As we look back on an exciting Week 12 of football, teams continue to fight for playoff spots despite dealing with injuries, COVID-19 outbreaks, and other issues. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from the week in the NFL.
McCaffrey’s Season Is Done
For the second year in a row, Carolina Panthers’ running back Christian McCaffrey has had his season cut short. After missing time earlier in the season with a hamstring injury, an ankle injury is what will sideline him for the rest of the year.
McCaffrey’s year is officially done because this will be his second trip to the injured reserve this season.
Prior to this injury, McCaffrey had rushed for 442 yards and one touchdown on 99 carries. He also had 37 receptions for 343 yards and another score.
In the last two years, the star running back has played in just ten games (seven this season and just three last year).
His last full season was in 2019 when he had 1,387 yards rushing with 15 touchdowns. He also had 1,005 yards receiving that year with another four scores.
Still just 25-years-old, the Panthers are hoping that he can recover and contribute next season.
For the Panthers, they are now 5-7 on the season and rank last in the NFC South. They are currently +8000 to win the division.
Cook To Miss Some Time
Christian McCaffrey wasn’t the only running back to get banged up this weekend. Dalvin Cook had to leave his game against the San Francisco 49ers as he suffered a dislocated shoulder and a torn labrum (although head coach Mike Zimmer disputed this).
Initially, there was some fear this could end Cook’s season, but head coach Mike Zimmer referred to him as day-to-day with the injury. Still, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cook is expected to be out for at least a couple of games.
On the year, Cook has rushed for 773 yards and four touchdowns on 171 carries. He also has 27 receptions for 202 yards.
The Vikings are currently in second place in the NFC North with a 5-6 record, but they sit 3.5 games behind the Green Bay Packers. Still, in what has been a mediocre NFC, they are in the thick of the Wild Card chase.
Minnesota is currently +7000 to win Super Bowl LVI.
Deebo Samuel To Miss A Week Or Two
Continuing with injuries suffered in Week 12, San Francisco 49ers’ star wide receiver Deebo Samuel had to leave the game on Sunday thanks to a groin injury. As a result, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that the wide receiver will probably miss a week or two.
This season, Samuel has been phenomenal as he has 56 receptions for 1,006 yards and five touchdowns. He has also rushed for 203 yards and another five scores.
At 6-5, the 49ers currently sit in third place in the NFC West, but they are still fighting for a Wild Card spot. They are +4000 to win the Super Bowl this year.
Cowboys Lose Defensive Tackle, Coach
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints this Thursday night, they will be a little shorthanded.
First, defensive tackle Trysten Hill was suspended by the league for throwing a punch at a Raiders’ offensive lineman in the Thanksgiving day game. The altercation actually took place after the game had ended, a 36-33 Cowboys’ overtime loss.
Hill is not one of the Cowboys’ star defensive players as he has played in just three games, amassing eight tackles and one quarterback hit. Still, it is a slight blow to the Cowboys’ depth.
In bigger news, Dallas will also be without head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys issued a statement Monday indicating that McCarthy would miss the game due to COVID-19 protocols.
It is expected that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will serve as acting head coach in his stead.
Dallas currently leads the NFC East with a 7-4 record. That is good enough for a 2.5-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles (5-7).
The Cowboys are tied for the eighth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl this season at +1200.
