The NFL's best kickoff returner evaded a scare Sunday.
Cordarrelle Patterson, briefly sidelined during the Bears' win over the Vikings, avoided a serious knee injury, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. The special teams ace and reserve running back looks to have a pretty good shot of playing for Chicago against the Jaguars in Week 16, Pelissero added.
Patterson leads the NFL in KO returns (32), yards (942) and average (29.4).
The Bears (7-7) will monitor his recovery throughout the week as it continues its push for a wild-card spot. They are currently the eighth seed in the NFC, just one game back of the Cardinals.
Also, the Bears announced that defensive tackle Tyler Clark has been released from the practice squad.
Here's other injury and roster news we're tracking on Monday:
- Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (concussion) and tight end Eric Ebron (back) did not return against the Bengals after getting injured in the first half. Linebacker Ulysees Gilbert (ankle) was also ruled out early. The Steelers announced earlier in the day that running back James Conner has been downgraded to out for Monday night's game. Pittsburgh also activated guard Danny Isidora to the 53-man roster, elevated linebacker Tegray Scales to the active roster from the practice squad and released tight end Kevin Rader.
- Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd was ruled out after suffering a concussion in the first quarter.
- New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the league's reigning defensive player of the year, suffered a partially torn quad, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Gilmore will have surgery to repair it Tuesday and should be able to participate in some portion of the offseason program, Rapoport added. The diagnosis is considered a positive given that the injury initially appeared worse and there is no structural damage to his knee.
- Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott said initial reports on wide receiver Stefon Diggs' foot injury are not overly concerning. McDermott expects to have a better idea on the severity in the coming days.
- Seattle Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain that should knock him out multiple weeks, Rapoport reported, per sources informed. Not great, but Seattle can withstand it with Rashaad Penny returning and taking on a larger role, Rapoport added. Pete Carroll told reporters that receiver Josh Gordon, who hasn't played in a game this season, could re-join the lineup as soon as this week. "We're planning the week like he has a chance to contribute," Carroll said, per team reporter John Boyle. Carroll also said tight end Greg Olsen (foot) will return this week barring any setbacks. Olsen was placed on IR on Nov. 23 after suffering a plantar fascia tear in Week 11.
- The Philadelphia Eagles are opening the 21-day window for wide receiver DeSean Jackson to practice, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported. Jackson currently is on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.
- The Washington Football Team is signing veteran linebacker Mychal Kendricks off the Seahawks' practice squad, per Pelissero. The former Eagles starter has not appeared in a game this season.
- Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Chris Hubbard is having surgery this week to repair torn ligaments in his knee and will miss the remainder of the season, Rapoport reported. The procedure will repair associated damage from a dislocated kneecap suffered during Sunday's win over the Giants, Rapoport added.
- Further tests confirmed Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered hip and ankle injuries that leave him with a shot of returning in the playoffs, per Rapoport.
- The Indianapolis Colts released punter Ryan Allen from their practice squad.
- The Cincinnati Bengals elevated quarterback Kevin Hogan to the active roster.
- New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19.
- The Miami Dolphins announced that wide receiver Antonio Callaway has been released.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed practice squad wide receiver Cyril Grayson on injured reserve and released wide receiver Josh Pearson from the practice squad.
- The Baltimore Ravens activated wide receiver Chris Moore from IR and defensive back Geno Stone from the reserve/COVID-19 list and placed defensive back Davontae Harris on IR.
- The Arizona Cardinals signed safety Chris Miller and cornerback Picasso Nelson to the practice squad and released defensive lineman Daylon Mack from the practice squad.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars placed punter Logan Cooke on the reserve/COVID-19 list and signed punter Cameron Nizialek to the practice squad.
- The Houston Texans activated running back Dontrell Hilliard from the exempt/commissioner permission list and also announced they had waived defensive tackle Corey Liuget.
