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Cowboys Planning To Promote RB Dalvin Cook

October 26th, 2024 at 12:13pm CST by Ben Levine

Dalvin Cook is set to make his season debut on Sunday night. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Cowboys are planning on promoting the veteran running back from the practice squad. Dianna Russini of The Athletic definitively adds that Cook will play tomorrow night against the 49ers.

The former Pro Bowl RB has been sitting on the Cowboys practice squad since August. However, with the Cowboys coming off their bye, there seemed to be increasing optimism that Cook would make his Dallas debut in Week 8. That will end up being the case, and Cook could have a chance to immediately contribute to an underwhelming RBs room.

The Cowboys have rushed for a league-low 463 yards this season. The front office didn’t do a whole lot to replace starter Tony Pollard, who left for the Titans via free agency. The organization reunited with old friend Ezekiel Elliott, but the veteran has seen an inconsistent role while contributing only three yards per carry. Rico Dowdle leads the team with 59 rush attempts for 246 yards, but the 26-year-old has yet to find the end zone.

Of course, Cook shouldn’t expect to be some sudden savior for the RB corps. While the veteran isn’t even two seasons removed from topping 1,400 yards from scrimmage, he appeared to take a clear step back in 2023. Cook averaged a career-low 3.2 yards-per-attempt in 15 games with the Jets before the sides decided to mutually part ways. Cook caught on with the Ravens and made his team debut in the Divisional Round, collecting 23 yards on eight carries.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Cook has been “tearing it up in practice.” While it’d be wishful thinking to believe Cook can reach his Vikings production, the Cowboys would simply benefit from a slight improvement from his dreadful 2023 campaign.

Browns Activate G Wyatt Teller

October 26th, 2024 at 11:51am CST by Ben Levine

The Browns are adding some reinforcement to their offensive line. The team announced that they’ve activated guard Wyatt Teller from injured reserve. To make room on the active roster for Teller, the team waived cornerback Kahlef Hailassie. Cleveland also promoted wideout Jaelon Darden from the practice squad as a standard gameday elevation.

Teller suffered a knee injury in Week 3 that ultimately required the minimum stay on IR. Zak Zinter was first tasked with filling it at right guard, with Michael Dunn eventually taking the spot. Teller will immediately slide back into the starting spot, and other than Dawand Jones filling in for Jedrick Wills, the Browns should have their full line this weekend.

Teller, a 2018 fifth-round pick, has spent the majority of his career in Cleveland, earning a pair of second-team All-Pro nods. He only missed a pair of games between the 2021 and 2023 seasons, with Pro Football Focus consistently ranking him among the top-20 players at his position (including a fifth-place finish in 2021). This season, Teller has dropped to 30th among 80 qualifying guards.

Darden has already seen time in three games with the Browns this season. The majority of his snaps have come on special teams, where he’s returned four kickoffs and 12 punts. Hailassie has spent the better part of the past one-plus seasons in Cleveland, including a 2023 campaign where he appeared in nine games. The defensive back has only been active for a single appearance in 2024.

Haason Reddick, Jets Agree To Adjusted Contract; Reddick To Report To Team

October 26th, 2024 at 8:40am CST by Rory Parks

SATURDAY, 8:40am: Reddick has officially signed his adjusted one-year deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The veteran pass rusher is expected to make his Jets debut tomorrow against the Patriots.

SUNDAY, 9:59pm: Cimini clarifies that Reddick is not guaranteed to receoup the money he lost in fines, as initial reports suggested. Instead, the incentives referenced in the prior reports will give Reddick the chance to earn that money back.

7:29am: Haason Reddick‘s holdout is over. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report, Reddick and the Jets have agreed to an adjusted contract, and the two-time Pro Bowler will report to the team tomorrow morning.

The new deal is not an extension; for the time being, Reddick is still out of contract at season’s end. However, according to Schefter, New York has agreed to “waive” over $12MM of fines that Reddick accumulated as a result of the holdout in order to convince the edge defender to report.

[RELATED: NFLPA Files Grievance Over Reddick’s Preseason Fines]

Of course, as Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post points out and as we have observed previously, the fines cannot technically be waived, since Reddick is not attached to a rookie contract. As such, it could be that the new agreement simply includes some mechanism — Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com suggests an increase in base pay — to cover the fines. Indeed, we heard just last week that, after the regular season got underway, the Jets had offered Reddick a reworked one-year deal that would have allowed him to recoup all of his fines while giving him the chance to earn more than the $14.25MM he was originally scheduled to make in 2024.

