Headlines

Baltimore Ravens News & Rumors

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/20/15

By | at October 20, 2015 3:19 pm

Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

  • Signed: WR Titus Davis (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post)

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Signed: LB Josh Keyes, WR Fred Williams (Twitter links via Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star and Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
  • Cut: WR Kenny Cook 

Miami Dolphins

  • Signed: CB Trovon Reed (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

San Diego Chargers

  • Signed: DL Chuka Ndulue (Twitter link via Eric Williams of ESPN)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington

0 comments Arizona Cardinals Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Detroit Lions Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers Miami Dolphins New Orleans Saints New York Giants Tampa Bay Buccaneers Transactions Washington Commanders

Workout Updates: 10/20/15

By | at October 20, 2015 1:56 pm

Today’s workouts and visits from around the NFL..

Earlier today:

  • The Panthers are working out tight end/fullback James Casey today, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (on Twitter).
  • The Saints tried out defensive backs Akeem Davis and Robert McClain, wide receiver T.J. Graham, guard David Arkin, and center Ryan Seymour, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter). Seymour was ultimately signed to New Orleans’ practice squad.
  • The Jets worked out cornerback Jeremy Harris on Monday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Buster Skrine and Marcus Williams are both uncertain for this week, so Gang Green is likely looking at Harris as possible insurance.
  • The Vikings worked out former Ravens defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi on Tuesday, a source tells Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
  • The Panthers worked out former Ravens quarterback Bryn Renner according to a source who spoke with Wilson (Twitter link).
  • The Broncos are working out former Titans linebacker J.R. Tavai, according to a source who spoke with Wilson (Twitter link).
  • The Titans will try out ex-Ravens fullback Kiero Small, Wilson tweets.
  • The Ravens tried out a trio of defensive backs: Jonte Green, Sheldon Price, and Cornelius Brown, Wilson tweets.
  • The Chiefs tried out defensive back Trovon Reed, Wilson tweets.
  • The Steelers worked out tackle James Brewer, Wilson tweets.
  • Former Seahawks wide receiver Douglas McNeil is working out for the Panthers today, according to a source who spoke with Wilson (link).
  • The Broncos working out tight end Matt LaCosse today, according to a source who spoke with Wilson (link).
0 comments Baltimore Ravens Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Minnesota Vikings New Orleans Saints New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Tennessee Titans

AFC Notes: Chiefs, Ridley, Ravens, Yanda

By | at October 20, 2015 10:16 am

In spite of the Chiefs‘ slow start to the 2015 season, which has included some offensive struggles, head coach Andy Reid isn’t considering giving up play-calling duties on offense, writes Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. As Paylor observes, there would be precedent for such a decision, since Reid ceded the Eagles’ offensive play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg in 2006, and the move led to a five-game winning streak.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

  • Jets running back Stevan Ridley, who is eligible to begin practicing this week, is nearing a return, writes Newsday’s Kimberley A. Martin. Coming off a major knee injury, Ridley started the year on the PUP list, which means he can play as early as Week 7, though he’ll have to be moved to the 53-man roster before he can be active.
  • Back in August, Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith announced that he’ll retire at the end of the 2015 season. However, given how poorly the year is playing out for Smith and his team, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com wonders if the veteran wideout will reconsider that stance, adding that Baltimore would “certainly welcome him back.”
  • Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post has the breakdown on Marshal Yanda‘s new contract with the Ravens, which features a $9MM signing bonus and about $15.8MM in fully guaranteed money (plus another $2MM guaranteed for injury only).
  • The fact that the Colts‘ botched fake punt on Sunday night made Indianapolis a national punchline likely won’t help Chuck Pagano‘s job security going forward, says Mike Wells of ESPN.com.
0 comments Baltimore Ravens Indianapolis Colts Kansas City Chiefs New York Jets

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/19/15

By | at October 19, 2015 6:13 pm

Today’s minor NFL signings, cuts, and other moves..

  • The Saints will sign center Ryan Seymour, agent Justin Turner tells Wilson (on Twitter).
  • The Dolphins promoted tight end Brandon Williams from the taxi squad, Wilson tweets. In a related move, the Dolphins waived safety Jonathan Dowling (via Jenna Laine of FOX Sports 1 on Twitter).

Earlier updates:

  • The Texans claimed cornerback and Hard Knocks fan favorite Charles James off waivers, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). In a related move, safety Lonnie Ballentine will be placed on IR. The Texans wanted to sign James to their p-squad this year but he chose the Ravens’ p-squad instead (link).
  • The Broncos re-signed veteran blocking tight end Richard Gordon and waived running back Kapri Bibbs, as Mike Klis of 9NEWS writes. On Saturday, the Broncos released Gordon but told him to stay in town because they would re-sign him on Monday.
  • The Bills are signing Jordan Mills from the Lions practice squad, a source tells Mike Florio of PFT (on Twitter). Buffalo signed the tackle to their taxi squad in mid-September.
  • The Chargers announced that they have waived guard-tackle Michael Ola. The offensive lineman can be re-signed to the practice squad on Tuesday if he clears waivers.
  • The Cardinals removed Chris Clemons from injured reserve with an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
  • The Giants cut tight end Jerome Cunningham, Wilson tweets. In a related move, the Giants promoted cornerback Brandon McGee to the active roster from the taxi squad, Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch tweets.
  • The Bears waived safety Demontre Hurst and promoted cornerback Bryce Callahan from the taxi squad, as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets.
0 comments Arizona Cardinals Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Houston Texans Los Angeles Chargers Miami Dolphins New Orleans Saints New York Giants Transactions

PUP, NFI Players Soon Eligible To Practice

By | at October 19, 2015 10:30 am

Week 6 of the NFL season will come to an end after Monday night’s game between the Giants and Eagles, and when teams begin preparing for Week 7, many clubs could be welcoming injured players back to practice. Six weeks into the NFL season, players who were placed on the physically unable to perform list or the non-football injury list prior to Week 1’s games will be eligible to return to the practice field.

Of course, just because those players are able to return to practice doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be healthy enough to do so. Players on the PUP list have a five-week window to begin practicing. Once they return to practice, they have three weeks to be added to their respective teams’ active rosters. In other words, a player currently on the PUP list could return to the field for his team’s Week 7 game, or could return as late as for his team’s Week 15 contest.

The rules for NFI players are similar to those for PUP players. If a player on either reserve list doesn’t return to practice or game action in time, his 2015 season will officially be over.

Here are the players currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list who can begin practicing as soon as this Tuesday:

And here are the players currently on their teams’ non-football injury or illness lists, who are also eligible to begin practicing this Tuesday:

  • Arizona Cardinals: WR Damond Powell
  • Buffalo Bills: CB Leodis McKelvin
  • Cincinnati Bengals: T Cedric Ogbuehi
  • Cleveland Browns: DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, TE Randall Telfer, RB Glenn Winston
  • