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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is dealing with a sprained shoulder that could jeopardize his status for a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter added the team doesn't expect this to be a long-term issue for its starting signal-caller, though Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported he could be out for Philly's next two games.

John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia added that the injury is "not serious" and that Hurts is expected to be ready for the playoffs.

PhillyVoice.com's Jimmy Kempski initially reported Hurts underwent X-rays for an undisclosed injury following Sunday's 25-20 win over the Chicago Bears.

The Eagles handed Hurts the keys to the offense when they traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. Hurts proceeded to guide Philadelphia into the playoffs, while Wentz's Week 18 performance helped cost Indianapolis a postseason berth.

In his first full season as the starter, Hurts threw for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions and ran for 784 yards and 10 scores.

The 2020 second-round pick proved Philadelphia right in moving on from Wentz and looked like he might be a long-term solution at quarterback.

Hurts' performance in the Wild Card Round (23-of-43 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions) showed he still has some improvements to make, though, in order to take the next step up.

He appears to have done just that with 3,472 passing yards and 747 rushing yards through 14 games.

The Eagles acquired Gardner Minshew from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 to serve as Hurts' backup, and he was pressed into duty twice a season ago.

Minshew has a clear ceiling, hence Jacksonville's decision to select Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, but the fourth-year signal-caller if needed is a solid stopgap who has performed well enough when given starting opportunities.

Playoff spots will be on the line during Week 16 of the NFL season.

The league released the various playoff-clinching scenarios for the upcoming slate Monday:

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AFC

• Buffalo Bills: Clinch AFC East with win over Chicago Bears OR Miami Dolphins loss (to Green Bay Packers)
• Cincinnati Bengals: Clinch playoff berth with win over New England Patriots OR New York Jets loss (to Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Baltimore Ravens: Clinch playoff berth with either 1. win over Atlanta Falcons paired with losses by the Jets and Patriots OR 2. win over Falcons paired with losses by the Jets and Dolphins OR 3. win over Falcons paired with losses by the Patriots and Dolphins
• Los Angeles Chargers: Clinch playoff berth with win over Indianapolis Colts paired with losses by the Jets, Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders (to Pittsburgh Steelers)

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NFC

• Philadelphia Eagles: Clinch NFC East and NFC's No. 1 seed with win over Dallas Cowboys
• New York Giants: Clinch playoff berth with either 1. win over Minnesota Vikings paired with losses by the Detroit Lions (to the Carolina Panthers) and Seattle Seahawks (to Kansas City Chiefs) OR 2. win over Vikings paired with losses by Lions and Washington Commanders (to San Francisco 49ers) OR 3. win over Vikings paired with losses by Seahawks and Commanders

There are a number of games with playoff implications that stand out, but the headliner is the showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

It is a marquee matchup whenever these two rivals square off, and Philadelphia can send a message by clinching the top seed with a head-to-head victory. Fortunately for the Eagles, they will likely end up with the No. 1 seed even with a loss since they would still be two games ahead of the Cowboys and at least one game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings.

As if the rivalry and playoff stakes weren't enough, Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons added another layer to this contest with comments he made during a discussion with Von Miller on The Voncast:

Parsons suggested Philadelphia's "system and team" is more responsible for Jalen Hurts' MVP candidacy than the quarterback's individual talents.

There is something to be said about Hurts benefiting from a strong offensive line while throwing to the likes of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the comments will be framed as bulletin-board material for Hurts and the Eagles as they look to clinch a division crown.

And Parsons will be under plenty of pressure to perform well for a Cowboys team looking to bounce back from a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While there isn't much that Clayton Kershaw hasn't accomplished during his storied career, he seized the opportunity to do something he's never done before on Monday.

MLB announced that the Los Angeles Dodgers veteran pitcher will join the Team USA roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. It will be the first time Kershaw represents his country in the WBC.

