Panthers LB Shaq Thompson To Miss Time
Shaq Thompson is going to miss some time. The Panthers linebacker is set to sit out the next few games while he recovers from a foot injury, reports Joe Person of The Athletic (via Twitter). Fortunately, it sounds like Thompson might avoid a stint on the IR. According to Person, Thompson is considered more week-to-week (vs. a definitive three-week-plus absence).
Thompson suffered the injury during yesterday’s loss to the Cowboys. The linebacker exited the game, but he did manage to return and finish the contest.
The former first-round pick has spent his entire career with the Panthers, including 2019 and 2020 campaigns where he combined for 223 tackles. He was off to a hot start in 2021, collecting a team-leading 25 tackles to go along with one sack and one interception.
The Panthers have already started preparing for the 27-year-old’s absence. The team promoted Kamal Martin from the practice squad earlier today. The 23-year-old started six of his 10 games for Green Bay in 2020, collecting 24 tackles and one sack.
Patriots DL Henry Anderson Done For Season
Henry Anderson‘s season has come to an end. The Patriots defensive lineman suffered a season-ending pectoral injury last night, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (via Twitter).
Anderson exited last night’s game with a chest injury and was immediately ruled out for the game, an indication that he suffered a serious blow. The veteran underwent an MRI this afternoon that confirmed the season-ending torn pectoral.
The 30-year-old joined the Patriots this past offseason on a two-year contract. After having started 21 games for the Jets between 2019 and 2020, Anderson played sparingly with his new squad through the first four games. The veteran only saw time on 35 defensive snaps, collecting three tackles.
Following three seasons with the Colts, Anderson was traded to the Jets in 2018 for a seventh-round pick. He proceeded to have a career year during his first season in New York, compiling seven sacks. That performance earned him a new three-year, $25MM extension from the organization, but he had a tough time living up to that contract. Despite appearing in 29 games (21 starts) for the Jets between 2019 and 2020, Anderson collected only 1.5 sacks.
Rob Gronkowski Facing Multiweek Absence
Rob Gronkowski won’t be getting a homecoming in New England after all. The veteran tight end is not traveling to New England and will not play against the Patriots tonight, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
This injury may be a bit more serious than originally believed. After X-rays came back revealing minimal damage, a subsequent MRI revealed Gronkowski suffered multiple cracked ribs against the Rams and could miss multiple games, Schefter tweets. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com originally reported that the MRI and CT scan showed two breaks (Twitter link), but it was later discovered that Gronkowski actually has four cracked ribs, one broken rib, and a punctured lung (Twitter link via Jay Glazer of FOX Sports).
Gronk suffered the injury during last weekend’s game against the Rams, and after not practicing all week, he was listed as doubtful to play. However, head coach Bruce Arians kept the door open, saying Gronkowski would be a game-time decision. Alas, the veteran tight end won’t be suiting up for tonight’s showdown.
Still, Gronkowski is not expected to land on IR, as Greg Auman of The Athletic writes. Under the modified injured reserve rules, a player on IR need only miss three games before being activated, and including tonight, the Bucs play three games in 11 days. While it seems likely that Gronk will miss next Sunday’s bout with the Dolphins, he could be ready to go for the following Thursday night contest against the Eagles. Otherwise, Auman posits, the club could have parked Gronkowski on IR and kept a roster spot open for 2020 draftee Khalil Davis, who was cut yesterday.
While much has been made of Tom Brady‘s return to Gillette Stadium, Gronkowski also put together a Hall of Fame career during his stint with the Patriots. In nine seasons with the team, Gronk earned three Super Bowl rings while hauling in 79 regular season touchdowns, the most in franchise history. The tight end caught on with Brady and the Bucs last season and proceeded to win another ring.
The 32-year-old was having a hot start to the 2021 campaign, collecting four touchdowns through the first three weeks. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, the team should be fine without their starter, as the team is still rostering O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate.
Colts Place G Quenton Nelson On IR
The hits keep coming for the Colts. The team placed All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson on injured reserve today (per the team’s Twitter). Nelson recently suffered a high-ankle sprain, an injury that will keep him sidelined for at least the next three games.
The sixth-overall pick in the 2018 draft quickly established himself as one of the top offensive guards in the NFL. The lineman has earned a Pro Bowl nod and first-team All-Pro recognition in each of his three professional seasons.
Nelson hadn’t missed a game through his first three year in the NFL. He underwent surgery in early August to repair a bone issue in his foot, and his recovery timeline put him at risk of missing the season opener. The 25-year-old managed to battle back and appear in 100 percent of his team’s offensive snaps in Week 1 (and subsequently Week 2). Nelson was limited to only 13 snaps last weekend before suffering his injury.
The Colts made two additional moves today in anticipation of tomorrow’s matchup against the Dolphins. The team promoted both safety Ibraheim Campbell and quarterback Brett Hundley from the practice squad.
This Date In Transactions History: Albert Haynesworth Suspended Five Games
On this date 16 years ago, Albert Haynesworth was slapped with a historic ban. On October 2nd, 2006, the Titans defensive tackle was suspended five games without pay stemming from an on-field incident.
That fracas happened a day earlier in a contest between Tennessee and Dallas. The Cowboys pranced into the end zone early in the third quarter, and Dallas center Andre Gurode fell to the ground during the play. The offensive lineman’s helmet was somehow removed from his head; some pundits assumed the helmet just fell off, while others suggested that Haynesworth actually removed it from his opponent’s head. Either way, the Titans defensive tackle attempted to stomp on Gurode’s head (and missed) before landing a brutal shot.
The stomp caused a wound on Gurode’s forehead, with Haynesworth’s foot just barely missing the offensive lineman’s eye. Gurode later needed 30 stitches, but the injury didn’t force him to miss any time. In fact, he ended up playing all 16 games that season en route to his first of five-straight Pro Bowl appearances.
Shockingly, the stomp only warranted a 15-yard penalty. However, Haynesworth didn’t react all that well to the call; he slammed his helmet on the ground, leading to another 15-yard penalty and his ejection from the game.
Naturally, the stomp was condemned around the NFL. Haynesworth himself seemed to have some remorse for the move.
“For what I did, whatever they give me, I deserve it. I did it, and it’s wrong,” Haynesworth said (via ESPN.com). “I let my team down. I’m not saying that I’m the heart of this team, but I definitely let the team down.”
It didn’t take long for the NFL to hit the Titans defensive lineman with a ban. The next day, Haynesworth was slapped with a five-game suspension. At the time, it was the league’s longest suspension stemming from an on-field incident, surpassing the two-game ban that Packers defensive tackle Charles Martin earned in 1986 for slamming Bears quarterback Jim McMahon to the ground (and since surpassed by Vontaze Burfict for repeated helmet-to-helmet violations in 2019). The suspension ended up costing Haynesworth around $190K (based on his $646K base salary).
“There is absolutely no place in the game, or anywhere else, for the inexcusable action that occurred in yesterday’s Titans-Cowboys game,” new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at the time.
While the length of Haynesworth’s suspension was basically unprecedented, some pundits believed he got off easy. According to ESPN, the Nashville police and the district attorney even contacted the Cowboys’ general counsel to offer “their assistance to Gurode in prosecuting Haynesworth.” There were even rumors that the move could have cost Haynesworth his job in Tennessee, as Titans head coach Jess Fisher indicated that the defensive lineman may have played his final game for the organization.
None of that ended up coming to fruition. Haynesworth served his suspension, and he was activated when first eligible. He didn’t start his first game back, but he started the final six games of the Titans season. The defensive tackle earned All-Pro honors in each of the next two years before inking a massive seven-year, $100MM deal with Washington. That contract ended up being a bust, and he lasted only two years with his new squad. Both the Patriots and Buccaneers were willing to take him on during the 2011 campaign, but the player’s reputation was already tarnished. 2011 proved to be the final season of his career.
Fortunately, this story has a somewhat happy ending thanks to Gurode. When Haynesworth landed in a hospital in 2019 due to a kidney issue, Gurode reached out to the defensive lineman to give him his best wishes. Haynesworth somewhat made amends when the two were both named to Pro Bowls, and the former Cowboys offensive lineman says he now takes the incident in stride.
“I want [Albert] to be O.K.,” he told Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop. “I’ve forgiven him…Most people tend to think that football players are gladiators with no feelings. We’ve all got scars. I’m going to have to explain that moment to my grandkids. I want them to know strength came from my not reacting.”
49ers CB Josh Norman Unlikely To Play On Sunday
Despite suffering a brutal chest injury last weekend, 49ers cornerback Josh Norman was still hoping that he’d be able to play this weekend. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan tempered expectations during yesterday’s press conference.
“Right now, I’ll see how it is when I talk to the doctors today, but I would pretty much think it’s pretty doubtful,” Shanahan said (h/t to 49erswebzone.com). “We’re hoping he can get out there. He’s trying to condition. Any time you get an injury like that when it’s in your lungs area and stuff like that, when you do heal up, you’ve got to get your stamina back. You’ve got to get your breath back. Any time you mess with the lungs, it’s a little bit scary for anybody, let alone an athlete, out there working hard and doing stuff like that. We’ll be able to condition him the most today that we’ve been able to in the last five days, and if he responds real well, then I think he’ll have a chance. So, hopefully, we have a good day today.”
The veteran had to go to the hospital last weekend after reportedly spitting up blood. He was later diagnosed with bruised lungs and tissue damage.
