HEADLINES

Month: January 2023

Broncos Place G Dalton Risner On IR; Sides Have Not Discussed Deal

January 3rd, 2023 at 4:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Packers extending Elgton Jenkins removed the top would-be free agent guard from the 2023 equation, but the Broncos have not made their intentions clear with one of the other proven guards on track to hit the market.

Dalton Risner may have already played his final game with his home-state team. The Broncos placed the fourth-year guard on IR on Tuesday. Risner suffered a UCL sprain in his left elbow, per 9News’ Mike Klis (on Twitter). He is not believed to need surgery, Troy Renck of Denver7 tweets.

Not needing surgery represents good news for Risner’s chances of scoring a nice payday in 2023. The next contract might not come from the Broncos, Klis offers, and Renck adds no talks have taken place between the team and the Colorado native. Risner has stayed healthy for most of his career; Sunday will only be his fourth missed game as a pro.

Chosen 41st overall during a 2019 draft in which the Broncos also made the No. 42 overall choice (Drew Lock), Risner has started every game he has played. The Kansas State product has been one of the most consistent parts of an injury-riddled Broncos O-line, which has played most of the season without left tackle Garett Bolles and has lined up without right tackle Billy Turner and center Lloyd Cushenberry for much of the campaign. The Broncos have allowed an NFL-high 61 sacks this season.

Risner was part of an O-line that helped Phillip Lindsay to a 1,000-yard season in 2019. Pro Football Focus gave the former Day 2 pick his best career grade in 2021, when Javonte Williams showed tremendous promise as a rookie. PFF slots Risner outside the top 40 this season at the position while tabbing 2021 third-rounder Quinn Meinerz as a top-five guard. While Meinerz is not eligible for an extension until 2024, the current regime did draft the former Division III guard. Risner arrived in Denver during John Elway‘s GM run. Considering the trouble the Broncos have experienced up front this season, it would not surprise if their 2023 line looks considerably different.

In order for the Broncos to retain Risner, a midlevel guard payment — at least — will be required. Risner joins Nate Davis, Isaac Seumalo, Will Hernandez, Ben Powers and Connor McGovern as veteran starters available at guard. Davis joins Risner in finishing the season on IR.

Panthers, Jim Harbaugh Discuss HC Job

January 3rd, 2023 at 3:11pm CST by Sam Robinson

Add a third team to the Jim Harbaugh mix. The Panthers have Harbaugh on their radar and have spoken with the Michigan head coach about their HC position, Will Kunkel of Charlotte Sports Live reports.

The Panthers have not yet interviewed Harbaugh about the job, per ESPN.com’s David Newton (on Twitter), but David Tepper spoke with the former 49ers HC. Harbaugh has also been connected to the Colts and Broncos, with the latter intending to follow through with an interview.

It appears clear Harbaugh, who was on the fringes of NFL coaching searches for years prior to his Vikings interview in 2022, will have a firm seat on this year’s carousel. A report Monday linked Harbaugh to having genuine NFL interest, with a competitive offer likely to lead him out of Ann Arbor.

Steve Wilks‘ status has been a frequent talking point since the Panthers started to fare a bit better post-Matt Rhule, but Carolina blew a 14-point lead against Tampa Bay that led to the Buccaneers sealing the NFC South title. Hired as the Panthers’ secondary coach this year, Wilks saw his position group — one without Jaycee Horn — go through a brutal day against Tampa Bay. Tom Brady scorched the Panthers for 432 passing yards, finding Mike Evans for three deep touchdowns. Considering no interim coach has been promoted to the full-time role since 2017, it is now difficult to see the Panthers going with Wilks.

