The Eagles aren’t ready to share their plans for playing starters against the Giants in Week 18.
Head coach Nick Sirianni was non-committal after Sunday’s win over the Cowboys and he said he’s “still not there” during a Monday press conference. Sirianni noted that players have the day off on Monday and he would want to speak to them before announcing any decisions.
The health of the team’s quarterbacks may take some decisions out of Sirianni’s hands. Quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in the concussion protocol and Kenny Pickett is dealing with broken ribs, so Tanner McKee may be the starter by default. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, so they’ll be at home in the wild card round with any result.
Among healthy players, running back Saquon Barkley’s status will be of particular interest. Barkley finished Sunday’s game with 2,005 rushing yards for the season and he is 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season record.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is facing criticism for his indecision on whether or not to play starters in Week 18. With the Eagles already locked into a playoff spot, many are questioning why Sirianni is still hesitant to make a decision.
While some coaches have already announced plans to rest key players in the final game of the regular season, Sirianni has been vague about his intentions. In a recent press conference, he stated that he is “still not there” when it comes to deciding on playing starters.
This lack of clarity has left fans and analysts puzzled, as resting starters could help prevent injuries and give the team a chance to recover before the playoffs. On the other hand, playing starters could help maintain momentum and keep the team sharp heading into the postseason.
With the Eagles facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18, a division rival with playoff implications on the line, Sirianni’s decision carries extra weight. Fans are eager to see how he will handle the situation and whether he will ultimately choose to rest or play his starters.
As the clock ticks down to game day, all eyes will be on Sirianni as he navigates this crucial decision. Stay tuned for updates on how the Eagles will approach Week 18 and what it means for their playoff hopes.
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Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles, Week 18, starters, playing, decision, NFL, football, analysis, strategy, coach, playoffs, postseason, competitiveness, team performance, player health.
The Detroit Lions decided that revenge and momentum were more important than rest in Week 17. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman questioned if that was the right move Monday night for a Lions squad that still has everything to play for.
When the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Lions lost any opportunity to lock up the NFC North, the 1-seed and a first-round bye before they play the Vikings in Week 18.
That means despite a 13-2 start to the season, nothing is guaranteed for the Lions, outside of at least a spot in the playoffs.
It also meant that the Lions’ game against the 6-9 San Francisco 49ers was rendered meaningless, because no matter what, it would all come down to Week 18.
But Aikman wasn’t so sure that was the right call.
Aikman discussed how the Lions had their bye week all the way back in Week 5 and went as far as calling the Lions “a tired football team.“
The former Dallas Cowboys star quarterback and longtime broadcaster continued to bring up the issue throughout the first half, including after a big hit on tight end Sam LaPorta, and on other plays said Campbell would be happy to just get out with any major injuries.
Only time will tell if Aikman was right.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned FOX Sports analyst Troy Aikman raised some eyebrows during a recent broadcast when he questioned Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s decision to play his starters in a preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Aikman, who won three Super Bowls during his career with the Cowboys, expressed concern over the potential risk of injury to key players like quarterback Jared Goff and running back D’Andre Swift in a game that ultimately doesn’t count towards the regular season standings.
While preseason games are typically used as a way for coaches to evaluate their roster and make final roster decisions, Aikman’s comments bring up a valid point about the balance between getting players reps and keeping them healthy for the regular season.
It will be interesting to see how Campbell responds to Aikman’s criticism and if he decides to adjust his approach to playing starters in future preseason games. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Troy Aikman, Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, NFL, starting lineup, preseason, football, analysis, opinion
Detroit’s Kerby Joseph had two interceptions of San Francisco’s Brock Purdy on Monday night. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions probably didn’t have to play their starters on Monday night but did, and the blueprint for the rest of their season became clearer.
The Lions can score a lot of points. And they will have to if they want to make it to the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
The Lions’ offense was good and a defense that has been battered by injuries had a hard time slowing the San Francisco 49ers down, though it came up with a couple of key second-half interceptions. The Lions won, 40-34, with the offense doing what it has done all season — racking up plenty of yards, big plays and points. That’s how they’ll have to win, starting with a massive Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.
The Lions’ win helped them in one way, in terms of their clinching scenario. If the Vikings and Lions tie, Detroit will win the division. The Lions got that edge due to Monday night’s win. They’ll go into Week 18 needing a win or tie to win the NFC North and No. 1 seed in the conference. Minnesota will win the division and be the NFC’s top seed if they win in Week 18. The Vikings and Lions both go into the game with 14-2 records. That game next week will feature the most combined wins for any regular-season game in NFL history.
