HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Dolphins G Josh Sitton Done For Season

September 14th, 2018 at 8:34am CST by Dallas Robinson

Dolphins guard Josh Sitton will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn rotator cuff against the Titans on Sunday, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Miami has officially placed Sitton on injured reserve.

Miami isn’t sure at what point in the game Sutton suffered his shoulder injury, as the veteran offensive lineman may have originally felt a strain before another hit exacerbated the ailment. Once Sitton was told the nature of the injury, he asked if he could play through it for the rest of the year, per Salguero. However, the Dolphins’ medical staff told Sitton he’d be risking further health issues by playing: indeed, the tear could become so severe that surgery wouldn’t even help correct it, making it a career-ender.

Although guard has been a perennial problem in Miami, the Dolphins do have a capable Sitton replacement in veteran guard Ted Larsen. The 31-year-old has been a full-time starter at various points in his career, and offers 111 career games under his belt. Per Salguero, Larsen filed in for Sitton when the latter was sidelined during the summer, so he should have a familiarity with the rest of Miami’s front five.

If Larsen proves to be incapable of taking over for Sitton, however, the Dolphins could choose to look at the free agent guard market. While there are obviously no stars left available, competent options still remain unsigned. Oday Aboushi, John Jerry, Alex Boone, Jonathan Cooper, Luke Joeckel, and Jahri Evans (who’s only played right guard) could potentially interest Miami.

Sitton, 32, joined the Dolphins this spring on a two-year deal after being cut by the Bears. Although minor health issues had been a concern, Sitton was been outstanding in the Windy City. Just last season, Sitton ranked as the the fifth-best guard in the league, per Pro Football Focus, and his marks have remained steady throughout the duration of his career. Despite that production, Chicago opted to decline Sitton’s $8MM option for 2018.

Reactions, Notes On Mychal Kendricks Signing

September 13th, 2018 at 9:55pm CST by Ben Levine

The Mychal Kendricks saga took an interesting turn this evening, as the free agent linebacker signed a deal with the Seahawks. The 27-year-old recently pleaded guilty to insider trading after profiting more than $1MM from non-public investment information.

Even with the news that Kendrick was working out for Seattle earlier today, there was skepticism that the free agent would be able to secure a deal. After all, the charge would seemingly fall under the NFL’s personal-conduct policy, meaning the league could impose their own, separate punishment. “NFL PR Guy” Brian McCarthy told NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport that no decision has been made regarding a potential suspension (Twitter link).

“The matter is under review,” McCarthy said. “He is currently permitted to sign and participate in activities including games.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes and reactions to the Kendricks signing…

  • ESPN’s Adam Schefter provides some clarification (via Twitter) on Kendricks’ sentencing and potential punishment. While the player was originally scheduled to be sentenced in December, Schefter says the date has been moved to late January. This is important when it comes to Kendricks’ playing status, as it’d mean he’d be able to play the entire season (barring a suspension). Schefter also notes that the linebacker is facing 30 to 37 months in prison, a far cry from the 25 years that was originally suggested.
  • Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times writes that Kendricks pleading guilty to the charge likely contributed to the Seahawks decision to sign him. In fact, admitting to the crime was a bit shocking, and it led the judge to question whether he was coerced into the plea. “…I know I was wrong,” Kendricks said. “I know that I made the decision to accept information, secret information, and it wasn’t the right thing to do.”
  • The reason to add another linebacker could be partly attributed to K.J. Wright‘s absence, as the veteran has been recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. While he’s expected to miss this weekend’s game, Pete Carroll sounded optimistic that the 29-year-old will return soon. “He’s running today,” Carroll said (via ESPN.com) .“He felt pretty good. We’ll see how he goes. He’s going day-to-day. He ran yesterday and he’s working out again today so — he hasn’t done that yet, but he’s making progress. He’s feeling pretty good.”

Injury Notes: Elflein, DeCastro, Mosley

September 13th, 2018 at 9:11pm CST by Ben Levine

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said today that starting center Pat Elflein will be returning to the field “pretty soon.” However, the coach wasn’t able to give a definite return date, which probably indicates that the offensive lineman won’t be ready for this weekend’s matchup against the Packers.

“It’s way too early,” Zimmer said (via Chris Tomasson of TwinCities.com). “I’m not going to make any determinations like that yet.”

