The NFL landscape is shifting as teams prepare for the offseason, especially with the 2025 salary cap projected to increase significantly. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons are assessing potential cap casualties, focusing on players whose contracts may no longer be justifiable. For instance, the Cardinals might part ways with running back DeeJay Dallas, who has underperformed. Meanwhile, the Falcons could consider releasing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, as his production does not align with his hefty cap hit.

Other teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are also eyeing roster adjustments. The Ravens may need to make tough decisions on cornerback Marlon Humphrey, while the Bills are contemplating the future of aging star Von Miller. The Dallas Cowboys might also look to shed salary through cuts, including safety Donovan Wilson, as they prepare for contract negotiations with key players like Micah Parsons.

The bond between a player and a coach is unparalleled, nurtured through dedication and shared experiences. Recently, Ron Dugans, Florida State's former wide receivers coach, attended a game to support his former players, running back Trey Benson and defensive back Jammie Robinson, now with the Arizona Cardinals. Despite Benson's absence due to an ankle injury, Dugans’ presence highlighted the lasting relationships formed in sports.

The Cardinals achieved a remarkable 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Robinson, who joined Arizona after a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, did not participate in the game. Dugans had also reconnected with former Miami running back DeeJay Dallas during this visit.

Benson's rookie season concluded with 291 rushing yards and a touchdown, showcasing his potential for future contributions to the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Robinson's future with the team remains uncertain as he navigates his recent transition from the Panthers, where he had minimal impact.

Having worked closely with both players at Florida State, Dugans's connection to them remains strong despite his recent departure from the coaching staff. The Seminoles, under Dugans's guidance, celebrated significant victories, including a Cheez-It Bowl win and an ACC Championship.

As Florida State moves forward with new coaching appointments, including Tim Harris Jr. as the new wide receivers coach, Dugans's next steps in his coaching career are still a mystery. His extensive experience across various programs and the NFL positions him well for future opportunities in football coaching.

The status of Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner remains uncertain as he deals with a knee injury sustained in last weekend's game. Despite being limited in practice throughout the week, reports indicate that he is trending positively for the upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Conner's ability to play is crucial for fantasy football managers who view him as a strong RB2 option, especially against a Rams defense that has allowed a moderate number of points to running backs this season.

Prior to his injury, Conner was performing exceptionally well, racking up 117 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with 49 receiving yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. However, concerns linger about the Cardinals potentially limiting his workload due to the injury, which could impact his overall fantasy ceiling.

In the event that Conner cannot play, rookie Trey Benson is also questionable, leaving Michael Carter as the likely No. 2 running back. Carter has already demonstrated his ability to handle a significant workload, particularly after Conner's early exit last week. If both Conner and Benson are sidelined, Carter could emerge as a valuable flex option, with DeeJay Dallas stepping in as a backup.

In a thrilling overtime matchup, the Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-30, eliminating them from playoff contention. Chuba Hubbard was the star for Carolina, rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including a decisive 21-yard score in overtime.

Kyler Murray attempted to rally Arizona with 202 passing yards and a touchdown, but it wasn't enough as the Cardinals fell short after leading the NFC West earlier in the season. The Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak with this victory.

The Carolina Panthers are set to host the Arizona Cardinals in their final home game of the 2024 NFL season. While the Panthers are out of playoff contention, the game is crucial for the development of their young quarterback, Bryce Young. The Cardinals, still in the hunt for the NFC West, need a win to stay competitive.

Injury concerns plague both teams, with key players like Robert Hunt and Ickey Ekwonu questionable for Carolina, and Paris Johnson Jr. ruled out for Arizona. The matchup is particularly significant as it features two former number one overall draft picks, Young and Kyler Murray, who are often compared due to their similar skill sets.

With Arizona favored by five points, the game will likely hinge on the performance of running back James Conner against Carolina's struggling run defense. If the Panthers can't contain Conner, their chances of an upset diminish significantly.