NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

The league expects a firm decision on relocation to come in January. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

League News:  NFL owners are set to meet in January regarding a final timeline for determining whether a team, or teams, will be moving to Los Angeles.  The Relocation Committee recently held a meeting.  Most of the owners on the committee seem to believe that there will be a firm vote in January, meaning that will likely be the deadline for the current host cities to provide their proposals.  It is currently up in the air as to which, which two, or any of the three teams (Chargers, Rams, and Raiders) will be moving.

• Chiefs’ take: Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt is a member of this committee, which is fitting considering that two of the Chiefs current division rivals, and the team that shares the Missouri market, are up for relocation.  The best thing for the Chiefs is a joint venture between the Rams and one of the two California-based teams (more on that later).  That would give the Chiefs a bigger share of the Missouri market ($$$), and also be the most likely solution for maintaining the current division format.

Arizona Cardinals:  The Cardinals have taken a hit at running back with Chris Johnson being placed on Injured Reserve with Designation to Return with a fractured tibia.  He won’t be eligible to return until the Super Bowl.  The Cards are also likely to be without Andre Ellington who is dealing with turf toe.  The Cardinals have gotten back guard Jonathan Cooper.  However, Cooper has apparently been benched in favor of veteran Ted Larson.

• Chiefs’ take: Bruce Arians said all the expected things about Cooper’s benching, but it has been clear that something isn’t clicking.  However, there is no doubt that Cooper has some serious talent.  He demonstrates that enough.  If this pairing is doomed, the Chiefs may take a look at the former first round pick.

Atlanta Falcons:  The Falcons called a “players only” meeting this past week.  Head coach Dan Quinn says he approves, but these kinds of meetings rarely result in job security for coaches.  There has been no doubt that the Falcons have fallen off after a hot start.

Things are starting to fall apart for the Bills and Rex Ryan. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills: It was a very tough week for the Buffalo Bills defensive line as both stalwart Kyle Williams and backup Alex Carrington were placed on Injured Reserve.  The defensive line was the strength of the Bills defense, so losing these important pieces at this point in the season will be tough to overcome.

• Chiefs’ take: Despite losing to the Chiefs this past Sunday, the Bills are still very much a contender and a threat for the Wild Card.  This makes it a lot more difficult for them to catch KC.

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have brought veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan out of retirement.  This move is purely about getting the team ready for the playoffs as Finnegan will likely be a depth option for the Panthers.

Cleveland Browns:  The Browns continue to live in quarterback purgatory as Josh McCown is now out for the remainder of the year with a broken collarbone.  Austin Davis came in for him on Monday Night to audible boos from the fanbase that wanted to see Johnny Manziel.  The organization clearly has no idea what they are going to do with Manziel, which actually holds both him and the team back.  The Browns added Terrelle Pryor as a wide receiver, citing a need for a bigger bodied target on the outside.

Chiefs’ take

: Ok, there is no way that Dwayne Bowe is that bad.  Even in his worst season for the Chiefs, the guy put up 600 yards.  John Gruden summed it up best: “Dwayne Bowe hasn’t been open since he’s been here.”  Does anybody in Cleveland have a clue as to what they are doing?

Next: Jerry World strikes again