2017 September - Pro Football Rumors

Ravens Promote RB Alex Collins

September 16th, 2017 at 11:29am CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens have made several moves this afternoon. Ian Rapoport tweets that the team has signed running back Alex Collins off their practice squad, while Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun tweets that the team has also promoted cornerback Tony McRae. To make room on the roster, the team has placed cornerback Sheldon Price on the injured reserve (via Zrebiec) and released running back Jeremy Langford (via ESPN’s Adam Caplan on Twitter).

Collins, a 2016 fifth-round pick, joined the Ravens practice squad earlier this month. The 23-year-old spent his rookie season with the Seahawks, where he ultimately appeared in 11 games. He finished the campaign with 125 rushing yards and one touchdown on 31 carries, and he hauled in another 11 receptions for 84 yards. With Danny Woodhead and Kenneth Dixon currently on the injured reserve, Collins will presumably serve as the team’s third running back behind Terrance West and Javorius Allen.

That spot was previously held by Langford, who was promoted from the practice squad earlier this week. The 25-year-old does have plenty of experience, as he appeared in 28 games (five starts) and compiled 210 carries between 2015 and 2016. While he does have 737 career rushing yards and 10 career rushing touchdowns, his 3.5-yards-per-carry mark is rather underwhelming, probably explaining why the Bears moved on from him following last season.

Price, 26, joined the Ravens back in 2015. The 2013 undrafted free agent out of UCLA has six career games with the Colts and Ravens, compiling a single tackle. He spent the majority of the 2016 season on the injured reserve after suffering a biceps injury. McRae, a 2016 undrafted free agent out of North Carolina A&T, will likely take Price’s spot on the depth chart. The 26-year-old figures to compete with Jaylen Hill to be the team’s fourth cornerback behind Brandon Carr, Jimmy Smith, and first-rounder Marlon Humphrey.

Texans Sign OT Jah Reid

September 16th, 2017 at 9:53am CST by Ben Levine

Jah Reid has found a new home. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter), the veteran offensive tackle has signed with the Texans. The 29-year-old worked out for the organization yesterday, and he previously auditioned for the Colts and Jets. Reid was released by the Chiefs in late August.

The 2011 third-round pick had spent the first four seasons of his career with the Ravens before joining the Chiefs prior to the 2015 season. In two years with Kansas City, Reid ultimately appeared in 22 games with 11 starts. The Chiefs acquired lineman Cameron Erving prior to the regular season, and that led to their decision to release Reid. The move ultimately saved the Chiefs $2.78MM and $3.2MM in 2018.

The Texans offensive line has struggled through the team’s first two games, having allowed 13 total sacks. With Duane Brown currently holding out and Derek Newton sitting on the Reserve/PUP list, it was fairly obvious that the organization could use some reinforcement on the offensive line. Breno Giacomini and Kendall Lamm are currently the team’s starters at offensive tackle, and the team is also rostering Chris Clark and rookie Julie’n Davenport. Reid also has experience playing offensive guard, and his versatility could make him an ideal reserve piece for the Texans.

Latest On Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott

September 16th, 2017 at 9:08am CST by Ben Levine

The NFL has filed its “appeal and an emergency motion for a stay” on the Ezekiel Elliott ruling, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (via Twitter). The reporter notes that the NFL is specifically asking for that stay by September 26th, at which time (if successful) the running back would presumably serve his suspension. The league’s request is below (via Garafolo on Twitter):

“To minimize disruptive uncertainty, the NFL requests a stay ruling ideally by September 19, 2017 (when Week 3 practices begin), but no later than September 26, 2017 (Week 4). The NFL stands ready to brief the appeal with whatever degree of expedition this Court deems appropriate. But the process of remedying the district court’s massive overreach should begin as promptly as possible by staying its unprecedented and indefensible order.”

Let’s take a look at some other notes on the Elliott ordeal:

