Cowboy Activate Scandrick; Weems To IR
One of three players to be officially reinstated from suspension this morning, cornerback Orlando Scandrick has been re-added to the Cowboys’ 53-man roster today, according to Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link). Archer reports the team has placed offensive tackle Darrion Weems on IR with a shoulder injury to clear a spot for Scandrick.
Scandrick, 27, was initially suspended four games after a positive drug test, but because that test came during the current league year and because it was related to amphetamines, he will no longer have to serve the final two games of the ban, after the NFL and NFLPA announced changes to the league’s PED policy. The Cowboys’ secondary has held up reasonably well in Scandrick’s absence, particularly against Jake Locker and the Titans in Week 2, but the team will still very much welcome his return.
As for Weems, he was buried on the team’s depth chart behind swing tackle Jermey Parnell, and hadn’t seen a regular-season snap yet for the club. His season will likely be over, unless he’s eventually cut from injured reserve with a settlement.
NFC East Notes: Jackson, Giants, Cowboys
With the Eagles and Redskins set to meet for the first time this season in Week 3, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer revisits the Eagles’ decision to cut wideout DeSean Jackson in the offseason. As McLane writes, Jackson’s former Philadelphia teammates still aren’t entirely sure why the explosive receiver was cut.
“I didn’t see it coming at all,” linebacker Mychal Kendricks said last week. “It’s really none of my business, but I still ask the same question a lot – ‘Why? Why would that happen?'”
Here’s more from around the NFC East:
- Several linebackers auditioned for the Giants this week, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), who identifies Stephen Nicholas, Kion Wilson, Moise Fokou, and James Davidson as free agents to work out for the club.
- The Cowboys are also eyeing free agent options on the defensive side of the ball, having worked out linebacker Paul Hazel this week, along with defensive ends Steven Means and T.J. Fatinikun, tweets Wilson.
- Offensive tackle Chris Faulk tried out for the Redskins this week, per Wilson (via Twitter).
Raiders Sign Vincent Brown
WEDNESDAY, 8:17am: According to Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Brown’s one-year pact with the Raiders features an $850K base salary, a $25K signing bonus, and an additional $125K is the wideout hauls in 42 passes, which would be a new career high.
MONDAY, 4:37pm: A little over two weeks after being cut by one AFC West team, wide receiver Vincent Brown has signed with another. Per Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the former Chargers wideout has agreed to a one-year deal with the Raiders. Brown had worked out for Oakland earlier today, says Caplan (Twitter link).
Brown, 25, spent three seasons in San Diego after being selected in the third round of the 2014 draft, and had a nice season in 2013. The San Diego State product set career-highs in receptions (41) and receiving yards (472), but lost his grip on a roster spot during the preseason this year, ultimately receiving an injury settlement from the Chargers. Brown drew interest from multiple teams last week, and according to Caplan, the Chiefs and Jets were among a group of teams that wanted to work out the receiver this week.
In a related move, according to Caplan (via Twitter), Oakland has waived linebacker Bojay Filimoeatu, who had been added to the roster in advance of this weekend’s game against the Texans. The Raiders had been carrying the maximum 53 players, so a corresponding roster move was necessary to open up a spot for Brown.
Falcons Extend Matt Bosher, Josh Harris
The Falcons have locked up a pair of key pieces on their special teams unit to long-term contracts, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter links), who reports that the team has inked punter Matt Bosher to an extension through the 2019 season and long snapper Josh Harris to a contract through 2018.
Bosher, who turns 27 next month, has been the Falcons’ full-time punter since being selected by the team in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. According to Pro Football Focus’ advanced grades (subscription required), he has steadily improved in each of his first three NFL seasons, ranking 25th in his rookie season, 16th in 2012, and fifth last year. Yates reports that Bosher’s new deal, which keeps him under team control for the next five seasons after this one, includes a $2.5MM signing bonus and $5.95MM in total guaranteed money.
As for Harris, this is his third season as Atlanta’s regular long snapper. Terms of his new deal aren’t known, but I’d imagine he’ll be earning something close to the minimum salary, perhaps with a modest signing bonus on his four-year contract extension.
Adrian Peterson Placed On Exempt List
Late last night, Vikings ownership released a statement indicating that the team has changed course on its decision to activate running back Adrian Peterson for this weekend’s game against the Saints. Peterson, who is facing a charge of injuring a child, will be placed on the exempt/commissioner’s permission list until the legal process plays out, according to club owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf. Here’s their statement in full:
“This has been an ongoing and deliberate process since last Friday’s news. In conversations with the NFL over the last two days, the Vikings advised the League of the team’s decision to revisit the situation regarding Adrian Peterson. In response, the League informed the team of the option to place Adrian on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission list, which will require that Adrian remain away from all team activities while allowing him to take care of his personal situation until the legal proceedings are resolved. After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian.
