Ezekiel Elliott‘s suspension (finally) takes effect. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Elliott last week, meaning his six-game suspension stemming from domestic violence allegations has been restored. For the time being, Dallas will roll with Alfred Morris, Rod Smith, and Darren McFadden in its backfield, but the saga isn’t over yet. Elliott’s appeal is scheduled for December 1, meaning that while he’ll miss at least four games, he could be back on the field before his full six-game ban tolls. The former first-round pick has since left the country to “clear his head” and train.
Jerry Jones v. the NFL. Elliott isn’t the only member of the Cowboys organization fighting the NFL, as Jones — the club’s owner and general manager — has also gotten in on the action. Jones reportedly feels the league’s owners are being misled on the details of commissioner Roger Goodell‘s contract extension, and has threatened to sue the NFL over the issue. Goodell, for his part, is “furious” over the delay in negotiations and the concept of a proposed performance-based pay schedule.
Martellus Bennett is a Patriot again. What a week it’s been for Bennett — the Packers cut the veteran tight end with a “failure to disclose medical condition” designation, while Bennett claims Green Bay’s medical staff wasn’t helpful in regards to his reported torn rotator cuff. Bennett, who has flirted with a post-2017 retirement, was claimed off waivers by New England, with whom he spent the 2016 campaign, and has since passed a physical. The Packers, meanwhile, will attempt to recoup a portion of Bennett’s signing bonus.
Vontae Davis hits free agent market. Bennett wasn’t the only veteran player to go through waivers this week, as the Colts cut Davis following reports that the defensive back would be placed on injured reserve. It’s been a maddening campaign for Davis, as a groin injury has contributed to his performance struggles, while he’s also had communication disputes with head coach Chuck Pagano. Indianapolis tried to trade Davis before the league’s deadline, and while clubs such as the Bills expressed interest, no deal was made. However, contending teams are now expressing interest in Davis now that he’s a free agent.
Welcome back Teddy. The Vikings now have another quarterback on their roster, and it’s the familiar face of Teddy Bridgewater, who was activated from the PUP list approximately 15 months after suffering a devastating knee injury. Whether Bridgewater will serve as Minnesota’s starter at any point this season is an open question (especially given that Case Keenum tossed four touchdowns against the Redskins today), but he gives the club another option under center. Fellow signal-caller Sam Bradford has been placed on injured reserve.
My next Andrew Luck question is if his treatment in Europe doesn’t work, will he need another surgery? This is starting to look like what Peyton went through.
I feel sorry for Jacoby Brissett. The offensive line is the pits and they’ve lost 5 games they had the lead in the 4th quarter. Their points differential in the 4th quarter is the worst in the NFL. For the draft, the Colts like the Browns need everything. Draft for need or best available player.