Nick Foles Avoids Surgery, Out 6-8 Weeks
MONDAY, 4:00pm: Foles won’t require surgery on his fractured collarbone, reports Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter). While that’s good news for the signal-caller, he’s still expected to be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks or so, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). That would put him in line to return near the end of the regular season.
SUNDAY, 9:14pm: Eagles’ quarterback Nick Foles has a broken clavicle, reports Derrick Gunn of CSNPhilly.com (via Twitter). Collarbone injuries often take between four and six weeks to fully heal, and Foles would most likely be expected to miss at least four games with the injury. He will have an MRI tomorrow to confirm how long he will miss, according to Gunn.
If Foles does miss that amount of time, Mark Sanchez will have ample opportunity to run the team’s offense. If the Eagles struggle, they could fall behind in the NFC East race by the time Foles returns. However, if Sanchez keeps the team winning over the next few weeks, head coach Chip Kelly is would have a hard time moving Sanchez back to the bench, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter).
Aside from Sanchez, the only other quarterback on the roster is second-year player Matt Barkley, who has struggled in his limited game action so far.
If it has been confirmed that Foles has a broken clavicle, it is concerning that the team still has him scheduled for an MRI, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (via Twitter). Mosher suspects the team is worried that the Foles could have additional structural damage to his shoulder stemming from the hit he took that knocked him out of the game.
NFC North Notes: Mosley, Vikings, Packers
It was a quiet weekend on the field for the NFC North, with the Lions, Packers, and Bears all on their byes. The Vikings will take next week off, but headed into their bye on a positive note, with a dramatic 29-26 comeback win over Washington. Here’s more from around the NFC North:
- Lions defensive tackle C.J. Mosley was suspended last week and sent home early from London without explanation, but sources tell Chris Mortenson of ESPN that the incident stemmed from the team finding Mosley with marijuana. Head coach Jim Caldwell suspended Mosley for two weeks for conduct detrimental to the team. The 31-year-old is set to return to the team for its Week 10 game against the Dolphins this Sunday.
- The Vikings have done a tremendous job maneuvering the draft over the past three years, adding seven first-round picks to their roster over that time span. Developing those players will be key to the team’s success as they attempt to complete the turnaround after a disappointing few seasons, writes Matt Vensel of the Minnesota Star-Tribune.
- The Packers joined the Patriots as one of the marquee teams in terms of utilizing multiple tight ends in their offense a few seasons ago, with Jermichael Finley at the peak of his powers as a receiver. After a career-threatening neck injury, Finley is no longer on the roster, but Andrew Quarless has filled in admirably as the lead tight end, writes Tom Silverstein of the Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel. Along with Brandon Bostick and rookie Richard Rodgers, tight ends have accumulated 23 catches on 35 targets for 248 yards and two touchdowns this season, and have been a key part of the offense for Aaron Rodgers.
AFC Notes: Mallett, Clowney, Broncos, Ravens
The Texans lost 31-21 to an Eagles’ team that was led on offense by backup quarterback Mark Sanchez. In Houston, their own backup quarterback made waves after the game, tweeting a message that stirred up unrest among Texans’ fans, according to Ultimate Texans.
“I’m staying focused for when the time comes…seize the opportunity #justwaiting,” wrote Mallett.
The Texans are 4-5 and Ryan Fitzpatrick has been underwhelming as the starting quarterback, leaving Mallet and rookie Tom Savage as options for the team going forward.
Here are some other notes from around the AFC:
- The Texans are growing frustrated with Jadeveon Clowney‘s absence from the field, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). He had missed a number of weeks with a knee injury, and as he is getting healthier, he missed today’s matchup against the Eagles with an illness. The team wants him to be more mature in dealing with his injuries, according to Rapoport (via Twitter).
- The Broncos and Patriots both had themes for their offseasons, writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The Broncos wanted to get tougher on defense, and the Patriots were focused on becoming more physical in the secondary. Those themes dictated the moves each team made all offseason.
- The Ravens are making the most of their free agent acquisitions, with many of their unappreciated signings coming up big for the team through the first half of the season, writes Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Running back Justin Forsett, receiver Steve Smith, and tight end Owen Daniels have all contributed big numbers to the offense so far this year.
