Darnold to start at QB vs Broncos
It’s Sam Darnold’s turn at quarterback for the struggling Carolina Panthers.
The team announced Tuesday that Darnold will make his season debut on Sunday against the Denver Broncos after interim head coach Steve Wilks decided to bench Baker Mayfield following yet another rocky performance in a 13-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens this past weekend. Darnold has spent the majority of the season on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain he suffered during the preseason.
Darnold becomes the fourth different quarterback to play for the Panthers (3-8) this season — and the third different starter, joining Mayfield and the injured P.J. Walker.
Darnold went 4- 7 as Carolina’s starter last season, falling apart after getting the Panthers off to a 3- 0 start under former head coach Matt Rhule. He finished the year completing 59.9% of his passes with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions for a 71.9 passer rating.
Cardinals fire coach after Mexico incident
TEMPE, ARIZ.>> The Arizona Cardinals have fired offensive line coach and run game coordinator Sean Kugler.
The Cardinals haven’t confirmed Kugler’s dismissal but the coach was no longer listed on the team’s website on Tuesday.
Coach Kliff Kingsbury told The Arizona Republic that Kugler was fired for an incident that happened on Sunday night in Mexico City, one day before the team’s 38-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca.
Kingsbury said Kugler was sent home on Monday morning before the game. The coach didn’t elaborate on what caused the dismissal.
Vehicle damages Browns’ field
CLEVELAND>> The Cleveland Browns are working to repair damage to their field inside Firstenergy Stadium ahead of Sunday’s game after it was vandalized Monday night.
The team said it has provided information to Cleveland police, who are investigating.
At some point overnight, someone broke into the stadium and drove a vehicle onto the grass playing surface, causing “some superficial damage,” according to the team. Aerial TV footage showed looping tire tracks spanning half the field.
Giants’ Jackson to miss Cowboys game EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J.>>
The New York Giants are going to be without top cornerback Adoree Jackson on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys, and the list may be a lot longer before kickoff.
Coach Brian Daboll on Tuesday said that Jackson will be sidelined for the first time this season with a knee injury that happened returning a punt against Detroit in Sunday’s 31-18 loss. Six Giants were injured in the game and Daboll said there will be a lot of game-time decisions on who will be playing.