HEADLINES

Month: September 2021

Latest On Deshaun Watson, Dolphins’ Interest

September 12th, 2021 at 9:42am CST by Rory Parks

Tyrod Taylor will be the Texans’ starting QB for today’s regular season opener against the Jaguars, and perhaps for the entire 2021 season. But Deshaun Watson — who will be a healthy scratch — is the one generating all the news and rumors.

At least until the November 2 trade deadline, or thereabouts, Watson will continue to watch games from the sideline. Although there has been plenty of chatter that the league could place Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list until his legal dilemma is resolved, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk points out that there is no reason for the NFL to take such action if it doesn’t have to. With the Texans content to pay Watson to sit while they wait for the right trade offer, and with Watson happy to collect a paycheck while never playing another snap for Houston, the embattled signal-caller is effectively on paid leave as it is.

So don’t expect anything to change in that regard unless Watson is traded. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, some of the clubs that expressed interest in dealing for Watson this offseason could become more aggressive around the deadline if their current QB situations prove to be unsatisfactory. Rapoport’s sources suggest that teams like the Dolphins, Eagles, Panthers, and Broncos might revisit Watson talks if need be.

But rival GMs tell Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports that a trade is highly unlikely, which obviously doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Rapoport hears that the criminal side of the situation is still weeks away from a resolution, and we already knew that Watson’s deposition for the civil suits will not take place until February 2022. As one exec put it, “How does anyone make that trade now? Who does it? You don’t know what you are getting and as soon as you get him the league steps in and puts him on the Exempt List. You think they want him on the field right now? We’ve checked with the league, and they have no idea when any of this will be cleared up.”

Still, the Dolphins loom as a potential trade partner. As Florio reports in a separate piece, it was not Watson’s uncertain availability that prevented Miami from swinging a deal for the three-time Pro Bowler recently, it was the asking price.

Texans GM Nick Caserio is determined to get as much for Watson as possible. We have heard that Caserio is seeking three first-round picks and at least two second-rounders, though Adam Schefter of ESPN.com says Caserio wants a combination of six players and picks. Regardless, it’s a massive price tag, and while the Dolphins were apparently willing to take a big gamble, they were not prepared to go quite as far as Caserio would like.

But if Watson is not indicted, and if Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa should struggle over the season’s first few weeks, perhaps Houston and Miami can find a middle ground before November 2.

Colts QB Carson Wentz To Start Week 1

September 12th, 2021 at 8:18am CST by Rory Parks

Colts QB Carson Wentz will be under center for the regular season opener against the Seahawks this afternoon, as Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com write. A Week 1 return was looking more and more likely for Indy’s new signal-caller, and his presence will obviously be key in the Colts’ push for a return to the postseason.

Wentz underwent surgery on August 2 to deal with an old broken bone in his foot that had chipped and splintered. The Colts initially announced a vague five- to 12-week timetable, and according to Pelissero and Rapoport, the wide range of possible return dates was because no one knew until Wentz went under the knife what type of surgery he would require.

If doctors needed to insert a screw to secure the splintered piece of bone, Wentz would have missed two to three months. Luckily, the bone fragment was simply removed, and Wentz’s recovery proceeded without complications.

Head coach Frank Reich said Wentz will not be limited in any way, though the offensive play-calling may be just a bit more conservative than it normally would be.

“As far as what he can do, he can do everything,” Reich said. “What will we actually call? Will we keep the reins on a little bit? Probably. Probably so. I just think that makes sense. I just think we’ll manage it. We’ll be smart.”

Wentz will be protected by All-World left guard Quenton Nelson, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Nelson underwent foot surgery of his own in August, but he subsequently battled a back issue that put his Week 1 status in doubt.

Unfortunately, left tackle Eric Fisher will not suit up today, as Schefter notes in a separate tweet. That means Julie’n Davenport will be protecting Wentz’s blind side.

NFL Suspends Cowboys RT La’el Collins

September 12th, 2021 at 7:44am CST by Sam Robinson

Sep. 12: Collins is still fighting his suspension and is hopeful that the ban will be lifted or reduced, as Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes. Per La Canfora, Collins has been drug tested about 10 times per months for the last 18 months, and he did not test positive between October 21, 2020 and August 11, 2021.

However, as previous reports indicated, Collins’ suspension stems from missed tests, not positive test results. La Canfora says Collins has failed to appear for testing seven times, but Collins and his agent argue that there are good explanations for those missed tests. For instance, some of the testing dates were on days that the Cowboys sent players home due to a COVID-related issue.

