Uncategorized - Pro Football Rumors

Trade Rumors App For iOS/Android

September 20th, 2018 at 2:48pm CST by Zachary Links

If you enjoy PFR on your smartphone or tablet then you’ve got to download the free Trade Rumors app!

Trade Rumors, available for iOS and Android, is the best way to consume our content on a mobile device. Here’s what it delivers, all for free:

All the articles from Pro Football Rumors, MLB Trade Rumors, Hoops Rumors, and Pro Hockey Rumors in an easy-to-navigate, eye-catching format. Swipe through stories to quickly consume all the news and rumors from our four sites. Not into all four sports? No problem – any sport can be easily removed.
Customize what you see. You can create feeds for any team or player across any of our sites.
Notifications! For any team or player, you can set up push notifications to ensure you always get breaking news instantly. Notifications can also be set up at the sport level.
Commenting! You can now read and contribute comments on the app.
Customer service! If you find a bug, we’ll fix it. If you have a feature request, we’ll consider it. The app is continually evolving and improving.
Did we mention Trade Rumors is a free app? What do you have to lose? Download now!

Injury Notes: Elflein, DeCastro, Mosley

September 13th, 2018 at 9:11pm CST by Ben Levine

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said today that starting center Pat Elflein will be returning to the field “pretty soon.” However, the coach wasn’t able to give a definite return date, which probably indicates that the offensive lineman won’t be ready for this weekend’s matchup against the Packers.

“It’s way too early,” Zimmer said (via Chris Tomasson of TwinCities.com). “I’m not going to make any determinations like that yet.”

The offensive lineman missed the preseason and the first week of the season as he recovered from shoulder and ankle ailments, but he’s still found ways to contribute to the team. As Tomasson writes, the second-year pro has been tutoring replacement Brett Jones, who was acquired from the Giants in late August.

“Pat’s been a lot of help so far, and it’s been good,” Jones said. “We’re trying to get on the same page with me being new, and he’s made the transition easier. He’s played lots of these defenses, just being in the (NFC North), so he can help me out with what to expect.”

Let’s take a look at some more injury notes from around the NFL…

Steelers All-Pro guard David DeCastro fractured his hand during last weekend’s game, and he acknowledged that the injury was worse than he initially thought. The offensive lineman has sat out the past few days of practice, and he’s set to be fitted for a brace. While he may have to wait another few days for swelling to go down, DeCastro indicated that it wouldn’t be missed practice time that forces him to miss a game. “I’m old enough now,” he told Joe Rutter of TribLive.com. “We’ll see how the swelling goes.” The 28-year-old has only missed a single regular season game over the past three seasons, and he’s earned three Pro Bowl nods during that span.
C.J. Mosley was carted off the field during the Ravens‘ game against the Bengals tonight, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the linebacker is being evaluated for a knee injury (Mosley has since been diagnosed with a bone bruise). His absence was felt right away; after forcing a three-and-out on Cincy’s first drive, the Ravens defense allowed touchdowns on the next three series. Much of this could be attributed to Baltimore’s lack of depth and experience at middle linebacker, as the team is only rostering Patrick Onwuasor, Chris Board, and Bam Bradley (currently on the PUP) behind Mosley.
Leonard Fournette is feeling better, but the Jaguars running back said it will be a “game time decision” on whether he’ll play this weekend against the Patriots.

Extra Points: Anthem, Kaepernick, Bell

September 11th, 2018 at 10:51am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

There’s been a lot of talk about the league’s new anthem policy. There was massive controversy earlier this year when it was announced that teams could discipline players, including possibly with suspension, for not standing for the anthem.

It was then reported earlier this week that “moderate” NFL owners were looking for a compromise where discipline would be waived for kneeling players if the players union officially endorsed standing for the anthem. That will apparently not be happening anytime this year, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reports there will be no agreement between the two sides on a new anthem policy this season. Schefter notes that “the new policy is going to be no policy” adding that “too many people have stances too strong to figure out a compromise.”

Here’s more from around the league:

Speaking of the anthem, Albert Breer of SI.com writes that there’s been a “wink-wink agreement to drag the talks out a little” between the players and owners in order to “give the “do nothing” solution a test drive.” It’s in line with Schefter’s reporting, and makes sense considering the league just wants the issue to go away at this point.
Relatedly, league sources tell Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports that the trial for Colin Kaepernicks’s collusion lawsuit against the league is going to take place at some point before the regular season is over. La Canfora also notes that Kaepernick hasn’t given up on a return to the NFL, and is continuing to work out to stay in playing shape.
In the same article, Breer writes that he doesn’t think Le’Veon Bell’s continued absence is smart, noting “most NFL people I talk to aren’t so sure there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow waiting for him.” Breer lists a number of factors, including his age, suspension and injury history, and recent antics as reasons why he doesn’t think Bell will land the payday he’s expecting this offseason.