The offensive lineman missed the preseason and the first week of the season as he recovered from shoulder and ankle ailments, but he’s still found ways to contribute to the team. As Tomasson writes, the second-year pro has been tutoring replacement Brett Jones, who was acquired from the Giants in late August.

“Pat’s been a lot of help so far, and it’s been good,” Jones said. “We’re trying to get on the same page with me being new, and he’s made the transition easier. He’s played lots of these defenses, just being in the (NFC North), so he can help me out with what to expect.”

Let’s take a look at some more injury notes from around the NFL…

  • Steelers All-Pro guard David DeCastro fractured his hand during last weekend’s game, and he acknowledged that the injury was worse than he initially thought. The offensive lineman has sat out the past few days of practice, and he’s set to be fitted for a brace. While he may have to wait another few days for swelling to go down, DeCastro indicated that it wouldn’t be missed practice time that forces him to miss a game. “I’m old enough now,” he told Joe Rutter of TribLive.com. “We’ll see how the swelling goes.” The 28-year-old has only missed a single regular season game over the past three seasons, and he’s earned three Pro Bowl nods during that span.
  • C.J. Mosley was carted off the field during the Ravens‘ game against the Bengals tonight, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the linebacker is being evaluated for a knee injury (Mosley has since been diagnosed with a bone bruise). His absence was felt right away; after forcing a three-and-out on Cincy’s first drive, the Ravens defense allowed touchdowns on the next three series. Much of this could be attributed to Baltimore’s lack of depth and experience at middle linebacker, as the team is only rostering Patrick Onwuasor, Chris Board, and Bam Bradley (currently on the PUP) behind Mosley.
  • Leonard Fournette is feeling better, but the Jaguars running back said it will be a “game time decision” on whether he’ll play this weekend against the Patriots.

Seahawks Sign LB Mychal Kendricks

September 13th, 2018 at 7:45pm CST by Ben Levine

Despite his ongoing legal issues, Mychal Kendricks will get another shot in the NFL. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the Seahawks have signed the free agent linebacker. Kendricks worked out for Seattle earlier today.

After being charged with insider trading in late August, the 27-year-old was released by the Browns. Kendricks has since pleaded guilty, and he faces a lengthy prison stay. The charge stems from an incident that occurred while he was with the Eagles four years ago.

The sentencing has been scheduled for January (via Twitter), so the Seahawks could get a full season out of the veteran (Schefter notes that Kendricks is expected to play on Sunday). Of course, the charge could very well fall under the NFL’s personal-conduct umbrella, meaning Kendricks could be forced to miss additional games due to suspension.

The 2012 second-round pick spent the first six seasons of his career with the Eagles, including a 2017 campaign that saw him compile 77 tackles, two sacks, and six passes defended en route to a Super Bowl championship. After requesting a trade, Philly released the linebacker in May, and he later signed a one-year deal to join the Browns.

The Seahawks still have K.J. Wright recovering from knee surgery; he missed Week 1 and could vert well miss Week 2. Shaquem Griffin and Barkevious Mingo flanked Bobby Wagner as Seahawks second-level starters against the Broncos, and the team is also rostering Jake Martin, Jermaine Grace, and Austin Calitro. It’s uncertain how much playing time Kendricks will receive once the linebacker corps is entirely healthy.

Latest On RB Leonard Fournette

September 13th, 2018 at 7:29pm CST by Ben Levine

After suffering a hamstring injury during last weekend’s win over the Giants, it was uncertain if Leonard Fournette would suit up for Sunday’s game against the Patriots. While the running back has sat out the last two days of practice, he’s optimistic that he’ll be ready to go.

“I like [the chances of playing] now since the day’s been going on more and more,” Fournette told ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco. “It’s feeling better and better…Any person would give anything to play, especially [since] it’s a great football team we’re going against. Just have to see. My main focus is to strengthen it back up, get the swelling or whatever that is in there [down], and come out Sunday and play.”

Fournette also told ESPN’s Jeff Darling that it will likely come down to a game-time decision (Twitter link).

After compiling 41 yards on nine carries, Fournette said he heard a pop after planting his right leg during a first-half play. Head coach Doug Marrone didn’t sound overly worried about his running back’s status for Sunday, noting that the injury was suffered in a “good part” of the leg. Marrone also cited that Fournette knows how to deal with the pain.

