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Month: November 2024

49ers Promote RB Jeff Wilson, Waive TE Kaden Smith

September 14th, 2019 at 6:12pm CST by cwcrouse

The 49ers have added RB Jeff Wilson to their 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s contest against the Bengals. The team will waive TE Kaden Smith to make room on the roster for Wilson, as Pro Football Talk relays.

The team’s running back depth took another hit with Tevin Coleman suffering a high ankle sprain in week 1. High-priced 2018 acquisition Jerick McKinnon was placed on injured reserve before the season with knee woes.

Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert were expected to receive most of the carries on Sunday with FB Kyle Juszczyk also mixing in. It’s unclear how much Wilson will be a factor this week.

Wilson, who the franchise waived before the season and the signed to the practice squad, played in six games for San Francisco last season as a rookie, carrying the ball 66 times for 266 yards. He was a sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft.

Extra Points: Ownership, Draft, QBs, Cap

September 14th, 2019 at 4:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

As we move closer to Week 2 Sunday, plenty of storylines have surfaced — much of them out of the AFC East. Antonio Brown is on track to make his Patriots debut, Minkah Fitzpatrick may or may not be on the trade block, and a mono-stricken Sam Darnold will miss the Jets’ Monday-nighter against the Browns. But let’s shift to a few items on the league’s periphery.

  • The NFL recently discussed some changes to its ownership policy. With franchise values skyrocketing, the league’s rule requires prospective owners to put up at least 30% of the price. This has produced limited buyers, at least it did with during the Panthers sale. (Current franchise valuations would force bidders to put up at least $600MM.) Seeking input from a quartet of firms involved in franchise sales, NFL owners discussed several matters on the topic of acquiring teams but made only one change recently. Owners of non-NFL teams in NFL markets — such as Steve Ballmer, Mark Cuban, etc. — can now make bids to acquire NFL franchises, Scott Soshnick of Bloomburg.com reports.
  • Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm regularly appears in 2020 mock drafts as a first-round pic, but various NFL personnel are now not so sure he will be part of that class. Executives and scouts polled by Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller expect Fromm to return to school for what would be his senior season in 2020. Operating a run-first offense, Fromm has displayed improved accuracy since being handed the Bulldogs’ reins as a true freshman. However, he’s viewed as perhaps a cut below the likes of Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert on the 2020 prospect spectrum.
  • Were Fromm to postpone his NFL entrance, he would likely be joining one of the more hyped quarterbacks in modern draft history. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence has begun to generate more buzz than Tagovailoa or Herbert, leaving NFL brass to question the Dolphins’ strategy of using this season to tank for a possible franchise quarterback. “Next year, though? Oh, yeah. Let me get [Ohio State’s] Justin Fields or Trevor Lawrence, and our fans won’t care how many games we lose,” an NFL GM told Miller.
  • Projected first-round tackle Walker Little, a junior at Stanford, underwent knee surgery and will miss the rest of the season, per Miller. The 6-foot-7 blocker will then have to determine whether or not to enter the NFL off a lost season or return to school to rebuild his stock.
  • Despite the Dolphins‘ run of moves to jettison higher-profile talent, they are not projected to possess the most cap space in 2020. As of now, that’s the Colts, who are in line to hold $138MM, Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap tweets. Miami sits second at $113MM, with no other teams over $100MM. These figures are imprecise with the 2020 cap not yet set, but the Colts’ caution this year in free agency — despite holding more than $100MM in space — stands to again equip the franchise with plenty to spend come March.
  • Free agent wide receiver Cayleb Jones is serving a six-game suspension, according to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer (on Twitter). The younger brother of Zay Jones, Cayleb Jones was charged with domestic assault as a member of the Vikings during the summer of 2018. He did not make Minnesota’s 53-man roster.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/14/19

September 14th, 2019 at 3:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Saturday’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

  • Promoted from practice squad: T Jake Rodgers
  • Waived: OL Corey Levin

Los Angeles Chargers

Minnesota Vikings

San Francisco 49ers

Washington Redskins

AFC West Notes: Fisher, Chargers, Abram

September 14th, 2019 at 2:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Chiefs will be down one of their top players Sunday, with Tyreek Hill out for the foreseeable future. But they now have another offensive cornerstone player questionable because of a late-week injury. Eric Fisher suffered a groin injury during Kansas City’s Friday practice and is now questionable, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com notes (on Twitter). The former No. 1 overall pick has not missed a start since his rookie season, in 2013, so it will look a bit strange if he is not manning his left tackle post in Oakland. The Chiefs have former Browns first-rounder Cameron Erving as a possible backup option; Erving did not play last week in Jacksonville. They also have former guard-tackle starter Jeff Allen on their bench and traded Carlos Hyde for Texans tackle Martinas Rankin.

