Two NFL teams exited Week 12 of the season dealing with major injuries to key players. The Las Vegas Raiders lost their starting quarterback while the Philadelphia Eagles lost one of the best defenders in franchise history.
Videos by FanBuzz
Eagles defender Brandon Graham broke the news of his season-ending injury after Sunday night's dominant win over the Rams in which he posted two tackles for loss, a sack, three QB hits, and a pass breakup. He met with media members and said that he tore his triceps.
Graham said that he was done for the season, one that he had previously circled as his last in the NFL. He explained to reporters, someone chipped him in the elbow.
"Definitely as a player, I'm out for the year," Graham said.
The veteran defender ends his season — and potentially his career — with 76.5 sacks in his career. This is the third-most in Eagles history. His 153 career quarterback hits rank second in franchise history.
Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew exited Sunday's loss to the Broncos due to a shoulder injury. Linebacker Cody Barton sacked Minshew, who landed awkwardly on the turf. He left the field and immediately headed to the locker room.
The injury was later revealed to be a broken collarbone that would end Minshew's first season in the Silver and Black.
Backup quarterback Desmond Ridder took over for the rest of the game. He will remain one option as the Raiders continue with the season. Another option will be Aidan O'Connell, who will be eligible to return from Injured Reserve this week.
The two franchises exit Week 12 in completely different situations after these pivotal injuries. The Raiders are 2-9 and in last place in the AFC West. The team has no chance to make the postseason. It can only either play spoiler against teams with better records, or it can play for draft picks.
The Eagles, for comparison, are 9-2 after beating the Rams. They lead the NFC East and have a clear path to the playoffs. The Commanders are in second place at 7-5 after a wild loss to the 4-7 Cowboys.
The Eagles have a considerable amount to play for considering that they are only one game back of the 10-1 Lions, who currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. The Eagles are in a tie with the 9-2 Vikings.