The loser of that matchup will be locked into the No. 5 wild-card seed and will be on the road during wild-card weekend.
As for Monday night, head coach Dan Campbell saw the benefit in playing the game as usual. The biggest lesson might have been that the Lions’ defense is going to have to rely on big plays because it’s too injured to hold down many playoff offenses.
The good news for the Lions is maybe their offense is good enough to outscore each team they’ll face the rest of the season.
49ers move the ball easily
The 49ers had one more game in the national spotlight before their season ends, and they were up for it.
San Francisco drove downfield and scored when rookie first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall caught a pass from Brock Purdy in the end zone for a touchdown. The Lions responded with a touchdown of their own to Jameson Williams but the 49ers found it just as easy to move downfield on their second drive. Purdy hit fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a TD.
One play into the second quarter, the 49ers had 121 yards and two touchdowns on two possessions. Purdy ended up with 377 yards passing, though he left the game in the final minutes with what appeared to be a right hand injury, suffered on a sack. Joshua Dobbs came off the bench and immediately led a touchdown drive.
The Lions’ defense isn’t stellar but the offense is elite. Williams got his second touchdown on a fantastic play, as Amon-Ra St. Brown caught a short pass and then lateraled it to Williams at full speed. Williams beat the 49ers’ secondary for a 41-yard score. The Lions have a seemingly endless bag of trick plays.
The Lions’ offense isn’t much of a question. The defense is the concern. Halfway through the second quarter, each quarterback had a perfect 158.3 passer rating. That’s great for Jared Goff and not so good for the Lions’ defense.
Lions open up a lead
The 49ers were moving the ball in the second half but Lions safety Kerby Joseph made a couple of big plays to turn the game in Detroit’s favor.
Joseph’s first interception led to a touchdown. St. Brown scored on a fourth down to give the Lions a 31-28. Then in the fourth quarter, with the 49ers driving and trailing 34-28, Joseph picked off Purdy again on a pass over the middle. Jahmyr Gibbs scored a 30-yard touchdown run to put the game away after that.
The Lions’ offense is so good that if Detroit’s defense can win the turnover battle, that might be enough to win. Detroit might not have won without Joseph’s two picks, so give the defense credit for coming up with the big plays when it had to.
The final game of the 2024 regular season will be a classic with massive stakes. Maybe the only sure thing is we’ll see a lot of points, from both teams.
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Detroit’s defense had its struggles tonight, but a pair of Kerby Joseph interceptions of Brock Purdy proved to be the difference in the game. Detroit’s offense converted both turnovers into touchdowns in a 40-34 win.
The Lions will continue to carry concerns about their depleted defense into next week and the playoffs after allowing 475 yards and 34 points to the 49ers. But there’s nothing wrong with their offense. And they’re a win away from securing the NFC North title with the winner of next week’s showdown against the Vikings earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Lions hold on after 49ers add late touchdown
Joshua Dobbs led the 49ers to a late touchdown after replacing an apparently injured Brock Purdy. But Jake Moody missed the extra point then kicked the onside kick out of bounds. Detroit kneels down on a 40-34 win.
The bigger concern in San Francisco is the status of Brock Purdy, who got hurt late in a meaningless game.
Brock Purdy appears to be hurt
Brock Purdy has exited San Franciso’s last drive after apparently hurting his right wrist on a hit. He appeared to struggle while throwing balls on the sideline and is out of the game in favor of Joshua Dobbs.
Jahmyr Gibbs TD puts Lions in control
Jahmyr Gibbs likely just iced it. The Lions running back streaked down the right sideline for a 30-yard touchdown to extend Detroit’s lead to 40-28 with 2:58 remaining. A missed extra point is of little consequence.
Purdy’s second pick short-circuits drive into Lions territory
Brock Purdy’s second interception of the night was a big one. A pick to Kerby Joseph cuts short a drive into Lions territory midway through the fourth quarter. The Lions regain possession with 7:34 remaining and a chance to run clock and extend their lead to two possessions while holding a 34-28 advantage.
Joseph has come up with both interceptions of Purdy. His first led to a go-ahead touchdown for Detroit.
Lions don’t go for it on fourth-and-8, and a FG
A pair of busted screen passes fall incomplete and force a Lions field-goal attempt on fourth-and-8. Jake Bates is good from 42 yards to extend Detroit’s lead to 34-28 with 10:19 remaining.
