2021 December - Pro Football Rumors

Jaguars GM Trent Baalke To Keep Job

December 27th, 2021 at 7:29pm CST by Ben Levine

Despite a messy season in Jacksonville, it sounds like Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke will keep his job. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), Baalke will be retained and will assist owner Shad Khan in the search for a new coach.

Baalke will continue to report to Khan, and he’s expected to “work in sync” with whoever is hired to be the new Jaguars HC. The head coach will also report directly to Khan, Rapoport added in a follow-up tweet.

During Baalke’s first full offseason at the helm, the organization managed to add a potential franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence with the first-overall pick, and they managed to hire away Urban Meyer from the NCAA to be the new head coach. Fast forward to now, and the team is 2-13, they’ve fired Meyer, and Lawrence has completed only 58.7-percent of his passes while tossing a league-leading 14 interceptions. Of course, Baalke’s plan was never expected to come to fruition during the 2021 campaign, and while things have been tumultuous (to say the least) in Jacksonville this season, it makes a bit of sense that he’d keep his job.

Baalke sort of fell into the role when he was promoted to GM in January. He was originally hired as director of player personnel under David Caldwell, but after the former GM was fired, Baalke was promoted to take his spot. Meyer was still calling the shots from a team-building perspective, and Khan also plays a major role in personnel moves. Baalke and Meyer reportedly didn’t see eye-to-eye during their stint together, and now Baalke will have an opportunity to build a team his way heading into the 2022 season.

Previously, the executive rose through the 49ers organization and eventually became San Francisco’s GM in 2011. Between the 2011 and 2013 seasons, the 49ers won 36 games, lost a Super Bowl, and appeared in a pair of conference championship games. However, following a 2016 season that saw the 49ers win only two games, Baalke was relieved of his duties.

Meanwhile, while we previously heard that Doug Pederson and Jim Caldwell were among the names that Jacksonville was eyeing as their next HC, Rapoport has added another name to the list. Current Buccaneers offensive coordinator (and, of course, former Jaguars starting QB) Byron Leftwich would “fit on the list” of potential head coaching candidates.

Rams To Place RB Darrell Henderson, LB Ernest Jones On IR

December 27th, 2021 at 6:50pm CST by Ben Levine

Darrell Henderson is heading to the IR. The Rams running back suffered an MCL sprain that will require a stint on the injured reserve, head coach Sean McVay told reporters (via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic on Twitter).

After seeing significantly more playing time during his second season in the NFL, Henderson was expected to be a workhorse for the Rams in 2021. The 24-year-old has been productive in his 12 games (10 starts), collecting 864 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns on 178 touches.

However, Henderson seemed to be behind Sony Michel on the depth chart once the former returned from his recent two-game absence. Michel saw time on 73 percent of his team’s offensive snaps in Week 15, while Henderson only played in 27 percent of the Rams’ offensive snaps. Henderson got into only five snaps yesterday before exiting with his injury. With Henderson out of the picture, Michel will likely continue to lead the depth chart, although the team could welcome back Cam Akers on Sunday. The 2020 second-round pick had 748 yards from scrimmage during his rookie campaign, but a torn Achilles has forced him to miss most of the 2021 season.

Linebacker Ernest Jones will also be placed on IR with a high ankle sprain, per Rodrigue (on Twitter). Jones will require surgery on the injury, but there’s a chance he returns for the playoffs. The rookie third-round pick has started seven of his 15 games this season, compiling 61 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.

Ravens CB Anthony Averett Suffered Fractured Rib

December 27th, 2021 at 6:13pm CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens could be without one of their top defensive backs on Sunday against the Rams. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that cornerback Anthony Averett suffered a fractured rib yesterday and is unlikely to play this weekend.

The former fourth-round pick has stepped up for Baltimore this season, starting all 14 of his appearances. The 27-year-old has set career-highs across the board, collecting 54 tackles, 11 passes defended, and three interceptions. Before being limited to only 11 snaps this weekend, Averett had appeared in at least 89 percent of his team’s defensive snaps in his first 13 appearances of the season.

