Rams K Greg Zuerlein Still A Week Away
Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein is expected to miss at least one more week while dealing with a groin injury, head coach Sean McVay told reporters, including Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Zuerlein suffered his injury during pregame warmups prior to Week 2, but given his skill and recovery timeline, Los Angeles opted to not place him Zuerlein on injured reserve, which would have mandated an absence of at least eight games. Instead, the Rams went with Sam Ficken for two games, during which he converted only one-of-three field goals, before signing veteran Cairo Santos in advance of Week 5. Santos made both of his field goal attempts on Sunday, but missed one-of-four extra points.
Zuerlein, of course, is one of the NFL’s best kickers, and earned both first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2017. He ranked third last season with a 95% field goal conversion rate, and made six-of-seven attempts from 50+ yards. Per Football Outsiders, Zuerlein’s work on field goals and extra points added 11.3 points of field position, good for fifth in the league.
Poll: Who Will Pick First Overall In The 2019 NFL Draft?
With nearly a third of the 2018 regular season in the books, it’s fair to start looking ahead to the 2019 draft, especially if you’re a fan of a team that’s not looking like a playoff team this year. Using Football Outsiders’ DVOA On the Clock report, let’s take a look at a few teams who could secure the No. 1 overall selection in 2019:
Arizona Cardinals (19.6% chance of No. 1 pick, 61.5% chance of top-five pick)
The Cardinals allowed the Sam Bradford experiment to last for the better part of three games before turning things over to rookie quarterback Josh Rosen, who has appeared competent thus far. David Johnson is an All-Pro talent at running back, but Arizona hasn’t been very creative in its use of him, and he’s faced eight or more defenders in the box on 33.78% of his attempts, 10th-most in the league. The Cardinals are still as a top-10 defense in terms of DVOA (meaning they’re efficient) despite ranking as a bottom-10 unit in both yards allowed and scoring, so continued success on that side of the ball could move Arizona away from the top overall pick.
San Francisco 49ers (18.6%, 59.8%)
The 49ers’ top quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo), running back (Jerick McKinnon) and wide receiver (Marquise Goodwin) have all been injured this year, and each health issue helped push the 49ers’ chances of earning the No. 1 pick upward. With C.J. Beathard now leading San Francisco’s offense, and Alfred Morris taking over in the backfield for the time being while Matt Breida deals with an ankle injury, it’s unclear how many points the 49ers will be able to muster the rest of the way. Pair those offensive problems with a defense that ranks just 26th in adjusted sack rate, and San Francisco could be in the market for a top-five selection in 2019.
Buffalo Bills (13.2%, 56%)
While rookie signal-caller Josh Allen perhaps hasn’t looked as poor as many believed he would, he still ranks second-to-last among quarterbacks in adjusted net yards per attempt. His performance, as well as that of Buffalo’s porous offensive line, has contributed to the Bills ranking dead last in both yards per drive and points per drive. A surprisingly strong defense (and a full-effort approach that speaks well of head coach Sean McDermott) could help push the Bills towards the end of the top-10 picks, but their offense is going to hold them back.
Oakland Raiders (9.3%, 41.7%)
It’s a good thing Jon Gruden landed a 10-year contract because his first season with the Raiders isn’t going as planned. Oakland’s defense is the slowest in the NFL (which perhaps isn’t a surprise given that the Raiders are fielding the league’s oldest roster), and the club’s offense has been hit-or-miss. After trading superstar Khalil Mack, Oakland ranks dead last in sacks and second-to-last in adjusted sack rate. And, as a bonus, the Raiders get to face Patrick Mahomes twice a year for the next decade.
New York Giants (8.1%, 37.1%)
The Giants are the only team in the NFL that has at least a 5% chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick and at least a 10% chance of making the postseason, per Football Outsiders. That’s largely due to the lackluster quality of the NFC East, where no team is over the .500 mark, and New York’s remaining schedule, which ranks as the easiest in the league. On the other hand, FiveThirtyEight currently projects the Giants to finish with the NFL’s worst record, so until the NFC East clarifies itself, New York’s outlook is ¯_(ツ)_/¯.
Atlanta Falcons (8%, 35.3%)
The one team on this list that would have been a complete surprise coming into 2018, the Falcons have been decimated on the defensive side of the ball. Starting safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen, plus linebacker Deion Jones, are all out for the season after suffering injuries, and Atlanta’s defense has responded in kind, giving up the second-most points in the league on a per-game basis. Matt Ryan and the rest of the Falcons’ offense can still win shootouts, but Atlanta could be in line to pick within the top-five for the first time since 2008.
So, what do you think? Will one of these teams land the No. 1 overall pick in 2019? Vote below!
Falcons Not Concerned Devonta Freeman Has Long-Term Injury
The Falcons aren’t as worried about Devonta Freeman‘s foot injury as they were about the knee injury he suffered earlier this year, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Freeman is now dealing with a bone bruise, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com recently reported that the veteran running back’s status for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers is in doubt. However, Graziano indicates that it’s “too soon to know” whether Freeman can suit up for Week 6. Either way, Atlanta isn’t concerned that Freeman is facing a long-term absence.
