Dolphins Reinstate Derrick Shelby
A week after being suspended indefinitely, defensive end Derrick Shelby has been reinstated by the Dolphins, a league source tells Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. Shelby was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 4 for trespassing and resisting arrest, charges which his agent argued were unwarranted.
As Smith notes, personal conduct policy is under the purview of the league, not teams, so it’s possible that the NFLPA leaned on the Dolphins to allow Shelby to return to action. Given the numerous off-the-field incidents that have occurred around the NFL during the year, it’s not surprising that Miami acted swiftly in responding to this incident. However, Shelby’s take on what happened is quite different from the story put forth by authorities, so it would be tough for the Dolphins to continue to discipline him until the situation is resolved.
Shelby, 25, saw 127 snaps over three games before his suspension. The 25-year-old Utah product joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He’ll return as a reserve on a defensive line that features Cameron Wake, Randy Starks, and Earl Mitchell.
Miami will need to make a roster move to clear a spot for Shelby as its roster currently sits at 53.
West Notes: Gore, Trevathan, Robinson, Davis
During the offseason, a 49ers front office member approached veteran running back Frank Gore and alerted him that his roster spot was not guaranteed, reports Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network’s Total Access (Twitter link via Rapoport’s colleague, Chris Wesseling). As Rapoport adds (via Twitter), the news isn’t entirely surprising, as Gore, 31, was set to count $6.45MM against the cap while playing a devalued position. For what it’s worth, Niners general manager Trent Baalke claims there is “no truth” to the report, per Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News (on Twitter). San Francisco is probably glad it kept the 10-year veteran around, though, as Kendall Hunter‘s injury and LaMichael James‘ release made Gore quite valuable. So far in 2014, he’s rushed 77 times for 365 yards, but only managed one touchdown. Let’s look at more from the NFL’s two West divisions as the 49ers prepare to take on the Rams on Monday Night Football:
- Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan will be out for three-to-six weeks after suffering a fracture near his left kneecap in yesterday’s game against the Jets, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. As Klis notes, Denver has yet to use its injured reserve/designation to return slot, so that could be an option for Trevathan, although that would keep him out of action for a minimum of eight weeks. Trevathan missed the first three games of the season with a similar injury.
- Greg Robinson, the second overall pick in this year’s draft, will make his first start for the Rams tonight, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Dispatch. Robinson played left tackle at Auburn, but will begin his NFL career at left guard. As such, Rodger Saffold will shift to right guard, and Davin Joseph will act as a reserve.
- The last time the Rams played a game in primetime, current quarterback Austin Davis was a QB coach at a local high school, tweets Rapoport. It’s been quite a ride for Davis, who has thrown for six touchdowns and more than 1,100 yards in four games this season.
AFC North Notes: Browns, Hoyer, Zuttah, Green
The AFC North was just one of several divisions that saw a star player go down in Week 6, as Browns center Alex Mack suffered a broken fibula and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Let’s take a look at more out of Cleveland and the rest of the division, which as Bill Barnwell of Grantland writes, has the best record in out-of-division contests so far in 2014:
- We learned earlier today that usual right guard John Greco will slide over to man center for the Browns in Mack’s absence, but as Tony Grossi of ESPN.com writes, his shift will create a void at RG. Paul McQuistan played there on Sunday, but Cleveland might prefer to leave him in his reserve, swing tackle role. Head coach Mike Pettine allowed that second-year lineman Vinston Painter is a candidate to start at right guard.
- In a video for Bleacher Report, Jason Cole speculates that Brian Hoyer may not want to sign an extension with the Browns unless Johnny Manziel is no longer on the team. Cleveland could opt to place the franchise tag on Hoyer in 2015, says Cole, and look to rid themselves of Manziel, presumably through trade.
- Ravens center Jeremy Zuttah played for the Buccaneers for six years before he was traded to Baltimore during the offseason, and he admits that playing against his former team on Sunday brought up some complicated emotions. “There was a time when I was bitter,” Zuttah told Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. “Once I got to Baltimore, that was out the window. I’m just happy to be a part of this organization.”