In 2017, Kershaw declined an invitation to pitch in the WBC for Team USA. He addressed the possibility of participating in the world tournament earlier this month, telling reporters, "We're still working through some things there. Obviously, it would be a huge honor."

Kershaw will be joined by Dodgers teammates Mookie Betts and Will Smith on the Team USA roster. The 2023 group features a star-studded lineup of position players, including 2022 National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt, three-time American League MVP Mike Trout and 2022 All-Stars Pete Alonso, Nolan Arenado and Trea Turner.

The pitching staff includes names such as St. Louis Cardinals veteran Adam Wainwright and New York Yankees All-Star Nestor Cortes, but the addition of the three-time Cy Young Award winner makes him the ace of the rotation. Kershaw can be the key to leading Team USA to a second consecutive WBC title.

The 34-year-old went 12-3 for the Dodgers this past season while posting a 2.28 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP and 137 strikeouts across 22 starts. He was selected to his ninth All-Star Game, and he became Los Angeles' franchise leader in strikeouts during his start against the Detroit Tigers on April 30.

The 2023 WBC will begin on March 8 and conclude on March 21. Games will be held in Miami, Phoenix, Tokyo and Taichung, Taiwan. The tournament field has expanded from 16 to 20 teams.

Eric Gordon's time with the Houston Rockets may finally be nearing a close.

With the team in a complete rebuild after a 9-20 start and with young players to build around, Gordon is the "most-asked-about player on the Rockets roster from contenders," according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Per that report: "The Rockets have turned down offers for Gordon at every possible juncture—the draft, offseason and trade deadline—but a resolution to this saga may finally be had this season. Team and league sources tell The Athletic the Rockets are more inclined to moving the 33-year-old than at any point over the past two seasons."

While Gordon has remained a starter for the Rockets, averaging 29.6 minutes per game across 25 starts, his effectiveness has waned. For the year, Gordon is posting 11.8 points, 2.4 assists and two rebounds per game while shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three.

His scoring output is currently the lowest average of his career. He's on a different career timeline than young players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Şengün, among others.

And Gordon reportedly wants a change in scenery. Per that report, the veteran guard "has made no secret of his desire to return to winning, contending ways and he's made his preference for a move to a contender known during the offseason, but he's since remained professional and patient."

"This might finally be the year for EG," an Eastern Conference told Iko. "His contract is essentially expiring with next season being non-guaranteed and he's on a big number. Houston can use that to take on some bad money and get an asset from some teams, but other teams still have real interest in him because he can help a contender. He's a shot creator who can play on and off the ball. Good shooter who can handle it and pass enough. Going into a winning situation should rejuvenate him some too. He's a pro and a team guy."

Gordon's set to make $20.9 million next season, though it's non-guaranteed.

The veteran guard thrived in the past as a role player during the James Harden era, so it's established that he can fit a contending team well. The question will be which team makes a move to land him. Certainly, it appears that his stay in Houston has reached its natural conclusion.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell wonders whether star receiver Justin Jefferson is being targeted by opposing teams.

"I think it's about the fifth or sixth week in a row he took a type of hit that drew a flag," he told reporters Monday. "Clearly, there's an emphasis on the teams we're playing that some of those hits, they don't just seem to be by accident at times."

In the fourth quarter of the Vikings' 39-36 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, referees flagged Colts safety Rodney Thomas II for unnecessary roughness for a hit on Jefferson. On the Vikings' next drive, Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore was flagged for unnecessary roughness against Jefferson as well.

Que paulada do Gilmore no Justin Jefferson! #NFLBrasil pic.twitter.com/xZGUwG7xBP

— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) December 17, 2022

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted the Minnesota staff took exception to the latter sequence:

O'Connell and others on the #Vikings sideline were livid after Stephon Gilmore's leaping hit on Justin Jefferson on Saturday, wanting him ejected. Gilmore was allowed to stay in the game. https://t.co/XUBzQxZhvM

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 19, 2022

The two-time Pro Bowler leads the NFL in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,623), and he has eclipsed 150 yards on four occasions. Calvin Johnson's single-season record (1,964 yards) is within reach over the final three weeks.