Despite optimism that the previous proposal would be enough to bring Reddick into the fold, the 30-year-old sack artist rejected it and continued his push for a multiyear accord. That decision, along with his decision to stage the holdout in the first place, was against the advice of his former agency, CAA, who dropped Reddick as a client earlier this month. Reddick subsequently hired Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha to help facilitate a resolution.

Although the Rosenhaus/Matha hiring led to renewed hope that player and team could achieve detente, the Jets remained adamant that they would not entertain a multiyear pact, and they also granted Reddick permission to seek a trade. Owner Woody Johnson, though, continued to express his desire to have Reddick play for Gang Green, and Schefter notes that Johnson was “very involved” in bringing this matter to a close. Peter Schrager of FOX Sports elaborates on that point, reporting that Rosenhaus flew in for the Jets’ contest against the Bills last week and had a lengthy conversation with Johnson prior to the game. Those conversations continued with GM Joe Douglas in the following days.

Now that Reddick — who was acquired via trade with Philadelphia this offseason — has finally agreed to join his new teammates, perhaps Douglas & Co. will be more amenable to an extension, with Rosenhaus himself stating this morning that he will continue to work towards that goal. As it stands, Reddick has not received any new money and has simply agreed to play out the remainder of the season for the $9.5MM that he was already due to earn on his Eagles-constructed deal (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). As noted above, Reddick was due to make $14.25MM in 2024, but his holdout has led to lost game checks, and while the Jets are prepared to cover the fines in some way, they are apparently not reimbursing him for the lost salary upfront; as Albert Breer of SI.com reports, Reddick can recover that money (and then some) via sack-based incentives, playing time, honors, and team-based incentives.

The Jets may be 2-4, but they recently acquired WR Davante Adams via trade and clearly believe they can make a postseason run. New York’s defense has generally played up to expectations, as that unit presently ranks second in yards per game and seventh in points per game. The team’s 20 sacks are the third-highest total in the league, and Reddick — who has posted double-digit sacks totals in four consecutive years — can certainly help maintain that production. His presence will help to offset the loss of third-year pro Jermaine Johnson, who sustained a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 2.

According to Cimini, Reddick could suit up for New York’s bout with the Patriots next week, although that will naturally depend on his conditioning. More clarity on that front will emerge when Reddick starts to practice.

As Schefter notes, Reddick is the first player in a decade to hold out beyond Week 1 of the regular season and then receive an adjusted contract.

Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw Will Require Season-Ending Surgery

October 25th, 2024 at 10:17pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

10:17pm: Darrisaw’s injury impacted both the ACL and MCL, per an update from Rapoport. He has been moved to injured reserve, something which opens up the roster spot needed to activate tight end T.J. Hockenson. The latter’s presence will be welcomed by Minnesota’s offense, but the unit will nevertheless be severely shorthanded the rest of the way.

1:25pm: The Vikings’ offense took a massive hit on Thursday night with Christian Darrisaw leaving the game late in the first half of their Week 8 matchup with the Rams with a knee injury.

On Friday, an MRI confirmed the worst: Darrisaw will require season-ending surgery, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Darrisaw has developed into one of the league’s best left tackles since being drafted by the Vikings with the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 draft. He allowed just 10 pressures and two sacks in 392 snaps this year, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His pass protection and run blocking have been crucial to the Vikings’ 5-2 start this year, pairing with Bryan O’Neill to form one of the best tackle duos in the NFL.

Now, Minnesota will have to turn to another option at left tackle with veteran David Quessenberry and rookie Walter Rouse on the roster. Rouse is listed as Darrisaw’s backup on the Vikings’ depth chart, but Quessenberry took over at left tackle on Thursday night, indicating that he will be the team’s starter moving forward. That will move Rouse into a swing tackle job backing up both Quessenberry and O’Neill. Practice squad offensive tackle Marcellus Johnson could be in line for game day elevations for depth, or even a promotion to the active roster once the Vikings move Darrisaw onto injured reserve.

Quessenberry made a few spot starts at left tackle in Minnesota last year, so head coach Kevin O’Connell might be comfortable with playing the veteran for the rest of the season. A quality tackle is unlikely to be available on the trade market, but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could scour the free agent ranks for an available veteran like D.J. Humphries, who recently visited the Giants. The Vikings are also plenty familiar with former division rival David Bakhtiari, who has not officially retired after being released by the Packers, but he would need to address concerns about his health before a signing.

Darrisaw signed a four-year, $104MM extension with the Vikings in July, getting $43.73MM fully guaranteed and additional rolling guarantees as the contract progresses. While he will certainly be aiming to recover from his knee surgery and play out the rest of his contract, Darrisaw serves as a powerful example of the importance of players seeking guaranteed money in their contracts to secure their financial futures.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/25/24

October 25th, 2024 at 8:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

Friday’s taxi squad moves:

Green Bay Packers

  • Signed: DL Jonathan Ford

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/25/24

October 25th, 2024 at 6:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

Friday’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Miami Dolphins

Philadelphia Eagles

Carter is dealing with a wrist injury which will require surgery. Head coach Sean McDermott indicated (via Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News) the team was initially unsure of if a stint on injured reserve would be needed. Now that the third-round rookie has been moved to IR, he will miss at least the next four games. Carter has appeared in all seven of Buffalo’s contests this year, logging a 39% snap share.

Dolphins Place QB Tyler Huntley On IR

October 25th, 2024 at 5:26pm CST by Adam La Rose

Just as the Dolphins are set to get Tua Tagovailoa back in the lineup this week, they will be without Tyler Huntley for an extended stretch. The latter was placed on injured reserve Friday, per a team announcement.

Huntley is dealing with the shoulder injury which forced him out of Miami’s Week 7 contest. As a result of today’s news, he will be sidelined for at least the next four games. Of course, Tagovailoa’s return lessens the impact of losing Huntley, but his absence will still leave Miami short on depth options under center. The former Raven made three starts while filling in for the team’s injured starter.

Signed off Baltimore’s practice squad not long after Tagovailoa’s concussion, Huntley quickly became the Dolphins’ preferred QB option despite being unfamiliar with head coach Mike McDaniel‘s scheme. Former seventh-rounder Skylar Thompson did not fare well during his 2024 opportunities, nor did veteran Tim Boyle. The Dolphins’ offense has regressed considerably compared to last year in the wake of Tagovailoa going down, and the team ranks last in the NFL in scoring (11.7 yards per game).

Huntley spent much of his Baltimore tenure serving as Lamar Jackson‘s backup, and he made 22 appearances (including 10 starts) between the regular and postseason during that time. He joined the Browns in free agency as one of their depth signal-callers, but he was ultimately let go ahead of the roster cutdown deadline. That paved the way to a Ravens reunion, but by virtue of joining the team’s practice squad he was eligible to take a different opportunity on an active roster elsewhere.

The former UDFA managed just 377 yards and one touchdown (along with one interception) on 59.1% passing during his time atop the Dolphins’ depth chart. While Huntley added 67 yards and another score on the ground, his audition period with Miami will likely not yield a strong free agent market during the spring. With Tagovailoa back in the fold, Thompson and Boyle will be used as the team’s other signal-callers while attempting to rebound from a 2-4 start.

Bears Waive WR Velus Jones

October 25th, 2024 at 4:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

Velus Jones has not lived up to expectations with Chicago, and he may now be out of the organization altogether. The third-year receiver was placed on waivers Friday, per a team announcement.

Jones will be available on the wire to any team interested in adding him as a depth option on offense and/or as a returner. Given his sparse production, though, it would come as little surprise if the former third-rounder were to go unclaimed. In that event, he would be eligible to remain with the Bears on a practice squad contract or join a new team in free agency.

Expectations were high for the 27-year-old upon entering the NFL, but he has not managed to carve out a major role to date. Jones logged a snap share of just 22% on offense during his rookie year, although he did serve as Chicago’s primary kick returner and averaged 27.6 yards per return. The USC and Tennessee product found himself on the roster bubble last summer, but he survived cutdowns; once again, though, he was a non-factor on offense.

This past offseason saw the arrival of Keenan Allen via trade and the addition of Rome Odunze in the first round of the draft, adding further competition for Jones on the WR depth chart. The latter took reps at running back in a renewed bid to keep his roster spot during the summer, and he did indeed make the team to start the year. Jones has not played since Week 1, though, a game in which he received two carries and made one catch.

Free agent pickup D’Andre Swift has enjoyed a productive run over the past three games, and Chicago also has Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer and (at least for now) Khalil Herbert as backfield depth. The presence of those options has led to today’s move, which comes with Jones still having another full season on his rookie contract. Presuming he clears waivers, it will be interesting to see if a market emerges.

The Bears also let go of fullback Khari Blasingame on Friday. The veteran was among Chicago’s initial roster cuts before the start of the season, but he was re-signed shortly thereafter. He will not hit the waiver wire, but of course like Jones he represents a candidate to be retained on the Bears’ taxi squad. Chicago has several players set to be activated from IR, so a move or two on that front could be coming soon with two roster spots having been opened.

Texans Add LB Devin White

October 25th, 2024 at 8:43am CST by Sam Robinson

OCTOBER 25: As expected, White’s deal will check in well south of where he was in Philly. He will join the Texans on a one-year, $1.13MM contract that will bring a $688K cap hit to Houston’s payroll, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. Due to offset language, this will bring some minor cap relief to the Eagles.

OCTOBER 23: Devin White has made a second free agency decision this year. After his Eagles commitment led to a release, the former top-five pick is headed south. The Texans signed White on Wednesday morning.

The former Super Bowl starter will join a defense that added a few new pieces this offseason, though DeMeco Ryans‘ club is taking what amounts to a flier at this point. White washed out of Philadelphia quickly and will hope to reestablish some value he has lost over the past two seasons.

Tampa Bay’s former Lavonte David ILB sidekick has seen his value nosedive over the past two years. Having developed a habit of freelancing in Tampa, White further alienated the Bucs by asking for a trade in 2023. The LSU alum sought a top-five off-ball linebacker contract. The Bucs, who became the rare team in the fully guaranteed fifth-year option era to exercise an off-ball LB’s option, did not give in and kept White in 2023. But he lost playing time down the stretch last season. That proved to be telling for White’s 2024 path.

White was unable to beat out Nakobe Dean in Philly, and new Eagles DC Vic Fangio did not play him at all this season. The Eagles cut White earlier this month. That release came more than two weeks ago, but White — as could be expected, given his experience and draft pedigree — secured a third chance. This Texans deal will be pivotal for his NFL future, however, as his career is trending in the wrong direction.

The Eagles gave White a one-year, $4MM deal; that contract came with $3.5MM guaranteed. It should be expected this Texans pact is closer to the veteran minimum. This pact will help offset that $3.5MM guarantee for the Eagles, while the 26-year-old defender will have a chance to contribute to an AFC contender.

For the accusations of playing out of scheme, White has proven a strong blitzer as a pro. He racked up nine sacks in 2020, earning second-team All-Pro acclaim, and combined for nine more from 2021-22. For his career, the former No. 5 overall pick has 23 sacks. White added a Pro Bowl nod in 2021. White racked up 14o, 128 and 124 tackles from 2020-22, garnering a strong reputation while still seeing pushback from the advanced metrics community.

Among off-ball linebackers from 2019-23, only White and Demario Davis recorded more than 20 sacks in that span. For all this, however, Pro Football Focus never wavered on its stance White was among the more overrated players in the NFL. PFF consistently rated White among the worst off-ball LBs in the game. The Texans do have a high-end athlete to work with, but it would not surprise to see Ryans and Co. wait a bit before deploying the 75-game starter.

A dispute about a White foot injury opened the door for K.J. Britt to receive playing time late last season, and White — who later accused the Bucs of turning on him after his trade request — lost playing time to the former fifth-round pick down the stretch. This included a demotion in the playoffs. Britt now works as a Bucs starter.

The Texans signed ex-Ryans 49ers pupil Azeez Al-Shaair this offseason but have seen both he and recent starter Christian Harris battle injuries. The latter has not debuted yet this season. Al-Shaair missed Houston’s Week 7 game with a knee issue. This creates an immediate need, though Al-Shaair is not on IR. The Texans, who moved on from both Blake Cashman and Denzel Perryman this offseason, will kick the tires on White to see if he can provide some help.

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