NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/29/15
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL, with any additional moves added to the list throughout the day:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: S Marcus Ball (Twitter link)
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: DE Lavar Edwards (Twitter link via Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com)
- Cut: OL Ronald Patrick
Denver Broncos
- To be signed: T Antonio Johnson (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
- Cut: OLB Danny Mason (via Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post)
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: QB Alex Tanney (press release)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: WR Shaq Evans (Twitter link via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union)
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: WR Marcus Lucas (Twitter link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- Cut: LB Terrell Manning (Twitter link via Jayson Braddock)
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Donte Foster (Twitter link)
- Cut: FB Blake Renaud
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Tavarres King (Twitter link via Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News)
- Cut: OL Vinston Painter (Twitter link via Wilson)
New York Jets
- Signed: S Ronald Martin (Twitter link via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com)
- Cut: CB Keon Lyn
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: C B.J. Finney (Twitter link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- Cut: C Barrett Jones
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: G Michael Huey (via Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego)
St. Louis Rams
- Signed: WR Nick Toon (Twitter link via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DT Derrick Lott (press release)
- Cut: CB Imoan Claiborne
Washington:
- Signed: C Austin Reiter (Twitter link via Zac Boyer of the Washington Times)
Browns, OL Coach Andy Moeller Part Ways
The Browns and offensive line coach Andy Moeller have “mutually agreed” to part ways, effective immediately, says Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter links). Moeller had been under investigation in recent weeks for an alleged domestic incident, though he ultimately didn’t face charges.
“While no charges were filed in connection with the recent accusations asserted against him, and which Andy vehemently denies, he has advised the Browns that he desires to devote his full attention and focus on his family,” the Browns and Moeller’s agency said in a joint statement. “Andy states that this was a difficult decision but the right one for him, his family, and the club at this point in time.”
The Browns initially suspended Moeller indefinitely earlier this month while he was being investigated for a possible domestic incident. Berea prosecutor Jim Walters announced that no charges would be filed against Moeller, though he didn’t entirely exonerate the veteran coach.
“It is quite clear an incident of volatile nature took place,” the Berea prosecutor’s office said in a statement last week. “What is less clear is the actions of the two persons involved.”
As Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets, Moeller met with NFL officials yesterday about the incident and the investigation, and the league has yet to make a decision on potential discipline. No matter what the league decides, it doesn’t appear Moeller will be coaching in the NFL again this season.
Chargers Place Johnnie Troutman On IR
The Chargers have lost one of their starting offensive linemen for the season, as Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports (via Twitter) that the club has placed guard Johnnie Troutman on injured reserve, ending his year.
Troutman, who turns 28 in November, was San Diego’s right guard in 2014, starting all 15 games he played for the team, a year after stepping in as the Chargers’ left guard. Even after the club signed Orlando Franklin in the offseason, it looked like Troutman would resume his duties at right guard this year, but he suffered a broken foreman in August.
As Gehlken tweets, Troutman had been rehabbing and said just yesterday that he would “definitely” return to action for the Chargers this season. However, San Diego could no longer afford to use one of its 53 roster spots on him, and had to move him to IR.
D.J. Fluker and Chris Hairston have seen action at right guard in Troutman’s absence.
Washington Signs Mason Foster, Places Shawn Lauvao On IR
Washington has announced a series of roster moves, confirming today (via Twitter) that they’ve added a pair of new players to the 53-man roster, signing free agent linebacker Mason Foster and promoting cornerback Quinton Dunbar from the practice squad.
In order to make room for the incoming additions, Washington has placed two players on the injured reserve list. Starting left guard Shawn Lauvao and cornerback Justin Rogers have both landed on IR. Rogers has been battling foot problems, while Lauvao suffered an ankle injury during the club’s Week 3 game against the Giants.
Of the two new players on Washington’s 53-man squad, Foster is the more interesting name. The 26-year-old appeared in 10 games for the Buccaneers last season and started all of them. In that time, he recorded 62 total tackles and three pass deflections. The former third-round pick also impressed with 105 tackles in 2012, and 92 tackles – to go along with three interceptions and two sacks – in 2013. However, after signing with the Bears in March, he failed to earn a spot on Chicago’s regular season roster.
