Panthers Fire Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero
The Carolina Panthers have fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley after opening the season 3-4. Defensive line coach Todd Wash will take over as interim defensive coordinator, according to the team’s announcement.
The decision follows a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. The Packers recorded six sacks, their season high, in a performance that added to the scrutiny on Carolina’s defense. The staff changes are the latest significant coaching move of the season.
NFL Reportedly Moves Referee Crew; McKinney Says He Was Fined
The NFL has reportedly moved referee Alex Moore’s crew off Sunday night’s Philadelphia Eagles–Washington Commanders game. According to ProFootballTalk, the crew will instead work the New England Patriots–Miami Dolphins matchup. The report follows the crew’s assignment to Sunday’s Detroit Lions-Packers game; the NFL has not publicly stated a reason for the reported change in the supplied information.
Packers safety Xavier McKinney says the league fined him at least $25,000 for criticizing officials after that loss to Detroit, according to ProFootballTalk. The amount is based on McKinney’s account; the supplied report does not include an official league statement.
Quenton Nelson and Jeffery Simmons Begin New Chapters
Guard Quenton Nelson has joined the Seattle Seahawks after a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, describing the departure as bittersweet while looking ahead to his new team. Nelson is set to face former AFC South rival Jeffery Simmons, now with the Chicago Bears, when Seattle and Chicago meet Monday night. Nelson joked that he could not get away from Simmons, with whom he is scheduled to face off for the 14th time, according to NFL.com.
Simmons’ move also leaves the Tennessee Titans with two first-round picks in the 2027 draft, according to NFL.com’s draft-order report. Titans coach Robert Saleh says the team is not shopping players, but acknowledged that calls come when a club is 1-6. His comments leave open the possibility that other teams may continue to inquire, without confirming any further trade plans.
Christian Watson Returns After Hospital Visit
Packers receiver Christian Watson returned to Lambeau Field and played against Carolina after being taken to a hospital for evaluation of a chest injury. Watson said he suffered a broken rib and was coughing up blood, but was cleared after tests, according to ESPN. He described wanting to get back on the field even before leaving the hospital, and later called the experience a dramatic return.
Green Bay held on for the 27-19 win, with quarterback Jordan Love completing 23 of 25 passes thrown in under 2.5 seconds for 177 yards and two touchdowns, according to Next Gen Stats cited by NFL.com. The Packers’ six sacks also marked their most in a game since losing Micah Parsons to a knee injury last season.
Several Players’ Availability in Focus for Week 8
Running back Breece Hall is questionable and defensive end David Bailey is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ProFootballTalk. The supplied report does not provide further details on either player’s injury or a potential change to those designations.
A.J. Brown also says his ankle is not fully healthy after his stint on injured reserve. The Patriots receiver said he is “pushing through,” according to NFL.com; no additional update on his availability was included in the report.
Former Falcons Coach June Jones Dies at 73
June Jones, a former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has died at age 73, NFL.com reports. The supplied announcement did not include further details.