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Chris Ivory

Chris Ivory Returns To Jaguars

September 15th, 2016 at 11:20am CST by Zachary Links

Chris Ivory is out of the hospital and back with his team. Today, the running back issued a statement thanking fans for their support and indicated that his undisclosed medical issue is behind him. Chris Ivory (vertical)

“I returned to the stadium this morning to rejoin my coaches and teammates as we continue to prepare for the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. This past weekend was a challenging time for my family and me because of an emergency medical condition that developed while I was with my team at the hotel. I am now grateful to be back in the facility and able to refocus on the game that I love.

I want to extend a special thanks to the Jaguars medical staff, the first responders and everyone at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville for their assistance over the past couple of days.

I appreciate everyone’s sensitivity during this personal matter, and I’m ready to be back out on the field and look forward to doing so in the near future. Thank you for all for your support. I want you to know that I read each and every message and I’m thankful for them all.”

Ivory, 28, was forced to miss the Jaguars’ season-opener against the Packers last weekend. Without their prized free agent acquisition in the lineup, the Jags’ running game was stagnant. The team will hope to have Ivory back in the lineup for Sunday’s contest against the Chargers, but it’s not immediately clear if Ivory will be ready in time. Ivory’s statement says that he will “prepare for” the Chargers on Sunday, but it’s not a given that he’ll be activated.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jaguars’ Chris Ivory Discharged From Hospital

September 14th, 2016 at 12:19pm CST by Zachary Links

Running back Chris Ivory was been discharged from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, the Jaguars announced. On the day of the Jags’ season opener, Ivory was admitted to the hospital for what the team only described as a “general medical condition.” It’s not clear when Ivory could return to the field, but this is obviously a step in the right direction for his overall health. Chris Ivory (vertical)

Without Ivory in uniform, the Jaguars used T.J. Yeldon as their primary running back against the Packers. While Yeldon has shown flashes in the past, he didn’t do much against Green Bay. The 22-year-old (23 in October) had 21 carries for 39 yards, averaging out to 1.86 yards per carry. He had no run longer than seven yards, though he did have one rushing touchdowns and four receptions for 30 yards.

In his contract year with the Jets, Ivory averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Needless to say, the Jaguars are eager to have him back in the backfield. It remains to be seen if he’ll be ready for Sunday afternoon’s contest at San Diego, however.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jaguars Unlikely To Add RB

September 13th, 2016 at 12:57pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars have yet to determine Chris Ivory‘s status for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Still, the team is unlikely to sign another running back to the roster in his absence. Chris Ivory (vertical)

Over the weekend, Chris Ivory found himself in the hospital for undisclosed reasons and the Jags deactivated him prior to their season-opener against the Packers. The 28-year-old signed a five-year, $32.5MM deal with Jacksonville this offseason and the Jags were counting on him to serve as their top running back. Without Ivory, T.J. Yeldon served as the Jags’ lead back and his 1.86 yards per carry average left much to be desired. Besides Yeldon, the Jaguars have Denard Robinson and Corey Grant on the depth chart. Undrafted free agent Bronson Hill is also on the practice squad.

There are a handful of name guys on the free agent market, but no one who would represent a clear upgrade over Yeldon. Current free agent tailbacks include Joique Bell, Toby Gerhart, Dexter McCluster, Donald Brown, Stevan Ridley, Bernard Pierce, and Roy Helu.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jaguars RB Chris Ivory Remains In Hospital

September 12th, 2016 at 12:43pm CST by Zachary Links

On Sunday, Chris Ivory was deactivated prior to the Jaguars’ game against the Packers. Saddled with an undisclosed issue, Ivory remains in the hospital, as John Oehser of Jaguars.com tweets. Given his mystery ailment, Ivory’s status for Week 2 against the Chargers is very much in doubt. Chris Ivory (vertical)

Ivory, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter), is “in pain.” The 28-year-old signed a lucrative five-year, $32.5MM deal this offseason ($10MM guaranteed) with the expectation that he would be Jacksonville’s premier back. Without Ivory yesterday, T.J. Yeldon served as the Jags’ lead back, carrying the ball 21 times for 39 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in four receptions for 30 yards.

Ivory was PFR’s No. 4 free agent running back heading into March and it was no surprise when the former Jet attracted interest from all around the league during the legal tampering period. The Texans, Buccaneers, and Raiders were among the teams to express interest in the tailback. With the Jets last year, Ivory averaged 4.3 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns. He also made an impact in the passing game, hauling in 30 receptions.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Major Injury Notes: D. Thomas, Bosa, Ivory

September 11th, 2016 at 12:50pm CST by Rory Parks

Week 1 is always a time for optimism, but it invariably brings the heartache of injury as well. We will keep track of some of the more significant injuries (or, in some cases, illnesses) right here over the course of the day.

  • Potentially bad news for Broncos fans, courtesy of ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter tweets that star wideout Demaryius Thomas, who suffered a hip injury during Thursday night’s contest against Carolina, underwent an MRI on Friday that will now be sent for a second opinion. There is no word on what the first opinion was.
  • Chargers rookie defensive end Joey Bosa is week-to-week with a Grade 1 strained hamstring, as Schefter tweets. Per Schefter, Bosa has still not practiced in pads, so it could be awhile before he suits up for a regular season game.
  • Jaguars RB Chris Ivory was admitted to the hospital for an undisclosed issue last night, which is why he was deactivated for the team’s game today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport also tweets that Ivory will be reevaluated for this issue later this week, and his Week 2 status will hinge on that evaluation. Jason Cole of Bleacher Report adds (via Twitter) that Ivory is undergoing tests and observation in the hospital.
  • Schefter tweets that Dolphins center Mike Pouncey has a small fracture in his hip and is scheduled to undergo a CT scan later this week. Schefter adds that Pouncey could miss another week or two.

Jaguars Sign Chris Ivory

March 10th, 2016 at 9:41am CST by Dallas Robinson

THURSDAY, 9:41am: The Jaguars’ deal with Ivory is now official, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com.

WEDNESDAY, 7:26am: According to USA Today’s Connor Hughes (Twitter link), Ivory’s five-year deal will be worth $32.5MM ($6.5MM per year), with $10MM guaranteed.

7:04am: Per Rapoport (via Twitter), Ivory’s new deal with the Jaguars will be a five-year contract. Rapoport reiterates that it’s worth “well north” of $6MM annually.

TUESDAY, 8:59pm: The Jaguars have agreed to sign running back Chris Ivory, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Ivory will be able to officially sign with Jacksonville on Wednesday. The deal is worth “well above” $6MM per year, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.Chris Ivory

Ivory, 28 later this month, has been a popular name since the legal tampering period began on Monday. The former Jets running back has been linked to a number of clubs, as the Texans, Buccaneers, and Raiders have all expressed interest.

Instead, Ivory will head to the Jaguars, not a club that many pegged to land Ivory, or for that matter, any free agent running back. Jacksonville selected T.J. Yeldon in the second round last season, and the rookie was pretty impressive, averaging 4.1 yards per carry and scoring twice in 12 starts. The Jaguars also have Denard Robinson on their depth chart, and he’s shown to be a more than capable backup.

But the Jags will turn to a more proven commodity in Ivory, who last season topped 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his six-year career. A runner who exhibits terrifying force, Ivory averaged 4.3 yards per carry and reached the endzone seven times last season. He even helped out in the passing game, posting 30 receptions, 12 more than his previous career high.

Ivory was PFR’s No. 4 free agent running back, and he was expected to compete on the open market with the likes of Doug Martin, Lamar Miller, and Matt Forte. None of that trio has yet agreed to sign with another club, though all three have been heavily linked to potential suitors.

The Jaguars, who entered the legal tampering period with more $80MM in cap space, are certainly showing their financial strength. In addition to agreeing to terms with Ivory, Jacksonville has also agreed to sign defensive lineman Malik Jackson to a six-year deal worth more than $15MM annually.

Ivory’s presence on the roster has already affected another Jaguars running back — per Rapoport (Twitter link), Jacksonville will release Toby Gerhart tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC Contract Details: Osweiler, Ivory, Iloka

March 9th, 2016 at 9:45pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Here are the latest updates on many recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the AFC:

AFC West:

  • Brandon Mebane, DT (Chargers): Three years, $13.5MM. $5.5MM guaranteed. $3MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
  • Jaye Howard, DT (Chiefs): Two years, $10MM. $8.26MM guaranteed. $5MM bonus. $3.27MM guaranteed at signing for injury. Pro Bowl escalator worth up to $2MM $12,500 per-game active roster bonuses worth up to $200K in 2016. $15,625 per-game active roster bonuses worth up to $250K in 2017 (Twitter links via Wilson).
  • Dwight Lowery, S (Chargers): Three years, $7.2MM. $1.5MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • Frank Zombo, LB (Chiefs): Three years, $3.6MM. $500K signing bonus. Roster bonus of $100K in 2016 and $150K the next two seasons (Twitter link via Wilson).

AFC South:

  • Brock Osweiler, QB (Texans): Four years, $72MM. $37MM fully guaranteed in first two years – $21MM in 2016 ($12MM signing bonus, $5MM roster bonus, $4MM salary), $16MM in 2017. The remaining $35MM is non-guaranteed, including $18MM salary in 2018 and $13MM in 2019. Deal includes a $4MM roster bonus due March 2019 (all Twitter links courtesy of USA Today’s Tom Pelissero).
  • Chris Ivory, RB (Jaguars): Five years, $32MM. $10MM guaranteed. $5MM bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • Jeff Allen, G (Texans): Four years, $28MM. $12MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. $3MM roster bonus due this month. Annual per-game roster bonus worth $31,250 (Twitter links via Wilson).
  • Brad Nortman, P (Jaguars): Four years, $8.8MM. $1.65MM guaranteed. $650K roster bonus in 2016 (Twitter link via Wilson).

