Player Notes

QB Taylor Heinicke is expected to get the start versus the Atlanta Falcons. The 25-year-old Heinicke has completed 2 of 4 passes for 46 yards while making five appearances this season. Three of his career passes have come at the end of either half when the Panthers attempted a Hail Mary.

QB Cam Newton is expected to be shut down for the remainder of the season, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday. The expected move comes one day after coach Ron Rivera told reporters that he had a "slim glimmer" of hope for the playoffs. Newton is nursing an ailing right shoulder for the Panthers (6-8), who have lost six straight contests and are all but eliminated from playoff contention. ...

WR Larry Fitzgerald admitted to being uncertain if he'll retire or return for a 16th NFL season. Fitzgerald told the Arizona Republic that he has "no clue" about his future plans. So, does that mean that the 35-year-old might be playing in his final home game on Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET) when the Cardinals (3-11) host the Los Angeles Rams (11-3) at State Farm Stadium? "It may. It may not," Fitzgerald said. ...

RB Todd Gurley II is dealing with inflammation in his left knee and the Rams will monitor his usage and playing time accordingly over the final two regular-season games. The tricky part is the Rams need two more wins - or one win and a Chicago Bears loss - to wrap up a first-round bye in the playoffs so resting Gurley is an option they'll use only if absolutely necessary. "It's going to be predicated ...

K Robbie Gould secured NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after making all four field-goal attempts in Sunday's 26-23 overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks.

DT Grady Jarrett was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in Sunday's 40-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He has a career-high six sacks this season.

RB Dalvin Cook captured NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after rushing for a career-high 136 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 41-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

K Ka'imi Fairbairn was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after making five field goals and two extra points in Sunday's 29-22 victory over the New York Jets. Fairbairn leads the NFL with 136 points and 34 field goals.

CB Joe Haden secured AFC Defensive Player of the Week laurels after intercepting Tom Brady in the fourth quarter in Sunday's 17-10 victory over the New England Patriots. Haden, who also collected 12 tackles, batted down Brady's final fourth-down pass to seal the win.

WR Mike Williams was honored by the NFL following his career-best performance. Williams was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after reeling in seven passes for 76 yards and three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) in Los Angeles' 29-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. Johnson also caught the pass on a two-point conversion as the Chargers (11-3) took the lead in the game and ...