Jake Moody misses from 58
Jake Moody’s now 0-for-2 on a pair of long field goals. After a third-and-10 stop by the Lions, Moody missed wide left from 58 yards. He missed from 51 in the first half. Detroit takes over with a 31-28 lead and 13:25 remaining.
Fourth quarter, still no punts
The fourth quarter is underway, and we’re still without a punt tonight.
Fourth-down Lions gamble pays off
The Lions didn’t miss on their second fourth-down attempt in the red zone. A Jared Goff touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown gives the Lions a 31-28 lead after their fourth-down attempt in the first half fell incomplete. The Lions convert Brock Purdy’s interception into seven points.
Purdy’s first mistake gives Lions the ball
Brock Purdy’s perfect passer rating is no more. A air-mail interception to Kerby Joseph give the Lions the ball back and a chance to take the lead late in the third quarter. San Francisco leads, 28-24.
Jake Bates is good from 57 after Nick Bosa sack
Nick Bosa’s second sack of Jared Goff puts the Lions in fourth-and-16 and forces a 57-yard field-goal attempt by Jake Bates. Bates is good from deep to salvage the drive and cut San Francisco’s lead to 28-24.
Ricky Pearsall sets up Deebo Samuel TD
Deebo Samuel got the score, but Ricky Pearsall made it possible and continues to star in this offense tonight. A 39-yard Pearsall catch-and-run put the 49ers deep in Detroit territory before Samuel scored on a shovel from Brock Purdy from five yards. 49ers lead, 28-21.
Pearsall’s up to 102 yards on the night and looks like a strong play for a feature role ahead of Samuel in the 49ers offense next season.
Still no punts
The 49ers came up with a fourth-down stop, and Jake Moody missed a field for San Francisco in the first half. But this game has yet to see a punt early in the third quarter.
Lions strike first in 2nd half
We have a tie game. The Lions cap a 66-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta to open the second half. A successful two-point conversion ties the game at 21. A fun game for a contest of little consequence.
Lions starters remain in
We’re underway in the second half. The Lions have the ball first and are still playing their starters, as Dan Campbell promised.
49ers 21, Lions 13: Key first-half stats
Detroit’s depleted defense is giving Lions fans anxiety ahead of the playoffs as each team’s offense has come out firing tonight.
Brock Purdy: 14 of 16 for 200 yards with 2 TDs, no turnovers: 1 rushing TD Jared Goff: 11 of 13 for 138 yards with 1 TD and no turnovers
Isaac Guerendo: 7 carries for 26 yards, 3 catches for 56 yards Jahmyr Gibbs: 9 carries for 60 yards
Ricky Pearsall: 4 catches for 63 yards, 1 TD Jameson Williams: 1 catch for 44 yards, 1 TD; 1 TD run
49ers total offense: 260 yards on 8.4 yards per play; zero turnovers Lions total offense: 211 yards on 7 yards per play; zero turnovers
Missed Jake Moody FG ends half
Jake Moody is wide right from 51 yards with 2 seconds remaining, and the 49ers come up without points for the first time in the first half. It’s been a tough go for Moody, who’s 10 for 17 on field goals in recent weeks after a 13-for-14 start to the season. A sprained ankle in Week 5 derailed his season.
San Francisco takes a 21-13 lead into halftime and is generally having its way with a depleted Lions defense despite coming up short on its final drive.
We have a stop
The Lions went for it on fourth-and-3 at the 49ers 8-yard line. Rookie cornerback Renardo Green came up with the breakup in the end zone on a pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta. It’s the first drive by either team that didn’t end with a touchdown.
Lions take over on downs with 1:13 remaining in the half.
We have an incompletion
Jared Goff’s incomplete pass with 5:05 left in the first half is the first of the game by either quarterback. These offenses are having a field day.
3 49ers drives, 3 49ers TDs
San Franciso’s offense is off to its best start of the season. The 49ers now hold a 21-13 lead after their third touchdown in three drives. Ricky Pearsall set this one up with a 40-yard grab from Brock Purdy before Purdy ran it in himself from nine yards.
Not a great sign for a banged-up Lions defense on the cusp of the playoffs.
In a thrilling Sunday matchup, the Detroit Lions pulled off a stunning 40-34 victory against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite having already been eliminated from playoff contention, the Lions did not rest their starters and instead came out firing on all cylinders.