At this point, Dallas can only hope that Collins and his reps will be able to convince the league to change its mind.

Sep. 10: A day after he returned for his first game since the 2019 season, La’el Collins received word he will be sidelined for a while. The NFL handed the longtime Cowboys right tackle a five-game suspension Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

Collins came back from a preseason neck injury to start against the Buccaneers, marking his return after a hip injury sidelined him throughout the 2020 season. But the seventh-year veteran will now be sidelined until Week 8, with Dallas’ bye coming in Week 7. Collins violated the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.

A missed drug test, or multiple missed tests, resulted in the ban, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. This Friday announcement has irked Collins’ reps, who believed the appeal process had not yet concluded, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk tweets. However, the NFL and the Cowboys announcing the ban will result in Collins missing nearly a third of the season. Collins’ team continues its appeal effort, ESPN.com’s Ed Werder notes (on Twitter), though it does not appear it will succeed.

This will be familiar territory for the Cowboys, who needed to use backup tackles for most of last season. UDFAs manned Dallas’ O-line edges for much of the 2020 slate, with Tyron Smith also missing 14 games due to injury. Both Smith and Collins were back at their posts Thursday night, and the Cowboys’ passing attack reignited with the outside blockers and Dak Prescott on the field again. The team will need to adjust, however.

Dallas added veteran swing tackle Ty Nsekhe this offseason and still rosters primary 2020 right tackle starter Terence Steele. Fellow 2020 emergency starter Brandon Knight is on Dallas’ reserve/COVID-19 list, joining All-Pro guard Zack Martin.

Chiefs Activate Tyrann Mathieu; S Still Game-Time Call

September 11th, 2021 at 4:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Chiefs will have the option of Tyrann Mathieu suiting up in Week 1. They activated the All-Pro safety from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, but it is not yet a lock he will play Sunday.

Mathieu tested positive for the coronavirus Sept. 1, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets the team wants to monitor its standout defender after this hiatus in order to ensure he’s good to go against the Browns. Mathieu officially will carry a questionable designation for Week 1, but Saturday’s activation certainly marks a good sign for his Sunday availability.

Andy Reid said this week Mathieu could play despite not practicing over the past week and change. Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo has essentially drawn up two game plans, per NFL.com’s James Palmer (Twitter link), based on Mathieu’s status. The Chiefs have capitalized on Mathieu’s versatility, with the Honey Badger’s 2019 signing playing a central role in elevating Kansas City’s defense from the bottom-tier unit it was in 2018.

Mathieu, 29, intercepted six passes last season and has 10 thefts in two years with the Chiefs. He is going into a contract year and poised to cash in again. With one bye available to teams under the league’s new playoff format, Sunday’s Browns-Chiefs matchup takes on greater importance. Mathieu being on the field will aid the Chiefs against the team that nearly upset them in last year’s divisional round. Mathieu intercepted a pass in that narrow victory.

Additionally, the Chiefs promoted defensive back Zayne Anderson from their practice squad and signed linebacker Elijah Sullivan to their 16-man taxi squad. Kansas City also released DB Shakur Brown from the P-squad.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/11/21

September 11th, 2021 at 4:48pm CST by Sam Robinson

With Week 1 games on tap for 28 teams Sunday, here is Saturday’s extensive batch of minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Washington Football Team

Saints Elevate K Aldrick Rosas, S Jeff Heath

September 11th, 2021 at 4:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jeff Heath has enjoyed a busy 24 hours, from a transactional sense. The Saints released the veteran safety Friday, added him to their practice squad Saturday and then promoted him back to their active roster.

The timing of this move makes sense for the organization, as it prevents Heath’s 2021 base salary from becoming guaranteed. Had Heath stayed on New Orleans’ active roster and not gone through this spree of transactions, his salary would have been guaranteed for the season.

A former Cowboys and Raiders starter, Heath stands to provide depth behind starters Malcolm Jenkins and Marcus Williams. The Saints have Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and P.J. Williams on their roster, but both hybrid players may be needed at cornerback. New Orleans has seen significant turnover at corner this offseason. While the additions of Bradley Roby and Desmond Trufant stand to help the four-time reigning NFC South champs’ cause, the Saints placed Ken Crawley on IR on Friday.

Rosas joined the Saints last month, trekking to Louisiana after Wil Lutz‘s injury. This will be Rosas’ first Week 1 assignment since 2019. A suspension led to the Giants releasing him prior to Week 1 of last season, during which he served a suspension. A 2018 Pro Bowler, Rosas kicked in six Jaguars games last season.