If Fournette is forced out of the lineup, the Jaguars will likely turn to backup T.J. Yeldon. The former second-round compiled 51 yards on 14 carries last weekend, and he added another three receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown. Corey Grant is the only other running back on the active roster.

Colts Waive TE Erik Swoope

September 13th, 2018 at 5:46pm CST by Ben Levine

Erik Swoope‘s tenure with the Colts has come to an end. Adam Caplan tweets that Indy has waived the tight end. Defensive tackle Jihad Ward has been promoted from the practice squad to take the open roster spot.

The Colts were hoping they landed the next Jimmy Graham or Antonio Gates when they signed the undrafted free agent back in 2014. Up to that point, Swoope had never played organized football, but the six-foot-five forward did play 110 games for the Miami Hurricanes basketball team over four seasons.

After appearing in only a single game as a rookie, Swoope proceeded to play in 16 games (four starts) in 2015, hauling in 15 catches for 297 yards and one touchdown. However, he sat out all of the 2017 campaign after undergoing minor knee surgery, and he found himself behind Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron on the depth chart heading into 2018. With Ryan Hewitt on the roster and Ross Travis sitting on IR, the Colts decided it was time to move on from the 26-year-old.

Ward, a second-round pick by the Raiders back in 2016, was traded to the Cowboys back in April. However, he failed to make the roster, and he caught on with the Colts practice squad earlier this month. The 24-year-old showed promise as a rookie, compiling 30 tackles in 16 games (13 starts). Unfortunately, a foot injury limited him to only five games last season.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/13/18

September 13th, 2018 at 4:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Thursday’s practice squad moves.

Buffalo Bills

Denver Broncos

Indianapolis Colts

New York Giants

New York Jets

Seattle Seahawks

Mychal Kendricks Visiting Seahawks

September 13th, 2018 at 3:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mychal Kendricks‘ time with the Browns ended ignominiously after he was charged in an insider trading scandal. He’s since pleaded guilty and could face substantial prison time.

However, at least one team is still curious about the linebacker’s football future. Kendricks visited the Seahawks on Thursday, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.

It’s uncertain at this juncture, obviously, that Kendricks will be able to continue his NFL career. He faces up to 25 years in prison because of the insider trading incident that occurred while he was with the Eagles four years ago.

Kendricks is one of the better linebackers in the NFL and isn’t yet 28. He played a key role for the Super Bowl champion Eagles edition last season and was set to see extensive time for a Browns team that has a crowded linebacker situation.

The Seahawks still have K.J. Wright recovering from knee surgery; he missed Week 1 and could well miss Week 2. Shaquem Griffin and Barkevious Mingo flanked Bobby Wagner as Seahawks second-level starters against the Broncos.

But with Wright presumably set to return at some point in the near future, this fit seems curious — especially given Kendricks’ extraordinarily rare situation and potential lack of availability. Even if Kendricks can evade prison time, this incident figures to fall under the NFL’s personal-conduct umbrella.

In the meantime, he may still have an opportunity to play. Sentencing isn’t scheduled until December in Kendricks’ case, but it would certainly make for a strange situation were the six-year veteran to sign somewhere prior to that point.

AFC West Notes: Bolts, Holton, Henderson

September 13th, 2018 at 3:46pm CST by Sam Robinson

Beginning their second year in Los Angeles, the Chargers are in an interesting spot. They have perhaps as talented a roster as they’ve possessed since their late-2000s run of AFC West titles but play in a soccer stadium and carry likely the NFL’s smallest fan base. The NFL gave Dean Spanos the option of leaving San Diego for L.A. in 2016, and he exercised it once the Bolts’ bid to secure public funding for a downtown stadium failed. But some owners were disappointed Spanos took the league up on the San Diego exit strategy, author Mark Leibovich writes in his new book, “Big Game: The NFL In Dangerous Times” (via Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune). Some of the owners were displeased with the efforts he put forth to land a new stadium deal in San Diego, Leibovich writes, adding this contingent of power brokers were “miffed” the Chargers owner turned the situation into “a towering embarrassment.”

This is an interesting stance considering the NFL gave the Chargers L.A. dibs before the Raiders, but now that the Bolts moved, they don’t appear to be thriving in their new market. That could have been expected given their lack of history in Los Angeles compared to the Rams or Raiders. Krasovic adds some around the league wonder if Spanos will sell the Chargers a few years into their stay at Stan Kroenke‘s Inglewood stadium in believing the franchise’s value will have peaked by then.