The Ravens were already dealing with a long list of absences at the cornerback position before Averett went down with an injury. Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey are both out for the season, while Jimmy Smith and Chris Westry were on the reserve/COVID-19 list for yesterday’s game. Thanks in part to the depleted depth chart, the Ravens secondary allowed Joe Burrow to set a Bengals record with 525 passing yards.

Daryl Worley, who joined the Ravens practice squad last week, was forced into the lineup once Averett went down. The veteran could end up seeing more playing time if his teammates are sidelined for this weekend’s game.

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo Has Torn Ligament In Thumb

December 27th, 2021 at 5:39pm CST by Ben Levine

Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly suffered a thumb sprain during Thursday’s loss to the Titans, but the injury may be worse than initially thought. One source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Garoppolo suffered “a more significant injury” than a sprain, putting his availability for Sunday’s game against the Texans in doubt. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the 49ers QB suffered a chipped bone and torn ligament in his right thumb, but there’s still hope that he’ll be able to play this weekend. Schefter clarifies (on Twitter) that it’s a UCL tear for Garoppolo.

“It’s a thumb sprain, so I think you guys know how those are,” coach Kyle Shanahan said earlier today. “It didn’t feel great today, wasn’t able to throw today and we’ll see how it is on Wednesday. Hopefully it will get better.”

According to the head coach, Garoppolo suffered the injury during the second quarter of Thursday’s game. The QB ended up throwing an interception on the first drive of the second half, his second pick of the game. Garoppolo missed Monday’s practice, with rookie Trey Lance taking the spot atop the depth chart. Garoppolo is set to be reevaluated on Wednesday.

After the 49ers gave up a bounty to select Lance with the third-overall pick, the 30-year-old Garoppolo has had a bounce-back season in San Francisco. The starter has gone 8-6 in 14 starts, completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,494 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Lance got a start back in Week 5, completing 15 of his 29 pass attempts for 192 yards and one interception in a loss to the Cardinals.

Cardinals To Sign CB Bashaud Breeland

December 27th, 2021 at 5:17pm CST by Ben Levine

After getting cut by the Vikings earlier this month, Bashaud Breeland has found his new home. The veteran cornerback is signing with the Cardinals, reports Josina Anderson (via Twitter). Breeland auditioned for Arizona earlier today.

Breeland spent much of the offseason in free agency limbo before finally inking a one-year, $4MM deal with the Vikings in June. The 29-year-old collected 63 tackles and two interceptions across 13 games for Minnesota, although PFF had him ranked as one of the worst among all qualified corners.

Breeland “got into a verbal altercation” with Vikings coaches during a practice earlier this month, and the defensive back reportedly got into it with teammates who were trying to restore order. Minnesota was quick to release the veteran, making him a free agent once he passed through waivers.

The cornerback was serviceable as recently as 2020, when PFF ranked him as a middle-of-the-road player at his position. He could have a chance to contribute if Marco Wilson is forced to miss time; the cornerback was knocked out of yesterday’s loss to the Colts with a shoulder injury.

Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson To Enter NFL Draft

December 27th, 2021 at 3:24pm CST by Zachary Links

Garrett Wilson is going pro. On Monday, the Ohio State wide receiver announced that he’ll forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2022 NFL Draft.

“These last three years have been unforgettable and becoming a Buckeye has been the single greatest decision of my life,” said Wilson in a statement.

At 6’0″ and 188 pounds, scouts believe that Wilson’s ability could translate to the outside as well as the slot. In 2020, he put himself on the NFL radar with 43 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games. This year, he’s elevated his stock with 70 grabs for 1,058 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, plus one rushing TD.

