NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/13/19
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB Vontarrius Dora, DB Sojourn Shelton, G Ian Silberman
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: WR Greg Dortch
- Released: WR Quadree Henderson
Chicago Bears
- Signed: OL Dino Boyd, LB James Vaughters
Denver Broncos
- Signed: S Tyvis Powell
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Darius Jackson
- Placed on injured list: RB Bruce Anderson
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: C Nate Trewyn
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LB Jake Carlock
- Released: DB Doug Middleton
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Davion Davis
NFL Suspends Robert Nkemdiche
The NFL has suspended defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche for two weeks, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Nkemdiche is a free agent, so his suspension will begin when/if he signs with an NFL club. 
The nature of the violation is not yet known, but it might have had some bearing on his short-lived stint in Miami. The Dolphins cut the former first-round pick last week after he appeared in just 17 snaps and eleven special teams plays. That was hardly the comeback effort Nkemdiche had in mind after a disappointing run in Arizona.
With the Cardinals, Nkemdiche started in just six games across three seasons. Last year, his season was cut short by a torn ACL.
Nkemdiche has 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles to his credit and, given his draft pedigree, figures to draw attention from teams. Still, he won’t be able to see the field immediately for any club that signs him.
Saints’ Andrus Peat To Miss Time
Saints guard Andrus Peat will undergo surgery for a broken arm, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears. After the operation, he’s expected to miss six weeks of action. 
[RELATED: Saints’ CB Marshon Lattimore To Miss Time?]
Peat, 26, was a 2015 first-round pick and a Pro Bowler in 2018. He’s currently playing out his fifth-year option and is ticketed for free agency in March, so it’s an especially bad time for an extended absence.
Since ’15, Peat has appeared in 64 games, including 59 starts. He’s been playing reasonably well this season, though not quite at his previous Pro Bowl level.
The Saints offense, by and large, has been clicking tremendously. They’re 7-2, even after Sunday’s surprising loss to the Falcons. Next up: a shot at NFC South redemption against the Bucs, in Tampa.
In the interim, the Saints are expected to turn to Will Clapp as their new starter at left guard.
Texans Claim Vernon Hargreaves
The Texans claimed former Bucs’ cornerback Vernon Hargreaves on waivers, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Hargreaves was released on Tuesday, which made him subject to the waiver wire, per the league’s rules for players who are cut after the trade deadline. 
The former first round pick did not meet expectations in Tampa, but he profiles as a low-risk, high-reward type for Houston. Hargreaves was the No. 11 overall pick in 2016 for a reason and there could be some good football still left in the tank for the Florida product.
Before the release, Hargreaves was set to play out his rookie deal and 2020 fifth-year option. But, because that $9.9MM option was guaranteed for injury only, the Bucs were easily able to move on. New head coach Bruce Arians sat Hargreaves on the first day of OTAs because he was “not mentally ready to practice.” Apparently, the two were not able to get on the same page between the summer and the fall.
The Bucs sure could have used a healthy and productive Hargreaves on the roster, given that they have the worst pass defense in the NFL. With that in mind, the decision is rather telling of the team’s view of him.
The Texans, meanwhile, also have ample need at the position, but with more confidence in Hargreaves than Arians & Co. did. Even after acquiring cornerback Gareon Conley from the Raiders, there’s still plenty of work to be had for the 24-year-old in Houston.
Hargreaves will be eligible to make his Texans debut on Sunday against the Ravens.
Broncos, Dolphins To Attend Colin Kaepernick Workout
When Colin Kaepernick works out for NFL teams on Saturday in Atlanta, the Dolphins and Broncos will be among the teams in attendance (Twitter links via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and Mike Klis of 9News). The Cowboys and many other clubs are expected to attend the audition, which is open to all 32 clubs. 
The Dolphins’ interest in Kaepernick makes plenty of sense, given their uncertainty at the quarterback position for 2020 and beyond. It seems unlikely that anything could stop the Dolphins from selecting a quarterback high in the 2020 draft, but Kaep could be an intriguing option to consider.
The Broncos could also use a QB, though their interest in Kaepernick is puzzling, given the history between him and GM John Elway. The Broncos attempted to trade for Kaepernick in 2016, but the deal fell apart when Kaepernick declined the Broncos’ proposed pay cut. When asked about the near deal in 2018, Elway seemed to close the door the former 49ers star.
“He had his chance to be here,” Elway said. He passed it.”
After that, Kaepernick’s attorney Mark Geragos alleged that Elway violated the gag order issued in Kaepernick‘s collusion case with his comments.
“Mr. Elway, clearly he violated the protective order that the NFL has been wielding like a club at me,” Geragos said on his podcast. “And he’s apparently suffering from some real brain trauma.”
Now, in 2019, the Broncos are at least curious enough to send a scout to watch Kaepernick.
Colts To Stick With Adam Vinatieri?
The Colts are looking at kickers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to make a change. The plan is to stick with Adam Vinatieri, coach Frank Reich says (Twitter link via Stephen Holder of The Athletic).