Here’s the latest from the AFC West:

  • Joey Bosa‘s official diagnosis is a bone bruise on his left foot, Eric Williams of ESPN.com tweets. The Chargers defensive end is not expected to need surgery, with rest and rehab being the current plan to get the stalwart pass rusher back on the field. He’s not expected to play against the Bills on Sunday, and Anthony Lynn wouldn’t be surprised if he missed more games.
  • Another day, another interesting move from Jon Gruden. The Raiders recently brought back wide receiver Johnny Holton, a backup who played in 31 games for Jack Del Rio‘s final two Oakland teams, but they’re going to try him as a cornerback, OC Greg Olson said (via the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Michael Gehlken, on Twitter). These type of moves are rare but not unprecedented. That said, Holton — currently on the Raiders’ practice squad — has never played cornerback at any level, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic (via Twitter). A UDFA out of Cincinnati, Holton caught nine passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns last season.
  • The Broncos cut ties with Carlos Henderson, potentially for good, by removing him from their practice squad on Thursday. Vance Joseph said (via Troy Renck of Denver7, on Twitter) this was strictly a football decision and wasn’t related to the 2017 third-round pick’s suspension or his absence from training camp. Only four Broncos 2017 draftees — Garett Bolles, DeMarcus Walker, Jake Butt and Chad Kelly — remain on the active roster. Two others (cornerback Brendan Langley and return man Isaiah McKenzie) are on the practice squad. Henderson has to play in a regular-season game.

NFC Rumors: Johnson, Rodgers, Panthers

September 13th, 2018 at 2:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

More details on David Johnson‘s Cardinals contract are emerging. In addition to the fourth-year running back seeing $24MM in full guarantees as part of his three-year, $39MM extension, Johnson will receive a $12MM signing bonus, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports (Twitter link). His $5.7MM base salary in 2019 is fully guaranteed. The All-Pro’s 2020 base ($10.2MM) will have $5.1MM guaranteed fully at signing, per Graziano (on Twitter), but the other half of it is guaranteed for injury only. However, Johnson’s full 2020 salary becomes guaranteed if he’s on the Cardinals’ roster by March of 2019.

Each of Johnson’s next three seasons include $750K in per-game roster bonuses. As far as cap numbers go, Johnson now has a $5MM hit this season. The former third-round pick will count $9.45MM against Arizona’s 2019 cap, $13.95MM in 2020 and $11.7MM in 2021, Graziano reports (Twitter link).

Here’s the latest out of the NFC, shifting toward its most important player.

  • Aaron Rodgers missed Packers practice again on Thursday, but this wasn’t unexpected. However, Mike McCarthy said it’s no layup that his two-time MVP quarterback will play Sunday against the Vikings, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Rodgers and McCarthy said Wednesday he does not need to practice in order to start Sunday.
  • It keeps getting worse for the Panthers. After serious injuries hit Greg Olsen and Daryl Williams in Week 1, Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner is in concussion protocol, David Newton of ESPN.com notes. Both of Carolina’s starting tackles — Williams and Matt Kalil — are already on IR. Both can return after eight weeks, but at this point, it can’t be assumed both will be back. Carolina could lose a more important player to its cause. Only two players can be recalled from IR. Amini Silatolu filled in for Turner last season, but he may have to play right tackle Sunday. However, the Panthers added Chris Clark to potentially do that. In addition to Silatolu, Newton writes Tyler Larsen and rookie UDFA Brendan Mahon will have a chance to start in place of Turner — in the event he can’t go Sunday.
  • Demario Davis rated as a top-10 Pro Football Focus linebacker last year, doing so for his work as an inside linebacker. It was expected the high-priced free agent would man the middle for the Saints, but they’ve moved him to the weak side, NOLA.com’s Josh Katzenstein notes. Second-year man Alex Anzalone is now stationed as New Orleans’ middle ‘backer, but the team rotated he, Manti Te’o and A.J. Klein as Davis sidekicks in Week 1. Sean Payton said the team’s still determining how it will structure its linebacker usage. Davis played all 66 snaps in the Saints’ loss to the Buccaneers, while Anzalone led the others with 34. Klein functioned in Davis’ role in 2017, playing all of the Saints’ Week 1 snaps in his first game with the team.
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