The Saints also released defensive tackle Montravius Adams from their active roster and promoted defensive tackle Albert Huggins and DB Jordan Miller.

Falcons Release LB Brandon Copeland

September 11th, 2021 at 4:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Falcons made an interesting Week 1 decision. They are releasing veteran linebacker Brandon Copeland, per Sports Talk 790’s Aaron Wilson (on Twitter).

A former Jets and Patriots starter, Copeland signed with the Falcons during the first week of free agency. The Falcons filled Copeland’s roster spot by promoting linebacker James Vaughters from their practice squad.

Atlanta added Copeland, 30, on a league-minimum deal. This cut will prevent Copeland’s $990K base salary from becoming guaranteed. Vested veterans on Week 1 rosters have their 2021 salaries guaranteed. While Copeland could end up back with the Falcons on a team-friendlier pact or on a practice squad deal, he is in free agency for the time being.

The ex-UDFA recorded five sacks and 14 QB hits for the Jets in 2018, working as an edge player for a team long weakened at that skill, but saw an injury stall his career. A torn pec ended Copeland’s Patriots run in October 2020. The Pats used Copeland as a four-game starter last season. Copeland appeared on Atlanta’s injury report this week with a hamstring ailment but got in a full practice Friday.

Patriots Promote Brian Hoyer, Nick Folk

September 11th, 2021 at 3:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

Two familiar faces are back on the Patriots’ active roster. The team elevated Brian Hoyer and Nick Folk from its practice squad Saturday, Sports Talk 790’s Aaron Wilson tweets. The Pats also placed wide receiver Malcolm Perry on IR.

This has been a busy day for the kicker position, with Folk’s promotion following AFC South callups — Joey Slye (Texans) and Michael Badgley (Titans). But Folk will give the Pats two active-roster kickers. Quinn Nordin remains on New England’s roster. Barring an IR move, the rookie would need to pass through waivers in order to be shuttled down to the practice squad.

Bill Belichick hinted this week the Pats could carry both Folk and Nordin on their active roster. Folk could again be moved down to New England’s practice squad next week, given the 2020 CBA’s additional flexibility regarding practice squad promotions. Teams can now carry 55 players on their active rosters on game days; 48 can dress.

The Pats used Folk as their kicker throughout last season and in seven games in 2019. Arriving after Stephen Gostkowski‘s injury ended his 14-year tenure as New England’s kicker, Folk delivered a strong 2020 season by making 92.9% of his field goal attempts. This will be Folk’s 14th NFL season. Because he and Hoyer are elevations and not promotions, neither’s salary is guaranteed for the full season.

Following the Patriots’ release of Cam Newton, Hoyer was set to be Mac Jones‘ backup. The team cut Hoyer recently but re-signed him on a practice squad deal. Hoyer’s promotion has been a formality for a bit. The veteran passer is now on his third stint with the Patriots and will be tasked with mentoring a promising rookie. Jones and Hoyer are the only QBs on the Pats’ active roster. Jarrett Stidham is on the team’s reserve/PUP list, which will keep him off the roster for at least six games.

49ers Place WR Jalen Hurd On IR

September 11th, 2021 at 3:32pm CST by Ben Levine

SATURDAY: For a third straight year, Hurd will begin the season on the 49ers’ IR list. San Francisco is stashing the oft-injured wideout on IR, sidelining him for at least three games. While a return in Week 4 would be a bonus for Hurd, who has missed the first two seasons of his career, any IR placement qualifies as a bad sign for the Tennessee and Baylor alum at this point. The 49ers promoted cornerback Dontae Johnson to fill Hurd’s roster spot.

WEDNESDAY: It sounds like Jalen Hurd will miss the 49ers’ season opener. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that the third-year wide receiver is a candidate for the injured reserve thanks to a lingering knee injury.

“We felt pretty good (coming) out of the Raiders game just with how he was able to play and get through it,” Shanahan said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). “But it was hurting him three days later when we tried to practice again. And we gave him the weekend off and it hurt again Monday. And just coming in here today and just realizing that we have to reevaluate this and shut him down for a little bit.”

The 2019 third-round pick still hasn’t seen the field for a regular season game thanks to injuries. That included an ACL tear that ruined his 2020 campaign, and knee tendinitis limited him during the early parts of the 2021 preseason. He finally got into the 49ers preseason finale, playing 29 snaps.

If Hurd is destined for injured reserve, the 49ers would likely look to add another wideout to the active roster. Matt Barrows of The Athletic tweets that practice squad veteran Travis Benjamin is “the top candidate” to take Hurd’s spot.

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