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Joseph Randle

NFC East Notes: Randle, JPP, Giants

October 29th, 2015 at 9:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s a look at the NFC East..

  • Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said that running back Joseph Randle has been excused from the team today to deal with a personal issue, Todd Archer of ESPN.com tweets. However, did not say whether it was related to his demotion from a starting role or possible discipline from the league. Even though Randle was at the team’s facility this morning, Garrett said he did not meet with the running back.
  • Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul looked good in practice on Thursday, but defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo isn’t going to rush things, as Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Post writes. “It’s going to take a little while, it’s really early now,” Spagnuolo said. “We want to be optimistic, and I know he (Pierre-Paul) is too, but I think we want to be smart about it. We’ll just see where it goes.”
  • Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger (on Twitter) can see the Giants making a trade between now and the deadline, depending on where they are in a few weeks. The Giants are currently 4-3 heading into Sunday’s contest against the Saints.

Joseph Randle Facing Potential Suspension

October 29th, 2015 at 10:26am CST by Luke Adams

Cowboys running back Joseph Randle is making plenty of headlines this week. Shortly after word broke that Randle left the team facility and missed a treatment session on his injured oblique, Adam Schefter and Todd Archer of ESPN report that the back is facing discipline from the NFL for an offseason incident.

Randle was arrested in February in Wichita, Kansas for unlawful possession of marijuana after police received a call for an alleged domestic incident involving Randle and the mother of his son. Charges against the 23-year-old were dropped in April, but the NFL continued its own investigation, meeting with Randle over the summer, and within the past week, according to the ESPN report.

It’s not known yet if Randle will receive a suspension or merely a fine for the incident, but it appears he’ll be disciplined by the league in some form. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com – who notes that the NFL is applying the personal conduct policy, rather than the domestic conduct policy, in its investigation – tweets that Randle will likely face a one- or two-game suspension.

In light of this new information, it seems that the NFL’s investigation may have played a part in Randle’s absence earlier this week, but that’s still not entirely clear. For what it’s worth, Archer and Schefter hear from sources that his absence from the Cowboys’ facility was “about more than just losing his starting job” to Darren McFadden. Randle is expected to meet with Dallas coaches on Thursday.

NFC East Notes: Randle, Cousins, JPP

October 29th, 2015 at 9:02am CST by Luke Adams

According to reports from Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys running back Joseph Randle – upset with his demotion – left the team’s facility on Wednesday, skipping a treatment session for a strained oblique. It sounds as if Randle will return to the team on Thursday, and Hill’s sources downplay the notion that the running back left the team because he was upset about being surpassed on the depth chart by Darren McFadden.

Still, Randle’s decision to go AWOL frustrated some members of the Cowboys staff, and isn’t a great look for a player who has had his share of off-field issues in the past — as Hill notes, Randle has been arrested twice since last October, and “drew the ire” of the Cowboys when he made comments in the offseason about DeMarco Murray leaving “meat on the bone” last season.

We’ll have to wait and see if there’s any fallout to Randle’s absence, but if the Cowboys’ public support of Greg Hardy is any indication, it might just be a matter of time until Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones are issuing votes of confidence for Randle.

Here’s more from out of the NFC East:

  • It seems as if there has been more discussion and speculation about Robert Griffin III‘s contract situation beyond 2015 than Kirk Cousins‘ situation, but Washington‘s current starting quarterback is eligible for free agency this winter. Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com examines the possible scenarios for Cousins, suggesting that he thinks a short-term deal with Washington is the most likely outcome.
  • The Giants will have a roster exemption for Jason Pierre-Paul until November 9, meaning the team won’t have to officially move the recovering defensive end to its 53-man roster until then, tweets Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
  • Newsday’s Bob Glauber takes a look at Pierre-Paul’s return to the Giants, writing that it’s worth rooting for JPP to make good on his second chance.