If Freeman can’t go, the Falcons will once again turn to a tandem of Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith. Tampa Bay, of course, is currently fielding on the league’s worst defenses, although it’s been much worse against the pass than the run. The Buccaneers rank 30th in passing DVOA to opposing running backs, so Coleman and Smith — both of whom are solid pass-catchers — could excel in that area on Sunday.
Injuries haven’t typically been a problem for Freeman: before missing two games with a concussion in 2017, he’d played in 47-of-48 games from 2014-16. Freeman, who topped 1,000 rushing yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns in both 2015 and 2016, is under contract through 2022 after inking a five-year, $41.25MM extension last August.
Extra Points: Falcons, Giants, Eagles, Bucs
The 1-4 Falcons could face the Buccaneers without running back Devonta Freeman, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Freeman, who missed three games with an MCL sprain, is actually dealing with a new injury, as Rapoport indicates it’s a bone bruise that’s threatening to keep Freeman out of Sunday’s action. While Freeman didn’t practice today, he did work on the side, although his status for Week 6 is “in doubt, per Rapoport. Without Freeman, Atlanta would deploy a Tevin Coleman/Ito Smith combination that was used in Weeks 2-5.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Speaking of injury news, the Giants have already ruled out tight end Evan Engram for Thursday night’s game against the Eagles, meaning Rhett Ellison, who has shouldered the load since Week 3, will take over at tight end once again. Edge rusher Oliver Vernon, who’s missed the entire season to this point with an ankle issue, will make his 2018 debut. On the other side of the field, the Eagles have listed defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, safety Corey Graham, and running back Darren Sproles as out. The latter two are especially concerning, as Philadelphia recent placed defensive back Rodney McLeod and running back Jay Ajayi on injured reserve.
- Although Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said he’d make changes following a loss to the Jets on Sunday, defensive coordinator Joe Woods will not be relieved of his play-calling duties, tweets Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link). Denver gave up 512 yards of offense against New York, including a whopping 334 on the ground. Joseph, a former defensive coordinator himself, could potentially take over play-calling, but that’s not a move that will happen this week. Joseph also indicated that cornerback Bradley Roby, who was burned by Jets receiver Robby Anderson in Week 5, is still a starter “for now.” Adam Jones, who’s played on roughly a third of the Broncos’ defensive snaps thus far, could see more snaps if Roby is benched.
- Under the terms of his five-year extension with the Buccaneers, guard Ali Marpet will earn $12.365MM through one year, $23.25MM through two years, and $33.5MM through three years, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Among left guards, Marpet’s $11MM annual average now ranks third, behind only Andrew Norwell and Kelechi Osemele, while his $27.125MM in guarantees ranks second. Marpet, who has started 44 games during his time in the NFL, has displayed exceptional versatility, as he’s played both guard spots and center in his career.
- Broncos linebacker Alexander Johnson pleaded guilty to simple possession and failure to exercise due care while driving but subsequently had a DUI charge against him dismissed, per a report from the Associated Press. Johnson’s original arrest occurred in the summer of 2017, more than a year before Denver gave him $50K in guaranteed money to sign as an undrafted free agent. A Tennessee product, Johnson hadn’t played football in more than four years before landing with the Broncos, in part due to a rape charge of which he was later acquitted. He’s been inactive for every game in 2018.
NFL Workout Updates: 10/10/18
Today’s workout updates, with all links going to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account unless otherwise noted:
Cincinnati Bengals
- RB Ralph Webb; Ss Quin Blanding, Chris Cooper (link)
Cleveland Browns
Houston Texans
- TEs Kyle Carter, Will Tye; Ts Tyreek Burwell, Rick Leonard (Twitter links)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- RB Bo Scarbrough (link)
Kansas City Chiefs
- TEs Braedon Bowman, Kyle Carter, Pharoah McKever (link)
Miami Dolphins
- WRs Reggie Davis, Amba Etta-Tawo (link)
Lions Audition CB Tony Lippett
Defensive lineman Tank Carradine and tight end Clive Walford weren’t the only veteran free agents to work out for the Lions today. Cornerback Tony Lippett also auditioned for Detroit on Wednesday, tweets veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer.
Lippett, who transformed from a collegiate wideout to an NFL corner, was a 13-game starter for the Dolphins in 2016, but didn’t make it through final cutdowns earlier this year after missing the entire 2017 campaign with a torn Achilles. Provided he’s now healthy, Lippett could give Detroit’s secondary a boost, as the club ranks just 29th in passing defense DVOA. While starters Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson have played well, nickel back Jamal Agnew ranks as a bottom-10 NFL corner, per Pro Football Focus, and is now dealing with an injury.
Lippett, 26, has drawn plenty of interest since being cut by Miami, as he’s worked out for the Giants, Jets, Seahawks, and Bills.