- A.J. Green was inactive for the Bengals yesterday while dealing with a toe injury, but head coach Marvin Lewis isn’t ruling out Green returning for next week’s game against the Colts, according to Richard Skinner of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Meanwhile, fellow receiver Marvin Jones still hasn’t shown any progress while attempting to recover from an ankle ailment.
Injury Updates: Sunday
While we don’t cover every injury here at Pro Football Rumors, we will keep track of injuries to key players that could force teams to make important roster moves. We’ll update the following list throughout the day:
- Giants nickel back Trumaine McBride told reporters tonight, including Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com (Twitter link), that he has a dislocated thumb, which figures to sideline him for multiple weeks.
- Eagles running back Darren Sproles left tonight’s game against the Giants with a knee injury, and as Doug Farrar of SI.com tweets, NBC’s Michele Tafoya reported that the tests adminstered to Sproles’ MCL and ACL by the team left the running back “pretty unhappy.” We should have a clearer idea of the prognosis for Sproles on Monday.
Earlier updates:
- The Jets fear that starting right guard Brian Winters will be sidelined for the season with a torn ACL, a sources tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). The team will conduct tests tomorrow morning to determine whether or not that’s the case.
- Sam Shields believes he avoided a major knee injury today, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Losing Shields would’ve been a costly blow for the Packers, who re-signed the cornerback to a lucrative long-term deal during the offseason.
- Milliner is believed to have torn his Achilles, tweets Rapoport; the second-year corner would obviously miss the remainder of the season if true.
- The Browns believe Mack has suffered a significant leg injury, and expect him to “miss extended time,” reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Currently, the Browns have moved right guard John Greco to center, with Paul McQuistan taking over at RG. We’ll certainly have more on this situation as more news is relayed.
- Patriots running back Stevan Ridley has been ruled out for the day with a knee injury. Per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (on Twitter), Ridley’s “ankle bent in a way no one wants their ankle to bend.”
- The Bengals linebacking unit has taken another hit, as Rey Maualuga had to be carted off the field with a leg injury, according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the the NFL Network (Twitter link).
- Speaking on FOX, Jay Glazer provided an update on Broncos running Montee Ball, who will miss an additional 3-4 weeks with a groin injury.
- The Browns excellent offensive line has taken a hit, as center Alex Mack had to be carted off the field with a left ankle injury, tweets Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal. ESPN.com’s Tony Grossi adds (on Twitter) that an air cast was applied to Mack’s ankle, an indication that the injury could be serious.
- Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo is out for the day after suffering a knee injury that forced him to be carted off the field, according to John Clayton of ESPN (via Twitter).
- After suffering two concussions already this season, Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict left today’s game after taking a hit to the head; another concussion could shelve Burfict for some time.
- 2013 first-rounder Dee Milliner is out for the rest of the Jets’ game against the Broncos after suffering a non-contact injury to his ankle.
Latest On Alex Mack Injury
5:16pm: Mack suffered a broken fibula, according to Adam Schefter and Pat McManamon of ESPN.com, who report that it figures to be a season-ending injury for the Browns center (Twitter link).
4:27pm: Given that Browns center Alex Mack was forced to leave today’s game on a cart after suffering a leg injury, it was fair to speculate that the injury was relatively serious. We now know a few more details on the situation, as Cleveland head coach Mike Pettine told reporters, including Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal (via Twitter), that the initial diagnosis on Mack was a broken leg, although Pettine had not confirmed that information. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) reports that the injury was actually a broken ankle — either way, Mack figures to miss the rest of the 2014 season.
Mack, a first-round pick in 2009, has never missed a game in his six-year career. After the Browns placed the transition tag on the 28-year-old during the offseason, Mack signed an offer sheet with the Jaguars, which Cleveland then matched. Per the agreement, Mack is set to earn $10MM this season, and $8MM in 2015 — both amounts are guaranteed. He’s well worth the money, as Pro Football Focus (subscription required) has graded Mack as a top-10 center during each season he’s been in the league.