NFC Notes: Seahawks, Cardinals, Falcons, Cowboys

September 7th, 2018 at 7:23pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

A growing rift in the Seahawks’ locker room over the team’s treatment of Russell Wilson was the catalyst for the trade or release of many Seahawks veterans this offseason, according to an explosive report from Robert Klemko of SI.com. The story, which is well worth a read, details how Richard Sherman and other Seahawks defenders objected to coach Pete Carrol’s alleged preferential treatment of Wilson.

The story also describes how many former Seahawks players think the rift was responsible for the team getting rid of veterans like Sherman, Michael Bennett, Jeremy Lane etc., and rebuilding the team around Wilson. It’s an unwelcome distraction for Seattle just days before their season opener, and it will be very interesting to see how Carrol and Wilson respond.

Here’s more from the NFC:

2016 first round pick Corey Coleman never fit in with the Browns. Released after just two injury plagued seasons, the young speedy receiver is now looking for a new home and visited with the Cardinals today a source told Field Yates of ESPN (Twitter link). The Cardinals are a bit thin at receiver behind Larry Fitzgerald, so this could be a good landing spot for both sides.
The Falcons lost starting safety Keanu Neal for the season during last night’s opener with a torn ACL, but his absence might not be as devastating as some had thought. Even before last night’s game, rookie fifth round safety Damontae Kazee had “emerged as the versatile swing safety type that’s incredibly valuable in today’s NFL” during training camp according to Albert Breer of SI.com. The coaching staff apparently loves Kazee, so the loss of Neal isn’t as disastrous as it might’ve seemed.
Cowboys guard Travis Frederick hasn’t been placed on injured reserve “but he continues to have some numbness in both arms” according to Todd Archer of ESPN. It’s a situation far more important than football, and Frederick acknowledged to Archer he has no idea when he’ll be back on the field.

Play Team Pick’em For Free At DraftKings

September 7th, 2018 at 11:00am CST by Tim Dierkes

DraftKings has launched an exciting new game: Team Pick’em! Just choose the outright winner of each game, and if you get more than half correct, you could win a cash prize! Pro Football Rumors users can now play free and have a shot to win a share of $1 MILLION for Week 1. Click here to enter!

Make sure to get your FREE picks in by 1:00 PM EST on September 9th before the contest locks. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.

This is a sponsored post from DraftKings.

Browns Still Considering Signing Dez Bryant

September 6th, 2018 at 10:52am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Dez Bryant left his visit to Cleveland a couple weeks back without a contract, but the two sides could still hammer something out eventually a source told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Cabot writes that the two sides could begin talking again after Week 1 due to the vested veterans guarantee date that’s part of the CBA. Under the rules, any veteran on a roster at the start of Week 1 has his contract guaranteed for the entire season. After Week 1, only 25% of the players contract is guaranteed if he were to be released.

It makes sense the Browns would be concerned about this due to it being a somewhat risky signing that is far from a guarantee to work out. If Bryant arrived in Cleveland and immediately began clashing in the locker room, they very well might have to end up cutting him.

Browns GM John Dorsey told Cleveland.com “it’s a week-to-week thing. Who’s to say I won’t call Dez on Tuesday and see how it’s going.” It was reported earlier that the Browns had offered Bryant a little bit under $5MM in salary for 2018, far less than Bryant was seeking. It’s possible the Browns will be willing to increase their offer once they no longer have to pay 100% of it if things don’t go smoothly. One way or another, we should no more very soon as the start of the regular season is just days away.

Dolphins Re-Sign TE Gavin Escobar

September 6th, 2018 at 10:21am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

After he was released by the team at final cuts, the Dolphins are bringing back tight end Gavin Escobar according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (Twitter link).

To make room on the roster, the team is placing MarQueis Gray on injured reserve. Beasley posted a follow-up tweet noting that it’s “big news” as Gray “was on track to be a Week 1 starter.” It’s a big blow for Miami just days before the season gets underway.

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald followed up with a tweet of his own, noting that it’s an Achilles injury for Gray. Although he’ll be eligible to return after eight weeks, if it’s an Achilles tear he’ll be done for the whole season. Escobar, a second round pick of the Cowboys back in 2013 was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason but let go as the Dolphins trimmed their roster to 53.