Quarterback Jared Goff had a standout performance, throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. The Lions’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with running back D’Andre Swift also making a significant impact with over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown.
The defense also stepped up in a big way, forcing several turnovers and holding the 49ers offense in check for much of the game. Defensive end Romeo Okwara had a standout performance, recording multiple sacks and disrupting the 49ers’ passing game.
The win was a statement for the Lions, showing that they are a team that can compete with the best in the league. Despite a disappointing season, the Lions showed resilience and determination in their victory over the 49ers.
With the season coming to a close, the Lions will look to build on this momentum and carry it into next season. Fans can be hopeful for a brighter future for the Lions, as they continue to show that they are a team on the rise.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters on Monday following their Week 17 win over the Cowboys, and was asked a lot about whether he plans to play or rest starters on Sunday against the Giants. He also talked about Tanner McKee’s impressive performance, and gave a lot of credit to Cam Jurgens for the team’s success this season.
Here’s what the head coach had to say:
On playing starters and injury updates
Sirianni said that he still wasn’t ready to make or announce any decision regarding whether starters will play, or if Saquon Barkley, specifically, will have a chance to get the all-time rushing record. He gave players off on Monday, and said he’ll always inform them about any decisions before announcing them publicly.
The head coach also didn’t have any update on Jalen Hurts and how he’s progressing through the concussion protocol. If Hurts is cleared this week, Sirianni wouldn’t say if he would play on Sunday against the Giants, noting only that he has to do what’s best for the team and what’s best for each individual player.
He also didn’t have any update on Kenny Pickett after the quarterback underwent additional testing on his ribs. Sirianni lauded Pickett and the toughness he showed playing through the pain and playing really good football to help them win that game. The head coach didn’t have any more information as to whether Pickett will play on Sunday against the Giants.
While he hasn’t made the decision just yet, Sirianni did explain how it’s a good opportunity for depth guys to get some experience and film if he does opt to rest the starters.
“Again, I don’t know where we are with that yet. But anytime anybody’s able to play game reps and meaningful snaps in the NFL, that’s huge. It gives you an evaluation process. It gives those guys an opportunity that haven’t gotten an opportunity to play to play meaningful reps.
That’s always huge when you can do that. Like I said, we’ll see where we are with that, but a good opportunity if that is the way we go.”
On Tanner McKee’s performance
“Obviously he had, what, 3-for-4 with two touchdowns. That’s pretty darn good. Then threw another one that A.J. [Brown] made probably one of the best catches I’ve ever seen on. He just happened to be a little bit out of bounds, but the ball was in the right place. He went [to] the right place with the football.
Accurate with the football. Ran our offense well. Got us in and out of checks. Was sound with his communication at the line of scrimmage and in the huddle. He did a lot of good things.”
On Cam Jurgens’ season
“I think he’s done a really nice job. It’s never easy to replace a legend, which we all know how special of a player and leader Jason Kelce was. So he’s had to step in and fill those shoes, and I think he’s done a really nice job.
Obviously you look at everything first. You look at having 13 wins. Cam [Jurgens] is the center of a 13-win football team. He’s got to play good for that to happen. He’s played good for us to be able to do that.
You’ve got a 2,000-yard rusher, which is special. The center’s got to play good for that to happen as well.
I think all the writing is on the wall of how good of football he’s played and all the good things he’s done based off what this team has done. And never easy to do what he had to do there, but he’s really played good football through these 16 games.”
Other notables
Sirianni explained that they had Jake Elliott handle kick-offs instead of Brandon Mann against the Cowboys because they were focusing on some specific ball placement things with KaVontae Turpin as the returner. The head coach called Turpin a dangerous player, and credited the Eagles special teams unit for keeping things contained.
With a postseason game already on the books, Sirianni was asked if his staff would be starting to prepare for potential playoff opponents. The head coach scoffed at the idea and said they are only focused on one day at a time, and are preparing for the Giants.
When asked about the defense finally getting takeaways, Sirianni said that it’s something they work on and talk about every day, and sometimes things happen in clusters. Plus, he included, once guys start getting turnovers, they have a little more confidence and experience and are able to get on a roll.
As the regular season comes to a close, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni finds himself facing a tough decision. With the team already securing a playoff spot, many are wondering if Sirianni will rest his starters in Week 18 to avoid any potential injuries before the postseason.