Here is the latest from the AFC West:

  • Mike Williams played 16 games last season after an injury-plagued rookie year, but the 2017 top-10 pick has run into knee trouble. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said (via ESPN.com’s Eric Williams, on Twitter) the wideout starter will be a game-time decision against the Lions. The Bolts are thinner at receiver than they were last season, with Tyrell Williams having defected to the Raiders. But they still have Travis Benjamin, however, and brought back Dontrelle Inman. Both backups have contributed to Chargers aerial success during their time in southern California.
  • Who would say no if the Chargers and Redskins discussed a swap of holdout talents? The Chargers are not expected to have Melvin Gordon until at least midway through the season, and Trent Williams has shown no signs of ending his holdout. The latter has shown no interest in playing for the Redskins again, however, while Gordon is open to suiting up in Los Angeles this season. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explores this hypothetical, which would include the left tackle-deficient Bolts acquiring a player with two years left on his deal. One season remains on Gordon’s rookie pact, which the Chargers are no longer renegotiating.
  • Johnathan Abram‘s season is almost certainly over, but the rookie Raiders safety received some good news. Abram’s surgery revealed he had only suffered a torn rotator cuff, not a torn labrum, which will limit his rehab time to five or six months, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.

Dolphins Sign OL Bryan Witzmann

September 14th, 2019 at 12:46pm CST by Ben Levine

The Dolphins have reportedly been eyeing some reinforcement on their offensive line, and it looks like they’ve landed on a veteran. Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports (via Twitter) that Miami has signed offensive lineman Bryan Witzmann.

The 29-year-old has established himself as a versatile, starting-quality lineman over the past few years. He started a career-high 13 games for the Chiefs back in 2017, and he started seven of his 10 appearances with the Bears last season. Witzmann signed with the Browns this past offseason, but he was cut by the organization following the preseason.

The Dolphins traded talented lineman Laremy Tunsil prior to the season, and they recently placed Julie’n Davenport on the injured reserve. The organization was reportedly eyeing some extra offensive line help, and we heard earlier today that the team was working out former Dolphins lineman Sam Young. As Beasley notes, Witzmann is the fifth lineman the team has added since the ended of the preseason.

Considering Witzmann’s ability to play both offensive tackle and offensive guard, he should be able to carve out a role on a line that doesn’t have many definitive starters. Michael Deiter, Jesse Davis, and captain Daniel Kilgore seem like locks to maintain their gigs, but Witzmann could beat out any of Chris Reed, Shaq Calhoun, J’Marcus Webb, DannyIsidora, Isaiah Prince, or Evan Boehm for snaps.

AFC East Notes: AB, Fitzpatrick, Siemian

September 14th, 2019 at 12:36pm CST by Ben Levine

It sounds like Antonio Brown will indeed be playing for the Patriots tomorrow. Michael Giardi of the NFL Network tweets that the star wide receiver is making the trip to Miami.

Michael Lombardi of The Athletic adds (via Twitter) that the organization doesn’t “bring players as a guest,” an indication that Brown will be active. Meanwhile, Jeff Howe of the Athletic notes (on Twitter) that AB had a “strong” first week of practice with the team, and it’d be surprising if he didn’t suit up for tomorrow’s contest against the Dolphins.

Considering AB’s lack of practice time and the fallout from his civil lawsuit, there were question marks if the receiver would actually take the field. Now, it sounds like he’ll be joining a talented receiver corps that already includes Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, and Phillip Dorsett.

Here are some more notes from around the AFC East:

  • Following the rape and sexual assault allegations, helmet manufacturer Xenith announced that they’ve ended their relationship with Brown. “We look forward to seeing the Xenith Shadow worn by football athletes at all levels of play this fall,” the brand said (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter). Following Brown’s public feud with the NFL over his use of an ineligible helmet, it was notable when the receiver landed on an alternative option. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com writes that it’s uncertain whether Xenith ended the relationship due to the allegations or Brown’s decision to use a different helmet.
  • Following the trade request from Dolphins cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston writes that the Patriots should go after the former first-rounder. Perry notes that Fitzpatrick offers many of the skills that the Patriots seek from defensive backs, and he points to recent trades with the Jets and Bills as reasons why New England wouldn’t be afraid of trading within the division.
  • Speaking of trade requests, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets that the Dolphins are aware of “another specific veteran player’s unhappiness and his preference to go elsewhere.” However, that veteran player has been “disinclined to discuss this publicly.” Head coach Brian Flores said he wasn’t aware of any trade requests besides Fitzpatrick’s.
  • With Trevor Siemian thrust into the Jets‘ starting quarterback role, ESPN’s Dan Graziano tweets an interesting detail on the veteran’s contract. If Siemian plays at least 50-percent of the Jets’ offensive snaps in a win, he’ll earn more than $31K. However, if he plays more than 50-percent of the snaps and the Jets lose, he doesn’t receive the incentive bonus.

