HEADLINES

Year: 2023

Chargers Rule Out RB Austin Ekeler For Week 2

September 16th, 2023 at 2:55pm CST by Ely Allen

It is now official that Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will miss his first game since 2020, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, due to an ankle injury that has been bothering him since the team’s loss to the Dolphins last weekend. Schefter also reports that defenders Eric Kendricks and Chris Rumph have been ruled out for tomorrow’s matchup in Tennessee, as well.

The loss of Ekeler is obviously the most significant, but last week’s game showed that Los Angeles may be set up well for his absence. While Ekeler showed his usual dual-threat impressiveness, rushing for 117 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown while adding 47 yards on four receptions through the air, backup running back Joshua Kelley was nearly as productive.

Kelley matched Ekeler’s 16 rushing attempts, amassing a still impressive 91 yards as a result and also scoring a touchdown. While Kelley hasn’t necessarily shown a similar aptitude for receiving out of the backfield in his career, backup running back and undrafted rookie Elijah Dotson was known for his versatility during his time with the Bears of Northern Colorado. In his final year of college football, Dotson caught 48 balls for 300 yards and two touchdowns. If the Chargers don’t want to shoulder Kelley with receiving back duties, Dotson should be more than capable of stepping in.

Highlighting the loss of Ekeler is not meant to minimize at all the loss of Kendricks. Kendricks is half of the team’s starting inside linebacker duo alongside Kenneth Murray. In last week’s loss to the high-powered Miami offense, Kendricks was one of only four defenders who played every defensive snap, the others being safeties Derwin James and Alohi Gilman and cornerback Michael Davis.

The Chargers didn’t see much action from backup off-ball linebackers in Week 1 at all. They do have depth at that spot on the roster, though. The three healthy options on the active roster (Tanner Muse, Nick Niemann, and Amen Ogbongbemiga) are all primarily special teamers who have played on defense sparingly throughout their respective careers. Los Angeles did use a third-round pick this year to acquire former Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley, but after failing to play in Week 1, Henley is listed as doubtful to make his NFL debut tomorrow.

As for Rumph, the third-year rotation edge rusher will have to wait at least one more week to make his season debut. The team will likely hope to be seeing the return of Ekeler and Kendricks by that time, as well, but for now, they’ll have to make do without two of their more talented starters. To help fill in this week, the Chargers promoted outside linebacker Brevin Allen and safety Dean Marlowe from the practice squad as standard gameday elevations.

Packers LB Rashan Gary Open To Extension

September 16th, 2023 at 9:43am CST by Ben Levine

Packers linebacker Rashan Gary tore his ACL in November, and that ended up delaying whatever chance he had at earning an extension. The former 12th-overall pick is now playing on his fifth-year option, and Gary acknowledged to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky that he’d be open to signing an extension now or after the season.

Gary made his return to the field in Week 1, and while the linebacker is certainly aware of his impending free agency, he’s more focused on regaining his old form.

“I’ve just been going through my rehab process and just trying to get back and focus on me,” said Gary

Gary remains on a pitch count for the Packers. He was limited to only 12 defensive snaps in Week 1, but he was still plenty productive; ESPN Stats & Information listed Gary with three pressures on seven pass-rush attempts. Demovsky writes that Gary should see an increase in snaps tomorrow against the Falcons, but the linebacker will continue to be on a pitch count.

“I felt I could’ve seen a lot of things just a little quicker,” Gary said of his season debut. “But for my first game back in live action, what I needed to feel, what I needed to see, I felt like I did.”

It took a few seasons for Gary to justify his draft investment, but he broke out in 2021 when he finished with 9.5 sacks and 28 QB hits. He looked like he was taking another step forward in 2022, collecting six sacks in nine games. Then the linebacker suffered a torn ACL in November, and instead of earning a big-money deal, he’ll be playing the 2023 campaign on a $10.89MM salary.

Gary probably has a long way to go to catch up to Nick Bosa‘s record-breaking $170MM deal with the 49ers, but the Packers defender could be in line for a significant pay day next offseason if he’s productive in 2023.

Aaron Rodgers Does Not Close Door On In-Season Return; Jets Have Not Called 49ers On Sam Darnold

September 15th, 2023 at 10:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

Suffering a ruptured Achilles four plays into his Jets tenure, Aaron Rodgers underwent surgery this week. The four-time MVP was close to retiring before joining the Jets, but he offered a clue into his post-2023 plans shortly after the injury. Early signs point to Rodgers playing in 2024.

