Steelers HC: Brown Has Not Asked For Trade
Antonio Brown‘s absence from Monday’s practice raised some eyebrows, but the wide receiver is not looking to leave Pittsburgh, according to coach Mike Tomlin. At a Tuesday morning press conference, Tomlin said that Brown has not requested a trade. 
Brown, however, was visibly displeased with Steelers coaches during Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs and he dared the club to trade him on Twitter in an online spat with a former team employee. Although Tomlin says there’s no reason to panic, he did confirm that he will meet with Brown on Tuesday to smooth out any in-house issues.
Brown opened the season by catching nine passes for 93 yards including one tremendous third quarter touchdown against the Browns. This past weekend, he remained productive with nine grabs for 67 yards, but lost his cool in the fourth quarter when talking with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and wide receivers coach Darryl Drake. Pittsburgh lost the Week 2 contest against Kansas City, leaving the Steelers winless heading into their Monday night game against the Buccaneers.
We already saw one noteworthy wide receiver change teams this week, but Tomlin asserts that Brown is not looking to join Gordon on the transactions wire.
Cardinals Sign LB Joe Walker
The Cardinals are signing linebacker Joe Walker to their 53-man roster off of the Eagles’ practice squad, a source tells Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter). The Eagles, meanwhile, have filled Walker’s roster spot by promoting running back Josh Adams to the active roster. 
Walker, 25, appeared in 12 games for the Eagles last year and started in three games. He didn’t see a ton of action on defense, however, and finished out with eight total tackles.
The Cardinals can use all of the defensive help they can get after surrendering 34 unanswered points to the Rams on Sunday. Walker won’t be a starting option, but he could see some snaps behind middle linebacker Josh Bynes.
Steelers’ Antonio Brown Misses Practice
Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was a no-show for practice on Monday, team sources tell Ed Bouchette and Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The reason for his absence is unclear, but it may be cause for concern after Brown had an unusual Twitter exchange with a former Steelers employee. 
After an ex-Steelers PR man intimated that Brown would not be an elite receiver without teammate Ben Roethlisberger, Brown responded, “Trade me let’s find out.” Brown’s decision to skip practice isn’t necessarily related, however, and it’s even possible that his absence was excused by coach Mike Tomlin. At the moment, details are scarce, but Brown did appear to be upset on the field during the Steelers’ 42-37 loss to the Chiefs and reportedly left the locker room in a huff.
Brown, the league’s most talented wide receiver, was as fearsome as ever in 2017 as he caught 101 passes for a league-leading 1,533 yards with nine touchdowns. After yet another spectacular season, Brown earned his sixth career Pro Bowl selection and fourth consecutive First-Team All-Pro nod.
The star receiver inked an extension with Pittsburgh in February of 2017. At the time, the four-year, $68MM extension made him the highest-paid receiver of all-time on a yearly basis with an average annual value of $17MM. This offseason, the 30-year-old agreed to tweak his payout structure in order to give the Steelers some cap relief.
For what it’s worth, Roethlisberger believes that Brown’s sideline flare-up with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner was “just frustration,” and doesn’t believe that the receiver wants to be traded (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler). Still, Big Ben says that he’ll talk with Brown on Wednesday.
Kenneth Dixon Could Return From IR
The Ravens placed running back Kenneth Dixon on injured reserve last week, but his season is not necessarily over. Dixon is a candidate to return from IR this season, according to head coach John Harbaugh (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). 
Per league rules, each team is permitted to bring two players back from IR each season, provided that they are sidelined for at least eight weeks. Therefore, Dixon could return as soon as Week 11, after the Ravens’ bye in Week 10.
For now, the Ravens will move ahead with Buck Allen as the team’s top backup to starter Alex Collins. They’ve also promoted running back De’Lance Turner from the practice squad in order to provide depth at the position.