Carolina may have competition for Harbaugh, with new Broncos owner Rob Walton boasting far deeper pockets than the NFL’s second-wealthiest owner. Tepper, who bought the Panthers in 2018, used his financial resources to give Rhule a seven-year, $62MM deal — one that backfired. Both teams have been loosely linked to Sean Payton, but only a small buyout fee will be required to land Harbaugh. The Saints will require compensation for a Payton poaching. This will be Tepper’s second HC hire. The Panthers must interview two external minority candidates to satisfy the Rooney Rule requirement.

Harbaugh, 59, coached in the NFL for just four seasons — from 2011-14 — but enjoyed tremendous success during that period. His .695 NFL win percentage ranks sixth all time. Harbaugh has established a reputation as a coach capable of orchestrating turnaround efforts. The 49ers went from 6-10 to 13-3 in his first season, and Alex Smith became a viable starter for most of the 2010s after Harbaugh helped provide a springboard. Michigan went 5-7 in 2014; the Wolverines won 10 games the next two seasons and made back-to-back CFP appearances from 2021-22. The Panthers have not made the playoffs since Tepper’s arrival.

Michigan’s loss to TCU — the program’s second straight semifinal defeat — may be catalyzing the latest run of Harbaugh-to-NFL rumors. In December, Harbaugh announced intentions to stay in Ann Arbor for a ninth season. It now appears the fiery coach, who has spoken of unfinished business in the NFL, will explore opportunities for a pro return. It would be interesting to see Tepper go back to the college ranks for a hire, but Harbaugh’s profile differs from Rhule’s due to his San Francisco past.

Bills-Bengals Game Remains Without Resumption Date

January 3rd, 2023 at 1:42pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Bills announced Tuesday afternoon Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Hamlin going into cardiac arrest during the first quarter of Monday night’s game has brought other NFL matters to a halt.

The NFL addressed the on-field procedures and decision to postpone the Bills-Bengals game early Tuesday morning, but as of this afternoon, its schedule is unchanged. Roger Goodell said Monday’s game will not be resumed this week. Week 18 remains slated to begin Saturday. While this invites logistical questions, Hamlin’s status continues to be the league’s focus.

“The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association. After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed the clubs today that the Bills-Bengals game will not be resumed this week,” the NFL said in a statement.

“The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date. The league has not made any changes to the Week 18 regular season schedule.”

Bills players traveled back to Buffalo on Tuesday morning. The team is next scheduled to play against the Patriots on Sunday. The Bengals are set to host the Ravens in Week 18. Monday’s game being ruled a no-contest would obviously produce a historic ripple effect. The Bengals would win the AFC North title by default, while the Bills would go from controlling their own destiny for the AFC’s No. 1 seed to seeing the Chiefs have that control.

Postponing the playoffs in order to complete one game would be a drastic step for the league, though there is precedent for altering the schedule. Following a lengthy players’ strike, the 1982 season featured a 16-team playoff bracket that did not begin until Jan. 8, 1983. The September 11 attacks prompted the NFL to postpone Week 2 games in 2001, leading to a pushed-back playoff schedule. The COVID-19 pandemic also required forced flexibility from the league, which rescheduled several games during the 2020 and ’21 seasons.

Clemson DT Bryan Bresee Declares For Draft

January 3rd, 2023 at 12:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Another one of the projected top picks in the upcoming draft has entered the pool of available players to join the NFL. Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee announced on Instagram that he is forgoing his senior college year and turning pro.

Bresee was the top prospect in the country in 2020, after he posted 35 sacks during his high school career. He therefore joined the Tigers with substantial expectations, which he lived up to immediately. In his freshman campaign, Bresee notched four sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble en route to being named a Freshman All-American.

Things took a turn for the worse the following year, however. Bresee suffered a torn ACL one month into the 2021 season, and put up limited numbers as a result. The fact that he still managed 1.5 sacks and three TFLs in that brief timeframe demonstrates his disruptiveness as a pass-rusher and run defender, something which will of course make him a highly sought-after prospect in the spring.

