NFL: Lacerated spleen puts Chiefs' Smith on shelf
Alex Smith thought he had some indigestion. It turned out to be a lacerated spleen. Now, the Kansas City Chiefs will put their already slim playoff hopes in the hands of career backup Chase Daniel, who will make his second-ever start Sunday against San Diego.
Alex Smith thought he had some indigestion. It turned out to be a lacerated spleen.
Now, the Kansas City Chiefs will put their already slim playoff hopes in the hands of career backup Chase Daniel, who will make his second-ever start Sunday against San Diego.
The Chiefs need to beat the Chargers and hope that Baltimore loses to Cleveland and Houston gets beaten by Jacksonville to reach the postseason for the second straight year. San Diego needs only to defeat its longtime AFC West rival to get back to the playoffs - and now faces a second-string quarterback.
Another QB for Browns
Rookie quarterback Connor Shaw will come off Cleveland's practice squad and start the season finale on Sunday against Baltimore.
With Brian Hoyer still slowed by a sore right throwing shoulder, Shaw will be behind center when the Browns (7-8) conclude another disappointing season against the Ravens, who still have a shot at the playoffs.
An undrafted free agent, Shaw is the third quarterback to start for the Browns this season and the 22d for the franchise since 1999.
Hoyer started Cleveland's first 13 games before being benched and rookie Johnny Manziel was placed on injured reserve this week after injuring his hamstring last weekend at Carolina in his second start. Hoyer is listed as doubtful for Sunday, and if he can't dress, Tyler Thigpen, who was signed earlier this week, will back up Shaw.
A change for Cards
More news surrounding the turbulent quarterback predicament of the Arizona Cardinals:
Ryan Lindley is back as the starter, and Drew Stanton was treated for an infection in his sprained right knee, a setback in his attempt to return for the playoffs.
Coach Bruce Arians initially said rookie Logan Thomas would start in the regular-season finale Sunday at San Francisco. But he said Friday he changed his mind based on Thomas' practice performances.
"I was hoping that he was going to be able to handle it," Arians said, "but it's not the time right now."
Stanton, who missed the last two games, experienced swelling in his knee Wednesday. Arthroscopic surgery was performed to flush out the knee and treat it with antibiotics.
Colts meet
The Colts held a meeting this week to ensure the team was headed in the same direction. Players only. No coaches.
"It was a chance for a player, if he wanted to leave, it was a chance to leave and not be crucified," said receiver Reggie Wayne, who called the meeting along with other veterans. "It was a chance for us as a team to really figure out if everybody was on the same page going forward and what we need to do."
Indianapolis is locked into the No. 4 seed in the playoffs set to being next week. The Colts have no chance of moving up or down in the seeding process unless the Bengals and Steelers would happen to tie this week.
Right now, though, the Colts are looking for a win over the Titans on Sunday. They want to gain some momentum heading into the postseason.