NFC Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Pryor, Cards

October 14th, 2015 at 12:46pm CST by Luke Adams

The Cowboys are making a quarterback change for Week 7, giving the nod to Matt Cassel, and that’s not the only starting lineup move they’re considering on offense. As Ed Werder of ESPN.com reported this morning (via Twitter), Dallas may also start recently acquired running back Christine Michael over Joseph Randle, and rookie guard La’el Collins over Ronald Leary.

Head coach Jason Garrett has since confirmed that Collins will indeed start at left guard in place of Leary, though it’s not clear yet what the team’s running back rotation will look like. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) hears from a Cowboys source that the team definitely plans on using Michael more, though Randle may still get the start.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • The Giants are the latest team to work out at Terrelle Pryor as a wide receiver, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). While several clubs that have auditioned Pryor are likely just seeing what the former quarterback looks like in his new position, New York might require some additional depth at WR, with Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle banged up, and Victor Cruz‘s availability going forward still up in the air. The Giants also tried out wideouts T.J. Graham and A.J. Jenkins, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com.
  • Former Buccaneers defensive lineman Da’Quan Bowers is among the players working out for the Cowboys this week, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
  • Free agent cornerback Robert McClain has been busy over the last month and a half, working out for a handful of teams — Wilson tweets that McClain auditioned for the Cardinals this week, the veteran’s fifth tryout since the start of September.
  • In an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio (SoundCloud link), Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians explained his team’s decision to sign veteran pass rusher Dwight Freeney, suggesting that the club had been in touch with Freeney multiple times since June.

Extra Points: Panthers, Chargers, Browns

September 11th, 2015 at 9:04pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Panthers locked up star linebacker Luke Kuechly to a long-term deal Thursday, but it doesn’t appear that teammate and fellow defensive linchpin Josh Norman will receive similar treatment. Negotiations between the Panthers and the cornerback stalled this week, reports Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer. Because general manager Dave Gettleman doesn’t negotiate new deals during the season, Norman looks poised to play out 2015 as a contract year.

Norman, whom the Panthers took in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, is coming off a season in which he totaled 48 tackles and a career-best two interceptions. More impressively, Norman held opposing quarterbacks to a paltry 53.2 rating when they attacked him, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). That ranked fourth out of the 70 corners who played at least 50 percent of their teams’ defensive snaps in 2014.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

  • San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer set a Friday deadline for the city and the Chargers to agree on a new stadium that would keep the team from heading to Los Angeles next year. The two sides failed to meet it, according to Elliot Spagat of The Associated Press. That means there won’t be time for a measure to be put to voters on a Jan. 12 ballot, which Faulconer wanted. It seems, then, that the Chargers’ potential relocation to L.A. is becoming likelier.
  • The Browns finished last season in a tie for the league’s third-lowest yards-per-carry average, and they’re still without an obvious solution at running back. Current starter Isiah Crowell, who averaged 4.1 per carry and scored eight touchdowns in 2014, thinks he can fill the role. “I’m ready,” he said, according to Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com. “I always knew I had what it takes.”  Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo added, “Nothing has shown to me that Crow can’t be that workhorse for us.”
  • Like Cleveland, the Cowboys also lack a top-end running back. They had the league’s rushing champion last season in DeMarco Murray, but he signed with Philadelphia in the offseason. So, Dallas will try to replace him with a committee consisting of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, Lance Dunbar and Christine Michael. Owner Jerry Jones is optimistic about the quartet. “If they are healthy, I will take the skill and what they can bring to our offense,” he said, per Eric Prisbell of USA Today.
  • Rookie free agent quarterback Phillip Sims will work out for the Seahawks on Monday, reports ESPN’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter). Simms, whom NFC West rival Arizona released last week, went undrafted out of Winston-Salem State this year.

East Notes: Brady, Kromer, Randle

July 24th, 2015 at 2:05pm CST by Luke Adams

After speaking to multiple sources, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) says the NFL believes Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will ultimately accept a reduced suspension in order to avoid having the DeflateGate saga continue to be a distraction into training camp and the preseason. We’ll see if that’s ultimately the case, but we probably won’t find out today — a report this morning indicated there was “no chance” of an announcement on Brady from Roger Goodell before the weekend.

