NFL Notes: Roger Goodell, Browns, Eagles, Jaguars, Panthers

Roger Goodell

Peter King of TheMMQB.com writes that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is “safe for now,” but if the investigation into the league’s handling of the Ray Rice situation were to show that he lied, Goodell would be in “serious trouble.”

King adds that Goodell’s long-term future could be in question

“One owner could see a scenario of Goodell surviving this fall, but if the brand is significantly damaged, and the public is as down on Goodell as recent public opinion indicates, he could be in trouble down the road,” writes King.

A few owners that spoke to King mentioned that they believe Goodell spends too much time on disciplining players and there is even a sense that he actually plays favorites when it comes to certain teams.

Should Goodell survive beyond the Rice investigation, the owners would like to see him spend more time on growing the games and other league matters in the coming years.

Browns

• The Browns have reportedly evaluated the quarterback positions and plan to stick with Brian Hoyer as their starter. (Ian Rapoport)

Eagles

• RT Lane Johnson has served his four-game suspension and can return to the team this week.

Jaguars

• WR Cecil Shorts hamstring injury is considered an aggravation of the same injury that forced him out of first two games of the season. (Ryan O’Halloran)
• WR Ace Sanders‘ four-game suspension is over and he can return to the team this week.

Panthers

• RB DeAngelo Williams is considered “week to week” following an ankle injury he sustained on Sunday. (Ian Rapoport)