“Adam is our kicker. Chris and I have talked about the situation. Obviously there have been other kickers in here,” Reich said. “When you take a look, we believe Adam is the answer.”
Vinatieri, 46, has missed six extra points and five field goals this season. His woes have cost them games, including Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins.
Still, Vinatieri is a future Hall of Famer with a resume full of Super Bowl rings and clutch kicks. The Colts, clearly, are keeping some options in the back pocket but Vinatieri’s job is safe – for now.
Vinatieri will look to get back on the right track on Sunday when the Colts take on the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. Then, it’s a short week for the Colts as they face the Texans in Houston on Thursday night.
Jets To Keep Adam Gase?
It doesn’t sound like Adam Gase will be one-and-done. On Wednesday, owner Christopher Johnson told reporters that Gase will not be fired after the season. Johnson added that he believes in Gase, and that apparently extends to the staff – Johnson doesn’t believe there will be any other coaching changes made between now and the end of the year. 
This jibes with a previous report from Manish Mehta of the Daily News, indicating that neither Christopher nor Woody plan on canning Gase. Its been a rough year for Gang Green, but they still feel that Gase is the answer. Even if there are some doubts, they’re not about to eat the remainder of Gase’s $20MM contract, which runs through the 2021 season.
The Jets rank last, or near the bottom, of many key offensive categories this season, despite Gase’s rep as an offensive guru. On the plus side – they’re coming off of a win over the rival Giants, though that was just their second win of the season.
Next up for the Jets: a Sunday showdown with the Redskins, followed by a return home to face the Raiders. At 2-7, the Jets will not be in the playoff chase, but they do project to land the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 draft.
Falcons’ Austin Hooper To Miss 4 Games?
Falcons tight end Austin Hooper is expected to miss roughly one month of action with a knee injury, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). Hooper presently leads all tight ends in catches, but he’s unlikely to finish with that mantle after sitting out several games in the second half of the season.
Hooper was forced out of Sunday’s game after hauling in four passes for 17 yards, including one touchdown catch. To date, he has 56 catches for 608 yards and six scores, positioning him as one of the best young TEs in the game today.
The Falcons, meanwhile, are 2-7, with no real shot at the postseason (less than 1%, according to FiveThirtyEight). By the time Hooper heals up, it might not behoove the Falcons to put him back on the field for the final three games of the year.
Without Hooper, the Falcons are expected to move forward with Luke Stocker and Jaeden Graham as their primary TEs. They might also add another TE to the mix, if they can find room on the 53-man roster. If they’re able to squeeze in a TE, Carson Meier could be a candidate for promotion.
Bengals’ John Ross Designated For Return
Bengals wide receiver John Ross has been designated to return from injured reserve, per a club announcement. He’ll be eligible to play in Week 13, following a few weeks of practice. 
Ross, the No. 9 overall pick of the 2017 draft, was written off by many as a bust, but was finally starting to make an impact this year. Injuries and a lack of trust from Marvin Lewis had plagued Ross’ first two years in Cincy, but he started the season with 16 catches for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns in four games.
There’s now reason to believe that Ross could blossom into the top-level deep threat the Bengals were hoping for back in 2017. This is, of course, a lost season for the 0-9 Bengals, but it’s a ripe opportunity for Ross to work his way back from his shoulder injury and cement his place in the team’s plans moving forward. The Bengals figure to make lots of changes this offseason, but Ross figures to be an integral part of the offense in 2020.
Ross remains under his rookie deal, which runs through 2020. He’ll carry a $5.45MM cap number in his final year, but the Bengals can add a fifth season via his rookie option.
Latest On Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Workout
Yesterday, we learned that Colin Kaepernick is set to work out for NFL teams at the Falcons’ facility. Today, we have more details on the surprise audition, via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Colin Kaepernick Holding Private Workout]
On Saturday, Kaepernick’s workout will have something of a draft combine feel. He’ll get started at 3pm ET, interview at 3:15pm ET, and take measurements and warmup afterwards. He’ll be timed and tested at 3:50 and conduct quarterback drills at 4:15, with all parts being recorded for distribution to all 32 NFL teams.
Since becoming a free agent, Kaepernick has only received a workout invitation from one team — the Seahawks — and that was in the summer of 2017. Later on, the Seahawks cancelled a 2018 visit with the polarizing QB. The passer’s camp also spoke to both the Alliance of American Football and the XFL. In each instance, his camp reportedly asked for a $20MM salary, consistent with the middle tier of signal callers in the NFL.
Several clubs have reportedly inquired about Kaepernick’s football readiness and Kaep’s camp says he’s been “working out five days a week, for three years, in preparation to play again,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
An exec from one NFC team says they have “nothing to lose” by attending the workout (Twitter link via ESPN’s Josina Anderson). The full list of attending teams is not yet known, but the Cowboys will be among them, Anderson hears (Twitter link).