In a recent press conference, Sirianni admitted that he is still undecided about whether or not to play his starters in the final game of the season. He emphasized the importance of balancing the desire to stay healthy with the need to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs.
On one hand, resting key players could help prevent injuries and give them some much-needed rest before the postseason. On the other hand, keeping the starters in the game could help the team stay sharp and maintain their competitive edge.
Ultimately, Sirianni’s decision will likely depend on a variety of factors, including the overall health of his players, the team’s performance in recent games, and the importance of securing a higher seed in the playoffs.
Eagles fans will have to wait and see what Sirianni ultimately decides, but one thing is for certain – the final game of the regular season will be an important one for the team as they prepare for what lies ahead in the playoffs.
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Nick Sirianni, Eagles starters, Week 18, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, football, playoff implications, game strategy, player rest, starting lineup, professional sports, coaching decisions, post-season readiness.
It’s a question that’s been posed to NFL coaches hundreds of times over the years, and there isn’t exactly a right answer. Sean McVay will have to make this difficult decision for the second straight season when the Los Angeles Rams host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18.
As the NFC West champions, the Rams are guaranteed to play a home game in the first round of the playoffs. They don’t yet know whether they’ll be the No. 3 or 4 seed, or which team they’ll face in the wild-card round. It’s guaranteed to be one of four teams, though: Vikings, Lions, Packers, Commanders.
Because their seed is still to be determined, Week 18 isn’t completely meaningless for the Rams. If they win, they’re the No. 3 seed. If they lose and the Bucs win, they’re the No. 4. So should Los Angeles play to win in the season finale or should McVay rest his starters as he did in 2017 and 2023?
There’s a case for and against each decision, making it a tough call for McVay to make.
Why they should rest their starters
Avoiding injuries: There’s obviously the benefit of avoiding any potential injuries, which is the primary reason any team would rest its starters. There would be nothing worse for the Rams than Matthew Stafford, Puka Naua, Kyren Williams or one of their most important players getting hurt in Week 18 right before the playoffs, causing them to miss a week or more of postseason action.
Valuable rest: Not only will resting starters avoid possible injuries, but it will give players a much-needed week off, similar to how the No. 1 seed gets a first-round bye. The Rams have played a game in 11 straight weeks since their Week 6 bye, so it’s been a long and grueling stretch. Players would benefit from getting a week off, giving them fresh legs for the start of the playoffs.
Playoff seeding: As far as seeding goes, the Rams might prefer to face the Lions or Vikings. They took the Lions to overtime in Week 1 with a makeshift offensive line, no Puka Nacua for half the game and a defense that was playing its first game together. It’s not unreasonable to think the Rams can beat the Lions at full strength. They already beat the Vikings earlier this season, too, so they know they can go toe-to-toe with Minnesota.
Resting doesn’t ensure a loss: The Rams resting their starters doesn’t guarantee them a loss. Jimmy Garoppolo and the backups are more than capable of beating the Seahawks, who could also take a cautious approach to the finale with nothing to play for. So there’s a realistic scenario where the Rams rest their starters and still win to secure the No. 3 seed.
Why they shouldn’t rest their starters
Offense is a mess: Anyone who’s watched the Rams in the last three weeks knows the offense is not ready for the playoffs. They’ve scored just three total touchdowns and only 44 points in the last three games, which is the same number of points they scored against the Bills in Week 14 alone. The offense could use some live reps against the Seahawks in hopes of getting on track before the playoffs because it’s going to be hard to beat anyone when you’re scoring fewer than 20 points.
Defense is rolling: As poorly as the offense has played in the last three weeks, the defense has been dominant. The Rams have allowed six, nine and nine points in the last three games, completely shutting down the 49ers, Jets and Cardinals. If they were to rest their starters in Week 18, it could kill some of the momentum the defense has built.
More favorable matchups as No. 3 seed: The Rams can still hold onto the No. 3 seed if they lose in Week 18, but only if the Buccaneers somehow also lose to the Saints. If McVay wants to ensure he gets the third seed, he should play everyone and try to beat the Seahawks. Getting the No. 3 spot in the NFC would set up a matchup with the Packers or Commanders, which would seem to be more favorable than facing the Vikings or Lions in Round 1.
Rams could host get extra home playoff game: Say the Rams win their first playoff game as the No. 3 seed and the No. 4 or 5 upsets the No. 1 seed in the divisional round. In that scenario, the Rams would host the NFC Championship Game. Not to put the cart before the horse, but they’re much more likely to have two home playoff games as the No. 3 seed than the No. 4.
