Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Friday, Dec. 18:
How are the Cleveland Browns going to replace Brian Hartline's production after placing the receiver on season-ending injured reserve? According to the Beacon Journal's Nate Ulrich, the answer might be former quarterback-turned-receiver Terrelle Pryor. Pryor made his season debut last week, seeing action on 16 snaps in a victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Pryor was the subject of plenty of preseason speculation as he attempted to transition to his new position, but a hamstring injury proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. Now he seemingly has another chance to prove he can be a receiver in the NFL. O-coordinator John DeFilippo confirmed that Pryor will see an expanded role in the coming weeks. "As we see this season go along here these last three games," DeFilippo said. "I think you will continue to see Terrelle’s role grow." The Browns were pleased with Pryor's debut, and he has been thrilled with the chemistry he has developed in practice with quarterback Johnny Manziel. Now we will see if that progress leads to Pryor's first career reception.
The Browns might also need a backup plan at kicker this weekend. Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot tweeted that Travis Coons is questionable for Sunday with a groin injury. Cleveland rested him today and expects him to play against Seattle. If he can't go there is no reason to worry, however, as head coach Mike Pettine says they "have a backup plan." The backup plan? Second-string quarterback Austin Davis. Pettine said, in addition to working out other kickers, "Austin Davis is an outstanding kicker," and can be called upon in-game if needed.
The Green Bay Packers' secondary's difficult task just got even tougher. Mike McCarthy told reporters, including the Green Bay Press Gazette's Weston Hodkiewicz, that the Packers' top corner Sam Shields would not be making the trip this weekend. This is huge news for the Oakland Raiders and rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper, who is trying to bounce back after being held without a catch last week against the Denver Broncos. CSN Bay Area's Scott Bair is reporting that the rookie has been working through a foot injury that cost him some practice time this week but is expected to play against the Packers. The Oakland wideout is in the running for rookie of the year after totaling 920 yards and four touchdowns on 62 catches in 13 games. Last week's game against Denver was the first time Cooper had been held without a reception, so it will be interesting to see how he bounces back against Green Bay. Second-round pick Quinten Rollins replaced Shields for Green Bay last week, meaning the Packers will be playing with two rookie corners on the outside against Oakland.