Page 2 - J Walker News Today

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco and other starters could be rested in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals, per head coach Kevin Stefanski.

The Browns are in both the playoffs and an unusual spot: They can treat their regular-season finale like a preseason game. With a wild-card berth already locked up, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski indicated Monday he may rest some starters, including red-hot quarterback Joe Flacco, for Sunday's final regular-season game at Cincinnati. The Browns (11-5) clinched their third postseason appearance since 1999 on Thursday night with a win over the New York Jets.

The "Spotlight On Alumni" campaign aims to highlight the success stories of individuals who have graduated from our schools, showcasing the impact they have made in society.

The Cleveland Browns' stellar kicker Dustin Hopkins is out for the week after sustaining a hamstring injury during Sunday's winning game against the Chicago Bears, the team announced Tuesday.

Joe Flacco was at home a month ago, all but ready to accept his 15-year NFL career might be over. Then came a phone call from his agent with an invitation to a workout with the Cleveland Browns. A commercial flight and practice-squad deal later, the former Super Bowl MVP has become an overnight hero for a team ravaged by injuries but still trying to maintain playoff hopes.

Inside the Numbers dives into NFL statistics, streaks and trends each week. In a season when much of the NFL is clustered around break even, the AFC can boast a record number of winning teams headed into Week 15 while the NFC has the most teams ever on the losing side. Led by four playoff contenders in the ultra-tough AFC North, the AFC has 11 teams with a winning record through 14 weeks.

In this unsettled season for the Minnesota Vikings, Nick Mullens is next up at quarterback. Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday that Mullens will start Saturday at Cincinnati after relieving an ineffective Joshua Dobbs last week and helping lead the Vikings to a 3-0 victory at Las Vegas.

Joe Flacco was a forgotten man just a few weeks ago.

Browns wait to announce starter, they let QB go

Cleveland rookie right tackle Dawand Jones will miss Sunday's game against Jacksonville with a knee injury, a blow to the Browns who are tying to stay in the AFC playoff hunt. Jones has played exceptionally well after moving into the starting lineup in Week 1, when Jack Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury. A fourth-round pick from Ohio State, Jones was downgraded from questionable to out on Saturday — one of several significant moves made by the Browns (7-5).