Grier will get the start at QB for Panthers
Carolina Panthers interim coach Perry Fewell announced that Will Grier will make his first NFL start Sunday at Indianapolis.
Grier replaces Kyle Allen, who has lost his past six starts and thrown 11 interceptions during that span.
A third-round pick out of West Virginia, Grier started the season No. 3 on the depth chart behind Cam Newton and Allen. He hasn’t played since the preseason, where he was 34 of 61 for 385 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
With the Panthers (5- 9) out of playoff contention, offensive coordinator Scott Turner said the time “felt right” to give Grier a shot.
“We think a lot of Will and that is why we drafted him where we did,” Turner said. “We have been developing him all year. He has been ready to go since Week 3 (when he moved into the backup role). I think it is just good for him to get out and play.”
Turner said there will be no limitations on the playbook with Grier taking over at quarterback, adding that “we will run the plays that work.”
Grier hasn’t taken many snaps with the first team until this week.
“It’s all about making quick decisions, reading the defense and taking what is there and not trying to press,” Turner said. COWBOYS’ PRESCOTT SAYS
HE’LL PLAY » Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott told reporters he will play Sunday in Dallas’ NFC East showdown at Philadelphia despite limited practice time due to a sprained right shoulder.
“I mean, I’m getting better,” Prescott told reporters Thursday. “It’s as simple as that. The mobility, the function of it, it’s all improving. That’s the key. That’s the goal. I’ll be good to go Sunday.”
Prescott, who was hurt last Sunday in the first quarter of the Cowboys’ win against the Rams, did not take any snaps in practice Wednesday and likely will be a limited participant the rest of the week.
The Cowboys (7-7) can clinch their second straight division title with a win against the Eagles (7-7).
Prescott had an MRI exam following the game against the Rams, with coach Jason Garrett saying “everything seems to be OK.” Prescott also reportedly is dealing with injuries to his right index finger and left wrist.
Prescott, 26, has never missed a start in his fouryear career. He has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for a career- high 4,334 yards and a careerbest 26 touchdowns in 14 games this season.
Prescott has swelling in his AC joint, which he said he also had in college but played through it. VIKINGS’ COOK STILL AILING » Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook’s shoulder injury likely will keep him out of Monday night’s NFC North clash with the Green Bay Packers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
The Vikings (10- 4) trail the Packers (11- 3) by one game but can clinch a playoff berth with a victory at home.
Cook sustained the injury in last Sunday’s 39-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. He landed on his right shoulder as he was tackled for a 3-yard loss by linebacker Denzel Perryman in the third quarter. He left the game with nine carries for 27 yards.
Cook carried 20 times for 154 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with Green Bay, a 21-16 loss at Lambeau Field in Week 2.
The 24-year- old ranks seventh in the NFL with a career-high 1,135 rushing yards on 250 carries (4.5
yard average). He has 13 touchdown runs. BUCS’ GODWIN RULED OUT » The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ruled out star wide receiver Chris Godwin for Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Godwin sustained a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 38-17 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Coach Bruce Arian said he hopes Godwin, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection this week, will be able to return for the regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 29.
Godwin, 23, has 86 catches for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns this season, his third in the NFL
Hamstring issues also led to Bucs wideouts Mike Evans and Scotty Miller going on injured reserve. EX- RAIDERS, 49ERS ARE HALL OF FAME HOPEFULS »
Former Raiders coach Tom Flores and wide receiver Cliff Branch were named as Centennial Slate finalists for an expanded Class of 2020 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Flores coached the Raiders to Super Bowl wins following the 1981 and 1983 seasons. He had an 83- 53 record as head coach of the Raiders from 1979- 87 and also coached the Seattle Seahawks from 1992-94, going 14-34. He was a senior finalist for the Class of 2019 and was not elected.
Branch caught 501 passes for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns from 1972-85. He also had 73 catches for 1,289 yards and five touchdowns in 22 postseason games. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Branch died on Aug. 3 at age 71.
In all, 10 senior players, three coaches and two contributors will join the annual inductees in this year’s class.
Former 49ers star Roger Craig, who also spent time with the Raiders and Vikings at the end of his career, is also part of the special field of 300.