Panthers’ Thomas suspended for hit
Carolina names COO to run team with owner exiting.
Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis was suspended for two games following his helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, the NFL announced Monday.
Adams left Sunday’s game in the third quarter with a concussion after being blindsided by Davis following a Carolina interception. Davis was penalized 15 yards but not ejected.
Davis, the 2015 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, was visibly upset on the sideline after the play.
Davis can return to the roster Jan. 1 should the team qualify for the postseason. Carolina (10-4) can clinch a playoff spot Sunday with a win against Tampa Bay (4-9).
■ The Panthers said Tina Becker was promoted to chief operating officer and has been given full control of day-to-day management.
The move comes after the NFL launched an investigation into alleged sexual and racist misconduct by longtime owner Jerry Richardson. The 81-year-old is stepping away from the daily operation of the team and will focus on the pending sale of the franchise.
Team President Danny Morrison had resigned earlier in the year, and there was no COO before, or after, his resignation.
Becker began her career with the Panthers as a cheerleader and later became the squad’s coach. She has served in a variety of other management roles, including directing the organization’s business and administrative operations.
Jets: Receiver and punt returner Jeremy Kerley was waived after being on a oneweek roster exemption following a four-game suspension for violating NFL policy on performance enhancers.
■ Muhammad Wilkerson’s status with the team remained uncertain after the star defensive end was benched. Coach Todd Bowles said Wilkerson was at the Jets’ facility, but he would not say whether the 2011 first-round draft pick would practice or play this week.
Cowboys: Running back Ezekiel Elliott will return from suspension to a team still in the playoff hunt as Dan Bailey kicked the go-ahead 19-yard field goal, and Dallas survived a late drive by Oakland when Derek Carr fumbled just short of the end zone in a 20-17 victory Sunday night.
Raiders: Left tackle Donald Penn will have surgery on his right foot, ending a streak in which he has appeared in all 174 regular-season games since his debut as an undrafted free agent with Tampa Bay in 2007.
Chargers: Kicker Nick Rose was claimed off waivers from Washington, and Travis Coons was waived.
Broncos: Coach Vance Joseph said he hadn’t decided whether to name Brock Osweiler or Paxton Lynch starting quarterback.
Bengals: Coach Marvin Lewis, finishing his 15th season in Cincinnati amid speculation about his future, said hadn’t talked to owner Mike Brown about his contract, which ends after this season.
Colts: Center Ryan Kelly (concussion) and inside linebacker Jon Bostic (knee) went on injured reserve, and the team signed defensive tackle Caraun Reid and claimed guard Mark Glowinski off waivers from Seattle.
Cardinals: Coach Bruce Arians said Drew Stanton will return as quarterback after Blaine Gabbert went 2-3.
Browns: Quarterback DeShone Kizer will keep the job after upping his NFL-leading interception total to 19 with two more Sunday. Monday’s Games
(At) Rockets 120, Jazz 99: Eric Gordon scored 17 of his season-high 33 in the fourth quarter for Houston, which won its 14th in a row. Clint Capela had 24 points and 20 rebounds.
Celtics 112, (at) Pacers 111: Terry Rozier’s steal and dunk with 1.5 seconds left capped Boston’s rally from a 107-102 deficit in the last 31 seconds. Kyrie Irving scored 30 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the rally. Victor Oladipo scored 38 points for Indiana.
(At) Hornets 109, Knicks 91: Reserve Frank Kaminsky scored 24 for Charlotte. Michael Beasley had 23 for New York.
(At) Hawks 110, Heat 104: Taurean Prince had 24 points for Atlanta. The Heat scratched guard Goran Dragic from the starting lineup because of a strained left elbow.
(At) Thunder 95, Nuggets 94: Russell Westbrook scored 16 of his season-high 38 points in the fourth quarter, including the tiebreaking free throw with 2.3 seconds left.
The Thunder won despite getting eight points from Paul George and four from Carmelo Anthony.
(At) Bulls 117, 76ers 115: Nikola Mirotic and Kris Dunn each scored 22 as Chicago (9-20) earned its sixth straight win.
(At) Timberwolves 108, Trail Blazers 107: Jimmy Butler scored 37 points, including two free throws with 2.5 seconds left, and Jamal Crawford had 16 of his 23 in the fourth quarter as Minnesota rallied from 10 down with 7:28 left.
Suns 97, (at) Mavericks 91: Isaiah Canaan scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter for Phoenix.
(At) Spurs 109, Clippers 91: LaMarcus Aldridge scored 19 for San Antonio. Kawhi Leonard had seven points, ending his streak of 110 straight games in double figures. He sat out the second half as he works back from a quadriceps injury.
Warriors at Lakers: Late