Cowboys add ex-Super Bowl MVP linebacker
Baltimore ties record with 12 players selected for January’s Pro Bowl
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys signed former Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith on Tuesday to bolster a linebacker group that lost rookie Luke Gifford to a broken arm.
Gifford was injured in the first half of a 44-21 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Gifford, who missed the early part of the season after breaking an ankle in a preseason game, was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
The Cowboys have already been without secondyear linebacker Leighton Vander Esch because of a neck injury. It’s unclear whether he will play again this season. Veteran Joe Thomas injured a knee against the Rams.
PRO BOWL: Twelve Baltimore Ravens, including second-year QB Lamar Jackson, and seven New Orleans Saints, highlighted by league-leading receiver Michael Thomas, have made the Pro Bowl.
Baltimore tied the record for Pro Bowl players set by Miami in 1973. The NFL released the rosters Tuesday night for the game in Orlando, Florida, on Jan. 26.
Joining Jackson from the Ravens, who at 12-2 have the league’s best record, are tight end Mark Andrews, long snapper Morgan Cox, cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey, running back Mark Ingram, linebacker Matthew Judon, fullback Patrick Ricard, tackle Ronnie Stanley, safety Earl Thomas, kicker Justin Tucker, and guard Marshal Yanda.
Thirty teams had at least one player selected and 24 clubs had multiple players chosen. The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins failed to get any Pro Bowlers.
Twenty-five of the players selected made it for the first time, including three rookies: San Francisco defensive end Nick Bosa, Kansas City return specialist Mecole Hardman and New Orleans return specialist Deonte Harris.
CLINCHING SCENARIOS: The six NFC playoff teams might be set with a week to spare.
Minnesota will clinch from the couch if the Los Angeles Rams lose at San Francisco on Saturday night.
If the defending NFC champion Rams win, the Vikings (10-4) can eliminate them by winning at home against Green Bay in the final Monday night game of the season. If LA wins, Minnesota can also advance with a tie.
Dallas goes into Week 16 tied with Philadelphia for the NFC East lead at 7-7 and can clinch a fourth division title in six seasons by winning at the Eagles on Sunday. The Cowboys won the first meeting in October.
The Cowboys would still be alive with a loss but would lose control of their destiny. Dallas would have to win at Washington in the final week and hope Philadelphia loses to the New York Giants.
Houston clinches the AFC South title with a win but doesn’t need that victory to get into the playoffs. The Texans (9-5) can move on with a tie and a Pittsburgh tie or a loss. Houston also clinches the division with a Tennessee loss.
Baltimore (12-2) clinches home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win. The Ravens also can clinch the top seed with a tie and a New England loss or tie, or a Kansas City loss or tie and a New England loss.
The Patriots (11-3) can wrap up a first-round bye with win and a loss or tie by the Chiefs, or with a tie and a Kansas City loss.
The Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, both 10-4, are already in the AFC playoffs.
BRONCOS: The NFL suspended safety Kareem Jackson on Tuesday for the final two games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Jackson was arrested Sept. 19 on suspicion of driving under the influence. He pleaded guilty Monday to one count of driving while alcohol impaired, according to the Denver district attorney’s office. He was sentenced to 12 months of supervised probation, 24 hours of public service and participation with Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s victim impact panel.
STEELERS: Pittsburgh is sticking with rookie QB Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who threw four interceptions in a 17-10 loss to Buffalo on Sunday.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Hodges will make his fourth straight start this Sunday when the Steelers (8-6) visit the Jets (5-9).
LIONS: The team is sticking with its leaders in the front office and on the field, hoping continuity helps the franchise have success that has been elusive for several decades.
Detroit announced GM Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia will be retained for the 2020 season.
SAINTS: New Orleans acquired former New York Giants starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
POLL: For the third consecutive week, the Baltimore Ravens earned all 12 first-place votes for 384 points in the AP Pro32 poll. New Orleans moved up one spot to No. 2, followed by Seattle and San Francisco.