Here’s more from Cole on Brady, along with a couple other items out of the NFL’s East divisions:

  • According to Cole, the wording of Brady’s penalty could be crucial — the Patriots signal-caller would be more inclined to accept a penalty for not cooperating with the league’s investigation, but would likely continue to fight any penalty that’s based on his perceived involvement in deflating footballs.
  • The Bills are likely to part ways with offensive line coach Aaron Kromer following his arrest earlier this month, sources tell Joe Buscaglia of WKBW. For now, the team is weighing its options while Kromer remains on indefinite paid leave as his legal case plays out.
  • After stealing $123 worth of cologne and underwear from a Texas mall last October, Cowboys running back Joseph Randle has been put on six months of probation, according to an Associated Press report. At the time of the incident, the Cowboys opted to fine – but not suspend – Randle, who could still face additional discipline from the league now that the case has been resolved.

NFC Mailbags: Packers, Giants, Cowboys

July 4th, 2015 at 9:44am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday morning, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s start with notes from the NFC, with a cameo from the Dallas Morning News’ Bob Sturm…

  • Quarterback Brett Hundley is a lock to make the Packers roster, says Rob Demovsky. At wideout, the writer believes Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis will make the team.
  • The Packers could opt to keep a pair of fullbacks (John Kuhn and Aaron Ripkowski) on their opening day roster, writes Demovsky. This would probably require the team to keep only two running backs, and the writer can’t imagine the Packers going into the year with only Eddie Lacy and James Starks. If there were to be a third running back, Demovsky believes the competition is between Rajion Neal and John Crockett, with Neal being the favorite.
  • If Giants rookie Ereck Flowers shows promise at left tackle, Dan Graziano says the team could move on from veteran Will Beatty following the season. Beatty, who is scheduled to make $6.675MM next season, is expected to be out until at least November.
  • The Cowboys must be careful when Terrance Williams becomes a free agent in an effort to not overpay what Sturm calls an “adequate” wideout in a mailbag.
  • Sturm also predicts the Cowboys will regress in the running game but won’t be set for a freefall without DeMarco Murray, with Tony Romo ready to assume more control of the offense. Sturm expects Joseph Randle to be the starter in what is expected to be a coalition approach to replacing the league’s rushing leader.

Sam Robinson contributed to this post.

NFC Notes: AP, Bridgewater, Dotson, Cowboys

June 13th, 2015 at 5:54pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had a solid rookie year despite being without the services of six-time Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson, who missed all but one game in 2014 because of domestic-violence issues. The newly reinstated Peterson is hoping his return will help Bridgewater’s game reach new heights this season.

“Hopefully my presence will be able to lose a guy or two by bringing guys in that focus on stopping the run,” Peterson said, per ESPN’s Tania Ganguli.

Peterson won’t just aid Bridgewater as a runner, but he’s expecting to be a useful option in the passing game.

“With coach [Norv] Turner’s offense, there’s so much that he throws out there, so I’ll be more involved in the pass game, being out wide, presenting myself for Teddy to check down,” said the 30-year-old.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • Buccaneers right tackle Demar Dotson is optimistic that ending his brief holdout and reporting to minicamp next week will help him get the new contract he’s seeking. “I think we can get a deal done pretty quickly,” Dotson said, according to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. “We were pretty close before. I’m hoping if I show up we can get it done. I really don’t want to miss any workouts or training camp.” Dotson, 29, has two years remaining on his contract, but he’s just the 22nd-highest-paid right tackle in the NFL. That doesn’t jibe with his on-field performance, as Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked the six-year veteran an impressive 28th among 84 qualifying offensive tackles last season.
  • Thanks to DeMarco Murray‘s departure in free agency, the Cowboys don’t have a clear No. 1 running back as the summer nears, but offensive coordinator Scott Linehan believes someone – be it Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle or Ryan Williams – will separate himself from the pack and earn the job as the team’s go-to ball carrier. “I think before it’s all said and done, that person will rise to the top. What’s interesting and exciting is that we’re going to find out,” said Linehan, according to Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News.
  • When asked if the Lions’ addition of Garrett Gilbert meant that backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky could be on the way out, Dave Birkett of MLive.com responded that the chances of that happening are slim (via Twitter).