AFC North:

AFC East:

  • Richie Incognito, G (Bills): Three years, $15.75MM. $3.45MM signing bonus. $2MM base salary in 2016 is fully guaranteed. $100K workout bonuses in each season (link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com).
  • Isa Abdul-Quddus, S (Dolphins): Three years, $12.75MM. $2.5MM signing bonus. $6MM in guarantees (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • James Develin, FB (Patriots): One year, $750K. $150K playing time incentives. $50K signing bonus. $25K workout bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).

Free Agent Rumors: Ivory, Eagles, Powers

March 8th, 2016 at 3:09pm CST by Zachary Links

Chris Ivory wants roughly $6.5MM per year and is looking for at least a three-year commitment, Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday tweets. Some might view that as an ambitious ask, but Ivory could net that sort of deal this offseason given that there are many teams with significant cap space to use. On PFR’s list of top free agent running backs, Ivory stands as the No. 4 option behind Doug Martin, Lamar Miller, and Matt Forte.

Here are the very latest free agent rumors:

  • The Eagles have reached out to linebacker Nigel Bradham, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets. The 26-year-old has a history with Philly DC Jim Schwartz.
  • Jerraud Powers says he’s unsure about future with the Cardinals as free agency nears, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com writes. “I think it’s close but at the same time, it’s not,” Powers said. “We’ve been in talks, but I don’t know what the waiting process is like. I’m starting to think that maybe they’re just going to move in another direction.” Powers, who made $4.35MM last season, wants a three- or four-year deal. He also says that he wants to join a club with a “winning pedigree” that can contend in 2016.
  • The Giants are nowhere near done making moves on the defensive line, Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger tweets. Raanan cautions to expect several more big moves. Earlier today, the Giants reached agreement with JPP on a new deal.
  • Charles Johnson has already visited the Giants and Buccaneers, but he might be signing with a different club based on the tone of this tweet. “2mor u will know my future!!! It’s going to be epic,” Johnson wrote.

Free Agent Rumors: Osweiler, Texans, Ivory

March 8th, 2016 at 10:20am CST by Zachary Links

The Broncos and Texans are shaping up as the two primary potential landing spots for free agent quarterback Brock Osweiler, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Broncos have reportedly offered Osweiler a three-year contract worth ~$39MM, but the Texans are also expected to make a competitive offer. Could they offer up more than Denver? While we await the answer, here’s more of the latest free agent news:

  • Chris Ivory is on the Texans‘ radar as the new league year approaches, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets. Ivory, who will celebrate his 28th birthday in a few weeks, set career highs last season in carries (247), rushing yards (1,070), and total touchdowns (eight). If the Jets do not retain Ivory, he will stand as one of the more appealing free agent running back options of the offseason.
  • The Vikings are not pursuing Browns free agent tackle Mitchell Schwartz, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter). It was reported on Monday that the Vikings were pursuing Schwartz along with the Buccaneers, Giants, and Falcons. Since the Browns took Schwartz in the second round of the 2012 draft, he has appeared in and started 64 straight games. For his work last season, the 26-year-old ranked sixth out of 77 qualifying tackles by Pro Football Focus’ standards (subscription required).
  • Marcus Sherels wants to return to the Vikings and the interest is mutual, though it has to be at the right price for Minnesota, Tomasson tweets. However, there’s no agreement yet and a few teams are eyeing the cornerback.
  • The Saints are working to bring back running back Tim Hightower, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Hightower started three games for the Saints last year after being years removed from the NFL.
  • Linebacker Junior Galette took to Twitter earlier today and shot down a follower’s suggestion that he should sign a deal for the veteran’s minimum with big incentives. Galette also restated his interest in playing for Washington.

Free Agent Rumors: RBs, Trevathan, Giants

March 8th, 2016 at 8:43am CST by Luke Adams

The Titans reached an agreement on a trade to acquire DeMarco Murray on Monday, and before the week is out, their division rivals in Houston may have a new running back of their own. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the Texans are among the teams with “strong interest” in free agent back Lamar Miller. Rapoport adds that the market for the top running backs available, including Miller, Doug Martin, and Chris Ivory, could heat up today.

Here’s more from around the NFL on free agents:

  • The Bears and Titans are among the teams that will make it challenging for the Broncos to re-sign free agent linebacker Danny Trevathan, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link). Trevathan previously said that he expected to receive interest from his old head coach John Fox in Chicago.
  • The Giants have been making a push in recent days to re-sign defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, and are continuing to talk to him, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. There is plenty of competition though, per Raanan, who notes that the market has been “aggressive,” with a handful of suitors in play.
  • While the Giants remain in the hunt for JPP, it doesn’t appear they’re in the mix for defensive end Mario Williams at this time, per Raanan, who adds that Big Blue has inquired on free agent defensive end William Hayes.
  • Free agent wide receiver Travis Benjamin has “piqued the interest” of the Texans and a few other NFL teams, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
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