Team news: Minnesota Vikings | Page 25

After missing the last six weeks on IR, Darnold will return and play snaps for the struggling Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton will get the start but the Panthers want to take another look at the only quarterback they have under contract next season. With playoffs out of the question and head coach Matt Rhule on the hot seat, look for this to be the last week Cam Newton receives as a starter if Sunday doesn't go well.

The matchup is difficult for the backfield but Darnold could provide a bump in production for D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. Anderson has had his statistics cut in half this season while Moore is approaching his third straight 1000 yard season.

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers has been designated to return from injured reserve.

The Rams best-case scenario was Cam Akers making a speedy recovery from his Achilles injury and returning in time for the playoffs. With the Rams opening up the 21-day window to activate him or send him to season-ending injured reserve, he must be progressing well. Akers would provide a massive boost to the Rams offense and would give them a true threat out of the backfield. He may not make it back in time for fantasy football's finals week, but this transaction suggests the playoffs are still a legitimate possibility.

Panthers HC Matt Rhule told reporters Wednesday that Cam Newton will start Week 16, but Sam Darnold is expected to have a role under center as well.

Matt Rhule and Matt Nagy need to be locked in a hotel room together and figure out why they overthink everything.

Panthers QB Sam Darnold (shoulder) has been cleared for contact.

Related Players: Cam Newton, P.J. Walker

At this point all we can hope for is all three QBs playing in the same game.

Matt Rhule said he can't speculate who will be the full time guy this week.

Relaed players: Cam Newton, Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Not many thought Darnold would be in the mix to get back on the field at this point, but here we are. The choice for Week 16 looks to be between Newton and Darnold at this point, but Rhule said he still needs some clarity from Darnold's test results Monday. Darnold has to be cleared by a doctor for contact practice.

It’ll be Nick Mullens starting today against the Raiders, per sources.

Related players: Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum

Browns QBs Mayfield and Keenum didn’t test out of COVID protocols heading into the first of two Monday night games in Week 15, even needing just one negative test now. One would think it should be a heavy dose of Nick Chubb and then D'Ernest Johnson in the passing game and passing situations for the Browns tonight.

Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson underwent thumb surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.

Hockenson underwent thumb surgery this morning and will miss the rest of the season. He has a lengthy recovery period but is expected to be ready for the team's offseason program. This is a big blow to a Lions offense that has little in the way of talent behind him. Hockenson's absence should stabilize Amon-Ra St. Brown's role as a high-volume receiver. Brock Wright is expected to draw the bulk of the snaps at tight end for Week 15.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (knee) and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) were limited during Wednesday's practice. QB Aaron Rodgers (toe) did not practice.

Rodgers will continue to rest as needed. Jones should play and will also rest as much as needed. MVS is a new injury and should be closely monitored.

The Carolina Panthers have designated QB Sam Darnold (shoulder). He has 21 days to be placed on the active roster or miss the remainder of the season.

Related Players: Cam Newton, P.J. Walker

If you have three QBs, do you even have one?