: 2nd
Turnover Differential: T-14th

Injuries
DT William Barr
CB DeAndre Baker
LB Chris Sanders

With the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers on their heels, Will Castonzo is 'coming back like Jordan in the 4-5'. At least that's what the Chargers rookie QB posted on his social media, leaving many to believe that Castonzo could make an early return from his injury to play the Kansas City Chiefs.

With their loss last week, the Chiefs' playoff hopes were squandered as they just couldn't dig themselves out of an early season hole. With nothing officially to play for, the Chiefs will instead try to knock their divisional rival out of their top seed and force them to have to win some road playoff games in potentially bad weather cities such as Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the winter.

The team is also getting back Felix Whittaker and Hunter Henry, two of their top offensive players that have missed the past few games.

[Soapy]

-----------------------------------------------
KC (6-8) | 7 | 6 | 3 | 10 || 26
LAC (11-3) | 7 | 10 | 0 | 3 || 20
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Despite Mahomes Injury, Chargers Can't Overcome Chiefs in Loss
With a brace on his left shoulder, Will Castonzo was determined to tough it out with a shoulder injury and try to lead his team to victory. It worked for a half.

Castonzo was intercepted twice in the second half, fumbled and couldn't beat the Chiefs despite Patrick Mahomes leaving the game with an injury as Kansas City left Los Angeles with a 26-20 win.

With Castonzo still recovering from a hurt shoulder, he threw just six passes in the first half, all completions as the Chargers ground game took effect, rushing for 383 yards.

On third and five from the Kansas City eight-yard line, however, the game started to unravel. The Chargers were up 17-16 when Castonzo threw an interception in the endzone.

It was on the next play that Mahomes would be sacked and suffer an injury from which he did not return.

Two possessions later, Castonzo was sacked and stripped on second down with the fumble being returned for a touchdown to give Kansas City the lead. Three plays later, it was Duke Johnson's turn to fumble.

The Chargers would score on a field goal with 6:30 left in the game to make it 26-20 and did force a Kansas City punt. However, the Chargers would be stopped on fourth and four with 57 seconds left in the game when Clinton McDonald's run was stopped two yards short.

Los Angeles would get the ball back with 14 seconds left in the game but Castonzo was intercepted on a deep pass to Justin Jefferson.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LAC] D. Johnson Jr, 21 Yd run (11:38)
[KC] D. Melvin, 7 Yd run (8:08)

Quarter 2
[LAC] D. Henry, 9 Yd run (13:00)
[KC] H. Butker, 28 Yd FG (7:20)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 22 Yd FG (1:22)
[KC] H. Butker, 48 Yd FG (0:09)

Quarter 3
[KC] H. Butker, 36 Yd FG (9:29)

Quarter 4
[KC] H. Butker, 51 Yd FG (14:05)
[KC] C. Womack, returned fumble 29 Yds (13:14)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 35 Yd FG (6:29)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Will Castonzo: 12 of 18, 86 yards, 2 interceptions, 5 carries, 42 yards, fumble
Derrick Henry: 17 carries, 114 yards, touchdown.
Felix Whittaker: 16 carries, 110 yards (left game with injury).
Kyree Sampson: 8 carries, 56 yards(left game with injury).
Duke Johnson: 6 carries, 40 yards, touchdown, fumble(left game with injury).
Justin Jefferson: 3 receptions, 14 yards.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1 reception, 6 yards.
Sean Butler: 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
Layne Scott: 9 tackles tackle for loss.
DeAndre Bridge: 5 tackles, sack.
Michael Pinckney: 4 tackles, 2 sacks, interception.
Christian Childs: 3 tackles, 2 sacks.

Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes: 18 of 21, 187 yards.
Reilly Arnold: 5 of 9, 40 yards, interception.
Denard Melvin: 9 carries, 34 yards, touchdown.
Jabari Bronson: 6 carries, 47 yards.
Mecole Hardman: 5 receptions, 47 yards.
Tyreek Hill: 5 receptions, 34 yards.
Rhett Sampson: 10 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
Carlos Basham: 9 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
Cortney Womack: 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, fumble recovery, touchdown.

