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Giants Work Out Devlin, Boyd, Six Others

September 13th, 2014 at 6:01pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In advance of tomorrow’s game against the Cardinals, the Giants brought in eight players for auditions, according to Jordan Raanan of the Newark Star-Ledger. New York might just be updating its emergency list at certain positions, but there were some notable names among those whom the team worked out:

Devlin, 26, was released by the Dolphins a month ago after Miami added fellow QB Brady Quinn. After playing college ball at Delaware, Devlin joined the Dolphins in 2011 after going undrafted. He has yet to appear in an NFL game. Boyd, a former Clemson star, was once viewed as a potential first-round pick, but was ultimately selected in the sixth round by the Jets in May. He was cut as the Jets moved to a 53-man roster in late August. As Raanan notes, the Giants have only two quarterbacks on their roster (Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib), so it’s possible one of Devlin or Boyd is added to the club if they feel they need a No. 3.

New York is a tad thin at receiver, where 2014 first-rounder Odell Beckham Jr. is currently out with a hamstring injury, so perhaps one of the WR group listed above might stick on the Giants’ roster. Only Cone has caught a pass (one) in the NFL, doing so last year for the Falcons. Cunningham, a sixth-round choice of the Dolphins in 2012, was waived by the Eagles last month after being active for two Philadelphia games in 2013. Harrison, an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in 2013, is well-traveled — he’s spent time with the Bears, Patriots, and Chiefs.

Minor Moves: Saturday

September 13th, 2014 at 4:50pm CST by Rob DiRe

Here are some minor transactions that have occurred this Saturday before the rest of the week two action begins:

  • The Bears have promoted three players to their active roster for Sunday’s game against the 49ers, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribute (via Twitter). Receivers Josh Bellamy and Chris Williams will be suited up tomorrow, along with center Taylor Boggs.
  • The Vikings have signed running back Joe Banyard off of their practice squad, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN (via Twitter). The team has waived full back Zach Line to make room for Banyard.
  • The Patriots have promoted linebacker Deontae Skinner to their active roster, reports Field Yates of ESPN (via Twitter). The team waived linebacker Darius Fleming to make room for the roster move.

Earlier updates:

  • The Jaguars have waived fifth-round pick Chris Smith, reports Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (via Twitter). The defensive end was released to make way for the signing of safety Craig Loston.
  • The Raiders have officially promoted linebacker Bojay Filimoeatu from the practice squad to the active roster, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter). Wilson originally reported the teams plans to do so yesterday, and it has now become official. Filimoeatu slots in the roster spot that was vacated when the team placed Taiwan Jones on the injured-reserve, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
  • The Lions are promoting safety Nate Ness to the active roster, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). Birkett has not played in a game since 2011.

Drug Suspension Not Lifted In Time For Week 2

September 13th, 2014 at 3:23pm CST by Rob DiRe

The deadline to activate players for Sunday action was 4 P.M. ET today, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). Without a new deal agreed to, teams will not have a chance to activate players who had suspensions about to be reduced in time for the games this weekend.

Those players will not have been reinstated into the NFL in time to play, and will now have to wait until next week to see their suspension lifted, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).

The player representatives approved the new deal, but it has not yet been made official.

Some players, such as Wes Welker, Orlando Scandrick, Reshad Jones, and Dion Jordan have each been suspended four games, but could have those suspensions thrown out under the new policy.

Josh Gordon, who was suspended for the entire season, could see his ban reduced to only 10 games.

The entire group will have to wait until next week for these changes to take effect, reports Mike Garafalo of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter).

Legal Ramifications Of Adrian Peterson Case

September 13th, 2014 at 3:05pm CST by Rob DiRe

In light of the recent information surrounding the Adrian Peterson child abuse case, there will be a long and arduous legal process that will have to play itself out. It was already reported that the All-Pro running back was released on bond after turning himself in to Texas authorities this morning, but other details surrounding his legal situation were still surfacing at that time.

Master Tesfatsion and Matt Vensel put together an overview of the proceedings for the Star Tribune, noting that there are many layers to the case. They fed from Montgomery County first assistant district attorney Phil Grant’s press conference to cull information about Peterson’s potential trial.

