Vikings’ Phil Loadholt Tears Achilles
SUNDAY, 9:09pm: An MRI has confirmed Loadholt’s Achilles tear, ESPN’s Ben Goessling reports (Twitter link). He’ll require season-ending surgery.
SATURDAY, 8:43pm: Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholdt was carted off the field during tonight’s preseason game against the Buccaneers, and a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) that Loadholt has suffered a torn Achilles. If confirmed, the diagnosis would mean Loadholt would miss the 2015 season.
This marks the second consecutive season of bad luck for the 29-year-old Loadholt, who was placed on injured reserve last November after tearing his pectoral. Reports indicated that Loadholt had looked good while working to return from that injury, so this latest news is especially devastating. A starter along Minnesota’s offensive line for six seasons, Loadholt is entering the third year of a four-year, $25MM contract that he signed in March of 2013.
Fourth-round rookie T.J. Clemmings replaced Loadholt at right tackle during the game, and he’s the favorite to do during the regular season, as well. Projected by some as a first-round pick, Clemmings — a Pitt alum — fell to Day 3 due to concerns about his polish. Mike Harris, currently slated to start at right guard, also has experience at tackle, so it’s possible that the Vikings could completely re-figure their front five.
If the Vikings preferred to look at the free agent market for a replacement, one intriguing option could be Anthony Collins, who was with the Bengals during current Vikes head coach Mike Zimmer‘s tenure as defensive coordinator.
Giants Sign Brandon Meriweather
The Giants have signed veteran safety Brandon Meriweather, the club announced. To create a roster spot, New York waived kicker Chris Boswell. The team also announced that it has placed rookie safety Mykkele Thompson on injured reserve.
The Giants had been on the hunt for help in the secondary after injuries to both Thompson and fellow safety Landon Collins. While Collins’ injury isn’t considered as serious as Thompson’s, Collins’ MCL sprain could keep him out for a few weeks, and perhaps the rest of the preseason. At the very least, Meriweather’s presence will give New York some experienced depth while Collins begins his recovery.
Meriweather, 31, had spent the past three season in Washington, where he appeared in 10 games last season. He posted 36 tackles on the season, but was placed on injured reserve in December after suffering a toe injury. The Miami alum was selected in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Patriots, and has also spent time with the Bears. I’d be surprised if Meriweather’s Giants contract was anything more than a minimum salary benefit deal, with little to no guaranteed money.
Because Thompson is not a vested veteran, he’ll continue to count against the Giants’ 90-man roster because he is not a vested veteran.
PFR Originals: 8/9/15 – 8/16/15
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past seven days:
- Zach Links looked back at the Chargers‘ offseason, which included the re-signing of King Dunlap and Brandon Flowers, as well as the additions of free agents such as Orlando Franklin, Stevie Johnson, and Joe Barksdale.
- Washington lost two tight ends to season-ending injuries last week, as both Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen will miss the 2015 season. Luke Adams looked at some options — both via free agency and trade — as the club seeks to replace some production at tight end.
- The Seahawks have been active in extending key players this summer, and I eamined whether left tackle Russell Okung might be next in line for a long-term deal.
- In our Community Tailgate series, we post topics for discussion, encouraging readers to post their thoughts in the comments section. The issues touched on by Zach and Luke last week:
Connor Shaw Likely To Miss 2015 Season
Browns third-string quarterback Connor Shaw suffered a thumb injury during Thursday’s preseason game against Washington and will require surgery, the club announced. Cleveland’s press release notes that Shaw is expected to miss “an extended period of time,” and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (Twitter link) that Shaw’s recovery times is set at three months.
“I feel for Connor because he has worked extremely hard,” said head coach Mike Pettine. “He’s a competitor and has had a great offseason and a good camp so far. He is good for the quarterback room and it’s unfortunate that this injury won’t allow him to compete.”
Shaw, 23, started the final game of the 2014 season for the Browns, completing 14-of-28 attempts for 177 yards and one interception in a 20-10 loss to the Ravens. The South Carolina alum’s three-month recovery timetable means that he could return during the season, but Cleveland is unlikely to carry an injured third quarterback for that length of time. Additionally, the club probably doesn’t want to waste its injured reserve/designated to return slot on a reserve QB, so Shaw is likely to be placed on season-ending IR.
Shaw’s injury could open the door for Thad Lewis to make the Browns final roster as the third quarterback, according to Tony Grossi of ESPN.com, though if Cleveland opts to simply carry a reserve QB on its practice squad, Lewis would be out of luck, as he’s exhausted his practice squad eligibility. Furthermore, don’t expect former quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who’s converted to receiver, to attempt a switch back to QB, writes Pat McManamon of ESPN.com.