To compensate for the loss of Mack during today’s 31-10 win over the Steelers, the Browns moved right guard John Greco to center, while inserting backup offensive lineman Paul McQuistan at RG. It’s unclear if the Cleveland will use this alignment going forward. The only other reserve offensive lineman on the squad is second-year player Vinston Painter, who is more of a guard/tackle. The Browns also have Ryan Seymour and Karim Barton on their practice squad, but again, both are G/T types who have no experience at center.
Patriots Fear Stevan Ridley Has Torn ACL
Several notable players have gone down with injuries during today’s games — Alex Mack is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a leg injury, 2013 first-rounder Dee Milliner likely tore his Achilles, and we’re still waiting for details on what looked like a serious injury to Jerod Mayo. In addition to Mayo, the Patriots have probably lost another key player, running back Stevan Ridley, to a torn ACL. Albert Breer of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that Ridley will have an MRI tomorrow, but New England fears the 25-year-old has a significant knee injury, one that will likely knock him out for the rest of 2014. As further evidence, Mike Petraglia of WEEI posted an Instagram photo of Ridley leaving the stadium using a cane and wearing a large ACL brace on his right knee.
Ridley, a 2011 third-round pick out of LSU, has never missed a game due to injury. He was inactive for two contests last year, but those absences were due to Ridley’s infamous fumbling issues rather than an injury. Despite the fumbles, Ridley has had a largely successful career, mostly as a power back who offers little in the passing game. His best season came in 2012, when he rushed 290 times for 1,263 times and 12 touchdowns. Ridley is earning a tad under $800K this year as he plays under the final year of his rookie contract. It’s tough to speculate on financial matters right after a player suffers a serious injury, but it’s fair to wonder how this major injury will affect Ridley’s market come free agency.
Passing-game specialist Shane Vereen will likely take over as New England’s primary runner. The Pats also have Brandon Bolden and 2014 fourth-round pick James White on the roster, so it’s not as though the Pats lack internal options. I’d expect Vereen to get the majority of the carries going forward, with Bolden and White sprinkled in, especially near the goal line.
Cowboys Won’t Extend Garrett During Season
The Cowboys are tied for first in the NFC East with a 4-1 record, but even that fast start doesn’t mean it won’t be a tumultuous offseason in Dallas. Star offensive players Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray are playing on expiring deals and are certain to be angling for new, expensive contracts. And while both Bryant and Murray could conceivably start (and complete) negotiations in-season, the same can’t be said for head coach Jason Garrett, whose contract also is up after 2014. As Cowboys owner Jerry Jones tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), any extension talks with Garrett will wait until the season has concluded.
Back in August, Jones conveyed the same thoughts, saying that while a Garrett extension was very much on the table, it would have to wait until after the season. In essence, Jones was content with his head coach leading the team as a “lame duck.” Given that Garrett, 48, had a pedestrian 29-27 record (with no playoff appearances) heading into 2014, it was probably fair to force him to prove himself before earning a new deal.
However, the Cowboys hot start could have changed Jones’ mind, and forced him to reconsider extending Garrett during the season. Specifically, Rapoport asked Jones if a Cowboys win over the Seahawks today would be enough for the two sides to start talks — the answer was an emphatic “no.” If Dallas is able to sustain its current success, and even win a playoff game, Garrett will certainly be in line for a nice payday, either from the Cowboys, or from another team.
PFR Originals: 10/5/14 – 10/12/14
The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- With Brian Hoyer off to a great start, Luke Adams examined the extension case for the 29-year-old Browns quarterback. In the same vein, Luke asked whether Hoyer, Johnny Manziel, or a third option would be under center for Cleveland in 2015; nearly 60% of respondents selected Hoyer.
- In another entry in our Extension Candidate series, I looked at the possibility of Randall Cobb reaching a long-term deal with the Packers.
- Zach Links rounded up the best of the football blogs in the latest edition of Pigskin Links.
- Zach also posted two AFC East-related polls last week. First, he wondered whether head coach Rex Ryan or general manager John Idzik should take the blame for the Jets’ futility; about 61% felt the blame rested on Idzik’s shoulders. Second, Zach questioned how Tom Brady‘s career was likely to end — a majority of readers feel Tom Terrific will play out the string with the Patriots.
- Luke passed along updates on players on the PUP or IR-DTR lists, explaining when such players are eligible to begin practicing and return to game action.
- I examined kicker Matt Prater‘s free agent stock before he signed on with the Lions.
Week In Review: 10/5/14 – 10/12/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Key News:
- Pegulas officially approved as Bills owners (link)
- Adrian Peterson trial set for December 1 (link)
- Cowboys offered DeMarco Murray four-year deal (link)
- Los Angeles mayor expects NFL team soon (link)
Signed:
- 49ers – S Bubba Ventrone (link)
- Cardinals – P Drew Butler (link)
- Chargers – RB Ronnie Brown (link)
- Colts – LB Victor Butler (link)
- Lions – K Matt Prater (link)
- Panthers – CB James Dockery (link)
- Ravens – CB Dominique Franks (link)
- Saints – TE Tom Crabtree (link)
- Texans – LB John Simon (link)
- Titans – CB Brandon Ghee (link)
Placed on IR-DTR:
- Cardinals – LB Matt Shaughnessy (link)
Claimed Off Waivers:
- Bengals – claimed LB Khairi Fortt from the Saints (link)
- Raiders – claimed WR Kenbrell Thompkins from the Patriots (link) and LB Ray Ray Armstrong from the Rams (link)
- Ravens – claimed TE Ryan Taylor from the Packers (link)
Released/Waived:
- 49ers – QB Josh Johnson (link)
- Bears – CB Isaiah Frey (link)
- Lions – K Alex Henery (link)
Suspended:
- Dolphins – DE Derrick Shelby, indefinitely (link)
Extra Points: Cardinals, Cowboys, Dolphins
Let’s look at a few assorted notes from around the league to close out this Saturday evening:
- Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has made an astounding 178 roster moves already this season, and he’s finding it more difficult to find talented street free agents. “If you’re going to sign stop-gap veterans, you sign guys that have had success,” Keim told Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic. “You want the guys that have a little gas left in the tank and want to play pissed off. You focus on the guys with enough pride and something to prove. But there does come a time when you look at the waiver wire, you look on the street and there’s not much left. The laws of supply and demand tells you at certain positions, there are no bodies. That’s when it becomes extremely difficult.” The entire piece is full of interesting quotes from Keim about the nature of roster-building, and is worth a full read.
- The Cowboys’ defense has been surprisingly competent so far this season, but as Adam Schefter of ESPN writes, the unit could be fielding several star players in the secondary had the 2011 draft gone differently. Instead of selecting current Seahawks Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman in the fourth and fifth round, respectively, Dallas took Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, a Division-II player now out out the league, and Josh Thomas. I would note that every team, including Seattle, passed on Chancellor and Sherman several times in that draft, so it’s not as though the Cowboys made a larger mistake than any other club.
- Within the same piece, Schefter looks at the now-infamous first-round quarterback selections in the ’11 draft, when Jake Locker was taken before Tyron Smith and J.J. Watt. Additionally, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder were selected before stars such as Robert Quinn, Mike Pouncey, and Ryan Kerrigan.
- The 2015 salary cap is expected to be around $145MM, and the Dolphins already have $144MM on next year’s books, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Several Miami veterans, such as Cortland Finnegan, Randy Starks, and Earl Mitchell have contracts that the Dolphins could easily terminate during the offseason, so these players are essentially playing for their jobs.