The Case for Resting Starters in Week 18:
1. Injury Prevention: With the playoffs looming, the Los Angeles team may want to rest key starters in order to reduce the risk of any potential injuries that could hinder their postseason performance.
2. Playoff Seeding: If the team has already secured their playoff spot and seeding in Week 18, resting starters could allow them to focus on preparing for their upcoming playoff games without risking any unnecessary wear and tear on their key players.
3. Depth Evaluation: Resting starters in Week 18 could give the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the depth of their roster and give valuable playing time to backup players who may need to step up in the postseason.
The Case Against Resting Starters in Week 18:
1. Momentum: Resting starters could disrupt the team’s momentum heading into the playoffs, especially if they have been playing well and building chemistry with their regular lineup.
2. Rust: By sitting out Week 18, starters may lose their rhythm and sharpness going into the playoffs, potentially putting them at a disadvantage against teams who have been playing at full strength.
3. Fan Disappointment: Resting starters could be seen as a lack of effort or a lack of respect for the fans who have supported the team throughout the regular season. It could also lead to decreased attendance and viewership for the final game of the season.
TAMPA, Fla. — Normally a team needs all hands on deck to take down a perennial power like Alabama. For the Michigan football team in Tuesday’s ReliaQuest Bowl, the Wolverines are going to be missing more than a few of those hands.
When Michigan faces off against the Crimson Tide Tuesday (Noon, ESPN), it will do so without 10 starters, and several key rotation players. As many of their top players rehab injuries, prepare for the NFL Draft or even transfer to other programs, the Wolverines will be tasked with replacing veterans in their sixth top-12 matchup of the season.
Below, we break down who’s out for Michigan, who is slated to replace their role in Tuesday’s game, and what to expect in the spot duty.
***
Running back
This is a double-whammy for Michigan, because the Wolverines will be without both Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards for this game. They combined for 312 of the Wolverines’ 418 carries this season and 1,540 of their 1,928 rushing yards. None of Michigan’s other running backs had more than 13 carries this season.
So where do the Wolverines turn? Ready or not, it’s time for some underclassmen to get carries.
Expect to see a lot of Jordan Marshall on Tuesday. The former top-100 recruit (No. 78 in the 2024 247Sports Composite) enrolled in the summer and endured injuries in the fall, limiting his impact on the field. But Michigan’s highest-rated skill position recruit in three years had a prolific high school career — he logged 6,196 all-purpose yards, including a program-record 4,878 yards rushing with 80 touchdowns for Cincinnati’s Archbishop Moeller. He also ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash in high school and won Michigan’s kickoff returner job.
Marshall has the potential to be Michigan’s next lead running back, and he should have ample opportunity to show it Tuesday.
“He’s a young kid, he’s dynamic,” Sherrone Moore said this week. “We really felt really good about him throughout the year. Had a couple of bumps and bruises and was limited a little bit, and is at full strength now. He’s got a chance to be a really special player.”
With 10 starters set to miss Michigan’s upcoming bowl game against Alabama, many fans are wondering who will step up to fill the void. In this post, we’ll break down the Wolverines’ replacement plans for each of the key players who will be sitting out.
1. Quarterback – With starting QB Shea Patterson sidelined, backup Dylan McCaffrey is expected to take over under center. McCaffrey has shown flashes of potential in limited playing time this season and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills against a tough Alabama defense.
2. Running back – Without leading rusher Zach Charbonnet available, the Wolverines will turn to Hassan Haskins and Christian Turner to carry the load in the backfield. Both players have seen significant playing time this season and have the ability to make an impact on the ground.
3. Wide receiver – Michigan will be without top receiver Nico Collins, so Donovan Peoples-Jones and Ronnie Bell will need to step up in his absence. The duo has been reliable targets for Patterson all season and will be counted on to make plays against the Crimson Tide.
4. Offensive line – The Wolverines will be missing three starters on the offensive line, including All-American left tackle Jon Runyan Jr. The coaching staff will need to shuffle the lineup and rely on backups like Andrew Stueber and Jalen Mayfield to protect McCaffrey and open up running lanes.
5. Defensive line – Michigan will be without standout defensive end Kwity Paye, so Aidan Hutchinson and Carlo Kemp will need to anchor the front four. The Wolverines’ pass rush will be crucial in disrupting Alabama’s potent offense.