Chiefs Cut KR Tremon Smith

September 14th, 2019 at 11:40am CST by Ben Levine

The Chiefs have moved on from a former draft pick. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter) that Kansas City has cut special teamer Tremon Smith. The team will be promoting receiver Byron Pringle from the practice squad to take the open roster spot.

Smith, a 2018 sixth-round pick, broke onto the scene as a rookie after earning NFL All-Rookie Team honors as a return man. He ultimately finished the 2018 season having returned 33 kicks for 886 yards (26.8-yard average). However, he played sparingly on defense, compiling only five tackles and one pass defended in 14 games. The Chiefs also briefly experimented with him at running back during the preseason.

With the Chiefs in need of receivers following the injury to Tyreek Hill, it made sense to move on from Smith, although there’s a good chance the 23-year-old could land on Kansas City’s practice squad. For the time being, the Chiefs will likely turn to Pringle and De’Anthony Thomas for return duties.

Pringle, 25, joined the Chiefs in 2018 as an undrafted rookie out of Kansas State. He made his NFL debut in Kansas City’s season-opener, but he was let go earlier this week to make room for Thomas, who returned from suspension.

Patriots Worked Out S Josh Jones

September 14th, 2019 at 10:13am CST by Ben Levine

The Patriots recently gave a look at a former second-rounder. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that New England recently worked out safety Josh Jones.

The NC State product was selected by the Packers late in the second round of the 2017 draft, but he struggled to establish himself in Green Bay. Jones started 12 of his 29 regular-season appearances, compiling 126 tackles, three sacks, and seven passes defended. Pro Football Focus ultimately ranked him 70th among 93 eligible safeties last season.

He was waived with a non-football illness designation in late August, and he’s been busy with workouts over the past few weeks. The 24-year-old has had reported auditions with the Bills, Vikings and Lions.

The Patriots safety depth chart seems pretty much set, with Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, and Duron Harmon leading the way. New England did re-sign safety Obi Melifonwu to their practice squad earlier this week.

Dolphins Audition OL Sam Young

September 14th, 2019 at 9:56am CST by Ben Levine

Sam Young‘s next stint could be with his former team. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the offensive lineman worked out for the Dolphins.

The 2010 sixth-round pick has managed to put together a nine-year career, including stints with the Cowboys, Bills, Jaguars, and Dolphins. He played the past three seasons with Miami, including a 2018 campaign where he appeared in 12 games (with one start). Young signed with the 49ers earlier this offseason, but he was let go during final roster cuts in August.

After moving on from talented lineman Laremy Tunsil, the Dolphins have been struggling to find a logical offensive line configuration. The Miami Herald’s Adam Beasley tweeted earlier this week that the coaching staff was considering changes to the unit, and that apparently meant they’d also be searching for outside help.

Michael Deiter and Jesse Davis seem to have a secure hold on their starting gigs, as does captain Daniel Kilgore. However, any of Chris Reed, Shaq Calhoun, J’Marcus Webb, Danny Isidora, Isaiah Prince, or Evan Boehm could find themselves on the hot seat.

Lions Worked Out QB Jeff Driskel

September 14th, 2019 at 9:04am CST by Ben Levine

Quarterback Jeff Driskel had his first workout. ESPN’s Field Yates reports (via Twitter) that the 26-year-old auditioned for the Lions.

The 2016 sixth-round pick had spend that majority of his career with the Bengals, playing behind Andy Dalton and A.J. McCarron during his rookie and sophomore campaigns. He finally got a shot to play in 2018, and despite going 1-4 as a starter, he managed to put up solid numbers. Driskel ultimately appeared in nine total games last year, completing 59.7-percent of his passes for 1,003 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also added 130 rushing yards and two scores (along with four fumbles) on 25 carries.

Driskel was beat out by fourth-round rookie Ryan Finley during the preseason, leading to the veteran being released from the IR with an injury settlement.

With Matthew Stafford earning big bucks as the starter, the Lions are still rostering a worthy backup in Josh Johnson. Driskel could potentially earn a role on the practice squad, or the team could move on from third-stringer David Blough.

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