Several Teams Interested In Jonas Gray
One of the most surprising cuts out of Patriots camp is recent folk-hero Jonas Gray, who was waived yesterday as the team trimmed their roster down to 53 players.
It came as a shock to some in league circles, as Gray emerged as potential starter during his 201 yard and four touchdown performance against the Colts in the regular season. However, he fell out of favor as LeGarrette Blount came through later in the season, rushing for 148 yards and three touchdowns of his own against the Colts in the AFC Championship game.
Even based of the strength of that game, Gray cleared waivers unclaimed, reports to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (via Twitter). Still, there are a number of teams interested in him and Volin expects him to find a spot on a roster this season.
There had been issues last season with Gray missing a practice that led to his benching down the stretch, but nothing like that repeated itself during training camp. Volin writes that Gray made his weight, worked hard, and didn’t miss any practices (via Twitter).
One reason Brandon Bolden made the team over Gray is the ability to contribute on special teams, according to Volin (via Twitter).
With Blount suspended for the season opener, Gray was expected to be the starter against the Steelers in Week 1. The team will likely use some combination of Bolden, James White, and Dion Lewis out of the backfield for the opener before Blount retakes the starting job in Week 2.
Vikings Trim Roster To 75 Players
TUESDAY, 9:10am: The Vikings are now down to 75 players, having waived/injured quarterback Mike Kafka, according to the team (Twitter link). He’ll land on the team’s injured reserve list if he clears waivers.
MONDAY, 2:13pm: The Vikings have announced two more moves today, removing another two players from their active roster. According to a team release, Minnesota has waived/injured tackle Carter Bykowski, who will be out for the year with a pectoral injury, and placed cornerback Josh Robinson on the reserve/PUP list, meaning he’ll miss at least the first six weeks of the season.
SUNDAY, 6:30pm: The Vikings have moved closer to securing their 75-man roster, announcing that they’ve cut 11 players:
- Joe Banyard, RB
- Brandon Bostick, TE
- Jalil Carter, CB
- Justin Coleman, CB
- DaVaris Daniels, WR
- Stephen Goodin, OT
- Josh Kaddu, LB
- Jordan Leslie, WR
- Caesar Rayford, DE
- Chrishon Rose, DT
- DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB
They currently have 78 men on the roster, and will need to cut an additional three players in time for the Tuesday deadline.
Browns Could Add Running Back To Roster
MONDAY, 1:57pm: While the Browns may eventually add a running back, it doesn’t seem as if it will happen in the immediate future. Pettine told reporters today that the club isn’t planning to sign a back this week (Twitter link via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal).
SUNDAY, 9:39pm: The Browns are awaiting medical reports as to the status of running backs Duke Johnson and Shaun Draughn, and head coach Mike Pettine said the team might have to add a back if one or both will miss extended time, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter).
In her piece for Cleveland.com, Cabot addressed the possibility of the team adding one controversial running back in particular. Ray Rice, currently a free agent, would be among the most high profile backs the team could bring.
Regarding adding a player at the position, Pettine wanted to wait to see where his current players were at medically. “We’ll wait and see how long Duke is potentially out,” said Pettine. “We’ll have a whole series of meetings this afternoon. We’ll start with the defense first and when we get to the offense, I’ll bet the running back will likely be one of the first topics discussed.”
That wasn’t enough for the media, who pushed him on whether the team would consider Rice, and Pettine would not rule out the possibility. “If we do come to the decision that we need to add a back that is not here,” said Pettine. “We’ll look at the list of backs that are available.”
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, no stranger to controversy himself, has come out in support of Rice earlier this month, according to Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk. Haslam said he’d like to see the embattled former Raven get another shot. With the current injuries, the Browns could be the team to give him one.
The Browns have discussed Rice earlier this offseason, and Pettine said then that they had not broached the idea of whether they’d be comfortable with him or not, because it didn’t make sense from a football standpoint at the time.
Not everyone thinks that Rice is being considered in Cleveland. Tony Gross of ESPN answers the question as whether it is a serious possibility with a resounding “No” (via Twitter).
For the record, the team does seem committed to some combination of Johnson and Draughn, with Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell as the depth chart. Although none have separated from the pack as the go-to runner and injuries have weakened the group, Rice likely wouldn’t be preferred over any of the internal options. If the team does need to bring in another player to round out the depth chart, they would be more likely to add a player who can contribute on special teams at the back end of the depth chart.
AFC South Notes: Jones, Ballard, Jaguars
X-rays on Arthur Jones ankle were negative, but the Colts defensive lineman also had an MRI scheduled for Sunday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Josina Anderson of ESPN reported that Jones went to a foot and ankle specialist after his MRI (via Twitter). He is expected to miss a “decent chunk of time” according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter).