Tesfatsion provided some of the key points through his Twitter account. According to Tesfatsion, Peterson is facing one charged count of injury to a child. If convicted, that crime calls for a maximum two-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. Probation would be a possibility for someone with no prior criminal record (via Twitter).

No court date has been set, and Grant assumes that will not happen for a few weeks, and even longer before a trial date is set (via Twitter). He also noted that the grand jury in charge of the investigation was provided “lots of evidence over a significant number of weeks,” (via Twitter).

Grant expects the case to go to trial, and that likely will not occur until sometime in 2015.

In terms of his current status with the Vikings, the league released a brief-statement, saying that the incident will be reviewed under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The Vikings have decided to deactivate Peterson for this Sunday’s game against the Patriots on their own, and no decision has been made as to his status further than this Sunday’s game.

Extra Points: Packers, Vikings, Chiefs, Raiders

September 13th, 2014 at 12:30pm CST by Ben Levine

Packers coach Mike McCarthy has seen his fair share of players succumb to injuries, including offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga. When asked whether it would be a good idea to be cautious and sit out the former first-rounder, McCarthy acknowledged that the organization may have done that too much in the past.

“I think sometimes we may have done that in the past,” McCarthy said. “I think our medical department tilts that way, but the reality is you’re only given 16 games and I know from a player’s perspective, they want to play in every single game.

“If Bryan Bulaga feels that he can go in this game, that’ll be a part of the decision. But we’re not saving anybody for next week or so forth. If Bryan cannot go, it will be clearly from a medical standpoint that we don’t feel it’s in his best interest.

“I just think medically people are a lot more conservative today. I think the landscape is a challenge for every medical group. I think it’s only natural. But at the end of the day, that’s why you have the process. That’s why it’s set up the way it is on who makes those decisions.

“At the end of the day, and I know I’ve said this numerous times in here, from (general manager) Ted Thompson and myself as far as you look at our players, we’re never going to jeopardize a player’s future for one game. But the importance of playing in every game is important.”

Let’s check out some more notes from around the NFL…

  • Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press predicts that Vikings offensive lineman Mike Harris is the most likely player on the roster to be cut (via Twitter), but he clarifies in another tweet that Harris could easily be re-signed next week. He also suggests tight end/fullback MarQueis Gray as a potential cut (via Twitter).
  • Chiefs safety Eric Berry is so impressed by Travis Kelce, he refuses to compare his teammate to any other tight end in the league. “Nah, he’s a different breed. For real,” Berry told Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports. “He’s big, he’s got speed and he’s got moves. He’s got a lot of swag about his play. He doesn’t do it like how it says in the book.”
  • Vincent Brown would be a good fit for the Raiders, writes ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson. The former Chargers receiver was waived by the team at the end of August, and Williamson believes Oakland could use his consistency.

Panthers Notes: Cason, Hardy, Alexander

September 13th, 2014 at 11:54am CST by Ben Levine

Panthers coach Ron Rivera has given cornerback Antoine Cason a number of second chances. It started when the talented defensive back was taken in the first round of the 2008 draft by the Chargers. Cason faced some early adversity, and Rivera, the team’s defensive coordinator at the time, was forced to make a tough decision.

“Quite honestly, I had to bench him,” Rivera told David Newton of ESPN.com.

Cason worked his way up the depth chart and ultimately started 15 games in 2010, Rivera’s last season in San Diego. The 28-year-old played in a backup role with the Cardinals last season, and Rivera inked him to a one-year deal this offseason.

Cason rewarded his coach’s faith. He finished with an interception and a team-high nine tackles in the team’s opening-day victory.

“When I watched tape on him from the [Tampa] game I saw things I really liked and remembered,” Rivera said. “Just the way he was playing with vision, the position he put himself in on a couple of his snaps.”

Cason will have his work cut out for him this weekend against Lions wideout Calvin Johnson.

“He’s definitely one of the best receivers in this league,” Cason said. “You bring your A game, play physical at the point of attack and get after it.