As for the two players heading to IR, Lauvao will be the more noteworthy loss for Washington, since he was a key piece of an offensive line that looked very effective in the running game during the season’s first couple games. Josh LeRibeus is expected to replace Lauvao going forward, though he’s dealing with an injury of his own. Tom Compton and Spencer Long could also be in the mix.
Texans To Sign Nick Novak, Cut Randy Bullock
The Texans are the latest NFL team to make a change at the kicker position, having decided to part ways with Randy Bullock, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link). Berman reports that the Texans are signing former Chargers kicker Nick Novak to replace Bullock.
Bullock, 25, has been the Texans’ kicker since the 2013 season, making 74.3% of his field goals in his rookie year before bumping up that mark to 85.7% in 2014. However, he had been inconsistent through three weeks this season, missing a 43-yard field goal and a pair of extra points.
Novak, meanwhile, had been the Chargers’ full-time kicker from 2011 to 2014, making 101 of his 117 field goal attempts (86.3%) during his time in San Diego, including 11 of 17 from 50+ yards. However, the 34-year-old was beaten out in camp this year by the younger, cheaper Josh Lambo, and was released by the Chargers earlier this month.
Novak beat out Connor Barth, Kai Forbath, Chris Boswell, and Giorgio Tavecchio – who all auditioned this week for the Texans as well – for Houston’s kicking job. As for Bullock, he’ll have to pass through waivers before he reaches free agency.
Panthers Place Charles Johnson On IR-DTR
Earlier today, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reported (via Twitter) that the Panthers weren’t considering placing defensive end Charles Johnson on their injured reserve list with the designation to return, but it appears the team reconsidered that stance today. Johnson has announced (via Instagram) that the team has used its IR-DTR slot on him, sidelining him for at least eight weeks due to his hamstring injury.
Johnson, 29, has been the Panthers’ most reliable pass rusher over the last several years, recording at least 8.5 sacks in each of his last five seasons. However, after Greg Hardy was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list in 2014 and then departed in free agency earlier in 2015, Johnson hasn’t had much help getting to the quarterback in Carolina. He had one sack in three games this season before sustaining his hamstring injury.
In Johnson’s absence, Jared Allen, acquired in a trade with the Bears, will slot into the vacated defensive end position, and the Panthers will count on the veteran pass rusher to help the unit get after quarterbacks over the next eight weeks.
While Johnson’s cap number for 2015 is $20.02MM, the highest in the NFL for a defensive player, Allen will cost the Panthers less than $1MM, since the Bears paid the majority of his 2015 earnings earlier this year, giving him an $11.5MM roster bonus.
Half of the NFL’s 32 teams have now used their IR-DTR slot. Here’s the complete list.
NFC Notes: Panthers, Brooks, Parkey
Although defensive end Charles Johnson is expected to miss multiple games due to a hamstring injury, the Panthers aren’t considering placing him on the injured reserve list with the designation to return, tweets Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Carolina acquired Jared Allen this week to help boost the pass rush in Johnson’s absence, and according to agent Ken Harris, the Panthers were one of five teams that he and his client identified as potential landing spots (link via David Newton of ESPN.com). Carolina was “by far” their No. 1 choice, per Harris.
Let’s round up several more items from across the NFC….
- 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks wasn’t present in court today, but his lawyer put in a plea of “not guilty” for his client on a misdemeanor sexual battery charge, reports Damian Trujillo of NBC Bay Area (Twitter link). Brooks seems likely to face discipline from the NFL sometime after the legal process plays out.
- Cody Parkey‘s groin injury is more serious than it initially sounded, with the Eagles kicker telling reporters today that he tore three muscles in his groin. While he landed on the IR today, Parkey fully expects to be kicking again for the Eagles again in 2016 (Twitter links via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer).
- The Bears may not be done making trades this season, but the Cowboys haven’t discussed the possibility of acquiring a player like Matt Forte or Alshon Jeffery, says Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- No outside free agent got a larger contract from the Saints than the $16MM deal C.J. Spiller signed this offseason, and head coach Sean Payton admits that he needs to get the running back more involved in the offense, according to Christopher Dabe of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
- Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, who was taken out of Monday night’s game against the Chiefs, re-aggravated his high ankle sprain, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Adams is expected to miss some time, though it’s too early for an exact timetable. As for tight end Andrew Quarless, he has a sprained MCL, and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, per Rapoport (Twitter link).
