nfl notes - 12/21

panthers fire gm Marty hurney

The Carolina Panthers will be looking for a new general manager this offseason, as they announced on Monday they have fired Marty Hurney. This is Hurney's second run-around with the team; he had a ten-year stint from 2002 to 2012, and then returned in 2017 after the team fired Dave Gettleman. The reasoning behind the move? "I think sometimes you just need a restart, a refresh," owner David Tepper explained.

stephon gilmore done for season

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is done for the season after suffering a partially torn quad during Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. This is a huge loss, but the Pats are already done for the season anyway. Gilmore has no structural damage and should be recovered in time to participate in at least some of the offseason program in 2021.

#Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore, the reigning defensive player of the year, suffered a partially torn quad, sources say. He’ll have surgery to repair it tomorrow. He should be able to participate in a some portion of the offseason program. No structural damage to his knee.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2020

james conner out on monday night

The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have their top running back on Monday Night Football. James Conner has been downgraded to out after he was originally listed as questionable due to a quad injury. RB Benny Snell will be taking over for Conner against the Cincinnati Bengals​. 

texans interview jim caldwell

The Houston Texans fired their head coach after an 0-4 start and is looking for a new one, hopefully someone competent this time. They interviewed former Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell for the position on Monday. 

Texans announced they have interviewed former Lions’ HC Jim Caldwell for their Head Coach job.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2020