Panthers fire coach Matt Rhule after 1-4 start, Aikman makes controversial comment on MNF, Watson returns to Brown's facility. Injury report: Seahawks' Penny, Lions' Saivion Smith, Saints Olave, and more football news.
Panthers fire coach Matt Rhule after 1-4 start
The Carolina Panthers have fired head coach Matt Rhule after a 1-4 start and an overall record of 11-27 and 8.289 winning percentage, WSOCTV reported. The firing comes after the Panthers lost 37-15 to the 49ers at home, the fifth game of Rhule's third season. Defensive pass game coordinator/secondary coach Steve Wilks will be named interim head coach, CBSSports reported.
Aikman makes controversial comment on MNF
Following a roughing-the-passer call when Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones sacked Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr, the crowd was exasperated. A similar penalty was called in the Buccaneers-Falcons game on Sunday, Sports Illustrated reported. Monday Night Football announcer
Troy Aikman expressed his displeasure by saying: "My hope is that the competition committee looks at this in the next set of meetings and you know, we take the dresses off." The comment drew widespread criticism from the Twitter-verse, calling Aikman out for misogyny.
Deshaun Watson allowed to return to Brown's facility
For the first time since his 11-game suspension kicked in, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson can now take part in limited activities with the team such as medical treatment, attending meetings with coaches, individual workouts, and eating meals in the cafeteria. However, he is unable to attend group workouts, practices, games, or club-sponsored events, or engage with the media, CBSSports reported.
Watson can begin practicing on November 14, two weeks before his suspension ends, and is eligible to be reinstated on November 28. The earliest he can see the field is Week 13 when the Browns face his former team, the Houston Texans.
Seahawks' Rashaad Penny fractured fibula, tibia
Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny fractured his fibula and tibia during Sunday's loss. The injury will require surgery that will keep him out the rest of the season, CBSSports reported.
Lions' Saivion Smith neck injury
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith was taken off the field in an ambulance on Sunday after suffering an apparent neck injury. The team said he would undergo an evaluation, Fox reported. Coach Dan Campbell said Smith had full motor skills and was being flown home, the Detroit News reported.
Saints' WR Chris Olave head injury
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave suffered an apparent head injury while making a catch on Sunday and was ruled out for the rest of the game with a concussion, on3 reported. No new updates on his condition.