NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

3 of 4

Peyton Manning is probably ready for this season to just be over. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning and HGH? That’s the rumor. Manning has stated that he will potentially be going after Al-Jazeera for a defamation lawsuit, as he obviously disputes the claims. In the meantime, Manning has been officially named the backup to Brock Osweiler…officially named the backup to Brock Osweiler…officially named the backup to Brock Osweiler…yeah, doesn’t matter how many times I type it, still doesn’t look right.

Chiefs’ take: I don’t think it gets mentioned enough, but as of now, the Chiefs are responsible for ending the Manning Era in Denver.
Author’s take: Well, let me start by correcting Mike Ditka…Al-Jazeera is very much a credible news source. However, they may not be as well-versed in sporting news as the major US-based networks are. And I think that is the case here. While I’d love to throw one more thing in the face of the Donks, I really just don’t see it. Especially since the source has now recanted his story. There is definitely more to come here, so be sure to check back next week.

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have suffered yet another setback at quarterback with Charlie Whitehurst being the latest to go down. This has led to the team turning to Josh Freeman, who apparently does still exist, and Ryan Lindley to lead them in Week 17. On top of that, the Colts will now be without Dwayne Allen who is also headed to Injured Reserve, and maybe Free Agency after the season. These recent issues, along with a host of others are why head coach Chuck Pagano is already out and General Manager Ryan Grigson is expected by many to be let go after this season.

Chiefs’ take

: If Dwayne Allen isn’t on your offseason wish list for the Chiefs, you need to stop what you’re doing and fix that.

DeAnthony Thomas has been placed on NFI, but the reasons for it aren’t yet known. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have placed wide receiver DeAnthony Thomas on the Non Football Injury List, ending his 2015 season. Thomas had previously missed five games with concussion symptoms, but was finally cleared for practice before being sent to the NFI.

Chiefs’ take: The important distinction here is that being placed on the NFI means that the decision to end DAT’s season is not related to his concussion, at least not physically. This means there is another issue at the heart of this, and the information has been very scant on the subject.

Author’s take: I see this as potentially being similar to what we saw with Sean McGrath. After missing five weeks due to a concussion, it is very possible that Thomas is simply weighing the consequences of playing football versus the rewards. While there could be a number of reasons for this decision, with the playoffs coming up fast, it seems extremely unlikely that this is a situation that will simply just blow over. Unless there is some major issue that has gone completely under the radar, I do not foresee Thomas continuing his career in KC. Even if he were to choose to continue playing football (assuming it’s a choice to be made), the Chiefs can’t overlook the fact that he is leaving them short-handed right before the playoffs. We should all wish Thomas the best in his future, regardless of the situation, but this is certainly not an ideal scenario for the Chiefs.

Author’s note

: I did consider this for the Lead Story this week. But without knowing the details for why he has been placed on NFI, I couldn’t justify it. There simply isn’t enough known right now for me to do anything more than speculate.

Next: Saints lose another RB

Home/Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency