HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

NFC Notes: Hester, Urlacher, Sproles

September 16th, 2014 at 9:11pm CST by Zachary Links

In an interview with WFAN’s Boomer & Carton show, Lions tailback Reggie Bush said that embattled Vikings running back Adrian Peterson should be allowed to play football, writes NFL.com’s Marc Sessler. “Adrian Peterson, I’ve known for a while, and he’s a good guy,” Bush said. “... I don’t know all the details of the situation what happened, but I know me and like a lot of other guys who were born in the ’80s, and even before then, were raised differently and disciplined differently. And I was one of those kids. I got what we called ‘whoopings,’ whooped with belts and stuff like that. For me, growing up, it was normal. And not to say, not to try to downplay the situation at all, I think that this is genuine, and obviously, I’m sure there’s no ill intent against his own son.” More from the NFC..

  • Coach Lovie Smith definitely wanted Devin Hester in Tampa but the money situation simply didn’t work out in the Bucs‘ favor, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The former Bears standout wound up signing with the Falcons this offseason.
  • Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher resigned his job as a broadcaster job at FOX Sports 1 Tuesday and the Bucs have an injury to starting middle linebacker Mason Foster. Some may be wondering if Urlacher would be a fit for Tampa Bay but if it does happen, it won’t be this week, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Bucs plan to go with backup middle linebacker Dane Fletcher in Thursday night’s game at Atlanta.
  • Former Eagles president Joe Banner tweeted that he tried to sign Darren Sproles when he a free agent after his time with the Chargers. However, the speedy tailback badly wanted to reunite with Drew Brees in New Orleans and wound up with the Saints. Sproles’ presence in Philadelphia years earlier might have made a big difference for the team, Banner writes.
  • Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap gives his thoughts on Robert Quinn‘s extension with the Rams. The contract is similar to what Fitzgerald envisioned for J.J. Watt initially – it underpays him for his production, but it gives him a window for another mega-contract in just a few years. Quinn also gets a decent guarantee package from St. Louis.
  • The Peterson case shows a lack of leadership on the NFL’s part, writes Tom Powers of the Pioneer Press. The Vikings said they’ll let things play out in court for the running back but Powers notes that defensive back Chris Cook, cornerback A.J. Jefferson, and running back Caleb King were never given the same benefit of the doubt when they were in hot water.

New Drug Policy Likely Completed

September 16th, 2014 at 9:07pm CST by Zachary Links

9:07pm: As of 9pm CT, the suspended players still have not been informed of their reinstatement, tweets Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. That could just be a formality, but that can’t be safely assumed given the number of false alarms we’ve had over the last couple of weeks.

7:39pm: The NFL has begun informing players they’ve satisfied terms of suspensions and are reinstated, which is an indication that the new drug policy is finally finished, tweets Ed Werder of ESPN.com. The agreement on a new policy should mean an instant reinstatement for Wes Welker and Orlando Scandrick (link). Meanwhile, the new policy means that it’ll officially be a ten game suspension for Josh Gordon, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

While Gordon, Welker, and Scandrick were probably the three biggest names waiting on a new drug policy, there are others that could potentially be affected by a revamped policy. Ravens safety Will Hill, Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner, and Dion Jordan and Reshad Jones of the Dolphins are just some of the players that could also conceivably be back in action with a change to the policy. Others, like Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson, probably won’t be reinstated, however.

In the case of Gordon, the new policy is good news for both his immediate football future and long-term finances. If Gordon isn’t given an additional suspension for his DUI, he can hit the open market after the 2015 season by playing in the Browns’ final six games this season. If he were to be suspended for an additional two games for the DUI, he wouldn’t earn that accrued season, meaning the Browns would get an extra year of team control on him. Earlier today we learned that the DUI won’t result in an automatic two-game timeout, but the NFL could still slap him with a suspension for the DUI given his track record of substance problems.

Ray Rice Appeals Suspension

September 16th, 2014 at 8:02pm CST by Rob DiRe

TUESDAY, 8:02pm: Rice has filed an appeal of his suspension, a source tells Albert Breer of the NFL Network (on Twitter).

Breer (link) passes along the NFLPA’s statement on the appeal:

“Today, the NFL Players Association formally filed an appeal of the indefinite suspension of Ray Rice by the NFL. This action taken by our union is to protect the due process rights of all NFL players. The NFLPA appeal is based on supporting facts that reveal a lack of a fair and impartial process, including the role of the office of the Commissioner of the NFL. We have asked that a neutral and jointly selected arbitrator hear this case as the Commissioner and his staff will be essential witnesses in the proceeding and thus cannot serve as impartial arbitrators.”

A hearing date has to be determined within the next ten days, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Both sides concur that Ray Rice remains suspended indefinitely while his case is being appealed, sources tell ESPN’s Ed Werder (Twitter).

MONDAY, 9:36pm: Rice was expected to officially appeal his indefinite suspension today, but that appeal will be delayed until at least Tuesday, reports Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). Part of the reason for the delay is to give more time for Rice’s representatives to craft a request for Commissioner Goodell to recuse himself from the case.

SUNDAY, 9:42pm: The NFLPA will fight on behalf of Rice in part because of the precedent it will set for players going forward on the matter of due process, reports Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter).

For Rice, a major argument in his defense will be using the “one punishment” article of the collective bargaining agreement, according to Wilson (via Twitter).

6:42 P.M.: Former Ravens’ running back Ray Rice will appeal his indefinite suspension from the NFL, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Rice was suspended following the emergence of video evidence in the domestic violence incident in which he physically assaulted his now-wife in an elevator at an Atlantic City casino.

The Ravens had released the Pro Bowl running back prior to his suspension.

Rice is expected to officially appeal on Monday, according to league sources. Florio reports that the NFLPA will handle the case in conjunction with Rice’s lawyer.

Roger Goodell will play a key role in the appeal process. Rice was suspended under the NFL’s personal-conduct policy, which leaves the commissioner as the final authority over all appeals. Florio expects that Rice’s representatives will ask that Goodell remove himself from the proceedings. This move would not be unprecedented, as Goodell removed himself from the Saints case during the bounty investigation.

Even if this scenario plays out, Goodell and the NFL office would be likely to testify as witnesses, writes Florio. A key component of the case will be whether or not Rice lied about what happened inside the elevator before the video evidence was made public.

Pigskin Links: Jaguars, Zuttah, Stanton

September 16th, 2014 at 6:45pm CST by Zachary Links

On this date in 1973, Bills running back O.J. Simpson rushed for a then NFL record of 250 yards in Buffalo’s 31-13 victory at New England. Of course, the former Heisman trophy winner has a very different legacy today than what anyone could have predicted 41 years ago.

While PFR is dedicated to player movement, Pigskin Links is open to pieces on all areas of the game and we’re looking for interesting reads on all things football from blogs of all sizes. If you would like to suggest your blog post (or someone else’s) for Pigskin Links, send Zach an email with the link and a brief synopsis at PigskinLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the football blogosphere..

 Got a great football blog post that you want to see featured in next week’s Pigskin Links? Email it to Zach or tweet it to him: @ZachLinks.

Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday

September 16th, 2014 at 6:40pm CST by Luke Adams

We’ll round up Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts right here, with the latest news added to the top of the list throughout the day….

  • The Chiefs have signed fullback Jordan Campbell and tight end Justin Jones to the practice squad, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter). To make room, they have released cornerback Robert Steeples.
  • The Cowboys announced (via Twitter) that they have released cornerback Jemea Thomas from the p-squad and re-signed fullback Nikita Whitlock.
  • Running back Edwin Baker has replaced cornerback Trevin Wade on the Saints‘ practice squad, tweets Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
  • Defensive end James Davidson, who was in camp with the Bengals, is set to fill the 10th and final spot on the Giants‘ practice squad, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
  • The Rams have removed linebacker Kevin Reddick from their practice squad, says Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
  • The Chiefs have cut tight end Adam Schiltz from their practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).

