NFL: Burrow and Daniels on the field? Coaches on the hot seat

NFL: News and Rumors in Week 12

As we approach Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, specialists Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been in contact with sources from across the league to get the latest news and rumors on key situations, including information relevant to fantasy football. This week, the possible return of quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels to the field was investigated, as they have been absent due to injuries. Burrow, out since Week 2 due to a toe injury, and Daniels, who suffered a left elbow injury in Week 9. In addition, the situation of the Vikings with quarterback J.J. McCarthy was analyzed. Changes in the technical staff were also addressed, with the Titans and Giants already making modifications. Which other teams are on the ropes with seven weeks left in the season? Who are the strongest candidates for potential interviews?

Will Burrow and Daniels Return?

Graziano reports that the Bengals plan to increase Burrow’s workload in practice this week. The player has targeted the Thanksgiving Day game against the Ravens as his return goal. The final decision will depend on how his toe responds to the work in practice. If he can’t play on Thanksgiving, the Bengals would still have a few days after to activate him for the Week 14 game in Buffalo. Fowler adds that Burrow is determined to play, regardless of the team’s record. The AFC North has left a small window open for the Bengals, who are 3-7, if they manage to improve their defense. Graziano expects Burrow to play as soon as he is cleared. The Bengals coaching staff might need wins to secure their positions. Fowler points out that Burrow’s return could be beneficial for the player and the team, even if the playoffs are out of reach. Regarding Daniels, the Commanders have a bye week and are assessing the situation. They have lost six games in a row and have a 3-8 record. The intention in Washington is for Daniels to return as a starter once the doctors authorize him to play. Fowler indicates that Daniels’ situation is more complex, with a possible return in three weeks, but the team is preparing for a five to six week absence. Graziano comments that the season has taken the Commanders by surprise, and this week of rest allows them to make long-term decisions.

Concern in Minnesota over McCarthy?

Fowler highlights that McCarthy’s accuracy is a concern, with missed passes affecting the entire offense. The Vikings are working to help him improve his consistency. The team still believes in his work ethic and skills. Carson Wentz underwent shoulder surgery, and Max Brosmer has potential, but is an undrafted free agent. The Vikings’ two goals, competing for championships and developing a young quarterback, are hindering each other. Graziano mentions the frustration of other offensive players. Justin Jefferson hitting his helmet on the bench is unusual. The Vikings’ concern is to maintain cohesion around McCarthy as he goes through his difficult moments. A scout from another team commented that McCarthy throws at only one speed, attributing it to his attempt to be the hero. The general feeling is that he needs time and repetitions. The problem is that the plan was to compete this year, and his slow development prevents them from doing so. Fowler points out that the Vikings could have had Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Rodgers as quarterbacks, who combined have a 21-9 record this season. The Vikings lead the league with a $344.9 million roster, but it all depends on the young quarterback’s progress. Graziano raises the question of what they will do in the offseason if McCarthy doesn’t improve, considering the possibility of bringing in a veteran mentor, a veteran to compete, or looking for a replacement in the draft.

Rich Eisen: J.J. McCarthy looked bad at times against the BearsThe Vikings’ plan with the quarterback next spring will reveal their true expectations for McCarthy, who still has more than a third of the season to prove that the team made the right decision.

Which Coaches Are on the Hot Seat?

Graziano mentions that team owners can make unexpected decisions. The expectation of the Falcons owner was that the team would be competitive, which has not happened. The situation of Taylor in Cincinnati and potentially Stefanski in Cleveland is observed. McDaniel could keep his position, as the team is responding better to him. The NFL executive considers McDaniel to be better than most of the offensive candidates available. Fowler comments that Arizona, with Jonathan Gannon, is also in the spotlight, although opinions vary on whether the owner, Michael Bidwill, will take action. The situation of paying large sums of money to Gannon and Kyler Murray could be a factor. Graziano believes that the Cardinals could stick with Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort, allowing them to choose the quarterback. Jacoby Brissett’s performance in Drew Petzing’s offense gives reason to believe in the team’s structure. Fowler mentions Pete Carroll’s situation in Las Vegas, where the Raiders are rebuilding. Carroll, at 74 years old, is looking to win now, but the plans are not being fulfilled. The question is whether the Raiders should restart the rebuild with another coach. Also, something has to change with the offense and play-caller Chip Kelly, whose name could resurface for college jobs.

Who Are the Most Outstanding Coaching Candidates?

Fowler points out that this cycle is more open than the previous one, which featured Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel. Experienced coordinators as head coaches will be a factor. Vance Joseph, Robert Saleh, Brian Flores, and Jeff Hafley could be considered. On offense, Matt Nagy, Mike McCarthy, Kliff Kingsbury, and Arthur Smith could be options. Graziano indicates that the offensive coordinators to follow are Joe Brady, Smith, Nagy and possibly Kingsbury. The scarcity of successful offensive coordinators in recent years could open up opportunities. Mike Kafka could have an opportunity with the Giants. They could consider position coaches with potential like Josh McCown. McCarthy, if he performs well, could improve his position. Fowler suggests exploring young options outside of the fashion coordinators. Davis Webb, Grant Udinski, Brad Idzik, and Nate Scheelhaase are names to consider. The scarcity of offensive options benefits Kafka. Klint Kubiak, Jim Bob Cooter, and Josh Grizzard have impressed. Todd Monken has been interviewed for several jobs. Graziano highlights the intriguing defensive group, including Jesse Minter, Chris Shula, and Aden Durde. Lou Anarumo could be considered in New York.

Rex Ryan praises the Broncos’ defense in the victory against the ChiefsGraziano believes Anarumo could be considered again, and Minter is a potential candidate. Vance Joseph could be the leading candidate for several teams.

Other Topics of Interest

Graziano’s Notes:

• The Steelers still don’t know if Aaron Rodgers will be able to play against the Bears due to a fracture in his left wrist.
• The Steelers are evaluating Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in case Rodgers can’t play.
• Jaylen Warren is likely to play despite an ankle injury, and Kenneth Gainwell could have a significant role.

The Jets’ decision to trade Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor is due to the evaluation of young players, especially tight end Mason Taylor and receivers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. Taylor is expected to be the starter, and there will likely be a new quarterback in New York next season. In the Chiefs-Broncos game, Denver dominated and could be the team to end the Chiefs’ streak. The Broncos’ defense, despite the absences, played well against Patrick Mahomes. The Broncos are 7-2 in games decided by one point and are the number one seed in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs committed many penalties in the game against the Broncos, and Mahomes missed some important passes. Isiah Pacheco’s return could help, but the team relies on its passing game. The Chiefs’ defense needs to improve, and Chris Jones is expected to be more effective.

Kimberley Martin: Every game is now win or go home for the ChiefsThe Chiefs need to win two games in a row to stay in the playoff hunt.

Fowler’s Notes:

Dillon Gabriel faces a difficult situation to overcome the concussion protocol. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to make his debut.