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2016 draft, Dixon averaged 4.3 yards per carry as a rookie. Last year, however, he was set back by a torn meniscus and multiple suspensions.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/3/18
We’ll keep track of today’s practice squad moves here:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: RB Brian Hill
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB B.J. Bello, S Demetrious Cox, CB Chris Jones
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: DE Christian LaCouture
Chicago Bears
Signed:
- OL Dejon Allen
- DL Abdullah Anderson
- QB Tyler Bray
- WR Tanner Gentry
- DB Michael Joseph
- DB Jonathon Mincy
- RB Taquan Mizzell
- RB Ryan Nall
- OL James Stone
- LB Josh Woods
Cleveland Browns
Signed:
- OL Christian DiLauro
- DL Daniel Ekuale
- DL Zaycoven Henderson
- RB Dontrell Hilliard
- OL Kyle Kalis
- TE Pharoah McKever
- DB Jeremiah McKinnon
- DB Montrel Meander
- DB Tigie Sankoh (International Pathway Player, does not count against 10-man limit)
- WR Da’Mari Scott
- LB Brady Sheldon
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: RB Bo Scarbrough
Detroit Lions
- Signed: DT John Atkins, CB Cre’Von LeBlanc, DE Eric Lee
Denver Broncos
- Signed: G Avery Gennesy, OLB Jeff Holland
Houston Texans
- Signed: CB Mike Tyson
Indianapolis Colts
Signed:
- G Jamil Douglas
- RB Jeremy McNichols
- DE Carroll Phillips
- LB Ahmad Thomas
- DE Jihad Ward
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: TE Thomas Duarte, QB Cardale Jones
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: TE Cole Hikutini
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Jace Billingsley, T Eric Smith
New York Jets
Signed:
- WR Deontay Burnett
- C Nico Falah
- OT Dieugot Joseph
- RB De’Angelo Henderson
- DL Bronson Kaufasi
- QB John Wolford
New York Giants
- Signed: LB Ukeme Eligwe
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: G/T Denver Kirkland, DB Terrell Sinkfield, DB Rico Gafford
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: OL Zack Golditch
Seattle Seahawks
Signed:
- RB Lavon Coleman
- DT Frank Herron
- CB Akeem King
- TE Marcus Lucas
- QB Alex McGough
- T Elijah Nkansah
- WR Keenan Reynolds
- G Jordan Roos
- WR Caleb Scott
- LB Antwione Williams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Signed:
- OL Cole Boozer
- CB Javien Elliott
- DE Demone Harris
- TE Tanner Hudson
- S Godwin Igwebuike
- DL Jeremiah Ledbetter
- LB Eric Nzeocha (International Pathway Player, does not count against 10-man limit)
- DE Pat O’Connor
- RB Dare Ogunbowale
- LB Azeem Victor
- WR Bobo Wilson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OL Coleman Shelton, WR Austin Proehl, DL Deon Simon, QB Logan Woodside
Patriots Claim Two Wide Receivers
The Patriots’ wide receiver group just got more crowded. The Pats have claimed former Jet Chad Hansen and ex-Seahawk Amara Darboh, as Albert Breer of The MMQB tweets.
The Patriots thinned the herd in recent weeks by dropping Kenny Britt and Malcolm Mitchell from the roster (Eric Decker’s retirement also took away one potential option, though he was probably a longshot to make the team). Now, Hansen and Darboh will help to fill in for Julian Edelman during his four-game ban.
Currently, the Pats project to carry Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Matt Slater, and the two newbies on their Week 1 roster. Miami speedster Braxton Berrios was also in the mix for a spot, but the team’s decision to place him on IR has taken him out of the equation.
Broncos Claim Kevin Hogan Off Waivers
The Broncos have claimed quarterback Kevin Hogan off waivers, as Albert Breer of The MMQB tweets. Hogan was dropped from the Redskins’ roster on Saturday as they made moves towards a 53-man roster.
The Redskins moved down 17 spots in the sixth round to acquire Hogan from the Browns back in April. The 25-year-old (26 in October) was unable to join the Redskins’ QB room as a backup to Alex Smith, but it sounds like he’ll be stationed behind Case Keenum in Denver.
The move could have serious implications for the Broncos as they weigh their options under center. Former Mr. Irrelevant Chad Kelly appears to have cemented his spot on the roster, so the arrival of Hogan could lead to a trade of former first-rounder Paxton Lynch. Lynch was a hot commodity in 2016, but the Broncos may have to settle for a late draft pick if they trade him now.
Colts Cut Austin Howard, Reach 53-Man Roster
The Colts are at the 53-man roster max after making a bundle of transactions, including the release of offensive tackle Austin Howard.
[RELATED: Colts Cut John Simon]
The Colts invested $1.3MM guaranteed in Howard, but he was medically cleared until late July and struggled in camp and during the preseason. The Colts dangled him in trade talks this week, but there were no takers for him.