[RELATED: Jets Not Planning To Contact Tom Brady]

Rodgers still did not slam the door shut on a question Friday about returning this season, in the event the Jets make the playoffs. While the 39-year-old passer refused to put a timetable on his comeback effort, he included a Kevin Garnett/”anything is possible” reference — in response to a question about coming back in the postseason — during his latest Pat McAfee Show appearance (video link).

“It doesn’t do any good to make prognostications, other than help my own mental state, but yeah, I’m gonna try and push this thing as much as it’ll allow me to,” Rodgers said. “There’s markers I’ve gotta see — where I’m at after a week and two weeks and a month and two months — and then we’ll see what the conversation is from there.”

Players have returned months after Achilles injuries in the not-so-distant past. Terrell Suggs and Michael Crabtree came back from their maladies — in 2012 and 2013, respectively — during the regular season. Of course, the Ravens linebacker and 49ers wide receiver both went down in May. Suggs returned Oct. 21; Crabtree was back Dec. 1. Cam Akers suffered an Achilles tear in July 2021; he returned in time for the Rams’ Week 18 game that season. Of course, Akers was not effective upon coming back that year.

Rodgers is considerably older than this trio at the time of injury, and it would be shocking if he became a realistic candidate to come back this season. It certainly says a lot about his change in mindset upon being traded that he would go from being “90% retired” to considering a radical comeback in the event the Jets made the playoffs — or advanced deep into the postseason.

“Give me the doubts, give me the timetables, give me all the things that you think can, should or will happen, because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration,” Rodgers said. “That’s all I need. So, give me your doubts, give me your prognostications and then watch what I do.”

The Jets have not signed a quarterback to fill out their depth chart. Although Zach Wilson underwhelmed to the point the Jets benched him and then charted an aggressive course to add a veteran, the team has attempted to throw its support behind the former No. 2 overall pick as a starter. Ex-Rodgers Packers backup Tim Boyle is in place as Wilson’s backup ahead of Week 2. The Jets have been connected to Colt McCoy, Brett Rypien and the recently retired Chad Henne in the wake of Rodgers’ injury. McCoy remains a free agent, and no indications have emerged Henne would unretire if asked to do so. The Rams bumped Rypien to their 53-man roster to prevent a potential Jets poaching, but CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson indicates Gang Green’s Rypien interest was not believed to be serious.

On another front, John Lynch said Friday (via the San Jose Mercury News’ Can Inman) the 49ers did not receive a call from the Jets on Sam Darnold. With the 49ers trading Trey Lance to the Cowboys last month, trading Darnold back to the Jets would seemingly be a nonstarter for a team that has dealt with a number of QB injuries in recent years. The Jets made the decision to trade their three-year starter in 2021 and draft Wilson in 2021, collecting second-, fourth- and sixth-round picks from the Panthers.

Titans’ Ryan Tannehill Was Available In Pre-Draft Trade?

September 15th, 2023 at 10:09pm CST by Adam La Rose

Much has been made about Ryan Tannehill‘s future with the Titans over the past two offseasons, given his age and contract status. The veteran signal-caller has been mentioned in trade talks with a pair of quarterbacks added in the past two drafts, and he may have come close to seeing his Tennessee tenure end this past April.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that “a few teams” around the league believed Tannehill was available to be acquired via trade before the 2023 draft. The 35-year-old was indeed named as a player to watch on the trade front not long before the draft began, with the Titans being linked to a number of rookie passers. They ultimately traded up to select Will Levis with the No. 33 pick, giving them a presumed Tannehill successor.

The latter had nevertheless received a vote of confidence from new general manager Ran Carthon one month earlier, putting him on track to retain his QB1 status for at least the start of the 2023 campaign. His Week 1 performance – 16-of-34 passing, 198 scoreless yards and three interceptions – in the team’s loss to the Saints was reminiscent of his 2022 struggles. Tannehill dealt with a number of injury issues last season and his drop-off in play led to speculation the team could move on despite one year remaining on his contract.

The former Dolphins top-10 pick’s deal carries a $36.6MM cap hit, and trading or releasing him would have cleared up funds while paving the way for Levis to take on starting duties right away. The latter had injury concerns of his own entering the league, however, and the Titans remain intent on keeping he and Malik Willis sidelined as developmental options for the time being. With an heir apparent seemingly in place and Tannehill set to hit free agency in March, though, it will worth watching how the team handles the veteran moving forward.