Here’s the full list of players the Lions worked out today:
- QB Nic Shimonek
- WR Deontez Alexander
- WR Aaron Burbridge
- WR Bennie Fowler
- TE Blake Bell
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/10/18
Today’s minor moves:
Philadelphia Ealges
- Promoted from practice squad: S Tre Sullivan
- Waived (failed physical): DT T.Y. McGill
Tennessee Titans
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Cameron Batson
5 Key NFL Stories: 9/30/18 – 10/7/18
Latest on Le’Veon. Le’Veon Bell is reportedly planning to report to the Steelers prior to the club’s Week 7 bye, but Pittsburgh is still willing to consider trade offers for the franchise-tagged running back. The Eagles and 49ers are among the teams with interest in Bell, who is reportedly being actively shopped by the Steelers. Philadelphia, for its part, is giving “serious consideration” to a Bell acquisition, and has been mulling a trade for some time. However, the latest reports (from earlier today) indicate that not only has Bell not relayed any of his plans to the Steelers, but he’s not inclined to accept a trade.
Travis Frederick heads to injured reserve. The Cowboys kept Frederick off IR to begin the season with the hope that could return later this year, and while that remains a possibility, Frederick will miss at least the next eight games of Dallas’ season. Frederick was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome earlier this year, and recent reports indicated he’s still dealing with numbness in his arms. The Cowboys needed a roster spot with defensive tackle David Irving returning from suspension, so the club could no longer afford to keep Frederick on the active roster. Veteran reserve Joe Looney will continue to man the pivot for the foreseeable future.
Bengals lose Tyler Eifert. Eifert will miss the majority of yet another season after suffering a gruesome broken ankle against the Falcons last Sunday. One of the NFL’s most talented tight ends when healthy, Eifert will complete the 2018 campaign having played in only 28 of Cincinnati’s past 80 games. With Eifert sidelined, the Bengals will turn to backups Tyler Kroft, C.J. Uzomah, and Mason Schrek for the rest of the year. Cincinnati did get running back Joe Mixon for Sunday’s win over the Dolphins, but No. 2 runner Giovani Bernard will miss several weeks with an MCL sprain.
Greg Olsen nearing return? After suffering a broken foot earlier this year, Olsen could potentially be back in time for the Panthers’ Week 6 game against the Redskins. Nearly every report since Olsen broke his foot in the season opener has indicated the positive nature of his recovery. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported in early September that Olsen would return in a “few weeks,” while Ian Rapoport of NFL.com indicated Olsen was facing a four-to-five week timeline. From 2014-16, Olsen — who also fractured his foot in 2017 — earn Pro Bowl honors while topping 75 receptions and 1,000 yards in each campaign.
NFL suspends Mychal Kendricks indefinitely. Kendricks won’t be playing for the Seahawks any time soon, as the NFL suspended him indefinitely last week. Kendricks, of course, was charged with insider trading earlier this year and subsequently released by the Eagles. Seattle picked him up despite a suspension obviously coming down the pike, and got three games from him before the hammer fell. Kendricks won’t collect a salary while he’s banned, so the Seahawks aren’t out any money. Austin Calitro will take over at linebacker for Seattle.
Landry Jones Expected To Sign Soon
Free agent quarterback Landry Jones has generated recent interest and is likely to land a job soon, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
Jones was reportedly the target of trade interest earlier this year, but those reports may have been the result of the Steelers attempting to deal Jones before releasing him, something they ultimately did just before the regular season got underway. Since then, Jones has worked out for numerous teams, including the Cowboys, Jaguars, 49ers, Patriots, and — according to Schefter — the Lions and Bills. Buffalo, notably, is set to sign fellow signal-caller Derek Anderson, so Jones may no longer be a consideration for the Bills.
Jones, 29, hasn’t played much during his six-year NFL career, as he’s attempted just 169 passes in relief of Ben Roethlisberger. In that span, Jones has been a middling option, completing 63.9% of his passes for 1,310 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Among the quarterbacks who have thrown at least 160 passes since 2013, Jones ranks 35th in passer rating and 26th in adjusted net yards per attempt, but it’s difficult to assign much relevance to those numbers given his small sample size. With that 160-pass cutoff in place, Jones ranks second-to-last in attempts since his rookie campaign, just ahead of Anderson.
PFR Originals: 9/30/18 – 10/7/18
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- In the latest entry in our This Date in Transactions History series, Zach Links examined the 2010 trade that sent running back Marshawn Lynch from the Bills to the Seahawks for the price of a 2011 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2012 selection. Lynch, of course, went on to post four consecutive campaigns with at least 1,200 yards rushing and double-digit touchdowns, winning a Super Bowl in the process.
- A number of key players have already been lost for the season due to injury, leading Zach to explain the concept of injured reserve. IR rules have changed in recent years, as teams are now allowed to bring a maximum of two players off injured reserve following an eight-week absence. Our PFR Glossary post on IR also describes how teams and players reach injury settlements that allow the player to reach free agency.
- As a reminder, you can follow Pro Football Rumors on social media and specifically filter for news on your favorite team. Here are links to our Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds for all 32 teams.