Jay Cutler Done For Season
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is believed to have a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Cutler is now getting a second opinion on the shoulder, but barring something unexpected, he’s done for the season. 
Cutler was struggling before Sunday’s injury with a weak 59.1% completion percentage and a 4-to-5 TD-INT ratio. Now, he faces an uncertain future as Chicago will likely move on from him in the offseason. The Bears, now 2-8, can cut ties with Cutler after the season without any financial penalty.
In 2014, Cutler completed a career high 66% of his passes and threw 28 touchdowns (also a career high) against 18 interceptions. Last year, however, his performance fell off and he declined further in 2016. With plenty of teams in the market for a quarterback, however, Cutler should have no trouble finding work. He will, however, be in for a sizable pay cut. The Vanderbilt product is earning $17MM this season and it’s doubtful that he’ll land an eight-figure deal after two disappointing campaigns.
East Notes: Pats, Jets, Fitzpatrick, Cowboys
Alan Branch‘s four-game suspension for marijuana implies that the Patriots defensive tackle has tested positive for pot four separate times, as Ben Volin of The Boston Globe points out (via Twitter links). In total, the suspension will likely cost Branch about $1.13MM and could hurt his market when he reaches free agency this spring. Branch also has a DUI from 2014 on his record, which isn’t a good look in free agency.
Here’s more from the East divisions:
- The Jets‘ call to start Ryan Fitzpatrick over Bryce Petty is simply indefensible, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News opines. Now at 3-7, the Jets are out of the playoff running and now is the time to find out what the 25-year-old can do. Still, Mehta writes that Petty has been getting schooled at practice by Fitzpatrick and says that the youngster is making the Harvard product look like “[Johnny] Unitas.”
- In an interview on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed reports that Darren McFadden will be activated, as Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News tweets. McFadden will join a crowded backfield headlined by star rookie Ezekiel Elliott and backup Alfred Morris. McFadden could contribute as a pass-catcher, however. He averaged 38 catches per year between 2014 and 2015.
- There is skepticism about Morris Claiborne‘s status going forward, but Jones is confident that he will return for the Cowboys this season (Twitter link via Machota). The cornerback has not played since October 30, a disappointment since he was in the midst of shedding his draft bust label this year. Through the first seven games of the year, Claiborne was ranked as Pro Football Focus’ eighth-best cornerback in the NFL. He figures to see a pay raise over his current one-year, $3MM deal this spring, but his market will be limited if he cannot demonstrate that he is healthy, particularly given his injury history.
Bears Sign QB David Fales
The Bears are signing quarterback David Fales from the Ravens’ practice squad, a source tells Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). The move comes on the heels of Jay Cutler‘s shoulder injury, which could potentially shut him down for the season. 
Fales was a sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2014 under the previous regime. He was cut by Ryan Pace & Co. before this year’s 53-man deadline, but the team kept his number handy. He’ll now hold the clipboard for Matt Barkley. Depending on the severity of Cutler’s injury, there may be a place for Fales on the 53-man roster the rest of the way.
This has been a trying year for the Bears and things have only gotten worse for them this month. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was suspended four games for PEDs and, one week later, linebacker Jerrell Freeman suffered the same fate. In between those bans, tight end Zach Miller was ruled out for the season with a broken right foot and teammates reportedly lost faith in Cutler. Now, Cutler could be sidelined for the rest of the year, leaving Barkley and Fales at quarterback.
Bears Audition Rueben Randle, Others
The Bears worked out a group of wide receivers which included Rueben Randle, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter links).Keshawn Martin, Dres Anderson, and Quinshad Davis also participated in the Monday workout. On the other side of the ball, the Bears auditioned defensive backs D’Joun Smith, Trae Elston, Tevin McDonald, Rolan Milligan, and Varmah Sonie. 
The Eagles signed Randle in March with the hope that he could fulfill his potential in a different jersey. However, he disappointed in Philly just as he often did for their divisional rivals. It has been said that Randle’s work ethic was suspect while with the G-Men and he may not have been giving it his all in camp with the Eagles. Not only did Randle not make the team, but he was cut loose before the 75-man deadline. Still only 25, Randle averaged 56 receptions, 782 yards, and six touchdowns over the past three seasons with the Giants.
Smith, a 2015 third-round pick of the Colts, was waived by Indianapolis with an injury designation in September. Since then, he has had workout for the Saints, Jets, and Packers and had a cup of coffee with the Lions’ practice squad. It’s fair to wonder whether Smith is healthy given his injury history.
Extra Points: Jeffery, McCoy, Boyle, Cowboys
Alshon Jeffery could be entering free agency after this season and doing so on the heels of an unremarkable year, one now marred by the performance-enhancing drugs suspension. That suspension for the Bears‘ top target is expected to scare off “a number” of teams and could help lead to a tepid market for the Bears’ present top weapon, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report notes (video link).