Jets Notes: Smith, Ryan, Idzik
Although Geno Smith has now been benched twice this season and Michael Vick is currently the starter, Conor Orr of NFL.com writes that Smith is more likely to be the long-term solution at quarterback.
He notes that his colleague Ian Rapoport reported the Jets could turn back to Smith as early as next week against the Steelers. While it may not be likely, there is still some hope within the organization that he could become the franchise quarterback.
Here are some other notes from around the spiraling Jets:
- Coming out of West Virginia University, many scouts and executives who met with Smith felt that he lacked the ability to become the face of a franchise. His poise in the midst of adversity was questionable at the time, and after turning the ball over 37 times in his first 24 starts and being sent to the bench, those comments ring true, writes Adam Caplan of ESPN.
- Jets’ general manager John Idzik’s job has come into question with the recent struggles, and Amy Trask of That Other Pregame Show on CBS asked why they made the hire at the time (via Twitter). Former Jets’ linebacker Bart Scott believed the reason the job was so hard to fill was because the new general manager knew he would have to inherit Rex Ryan.
- Jets’ fans have started a website FireJohnIdzik.com and have raised $10,000 to post a billboard near MetLife Stadium to push for their case, reports Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter).
NFC East Links: Ryans, Sanchez, Washington
Eagles‘ inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans will miss the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon earlier today. The team will have trouble replacing him, but if they are looking for help from outside the roster, Adam Caplan of ESPN lists a few of the top inside linebackers available (via Twitter). His best options are Jonathan Vilma, Erin Henderson, Paris Lenon, Marvin Mitchell, and Nick Barnett.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:
- Eagles‘ head coach Chip Kelly was happy with the performance of backup quarterback Mark Sanchez, saying that the offense “didn’t miss a beat,” reports Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter). The team had total confidence in his ability to lead the offense, and that was evident in his first pass where he connected on a deep post with Jeremy Maclin.
- Eagles‘ top receiver Maclin had high praise for Sanchez after his first game action with the team, according to Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. “I don’t know the extent of [Foles’ injury], but we’ve got a guy in Mark who can step up and win some games,” Maclin said. “I’m excited about him being back there.”
- Sanchez returned the favor, noting that Maclin “picked a great year to sign a one-year deal.” Maclin took the one-year deal this offseason with hopes to receive a larger extension either during or after the season.
- Prior to the start of Washington’s matchup against the Vikings, thousands gathered to protest the team’s racially insensitive nickname, including Minneapolis Mayor Betsey Hodges, writes Nolan Feeney of Time Magazine.
- Washington’s coach Jay Gruden has addressed a report that Robert Griffin III has alienated his teammates, reports Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post. Steinberg writes that the players were responding to the team’s PR allowing more reporters in the locker room.
Cowboys Notes: Bryant, Randle, Romo, Jones
Cowboys’ receiver Dez Bryant signed with Roc Nation earlier today, and they wll negotiate his next contract, presumably with his current team. Bryant is looking forward to signing a long-term extension, but would be “highly disappointed” if the team places the franchise tag on him, reports Jon Machota of DallasNews.com.
- Backup running back Joseph Randle had rubbed Bryant the wrong way this week, but all is forgiven according Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com. Bryant accepted Randle’s apology, and they have put the incident in the past.
- Although quarterback Tony Romo missed today’s game against the Cardinals, he will make the trip to London next week to play the Jaguars, writes Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com (via Twitter). He will prepare to play against the Jaguars.
- Owner Jerry Jones expects Romo to play, reports . “I do see him playing,” said Jones. “He’s going on the trip to London, and logic tells you that we wouldn’t have him make that trip to London and back if we didn’t think he was going to play, so it does depend on the type of week he has at practice. But if he has the week we expect, he should be our quarterback.”
NFC Notes: Romo, Bears, Barron, Rams
With teams around the league preparing for Week 9’s slate of Sunday games, let’s check in on a few Saturday links from across the NFC….
- Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has two transverse process fractures in his back, reports David Moore of the Dallas Morning News (via Twitter). Romo’s status for the next two games is questionable, but with two other QBs – Brandon Weeden and David Vaughan – already on the 53-man roster, the team shouldn’t have to make any moves even if Romo sits.
- The Bears will get receiver Marquess Wilson back from a broken collarbone he suffered in early August, potentially as early as November 9th against the Packers, writes Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Santonio Holmes and Josh Morgan have combined for only 12 catches and fewer than 100 yards filling in for Wilson. However, Wilson only had two catches in 10 games in 2013, so his return alone won’t guarantee an improvement on offense.