Predictably, Elliott’s team released a statement following the NFL’s decision to file an appeal (via Ian Rapoport on Twitter): “The NFL’s latest legal maneuvering appears to be indicative of a league with an agenda: Trying to navigate a public relations crisis rather than focus on fairness and fact finding. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that the NFL believes it can write its own rules and will stop at nothing to further its agenda of enforcing its unfounded assertions regarding Mr. Elliott. Most recently this would include the NFL seeking an expedited hearing on staying the preliminary injunction by frivolously arguing that the NFL is somehow ‘irreparably harmed’ by Elliott playing while the Courts decide whether the investigation and appeal was fundamentally unfair. Mr. Elliott and his team will continue to zealously oppose any of the NFL’s court filings.”
Sports Illustrated’s Michael McCann notes that Judge Amos Mazzant’s decisions aren’t usually reversed. Since be became a federal judge in 2009, 19 of his decisions have been appealed…with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversing those decisions only twice. Of course, as the writer notes, the same could be said for Judge Richard Berman, whose decision in favor of quarterback Tom Brady was reversed.
While the NFL is hoping to have the process wrapped up relatively quickly, precedent says that that might not be the case. McCann notes that the Brady appeal took seven months, while Adrian Peterson‘s appeal took 17 months. On the flip side, the previous appeals “challenged a federal district judge vacating an arbitration award,” while the current appeal is in regards to “a preliminary injunction.” Ultimately, the timing of the decision could play a significant role in whether Elliott will be suspended this season.

Extra Points: Vikes, Bolts, Raiders, Lions

September 15th, 2017 at 9:27pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford is dealing with “swelling, pain and discomfort” in his left knee, Chris Mortenson of ESPN reports. Notably, that’s the same knee in which Bradford underwent procedures to repair a torn ACL in 2013 and ’14. Thanks to his latest knee issue, Bradford’s not a lock to play Sunday against in Pittsburgh, though the Vikings are “cautiously optimistic” he will, per Mortenson. At the same time, the Vikes do have some reservations about the injury, Mortenson notes. In the unlikely event Bradford doesn’t suit up, the Vikings’ offense would presumably experience a marked drop-off after handling the Saints on Monday. Bradford was the driving force behind that 29-19 win, going 27 of 32 for 346 yards and three touchdowns. His backup is Case Keenum, who struggled mightily with the Rams last season.

Elsewhere around the NFL…

Speaking of left knee troubles, Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett is experiencing soreness there after an ACL tear limited him to four games last season. He’ll miss Sunday’s game against Miami as a result and could sit out “several” more weeks, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Verrett played nearly all of the Chargers’ defensive snaps (63 of 69) in their loss to Denver on Monday, but head coach Anthony Lynn held him out of practice Friday and stated that the corner is “just not right.” Lynn added that he has “no idea” how long Verrett will be on the shelf, only revealing that the player is “week-to-week.” Verrett, 26, is less than a year removed from the knee surgery he underwent last October.
Left tackle Donald Penn expected the two-year deal he signed with the Raiders in 2016 t0 be his last contract, according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area. Penn didn’t show signs of slowing down last season, though, leading him to shelve any thoughts of retirement. He’s now under Raiders control through 2018 after inking an extension Friday. The 34-year-old believes the new pact will ensure that he’ll retire a Raider, which would be a “childhood dream,” as he told Bair and other reporters. Penn, who held out over the summer, noted that he wasn’t optimistic an agreement would come. “There was a lot of doubt (about getting a new deal),” he said. “I didn’t want to hit free agency again. I told them, ‘You know how much I love you guys. Show me how much you guys love me back, and let’s get this done so I can retire a Raider.’
Lions second-round pick Teez Tabor was a healthy scratch in Week 1 and, given the team’s depth at cornerback, probably won’t be a factor for a while, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com writes. But head coach Jim Caldwell still thinks the ex-Florida Gator could pay short-term dividends. “That probably would not be an accurate statement in terms of a ‘long-term project,'” Caldwell said. “I’m not certain what that denotes, but that probably wouldn’t be how we would assess it.” Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is pleased with the progress Tabor has made in recent months. “He’s doing everything right and we’ll see him at some point,” Austin declared. “(He’s) much different than when he first got in here. I think he’s a really super smart player. Gets it, can get around the ball, again, just growing him right now.” Once considered a good bet to go in the first round this year, Tabor fell to the Lions at No. 53 after posting slow times in the 40-yard yard dash in the offseason.

NFL Workout Updates: 9/15/17

September 15th, 2017 at 8:34pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The latest workouts from around the NFL (all links go to Twitter):

Cleveland Browns

DEs Ian Seau, Jhaustin Thomas; CBs De’Chavon Hayes, Marcus Sayles, JaCorey Shepherd; LB Garrett Sickels (links via Adam Caplan of ESPN)

Jacksonville Jaguars

WRs Montay Crockett, Tim Patrick; Ps Matt Darr, Jordan Gay, Richie Leone, Austin Rehkow; QB Jerod Evans, Joel Stave; PKs Andrew Franks, Josh Lambo, Mike Meyer; LS Colin Holba (link via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union)

Los Angeles Rams

WRs Jaydon Mickens, Michael Rector, Kenneth Walker (links via Caplan)

Saints Could Trade Kenny Vaccaro

September 15th, 2017 at 7:50pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Saints are discussing a Kenny Vaccaro trade with a “handful of teams,” according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. There’s potential for a deal to come together, adds La Canfora, who notes that the Saints are “overloaded” at safety (Twitter link).