Week In Review: 8/9/15 – 8/16/15
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Key News:
- The Chargers signed quarterback Philip Rivers to a four-year, $84MM extension that will keep him in San Diego through 2019.
- Receiver T.Y. Hilton agreed to a five-year, $65MM extension with the Colts.
- The Buccaneers and linebacker Lavonte David reached agreement on a five-year extension worth $50.25MM.
- Jets quarterback Geno Smith is out eight-to-ten weeks after linebacker IK Enemkpali broke his jaw during an altercation. Enemkpali was immediately waived, and subsequently claimed by the Bills.
- Ravens receiver Steve Smith announced that he will retire following the 2015 season.
Injuries:
- Bears – Kevin White, WR (link)
- Bills – Jarius Wynn, DE (link)
- Eagles – JaCorey Shepherd, CB (link)
- Rams – E.J. Gaines, CB (link)
- Steelers – Shaun Suisham, K (link)
- Vikings – Phil Loadholt, T (link)
- Washington – Niles Paul, TE (link) and Logan Paulsen, TE (link)
Signed:
- Buccaneers – Tony McDaniel, DE (link)
- Eagles – Deontae Skinner, LB (link)
- Patriots – Ryan Lindley, QB (link)
- Steelers – Garrett Hartley, K (link) and David Nelson, WR (link)
Released:
- Patriots – Matt Flynn, QB (link)
Trade:
- Patriots – acquired G Ryan Groy from the Bears in exchange for LB Matthew Wells (link)
Suspended:
- Cardinals – Bobby Massie, T: thee games (substance abuse)
Bills’ Jarius Wynn Likely Done For 2015
After tearing his ACL in Friday’s preseason game against the Panthers, Bills defensive end Jarius Wynn is likely to miss the 2015 season, reports Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. While Buffalo hasn’t officially announced anything regarding Wynn’s status, such a severe knee injury likely ensures that Wynn won’t see the field this year.
“Obviously that’s a devastating loss to us and to him,” coach Rex Ryan told Rodak today.
The 28-year-old Wynn appeared in 11 games in 2014, his first season with the Bills. He played on more than 300 snaps, acting as a key backup to starting defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams. Wynn, who’s also spent time with the Packers, Titans, Cowboys, and Chargers, re-signed with Buffalo this March, agreeing to a two-year, $2.2MM deal.
Per Rodak, Wynn’s absence could aid fellow defensive end IK Enemkpali — recently claimed off waivers from the Jets — in his effort to make the 53-man roster. Another offseason addition, Michael Buchanan, could see more time, as could veteran Alex Carrington, as he’s capable of playing all along the defensive line.
Rams’ E.J. Gaines Done For Season
Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines will miss the 2015 season after having surgery for a Lisfranc foot injury suffered earlier this summer, reports Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Gaines was injured when he got stepped on during practice on August 2, and while it was originally thought to be a knee ailment, it’s a foot problem that will sideline Gaines.
“It’s a tough break,” a team source told Thomas. “But the team will roll on. He’ll be 100 percent when he comes back. We’ll keep him busy and keep him occupied during his rehab.”
For a club that doesn’t have a ton of depth at the corner position, the loss of Gaines signifies a major loss. A sixth-round pick a in 2014, Gaines was inserted into the starting lineup following a preseason injury to Trumaine Johnson; Gaines continued to start even when Johnson returned. The 23-year-old Gaines went on to post 63 tackles and two interceptions in 15 contests, grading as not only the fourth-best Rams defender, but as the 29th-best cornerback in the league, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
With Gaines (as a Missouri alum, he’s a local product) out for the year, Johnson figures to reclaim his starting role opposite Janoris Jenkins. Second-year pro LaMarcus Joyner, meanwhile, will become the new slot corner. Along with safeties Rodney McLeod and T.J. McDonald, the Rams will field a secondary of players all age 26 or younger.
Chargers Extend Philip Rivers Through 2019
The Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers have agreed to a four-year extension, the club announced (via Twitter). Rivers, who was set to enter the final year of his contract, is now locked up through the 2019 season. The deal is worth $84MM, with $65MM guaranteed, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune (Twitter link).
This new deal brings to end months of speculation about the future of the relationship between Rivers and the Chargers, which was rumored to on its last legs throughout the spring. Reports had indicated that Rivers had no interest in negotiating an extension with the club potentially weighing a move to Los Angeles, and the Chargers reportedly dangled him in trade talks in an effort to move up to the second overall pick in the draft. As recently as April 20, Rivers declined to engage in extension negotiations, but less than two weeks later the team told Rivers that he would not be dealt.
