Jaguars Request Interviews With Colts DC Matt Eberflus, Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett
We can another three names to the Jaguars’ list of head coaching candidates. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars requested interviews with Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus (Twitter link) and Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett (Twitter link). Meanwhile, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco reports that former NFL head coach Jim Caldwell will also interview for the gig.
[RELATED: Jaguars Request Interviews With Todd Bowles, Byron Leftwich]
Eberflus served as a linebackers coach for almost a decade with the Browns and Cowboys, but he finally got a shot at a DC gig in 2018. In Indu, the 51-year-old has been credited with establishing a culture built on hustle and discipline, and his defenses have mostly been up to the challenge. Eberflus’s defenses have consistently been ranked in the top-half of the NFL for their ability to stop the run, and the team has ranked top-10 in takeaways during each of his four seasons at the helm (culminating in them currently ranking second in the NFL).
Hackett actually served as the Jaguars offensive coordinator between 2016 and 2018, including a 2017 campaign where the Jaguars offense ranked toward the top of the NFL in a number of categories. The veteran coach was canned midway through the 2018 season, and he’s spent the past three years serving as Green Bay’s OC. The Packers offense had a standout season in 2020, and while the team has the best record in the league, both the passing game and the running game have taken a step back in 2021.
Caldwell (feat. Peyton Manning) coached the Colts to a Super Bowl in his first season as Indianapolis’ HC but was out of a job after his third. Caldwell elevated the Lions to a playoff berth in his first year with Detroit in 2014 but was fired after a 9-7 2017 season. The 66-year-old coach experienced a health issue that caused him to step away from his post as Dolphins QBs coach in 2019, but he is back to full health and his since taken an interview for other HC vacancies.
This trio joins a growing list of candidates that already includes Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Cowboys OC Kellen Moore and DC Dan Quinn, and ex-Eagles HC Doug Pederson.
NFL Legend John Madden Passes Away
Sad news to pass along, as NFL legend John Madden passed away unexpectedly this morning at the age of 85.
Madden is one of the most iconic NFL personalities of all time, evolving from Hall of Fame head coach to famed broadcaster. Madden’s NFL career started in 1958, when he had a brief offseason stint with the Eagles before injuring his knee. He then turned his focus to the sideline, serving as head coach at Allan Hancock and San Diego State. He got his first crack at an NFL coaching gig when he was hired as the Raiders linebackers coach in 1967, and he was promoted to head coach following John Rauch’s resignation in 1969.
Madden spent a decade in that role, helping guide the Raiders to eight postseason appearances. Oakland made it to four AFC Championship games between in 1970 and 1975, but the team finally broke through when they won Super Bowl XI in 1976. Madden announced his retirement only two seasons later, but despite his (relatively) short stint as an NFL head coach, he still managed to put together an illustrious resume. During his final season at the helm, he became the youngest coach to reach 100 career regular-season victories. He ranks second in NFL history in overall winning percentage (regular season and playoffs), and he never had a losing season during his 10 years in the role.
Following his coaching career, Madden transitioned to television, and he spent almost three decades serving as a color analyst for all four major TV networks. Madden was also known for lending his likeness and name to the Madden NFL video game series, which has generated billions dollars worth of sales since debuting in 1988.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero passed along a statement from the NFL:
“On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” said commissioner Roger Goodell. “We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”
We here at PFR would like to extend our condolences to Madden’s family, friends, and colleagues.
NFL, NFLPA Modify COVID Protocols
The NFL and the NFL Players Association have adopted the CDC’s new guidelines and reduced quarantine time from 10 days to five days for players who test positive for COVID-19, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). This is relevant for all asymptomatic players, regardless of vaccination status.
As NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero notes on Twitter, a player’s ability to return to the field isn’t necessarily contingent on being asymptomatic. Rather, their return will need to be at least five days after their initial swap, the player will need to have no fevers for 24 hours, they’ll need to see “resolved or improved” symptoms (like coughing), and they’ll need to be cleared by team doctors (“in consultation with ICS and NFL“).
This will naturally lead to a quicker return-to-play path. Per Lindsay Jones of The Athletic (on Twitter), the NFL is the first professional sports league to change protocols to “align” with the CDC’s guidelines. Following the NFL’s decision to postpone several games earlier this month, the league is now clearly focused on finishing the regular season without any more postponements or cancellations.
The new protocols are retroactive, meaning players who are currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list are eligible to return after five days (per ESPN’s Dianna Russini on Twitter). As Pelissero tweets, this provides some clarity on a handful of unvaccinated players who were recently placed on the list, a group that includes Colts quarterback Carson Wentz and Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams.
