NFL Notes: Shaq Lawson, Bills, Cardinals & Vikings

Shaq Lawson

Clemson DE Shaq Lawson has declared that he will forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2016 NFL Draft.

“I’m going to declare for the draft,” Lawson said, via Mark Berman of Fox Sports. “It was a tough decision. I sat down with my family, sat down with the support staff at Clemson. I enjoyed being at Clemson, but it’s time. I’m ready for the next level.”

Lawson is a finalist for the Lombardi Award and is projected to be a first-round pick. He has put together an impressive season in 2015, gathering 54 total tackles, 21.5 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Bills

• Mike Rodak reports that several teams were showing interest in TE Nick O’Leary prior to his promotion to the Bills’ active roster on Tuesday.

Cardinals

• HC Bruce Arians said he is hopeful that DE Cory Redding (ankle) will be available for Week 14’s Thursday night game. (Alex Marvez)
• Arians said DE Frostee Rucker (ankle), RB Andre Ellington (toe), CB Jerraud Powers (calf) are “likely” to miss Thursday’s game. (Alex Marvez)

Vikings

• According to Aj Mansour of KFAN 100.3, NT Linval Joseph (foot), LB Anthony Barr (groin), S Harrison Smith (hamstring) and S Antone Exum Jr. (rib/shoulder) have been ruled out of Week 14’s Thursday night game.