NFL notebook: Vikings’ Zimmer, GM
get vote of confidence
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[January 04, 2020]
Two days before the organization's first playoff game in two years,
Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf gave a vote of confidence to head
coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman.
"We value Mike and Rick's leadership and we have every intent of
Mike continuing as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and Rick
leading our football operations, next year and beyond," Wilf said in
a statement.
The timing is odd given Zimmer's success in Minnesota, and it comes
amid rumors that Zimmer is a possible replacement for Dallas Cowboys
head coach Jason Garrett. ESPN reported that Garrett, whose contract
expires Jan. 14, will not return next season.
Zimmer, 63, who is a former Cowboys assistant coach, guided the
Vikings to a 10-6 record this season and an NFC wild-card berth. In
six seasons at Minnesota, Zimmer is 57-38-1 and will be making his
third playoff appearance with the team. He's the third-winningest
coach in Vikings history.
--The Vikings placed cornerback Mike Hughes on injured reserve and
re-signed veteran corner Marcus Sherels, two days before their NFC
wild-card contest against the New Orleans Saints.
Hughes is dealing with a neck injury. In addition, cornerback
Mackensie Alexander was ruled out due to a knee injury.
Sherels spent eight full seasons with the Vikings, making a huge
impact as a specialist, including returning five punts for
touchdowns.
--Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders confirmed that he
is good to go for Sunday's NFC wild-card playoff round game against
the Seattle Seahawks.
Sanders, who did not practice Wednesday or Thursday because of an
ailing ankle, was injured in the second quarter of the Eagles' NFC
East-clinching 34-17 win over the New York Giants on Sunday.
The second-round pick from Penn State broke the Eagles' rookie
records for yards from scrimmage (1,327) and all-purpose yards
(1,641) this year. Sanders ran for 818 yards and three touchdowns
and caught 50 passes for 509 yards and three scores.
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Philadelphia Eagles
running back Miles Sanders (26) runs the ball against the New York
Giants in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit:
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
--Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, the leading candidate
for NFL Most Valuable Player, was among 14 players to make their
first Associated Press NFL All-Pro Team.
Joining him as a first-time selection was Carolina Panthers running
back Christian McCaffrey, who locked up two spots on the first team:
running back and flex position. McCaffrey became the third running
back in league history to both run for 1,000 yards and gain 1,000
yards receiving in the same season.
Jackson is one of four Ravens on the first team, joined by defensive
backs Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey, as well as left tackle
Ronnie Stanley.
--Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson agreed to a four-year contract
worth $58.4 million, making him the NFL's highest-paid player in
average annual value at the position.
The deal with the Pro Bowl defensive back averages $14.6 million a
year. It also includes $33 million in total guarantees with a full
guarantee of $22 million. He had one year remaining on his rookie
contract.
He has 10 career interceptions and three touchdowns with the Bears,
was named to his second straight Pro Bowl this season and was
first-team All-Pro in 2018.
--Field Level Media
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