Rob DiRe contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Hardy, Randle, Jordan

April 29th, 2015 at 10:19pm CST by Zachary Links

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith firmly believes there is precedent for getting Greg Hardy‘s suspension reduced, Charean Williams of the Star Telegram writes. “In the last three years, we’ve had the league overturned three times in [the Saints’] Bounty, [Adrian] Peterson and Ray Rice,” Smith said as he gears up to defend the Cowboys star. “To me, it’s never a question about whether I’m confident or not. We start with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and if they continue to seek to impose penalties that are inconsistent with that agreement or inconsistent of the law of the case that has been developed under that agreement, this is what unions do. We fight that.” More from around the NFL..

  • Cowboys running back Joseph Randle won’t face domestic violence charges for his incident in Wichita, according to Drew Davidson of the Star Telegram tweets. There was a “lack of evidence” cited by the DA’s office in the case. More from around the NFL..
  • Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan issued a statement through the NFLPA regarding his suspension. “I’m very disappointed that I will not be playing in the NFL in the 2015 season,” the statement read. “Because of past positive tests and my status in the drug program, the consequence of dilute (not positive) tests is severe. I deeply regret putting myself in this position, and I apologize to my teammates and the Dolphins organization. I will use the time away from playing to finish my college degree. I will stay in excellent physical shape and look forward to returning to the NFL as soon as possible. I’m deeply grateful to my family and friends for their continued support.”
  • Before the Seahawks traded for tight end Jimmy Graham, they had trade discussions with the Bears about Martellus Bennett, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
  • Alex Boone, who held out last offseason for a new contract, will skip all of the 49ers‘ voluntary activities in the final year of his contract, a source close to the guard tells Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Boone, who will earn $3.4MM in 2015, has not taken part in the 49ers’ offseason program, and he was not on the field Tuesday and Wednesday for the start of the team’s voluntary three-day minicamp at the team’s practice facility.
  • The Titans have gotten calls from multiple teams inquiring about what it will take to deal for the No. 2 overall pick, league sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
  • Meanwhile, one team executive tells Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) that the Titans have been asking for three first round picks to part with the No. 2 choice. The executive laughed hard when passing that info along, he adds.

NFC Notes: Randle, Guion, Lions, Peterson

February 4th, 2015 at 4:59pm CST by Luke Adams

As first reported by KAKE.com, Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested in Wichita early this morning on a drug charge after officers responsded to a call and found marijuana in his hotel room. Randle’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, contended (via Twitter) that his client was simply cited with a ticket rather than being arrested, but Wichita police says it’s still considered an arrest even though Randle wasn’t taken into custody, tweets David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com points out (via Twitter), Randle’s latest off-field incident may have the side effect of giving DeMarco Murray some leverage in contract negotiations with the Cowboys this winter.

Another arrest that could have an effect on free agency leads off this afternoon’s NFC notes — let’s dive in….

  • Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion, a prospective free agent, was arrested for possession of marijuana in Starke, Florida late Tuesday night, reports Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. The timing of the incident was unfortunate for Guion, who had been engaged in talks with the Packers about a long-term deal, and had just been the subject of a glowing article from Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com. Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter links) has more details on what police found on Guion, including a firearm, $190K+ in U.S. currency, and 357 grams of marijuana.
  • Ron Zook, who worked as the Packers‘ assistant special teams coach this past season, is the favorite to become the club’s new special teams coordinator, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
  • The Lions may have a need at cornerback if they don’t re-sign Rashean Mathis, and veteran Charles Tillman of the division-rival Bears wouldn’t rule out the possibility of heading to Detroit, writes Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
  • Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press previews Friday’s federal court hearing, which will pit suspended Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the NFLPA against the NFL.
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