“We are always focused on trying to make the right decision as an organization. We embrace our role – and the responsibilities that go with it – as a leader in the community, as a business partner and as an organization that can build bridges with our fans and positively impact this great region. We appreciate and value the input we have received from our fans, our partners and the community.
“While we were trying to make a balanced decision yesterday, after further reflection we have concluded that this resolution is best for the Vikings and for Adrian. We want to be clear: we have a strong stance regarding the protection and welfare of children, and we want to be sure we get this right. At the same time we want to express our support for Adrian and acknowledge his seven-plus years of outstanding commitment to this organization and this community. Adrian emphasized his desire to avoid further distraction to his teammates and coaches while focusing on his current situation; this resolution accomplishes these objectives as well.
“We will support Adrian during this legal and personal process, but we firmly believe and realize this is the right decision. We hope that all of our fans can respect the process that we have gone through to reach this final decision.”
With Peterson set to sit out until the legal process concludes, the longtime Viking figures to have more incentive to reach some sort of resolution in his case sooner rather than later, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, pointing out that Peterson’s status will give leverage to prosecutors. As Ben Goessling of ESPN.com notes (via Twitter), currently, Peterson isn’t due in court for the first time until October 8, and there’s a possibility a trial wouldn’t happen until 2015, meaning the Pro Bowler could miss the entire season.
Although Peterson’s season appears to be in jeopardy, this is a decision he’s on board with, according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com, who tweets that the NFLPA consulted with the running back about the move and Peterson decided to accept it rather than challenge it. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the Vikings will still be paying Peterson during his time on the exempt list — he won’t earn an accrued season if he isn’t on the 53-man roster for six games, but that’s not as crucial at this stage of Peterson’s career as it would be for a younger player.
Now that the Vikings have made this drastic a move with Peterson, it could provide a road map for the Panthers as they decide how to handle their own situation with Greg Hardy. A Panthers source tells Werder (Twitter link) that Carolina now has “more to consider” as the club weighs what to do with Hardy.
Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday
We’ll round up Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts right here, with the latest news added to the top of the list throughout the day….
- The Chiefs have signed fullback Jordan Campbell and tight end Justin Jones to the practice squad, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter). To make room, they have released cornerback Robert Steeples.
- The Cowboys announced (via Twitter) that they have released cornerback Jemea Thomas from the p-squad and re-signed fullback Nikita Whitlock.
- Running back Edwin Baker has replaced cornerback Trevin Wade on the Saints‘ practice squad, tweets Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
- Defensive end James Davidson, who was in camp with the Bengals, is set to fill the 10th and final spot on the Giants‘ practice squad, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- The Rams have removed linebacker Kevin Reddick from their practice squad, says Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
- The Chiefs have cut tight end Adam Schiltz from their practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
Earlier updates:
- Besides confirming the previously reported re-signing of linebacker Darius Fleming to their practice squad, the Patriots also announced several more moves today. Offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann and defensive lineman Kona Schwenke are now part of the club’s 10-man unit, while defensive lineman Cam Henderson and running back Marcus Thigpen have been cut.
- The Browns have signed linebacker Allen Bradford to their practice squad, cutting wideout Ifeanyi Momah, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- Safety Josh Aubrey has taken the place of wide receiver Travis Labhart on the Texans‘ practice squad, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link).
- The Redskins announced today (via Twitter) they’ve signed defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo to their practice squad, cutting another defensive lineman, Dennis Hopkins, to clear an opening.
- Defensive tackle Roy Philon has re-signed with the Bears‘ practice squad, leaving the team with three openings on the taxi squad, the team confirmed (via Twitter).
- The Panthers have signed former Redskins’ sixth-round running back Lache Seastrunk to their practice squad, the team announced today (Twitter link).
- Offensive lineman Emmett Cleary has joined the Bengals‘ practice squad, replacing tight end Ryan Otten on the unit, according to the club (via Twitter).
- The Colts have swapped one guard for another on their practice squad, dropping Josh Walker and signing David Arkin, the team announced in a press release.
- After promoting tight end Marcel Jensen to their 53-man roster, the Jaguars have filled the 10th and final spot on their practice squad by adding offensive tackle Cody Booth, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com.
- Fullback Zach Line, waived from the 53-man roster over the weekend, has joined the Vikings‘ practice squad, per Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link).
- The 49ers made several changes to their practice squad last night. In addition to confirming the signing of tight end Xavier Grimble, which was previously reported, the club also signed cornerback Leon McFadden, dropping linebacker Shayne Skov and defensive back Chance Casey to make room, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter).
Adrian Peterson Expected To Play Week 3?
TUESDAY, 4:55pm: Don’t be surprised if the Vikings reverse course on whether to reinstate Peterson, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who hears that Monday’s decision could change (Twitter link).
MONDAY, 6:46pm: According to the KHOU report (via Deadspin), these newest accusations could be used against Peterson in court. More immediately, if the accusations are true, they make the Vikings’ decision to reinstate the running back even more questionable.