“That’s every time out for me, something to prove, something to prove. Never get comfortable and never get satisfied with where I am.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes out of Charlotte…

  • Newton opines that the Panthers will not miss Steve Smith, even if the wideout continues to put up big numbers.
  • Newton also thinks that defensive end Greg Hardy will not return to the team if he is found guilty in his domestic violence case. Even if he’s cleared, Newton puts the odds of a return at 50-50. Room for Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly extensions would have to be taken into consideration, as well as Hardy’s expected monetary demands (the writer suggests $15MM).
  • With all the scrutiny surrounding Ray Rice, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com writes that the Panthers need to make a decision on Hardy. The writer ultimately believes that Rivera should deactivate the player for this weekend’s game and then study all of the information available.
  • Based on the reported changes to the league drug policy, defensive end Frank Alexander will not have his four-game suspension reduced, tweets Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer.

East Links: Cowboys, Redskins, Jets

September 13th, 2014 at 11:09am CST by Ben Levine

Orlando Scandrick is currently serving a four-game suspension, but the Cowboys cornerback will likely be back soon. Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram writes that the 27-year-old will be eligible to play this weekend if a new league drug policy is agreed upon.

The former fifth-round pick expressed his beliefs that a suspension wasn’t necessary, but he’s still happy that the ordeal will soon be behind him.

“I’m relieved,” Scandrick said. “It feels good to be able to join back and play with my teammates and do what I love. It was the toughest two weeks of my life. It truly allowed me to appreciate the NFL, the game of football, my job and my career. I want to thank the Jones family, coach Jason Garrett and my teammates for their support. I want to assure everybody that this will never happen again. I will take the extra step so this never happens again. I’m just thankful the NFL and the union were able to reach a resolution. I’m speechless.

I got to realize I caught a break. When you catch a break you have to learn from it. It’s an eye opener to be banned from something you have done your whole life. I’m thankful and appreciative.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from the NFL’s east divisions…
  • Unless something happens to linebacker Rolando McClain, the Cowboys wouldn’t have a reason to add free agent Pat Angerer, writes ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. However, the writer guesses that the former second-rounder is on the team’s “emergency board.”
  • Archer also makes it clear that Jerry Jones will not be relinquishing his control of the Cowboys. “It’s his team, his money,” Archer writes. “He can do with it what he wants. He will not sell the team. He will not give up the general manager title.”
  • In regards to the Redskins‘ linebacker depth, ESPN.com’s John Keim says the “best-case” scenario would involve Brian Orakpo having a big season and re-signing.
  • Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson could have commanded a huge contract following his dominant 2013 season. The 24-year-old will be making $1.2MM this year, and Mark Canizzaro of the New York Post writes that a holdout was never in the picture. “If people treat me with respect and I treat them with respect then I guess my time will come,” Wilkerson said. “I’ve got to wait. If they respect me and they feel highly of me, then I guess they’ll take care of me, right? Time will tell…I guess I’m just different. I look at things differently. That’s how I was bought up. I’m a patient person. I’m going to just wait. I’ve just got to wait.”

Latest On Adrian Peterson

September 13th, 2014 at 9:32am CST by Ben Levine

Yesterday, star running back Adrian Peterson was indicted in Texas for reckless or negligent injury to a child. The Vikings immediately deactivated the player for their game against the Patriots, and they also released a brief statement:

“The Vikings are in the process of gathering information regarding the legal situation involving Adrian Peterson. At this time, we will defer further questions to Adrian’s attorney Rusty Hardin.”

Hardin also commented on the indictment (via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press):

“Adrian is a loving father who used his judgment as a parent to discipline his son. He used the same kind of discipline with his child that he experienced as a child growing up in east Texas. Adrian has never hidden from what happened. He has cooperated fully with authorities and voluntarily testified before the grand jury for several hours. Adrian will address the charges with the same respect and responsiveness he has brought to this inquiry from its beginning. It is important to remember that Adrian never intended to harm his son and deeply regrets the unintentional injury.”