Despite his issues this summer, Howard had a solid 2017 with the Ravens and graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 36 offensive tackle. If healthy, he could draw interest from other teams.
The Colts also placed defensive end Chris McCain, linebacker Jeremiah George, defensive end Anthony Johnson, and tight end Ross Travis on injured reserve.
Here’s a look at the rest of the Colts’ moves:
Waived:
- TE Mo Alie-Cox
- K Mike Badgley
- CB Juante Baldwin
- DT Brandon Banks
- C Deyshawn Bond
- G Nick Callender
- LB Brandon Chubb
- CB Lashard Durr
- WR Reece Fountain
- WR Cobi Hamilton
- WR Steve Ishmael
- WR Seantavius Jones
- DT Tomasi Laulile
- DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
- CB Henre’ Toliver
- G Jeremy Vujnovich
- QB Phillip Walker
- CB D.J. White
- WR Kasen Williams
Last year, Bond ascended to the starting center job when Ryan Kelly broke his foot late in training camp. Unfortunately, a torn quad landed him on IR in October. This year, he’ll be looking for work elsewhere.
Alie-Cox was a former basketball player looking to transition to tight end. Although Antonio Gates and others have successfully made the jump, Alie-Cox has yet to find similar success.
In addition to the aforementioned moves, the Colts also waived the following players with an injury designation. If they clear waivers, then they revert to the Colts’ Injured Reserve list:
- LB Tyrell Adams
- WR K.J. Brent
- T Tyreek Burwell
- S Chris Cooper
- S T.J. Green
- WR Krishawn Hogan
- CB Robert Jackson
- S Ronald Martin
- S Robenson Therezie
- WR James Wright
Browns Make Minor Trade With Saints
The Browns have reached the 53-man roster maximum by making a whole lot of cuts and acquiring one player just before the bell.
On Saturday, the Browns announced that they acquired defensive lineman Devaroe Lawrence from the Saints in exchange for a 2019 seventh-round pick. Lawrence, 26 in October, overcame legal trouble as a youngster to achieve his dream of making it to the NFL. Injuries have held him back in the pros, but the Saints stuck by him even after ACL surgery in December of 2016.
“We felt he was athletic, explosive and we felt like he could recover,” said Saints coach Sean Payton (via Luke Johnson of The Times-Picayune). “In other words, he was battling an injury and we saw traits that are hard to find sometimes for defensive tackles, and it’s hard to find that position, especially after the draft.”
So, with Lawrence in the fold, the Browns waived the following 19 players to get down to the limit:
- LB B.J. Bello
- DL Caleb Brantley
- TE Devon Cajuste
- RB Matthew Dayes
- OL Christian DiLauro
- OL Spencer Drango
- DL Daniel Ekuale
- DL Zaycoven Henderson
- RB Dontrell Hilliard
- WR Blake Jackson
- DB Mike Jordan
- DB Montrel Meander
- DL Nate Orchard
- DB Tigie Sankoh
- WR Da’Mari Scott
- LB Brady Sheldon
- DB Simeon Thomas
- P Justin Vogel
- FB Danny Vitale (waived/injured)
49ers Cut 21 Players, Reach 53-Man Max
The 49ers have reached the 53-man roster maximum after releasing 21 players on Saturday afternoon. Here’s the full rundown:
The following players have been released:
- DL Jeremiah Attaochu
- WR Aaron Burbridge
- G Jonathan Cooper (story)
- WR Steven Dunbar Jr.
- TE Ross Dwelley
- DB Antone Exum Jr.
- TE Cole Hikutini
- FB Malcolm Johnson
- OL Andrew Lauderdale
- DB Dexter McCoil
- CB Tavarus McFadden
- RB Jeremy McNichols
- CB Emmanuel Moseley
- QB Nick Mullens
- DB Tyvis Powell
- DL Niles Scott
- OL Coleman Shelton
- LB Pita Taumoepenu
- LB Korey Toomer
- OL Najee Toran
- RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
In addition to those cuts, the Niners also have a few extra spots on their initial 53-man roster thanks to suspensions for wide receiver Victor Bolden and linebacker Reuben Foster. They’ll also be without defensive lineman Kentavius Street as he sits on the NFI list.