After recovering from the injury, the 6-5, 300-pounder delivered another impressive season in 2022. He racked up 3.5 sacks, 15 total stops and 5.5 tackles for loss across 10 contests. That earned him second-team All-ACC honors, and left little doubt that he would choose to end his college career after three years and immediately head to the NFL.

Bresee is widely expected to be selected in the first round of the upcoming draft, with the possibility existing that he will be a top-ten pick. The same is roughly true of his Clemson teammate, edge rusher Myles Murphy, after the pair established themselves as NFL-ready prospects. Bresee’s missed time could represent a red flag for some, but his production in the passing game in particular will likely outweigh those concerns, especially if he impresses during the pre-draft process.

Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh Backs OC Mike LaFleur

January 3rd, 2023 at 11:08am CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets have been eliminated from playoff contention, a disappointing end to what had begun as an encouraging season. Much of the blame for the team’s struggles down the stretch of been placed on their offense, but a shakeup on the sidelines affecting the unit does not appear likely.

When speaking to the media, head coach Robert Saleh expressed his support of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. The latter has been at the helm of New York’s offense since 2021, joining the staff at the same time as Saleh. That tenure began with an underwhelming performance across the board on offense, but expectations were raised considerably in light of the organization’s offseason moves.

Those included, among others, the additions of wideout Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall in the draft to go along with a second season of quarterback Zach Wilson under center. The latter has struggled immensely this year, though, missing time at the start of the season and being benched in favor of Mike White on multiple occasions. The 2021 second overall pick’s future in the Big Apple has been called into question, though Saleh recently backed the possibility of a continued relationship with him.

In addition to Wilson, LaFleur has reportedly been on thin ice given the Jets’ inability to consistently produce on offense in recent weeks in particular. During the team’s current five-game losing streak, they have averaged only 12 points per game and have not found the endzone since Week 15. Wilson’s marked lack of improvement, along with injuries to Hall and left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker offer at least a partial explanation for the unit’s struggles, but LaFleur has drawn sharp criticism in light of New York’s elite rankings in several defensive categories.

Saleh said, via ESPN’s Rich Cimini, that the Jets are partway through “a commitment to go young everywhere – coaches, players, staff, everybody. It’s so important to take a deep breath… and make sure we’re telling ourselves the truth rather than allowing narrative and panic to set in.”

He cited his own history as the former 49ers DC, along with the success a number of players have had after departing New York, as reason to remain patient even after the disappointment of recent weeks and months. Saleh, LaFleur and the Jets will be the subject of plenty of scrutiny this offseason as they look to take another step forward in 2023.

Alabama S Brian Branch To Enter Draft

January 3rd, 2023 at 10:03am CST by Adam La Rose

Following the decision of three of his college teammates confirmed yesterday, the top safety in this year’s draft class is turning pro. Alabama safety Brian Branch announced on Instagram that he is declaring for the NFL draft.

Branch was an impact defender for the Crimson Tide throughout his three-year career with the team. His seven pass deflections made as a freshman demonstrated his ability to make plays on the ball from a different alignments. He increased that total to nine the following season, while adding 55 stops and five tackles for loss.

The 6-0, 190-pounder continued to show his versatility into his junior campaign. Branch has logged significant time playing as a nickel corner, allowing him to play closer to the line of scrimmage than a traditional free safety. Doing so has led to a number plays in run defense – as illustrated by his 90 tackles, including 14 for loss, made this season – but also those showcasing his range in coverage. He notched a pair of interceptions and three sacks in 2022.

Branch has established himself as the No. 1 prospect at the safety position, though he could easily find himself seeing time as a slot corner in the NFL. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has him ranked at 20th overall in the class, putting him squarely in first-round consideration. To no surprise, a number of early mock drafts have him hearing his name called on Day 1, including the latest from his colleague Todd McShay and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler (subscription required).