Here are some other notes from around the AFC South:
- Regardless of whether Jones sustained a serious ankle injury or not on Saturday night, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report believes the Colts should bring in free agent DT Barry Cofield (Twitter link).
- After consecutive years of tearing his ACL, Vick Ballard’s tenure with the Colts is on the chopping block following a hamstring injury has prevented him from making an impression on the coaching staff and front office this summer, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.
- The Jaguars have two kickers on the roster in Josh Scobee and Jason Meyers, and Ryan O’Halloran of Jacksonville.com is guessing that the team is hoping to trade one of them this week before cutting its roster down to 75 players by Tuesday.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.
Reaction To Tim Jennings’ Release
The Bears released veteran cornerback Tim Jennings earlier today, a move that sent a fairly high-profile name out on to the free agent market somewhat unexpectedly. The move doesn’t come totally out of nowhere, and Jennings was the at the back on the depth chart in the third preseason game despite starting in the first two.
Still, with his large contract and penchant for big plays, seeing him hit the free agent market has gotten the attention of the league, or more accurately the league’s beat writers and Twitter followers.
Here are some reactions to the release, including some confusion about his contract status:
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com was initially confused over the release, due to the nature of Jennings’ contract. He believed his salary was guaranteed for the year (via Twitter). He looked to see if the guarantee was only for injury (via Twitter), but eventually confirmed the Bears would not save any money by releasing him.
- Although he was only scheduled to make $4.4MM this season, he will count $6.75MM against the cap after being released, $1.5MM more than if he has made the team, according to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
- Field Yates of ESPN helped Fitzgerald by pointing out that there is offset language in Jennings’ contract, so the Bears will get some cap relief when he signs with a new team (via Twitter). Of course, that also incentivizes the player to sign for the minimum.
- Fitzgerald adds that this is another Phil Emery contract that backfired (via Twitter), and writes that even at the time the contract was great for Jennings (via Twitter).
- You can add Adam Caplan of ESPN to the list of people surprised by the timing of this release (via Twitter).
- In terms of landing spots, the Cowboys and Buccaneers are two obvious choices, picked out by Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports, among other (via Twitter). Jennings played in Lovie Smith’s defense in Chicago, and would fit in schematically for both teams who are in need of secondary help.
Bears Add Kevin White To PUP, Ryan Mundy To IR, Cut 12
The Bears have knocked down their roster to 76 players as of today, meaning they need to make only one more roster decision by the Tuesday deadline. Their most notable release was announced earlier today, with the team deciding to cut ties with veteran Tim Jennings.
The team also added rookie wide receiver Kevin White to the PUP list and safety Ryan Mundy to the IR, according to the official Twitter account.
The cuts were announced by Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times.
- Malcolm Bronson, S
- Josh Chiles, WR
- Kevin Greene, TE
- Cameron Jefferson, OT
- Tim Jennings, CB
- Jeremy Kelley, WR
- Al Louis-Jean, CB
- Rick Lovato, LS
- Levi Norwood, WR
- Olsen Pierre, DE
- Chris Pantale, TE
- Daniel Thomas, RB
Along with adding White to the physically-unable-to-perform list and Mundy to the injured reserve, which leaves the teams roster at 76 players, according to Finley.
Sean Payton: Marcus Murphy “Making This Team”
The Saints have a very crowded backfield attempting to make the 53-man roster, and seventh-round pick Marcus Murphy has made his mark on the head coach during the preseason, as Sean Payton made a definitive statement about his status.
In response to a question, Payton responded talking about Murphy, writes Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com (via Twitter). “He’s making this team,” said the Saints coach.
If Payton is to be believed, and there is no reason he shouldn’t be, that would put Murphy squarely in the role of fourth running back. He won’t necessarily see the field much on offense, but he will handle returning duties for New Orleans. That kind of faith has written the book for some of the other tailbacks competing for a spot on the depth chart.
Mark Ingram is ingrained as the starter, and C.J. Spiller is expected to make the team as a notable free agent acquisition this offseason. Khiry Robinson looked like a good bet to make the team as a spell back, and he performed well when called upon the past two seasons.
That leaves Tim Hightower and Edwin Baker on the outside looking in. Both players have performed well this preseason, with the veteran Hightower impressing early in training camp with his abilities as a runner, receiver, and pass protector. The former Cardinal has struggled with injures, and if the Saints pass could be looking at his NFL mortality.
