Bears

• SI.com’s Albert Breer identified several candidates for the Chicago Bears head coach position, including Browns consultant Mike Vrabel, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
• According to NFL Media, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is anticipated to show interest in the Bears’ opening, having been selective in previous years. The report also mentions that Vrabel, Flores, and Kingsbury are likely to be among the top candidates.

Saints

• NFL Media suggests that Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is expected to hire someone familiar to fill the vacancy left by former head coach Dennis Allen. Potential candidates might include Lions DC Aaron Glenn, interim head coach Darren Rizzi, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
• Rizzi stated they plan to simulate a game for quarterback Derek Carr to assess his readiness for a return. (Matthew Paras)
• Rizzi is uncertain about center Erik McCoy‘s availability this season due to an elbow injury, though surgery is not required. (Mike Triplett)
• As long as Carr remains sidelined, fifth-round quarterback Spencer Rattler is set to continue as the starter, per Rizzi. (Triplett)
• Rizzi also announced that guard Lucas Patrick will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. (Paras)
• Wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is currently listed as day-to-day, according to Underhill.

Vikings

• Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that it’s evident the Vikings are keen on bringing back quarterback Sam Darnold for the upcoming season.
• Russini recommends employing the franchise tag, as it would provide Darnold compensation comparable to the open market while allowing the development of quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
• SI.com’s Albert Breer concurs that the franchise tag would be a wise move for Minnesota to allow further evaluation of the quarterback position.
• Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy incurred an $11,255 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) during Week 14.