Escobar never lived up to his draft status, catching just 30 passes for 333 yards and eight touchdowns across his four seasons in Dallas. The injury to Gray likely means more snaps and potentially an every down role for rookie second round pick Mike Gesicki.

Steelers Won’t Rescind Le’Veon Bell’s Franchise Tag

September 6th, 2018 at 8:46am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Despite his continued absence, the Steelers won’t rescind Le’Veon Bell‘s franchise tag, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).

The drama reached new heights yesterday, when many of Bell’s teammates began criticizing him publicly. Several of his offensive linemen chimed in, a situation that is more or less unprecedented in today’s NFL. After yesterday’s fallout, many began to speculate that the Steelers would either rescind the tag, or look to trade Bell, but that’s not true according to Rapoport.

Despite GM Kevin Colbert’s strongly worded statement and the relentless griping from his teammates yesterday, “he’ll play for the Steelers this year. It’s just a question of when” writes Rapoport. While it was reported yesterday that Bell would almost certainly miss Week 1, it appears for now he still will be suiting up for Pittsburgh this season.

Bell missing yesterday’s crucial game-planning practice appeared to be the final straw for his teammates, and they lamented the fact that Bell hasn’t told anybody when he plans on reporting. Bell’s agent when on the radio a bit later in the day, and made clear that Bell’s primary motivation is getting through the season unscathed and entering free agency 100% healthy, even if it means giving up $855K game checks. It’s a risky move by Bell’s camp, and his antics could actually end up hurting his value in free agency.

Either way, it doesn’t sound like this situation will be resolving anytime soon.

NFC Notes: 49ers, Staley, Panthers, Samuel, Cowboys, Price

September 5th, 2018 at 10:41am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The few years preceding the dawn of the Kyle Shanahan era in San Francisco were dark times. The 49ers had three coaches in a three year span and experienced a lot of losing. The stress took a toll on many of the team’s veteran players, including longtime left tackle Joe Staley.

Staley, who’s been with the 49ers ever since he was taken in the first round back in 2007, revealed in a recent interview with Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle that he considered retirement amidst all the losing and coaching changes. It’s all behind him now, and he says he feels rejuvenated by the energy Shanahan has injected into the team, but it sounds like Staley very nearly walked away from the game.

Here’s more from the NFC:

Curtis Samuel, the Panthers‘ second round pick in 2017, underwent a procedure to fix an irregular heartbeat according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). It will likely keep him out for at least the first week of the season and possibly longer.
The Raiders threw a wrench into the plans of the Cowboys when they claimed defensive tackle Brian Price off waivers, according to Todd Archer of ESPN (Twitter link). Archer writes that the team planned on re-signing Price when they placed Dante Jones on injured reserve, but that they never got the chance, and that they will now be searching for a new defensive tackle.
In case you missed it, despite not having much experience behind Dak Prescott, the Cowboys won’t be in the market for a backup quarterback.

Redskins WR Robert Davis Has Broken Leg, Out For Season

August 12th, 2018 at 12:40pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

It’s now official. Redskins wide receiver Robert Davis will miss the entire 2018 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). It was reported earlier that the team was concerned Davis may have torn his ACL during their preseason opener. As it turns out, Davis broke his leg and tore his LCL, per Rapoport. Head coach Jay Gruden said that Davis will require major surgery and will be sidelined for nine to 12 months (Twitter link via John Keim of ESPN.com).

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network tweeted that the “slight silver lining here is no ACL, as they’d feared, and no nerve damage,” adding it “could’ve been worse for him.” Davis, a 2017 sixth-round pick, had reportedly been turning heads at training camp and was pushing for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.

Davis was extremely productive in college, having played a major role during his four years at Georgia State. In his senior season, he caught 67 passes for 968 yards and five touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 222 catches, 3,391 yards, and 17 touchdowns. Given how impressive he was looking before going down, Davis could be back next year to compete for a job with the Redskins.

The injury is a blow to the Redskins’ depth, but it shouldn’t be too devastating. The team will move forward with Jamison Crowder, Paul Richardson, and Josh Doctson as its top three receivers. It was, though, the second brutal injury from the preseason opener, as Derrius Guice was revealed to have torn his ACL.

On the plus side, Gruden had high praise for 2016 UDFA Maurice Harris, who has seen limited action in his first two years in the league but who could be in for an increased role in 2018. Gruden said, “Mo is a great all-around receiver for us. We’re confident he can line up anywhere” (Twitter link via Keim).

Uncategorized News & Rumors