49ers To Stick With C.J. Beathard At QB
C.J. Beathard will remain the 49ers’ starting quarterback after taking over for veteran Brian Hoyer in today’s game, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters, including Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter link).
San Francisco made the decision to replace Hoyer with Beathard in the second quarter, and while the Niners still came up short to the Redskins, Beathard made the game competitive, leading San Francisco on a comeback attempt before the club ultimately fell 26-24. Beathard, whom the 49ers selected in the third round of this year’s draft, completed 19 of 36 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Hoyer, meanwhile, had completed 59% of his passes for four touchdowns and four interceptions heading into today’s contest, but was four of eleven for only 34 yards before getting yanked today. The 32-year-old Hoyer is signed through the 2018 season, and a has a base salary guarantee of $2.9MM next year.
Colin Kaepernick Files Collusion Lawsuit
Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick has filed a lawsuit that alleges collusion by the NFL’s owners to keep him out of the league, according to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (all Twitter links). Kaepernick, who has hired high-profile attorney Mark Geragos, will release a statement on the lawsuit in the near future, per Freeman.
Kaepernick, of course, originated kneeling during the national anthem as a form of silent protest during the 2016 season, and has since been unable to land an NFL contract. While Kaepernick certainly doesn’t fit every offense in the league, it’s difficult to argue that his social activism hasn’t played at least some role in his failure to earn a roster spot.
As Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported last week, Kaepernick has been diligent about contacting clubs with potential vacancies at quarterback, but as of yet, no team has been willing to enter negotiations or even met with the former 49ers signal-caller aside from the Seahawks, who ultimately chose journeyman Austin Davis as their backup selection. Kaepernick reportedly reached out to the Titans following Marcus Mariota‘s recent injury, but Tennessee had no interest.
Kaerpernick’s lawsuit wasn’t filed in conjunction with the NFLPA, but the union will still support him in his legal battle, reports Mike Jones of USA Today (Twitter link). Still, proving collusion could prove tough, as Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap explains (Twitter links) simply arguing Kaepernick is a better player that other quarterbacks who have landed contracts may not satisfy the contractual bargaining agreement’s “burden of proof.”
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/15/17
Ravens Had Interest In Adrian Peterson
The Ravens had interest in trading for running back Adrian Peterson before the Saints dealt him to the Cardinals, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link).
New Orleans ultimately acquired a 2018 conditional sixth-round pick for Peterson, so it’s unclear if Baltimore simply didn’t want to meet that asking price, or if Peterson perhaps indicated he’d prefer to play for the Cardinals. Peterson claims he did not request a trade away from the Saints, but it’s entirely possible general manager Mickey Loomis & Co. allowed him some say on his destination.
Baltimore has dealt with a number of injuries at the running back position, as Kenneth Dixon and Danny Woodhead are both on injured reserve. While Woodhead is eligible to begin practicing again in late October, the Ravens don’t currently have a timeline for his return, reports Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. Dixon, meanwhile, will miss the entirety of the season, while Terrance West will be sidelined for a few weeks with a calf injury.
Javorius Allen and Alex Collins have handled the bulk of the Ravens’ carries in recent weeks, and figure to do so going forward. After missing out on Peterson, Baltimore re-signed veteran journeyman Bobby Rainey, who has already earned his paycheck in Week 6 by returning a kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown against the Bears.
5 Key NFL Stories: 10/8/17 – 10/15/17
Ezekiel Elliott‘s suspension reinstated: The NFL’s ongoing legal battle with Elliott took another turn last week, as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the league, a decision which resulted in the restoration of the Cowboys running back’s six-game ban. Elliott still has options — he can re-file in either New York or Texas and keep himself on the field — but if he and his team don’t take action, he’ll be suspended until November 24, the day after Dallas’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Chargers. If Elliott decides to accept his ban, the Cowboys will turn to Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden as their primary backs.
Cardinals acquire Adrian Peterson: The Saints quickly abandoned any plans they had to utilize Peterson in 2017, as they shipped the former All Pro to Arizona for a conditional 2018 sixth-round pick. Peterson had lost time to fellow backs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in New Orleans, and had posted only 27 rushing attempts through four games. Peterson says he did not request a trade, but he’ll now have a chance to be the lead back for the Cardinals, who subsequently released veteran Chris Johnson. General manager Steve Keim & Co. didn’t take much of a risk in acquiring Peterson, as Arizona owes him only ~$700K for the rest of the season.
