NFL Notes: Andrew Luck, Bengals, Broncos, Panthers & Texans

Andrew Luck

• Adam Schefter reports that the Colts were not optimistic that QB Andrew Luck would be able to play Sunday against the Texans as of last week.
• Doctors are expected to make a determination at some point this week regarding Luck’s status for Week 15.

Bengals

• Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Bengals QB Andy Dalton (broken thumb) will see a hand specialist today.
• According to Rapoport, the initial fear is that Dalton will miss the remainder of the regular season, and possibly more.

Broncos

• Broncos HC Gary Kubiak wouldn’t confirm if QB Peyton Manning will practice this week. (James Palmer)
• According to Kubiak, a decision will be made today or Tuesday regarding Manning.

Panthers

Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports polled five team contract guys and a half dozen agents to see what they estimate for what Panthers CB Josh Norman‘s breakout season has done for his value.

“I say (he was worth) six to eight million because of character concerns,” a team contract negotiator said, “but the way he’s playing now, you can live with it and love it.”

The franchise tag for cornerbacks was $13.05 million for the 2015 season, but that figure will likely increase a bit once the 2016 salary cap is set in stone. Unless the Panthers and Norman are able to reach an agreement ahead of free agency, there’s a decent chance he could get tagged.

Texans

• Brian T. Smith points that Texans QB Brian Hoyer may have suffered his fifth concussion, and second in the past month.
• If ends up being diagnoses with a concussion, Smith believe he should not be allowed to take field this Sunday against the Colts.