NFL Notes: Officiating Changes, Broncos, Panthers, Patriots, Rams & Texans

Officiating Changes

• According to Ian Rapoport, the Competition Committee plans to make administrative changes to officiating for this year’s playoffs over issues involving: the clock, the down, and penalty yards.
• Rapoport‘s understanding is that the NFL officiating office in New York will communicate with officials when these issues occur.

Broncos

• Broncos announced on Tuesday that QB Brock Osweiler will continue to start for Week 15 and that Peyton Manning (plantar fascia) will return to practice this week. (Mike Garafolo)
• Aaron Wilson reports that the Broncos worked out TE/FB Manasseh Garner on Tuesday.
• Mike Klis pointed out that Peyton Manning, Ryan Clady and Louis Vasquez could be vulnerable to being released this offseason, with their non-guaranteed money being a key factor.
• Klis lists each of the player’s salaries for 2016, with Manning making $19 million, Clady making $9.5 million, and Vasquez making $5.5 million.

Panthers

• Bill Voth of the Black And Blue Review reports that CB Charles Tillman has been dealing with a partially torn ACL and is likely headed to the season-ending injured reserve.
• HC Ron Rivera said on Monday he is waiting to see how Tillman’s injured knee responds during Wednesday’s practice before making any roster decisions.
• According to Voth, the Panthers are planning to promote CB Lou Young from their practice squad once Tillman is placed on the injured reserve.

Patriots

• Jason La Canfora reports the Patriots are still gathering information RB LeGarrette Blount hip injury and are hopeful he could return during the playoffs.

Rams

• According to Jason Cole of B/R, Texans owner Bob McNair was “working closely” with St. Louis on a proposal that would enable the Rams to remain in their city.
• Cole says it is unclear whether the extra $100 million supported from the NFL is a G4 loan or from a surplus of funds, with further uncertainty of how it would be paid.

Texans

• Owner Bob McNair said the team “absolutely” needs to invest in a starting quarterback this offseason. (Brian T. Smith)
• McNair said he has no plans to make changes to the GM and head coaching roles after the season. (Brian T. Smith)
• McNair said regarding HC Bill O’Brien, “Does he make mistakes? Sure. But most of his mistakes haven’t been that great and he’s been able to overcome them.”