After checking in on a few items from out of the NFC earlier this afternoon, let’s shift our focus to the AFC and round up the latest….
- The MRI on Rob Gronkowski‘s knee revealed only a minor knee strain, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (Twitter link). The star tight end will likely be good to go in a week or two, which is great news for the Patriots.
- The Patriots also got relatively good news on linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who is week to week with his knee injury, per Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Russini adds that Hightower will be re-evaluated within the next few days.
- The Broncos suddenly have a contracts problem on their hands for 2016, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who notes that the team will only be able to rely on the franchise tag to retain one of Brock Osweiler and Von Miller. Osweiler has won his first two starts as a Bronco, but it seems a little too early to assume he’s worthy of a significant investment. After five more regular season games and at least one playoff contest, Denver should have a much better idea of Osweiler’s value.
- The Bengals worked out six defensive backs today, including cornerback Bradley Fletcher, tweets Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link), cornerback Chykie Brown was also a part of that group. With Darqueze Dennard out for the season, and other members of the secondary banged up, Cincinnati seems to be keeping an eye out for possible depth additions.
Based on what I’ve seen from Bradley Fletcher, I’m not even sure he warrants a spot as a fifth corner. He’s been well below average at every stop.
Imagine if the Broncos didn’t tag Miller…. And chose Brock over him
Well they need a QB and they won’t (maybe) get a top first round pick so honestly I would go with Brock, he’s up and coming and beating albeit ailing but still undefeated patriots team in his second career start is a very accomplished feat, and manning is starting to succumb to age, a perfect analogy is Kobe Bryant, who announced retirement, he said his heart and mind is in it, but his body just isn’t, I think the days of manning are over in Denver.
To think elway tried to deal Brock for a 6th. Not saying he is the next Favre or Brady but still proving his worth
Osweiler indeed crowds the Broncos’ contact glut, with each productive start eating into the money that could be allocated to Malik Jackson or Danny Trevathan. Although the latter two are upper-echelon players at their position enjoying strong contract years, expect someone else to pay them — just as most other teams did to the Broncos’ 2015 FA class — with Miller and Osweiler as the clear priorities right now.