1.) OBJ suspended; Norman fined: After engaging in multiple mini fights during Sunday's Giants-Panthers game, Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Panthers corner back Josh Norman have both been punished by the NFL.
Beckham's actions got him suspended for one game while Norman was fined $26,044 by the league for two offenses. Beckham's appeal will be heard Wednesday at the league's office with a decision expected to come quickly after the hearing concludes.
The 23-year-old receiver was flagged for three personal fouls while the 28-year-old corner was flagged twice. One particular cheap shot by Beckham, where he left his feet to make helmet-to-helmet contact with Norman, was the most egregious of the day and was probably the hit that earned him the one-game punishment.
Monday reports showed that the scuffle could have been provoked by a Panthers' tradition where they bring a baseball bat onto the field for pregame warm-ups. According to reports, a Panthers practice squad member who was wielding the bat made threatening remarks to Beckham before the game.
While appearing on ESPN's Mike & Mike radio show, Norman talked about what Sunday's actions say about Beckham as a person and player.
"I just pretty much showed people what this guy [Beckham] really is and what he stands for. I just don't feel like that's a part of the game that should be played. If you want to play, let's play it straight up, let's do it the right way."
2.) Brees has torn plantar fascia in foot: According to NFL insider Ed Werder, Saints quarterback Drew Brees intends on playing in the Saints' final two regular season games despite suffering a torn plantar fascia in his right foot.
However, Brees could have trouble passing because he throws off his right foot.
Peyton Manning had suffered a similar injury earlier this season and it has caused him to miss the last five games. An MRI of Brees' foot was sent to Dr. Robert Anderson, who also treated Manning for his injury. Anderson has yet to make any recommendations to Brees moving forward.
"We're kind of taking it day by day. I know he's had it looked at, he's had an MRI. I think each day we'll gather more information and have a better idea of where he's gonna be as it pertains to playing in this game or not," Saints head coach Sean Peyton said Wednesday, via ESPN.
Brees suffered the injury during the Saints' 35-27 loss to the Lions on Monday Night Football. The 36-year-old got his foot taped up on the sidelines, but he walked with a noticeable limp for the remainder of the game.
If Brees is forced to miss the game, it'll be just the second time he's missed a game due to injury. The first came earlier this season because of a shoulder injury.
On the season, Brees has thrown for for 4,135 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. During Monday night's game, he became just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for 60,000 yards in a career.
3.) Panthers send 10 to Pro Bowl: The Panthers are 16-0 because they have talented players and that showed during the 2016 Pro Bowl selection as 10 Panthers were selected by league.
The 10 are highlighted by quarterback and possible MVP winner Cam Newton and corner back Josh Norman. The selection is Newton's third and Norman's first.
The other selections include tight end Greg Olsen, running back Jonathan Stewart, fullback Mike Tolbert, center Ryan Kalil, guard Trai Turner, linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, and defensive tackle Kwann Short.
"To have 10 guys selected says a lot about our team," first-time selection Davis said, via ESPN. "It says a lot about our fans and how highly they thought of us this season, and I think it says a lot about the way our season has gone. I'm excited and thankful to be part of the 10."