East Notes: RGIII, Patriots, Washington
Robert Griffin III hasn’t dressed for any of Washington‘s first three regular season games, but his presence “continues to loom over the franchise, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Griffin still has support within the organization, and – according to Jones – league insiders have speculated that the Washington brass could eventually force Jay Gruden to go back to RGIII if Kirk Cousins falters, even though Colt McCoy is technically the backup.
Griffin has a fifth-year option on his contract for 2016 that is currently guaranteed for injury only, so playing him would put the team at risk — if the fourth-year quarterback suffered a serious injury, the club would be on the hook for $16MM+ in ’16. Still, Jones can’t help but wonder if the former second overall pick will get one last shot in D.C.
Here’s more from across the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Mike Reiss of ESPN.com examines how linebacker Jon Bostic, acquired in a trade with the Bears, will fit in with the Patriots‘ defense, comparing the deal to the team’s 2014 acquisition of linebacker Akeem Ayers. Both Bostic and Ayers were casualties of defensive scheme changes with their old teams.
- Washington recently tried out linebackers Jayson DiManche, Mason Foster, Parys Haralson, and Carlos Fields, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
- Could Matt Cassel be the Cowboys‘ backup quarterback next season behind Tony Romo? Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com tackles that question, along with a few more topics of note from out of Dallas.
- Asked today why the Eagles didn’t do more to address their offensive line this offseason, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur responded, “Those are questions for somebody else” (Twitter link via Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com).
- Second-round cornerback Ronald Darby and fifth-round running back Karlos Williams were viewed as risky draft picks this spring, but they’ve paid off so far for the Bills, says Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Bears Notes: Allen, Young, Forte, Ratliff
NFL teams typically don’t make many trades once the season begins, since new offensive and defensive systems can be tricky to learn on the fly, and salary cap considerations and draft pick compensation can make it challenging to find the right deal. However, the Bears were certainly active on Monday, consummating two trades that sent defensive players out of town. Chicago sent veteran pass rusher Jared Allen to the Panthers, then dealt linebacker Jon Bostic to the Patriots.
The Bears have lost their first three games, have seen their starting quarterback – Jay Cutler – go down with an injury, and have now traded away two key contributors on defense. Everything points to the team looking ahead to the 2016 season, as the rebuilding process moves forward under new head coach John Fox.
Here’s the latest out of Chicago, with plenty of items on those two trades:
- Ken Harris, Allen’s agent, tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) that the trade process for his client began when Allen and Bears GM Ryan Pace discussed a mutually beneficial option for both of them. Presumably, both the player and team decided a trade would be the best course of action.
- Pace issued a statement yesterday, indicating that the Bears’ depth at linebacker allowed them to trade Allen, and adding that the team “will continue to be aggressive in finding ways to improve.” Head coach John Fox also noted that moving Allen will give Willie Young a chance to play more (Twitter links via Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune).
- The disastrous Allen contract is a good lesson for Pace and the Bears, who should focus on building through the draft in the future, rather than trying to build through free agency, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
- As Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap observes, Allen is the third big contract jettisoned by the Bears this year — the team also cut Tim Jennings and his guaranteed salary, and traded Brandon Marshall to the Jets a year after extending him.
- Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com believes it’s time for the Bears to listen on trade offers for running back Matt Forte, whose contract expires after the season. In Dickerson’s view, it’s also worth gauging interest on Cutler, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett.
- As two defenders depart, another returns — nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff is back today from his three-game suspension, and the Bears will have a roster exemption until Thursday for him, tweets Howard Balzer of The SportsXchange. By Thursday, Chicago will have to either cut Ratliff or officially give him a spot on the 53-man roster.
Buccaneers Waive Mike James
The Buccaneers have removed a running back from their roster, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports, who tweets that third-year back Mike James has been cut by Tampa Bay. James will have to pass through waivers unclaimed before he becomes a free agent.
James, 24, joined the Buccaneers a sixth-round pick in the 2013 draft, and earned three starts during his rookie season. For the year, he racked up 295 rushing yards on just 60 carries, good for an average of 4.9 yards per rush.
Since then, however, James hasn’t been a significant part of Tampa Bay’s offense. The former Miami Hurricane had just 37 yards on 19 carries last year, and hasn’t touched the ball so far this regular season. With Doug Martin, Charles Sims, and Bobby Rainey ahead of him on the depth chart, James had become expendable for the Bucs.