Milton Williams, the standout defensive lineman who recently signed a lucrative four-year, $104 million deal with the New England Patriots, revealed that he was very close to joining the Carolina Panthers. During an interview, Williams shared how the negotiation process unfolded rapidly, with multiple teams competing for his services, ultimately leading to New England's late but decisive offer.

The Panthers, who made a significant bid, ultimately retained their stance when the Patriots upped the ante. Following the missed opportunity with Williams, Carolina swiftly pivoted, securing agreements with other notable defensive players, including Tershawn Wharton and Pat Jones II, to bolster their roster.

In a crucial playoff matchup, the Minnesota Vikings are set to face the Los Angeles Rams, hosted by the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. New quarterback Daniel Jones, recently signed from the New York Giants, will serve as the emergency No. 3 quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens. Coach Kevin O'Connell emphasized the importance of Mullens as the team's reliable backup. Meanwhile, the Vikings will be missing key players, including edge rusher Pat Jones II.

As the Vikings prepare for the game, the atmosphere in Arizona is lively, with many fans and scouts present. The Cardinals, who finished their season with a disappointing record, are providing a warm welcome to attendees. Inactives for the Vikings include several offensive and defensive players, while the Rams also have notable absences, including quarterback Stetson Bennett.

The Minnesota Vikings have confirmed that rookie defensive tackle Taki Taimani will not participate in the upcoming wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams due to an ankle injury. Although initially listed as questionable, Taimani is currently on the injured reserve and has not played since Week 8. This season, he has appeared in seven games, making three total tackles. The Vikings' final injury report also lists outside linebacker Pat Jones II as out and running back Cam Akers as questionable, though he may still play.

On the Rams' side, tight end Hunter Long and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein were the only players mentioned on the injury report. Long participated fully throughout the week, while Havenstein improved from a limited to a full participant on Saturday. Both are expected to play. In a related move, the Vikings signed Marcellus Johnson to their practice squad shortly before the game. The matchup between the Vikings and Rams is set for 7 p.m. Monday in Arizona.

Daniel Jones, recently added to the Minnesota Vikings' active roster, is preparing for his potential role as the backup quarterback in the upcoming wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams. Speaking to reporters for the first time, he acknowledged the learning experience he’s had under starting quarterback Sam Darnold.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been non-committal about Jones' role, emphasizing that Nick Mullens has held the No. 2 position throughout the season. With Jones not having played since November 10, the team faces the challenge of activating three quarterbacks while managing the roster effectively.

The Minnesota Vikings will be without linebacker Pat Jones II for their crucial regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury sustained against the Green Bay Packers. Despite some optimism from head coach Kevin O’Connell about Jones possibly returning, he did not practice all week, leaving rookie Dallas Turner to step up in his absence.

Turner, who has gained valuable experience over the season, is expected to play a significant role, having already made impactful plays in recent games. Additionally, linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill is questionable for the game due to illness, while cornerback Fabian Moreau is also uncertain after missing the last two games with a hip injury.

On the offensive side, running back Aaron Jones and guard Ed Ingram are set to play, crucial for a game that will determine the NFC North champion and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. The Lions also face their own injury challenges, with key players like David Montgomery and Emmanuel Moseley ruled out.

The matchup has been highlighted as a significant event, with players like quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Justin Jefferson discussing their pre-game routines and the excitement surrounding the game. The Vikings are adjusting their schedule to ensure players are prepared for the later kickoff.