Earlier updates:

  • Besides confirming the previously reported re-signing of linebacker Darius Fleming to their practice squad, the Patriots also announced several more moves today. Offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann and defensive lineman Kona Schwenke are now part of the club’s 10-man unit, while defensive lineman Cam Henderson and running back Marcus Thigpen have been cut.
  • The Browns have signed linebacker Allen Bradford to their practice squad, cutting wideout Ifeanyi Momah, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • Safety Josh Aubrey has taken the place of wide receiver Travis Labhart on the Texans‘ practice squad, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link).
  • The Redskins announced today (via Twitter) they’ve signed defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo to their practice squad, cutting another defensive lineman, Dennis Hopkins, to clear an opening.
  • Defensive tackle Roy Philon has re-signed with the Bears‘ practice squad, leaving the team with three openings on the taxi squad, the team confirmed (via Twitter).
  • The Panthers have signed former Redskins’ sixth-round running back Lache Seastrunk to their practice squad, the team announced today (Twitter link).
  • Offensive lineman Emmett Cleary has joined the Bengals‘ practice squad, replacing tight end Ryan Otten on the unit, according to the club (via Twitter).
  • The Colts have swapped one guard for another on their practice squad, dropping Josh Walker and signing David Arkin, the team announced in a press release.
  • After promoting tight end Marcel Jensen to their 53-man roster, the Jaguars have filled the 10th and final spot on their practice squad by adding offensive tackle Cody Booth, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com.
  • Fullback Zach Line, waived from the 53-man roster over the weekend, has joined the Vikings‘ practice squad, per Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link).
  • The 49ers made several changes to their practice squad last night. In addition to confirming the signing of tight end Xavier Grimble, which was previously reported, the club also signed cornerback Leon McFadden, dropping linebacker Shayne Skov and defensive back Chance Casey to make room, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter).

AFC East Notes: Jets, Dolphins, James

September 16th, 2014 at 5:46pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets were busy working out a number of players today, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter). Rex Ryan & Co. auditioned linebackers Pat Angerer and Desmond Bishop, wide receivers Tiquan Underwood and David Gettis, and quarterback Pat Devlin. Here’s more out of the AFC East…

  • The Dolphins worked out former 49ers running back LaMichael James, a league source tells Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). James was unhappy with his situation in San Francisco, asked for his release, and secured it earlier this month. Miami, obviously, could use some help at RB. The former Oregon star wasn’t signed after the workout but it’s still a possibility and the sides have discussed a deal, tweets Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
  • Former Mizzou tight end Eric Waters also worked out for the Dolphins today, tweets Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch (on Twitter). The 6’5″, 245 pound tight end was cut loose by the Steelers in advance of their cutdown to a 75-man roster.
  • The Dolphins may not benefit from the new drug policy, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Safety Reshad Jones and defensive end Dion Jordan are both suspended, but multiple sources say the new rules won’t get Jordan’s suspension revoked. The same sources were not in agreement whether Jones would be returned to the Dolphins’ active roster.

Adrian Peterson Expected To Play Week 3?

September 16th, 2014 at 4:55pm CST by Luke Adams

TUESDAY, 4:55pm: Don’t be surprised if the Vikings reverse course on whether to reinstate Peterson, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who hears that Monday’s decision could change (Twitter link).

MONDAY, 6:46pm: According to the KHOU report (via Deadspin), these newest accusations could be used against Peterson in court. More immediately, if the accusations are true, they make the Vikings’ decision to reinstate the running back even more questionable.

6:34pm: Peterson has been accused of abusing another one of his sons, according to CBS affiliate KHOU (on Twitter).

1:35pm: Peterson has issued a statement, in which he expresses remorse for hurting his son, and says he is “without a doubt, not a child abuser.”

“I have to live with the fact that when I disciplined my son the way I was disciplined as a child, I caused an injury that I never intended or thought would happen,” Peterson said within the statement. “I know that many people disagree with the way I disciplined my child. I also understand after meeting with a psychologist that there are other alternative ways of disciplining a child that may be more appropriate.”

ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter has the running back’s comments in full, via Facebook.