Both of those project Branch being selected by the Seahawks, a team whose surprising success this season has largely been driven by their rookie class. That group includes corners Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant, the latter of whom has played in the slot rather than his more familiar role on the perimeter. Adding Branch to that duo would set up Seattle’s secondary for long-term success, but he figures to be in high demand from a number of other teams this spring.

Bills-Bengals Game Postponed Following Damar Hamlin Hospitalization

January 3rd, 2023 at 1:38am CST by Sam Robinson

JANUARY 3, 1:38am: The Bills announced Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field. The on-field treatment restored Hamlin’s heartbeat, according to the team (on Twitter), but he remains in critical condition.

JANUARY 2, 9:37pm: Hamlin’s vitals have normalized, according to his marketing representative (on Twitter). Doctors will put him to sleep to place a breathing tube down his throat. Tests are ongoing.

9:01pm: This game will not resume tonight, according to ESPN. No resumption date has been announced. Goodell announced the postponement. Hamlin is in critical condition, according to the NFL (Twitter link).

“The NFLPA and everyone in our community is praying for Damar Hamlin. We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL. The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well being,” the union said in a statement.

8:21pm: An ambulance transported Bills safety Damar Hamlin off the field in the first quarter of Monday night’s game. Teams had been given five minutes to warm up to begin play again, but after a discussion, both squads have left the field.

Twenty-five minutes after the Hamlin injury, the game has been suspended. Medical personnel administered CPR to Hamlin, a 24-year-old in his second NFL season. Both teams gathered together around Hamlin and the ambulance as he was stretchered into the vehicle. After Sean McDermott and Zac Taylor spoke briefly, the teams headed to their respective locker rooms.

The terrifying scene began after Hamlin made a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. As Hamlin rose to his feet, he fell backward onto the turf, leading to the game’s stoppage. In addition to the application of CPR, medical staffers gave him oxygen. Hamlin is being transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Hamlin moved into Buffalo’s starting lineup earlier this season, becoming the team’s primary replacement for Micah Hyde, who suffered a season-ending foot injury in September. The Bills drafted Hamlin 212th overall out of Pittsburgh last year. He spent the first season of his pro career as a backup to Hyde and Jordan Poyer but has made 14 starts this year.

Bills officials, including McDermott and GM Brandon Beane, met with referees minutes ago, according to ESPN.com’s Alaina Getzenberg (on Twitter). If tonight’s game ends up being postponed, the NFL will make the decision. Roger Goodell will speak to the teams at some point, but that is obviously the secondary issue here after what just transpired.

Jim Harbaugh Expected To Pursue NFL Jobs?

January 2nd, 2023 at 7:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

While Jim Harbaugh-to-NFL rumors are standard fare in January, there looks to be a bit more smoke surrounding the longtime Michigan HC’s connections to a pro return this year. The Broncos are believed to be interested, and Harbaugh appears more receptive to a jump.

If Harbaugh receives an offer, it is believed he will leave Michigan for the NFL, according to The Athletic. Of course, it would need to be a highly competitive offer that makes Harbaugh one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches, but after Michigan’s CFP semifinal loss to TCU, rumors surrounding the Wolverines’ nine-year HC will be on tap. This latest round of Harbaugh buzz comes less than a month after he said he would stay at Michigan for a ninth season.

Harbaugh, 59, met with the Vikings last year but was not offered the position. The Raiders were also connected to Harbaugh, but he ended up signing a new contract with Michigan. Time is running out for Harbaugh to chase an NFL job. The former quarterback would be among the league’s oldest HCs were he to jump back in, and February will mark 10 years since he matched up with brother John in Super Bowl XLVII. Not too many coaches have returned to the league after this long away.

NFL teams are taking the temperature on Harbaugh’s interest, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com offers (video link). Like Jon Gruden in 2018, Harbaugh will be a high-profile candidate. He looks to have at least two known suitors. The Broncos, who have missed on first-time head coaches since Gary Kubiak‘s exit, appear to be interested. They are believed to be prioritizing experience and want to interview the Michigan honcho. The Colts have been connected as well.