Vaccaro was on the field for all 65 of the Saints’ snaps in their loss to the Vikings on Monday, showing that he remains a prominent part of their defense, but the team has heavily invested in his position lately. New Orleans spent second-round picks on safeties in each of the previous two drafts, selecting Vonn Bell in 2016 and Marcus Williams this year. And Vaccaro is scheduled to hit free agency after the season, further calling his future in New Orleans into question. Currently on a $5.68MM salary, Vaccaro has made it known that he wants to stay with the Saints, yet there haven’t been reports of any serious contract talks between the sides.

Now 27, Vaccaro has been one of the few consistently good parts of New Orleans’ defense since the club used a first-round pick on him in 2013. The former Texas Longhorn has started in 56 of 57 appearances and is attempting to build on a 2016 in which he ranked an above-average 38th in performance among Pro Football Focus’ 90 qualified safeties. Notably, Vaccaro did miss a quarter of last season on account of a suspension for Adderall use.

AFC Notes: Bengals, Barnidge, Texans, Pats

September 15th, 2017 at 6:57pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

A “near mutiny” among Bengals players left head coach Marvin Lewis no choice but to fire offensive coordinator Ken Zampese on Friday, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports. The Bengals’ best offensive player, wide receiver A.J. Green, was part of the unhappy bunch, notes Florio, though Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer disputes the notion that there was anything resembling a “mutiny” (Twitter link). There was a disconnect between Zampese and the players, though, Owczarski adds. The Zampese-led Bengals scored a mere nine points in the team’s first two games, both losses, and the offense racked up just 516 yards in that span. Green posted respectable production along the way, picking up 10 receptions for 141 yards, but new O-coordinator Bill Lazor is going to have to involve him (and the Bengals’ other top skill players) in their attack more, Florio observes. Green agrees, having told reporters after Thursday night’s 13-9 loss to Houston: “We are playing like sh– right now. We got to find a way to get our playmakers the ball. That’s it. It’s a superstar-driven league. You are not going to win without them” (via Paul Dehner Jr. of the Enquirer).

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/15/17

September 15th, 2017 at 6:45pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Friday’s practice squad moves…

Carolina Panthers

Signed: TE Bucky Hodges
Cut: WR Keyarris Garrett

Cleveland Browns

Signed: DB C.J. Smith

Houston Texans

Signed: TE MyCole Pruitt

Indianapolis Colts

Signed: WR Fred Brown

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/15/17

September 15th, 2017 at 6:15pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Friday’s minor moves from across the NFL…

The Jets will promote linebacker Freddie Bishop from their practice squad in advance of Sunday’s game against the Raiders, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. Injuries will keep linebackers Bruce Carter and Edmond Robinson out of action, creating a need at the position. Bishop, undrafted back in 2013, made his NFL debut with the Jets last season and appeared in four games. He started three of those contests, totaling 152 defensive snaps and nine tackles.
The Cardinals have released linebacker Philip Wheeler, who has been in and out of the organization on multiple occasions since signing with Arizona in July. Wheeler garnered a ton of experience with the Colts, Raiders, Dolphins and Falcons from 2008-16 (133 games, 66 starts), but the 32-year-old hasn’t made much of a defensive impact in recent seasons.

Jets Work Out Howard Jones

September 15th, 2017 at 5:31pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Free agent pass rusher Howard Jones auditioned for the Jets on Friday, Howard Balzer reports (on Twitter). Wide receivers C.J. Board and Kenny Lawler also tried out, per Balzer.

The only somewhat known commodity here is Jones, who’s two years removed from a productive first season in 2015. Then with the Buccaneers, Jones piled up five sacks across 12 games, five starts and 386 snaps. That type of output was unexpected, as Jones entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Shepherd University in 2014 and didn’t see any on-field time with his first team, the Steelers.

Jones came back to earth last season, registering a lone tackle and no sacks in eight games (no starts, 84 snaps), before suffering a torn ACL in November. The Buccaneers opted against tendering the then-exclusive rights free agent a contract over the winter, and he has drawn scant interest on the open market. The Jets have been eyeing Jones for a while, though, as they met with him in March. The 27-year-old would likely play a 3-4 outside linebacker role with Gang Green after working as a 4-3 defensive end in Tampa Bay.