Around the NFL ~ Week 08

StickierBuns wrote:

Please, baby jesus.....no.....😑
https://x.com/esidery/status/2115454064406253777?a=CkcT3Xgbxyq5QB0xx-I&s=20

Sure hope not!!!

The only story line I want to hear is: The Panthers Maul the Packers!

Three must-know subplots for Panthers-Packers on "TNF": Crisis brewing in Green Bay?https://t.co/ECdYPK6A4t

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

1) Can the Panthers protect their most valuable asset?

2) Will Green Bay's ground game awaken from its season-long slumber?

3) Are the Packers facing a kicker crisis?

ESPN has televised the Monday night wild-card game since it started in 2021. The broadcast home for the 2026 edition still isn't known. https://t.co/O2dx3XvrTc

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 28, 2026

As we close in on the 50-percent mark (that’s half, for those unfamiliar with the concept of percentages) of the regular season nearly in the can, the playoffs are coming. And it’s still not known where the last game of the first round will be televised.

In 2021, the NFL moved one of the six wild-card games to Monday night. ESPN has been the exclusive home for the Monday night playoff game. ESPN’s contractual right to that expired last year.

As noted by Drew Lerner of Awful Announcing, the TGL schedule on ESPN highlights the uncertainty as to whether ESPN will, or won’t, be televising an NFL game on Monday night, January 18.

Last year, Fox, CBS, NBC, Prime Video, and ESPN televised wild-card games. If the Monday night game remains available to anyone, any of them could land the game — for the right price.

It’s also possible, in theory, that Netflix could swoop in and snatch the game. That’s how Netflix has been unveiling its NFL strategy in recent years. When no one expects it, boom, here’s Netflix with another game to “eventize.”

The Monday night game would fit the current Netflix aspirations. And, with six first-round games and six partners at the table, each of them could end up with one wild-card game.

For fans, it doesn’t matter much. The game will be on somewhere. For the networks, the prospect of getting the Monday night game matters plenty.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Falcons QB Michael Penix named Offensive Players of the Weekhttps://t.co/ufYBV7NxC1 pic.twitter.com/myfF2hrWnO

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

Broncos LB Alex Singleton, Vikings LB Blake Cashman earn Defensive Player of the Week honorshttps://t.co/ufYBV7O5rz pic.twitter.com/EWeaaceiqE

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

Bengals punter Ryan Rehkow, Lions DE D.J. Wonnum honored as Special Teams Players of the Weekhttps://t.co/ufYBV7O5rz pic.twitter.com/VucXwfzq4L

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

The NFL's obsession for "more, more, more" could cause it to lose sight of making the game as good as it can be. pic.twitter.com/nD0VyvveQL

— PFT Live (@PFT_Live) October 28, 2026

The firing of G.M. Chris Ballard and Tuesday's trades make it crystal clear that the next G.M. will be hiring a new coach. pic.twitter.com/74dsEmJPx3

— PFT Live (@PFT_Live) October 28, 2026

Commanders officially place WR Terry McLaurin (knee) on injured reserve, sign WR Van Jefferson to active rosterhttps://t.co/LZM3yFHQWA pic.twitter.com/WVE1e5B47B

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

Titans sign 40-year-old punter Thomas Morstead to practice squadhttps://t.co/Mu6uYLEPxD pic.twitter.com/YoZbVRBgp8

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

Promising... https://t.co/7CxTedPBd7

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2026

More help: Lions S Kerby Joseph will return to practice today.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2026

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid faced five straight minutes of questions about Justin Tucker today, including what message his signing sends to female fans of the team.

"He's done his suspension. Took care of his business there. I'll leave it at that."

Full back-and-forth exchange below: https://t.co/Kl32rrq5Sx pic.twitter.com/QeOJOkWQ8r

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 28, 2026

Who will replace Troy Aikman at ESPN? We've made our official predictions. pic.twitter.com/9MxK7yvyKu

— PFT Live (@PFT_Live) October 28, 2026

The #Panthers ruled out OLB Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), guard Damien Lewis (knee), CB Akayleb Evans (triceps/knee), and OL Torricelli Simpkins III (ankle). https://t.co/XmDZPVwyJY

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2026

Cardinals signed veteran wide receiver Zay Jones to their practice squad.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2026

Chargers safety Derwin James (hamstring) could land on injured reserve after setback, per HC Jim Harbaughhttps://t.co/Yveeams2dS pic.twitter.com/ni0L1lHxQu

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

Packers injury report: Three out, WR Matthew Golden questionable to play vs. Panthershttps://t.co/l7OdW8XKW7 pic.twitter.com/0kxSaDunZx

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 28, 2026

After looking at everything during the bye week, the #Chargers will have OC Mike McDaniel continue to call plays. https://t.co/8Zw0zcbyMi

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2026

Packers are listing WR Matthew Golden (shoulder/foot), DTs Devonte Wyatt (ankle) and Anthony Campbell (ankle), and edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. (quadricep) as questionable for Thursday night vs. Carolina.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2026