Harbaugh’s Michigan contract includes just a $3MM buyout this year, per The Athletic. While the Wolverines can fire Harbaugh for cause if he goes through NFL interviews without informing the school’s athletic director, that seems unlikely to happen. Following the TCU loss, Harbaugh is 74-25 at his alma mater. The Wolverines, who had six- and seven-loss seasons in the two years before Harbaugh’s hire, have won the Big Ten in each of the past two years.

The Broncos are prepared to be “ultra aggressive” to land their preferred head coach. Their new ownership, which was not in place when Nathaniel Hackett was hired, has the league’s deepest pockets — by a wide margin — and hiring Harbaugh would not cost the team draft assets like a Sean Payton move would. The Colts, who rostered Harbaugh from 1994-97 after signing him in the early days of free agency, are also in need of coaching stability.

Both Denver and Indianapolis are retaining their current GMs — George Paton, Chris Ballard — so it would be interesting to see how Harbaugh would fit with an inherited GM. Clashes with Trent Baalke helped lead Harbaugh out of San Francisco. Denver’s next head coach, however, will report directly to Penner. Harbaugh only coached the 49ers for six years, but his .695 NFL win percentage is sixth in NFL history.

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/2/23

January 2nd, 2023 at 6:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Monday’s minor moves:

Buffalo Bills 

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Signed from practice squad: CB Allan George
  • Promoted: QB Jake Browning

Tennessee Titans

Dolphins Preparing To Use Teddy Bridgewater, Skylar Thompson In Week 18

January 2nd, 2023 at 6:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Dolphins have plummeted from 8-3 to 8-8 and are again navigating a Tua Tagovailoa concussion. The team still has a manageable path to the playoffs — a win over the Jets and a Patriots loss to the Bills — but it will probably have to complete part one of that scenario without its starting quarterback.

Mike McDaniel said Monday he is not thinking about Tagovailoa, who remains in concussion protocol, suiting up for Week 18 at this point. The concussion Tua suffered against the Packers was either his second or third of the season, and the first-year HC said he is preparing for either Teddy Bridgewater or Skylar Thompson to start against the Jets.

“I feel compelled every conversation to reiterate, ‘There is no such thing as a timeline. It’s about today.’ … If he’s thinking about going there, I snuff that out,” McDaniel said of Tagovailoa’s timetable (via the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson). “I have no idea about any sort of when, if, why or how.”

[RELATED: Dolphins Cleared In Concussion Protocol Review]

A report Sunday indicated Tagovailoa is targeting a potential Dolphins wild-card game for a return. Tua missed two full games because of his Week 4 concussion, and while a first-round return would mirror that timeline, McDaniel reiterated he has not discussed a return window with his starter because he believes such conversations make “his recovery worse as a human being.” The rookie Dolphins HC did say Tagoavailoa told him he felt good Monday.

For the second time this season, Bridgewater left a start due to injury. Bridgewater started against the Jets but left with concussion-like symptoms. Against the Patriots on Sunday, the ninth-year quarterback exited because of a dislocated pinkie finger on his throwing hand. The Dolphins need both Bridgewater and Thompson to be available against the Jets, McDaniel said, adding the team will explore adding another quarterback this week. Miami does not have a QB on its practice squad.

Miami used the Bridgewater-Thompson setup in Week 5 — a 40-17 Jets romp — and considering Tagovailoa’s status, it sounds like it will be necessary for this matchup. The QBs combined to go 24-for-40 for 265 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Foxborough. McDaniel said he would like to have his starter known Wednesday. Adding to the Dolphins’ QB predicament: neither Bridgewater nor Thompson has finished a start this season. Bridgewater, who suffered two concussions last season, has not made it through a start since Week 14 of last season. FiveThirtyEight gives the Dolphins a 42% chance to make the playoffs.

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