There were also a couple of details that emerged overnight. Let’s take a look…

  • Peterson turned himself in to Texas authorities this morning at 2:06am ET, tweets ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The writer notes that he was expected to be released on a $15K bond.
  • However, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reports (via Twitter) that Peterson will be released on a $21K bond.
  • According to Nick Wright of CBS Houston, the incident happened in May following an argument between two of Peterson’s children. The running back admitted that he “whooped” his son, and was surprised by the police interest.
  • Sports Illustrated’s Michael McCann describes the legal punishment Peterson could face. If he is convicted of reckless injury to a child, a potential sentence could range anywhere from two to ten years. If convicted of negligent injury to a child, Peterson would face 180 days to two years in prison.

Latest On NFL Drug Policy

September 13th, 2014 at 8:48am CST by Ben Levine

Those who were hoping they’d wake up to find a new league drug policy will be a bit disappointed this morning. There were indications yesterday that a deal was imminent, and that still appears to be the case. However, the two sides said this morning that there were still some issues to be resolved.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com that a policy is “not done” and that there was still “some work to do.”

Meanwhile, the NFLPA released an official statement:

“The Board of Player Representatives gave the NFLPA authority to complete new drug policies with the League consistent with detailed term sheets the players reviewed. We hope to have final agreements, including effective date for players with adjusted discipline, very soon.”

While the agreement has not been finalized, some details have been reported. Let’s take a look at the latest news…

  • USA Today’s Tom Pelissero tweets details regarding discipline for marijuana use: an initial positive test would result in a two-game fine and a second positive would earn the player a four-game fine. Subsequent positive tests would be punished by a four-game ban, a ten-game ban and a one-year ban.
  • The penalties for using other “drugs of abuse” will be more strict than the marijuana penalties, tweets Pelissero. A first test would lead to a four-game fine, followed by a four-game ban and then a one-year ban. The writer notes that some players argued against these punishments.
  • A first offense for a DUI conviction will be punishable by at least a two-game ban (via Pelissero’s Twitter). The commissioner has the right to increase the suspension based on  “aggravating circumstances.”
  • Pelissero also tweets that the two sides are hoping to begin HGH testing within the next two weeks. There would be varying punishments for a first offense, followed by a 10-game ban and a two-year ban.
  • Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets that not all players were in favor of reducing Josh Gordon‘s suspension. In a subsequent tweet, Cole adds that players who don’t use recreational drugs aren’t necessarily in favor of easing the penalties.

NFLPA Player Reps Approve Drug Policy

September 12th, 2014 at 10:17pm CST by Luke Adams

10:17pm: While the player reps voted to move forward with the new drug policy, the fact that there’s still no official deal means teams are being informed that suspended players are unlikely to be reinstated in time for this weekend’s games, tweets Rapoport.

8:13pm: “We have not yet reached an agreement with the union. There continue to be significant unresolved issues,” a league spokesperson tells Mortensen (Twitter link).

8:02pm: Just because the player reps gave the go-ahead for the NFLPA to finalize an agreement with the NFL doesn’t mean it’s official yet. As Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com tweets, there are still some “unresolved issues” to hammer out, perhaps including the reinstatement of suspended players for this weekend.

6:20pm: The 32 team player reps for the NFLPA voted today to approve the new drug policy proposed by the NFL, which will include HGH testing, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The yes vote from the player reps allows NFLPA leadership to assent to the changes proposed to the policy by the league, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported (via Twitter) earlier this evening that the player reps were having a “heated discussion” about the league’s proposal, with no guarantee that it would pass. However, when the vote was taken, the player reps were in unanimous approval, tweets Rapoport.

“This is an historic moment for our Players and our League,” said NFLPA President Eric Winston in a statement. “We have collectively bargained drug policies that will keep the game clean and safe, but also provide our players with an unprecedented level of fairness and transparency. Players should be proud of their union for standing up for what was best for the game.”

The new agreement should allow certain suspended players, such as Wes Welker and Orlando Scandrick, to play as soon as this Sunday. Josh Gordon‘s year-long suspension will reportedly be reduced to 10 games under the new policy.

Here are the key modifications being introduced in the new policy, according to the NFLPA’s statement:

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