6. Linebacker – With Cameron McGrone sidelined, Jordan Glasgow and Josh Ross will need to step up at the linebacker position. The duo will be tasked with stopping the Crimson Tide’s dynamic running game and covering tight ends and slot receivers.
7. Secondary – The Wolverines will be missing multiple starters in the secondary, including Lavert Hill and Josh Metellus. Young players like Vincent Gray and Daxton Hill will need to step up and make plays in coverage against Alabama’s explosive passing attack.
While Michigan will be without several key players in their upcoming bowl game, the coaching staff is confident in the depth and talent on the roster. It will be an opportunity for younger players to showcase their skills and prove they are ready to step up when called upon. Stay tuned to see who will rise to the occasion and make an impact against Alabama.
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Michigan football, bowl game, Alabama, replacement plans, starters, college football, Michigan Wolverines, injured players, lineup changes, player substitutions, game strategy, college sports, team roster, player injuries.
The Carolina Panthers are going to have to dig deep for the upset here in Week 17.
As expected, the team will be without a handful of key contributors for today’s NFC South showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—including right tackle Taylor Moton and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Moton (knee) and Horn (hip) both did not practice throughout the week and were listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report.
Yosh Nijman will get the start in place of Moton while Caleb Farley will cover for Horn.
In addition to Horn, the defense will be without inside linebacker Josey Jewell (quadriceps/concussion) and nickel cornerback Chau Smith-Wade—who was placed on injured reserve yesterday.
Running back Chuba Hubbard was also placed on injured reserve Saturday, leaving the backfield to Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone.
Here’s the full list of inactives on the day for the Panthers:
The Carolina Panthers have announced their Week 17 inactives for their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and key starters will be missing from the lineup.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey will be sidelined once again with a shoulder injury, as well as starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is dealing with a knee injury. Additionally, wide receiver DJ Moore and linebacker Shaq Thompson will also be out for this crucial season finale.
These absences will certainly have an impact on the Panthers’ offense and defense, as they look to finish the season strong against their division rivals. Stay tuned for updates on how the team will adjust to these key players being out.
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From the Publisher
Science Starters
Publisher’s Comments:
Introduces computers and robotics to young readers.
Labeled images and infographics to support visual learning.
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“I obviously want to be fully healthy as long as we can, but the times that we’re not is preparing us for the unknowns of the rest of the season and the playoffs.”
Al Horford and Payton Pritchard continue to play a crucial role as bench players for the Celtics this season. Barry Chin/Globe Staff
The Celtics have been tested in December.
Between playing many games over different weeks and seeing injuries to its starting five, Boston has looked to the bench for support a lot this month.
In December alone, Jayson Tatum has dealt with a knee issue, Derrick White has popped up on the injury report with a hamstring ailment, while Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are on the mend from shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively. Holiday and Porzingis both missed Friday’s important clash against the Pacers.
Before the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke at length about the importance of the Celtics’ “bench identity” and how that unit need to be ready when their name is inevitably called.
Joe Mazzulla on the important of building a bench identity:
“That’s a huge key. Developing, not only not your bench, but your bench identity, to where guys are ready to play at any time… 1 guy may be a perfect fit for a playoff series and the next it may be somebody different” pic.twitter.com/R2SxjLJEM4
“I think that’s a huge key,” Mazzulla said, “is developing not the bench, but the bench identity to where being ready to play at any time, being ready versus a certain matchup, you get into a certain situation where one guy may be a perfect fit for a playoff series, and the next day it may be somebody completely different.”
Boston’s bench is one of its strong suits, which played a role in its championship-winning season earlier this year. Payton Pritchard, for example, has a chance of being named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. Having played in every game this season entering Friday and averaging 15.3 points per game with a 46.7 field goal percentage, there’s no question that he would be a starter on most other teams in the league.
Neemias Queta is another player who’s seen more minutes off the bench this season than last and has made an impact at times. Sam Hauser also continues to be a go-to bench player for Mazzulla this season, who started on Friday in place of Holiday.
Al Horford has played off the bench since the team’s addition of Porzingis last summer. He’s unsurprisingly excelled in that role across 23 contests this season, averaging nine points and one block per game.
With Porzingis sidelined once more, Horford will continue see more time on the court.
Mazzulla went on to explain that while their bench is a strength now, in the first half of the season, he aspires that the group continues to improve in later months.
