The playoff field is starting to take shape as Week 14 of the NFL season comes to a close.
The Philadelphia Eagles officially clinched a playoff berth on Sunday afternoon after their win against the Carolina Panthers. That made them the second NFC team to do so, along with the Detroit Lions. The Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, who have already earned spots in the AFC.
Several teams were also eliminated on Sunday. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2010, which is the longest active drought in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL and MLB.
The Cowboys and Bengals, who could use a win if they want to save their seasons, will officially conclude Week 14 on Monday night.
Saints’ Derek Carr leaves early with hand injury
Derek Carr’s season may be over.
Sunday after he landed directly on his left wrist and arm. Carr was fighting for a first down when he outran three other players and remained on the field clearly in a lot of pain before leaving.
Carr did not return and the Saints fear he broke his hand. It is unclear how long he will be sidelined or if he will be able to return to the field later this season.
While the Saints have won three of their last four games, they are just 5-8 on the season. Without Carr down the stretch, securing a playoff spot will likely be incredibly difficult.
Aidan O’Connell took
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback in their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday due to a leg injury. While we’re still waiting for more information and testing, coach Antonio Pierce said after the game that “it doesn’t look good.”
O’Connell was shoved in the back late by Bucs defensive end Calijah Kancey while struggling. Kancey hit O’Connell two steps after O’Connell got rid of the ball, but somehow missed a penalty.
Gene Steratore says Calijah Kancey should have been penalized for an obvious roughing the passer penalty. Tough look for the Bucs.
Aiden O’Connell was retired after this hit. Desmond Ridder is at QB. pic.twitter.com/NUtndxHFrS
– The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) December 8, 2024
O’Connell was put in a cast on his leg and taken off the field. Desmond Ridder came in his place.
The injury is just the latest for the Raiders at quarterback this season. The good thing, however, is that they will currently be available next spring. That has to serve a purpose.