Broncos will bench QB Wilson
The Broncos are benching quarterback Russell Wilson, a person with knowledge of the decision told the Associated Press Wednesday.
Jarrett Stidham will start Sunday against the Chargers. It’s a remarkably similar situation to last season when Stidham started the Raiders’ final two games after the team benched Derek Carr and sent him home in a business decision.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not publicly addressed the situation.
The person said this circumstance in Denver differs from the Raiders’ situation a year ago because the Broncos will dress Wilson, who could theoretically get into the game Sunday.
If Wilson doesn’t play another down this season, however, the Broncos will have kept open their options in 2024.
His $39 million salary for next season is already guaranteed but if he’s on the roster March 17, his 2025 salary of $37 million also becomes guaranteed. Because injured players cannot be cut, the Broncos would have been on the hook for that 2025 salary were Wilson to get hurt in the final two weeks and been unable to pass a physical in the spring.
That’s the reason the Raiders sent Carr home a year ago.
The person who spoke to the AP said no determination has been made about Wilson’s future in Denver and that his benching was more of a football decision than a financial one: the offense needs a spark and coach Sean Payton, who has been vocal about the team’s offensive struggles of late, wants to see what he has in Stidham.
Stroud limited
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud returned to practice on a limited basis, but the star rookie remains in the concussion protocol and his status for Sunday’s game against Tennessee is uncertain.
“He’s in stage four of the concussion protocol, still has one more phase,” coach DeMeco Ryans said.
Stroud has missed the past two games after sustaining a concussion in a Dec. 10 loss to the Jets when his head bounced off the turf after taking a hit with about 6½ minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Lawrence sits out
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was a spectator at practice, giving his sprained right shoulder time to heal while insisting he will "do anything I can to be out there and play.”
Lawrence wore a wristband and held a play-calling sheet during practice, though, an indication he's planning to play when the Jaguars host Carolina Sunday. But Lawrence acknowledged that this injury is different from the others he's dealt with this season.
“This is a little unique because it’s the throwing shoulder, which can make things a little more challenging as a quarterback," Lawrence said. “Kind of hard to work around that."
Lawrence sprained his AC joint while diving for a first down on a fourth-and-1 play in the third quarter of Sunday’s 30-12 loss at Tampa Bay. He could barely lift his arm in the locker room after the game.
Reid addresses outburst
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he has talked with Travis Kelce after the star tight end’s sideline outburst in which he chucked his helmet toward the benches during a 20-14 loss to the Raiders on Christmas.
Reid did not elaborate on what was said during the conversation, but Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast he “reacted in a bad way” to the way the offense continued to underperform.
Harrison advances
Former Patriot Rodney Harrison is among the finalists who advanced to the final stage of voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
First-time candidates Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates will be joined on the 15-player ballot by fivetime finalist receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne.
Seven other players returned as finalists with Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Darren Woodson, and Devin Hester all getting back to this step.
Defensive backs Eric Allen and Harrison, running back Fred Taylor and offensive lineman Jahri Evans made it to this stage for the first time after previously being semifinalists.
Brissett to start
Jacoby Brissett is set to start at quarterback for the Commanders Sunday when they host the NFCleading 49ers, a decision coach Ron Rivera framed as a chance for Sam Howell to get a breather late in a long season with the team long out of playoff contention.
Brissett takes over after Howell was pulled from each of the past two games, most recently a 30-28 loss at the Jets in which he was 6 of 22 with two interceptions. The 31-year-old journeyman is on track to be the 13th different QB to start for Washington since 2018.
DeVito out as Giants QB
Tommy DeVito is out as the Giants starting quarterback and is being replaced by veteran Tyrod Taylor.
Coach Brian Daboll said Taylor provided a spark on Christmas Day in a loss in Philadelphia . . . Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has been suspended one game by the team for his actions during the coin toss preceding a 33-30 victory at Carolina Sunday. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Alexander was being suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.