“Building the habits and the things that go into developing different guys for different identities I think is really important over the course of a season because you don’t get to pick your part, you don’t get to pick your matchup, you don’t get to pick the strengths and weaknesses of who your opponent is, and you have to be ready to face those on,” Mazzulla said. “I enjoy those moments. I obviously want to be fully healthy as long as we can, but the times that we’re not is preparing us for the unknowns of the rest of the season and the playoffs.”
As the Celtics look to snap their first two-game losing streak of the 2024-25 season on Friday, Mazzulla certainly hopes his team’s “bench identity” isn’t lost, especially as the new year approaches.
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With injuries to multiple starters, including All-Star Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, the Boston Celtics have been forced to rely on their bench players to step up and fill the void. Interim head coach Joe Mazzulla has been impressed with how the bench unit has embraced their roles and shown resilience in the face of adversity.
Mazzulla highlighted the team’s ‘bench identity’ in a recent press conference, praising the depth and versatility of the reserves. Players like Payton Pritchard, Grant Williams, and Romeo Langford have all played crucial roles in keeping the Celtics competitive during this challenging stretch.
Despite the setbacks, Mazzulla remains optimistic about the team’s ability to weather the storm and continue to compete at a high level. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and staying true to their identity as a team that values hard work, grit, and determination.
As the Celtics look to navigate through this difficult period, Mazzulla’s emphasis on the ‘bench identity’ will be key in keeping the team united and motivated. With the support of their depth players, the Celtics are confident that they can overcome their injuries and emerge stronger on the other side.
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Celtics, Mazzulla, bench identity, injuries, starters, NBA, Boston Celtics, basketball, team dynamics
The Celtics are coming off back-to-back losses heading into Friday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. As Boston looks to turn things back around, they could be without two key players, heavily impacting them on both ends of the floor.
Both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have been listed as questionable on the Celtics’ injury report. Holiday is nursing a right shoulder impingement injury while Porzingis is managing a left ankle sprain that caused him to make an early exit in Wednesday’s NBA Christmas Day matchup against the 76ers.
Porzingis seemingly tweaked his ankle in the opening minutes of the matchup but attempted to play through the discomfort. The star center checked into the game with 34 seconds left in the half, but would not return back out with the team for the second half.
His injury was announced during halftime, and he was deemed doubtful to return. He still managed to score nine points and dish out three assists in just a few minutes he was able to hit the floor.
Should the Celtics be without Porzingis, their interior presence will be greatly impacted. He contributes an average of 18.3 points per game. Defensively, he’s the team’s best rim protector, averaging 1.5 blocks per game.
His offensive ability allows things to open up in terms of spacing for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time his ankle has been injured. He’s undergone an offseason surgery on the same ankle prior to the start of the season.
As for Holiday, he was also missing from the Christmas Day game against Philly. He’s been nursing his shoulder injury since it seemingly occurred during Monday’s matchup against Orlando. He was first listed as questionable until the team officially ruled him out of the contest prior to tip-off.
Holiday has been an important player on this Celtics roster, averaging 12.2 points per game at the point guard position. He provides high-level playmaking in the backcourt, making sure to get the offense running smoothly.
Not only has he been an asset offensively this season, but he is notorious for his defensive capabilities. He’s a renowned perimeter defender, and he has the ability and physicality to guard multiple positions.
In Holiday’s absence, we could see Payton Pritchard as the starting point guard. Pritchard has been exceptional off the bench this season averaging 15.7 points per game.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the upcoming matchup between Indiana and [team name] may see two crucial starters on the sidelines. Both [Player Name 1] and [Player Name 2] are facing injuries that could potentially keep them out of the game.
[Player Name 1] has been a key player on the team, contributing significantly to their success so far this season. Their absence would undoubtedly be felt on the field, as their skills and leadership have been invaluable to the team.
Similarly, [Player Name 2] has been a standout performer, making important plays and providing a strong presence on the field. Losing them for the upcoming matchup would be a significant blow to the team’s chances of securing a victory.
While their absence would be a setback, the team is rallying together to make the necessary adjustments and prepare for the game without these key players. The coaching staff is working on developing a game plan that will maximize the strengths of the remaining players and give them the best chance of success.
Fans will surely be disappointed to potentially not see [Player Name 1] and [Player Name 2] on the field, but they can take comfort in knowing that the team is ready to step up and compete at their highest level regardless of the challenges they may face. Let’s hope for a successful outcome and a swift recovery for these two crucial starters.