10:57am: After being deactivated for the Vikings’ Week 2 loss against the Patriots, Adrian Peterson will return to practice this week and is expected to suit up and play for Minnesota this Sunday, the team announced today. Here’s the complete statement, via the club’s website, from owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf:

“Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration. As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.

“To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action. This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian’s fulfillment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process.”

Peterson was indicted by a grand jury last week and, facing one charged count of injury to a child, turned himself in over the weekend. No court date has been set yet, but assuming the case goes to trial, that may not happen for weeks or even months, meaning the Vikings and the NFL may postpone any further discipline for the running back until 2015, after the case is resolved.

Earlier today, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap explained why a trade of Peterson was much more viable than releasing him, if Minnesota wanted to move on from the longtime Viking, while Joel Corry of CBSSports.com pointed out (via Twitter) that the veteran’s rising salaries may make him a cap casualty within the next couple years anyway. For now though, it appears the club intends to move forward this season with Peterson very much in the mix.

Lions Sign Danny Gorrer; Lawson To IR

September 16th, 2014 at 4:48pm CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have placed their second cornerback on injured reserve in as many weeks, placing Nevin Lawson on IR today with a season-ending ankle injury, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. According to Twentyman, using the roster spots vacated by Lawson and Nate Ness, who was cut yesterday, the team has signed cornerback Danny Gorrer and promoted linebacker Julian Stanford from its practice squad.

The Lions have worked out several higher-profile defensive backs since the start of the season, including Champ Bailey, Dimitri Patterson, and Chris Clemons. While the club may ultimately decide to revisit one or more of those free agents, the team has opted for Gorrer for now. A Texas A&M product, Gorrer has appeared in regular season games for the Rams, Ravens, and Buccaneers since 2009.

In order to fill Stanford’s spot on the practice squad, the Lions have also signed former Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris, says Twentyman (via Twitter).

Minor Moves: Tuesday

September 16th, 2014 at 4:34pm CST by Luke Adams

We’ve devoted one Tuesday post to the practice squad shuffling being done by teams today, but many clubs around the league are also tweaking their 53-man rosters. We’ll round up a handful of those transactions right here, with new moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:

Earlier updates:

  • In addition to the moves noted below, the Bears have also promoted defensive back Isaiah Frey to their active roster from their practice squad, and cut running back Shaun Draughn, as well as tight end Matthew Mulligan (Twitter link). The series of transactions leaves the club with 52 players on its roster.
  • Former Vikings linebacker and special-teamer Larry Dean has signed with the Bills, the team announced today in a press release. To make room for Dean, Buffalo placed safety Jonathan Meeks on injured reserve with a neck injury.
  • A week after placing tight end Tyler Eifert on IR with the designation to return, the Bengals have placed another tight end on injured reserve, and Alex Smith won’t be eligible to return the season (Twitter link). The team also announced that tight end Kevin Brock has been signed to take Smith’s roster spot.
  • The Bears have promoted practice-squad wideout Rashad Ross to the 53-man roster, cutting receiver and returner Chris Williams to clear room, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
  • Linebacker Dan Fox is set to be called up to the Giants‘ active roster from their practice squad, tweets Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News, suggesting that placing Jon Beason on injured reserve may end up being the corresponding move.
  • The Colts announced in a press release that they’ve signed defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles off the Patriots‘ practice squad, waiving running back Dion Lewis to create roster space.

Giants Place Jernigan On IR, Promote Two

September 16th, 2014 at 4:32pm CST by Luke Adams

The Giants have completed a series of transactions that affect the team’s 53-man roster as well its practice squad. Most notably, wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan and cornerback Walter Thurmond have been placed on season-ending injured reserve, according to the club. Thurmond’s season-ending pectoral injury had been previously reported. As for Jernigan, he has a mid-foot sprain, but won’t undergo surgery.

Here are the Giants’ other roster moves:

Promoted from practice squad to 53-man roster:

Signed to practice squad:

  • Travis Harvey, WR
  • L’Damian Washington, WR

Cut from practice squad:

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