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Month: November 2024

Latest On Aqib Talib

June 6th, 2016 at 8:55pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In what is unsurprising news, Aqib Talib will not participate in the Broncos’ OTAs over the next two weeks while recovering from a gunshot wound, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS. As Klis notes, Denver will take a month off following its last OTA, so Talib will have plenty of time — perhaps as much as six weeks — to heal. Talib, of course, was involved in an altercation at a Dallas nightclub over the weekend and emerged with a gunshot in his right leg.Aqib Talib (Vertical)

Talib has told those close to him that he shot himself, Klis reports, but it seems as though the entire situation is murky. On the night of the incident, Talib reportedly told police he was at a park when he was shot, but the police are investigating the evening in full, according to Rebecca Lopez of WFAA (Twitter links). “Everything was a blur and I was too intoxicated to remember what happened,” said Talib, which makes it sound as though more details may emerge from a confusing night.

If Talib did cause self-inflicted harm, he wouldn’t be the first NFL player to have accidentally shot himself, as receiver Plaxico Burress infamously spent time in prison for criminal possession of a firearm after mistakenly shooting himself in the thigh at a New York nightclub. Texas, clearly, doesn’t have the same strict gun standards that does New York City, so it’s doubtful that Talib will face any criminal charges if the events did in fact unfold in a Burress-esque manner.

The NFL is looking into the matter, a league spokesman told Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link), and has contacted the Broncos for more information. There’s no word yet on whether Talib could face league discipline as a result of the incident.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Cole’s Latest: Foles, Jets, Mathieu, Nelson

June 6th, 2016 at 8:20pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Let’s take a quick look at the latest reporting from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, who touched on a number of topics today in a series of videos…

Dolphins Work Out RB Boom Herron

June 6th, 2016 at 7:04pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Running back Dan “Boom” Herron hasn’t seen much action in free agency since being non-tendered by the Colts in March earlier this year, but things might be picking up for the 27-year-old. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link), Herron worked out for the Dolphins today.Dan Boom Herron (Vertical)

2015 was a somewhat tumultuous year for Herron, who was waived off the Colts’ injured reserve at the beginning of the season. After working out for the Patriots, Herron latched on with the Bills, appearing in four games and registering 11 rushing attempts. Buffalo cut bait with Herron relatively quickly, but Indianapolis, once again the market for a back, claimed him off waivers in order to secure a reunion with the former Ohio State Buckeye. Herron didn’t play much down the stretch, and was let go during the restricted free agent tender period.

Miami could certainly use help in its backfield, having struck out in its attempts to lure C.J. Anderson, Chris Johnson, and James Starks to South Beach. Second-year man Jay Ajayi is considered the favorite to start, while rookie Kenyan Drake and backup Damien Williams could also be in the picture. Arian Foster, perhaps the best free agent runner still available, is also on the Dolphins’ radar.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Goodell: Deflategate Settlement Unlikely

June 6th, 2016 at 6:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Settlement talks between the NFL and Tom Brady don’t appear to be gaining traction, as John Wawrow of the Associated Press writes. “At this stage, no,” commissioner Roger Goodell said today when asked if a settlement was likely. “The courts will make their decisions, and we’ll move forward on that basis.”Tom Brady (vertical)

Brady, of course, will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season after a three-judge panel reinstated the ban that was incurred as a result of the Patriots quarterback’s role in the Deflategate controversy. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit overturned the 2015 decision by Judge Richard Berman, stating that Brady’s suspension should be upheld.

“We hold that the Commissioner properly exercised his broad discretion under the collective bargaining agreement and that his procedural rulings were properly grounded in that agreement and did not deprive Brady of fundamental fairness,” read the ruling from the Court of Appeals.“Accordingly, we REVERSE the judgment of the district court and REMAND with instructions to confirm the award.”

Brady and his legal team have since filed a petition for the case to be reheard, but reports have indicated that such appeals are rarely heard. The Wells report commissioned by the NFL more than a year ago determined that Brady was “more likely than not” to have been aware of footballs being deflated below their usual levels during the AFC Championship Game against the Colts in January 2015. The league issued a four-game suspension for Brady as a result of those findings, and that penalty was overturned by Judge Berman last summer, prior to the start of the 2015 campaign, allowing Brady to play the full season. The NFL appealed Berman’s decision.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Rams To Sign Cam Thomas

June 6th, 2016 at 5:45pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Rams have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Cam Thomas, his agent David Canter announced (Twitter link). The six-year NFL veteran has been on the free agent market since March when his two-year contract with the Steelers expired.Cam Thomas (Vertical)

