NFL News and Notes: Panthers Make Moves

We are approaching the end of the NFL regular season, which means that for some teams, every game is crucial at this point. Some are trying to fight for home-field advantage, some are still trying to win their divisions, and some are simply holding out hope that they can claw their way back into playoff contention.
With that in mind, the stakes will be high as Week 14 continues on Sunday. While the stakes are high on the field, let’s take a look at news from around the league.
Busy Week For Carolina
Despite going 76-63-1 since 2011, the Carolina Panthers decided to part ways with head coach Ron Rivera, as owner David Tepper decided it was time for a change. In Rivera’s place, secondary coach Perry Fewell will take over as interim coach while the organization looks for a new head coach. In addition to Fewell moving spots, offensive coordinator Norv Turner will transition to a special assistant, with Scott Turner taking over the offensive duties.
In addition to firing Rivera, the Panthers made headlines on Saturday as they extended one of their linebackers, Shaq Thompson. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Thompson is getting a four-year extension worth up to $57 million. Of that, $28 million will be guaranteed for the linebacker.
This season, Thompson has 93 tackles (including nine for loss) and three sacks. The tackle total is already a career high, and Thompson is just a half-sack away from tying his career high in that area too. Needless to say, the Panthers signed the 25-year-old hoping that he can be a core part of their defense for the next several years.
If this wasn’t enough news, it was also announced that Cam Newton will be undergoing foot surgery (this according to NFL.com’s Tiffany Blackmon). With the Panthers at 5-7 and out of the playoff hunt, it behooves the organization and Newton to have it done now to give the healing process more time.
Newton only played in two games this season, throwing for 572 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The veteran quarterback, who came into the league the same year Rivera took over as coach, has not been near the player he was in his prime.
With the changes in the organization, it will be interesting to see if the Panthers decide to bring him back next year. With Newton out, Kyle Allen has taken over for most of the season. In 10 games, Allen has gone 5-5, throwing for 2,457 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Njoku Activated By Browns
On Saturday, the Cleveland Browns announced that they activated tight end David Njoku off injured reserve. Njoku, who has been out since Week 2, has been dealing with a couple of issues, as he had a concussion and a broken wrist. Prior to his injuries, Njoku had four catches for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Njoku’s return will give quarterback Baker Mayfield another option in the passing game. Last year, Njoku had 56 catches for 639 yards and four touchdowns, so this should be a decent boost for the 5-7 Browns’ offense.
Manning To Get Start Monday
It appears that Eli Manning is going to get another chance to get under center for the New York Giants. The Giants have announced that rookie Daniel Jones will be out for Monday’s contest against the Eagles with an ankle injury, which means that Manning gets another start, as his career, or at least his tenure with the Giants, seems to be ending.
Manning started the first two games this season, going 0-2 and throwing for 556 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. After that, though, the Giants made the switch to the rookie Jones.
Manning will likely relish his opportunity to play another game for the Giants, the only franchise he has ever known since coming into the league way back in 2004. The 38-year-old will be looking to go out on a high note.
Folk Re-Signed By Patriots
Nick Folk has already kicked for the New England Patriots, so why was he released? And why are they re-signing him now? It appears that Folk has recovered from an appendectomy. As a result of the surgery, the Patriots had to pick up a new kicker last week, but as Folk has proven that he has bounced back after the surgery, the Patriots have welcomed him back in.
Last week, the Patriots signed Kai Forbath to kick, but it appears that they prefer Folk, who in three games went 7 for 9 and hadn’t missed an extra point. It is an odd story, but it is obviously nice to see Folk healthy and re-employed.
Colts Secure Tight End
The Indianapolis Colts have decided to lock up tight end Jack Doyle for the foreseeable future, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport has reported that the two sides have agreed to a three-year extension worth a little over $21 million (which could go higher with incentives). This season, Doyle has played in 12 games, hauling in 36 catches for 377 yards and four touchdowns.