Cole also points to other receivers like Michael Floyd or DeSean Jackson as cheaper options as also being a factor in Jeffery having to possibly accept a short-term deal. Kenny Britt would qualify here as well, although 2017 UFA Terrelle Pryor could be a prime candidate for an eight-figure AAV deal.
As many as 10 wideouts, in Cole’s view, being first- or second-round picks also could induce teams to be careful throwing money around for wide receivers. Jeffery is playing this season on the $14.59MM franchise tag and posted less-than-stellar numbers prior to his suspension. He of two 1,100-yard seasons, the 26-year-old Jeffery has just 630 and one touchdown for the struggling Bears.
Here’s more from around the league.
- The Falcons‘ deal with Ryan Schraeder cements the $6MM/year range for right tackles, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter) opines. Now, he envisions a similar range for Marcus Cannon (Patriots), Riley Reiff (Lions), and Ricky Wagner (Ravens).
- Panthers defensive end Ryan Delaire returned to practice today. He’s eligible to come off IR this week if the Panthers choose to do so, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer notes (on Twitter). Carolina’s IR is not populated with key personnel, as Roster Resource shows, so that’s one less road block in this scenario.
- Cowboys safety Barry Church has been sidelined with a fractured right forearm but he expects to be back in time to face Minnesota on Dec. 1 (Twitter link via Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News). Church says he’ll wear a cast when he plays.
- Tony Romo attempting to make Dak Prescott‘s ascent to the Dallas starting job easier could benefit the veteran passer this offseason, Cole of notes (video link). The Cowboys, per Cole, could be more willing to accommodate the 36-year-old quarterback with a trade, with the NFL insider mentioning the Broncos and Chiefs as potential destinations.
- Bills running back LeSean McCoy had a surgical procedure on his thumb Monday but he will be ready to play this Sunday, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). McCoy has matched his career high with 5.2 yards per carry thus far this season.
- Ravens tight end Nick Boyle’s suspension is now up, and the team will have one week to evaluate him before putting him on the 53-man roster, Jeff Zreibec of the Baltimore Sun reports (via Twitter). The second-year tight end’s now been popped for two PED suspensions. He will return to practice this week, but John Harbaugh said (via Zreibec, on Twitter) it’s not certain he plays Sunday.
Sam Robinson contributed to this report
Falcons Place Jacob Tamme On IR
Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme is done for the season. Tamme announced this morning that he underwent an operation on his shoulder that will rule him out for the rest of the year. The Falcons formally placed him on IR on Monday. The 31-year-old tight end faces a lengthy recovery from this shoulder setback.
“Unfortunately I had to have season-ending surgery this morning. Thank you to everyone who has been praying and sending support. I love our team, so this situation brings great disappointment,” Tamme tweeted. “But this is my [first] surgery in [nine years]. I feel very blessed.”
With Tamme out, the Falcons will lean more on Levine Toilolo and third-round pick Austin Hooper. Behind them will be UDFA Joshua Perkins.
Tamme’s season ends with 22 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns, making him Atlanta’s top offensive producer at the tight end position. He came to Atlanta on a two-year, $3.2MM base value deal before the 2015 season, so he’ll be a free agent after the season is through.
Tamme first made a name for himself as a favored receiver in Peyton Manning‘s Colts offense. Later, he reunited with Manning on the Broncos, but he saw his role reduced as he battled for playing time with Julius Thomas and Virgil Green. Last year, Tamme showed what he could do in a featured role, hauling in 59 grabs for 657 yards. That was a career-high in yards for Tamme and his second-highest reception total.
Tamme turns 32 on March 15th, right around the start of the 2017 free agency period.
NFC West Notes: Rams, Mathieu, Seahawks
For months now, we have been hearing that the Rams are on the cusp of extending coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead. Lately, however, things have been quiet. Mike Florio of PFT reached out to Rams VP of football operations Kevin Demoff for comment and he said there were “no updates” to give for either of them.
Some people, according to Florio, believe that Fisher already has an extension in place but the team is waiting for the right time to announce it. Now 4-6 after losing to Miami, the Rams might want to wait a little longer.
Here’s more from around the NFC.
- Cardinals GM Steve Keim thinks “there’s a good chance” safety Tyrann Mathieu plays Sunday in Atlanta (Twitter link via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com). Mathieu’s been out since October with a shoulder injury.
- C.J. Prosise suffered a fractured scapula, and Pete Carroll said Monday it’s too early to tell if the rookie running back will be able to return this season, per Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk. That malady sounding quite concerning, the Seahawks head coach did say Prosise won’t need surgery on his injured shoulder. A high-ankle sprain will sideline running back Troymaine Pope, leaving Thomas Rawls and Alex Collins as the healthy Seattle runners of the moment.