Tannehill is one of many experienced QBs who have been floated as Jets trade targets in the wake of Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles tear. New York did homework on the Pro Bowler this past offseason before seeing the preferred route of acquiring Rodgers come to bear. For the time being, the Jets would rather sign a street free agent than give up draft capital to add to their QB room. If that mindset changes, though, they could be among the teams who have at least recently shown interest in pulling off a Tannehill swap.

Panthers, OLB Brian Burns Never Came Close To Extension

September 15th, 2023 at 8:12pm CST by Ely Allen

The offseason came and went with no extension for talented, young Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns. While the negotiations kept Burns out of some offseason participation, and potentially some practices before Week 1, they didn’t prevent him from making his season debut this past weekend in Atlanta. Despite Burns’ willingness not to hold out, it appears that the two sides were never close to an agreement on a new deal, according to David Newton of ESPN.

Head coach Frank Reich reportedly made it seem as if Burns not practicing in the team’s first two practices of the week was related to his contract after calling it a “personal matter.” He would go on to commend the consummate professionalism of Burns throughout the process of preparing for the season opener without committing to Burns’ participation in Week 1. Regardless, Burns showed up to practice for the remainder of the week and racked up two sacks in his first start of the year.

Many expected Burns’ representation to use Nick Bosa‘s extension with the 49ers as a measuring stick for a new deal. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year secured the largest commitment ever made to a player on that side of the ball (five years, $170MM with $88MM guaranteed), likely boosting the edge market as a whole. Burns was reported to be seeking an AAV similar to Bosa’s. Carolina is aiming for a pact averaging closer to Maxx Crosby‘s annual compensation ($23.5MM).

While Burns has struggled in other aspects of the game, he has proven to have elite pass rushing ability. As the market for pass rushers continue to rise, a strong contract year for Burns should only guarantee that he increases his asking price in free agency. A likely range for him to fall into is squarely between Bosa and Crosby and closer to the ranges of T.J. Watt and the older Joey Bosa ($28MM and $27MM, respectively).

Another likely scenario sees the Panthers attempting to franchise tag Burns to keep him away from the free agent market for an additional season. In an ideal world, the Panthers could avoid the potential of damaging their relationship with Burns by reaching an extension during the season and avoiding the need for the franchise tag. For now, though, the two parties may just need some time to step away and let the situation breathe before returning for more negotiations.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/15/23

September 15th, 2023 at 7:06pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s only taxi squad adjustment:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Originally a seventh-round pick last year for the Panthers, Barnes bounced over to the Dolphins’ practice squad after failing to make 53-man roster in Carolina. Later on in the year, Barnes was signed off Miami’s taxi squad by the Vikings, with whom he would make his NFL debut playing two games on special teams. It’s not an experienced depth addition for Pittsburgh, but it brings in young potential to a position with some new, established veteran starters.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/15/23

September 15th, 2023 at 6:47pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s only minor roster move:

Los Angeles Rams

Taylor, a rookie seventh-round pick for Los Angeles out of Oklahoma State, will now spend at least four weeks on injured reserve for the Rams. Initially considered a sleeper candidate for the starting safety job next to Jordan Fuller, Taylor has been dealing with a groin injury lately. After ceding the starting job to last year’s seventh-round pick Russ Yeast, Taylor only played special teams snaps in his NFL debut last weekend. He’ll hope to make a return at some point later this season to extend his rookie-year impact.

Bears DC Alan Williams Away From Team Due To Personal Matter

September 15th, 2023 at 5:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Bears will feature a different defensive play-caller in Week 2. Second-year defensive coordinator Alan Williams will not travel with the team to Tampa, Matt Eberflus said Friday.

Williams will be away from the team due to a personal matter. He does not have a timetable for return. Eberflus will call the Bears’ defensive plays in Williams’ absence.

Williams, 53, is in his second stint as an NFL DC. He served in that capacity for the Vikings during part of Leslie Frazier‘s tenure in the 2010s. Also serving as the Lions’ DBs coach under Jim Caldwell for four years, Williams spent 14 years — over two separate stints — with the Colts during his 23-year run in the NFL. The Colts employed Williams as their DBs coach under Tony Dungy and later Caldwell and then as their safeties coach under Reich.

Eberflus calling signals will not mark too much of a change, considering he is a defensive-minded HC who served as the Colts’ defensive play-caller from 2018-21. The Bears are coming off a tough season on defense, dropping to last place in points allowed as they retooled in the first year of the Eberflus-Ryan Poles regime last season. The team struggled to match up with the Packers in their first post-Aaron Rodgers outing, with the Jordan Love-led team putting up 38 points (though, one of those scores came on a Quay Walker INT return) in Week 1.