Jaguars GM Trent Baalke To Keep Job
Despite a messy season in Jacksonville, it sounds like Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke will keep his job. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), Baalke will be retained and will assist owner Shad Khan in the search for a new coach.
[RELATED: HC Interview Candidates For Jaguars]
Baalke will continue to report to Khan, and he’s expected to “work in sync” with whoever is hired to be the new Jaguars HC. The head coach will also report directly to Khan, Rapoport added in a follow-up tweet.
During Baalke’s first full offseason at the helm, the organization managed to add a potential franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence with the first-overall pick, and they managed to hire away Urban Meyer from the NCAA to be the new head coach. Fast forward to now, and the team is 2-13, they’ve fired Meyer, and Lawrence has completed only 58.7-percent of his passes while tossing a league-leading 14 interceptions. Of course, Baalke’s plan was never expected to come to fruition during the 2021 campaign, and while things have been tumultuous (to say the least) in Jacksonville this season, it makes a bit of sense that he’d keep his job.
Baalke sort of fell into the role when he was promoted to GM in January. He was originally hired as director of player personnel under David Caldwell, but after the former GM was fired, Baalke was promoted to take his spot. Meyer was still calling the shots from a team-building perspective, and Khan also plays a major role in personnel moves. Baalke and Meyer reportedly didn’t see eye-to-eye during their stint together, and now Baalke will have an opportunity to build a team his way heading into the 2022 season.
Previously, the executive rose through the 49ers organization and eventually became San Francisco’s GM in 2011. Between the 2011 and 2013 seasons, the 49ers won 36 games, lost a Super Bowl, and appeared in a pair of conference championship games. However, following a 2016 season that saw the 49ers win only two games, Baalke was relieved of his duties.
Meanwhile, while we previously heard that Doug Pederson and Jim Caldwell were among the names that Jacksonville was eyeing as their next HC, Rapoport has added another name to the list. Current Buccaneers offensive coordinator (and, of course, former Jaguars starting QB) Byron Leftwich would “fit on the list” of potential head coaching candidates.
Rams To Place RB Darrell Henderson, LB Ernest Jones On IR
Darrell Henderson is heading to the IR. The Rams running back suffered an MCL sprain that will require a stint on the injured reserve, head coach Sean McVay told reporters (via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic on Twitter).
After seeing significantly more playing time during his second season in the NFL, Henderson was expected to be a workhorse for the Rams in 2021. The 24-year-old has been productive in his 12 games (10 starts), collecting 864 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns on 178 touches.
However, Henderson seemed to be behind Sony Michel on the depth chart once the former returned from his recent two-game absence. Michel saw time on 73 percent of his team’s offensive snaps in Week 15, while Henderson only played in 27 percent of the Rams’ offensive snaps. Henderson got into only five snaps yesterday before exiting with his injury. With Henderson out of the picture, Michel will likely continue to lead the depth chart, although the team could welcome back Cam Akers on Sunday. The 2020 second-round pick had 748 yards from scrimmage during his rookie campaign, but a torn Achilles has forced him to miss most of the 2021 season.
Linebacker Ernest Jones will also be placed on IR with a high ankle sprain, per Rodrigue (on Twitter). Jones will require surgery on the injury, but there’s a chance he returns for the playoffs. The rookie third-round pick has started seven of his 15 games this season, compiling 61 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.
Ravens CB Anthony Averett Suffered Fractured Rib
The Ravens could be without one of their top defensive backs on Sunday against the Rams. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that cornerback Anthony Averett suffered a fractured rib yesterday and is unlikely to play this weekend.
The former fourth-round pick has stepped up for Baltimore this season, starting all 14 of his appearances. The 27-year-old has set career-highs across the board, collecting 54 tackles, 11 passes defended, and three interceptions. Before being limited to only 11 snaps this weekend, Averett had appeared in at least 89 percent of his team’s defensive snaps in his first 13 appearances of the season.
The Ravens were already dealing with a long list of absences at the cornerback position before Averett went down with an injury. Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey are both out for the season, while Jimmy Smith and Chris Westry were on the reserve/COVID-19 list for yesterday’s game. Thanks in part to the depleted depth chart, the Ravens secondary allowed Joe Burrow to set a Bengals record with 525 passing yards.
Daryl Worley, who joined the Ravens practice squad last week, was forced into the lineup once Averett went down. The veteran could end up seeing more playing time if his teammates are sidelined for this weekend’s game.
49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo Has Torn Ligament In Thumb
Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly suffered a thumb sprain during Thursday’s loss to the Titans, but the injury may be worse than initially thought. One source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Garoppolo suffered “a more significant injury” than a sprain, putting his availability for Sunday’s game against the Texans in doubt. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the 49ers QB suffered a chipped bone and torn ligament in his right thumb, but there’s still hope that he’ll be able to play this weekend. Schefter clarifies (on Twitter) that it’s a UCL tear for Garoppolo.