6:34pm: Peterson has been accused of abusing another one of his sons, according to CBS affiliate KHOU (on Twitter).
1:35pm: Peterson has issued a statement, in which he expresses remorse for hurting his son, and says he is “without a doubt, not a child abuser.”
“I have to live with the fact that when I disciplined my son the way I was disciplined as a child, I caused an injury that I never intended or thought would happen,” Peterson said within the statement. “I know that many people disagree with the way I disciplined my child. I also understand after meeting with a psychologist that there are other alternative ways of disciplining a child that may be more appropriate.”
ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter has the running back’s comments in full, via Facebook.
10:57am: After being deactivated for the Vikings’ Week 2 loss against the Patriots, Adrian Peterson will return to practice this week and is expected to suit up and play for Minnesota this Sunday, the team announced today. Here’s the complete statement, via the club’s website, from owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf:
“Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration. As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.
“To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action. This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian’s fulfillment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process.”
Peterson was indicted by a grand jury last week and, facing one charged count of injury to a child, turned himself in over the weekend. No court date has been set yet, but assuming the case goes to trial, that may not happen for weeks or even months, meaning the Vikings and the NFL may postpone any further discipline for the running back until 2015, after the case is resolved.
Earlier today, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap explained why a trade of Peterson was much more viable than releasing him, if Minnesota wanted to move on from the longtime Viking, while Joel Corry of CBSSports.com pointed out (via Twitter) that the veteran’s rising salaries may make him a cap casualty within the next couple years anyway. For now though, it appears the club intends to move forward this season with Peterson very much in the mix.
Lions Sign Danny Gorrer; Lawson To IR
The Lions have placed their second cornerback on injured reserve in as many weeks, placing Nevin Lawson on IR today with a season-ending ankle injury, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. According to Twentyman, using the roster spots vacated by Lawson and Nate Ness, who was cut yesterday, the team has signed cornerback Danny Gorrer and promoted linebacker Julian Stanford from its practice squad.
The Lions have worked out several higher-profile defensive backs since the start of the season, including Champ Bailey, Dimitri Patterson, and Chris Clemons. While the club may ultimately decide to revisit one or more of those free agents, the team has opted for Gorrer for now. A Texas A&M product, Gorrer has appeared in regular season games for the Rams, Ravens, and Buccaneers since 2009.
In order to fill Stanford’s spot on the practice squad, the Lions have also signed former Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris, says Twentyman (via Twitter).
Minor Moves: Tuesday
We’ve devoted one Tuesday post to the practice squad shuffling being done by teams today, but many clubs around the league are also tweaking their 53-man rosters. We’ll round up a handful of those transactions right here, with new moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:
- The Cardinals have cut linebacker Marcus Benard, a source tells Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). Benard was added to the roster last week when John Abraham left the team, so Abraham will assume his old roster spot now that he’s returning to the club.
- The Cardinals have also signed outside linebacker Victor Butler and cut punter Drew Butler, per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter).
- Linebacker Ricky Sapp has replaced fellow linebacker Jason Ankrah on the Texans‘ 53-man roster, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- In addition to the moves noted below, the Bears have also promoted defensive back Isaiah Frey to their active roster from their practice squad, and cut running back Shaun Draughn, as well as tight end Matthew Mulligan (Twitter link). The series of transactions leaves the club with 52 players on its roster.
- Former Vikings linebacker and special-teamer Larry Dean has signed with the Bills, the team announced today in a press release. To make room for Dean, Buffalo placed safety Jonathan Meeks on injured reserve with a neck injury.
- A week after placing tight end Tyler Eifert on IR with the designation to return, the Bengals have placed another tight end on injured reserve, and Alex Smith won’t be eligible to return the season (Twitter link). The team also announced that tight end Kevin Brock has been signed to take Smith’s roster spot.
- The Bears have promoted practice-squad wideout Rashad Ross to the 53-man roster, cutting receiver and returner Chris Williams to clear room, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
- Linebacker Dan Fox is set to be called up to the Giants‘ active roster from their practice squad, tweets Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News, suggesting that placing Jon Beason on injured reserve may end up being the corresponding move.
- The Colts announced in a press release that they’ve signed defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles off the Patriots‘ practice squad, waiving running back Dion Lewis to create roster space.
Giants Place Jernigan On IR, Promote Two
The Giants have completed a series of transactions that affect the team’s 53-man roster as well its practice squad. Most notably, wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan and cornerback Walter Thurmond have been placed on season-ending injured reserve, according to the club. Thurmond’s season-ending pectoral injury had been previously reported. As for Jernigan, he has a mid-foot sprain, but won’t undergo surgery.
Here are the Giants’ other roster moves:
Promoted from practice squad to 53-man roster:
- Dan Fox, LB (previously reported)
- Julian Talley, WR
Signed to practice squad:
- Travis Harvey, WR
- L’Damian Washington, WR
Cut from practice squad:
- Jordan Stanton, DE (previously reported)