The Cleveland Browns have officially activated Josh Gordon from the Commissioner's Exempt List.

The Browns will start Gordon at wide receiver in Week 13.

Gordon last played in the NFL during the 2014 season.

John Mara admitted he regrets the way the New York Giants handled the benching of Eli Manning.

Manning refused an option to start Sunday's game against Oakland before likely sitting in the second half for Geno Smith.

"Maybe the timing of it could have been a little different. I wish I could've been here when that was all going down," said co-owner John Mara, who was attending owners' meetings in New York when the decision was made on Tuesday. "What I did not expect -- and this was my fault; maybe I was naïve. I did not expect Eli to react by saying to go ahead and start the other guys.

"I understand, especially after speaking with him [Wednesday]. I completely understand, but that took me by surprise a bit and maybe I would've handled that a little differently."

Manning has had an inconsistent career though he's won two Super Bowls. The Giants currently have a 2-9 record.

Case Keenum has been named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Month for November.

Keenum led the Vikings to a 3-0 record to go with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

Here are the other player of the month honors for November:

Saints DE Cam Jordan, NFC Defensive Player of the Month: Jordan had three sacks in November.

Rams K Greg Zuerlein, NFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Zuerlein went 12 of 12 on field goals and 11 of 12 on PATs.

Patriots QB Tom Brady, AFC Offensive Player of the Month: Brady threw for at least three TDs in each game this past month and went 3-0 for New England.

Chargers CB Casey Hayward, AFC Defensive Player of the Month: Hayward had three interceptions in November for the streaking Chargers.

Ravens K Justin Tucker, AFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Tucker went 6 of 6 on field goals and 8 of 8 on PATs.

Carson Wentz has accumulated the most fan votes for this season's Pro Bowl.

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback leads all players with 422,491 Pro Bowl votes. That puts him ahead of Tom Brady, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Drew Brees in the Top 5.

Fan voting continues through December 14. Players and coaches also get a vote, and the Pro Bowl rosters will be announced on December 19.

Philip Rivers didn't pull any punches when asked about the benching of fellow 2004 draft-class member Eli Manning.

"I honestly thought it was pathetic," Rivers said . "He's been out there 210 straight games -- with no telling how many bumps and bruises and injuries -- for his team. He won two Super Bowl MVPs. And with the respect he's had in the locker room over the years, and really the respect he's gained throughout the league, you feel like the guy has earned the opportunity -- if they are in fact deciding to go another direction -- he's earned the opportunity to finish it off these last five weeks."

The Chargers made a draft-day trade that sent Manning to New York in return for Rivers and three other draft picks.

Eric Reid and Michael Thomas have withdrawn from The Players Coalition, which was initially founded by Malcolm Jenkins and Anquan Boldin.

Reid and Thomas have been two of the NFL's most outspoken players. Reid kneeled with Colin Kaepernick during the national anthem throughout the 2016 season and continues to do so in 2017.

Roger Goodell, several team owners, NFL Players Association officials and 13 current players gathered for talks at league headquarters in October. The parties put out a joint statement claiming the conversations "focused on how we can work together to promote positive social change and address inequality in our communities."

University of Miami junior running back Mark Walton plans to enter the NFL Draft after signing with agent Zac Hiller, according to a report.

Walton's season ended in October following a right ankle injury that required surgery.

In 30 games with the Hurricanes, Walton rushed for 2006 yards (5.1 yards per attempt) and 26 touchdowns. He also caught 56 passes for 624 yards and two touchdowns.

Aqib Talib and Michael Crabtree have each had their two-game suspensions reduced to one game after they were ejected for fighting in Sunday's game between the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders.

Both players appealed the initial two-game suspension.

The San Francisco 49ers will start Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback for Week 13 against the Bears.

Garoppolo played the last 1:07 during last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks after C.J. Beathard went down with an injury.

The 49ers acquired Garoppolo from the Patriots ahead of the deadline.

Darren McFadden has announced his retirement from the NFL.

McFadden and the Dallas Cowboys parted ways last week.

McFadden was the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft out of Arkansas by the Oakland Raiders. 

McFadden rushed for 1,000 yards in two of his seasons.