NFL notebook: Wentz reportedly fractured vertebra

Wentz underwent an MRI exam and other tests Thursday to discover the source of
his discomfort and soreness. A CT scan on Wednesday had come back
inconclusive, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Eagles are in the process of determining the risk of Wentz continuing to
play this season. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Wentz will
not require surgery.

Rapoport reported Wentz is not likely to play Sunday and may not play again in
2018 as the team continues to gather information on his health. The
25-year-old has passed for 3,074 yards and 21 touchdowns against seven
interceptions this season. Without Wentz, Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles would take
over for the Eagles.

--New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. missed practice because of his
ailing quadriceps and isn't all that positive he will play against the
Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Beckham missed last Sunday's victory over the Washington Redskins due to the
injury. He initially was hurt during a Week 12 loss to the Philadelphia
Eagles.

Beckham had the leg evaluated by doctors Thursday as the team looks for
answers. He said he will return to the field when he feels fit.

--The Cleveland Browns have ruled starting cornerback Denzel Ward out of
Saturday's game in Denver with a concussion.

It will be the second consecutive game the rookie has missed following the
concussion he incurred against the Houston Texans. It's possible Ward could be
shut down for the season's final two games, as well.

Ward, the No. 4 overall pick in April's draft, entered the Texans' game with
three interceptions and 11 passes defensed in 11 games.

--The New York Jets will be missing leading rusher Isaiah Crowell and leading
receiver Quincy Enunwa when they host the Houston Texans on Saturday, the team
announced.

Crowell will sit out with a toe injury, while Enunwa will miss the contest
with an ankle injury.

The absence will be the first of Crowell's career after playing in 77
consecutive games.

--Eric Berry (heel) will start Thursday night, making his season debut in the
Kansas City Chiefs' biggest game to date.

Citing a source informed of the situation, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported
that Berry will start and be on a snap count at home against the Los Angeles
Chargers. He officially was listed as questionable after practicing on a
limited basis all week.

The Chiefs (11-2) and Chargers (10-3) have the two best records in the AFC.

--Chargers running back Melvin Gordon will sit out the AFC West Division
showdown at the first-place Chiefs.

Gordon missed the previous two games after spraining his right knee on Nov. 25
in a 45-10 win vs. the Arizona Cardinals. He was made inactive for the
Thursday night contest.

The Chargers promoted running back Troymaine Pope from the practice squad
earlier in the day.

--A defunct Dallas nightclub and former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh
Brent will share responsibility for a $25 million award in the death of his
teammate and best friend, Jerry Brown, six years ago.

Brown, 25, was killed Dec. 8, 2012, in Irving, Texas, when the Mercedes-Benz
that Brent was driving flipped over. Brent was driving 110 miles per hour in a
45 mph zone at the time of the accident. He had a blood-alcohol content of
0.18 percent, or more than twice the legal limit.

The jury placed 48 percent of the blame on Brent and the other 48 percent on
Beamers, the former club where Brent had been drinking that night. Brown was
found to have the remaining 4 percent of the blame because he got in the car
with Brent and didn't use his seat belt.

--The New Orleans Saints released tight end Erik Swoope, one day after
claiming him off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts, NFL Network's Ian
Rapoport reported.

Swoope, 26, was waived by the Colts on Tuesday for the second time this
season. He had eight catches for 87 yards and three touchdowns in seven games
for Indianapolis this season.

--Field Level Media