[RELATED: 49ers Plan To Trade Jimmy Garoppolo In Offseason]
“It’s a thumb sprain, so I think you guys know how those are,” coach Kyle Shanahan said earlier today. “It didn’t feel great today, wasn’t able to throw today and we’ll see how it is on Wednesday. Hopefully it will get better.”
According to the head coach, Garoppolo suffered the injury during the second quarter of Thursday’s game. The QB ended up throwing an interception on the first drive of the second half, his second pick of the game. Garoppolo missed Monday’s practice, with rookie Trey Lance taking the spot atop the depth chart. Garoppolo is set to be reevaluated on Wednesday.
After the 49ers gave up a bounty to select Lance with the third-overall pick, the 30-year-old Garoppolo has had a bounce-back season in San Francisco. The starter has gone 8-6 in 14 starts, completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,494 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Lance got a start back in Week 5, completing 15 of his 29 pass attempts for 192 yards and one interception in a loss to the Cardinals.
Cardinals To Sign CB Bashaud Breeland
After getting cut by the Vikings earlier this month, Bashaud Breeland has found his new home. The veteran cornerback is signing with the Cardinals, reports Josina Anderson (via Twitter). Breeland auditioned for Arizona earlier today.
Breeland spent much of the offseason in free agency limbo before finally inking a one-year, $4MM deal with the Vikings in June. The 29-year-old collected 63 tackles and two interceptions across 13 games for Minnesota, although PFF had him ranked as one of the worst among all qualified corners.
Breeland “got into a verbal altercation” with Vikings coaches during a practice earlier this month, and the defensive back reportedly got into it with teammates who were trying to restore order. Minnesota was quick to release the veteran, making him a free agent once he passed through waivers.
The cornerback was serviceable as recently as 2020, when PFF ranked him as a middle-of-the-road player at his position. He could have a chance to contribute if Marco Wilson is forced to miss time; the cornerback was knocked out of yesterday’s loss to the Colts with a shoulder injury.
Browns’ Baker Mayfield, Myles Garrett Expected To Be Active Today
The Browns will have their top QBs available for this afternoon’s showdown with the Packers. The team reported that QB Case Keenum has cleared protocols and accompanied starter Baker Mayfield to Green Bay. Mayfield posted an IG story this morning showing him arriving in Green Bay for the afternoon game (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com on Twitter).
Per Stacey Dales of NFL Network (on Twitter), Mayfield is “ready to roll,” and his “body feels the healthiest it’s been in a while.” The QB was asymptomatic during his stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he stayed “very involved virtually” for his eventual return. Mayfield tested positive for the coronavirus December 15 but could not navigate the return protocol until yesterday. Now, he’ll have a chance to guide Cleveland to a crucial win against the top team in the league.
Keenum landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 17, forcing him to miss a potential start against the Raiders (a start that ultimately went to Nick Mullens). The veteran got one start filling in for Mayfield earlier this season, completing 21 of his 33 pass attempts for 199 yards and one touchdown in a win over the Broncos.
Myles Garrett is also planning on playing this afternoon. The star pass rusher is listed as questionable with a groin injury, but Garrett told Cabot that he has no intention of missing the Christmas game.
“I feel like I’ll play regardless of how I feel,” Garrett said. “I haven’t practiced, so we’ll see. But I’m going to go out there and give my all. We’ve got to win out to make the playoffs and I’m going to play in every second of the game that I can.”
Seahawks Activate WR Tyler Lockett From Reserve/COVID-19 List
The Seahawks will welcome back a key offensive player on Sunday. Following a one-game absence, wideout Tyler Lockett has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
[RELATED: Tyler Lockett Wants To Finish Career With Seahawks]
Lockett tested positive for the virus last week, forcing him to miss Tuesday’s loss to the Rams. Russell Wilson and the offense had issues in the passing game, and head coach Pete Carroll referred to the receiver’s absence following the loss.
“I’m sick that we didn’t have a chance to play with Tyler in this game because this is the kind of game that he would have been a factor in for sure,” Carroll said (via ESPN’s Brady Henderson).
The 29-year-old has already exceeded 1,000 receiving yards for the third-straight year. In 13 starts this season, Lockett has hauled in 62 receptions for 1,023 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
While the Seahawks are welcoming back Lockett, they still have a number of players remaining on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including tight end Will Dissly, running back Travis Homer, defensive end Kerry Hyder, cornerback D.J. Reed, offensive tackle Brandon Shell, and defensive tackle Bryan Mone (h/t to Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com).