Despite reports of an August 13 deadline for talks to conclude, Rivers yesterday downplayed the notion that a deal was no longer on the table. San Diego obviously had incentive to get something done, as well, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported on Wednesday that the club would use the franchise tag on Rivers in both 2016 and 2017, if need be.
The 33-year-old Rivers has spent the entirety of his 11-year career with the Chargers, passing for more than 35,000 yards and 250 touchdowns during that time. The five-time Pro Bowler has experienced something of a late-career renaissance under the leadership of Mike McCoy, as Rivers has completed 68% of his passes during the past two seasons, averaging more than 4,300 yards and 32 touchdowns during that span. Rivers has made the postseason five times, most recently in 2013, advancing to the AFC Championship Game in 2007.
While the reported guarantees likely aren’t full guarantees — $65MM would be the highest guaranteed figure among quarterbacks by $11MM — Rivers’ new $21MM annual salary would place him fourth among QBs, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Ben Roethlisberger. Rivers’ deal looks eerily similar to that of Roethlisberger, who signed a four-year deal worth $87.4MM ($34.25MM guaranteed) earlier this year. The other notable member of that 2004 draft class, Eli Manning, is still waiting on an extension with the Giants.
Working out an extension with Rivers puts a bow on an active Chargers offseason that not only saw the club bring in new weapons for Rivers in the forms of Stevie Johnson and Melvin Gordon, but fortify the offensive line with by re-signing King Dunlap and adding free agent additions Orlando Franklin and Joe Barksdale.
NFC Notes: Peterson, Giants, Evans, Lions
Despite all the rumors and news surrounding Adrian Peterson over the offseason, the Vikings running back always felt that he’d return to Minnesota, as he tells Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Deep down inside, I always knew I’d be back here,” said Peterson. “I like looking at situations and putting myself in other people’s positions. No way the Vikings were going to let me go.” Peterson will have to run behind a Phil Loadholt-less offensive line, as we learned earlier tonight that the Vikings right tackle tore his Achilles.
Here’s more from the NFC:
- The Giants have suffered a rash of injuries in their secondary, leading Paul Schwartz of the New York Post to wonder if the G-Men might be forced to make some additional signings. Rookie safeties Landon Collins and Mykkele Thompson each suffered injuries in last night’s preseason game (Thompson’s is more serious, as he’s expected to miss the season), and although head coach Tom Coughlin hopes that corner Prince Amukamara will return soon, he admits that new players may have to be brought in.
- The Saints extended guard Jahri Evans this offseason — mostly to create cap space — but Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune isn’t sure how much the 31-year-old has left. Comparing Evans to a pitcher who has lost his fastball and has become “craftier,” Holder nevertheless observes that Evans has been regularly beaten by opposing defensive lineman during camp.
- Offensive lineman Darren Keyton will miss the entire season after tearing his patellar tendon, tweets Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com, and according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, the Lions didn’t wait around to look for candidates to take Keyton’s role. Detroit held OL tryouts directly after today’s practice, but the names of the players involved were not released.
East Notes: Carr, G. Smith, IK, Brady
After having surgery on Monday to repair a broken bone in his hand, Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr seems to be pleased with both the operation and the state of his health. “If I had to play today, you wouldn’t even know I was hurt,” Carr told Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. “It feels all right. Not much discomfort, not much pain right now, it’s just the healing process. It hurts more that I’m not out there with the guys. I got to take care of business, take care what’s necessary with myself.” Though neither Carr nor head coach Jason Garrett would provide a timetable on the corner’s return, it sounds as if he’s likely to suit up for Week 1.
Here’s more from the NFL’s East divisions…
- Jets quarterback Geno Smith was released from the hospital yesterday, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Smith, of course, suffered a broken jaw after being punched by IK Enemkpali and is expected to miss six-to-ten weeks.
- Speaking of Enemkpali, Ben Shpigel of the New York Times provides an interesting profile of the former Jets (and current Bills) linebacker, adding a few more details on the infamous incident. Per Shpigel, Enemkpali not only was stiffed by Smith for $600, but repeatedly was the butt of teammates’ jokes over his failure to get reimbursed.
- Ben Volin of the Boston Globe offers his take on the Smith/Enemkpali incident, the new-look Bills, and the Patriots‘ signing of backup quarterback Ryan Lindley, who has studied with the same QBs coach employed by Jimmy Garoppolo.
- In a separate article, Volin argues that a settlement between the NFL and the NFLPA in the Tom Brady case is unlikely, noting that not only is money not a motivating factor (as it is in most arbitration cases), but each party has too much to lose PR-wise.