Eagles Extend CB Avonte Maddox
The Eagles have extended another member of their 2018 draft class. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports (via Twitter) that cornerback Avonte Maddox has signed a three-year extension.
The three-year deal is worth $22.5MM and includes $13.3MM in guaranteed money, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The deal will keep Maddox in Philly through the 2024 season.
The former fourth-round pick has developed into an important piece in the Eagles’ secondary. Despite starting only two of his 10 games, Maddox has been having a career year in 2021, collecting 48 tackles, four tackles for loss, two QB hits, two forced fumbles, and one pick. The 25-year-old has generally seen time in more than 60 percent of his team’s defensive snaps. In total, Maddox has appeared in 45 career games (25 starts).
Philly is still rosteirng four of their five picks from the 2018 draft, and each of those four players have now received extensions. Tight end Dallas Goedert signed a four-year extension with the team yesterday, while offensive tackle Jordan Mailata and defensive end Josh Sweat got new deals back in September.
Giants WR Dante Pettis Done For Season
Dante Pettis is done for the year. Giants head coach Joe Judge told reporters that the wideout’s shoulder injury will knock him out for the rest of the season (per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on Twitter).
Pettis landed on injured reserve earlier this month, leaving the door open for a potential return. However, it sounds like the player’s shoulder injury required surgery, and the recovery time will extend through the rest of the regular season.
The former second-round pick was barely relevant during his stint in San Francisco, and after getting waived last November, he was claimed by the Giants. Pettis appeared in two games down the stretch for New York in 2020, and he stayed with the organization throughout the offseason. He landed on the team’s practice squad following the end of the preseason, but he ended up seeing time in three games for the Giants in 2021, hauling in 10 receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown.
The Giants’ depth chart won’t see much of an impact with this news. Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Kadarius Toney still lead the depth chart, with Darius Slayton, John Ross, and Collin Johnson also holding spots on the active roster.
Falcons’ Cordarrelle Patterson Out Tonight
The Falcons will be without a key offensive weapon tonight against the surging Patriots. The team announced that Cordarrelle Patterson will miss tonight’s game thanks to an ankle sprain.
The veteran suffered the injury last weekend, and there were whispers that Patterson could end up missing a few weeks. The fact that Atlanta hasn’t placed him on IR is promising, although it remains to be seen if Patterson will suit up for his team’s matchup against the Jaguars in Week 12.
Patterson joined the Falcons on a one-year, $3MM deal this offseason. After serving as a Swiss Army Knife-type player during his stints with the Patriots and Raiders, the 30-year-old has taken it to another level in 2021. Through nine games this season, Patterson has collected 776 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns on 116 touches, which are all already career-high marks.
The Matt Ryan-led offense is already without leading wideout Calvin Ridley, meaning someone besides rookie tight end Kyle Pitts will have to step up against a tough New England defense. Mike Davis should get the bulk of the carries with Patterson out of the lineup, with Wayne Gallman serving as the main backup.
Bruce Irvin Signs With Bears
Bruce Irvin has found his next gig. The veteran linebacker has signed with the Bears, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). Irvin confirmed the signing himself on Twitter.
Irvin made a name for himself back in Seattle, collecting 22 sacks between the 2012 and 2015 seasons. He later spent two-plus seasons with the Raiders (adding another 18 sacks), and after finishing the 2018 campaign with the Falcons, Irvin compiled another 8.5 sacks with the Panthers in 2019.
Irvin returned to Seattle prior to the 2020 season, and he started each of the team’s first two games. However, he suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and he’s remained unsigned throughout the entire 2021 campaign.
Now 34, Irvin will have a tough time replicating the pass-rushing prowess he displayed earlier in his career. However, he will add some reinforcement to a banged up Bears edge. Khalil Mack missed the Bears two games prior to their Week 10 bye, and his foot injury has lingered into this week. However, the team is optimistic that the former Defensive Player of the Year will be able to play this weekend.
Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown Accused Of Using Fake Vaccination Card
Antonio Brown is in hot water once again. The receiver’s former live-in chef told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that Brown obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination card to avoid the NFL’s protocols.
According to screenshots obtained by Stroud, Brown’s girlfriend texted the chef offering $500 for a fake vaccination card. The chef was unable to complete the request, but he claims Brown showed off his fake card weeks later. A picture of the card was later sent by Tom Brady/TB12 guru (and trainer) Alex Guerrero to Buccaneers head trainer Bobby Slater for documenting, with neither individual being aware of the card’s lack of authenticity. It’s also worth noting that Brown and the chef had a falling out due to unpaid debts.
“After an extensive educational process conducted throughout our organization this past offseason highlighting the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, we received completed vaccination cards from all Tampa Bay Buccaneers players and submitted the required information to the NFL through the established process in accordance with league policy,” the Buccaneers said in a statement. “All vaccination cards were reviewed by Buccaneers personnel and no irregularities were observed.”
Brown’s lawyer denied the allegations.
“Antonio Brown appreciates the severity of the pandemic, which is why he got the vaccine and supports everyone for whom it is advisable to get the vaccine,” Sean Burstyn said. “Coronavirus has hit close to home as it took him out of a game. He is healthy, vaccinated, and ready to win another Super Bowl…One of the worst parts of the pandemic has been a movement to cast doubt on our country’s vaccination programs with baseless, vindictive tabloid gossip.”
NFL’s VP of communications Brian McCarthy told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that the league is “aware of the report and have been in contact with the club” (Twitter link). The NFL is also reviewing the matter.