Giants lose all their wideouts: Not only is Big Blue now winless to start the season, but it’s witnessed injuries to their top four wide receivers. Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle), Brandon Marshall (ankle), and Dwayne Harris (foot) are all out for the rest of the year, while Sterling Shepard is expected to miss multiple weeks with a health issue of his own. New York has added several pass-catchers in recent days, but the club is not interested in a reunion with Victor Cruz (despite his best lobbying efforts). As if the Giants’ receiving problems weren’t enough, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has now been suspended indefinitely following multiple incidents.
Texans down their best defenders: J.J. Watt (tibial plateau fracture) and Whitney Mercilus (torn pectoral) are both out for the rest of the year, leaving Houston with only Jadeveon Clowney as the club’s only star along its front seven. For Watt, who is arguably still the NFL’s best defensive player, this latest injury means he’s now been sidelined by health questions in each of the past two seasons. For what it’s worth, the Texans did agree to terms with free agents Lamarr Houston (link) and Kendall Langford (link), but neither of those players can be counted on to replace the production of Watt and/or Mercilus.
End of an era in San Francisco: After unsuccessfully attempting to trade him, the 49ers released veteran linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who had spent his entire career in the Bay Area. San Francisco had actually agreed to ship the former All Pro to New Orleans, but Bowman preferred to become a free agent and pick his next club. Thus far, the Raiders have expressed the most interest, and Bowman will meet with Oakland in the coming days.
Titans QB Marcus Mariota To Start In Week 6
The Titans will see the return of quarterback Marcus Mariota on Monday night, as he’s expected to start against the Colts after recovering from a strained hamstring, according to veteran NFL reporter Paul Kuharsky (Twitter link).
With Mariota sidelined for Week 5, Tennessee turned to veteran backup Matt Cassel, who couldn’t move the offense in a 16-10 loss to the Dolphins. Cassel completed 21 of 32 attempts for only 141 yards and one touchdown while taking six sacks. Brandon Weeden, signed following Mariota’s injury, served as Cassel’s No. 2, but it’s unclear whether he’ll remain on the roster now that Mariota is available.
The Titans, Texans, and Colts all sit at 2-3, one game behind the AFC South leading Jaguars. Football Outsiders currently gives Tennessee a 24.2% chance of making the playoffs, and those odds should only be buoyed by Mariota’s return. Through four starts, Mariota has completed 60% of his passes for three touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 116 yards and three more scores on the ground.
Aaron Rodgers Has Broken Collarbone
Packers Aaron Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone in today’s contest against the Vikings and could potentially miss the rest of the season, the club announced. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (Twitter link) first reported that Rodgers had likely broken his collarbone.
It’s difficult to overstate the potential loss of Rodgers, who was slammed down by Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr on the offending play. Arguably the best quarterback in the league, Rodgers seemingly single-handedly leads Green Bay to victories, as evidenced by his comeback efforts against the Cowboys in Week 5. This year, Rodgers is among the NFL’s top-10 in both completion percentage and quarterback rating, and has tossed 13 touchdowns against only three interceptions.
While there’s no immediate timeline as to Rodgers’ recovery period, he’s dealt with this injury before. Rodgers broke his left collarbone during the 2013 campaign and missed seven games, as Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk tweets. In that case, however, Rodgers broke his left collarbone, while this latest injury is to his throwing shoulder, which could further impede a return.
With Rodgers sidelined, the Packers have turned to backup Brett Hundley, whom Green Bay selected in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Although he had attempted only 11 NFL passes before today, Hundley had drawn trade interest in the past, and general manager Ted Thompson almost shipped him away this offseason. Hundley has completed four of eight passes the Vikings today for one touchdown and one interception.
Green Bay only has two quarterbacks on its current roster, so the club will be forced to add another signal-caller in the coming days. Former undrafted free agent Joe Callahan resides on the Packers’ practice squad and could be promoted, while Green Bay could also target a veteran free agent. Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III, Matt Barkley, and Matt McGloin are among the options on the open market.
Heading into today’s game, the Packers had posted an NFC North leading 4-1 record and had a 69.6% chance of earning a postseason berth, per Football Outsiders. Without Rodgers, those odds certainly figure to decrease, and Green Bay faces the 15th-most difficult schedule going forward, according to FO. Over the next several weeks, the Packers will face the Saints, Lions, Bears, Ravens, and Steelers, with a bye mixed in during Week 8.
