NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Giants, Panthers, Redskins

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers RB Doug Martin (concussion) and DE Robert Ayers (concussion) both returned to practice on Wednesday. (Greg Auman)
• However, Buccaneers DT Clinton McDonald, S T.J. Ward, DB Vernon Hargreaves, DB Josh Robinson, C Joe Hawley and DE Ryan Russell were held out of practice. (Greg Auman)

Giants

• Giants interim HC Steve Spagnuolo confirmed reports (NFLTR) that Eli Manning is returning as the team’s starting quarterback for Week 14’s game against the Cowboys: “Eli Manning will be the quarterback for this football team and this game.” (Jordan Raanan)
• Manning told reporters that he’s “excited” to be back as the starter: “I’m excited about the opportunity to start this week and be out there with my teammates to play the Dallas Cowboys.”
• According to Spagnuolo, he had a good meeting with Geno Smith about the decision and while Smith wasn’t happy about the move, he was still professional.
• Spagnuolo mentioned that he still plans to be heavily involved with the team’s defense over the final four weeks of the season, but Dave Merritt will take on added responsibilities. (James Kratch)
• As for rookie QB Davis Webb, Spagnuolo said they haven’t formulated a plan for him to play yet. (Ralph Vacchiano)
• Webb will see more work moving forward, but the plans is for Smith to be team’s backup quarterback to Manning. (James Kratch)
• Spagnuolo believes Ben McAdoo will get another shot at being an NFL head coach. (Dan Duggan)
• Manning reiterated that he doesn’t believe the team’s poor season was McAdoo’s fault: “I have great respect for Coach McAdoo. Don’t think this was his fault.” (Jordan Raanan)

Panthers

• Panthers TE Greg Olsen (foot) returned to practice on Monday. Ian Rapoport mentions that Carolina thought Olsen would only be out a week as he battled soreness, so this fits with their expectations.
• Panthers HC Ron Rivera said he’s happy with Olsen’s progress and he won’t be a “pitch count” this week. (Max Henson)
• According to Rivera, LB Shaq Thompson is dealing with plantar fasciitis and they aren’t optimistic about his status for Week 14. (Joe Person)
• Panthers CB Captain Munnerlyn said Wednesday that he left more money on the table from the Vikings to re-sign with Panthers: “But Charlotte was my home.” (Joe Person)

Redskins

• Adam Schefter reports that Redskins TE Jordan Reed will not play in Sunday’s game against the Chargers.