Signed to act as a cog in the middle of Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense, Thomas never became a key factor in the Steel City, starting only 10 games during his time with the club. After playing on more than 40% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps in 2014, Thomas struggled to get on the field in 2015, seeing action on less than 17% of plays. A 330-pound run stuffer is never going to generate much in the way of traditional stats, but Pro Football Focus wasn’t a fan of Thomas’ work last season, assigning him below-average grades against both the pass and the run.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old Thomas, who spent the first four years of his career with the Chargers, can still find a role as an early-down player in today’s NFL. Thomas has 85 games of experience under his belt, and he didn’t go completely unnoticed on the open market, as he took a March visit with the Seahawks. Seattle ended up re-signing its own defensive tackle free agent, Ahtyba Rubin, and Thomas has languished in free agency since.

Thomas isn’t a lock for the Los Angeles roster, as the Rams will field Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers in their starting lineup, while fellow free agent signee Dominique Easley is probably safe thanks to his youth and upside. Thomas, then, will have to compete with Ethan Brooks and Louis Trinca-Pasat in order to secure a spot on the Ram’s final 53.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Minor NFL Transactions: 6/6/16

June 6th, 2016 at 5:22pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves:

  • The Titans waived wide receiver Nick Harwell and waived/injured linebacker Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com tweets, adding that Cudjoe-Virgil could revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers.
  • The Colts signed tackle Mitchell Van Dyk and waived/injured guard Isiah Cage, Mike Chappell of CBS4 tweets.
  • The Cardinals signed wide receiver Rico Richardson, according to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). The former Jackson State player previously spent time with Tennessee.
  • The Raiders signed former University of Washington receiver Marvin Hall, as Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times tweets. Hall had been a tryout player at Oakland’s rookie mini-camp last month.
  • The Saints cut former Arkansas tight end Mitchell Loewen with a non-football injury designation and signed former Air Force tight end Garrett Griffin, reports Wilson (Twitter links).
  • After being cut by the 49ers a month ago today, quarterback Dylan Thompson has signed with the Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who notes that Los Angeles could be stockpiling arms in anticipation of trading or releasing Nick Foles.

NFC North Notes: Vikings, Lions, Tulloch, Cook

June 6th, 2016 at 4:33pm CST by Zachary Links

The Vikings‘ draft strategy means that there will be more big contracts following Harrison Smith‘s payday, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com writes. Between now and March 2017, the Vikings will have to determine whether they want to stay in business with left tackle Matt Kalil. Beyond him, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd will play out their fifth-year options in 2017. In 2018, the Vikings will have to make decisions on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and linebacker Anthony Barr. This could make for some tough calls but, then again, it’s a good problem to have when your draft picks work out well.

Here’s more from the NFC North:

  • On Monday, Lions GM Bob Quinn declined to provide reporters with an update on Stephen Tulloch‘s status with the team (link via ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein). The veteran was told in February he wouldn’t be part of the team, but as of this writing he is still on the roster.
  • Packers coach Mike McCarthy says he has “no long-term concern” with Jared Cook‘s situation, Michael Cohen of the Journal Sentinel writes. Cook had foot surgery earlier this week and will be sidelined at least until training camp, but it sounds like he’ll be back on the field before long.
  • After using first-round picks on offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Laken Tomlinson, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com is optimistic about the Lions‘ run game in 2016. The Lions also added Stevan Ridley in free agent to help round out the running game. Of course, a lot will hinge on second-year player Ameer Abdullah returning healthy.
  • The Lions seemingly drafted long snapper Don Muhlbach‘s replacement this year, but he’s not going to cede his job without a fight, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes. “I’m like, ‘I didn’t get fired,’” Muhlbach said when asked about sixth-round pick Jimmy Landes. “I’m still there. I’m not going to leave just now….I still think I’m OK. I want to play some more. My body feels fine, so I’d like to keep going.”
  • The Bears inked third-round defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard earlier today, meaning that every player in their 2016 class is now under contract.

Broncos’ Aqib Tailb Shot At Dallas Nightclub

June 6th, 2016 at 4:13pm CST by Dallas Robinson

MONDAY, 4:13pm: Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said Talib has been released from the hospital and the hope is for him to be in Denver tomorrow or Wednesday, James Palmer of NFL.com tweets.

9:12am: The bullet entered and exited Talib’s leg without hitting any arteries or tearing any ligaments, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Facebook). Talib got stitches but he did not require surgery.

SUNDAY, 10:51pm: The Broncos announced that Talib is expected to be released from the hospital on Monday. However, he will not be able to join the team for their visit to Washington D.C. and photo op with President Obama.