These are some pretty serious allegations, and the matter would be reviewed under the NFL’s personal conduct policy (per Auman). The fake vaccination card could also be “handled as a federal criminal offense.” For comparison’s sake, in the NHL, San Jose Sharks star Evander Kane was suspended a quarter of the season for using a fake card. The NFL previously handed out fines to the Packers organization and Aaron Rodgers following an investigation into their handling of COVID-19 protocols. Brown also isn’t a stranger to league discipline; he was suspended eight games last season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Brown missed a game earlier this season after testing positive for COVID-19, and per Auman, Brown had to deal with the 10-day waiting period reserved for unvaccinated players (vs. vaccinated players, who need to be asymptomatic and return two negative tests 24 hours apart).
Patriots RB Damien Harris Clears Concussion Protocol
The Patriots offense will get some reinforcement for tomorrow’s game against the Falcons. Running back Damien Harris returned to practice today, an indication he’s cleared concussion protocol and should be good to go for TNF.
The former third-round pick has been having a career season in 2021, collecting 610 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns. Before suffering a concussion in Week 9, Harris had collected at least 80 rushing yards in three straight games. The 24-year-old should find himself back atop the depth chart on Thursday evening.
With Harris out of the lineup, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson ran wild last weekend, collecting 114 total yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots are also rostering running backs Brandon Bolden and J.J. Taylor, while veteran pass-catcher James White is out for the season.
Gunner Olszewski also overcame concussion protocol and should play tomorrow against the Falcons. The 24-year-old was forced to miss Sunday’s win over the Browns, but he otherwise appeared in all nine previous games in 2021. Olszewski has mostly appeared on special teams, having returned 10 kicks for 242 yards and 18 punts for 248 yards.
Titans RB Jeremy McNichols In Concussion Protocol
The Titans have already lost Derrick Henry for the foreseeable future, and they could be down another RB this weekend. According to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter), Titans running back Jeremy McNichols is in concussion protocol and didn’t practice today. As a result, there’s a chance McNichols could end up missing this weekend’s contest.
When all is said and done, McNichols will end up collecting career highs across the board in 2021. The former fifth-round pick has compiled 284 yards and one touchdown on 43 touches through the first chunk of the season. Since Henry went done with an injury, McNichols has gotten 11 carries, surpassing the seven carries he got through the first eight games. The 25-year-old has also been a threat in the passing game, hauling in 25 receptions this year.
The Titans have already been scrambling to fill their depth chart. The team got an encouraging performance from D’Onta Foreman last weekend, and there’s a good chance he’ll see a significant role on Sunday. The team is also rostering Adrian Peterson, who’s garnered the bulk of the team’s red zone carries over the past two weeks.
If McNichols is forced to miss this weekend, the Titans could choose to promote running back Dontrell Hilliard from the practice squad.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/17/21
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: RB Tavien Feaster
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OL Rick Leonard
- Released: K Elliott Fry
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: NT Isaiah Mack
Cleveland Browns
- Released: DB Bryan Mills
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR Geronimo Allison
Houston Texans
- Signed: OL Carson Green
- Released: LB Connor Strachan
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: CB Michael Jacquet
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: DL P.J. Johnson
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: DT Caraun Reid
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LB Kobe Jones, QB Jake Luton
- Released: QB Jake Dolegala
New York Giants
- Signed: RB Jonathan Williams
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: DL Amani Bledsoe, OL Bobby Hart
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/17/21
Today’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Designated for return: DE Darryl Johnson, OL John Miller
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Designated for return: OL Brandon Linder, TE James O’Shaughnessy
Las Vegas Raiders
- Promoted: LB Patrick Onwuasor
- Placed on IR: S Tyree Gillespie
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: DE Breiden Fehoko
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: DE Christian Covington
Miami Dolphins
- Signed to active roster: CB Jamal Perry
New England Patriots
- Waived from IR: WR Malcolm Perry
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: DT Christian Ringo
- Designated for return: RB Tony Jones Jr.
New York Giants
- Signed to active roster: LB Benardrick McKinney
- Designated for return: OT Andrew Thomas
New York Jets
- Activated off PUP: DE Kyle Phillips
San Francisco 49ers
- Designated for return: LB Dre Greenlaw, SS Jaquiski Tartt
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Designated for return: LS Zach Triner
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: DL Kyle Peko
- Designated for return: TE Tommy Hudson
Washington Football Team
- Designated for return: CB Darryl Roberts
Buccaneers Place Richard Sherman On IR
WEDNESDAY: Sherman is now on Tampa Bay’s IR list. Given his timetable, this is not a surprising transaction. Although Sherman missed time earlier this year, the Bucs did not place him on IR. This will, then, be Sherman’s 2021 IR stay. The All-Decade cornerback will miss at least three weeks.
TUESDAY: The Buccaneers will be without Richard Sherman for at least a few weeks. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the veteran cornerback suffered a grade 2 calf sprain.
According to Greg Auman of The Athletic (on Twitter), Sherman suffered the injury during pregame warmups prior to Sunday’s game against WFT. The injury should sideline Sherman for at least a few weeks, and an IR stint would presumably be a possibility.
Sherman joined the Buccaneers in late September, and he made his debut for Tampa Bay in Week 4. He started each of his three games for Tampa Bay, collecting 11 tackles and one fumble recovery. The 33-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during Week 6, and he was expected to return to the field for this past Sunday’s game against Washington.
The Buccaneers have dealt with their fair share of cornerbacks injuries this season. Starters Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis have been sidelined for weeks, and even Dee Delaney, who filled in for Sherman on Sunday, had to exit the game due to a concussion. Fortunately, it sounds like Murphy-Bunting and Davis should be back with the team in the next few weeks.