- Caroll also said Sunday looms as a possible Michael Bennett return date, Tom Pelissero of USA Today tweets. Bennett’s been out since late October with a knee injury, one that snapped a games-played streak that hit 74. The Seahawks recently discussed an extension with the vocal defensive end as well, and it looks like the surging team will have his services again soon. Bennett has three sacks this season, with Cliff Avril and Frank Clark combining for 17.5.
- Before signing with the Seahawks as a UDFA this year, tackle George Fant nearly signed with the Chiefs, GM John Schneider said on his radio show (Twitter link via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times). Fant, 24, has proven to be another strong UDFA find for Seattle, appearing in eight games and making four starts this year.
- It was confirmed today Eric Reid will miss the rest of the season with a biceps tear. The 49ers safety will head into 2017 with a fifth-year option year that could well be guaranteed due to Reid’s injury status.
Sam Robinson contributed to this report
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/21/16
Here are today’s minor moves.
- To fill out their 53-man roster after Jason Jones‘ two-game suspension, the Dolphins claimed tackle Bryce Harris off waivers from the Jaguars, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports (on Twitter). Harris has appeared in 35 games, with the Saints and Falcons, since catching in with New Orleans as a UDFA in 2012. He did not play in a game for the Jags.
- The Jaguars activated offensive lineman Josh Wells to their 53-man roster from IR/designated to return and placed Patrick Omameh on injured reserve. Wells has been bothered by rampant thumb trouble since last making an appearance in a game, doing so for the 2014 Jaguars. The 25-year-old played in 12 games for the Jags that season but saw thumb injuries prevent the former UDFA from following up in 2015 and for most of this season. Omameh has seen his share of starts since coming into the league as a UDFA in 2013. He functioned as the Jags’ left guard after Luke Joeckel was lost for the season, starting in seven games. He started in 16 for the 2014 Buccaneers and nine for the Bears last season.
- The Bears waived defensive lineman Jimmy Staten after promoting him from their practice squad on Saturday, Doug Kyed of NESN.com tweets. He did not suit up on Sunday and has yet to play in a game since being drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2014.
- The Eagles are promoting wide receiver Paul Turner to the 53-man roster, coach Doug Pederson told reporters. To make room, cornerback Aaron Grymes is being released.
Bengals’ A.J. Green Not Ruled Out For Season
Good news for the Bengals. Wide receiver A.J. Green did not suffer a full hamstring tear, as initially feared (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). According to one source, he’ll probably miss a few weeks and won’t require surgery. The hamstring only has a small tear/strain, so he may be able to play through it. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com tweets that Green will miss this week’s game against the Ravens.
Green gave fans everywhere a major scare when he was carted off the field early in Sunday’s contest between the Bengals and Bills. In the midst of another incredible season, that looked to be the end of Green’s year. Now, Green can be back for the home stretch of the regular season. The Bengals are not technically out of the playoff running, but it will take a lot for them to go from 3-6-1 to a playoff berth.
For the sixth consecutive season, Green has put up elite receiving numbers. The 28-year-old has hauled in 66 receptions this year for 964 yards and four touchdowns. In fact, even though he failed to collect a catch during yesterday’s contest, Green still ranks in the top-five in receptions and receiving yards. The 2011 first-round pick has only missed four regular season games in his career, including three in 2014 as he recovered from a toe injury.
In Green’s absence, the Bengals will be forced to rely on wideouts Brandon LaFell and Tyler Boyd. LaFell, 30, was signed by the Bengals this offseason, and the veteran has compiled 33 receptions for 419 yards and four touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, the Bengals used their second-round pick to select Boyd, a Pittsburgh standout. The rookie had been relatively quiet through the first two months of the season, although he did catch his first touchdown yesterday.
The Bengals offense took another hit yesterday, as running back Giovani Bernard tore his ACL. The 24-year-old is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Bears To Bring CB Kyle Fuller Back?
The Bears may be looking to designated cornerback Kyle Fuller for return from injured reserve, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter). Fuller will take his first step towards game action when he practices on Wednesday. If everything checks out, he may get to play again this season.
Teams are only permitted to bring one player back from IR during the season, but it sounds like Kevin White‘s season is through either way. From what Biggs hears (Twitter link), it sounds like it will be either Fuller returning or no one returning. The team was hoping that White could return from leg surgery, but he was not able to recover in time for this season. To date, White has only 191 NFL snaps to his credit.
It will be interesting to see how the increased uncertainty around White affects the Bears’ offseason plans. The Bears cannot reasonably give Alshon Jeffery a franchise tag for the second year in a row and a long-term deal may be ill-advised after his recent positive test for PEDs. However, White was supposed to be the heir apparent at wide receiver. If they cannot trust White to stay upright for a full season, they may have to bite the bullet and work out a new deal with Jeffery.