6:42pm: The Broncos have released a statement (Twitter link via Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports), disclosing that Talib was shot in the lower right leg and is still recovering at a Dallas hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.

4:35pm: Broncos PR man Patrick Smyth confirms (via Twitter) that the club has spoken with Talib and says he is “OK,” though he is still in the hospital. For what it’s worth, a source tells Klis (Twitter link) that the gunshot was “accidental.”

3:43pm: Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib was one of multiple people shot this morning following a fight at Dallas nightclub, according to Liz Farmer of the Dallas Morning News. Farmer reports that Talib is one of two shooting victims, while Rebecca Lopez of WFAA (Twitter links) puts the total number shot at three. Per Mike Klis of 9NEWS (Twitter link), Talib suffered a minor leg injury from a gunshot wound, and the Broncos have been in contact with him. Talib was previously at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, but Jeff Darlington of NFL.com tweets that the Denver defensive back has been released.Aqib Talib (Vertical)

Per Farmer, one person entered the club and shot another patron who was already inside — a fight continued outside the club, where another attendee was then shot. Again, reports on the situation are quite murky, but it sounds like Talib was one of those two victims. Troy Renck of the Denver Post (Twitter link) confirms that Talib was shot in the leg, and was told that his Broncos teammates believe that Talib is not seriously hurt.

Without knowing more details about the situation at the present time, it’s difficult to offer more than a hope that all those involved in the altercation and its aftermath ultimately prevail. According to Farmer’s report, those who were shot were taken to medical centers with “non-life-threatening” injuries, so while the situation is obviously serious, perhaps no one will involved will face the most dire consequences.

This incident isn’t the first time that Talib has been in the middle of off-the-field trouble, and as Farmer notes in her story, Talib was involved in a similar incident in Dallas last year, when he and his brother were allegedly part of a fracas at a separate nightclub. In 2011, Talib was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly firing a gun at his sister’s boyfriend — those charges were ultimately dropped.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bills Sign First-Round Pick Shaq Lawson

June 6th, 2016 at 3:40pm CST by Zachary Links

The Bills announced that they have officially inked first-round pick Shaq Lawson. The Bills selected the Clemson product with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2016 Draft. Shaq Lawson (vertical)

Lawson’s shoulder issues were known coming into the draft, but that didn’t stop the Bills from taking him high in the draft or allowing him to partake in their three-day rookie minicamp, when Lawson aggravated his shoulder. Unfortunately for Buffalo, Lawson had to go under the knife and he’ll now miss the start of the 2016 season. The Bills have not announced a timetable for the Clemson product’s recovery, though the expectation is that he’ll start the preseason on the PUP list and miss 4-5 games.

Lawson’s surgery was a big blow for Buffalo as they anticipated giving him a major role on defense right from the get go. Earlier this offseason, Bills GM Doug Whaley said that he was anticipating three rookies in the team’s starting lineup to start the season.

“At least three,” Whaley said when asked how many of his rookies will be on the field in Week 1. “[First-round defensive end] Shaq Lawson is going to walk in off the bus starting. [Second-round linebacker] Reggie Ragland, and then [third-round defensive tackle] Adolphus Washington— all three of those guys will start right off the bus. And we’re excited for some guys from the fourth through sixth rounds that will contribute for us.”

With Lawson under contract, fourth-round pick Cardale Jones stands as the only unsigned player left in Buffalo’s 2016 class.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bears Sign Entire Draft Class

June 6th, 2016 at 3:33pm CST by Zachary Links

This afternoon, the Bears formally announced the signing of third-round defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard. With Bullard under contract, the Bears have now signed their entire 2016 draft class. Jonathan Bullard (vertical)

[RELATED: Bears Sign Offensive Lineman Nate Chandler]

Bullard, who came out of the University of Florida, racked up 12 sacks and 33.5 tackles for a loss during his time in college. Bullard moved all around the defensive line for the Gators, but the Bears have indicated that they’ll use him as a bookend. Heading into the draft, Bullard had widespread interest from teams and, according to one report, he was in consideration for at least one first-round team.

The Bears did not have to draft Bullard in the first round to snag him, however. Instead, they moved up from No. 11 overall to No. 9 to select Georgia edge rusher Leonard Floyd. The 6-foot-4, 231-pounder was a dominant performer during his three-year tenure at Georgia, where he played both outside linebacker and defensive end, racking up 17 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss.

Here’s a full rundown of all the players in the Bears’ 2016 draft class, all of whom are under contract:

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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