Because of his consistency, Jefferson will always be a focal point of a team's defensive game plan. O'Connell seems to believe the Vikings' opponents are crossing a line when it comes to covering the dynamic wideout.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Monday the team will not bench Taylor Heinicke after Sunday's 20-12 loss to the New York Giants.

"The biggest thing more than anything else is sticking with Taylor and what we're trying to accomplish," Rivera told reporters.

The coach indicated a quarterback change could still come if things don't improve for the 7-6-1 squad.

"It is something to be quite frank, I do have to think about at some point," Rivera added. "But if we get back on track and play the way we've played and do the things we've done, then we'll stick where we are."

Carson Wentz, who started the first six games of the season, was activated from injured reserve last week after dealing with a finger injury.

The Commanders acquired Wentz in an offseason trade with the Indianapolis Colts, although he struggled in the new location with 10 passing touchdowns and six interceptions in six games, producing an 84.1 passer rating.

Washington was just 2-4 in his starts.

The team has fared better with Heinicke under center, going 5-2-1 in his eight eight games, although the last two starts resulted in a tie and loss to the New York Giants.

Heinicke also hasn't been much better on an individual level, totaling 10 touchdowns with five interceptions and an 87.7 rating.

He ranks 27th in the NFL in Total QBR, while Wentz is 31st of 33 qualified players.

The Commanders have been good enough to overcome mediocre quarterback play this year, ranking fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed and ninth in points allowed. It's kept them in playoff position entering Week 16, half a game ahead of the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions for the last wild-card spot.

Heinicke will keep his starting job ahead of next Saturday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, but he might have a short leash if he continues to struggle.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (left ankle soreness) and Russell Westbrook (left foot soreness) in Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns because of injuries.

Austin Reaves (ankle sprain) will also be sidelined.

James has averaged 27.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game in his 20th NBA season and fifth with the Lakers. He's an 18-time All-Star, 18-time All-NBA team member, four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP, among other accolades.

However, the 37-year-old has been forced to the sideline on numerous occasions this year.

James was ruled out for the Lakers' Dec. 7 game against the Toronto Raptors with left ankle soreness. He played 36 minutes the night before against the Cleveland Cavaliers and dropped 21 points and 17 rebounds in 36 minutes.

He sat out the Lakers' Nov. 7 matchup with the Utah Jazz because of left foot soreness. He returned two days later against the Los Angeles Clippers but departed in the fourth quarter with a left adductor strain and missed the next five games. He returned Nov. 25 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Meanwhile, Westbrook is averaging 14.5 points, 7.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game this season. Since taking on a bench role, he averaged 15.0 points on 41.3 percent shooting, 8.0 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 25 appearances.

Not having James or Westbrook means Los Angeles will be without serious star power against Phoenix, as Anthony Davis is reportedly sidelined for multiple weeks with a foot injury. For the season, the 29-year-old is averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

USC has made a significant addition to its offense for 2023 by securing a commitment from former Arizona star Dorian Singer.

Singer announced Monday he's transferring to the Trojans:

CALI BOUND✌️ pic.twitter.com/bofzoVd19G

— Dorian singer (@dorian_singer1) December 19, 2022

Singer caught 66 passes for a Pac-12-high 1,105 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games with the Wildcats in 2022. USC might have been sold when he torched its secondary for 141 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a 45-37 win for the Trojans on Oct. 29.

DORIAN SINGER WITH ONE HAND 🤯

📺 @Pac12Network pic.twitter.com/sdraxTdQ18

— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) October 29, 2022

The sophomore is the third Arizona player to transfer to USC, with cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace and defensive lineman Kyon Barrs already making the move.

Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley didn't waste any time when it came to the transfer portal after he first took the job. He added 20 players, a group headlined by Caleb Williams, Jordan Addison, Mario Williams, Eric Gentry and Travis Dye.

The strategy delivered results. USC finished the regular season at 11-2 and was one win away from making the College Football Playoff, while Caleb Williams was crowned the Heisman Trophy winner.

By targeting Singer, Riley is hoping the offense doesn't miss a beat following the departure of Addison. While Addison failed to match the pace that helped him win the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2021, he led USC in the three major receiving categories (59 receptions, 875 yards and eight touchdowns).

Singer, meanwhile, will get to contend for a CFP semifinal berth while starring in an offense that will be among the most closely followed in the country.

The positional value of running backs in the NFL draft may have fallen in recent years, but that's unlikely to stop Texas star Bijan Robinson from being a Day 1 selection.

Robinson announced Monday he's entering the 2023 NFL draft and skipping the Longhorns' Alamo Bowl matchup against No. 12 Washington on Dec. 29.

Texas Forever. Thank you, 5🤘 pic.twitter.com/eyPt452GXn

— Bijan Robinson (@Bijan5Robinson) December 19, 2022

The junior ran for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022. He's the No. 4 overall player on Bleacher Report's big board and was projected to be the 19th pick in B/R's most recent 2023 mock draft.

Robinson is as sure a thing as you'll get out of the backfield this spring, and he should provide immediate help to whatever team takes him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank last in rushing yards per game (74.3) and yards per carry (3.3). Leonard Fournette is only one year into his three-year, $21 million contract, though, and the Bucs used third-round picks on Rachaad White and Ke'Shawn Vaughn in 2022 and 2020, respectively.

Even if it means getting an upgrade, would Tampa Bay be willing to use a first-round selection on Robinson?

The Miami Dolphins, on the other hand, have all four of their running backs (Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.) hitting free agency in 2023. Targeting Robinson would fill an immediate need and give Miami a cost-effective solution that frees up some salary cap space for the rest of the offense.

There's only one small problem. The Dolphins forfeited their 2023 first-rounder following a tampering investigation, and they dealt the first-round pick they got from the San Francisco 49ers as part of the Bradley Chubb trade.

Absent moving back into the first round, Miami might not have a path to landing Robinson.

Using a first-round pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn't worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs so far. Edwards-Helaire ran for 302 yards and three touchdowns before losing his starting job and landing on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.

It's difficult to see the former LSU star coming back from this, so the Chiefs might be looking for a long-term replacement. Robinson would offer just that if he's still available when Kansas City is on the board.

One team could catapult to the top of the list of Robinson's best suitors: the New York Giants.

Saquon Barkley is on a path to his second Pro Bowl with 1,464 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns in 14 games. Re-signing the 25-year-old could nevertheless be a tricky proposition depending on what kind of demands he'll have.

The Giants saw the limits even an elite running back can have on wins and losses when they posted nine combined victories through Barkley's first two years. Letting him walk will be the more sensible decision if push comes to shove.

In Robinson, New York could have a ready-made replacement in the event it lets Barkley walk as a free agent.

The relationship between Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey is no longer a friendly one.

That's at least what Morgan said during her appearance on Twin Talk with Haley & Hanna Cavinder.

"I'm the only person in the whole entire world to beat her twice," Morgan said. "Since our title feud, we've steered pretty far away from each other. But beforehand, I think I was one of her first friends here in WWE. That's why when I won the title, she respected what I did and she was actually happy for me. But yeah, now, no, I don't like her anymore."

Morgan was almost certainly talking in kayfabe here. She's a seasoned enough pro to not go on a podcast and say she's best buds with a woman she's spent several months feuding with.

With that said, it wouldn't be the first time a kernel of on-screen beef carried over after the show was over.

Rousey defeated Morgan at Extreme Rules, ending a championship reign that began at SummerSlam.

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