NFC Notes: Cardinals, Lions, Panthers

Cardinals

Cardinals S D.J. Swearinger admitted that it’s wasn’t his role to publicly call out the Redskins defensive coaching staff, which ultimately led to his release earlier in the week.

“[I] understand it wasn’t my role to call out the defensive coaches even though we had a relationship,” Swearinger said, via ESPN.com. “Me and the coaches, we had a good relationship. You know, I’ll keep my mouth shut next time and just keep [my head down] and play football and do what I need to do on the field and let my past do the talking.”

Swearinger did, however, say that he was surprised the team decided to cut him.

“Definitely didn’t think it would cost my job knowing that me and the coach had an understanding but it is what it is,” Swearinger said. “Everything happened for a reason. I’m happy it happened and ready to move forward.”

Lions

Lions HC Matt Patricia said Wednesday that he’s “pretty confident” he’ll be back in Detroit for the 2019 season.

“For me right now is just keep moving forward and getting ready for the game this weekend,” Patricia said, via the Detroit Free Press. “Like I said, I meet with Mrs. Ford every week. They’ve been great. Her and her family have been great.“

Panthers

Panthers TE Greg Olsen said Wednesday that his foot injury should be healed in three or four months and added that he believes he can still “play at a high level.”

“I think that’s always your intention,” Olsen said, via Joe Person of The Athletic. “I still feel like I can play at a high level. Obviously I said that before the season too and it didn’t exactly work out. It’s been a frustrating two years, there’s no question about it. There’s a lot of other people who have a lot of say in it. What they feel my future is here, what other opportunities present themselves, it’s hard to say. I still enjoy playing. I still know I can play, but that decision isn’t always up to me.”

• Panthers HC Ron Rivera announced that rookie QB Kyle Allen will be the starter for Week 17’s game against the Saints with Garrett Gilbert as his backup. (Max Henson)
• Panthers WR Devin Funchess, who will be an unrestricted free agent next year, said Wednesday that he would “love to be back next season” but his focus right now is on beating the Saints. (David Newton)