Rated as the No.1 wide receiver in this year’s class by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Wilson’s decision comes as no surprise. Of course, it’s still a tough pill to swallow for Buckeyes fans as Ohio State gears up for the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

Latest On Eagles’ Miles Sanders

December 27th, 2021 at 2:02pm CST by Zachary Links

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that running back Miles Sanders broke a bone in his hand yesterday (Twitter link via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer). That’ll rule him out for this week’s game against Washington, but there’s hope that he’ll be able to return sometime after that.

The Eagles cruised to a 34-10 win over the Giants yesterday, thanks in part to an efficient showing from Sanders. Before his early exit, the 24-year-old tallied 45 yards off of just seven carries. And, just last week against WFT, Sanders amassed 131 yards off of 18 totes. Through 12 games, Sanders has averaged 5.5 yards per carry, the highest mark of his young career.

At 8-7, the Eagles control their own destiny. They can clinch their playoff spot with wins over Washington and Dallas, but it’ll be a little tougher without Sanders. In the interim, they’ll lean on rookie Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Jordan Howard to keep the chains moving. Howard was also taken out of yesterday’s game with a stinger, but Sirianni says he could be cleared to play before Sunday afternoon.

Bears’ Matt Nagy Expects To Finish Season

December 27th, 2021 at 1:04pm CST by Zachary Links

It doesn’t seem likely that Matt Nagy will return as the Bears’ head coach in 2022. But, for the time being, Nagy is operating under the assumption that he’ll remain in place through the final two games of this season (Twitter link via Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune).

The league recently voted to allow head coaching interviews starting tomorrow, Dec. 28th. The Jaguars quickly took advantage of the new rule by firing Urban Meyer, leading many to speculate that Nagy could go as soon as this week. After all, chairman George McCaskey is already doing groundwork on candidates and even considering moving on from GM Ryan Pace.

Nagy may have earned a temporary reprieve on Sunday as the Bears beat the Seahawks, 25-24. After Nick Foles‘ game-tying touchdown drive, Nagy’s gutsy call to go for a two-point conversion paid off. It’s hard to imagine that the victory — win No. 5 for the Bears this year — will have a real impact on Nagy’s standing beyond this year. But, in theory, it could give Nagy another two games at the helm.

When/if Nagy is fired, the Bears could consider the likes of Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Cowboys OC Kellen Moore, and Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy for the role.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/27/21

December 27th, 2021 at 12:02pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s taxi squad moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Released: OT Adrian Ealy

Buffalo Bills

Released: DE Breeland Speaks

Carolina Panthers

Released: K Alex Kessman

Denver Broncos

Released: C Javon Patterson

Kansas City Chiefs

Released: P Joseph Charlton

New Orleans Saints

Signed: DT Braxton Hoyett, LB Justin March-Lillard, OT Kyle Murphy, DT Ethan Westbrooks

San Francisco 49ers

Signed: LB Tyrell Adams

Washington Football Team

Signed: DL Matt Dickerson

Bucs’ Shaq Barrett To Miss Time

December 27th, 2021 at 11:32am CST by Zachary Links

Shaquil Barrett will miss the Buccaneers’ final two games with sprained MCL and ACL, head coach Bruce Arians announced (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). However, the team is hopeful that he’ll be good to go for the playoffs.

Barrett suffered a “slight strain” during yesterday’s 32-6 romp over the Panthers. Before his exit, he tallied four tackles and one sack, giving him 51 stops and ten sacks through 15 games.

Barrett immediately broke out after signing with the Bucs in 2019, leading the league in sacks that season with 19.5 and becoming a second-team All-Pro. Last year, he registered eight sacks with 57 tackles and finished on a high note, notching eight pressures in Super Bowl LV. After playing the 2020 season under the $15.8MM franchise tag, the Bucs rewarded him in March with a four-year, $72MM re-up.

The Bucs have already secured the NFC South, so they don’t necessarily need Barrett on the field for their last two games against the Jets and Panthers. All things considered, today’s news comes as a relief, especially after Chris Godwin‘s season-ending ACL tear.