Norman caught on with the 49ers right before the start of the regular season. He’s started two games this year, collecting three tackles and one forced fumble. The 33-year-old got into nine games for the Bills in 2020. Before that, Norman was one of the best corners in the league. His best work came during his time with the Panthers. He dominated in 2015, playing a key role in their run to Super Bowl 50. He intercepted four passes that year, taking two back for touchdowns. It remains one of the best contract-year performances in modern NFL history.
Colts RB Marlon Mack Discusses Potential Trade
Marlon Mack‘s days in Indy are numbered, as the running back and the Colts mutually agreed to part ways earlier this week. That would normally lead to some awkwardness before a trade is consummated, but Mack said the organization has been more than happy to work with him.
“Just had an agreement with what’s best for me,’’ Mack said today (via Mike Chappell of Fox59.com). “They were just all with it. They supported me 100%. It’s a mutual agreement I would say.’’
While Mack is back to full health following last year’s Achilles tear, the running back finds himself behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines on the depth chart. While Mack would prefer a situation that offers him a chance to actually play, he said he’s still fully committed to helping the Colts until a deal is made.
“I’ve just got to continue working hard for this team and get a W,” Mack said. “I’m just being patient. That’s one thing I do well. Be a good human I would say overall. Just have good imaging around guys and don’t be negative.’’
The 2017 fourth-round pick had 2,184 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns between the 2018 and 2019 season, but his 2020 season was basically wiped out thanks to injury. While the 25-year-old may be a veteran on the Colts depth chart, he still believes he has plenty left in the tank.
“I’m definitely young,” Mack said. “That’s the thing. In this business as a running back, they say I’m an old man already, but I’m only 25…That’s why it’s like, ‘Man, I’ve got to go out there and get it now.’ Next year teams may be like, ‘Yeah, I don’t want that old running back.’”
Latest On Eagles OL Jordan Mailata
Jordan Mailata didn’t practice again today, and it sounds like it might be a few weeks until the offensive lineman returns to the field. Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter), the offensive tackle was originally expected to miss two to four weeks. Mailata already missed Week 3, so at the very best, it sounds like the lineman could be back next weekend at the earliest.
Mailata has one of the better NFL stories, as the 6-foot-8, 380-pound lineman didn’t start playing football until just three years ago. The former rugby player was a 2018 seventh-round pick by the Eagles, and he effectively red shirted his first two years in the NFL. Mailata became Jason Peters‘ primary replacement last season, and the lineman ultimately started 10 games.
While Pro Football Focus graded him as a middle-of-the-pack tackle last year, he was ranked as a top-seven offensive tackle from Weeks 12 to 16 (per Brad Spielberger of PFF on Twitter). Thanks to his continued improvements, the organization handed him a four-year, $64MM extension earlier this month. Mailata appeared in 100 percent of his team’s offensive snaps in Week 1 and Week 2 before suffering an MCL sprain.
In his absence, Andre Dillard has stepped up as a starter. The team also got encouraging news today, as offensive tackle Lane Johnson and center Jason Kelce both practiced in full.
Jaguars WR DJ Chark Suffers Fractured Ankle
The Jaguars lost one of their key offensive weapons tonight. Wide receiver DJ Chark was carted off the field during the first quarter of tonight’s game against the Bengals. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the wideout suffered a fractured ankle, an injury that will surely sideline him for the foreseeable future.
Chark had his ankle awkwardly bent back during a play. He was unable to put weight on his leg and was ultimately carted off the field. After initially being listed as “questionable” to return, the receiver was downgraded to “out.”
The former second-round pick had a breakout campaign in 2019, finishing with 1,028 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. His numbers took a step back in 2020, and through the first three games of the 2021 campaign, he hauled in only seven receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
Fortunately for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, the passing game can still lean on receivers Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault. The team also activated Tavon Austin today, providing the team with another weapon.
Latest On Seahawks DE L.J. Collier
The Seahawks clearly had high hopes for L.J. Collier when they selected the defensive end in the first round of the 2019 draft. However, through the first three games of Collier’s third professional season, the player has seen only 20 defensive snaps and has been inactive in two of three games. Defensive coordinator Ken Norton was asked about Collier’s lack of playing time, and the coach simply pointed to the depth chart.
“It came down to competition,” Norton said (via ESPN’s Brady Henderson on Twitter). “It came down to being able to play, being able to make quick decisions…and right now we felt like [Robert] Nkemdiche was a little ahead of him.”
Collier barely played during his rookie campaign, but he took on a more significant role in 2020. The defensive lineman started each of the Seahawks 16 games last year, collecting 22 tackles and three sacks. He also started Seattle’s playoff game.
However, he’s found himself buried on the depth chart once again in 2021. Nkemdiche, a recent practice squad promotion, had even jumped ahead of Collier on the depth chart. Fortunately for the 26-year-old, he could have a role this weekend while Kerry Hyder recovers from a concussion.