Extra Points: Seahawks, Vikings, Lions, Pats
Free agent offensive tackle Branden Albert is still in the Seattle area after working out for the Seahawks on Monday, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link). Albert, 32, had reportedly been set to meet with the Giants at some point this week, but as of last night, he hadn’t yet left for New York. Whether that means he’s close to a contract with the Seahawks is unclear, but Albert would almost certainly be an improvement over Seattle blindside protector Rees Odhiambo, who currently ranks as the worst tackle in the league, per Pro Football Focus. The Giants, too, could use help along the offensive line, as Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart have posted below-average results through five games. Albert, of course, had an eventful offseason that included a “retirement” after being traded from the Dolphins to the Jaguars.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- The Vikings should offer an extension to backup quarterback Case Keenum, opines Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Keenum has been called on to appear in four games (three starts) in relief of Sam Bradford, who is still dealing with knee complications. He’s performed well, completing 64.5% of his passes for four touchdowns and zero interceptions, but his contract — like those of Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater — expires after the 2017 season. An extension would allow Minnesota to lock in a quality reserve for another year or two, while giving Keenum more cash and the possibility of competing for a starting job in 2018. Bradford has already been ruled out for Sunday’s contest against the Packers, so Keenum will earn a fourth start.
- Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata will require a four-month recovery period after undergoing surgery on a torn bicep Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). As had already been reported, Ngata won’t be able to return to the Lions this season, but that injury timeline means he should be fully healthy by the time free agency opens in 2018. Ngata isn’t under contract for next year, and the soon-to-be 34-year-old interior defender has flirted with retirement in the past. It’s unclear whether he intends to continue his career for another season.
- Given his lengthy injury history, it would be “shocking” to see Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert garner a long-term contract like Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce, or Jordan Reed, all of whom earn more than $8.5MM annually, opines Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). Eifert, who was placed on injured reserve on Thursday, has only appeared in 39 games over four-plus seasons in the NFL. While his talent is immense (13 touchdowns in 2015), Eifert simply can’t stay on the field, a fact which makes the franchise tag — at a cost north of $10MM — an unlikely option for Cincinnati in 2018. Instead, a one-year, “prove-it” deal for the 27-year-old pass-catcher could conceivably make more sense for both sides.
- The Patriots currently have three rookies on the various NFL reserve lists, but only one will be able to return in 2017, as Doug Kyed of NESN tweets. Offensive lineman Andrew Jelks, an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt who is currently on the non-football injury list, can come back under PUP rules, meaning he must miss six weeks of the season. After that, New England has a five-week window during which it can activate Jelks. Tackle Antonio Garcia, a third-rounder from Troy who’s on the non-football illness list, and defensive lineman Keionta Davis, a UDFA on non-football injury, aren’t eligible to return this season, per Kyed.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/13/17
Reaction To 49ers’ NaVorro Bowman Release
The 49ers ultimately released veteran linebacker NaVorro Bowman today after failing to find a suitable trade partner, but at least one club did have interest in Bowman, general manager John Lynch told reporters, including Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link). Lynch said the 49ers likely could have dealt Bowman to that particular team, but Bowman didn’t want to play for that unidentified club. Given that it’s unlikely a non-contender would have interest in an expensive two-down linebacker, it’s possible Bowman’s misgivings were geographical in nature, although that’s entirely speculative.
Here’s more on Bowman and the 49ers:
- Bowman is reportedly “excited” to become a free agent and have the ability to pick his next team, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). As Florio reported earlier today, Bowman didn’t have any offset language in his 49ers contract, meaning he can collect his fully guaranteed San Francisco salary and earn money from his new club. As such, Bowman will take home the rest of his $4.7MM guarantee plus whatever he can wrangle on the open market.
- An offensive coach who faced Bowman earlier this year tells Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter link) that while Bowman can no longer run like he used to, he’s still a solid tackler. Although Bowman remains a capable run defender, he’s a liability in the passing game. Hypothetically, that could be a problem for Bowman in a league where defenses play nickel on two-thirds of snaps.
- One team that likely won’t be pursuing Bowman is the division-rival Cardinals, whom Mike Jurecki of 98.7 FM (Twitter link) don’t have any interest in the 29-year-old linebacker. Arizona has made a habit of inking aging defensive players (Dwight Freeney, Antoine Bethea), but that apparently won’t be happening with Bowman. The Cardinals are set at inside linebacker with Karlos Dansby and Deone Bucannon.
- The 49ers will absorb $4.774MM in 2018 dead money as a result of releasing Bowman, the same total they would have taken on had they traded him, as Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap writes in his analysis of the transaction.