NFL notebook: Cardinals place RB Peterson on IR

The 2017 season for Arizona Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson has reached an end because of a neck injury.

The Cardinals announced that they placed Peterson on injured reserve, hours after the 32-year-old former NFL MVP and seven-time Pro Bowler confirmed it in a statement Friday to ESPN’s Josina Anderson.

“The good news is my neck injury doesn’t require surgery, but I’m told by Dr. Robert Watkins that the best thing for me is just more rest than the length of this season,” Peterson said in the statement. “Obviously, I’m disappointed about going on IR when my body is still able to produce, but I look forward to returning completely healthy for another season in 2018. I’m grateful for the opportunity that the Arizona Cardinals have given me to show that I can still contribute on an NFL team.”

Peterson, who missed the past two games, was injured in Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 26. Peterson is under contract for next season with his compensation worth up to $3.5 million with salary, roster bonuses and workouts bonuses.

–Carolina Panthers owner and founder Jerry Richardson faces allegations of workplace misconduct, and the team has opened an investigation into the issue, the club announced.

“The Carolina Panthers and Mr. Richardson take these allegations very seriously and are fully committed to a full investigation and taking appropriate steps to address and remediate any misconduct,” team spokesman Steven Drummond said in a statement released to the media. “The entire organization is fully committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of sex, race, color, religion, gender, or sexual identity or orientation, are treated fairly and equally. We have work to do to achieve this goal, but we are going to meet it.”

The investigation of the allegations facing the 81-year-old Richardson is being led by law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP. Overseeing the probe will be minority owner and former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles.

The team stated that because this matter is under an ongoing legal review, the Panthers cannot comment publicly on the specifics of the allegations.

–Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian will miss the rest of the season with a dislocated left shoulder, coach Vance Joseph told reporters.

Siemian was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Joseph said he will not require surgery and the plan is for rest and rehabilitation.

Siemian was injured during Thursday night’s 25-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He was sacked in the first quarter by Colts linebacker Barkevious Mingo and landed on his shoulder.

The injured shoulder is the same one that Siemian had surgically repaired after last season. Siemian passed for 2,285 yards and 12 touchdowns this season while being intercepted 14 times.

–New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is being benched because he showed up late again to a team meeting.

Wilkerson will be a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, coach Todd Bowles announced Friday. Bowles said Wilkerson will not make the trip to New Orleans, calling it a “coach’s decision.”

According to multiple reports, the 28-year-old Wilkerson arrived late to Friday morning’s team meeting and tardiness continues to be an issue for the former Pro Bowler. Wilkerson was benched for the first quarter of the Dec. 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs because he showed up late for a meeting on the eve of the contest. He also was fined by the team.

–The Buffalo Bills will start quarterback Tyrod Taylor in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, coach Sean McDermott announced.

Taylor missed last Sunday’s 13-7 snow victory in overtime over the Indianapolis Colts due to a contusion on his knee.

Backup quarterback Nathan Peterman remains in the concussion protocol even though he was listed as a full participant in practice Thursday. Peterman left in the third quarter with a concussion and Joe Webb finished the game against the Colts.

Bills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who has been limited in practice this week after aggravating a knee injury last Sunday, remains day-to-day. McDermott also announced the team placed offensive tackle Cordy Glenn on the season-ending injured reserve list.

–Indianapolis Colts tight end Brandon Williams was released from the hospital Thursday night after suffering a concussion during the game against the Denver Broncos.

Williams was injured on a Colts’ punt in the first minute of the second quarter in the 25-13 loss. He was strapped onto a stretcher and carted off the field at Lucas Oil Stadium before being taken to an Indianapolis hospital.

The 30-year-old Williams returned to the stadium after being released from the hospital and Colts coach Chuck Pagano confirmed the tight end was back with the team’s medical staff.

The Colts said Williams did not suffer an injury to his neck. He received a standing ovation from the crowd and well-wishes from his teammates before being driven off the field.