NFL Notebook: Russell Wilson faces uncertain future in Seattle

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson looks to make a pass against the Los Angeles Rams. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)

The end of the calendar year is upon us, and the conclusion of the National Football League season will soon follow. We’ve got plenty to discuss in our final NFL Notebook of 2021, and it even includes plenty of non-pandemic items! Let’s get to it.

John Madden: 1936-2021

Unfortunately, we must begin on a somber note. Hall of Fame coach John Madden passed away Tuesday at the age of 85. As great a coach as he was, though, he’ll go down in history as one of football’s greatest ambassadors.

Remembering John Madden 🙏

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/HA7Ghdu22H
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 29, 2021

He teamed with Pat Summerall to form one of the most recognizable commentary teams in sports, and he lent his name to a video game franchise that produces one of the biggest-selling titles each year. Tributes poured in from around the sports world this week, and for good reason.

Uncertain Futures For Franchise Quarterbacks

Ben Roethlisberger and Russell Wilson addressed speculation about their respective situations this week. Roethlisberger, finishing up his 18th season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, said that this week’s home finale may be the last game he plays at Heinz Field.

Ben Roethlisberger won’t speak in definites, but he says “all signs” are pointing that “this could be it” his last game — at least regular season — at Heinz Field. pic.twitter.com/9jlhR99Kty
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 30, 2021

Meanwhile, Wilson voiced frustration last offseason over a lack of protection from the Seattle offensive line, and he missed a large chunk of the 2021 campaign due to an injury. The Seahawks currently sit at 5-10, and rumors are swirling that the face of the franchise may fly the coop before the start of the 2022 season.

Rough Week For Lamar Jackson

Staying under center, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice Wednesday, but that isn’t to say he’s completely healthy. In fact, he arrived with a noticeable limp, and while he got a session in Wednesday, he did not practice Thursday.

Lamar Jackson (right ankle injury) returned to practice Wednesday but moved with a pronounced limp pic.twitter.com/KRWeGm6GCg
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 29, 2021

If Jackson can’t go Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, Tyler Huntley may be pressed into service. Huntley didn’t play last weekend after testing positive for COVID-19, but he was activated Thursday and will be available if needed.

Monster Games Headline Sunday Slate

All but two teams will be in action Sunday in the first contests of the 2022 calendar year, and several of these clashes have major playoff implications. Specifically, the Kansas City Chiefs head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in a battle of division leaders, the Miami Dolphins will take their seven-game win streak into Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, and the Philadelphia Eagles will look to solidify their playoff footing against NFC East rival Washington.

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