It is certainly not uncommon for defense-oriented coaches to also call the signals for his team, and the COVID-19 pandemic involved several HCs and coordinators missing games due to contracting the virus. Eberflus said that would be the best option in Williams’ absence than handing the duties off to one of his defensive assistants. While some teams have an experienced option as a senior defensive assistant — a position the Bears utilized via the Mike Pettine hire in 2021 — no other Chicago assistant has called defensive plays for an NFL team. That said, the Bears have experienced defensive backs coaches in Jon Hoke and Andre Curtis, who have respectively been NFL staffers for 18 and 17 seasons.

Vikings OL Oli Udoh Out For Season

September 15th, 2023 at 4:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

Late in Thursday night’s game, the Vikings needed to turn to their third-string left tackle. With Christian Darrisaw on the sidelines, Oli Udoh had stepped in. But what turned out to be a serious quad injury led him off the field as well.

David Quessenberry finished the narrow loss to the Eagles at left tackle. The veteran looks likely to be bumped up a spot on the Vikings’ depth chart soon. Udoh suffered what turned out to be a torn quad tendon, Kevin O’Connell said Friday (via the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling). The backup blocker is out for the season.

The Vikings re-signed Udoh in March, giving the former guard starter a one-year, $2.58MM deal. The team fully guaranteed the pact at that point. While Udoh collected a bit of cash to stay in Minnesota, his career will pause for an extended period.

Udoh started 16 games at right guard for the Vikings in 2021, but the team drafted Ed Ingram in the 2022 second round to replace him. Once Ingram won that job, Udoh shifted to a role as a swing tackle. He replaced Brian O’Neill on the right side to close last season, after the veteran starter suffered a major injury, and started in place of Darrisaw against the Eagles. Minnesota played without both Darrisaw and center Garrett Bradbury against Philadelphia.

The Vikings added Quessenberry shortly after the Bills released him on roster-cutdown day. Quessenberry, 33, has made 26 starts in his career; 17 of those came with the Titans in 2021. He served as the Bills’ swing tackle last season but saw rookie UDFA Ryan Van Demark beat him out for the job this year. The Vikings gave the seventh-year veteran an opportunity, however, and may need to rely on him as the top backup to Darrisaw and O’Neill going forward. O’Connell is optimistic Darrisaw returns for Week 3, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com notes.

Austin Ekeler Not Expected To Travel With Chargers For Week 2 Game

September 15th, 2023 at 4:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Chargers are on track to be without their top running back this week against the Titans. Austin Ekeler is listed as doubtful for the game but will likely be downgraded further soon.

Ekeler is not expected to travel with the Chargers for the Week 2 road tilt, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper notes. Considering Ekeler missed all three Bolts practices this week, he was viewed as a longshot to suit up in Nashville.

This will be Ekeler’s first missed game since he contracted COVID-19 in December 2021 and missed a Texans matchup. The dynamic back has not missed a game due to injury since Nov. 22, 2020. In between that 2020 hamstring injury and the ankle ailment he encountered in Week 1, Ekeler has become one of the NFL’s best running backs. His touchdown against the Dolphins gave him an NFL-most 39 since the start of the 2021 season.

Ekeler looked to suffer the injury in the third quarter of the Bolts’ shootout loss to the Dolphins. He managed to squeeze in a few more plays but was walking with a limp. Still, the seventh-year back totaled 117 rushing yards in the game. Backup Joshua Kelley added 91 yards on the ground for a suddenly run-committed Chargers squad. Kelley, a 2020 fourth-round pick who has served as a top Ekeler backup throughout his career, will be expected to be Los Angeles’ lead back against the Titans.

Somehow a zero-time Pro Bowler despite leading the NFL in touchdowns over the past two seasons, Ekeler angled for a contract adjustment this offseason and ended up being granted permission to seek a trade. As the running back market crashed, significant trade interest did not emerge. The Chargers ended up agreeing to a small incentive package with their veteran starter. Ekeler, 28, remains tied to the four-year, $24.5MM deal he inked back in 2020.

Returning from this ankle injury and re-establishing his top-tier form will be critical for the Division II product’s 2024 earning potential. As of now, Ekeler is on track to hit free agency after this season. The Chargers have exclusive negotiating rights with the Western State (Colo.) alum until mid-March and can follow the Cowboys, Giants and Raiders’ path by franchise-tagging him as well. For the time being, Ekeler will aim to come back and deliver a third straight dominant season.

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