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Fifteen Loss vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive Line Grades
LT Melvin McKinley: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, penalty, 65.4 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, 3 penalties, 57.6 PFF grade.
C Austin Griggs: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, 2 penalties, 61.5 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, sack allowed, penalty, 57.1 PFF grade.
RT Colton McKivitz: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, sack allowed, QB hurry allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed, 40.7 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 51 snaps, 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 67.8 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 21 snaps, 2 tackles, sack, run stuff, 81.8 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 50 snaps, tackle, 60.0 PFF grade.
EDGE Joey Bosa: 42 snaps, 2 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, 69.9 PFF grade.
EDGE Rashard Keaton: 50 snaps, 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, QB hurry, run stuff, 66.6 PFF grade.
LB Michael Pinckney: 23 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 sacks, interception, run stuff, 92.3 PFF grade.
LB Shaq Quarterman: 27 snaps, 2 tackles, run stuff, 71.2 PFF grade.
LB Layne Scott: 41 snaps, 9 tackles, tackle for loss, pass breakup, run stuff, 3 catches allowed, 76.1 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 30 snaps, 5 tackles, sack, catch allowed, 71.7 PFF grade.
CB Jalen Ramsey: 43 snaps, 4 tackles, 2 catches allowed, 77.7 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 58 snaps, 5 tackles, 2 catches allowed, 74.3 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: DNP
S Samuel Fleming: 52 snaps, 2 tackles, 3 catches allowed, 56.2 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 53 snaps, 7 tackles, pass breakup, 2 penalties, 7 catches allowed, 39.6 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 58 snaps, 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 run stuffs, 4 catches allowed, 65.0 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2027 Report Card
QB Will Castonzo: 76 snaps, 12 of 18, 86 yards, 2 interceptions, 5 carries, 42 yards, fumble.
LT Melvin McKinley: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, penalty, 65.4 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, 3 penalties, 57.6 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 77 snaps, 21 dropbacks, 56 rushes, sack allowed, penalty, 57.1 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 30 snaps, 5 tackles, sack, catch allowed, 71.7 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 58 snaps, 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 run stuffs, 4 catches allowed, 65.0 PFF grade.
FB Eric Harper: 28 snaps.

Injury Report
QB Will Castonzo: Probable (shoulder)
CB Donovan Bigby: Probable (abdominal)
WR D.K. Metcalf: Out (ankle)
WR Travis White: Out (abdominal)

[Soapy]

Week 15 NFL Results
SEA 38 - CLE 27 :: TEN 35 - BUF 28 :: IND 41 - MIA 24 :: NE 17 - NYJ 14
NO 25 - TOR 14 :: JAX 33 - HOU 28 :: DAL 24 - NYG 16 :: LV 27 - GB 24
KC 26 - LAC 20 :: DEN 27 - MIN 10 :: DET 31 - LAR 7 :: ARI 28 - CHI 14
SF 34 - CIN 24 :: BAL 24 - PIT 10 :: PHI 27 - TB 14 :: ATL 31 - CAR 10
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Players of the Week
QB Josh Allen (BUF): 27 of 35, 349 yards, touchdown, 4 carries, 17 yards, 2 touchdowns.
QB Kyler Murray (ARI): 17 of 22, 255 yards, 3 touchdowns, 10 carries, 38 yards, touchdown.
LB Michael Pinckney (LAC): 4 tackles, 2 sacks, interception.
CB Jaire Alexander (GB): 9 tackles, 2 interceptions.
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AFC Playoffs Seedings
1. LA Chargers, 11-3 y
2. Pittsburgh, 11-3 x
3. Houston, 10-3-1 y
4. Buffalo, 6-8
5. Baltimore, 10-4
6. Denver, 8-6
-- Cincinnati, 8-6
-- Tennessee, 7-6-1
-- Cleveland, 7-7
-- Jacksonville, 7-7
-- Miami, 6-8
-- NY Jets, 5-9
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NFC Playoffs Seedings
1. Dallas, 11-3 x
2. New Orleans, 10-4
3. Chicago, 9-5
4. San Francisco, 7-6-1
5. NY Giants, 10-4
6. Green Bay, 9-5
-- Atlanta, 8-6
-- Carolina, 7-6-1
-- Seattle, 6-8
-- LA Rams, 5-9
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Notable Injuries
T Taylor Agnew (CHI): Season (knee)
HB Dalvin Cook (CHI): Season (foot)
HB Miles Sanders (CIN): Season (shoulder)
DE Myles Garrett (CLE): Season (knee)
QB Patrick Mahomes (KC): Season (hamstring)
HB D'Andre Swift (IND): Season (ankle)
CB Josh Jackson (MIA): Season (knee)
G Anthony Andrews (MIA): Season (knee)
DE Deron Polley (MIA): Season (knee)
G Robert Gilmore (PHI): Season (shoulder)
CB Rafael Boswell (SF): Season (femur)
DE Nick Bosa (SF): Season (arm)
TE T.J. Hockenson (DET): Season (chest)
LB Rashaan Evans (CAR): Season (knee)
CB Donte Jackson (CAR): Season (ankle)
LB Tramon Cox (CAR): Season (elbow)
DE Fletcher Cox (BAL): Season (quad)
DE Jadeveon Clowney (SEA): Season (foot)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (PIT): Season (hip)
CB Shaun Wade (PIT): Season (back)
LT Drew Richmond (PIT): Season (foot)
CB Adoree' Jackson (TEN): Season (knee)
WR Willie Paige (TEN): Season (foot)
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Notable Transactions
Kansas City Chiefs sign QB Malcolm Burks (1yr, $920k)