- In his weekly notes piece at NFL.com, Albert Breer of the NFL Network spoke to a Rams source about the team’s decision to acquire safety Mark Barron from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline. “We thought he was a good system fit,” the source said. “And he’s just 25, so there’s plenty of room for growth.” Breer also points out that, considering the Rams already have the league’s youngest roster, it doesn’t necessarily need to keep adding a ton of the young middle-of-the-roster talent that fourth- and sixth-round picks usually become.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Joseph Randle Staying A Cowboy “For Now”
Tensions have been high in the Cowboys’ locker room since video emerged showing Joseph Randle talking to Frisco police, in which he mentioned legal problems of both Dez Bryant and Josh Brent, reports Ed Werder of ESPN. Bryant and Brent were reportedly furious, and an argument ensued that spilled onto the practice field. Head coach Jason Garrett had a meeting with the players involved to try to smooth things over.
The video stems from Randle’s shoplifting arrest earlier this season. Randle’s future with the team is in doubt, following the arrest and the current unrest between him and his teammates. Werder writes that he has been ostracized by his teammates, but will still play Sunday against the Cardinals as of right now.
One source Werder spoke to was far from definitive about the team’s stance on the second-year back. “Randle is staying for now,” according to the source.
The team fined Randle roughly the equivalent to a game check in response to his shoplifting arrest.
Starting running back DeMarco Murray has had a heavy workload, carrying the team to a hot start. Randle provides a spark when spelling Murray, and also stands as insurance in case of an injury to Murray, who has struggled to stay healthy his first three seasons in Dallas. Randle, Lance Dunbar, and Ryan Williams are the other backs on the roster.
Randle would probably be released if backup Williams was able to contribute more on special teams, writes Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com (via Twitter).
Watkins also writes that the meeting was called because a majority of players want him off the team (via Twitter). “Garrett is trying to get a hold of the situation,” according to Watkins.
The team will need to resolve the situation quickly, with a need for talent as they try to hold on in the NFC East. Their urgency is only heightened with the uncertainty surrounding Tony Romo‘s back injury.
AFC West Links: Houston, Berry, McNeil
The Chiefs do not have a single rookie on Mel Kiper’s list of the 35 best rookies through the midpoint of this season (subscription required), and Adam Teicher of ESPN.com is not surprised by this. He writes that only guard Zach Fulton has played enough snaps to qualify for this list, and he has performed poorly.
Teicher writes that the team passed on such impact players as guard Joel Bitonio, cornerback Jason Verrett, and receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who have all been among the best rookies in the league this year.
- Chiefs‘ outside linebacker Justin Houston is halfway through the final year of his contract, but is unlikely to sign an extension with the team. Houston is treating the home stretch of the season as business as usal, reports Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star. “I’ll worry about that at the end of the season,” said Houston. “I can’t let that get in my head at all. I don’t want it to slow me or affect what I’m doing on the field. I just want to continue play as I’m playing and continue to make plays.”
- Chiefs‘ safety Eric Berry is active and will play Sunday against the Jets, writes Teicher. He suffered a high ankle sprain in a loss to the Broncos during their week two matchup, and has not seen the field since.
- The Broncos have recently added former Arena League receiver Douglas McNeil to the practice squad, and Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com believes that if he continues to adjust to the NFL game, his combination of size and speed could make him an intriguing prospect for the team.
- The Raiders are poised to select at the top of the draft, and Bill Williamson of ESPN.com thinks the team should seriously consider a receiver at that spot. He identifies Alabama star Amari Cooper as a target high in the first round.
Josh Brent Signs Extension With Cowboys
Cowboys defensive lineman Josh Brent has signed an extension that will keep him with the team through 2015, reports Field Yates of ESPN.com.
The extension does not include any guaranteed money, but carries a base salary of $745,000.
Brent returned to practice today, while serving a ten-game suspension stemming from a car accident in which he was driving under the influence of alcohol that resulted in the death of his teammate Jerry Brown in December of 2012. Brent will be eligible to return to the field on November 23rd, when the Cowboys play the Giants.
Brent could have played out the season with Dallas and entered free agency, but possibly could have signed this extension out of loyalty to Dallas after sticking with him through this ordeal, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).