Baker scored a 45-yard touchdown in the preseason game today, which unfortunately for Payton led to a question about his chances of making the team. Payton misunderstood, leading to the statement about Murphy, according to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com (via Twitter). He embarrassingly realized this later, and had to backtrack because it is highly unlikely Baker makes the team (via Twitter).
Dolphins Cut 11 Players
The Dolphins have cut 11 players as we move closer to the Tuesday deadline to get down to a 75-man roster, announcing their cuts in a pair of tweets:
- Calvin Barnett, DT
- Bryant Browning, OG
- LaRon Byrd, WR
- Kevin Cone, WR
- Ray Drew, DE
- Tyler McDonald, WR
- Kendall Montgomery, DE
- Gerell Robinson, TE
- Sammy Seamster, CB
- Phillip Thomas, S
- J.D. Walton, C/G
By Tuesday they will have to be under the limit of 75 players according to NFL rules.
NFC South Notes: Jones, Brown, Glennon, Griffin
The Falcons went all in on Julio Jones during the 2011 draft, trading five picks to move way up in the first round to take the star receiver out of Alabama. Despite a trip to the NFC Championship game in 2013, the last two seasons have gone less than perfectly for the Falcons. Yet the team is going all in on Jones again, giving him a five-year extension with $47.5MM in guaranteed money, writes Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His injury history derailed the top-heavy roster before, and with his new deal he needs to stay on the field to give the offense a chance to score.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC South:
- Despite six dropped passes in two preseason games, Panthers wide receiver Corey Brown is still a lock to make the final roster, writes David Newton of ESPN. He notes that Brown has the confidence of head coach Ron Rivera.
- For teams who may need to scramble for a starting quarterback due to an injury in preseason or early in the regular season, the first call they should make should be to the Buccaneers concerning Mike Glennon, writes Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. A source ranked Glennon as the best trade target, ahead of other notable backups Zach Mettenberger, Kirk Cousins, and Ryan Mallett. For the record, Cousins might not be a backup any longer.
- The Saints are set at starting quarterback with Drew Brees, but the depth chart after him is in flux. Luke McCown took over after Brees during today’s preseason game, followed by rookie Garrett Grayson, writes Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com (via Twitter). That may leave Ryan Griffin on the outside looking in, in terms of a roster spot.
Poll: Will Robert Griffin III Be The Starter In Washington?
Despite suffering a concussion in his preseason game against the Lions, Robert Griffin III was back on the practice field earlier this week, prepping for an important third preseason game against the Ravens.
After being underwhelming so far this offseason, and frankly ever since his rookie season, this matchup against the Ravens was becoming increasingly important to his long-term future in Washington. If he continued to struggle, especially into the regular season, it would make it easier for the coaching staff to see what they have in Kirk Cousins, who has been as popular as a backup quarterback could be to the fans in the city.
In a surprising twist, today an independent neurologist Robert N. Kurtzke disagreed with the decision that Griffin was ready to play, and instead recommended that he be held out of this weekend’s preseason action, according to Lindsay Murphy Guyer of Fox (via Twitter).
This reversal was followed with a storm of speculation and discussion surrounding the status of Griffin in Washington. There had already been rumors of him alienating teammates, not getting along with his offensive linemen, and clashing with his coaching staff.
This might not be a big deal elsewhere, other than that a starting quarterback was missing preseason action, but it is magnified in Washington because of the path Griffin’s career has taken. Cousins has pushed Griffin in the past, and despite a poor track record of individual success as a starter, often seems like the best alternative on the team.
If Griffin indeed misses the rest of the preseason, he will be starting Week 1 coming off two weeks of inconsistent play followed by two weeks of inactivity. That alone could be enough for head coach Jay Gruden to push Cousins into the starting lineup. Even if Griffin starts, his leash might have shortened due to this most recent injury, even if it isn’t his fault. The drama seems to follow him, and owner Daniel Snyder can’t protect him forever.
Griffin is still the starter for the beginning of the season until something changes, but Cousins will get an opportunity to work with the starters for an extended period of time and likely one or both of the remaining preseason games. Griffin’s job wasn’t secure to begin with, and this only shakes things up even more.
At this juncture, Griffin’s future in Washington looks even more bleak. Beyond 2015, it was questionable whether the team would stay with him without a bounce back year. Now, even his status for 2015 is in doubt. Without valuable preseason reps, Cousins is closer than ever to winning the starting job outright, and Griffin’s injury history suggests Cousins will start eventually anyway.
The question is, whether by coach’s decision or by injury, who will start more games at quarterback in Washington this season? Cast your vote in the poll and feel free to weigh in below in the comments section to explain your reasoning.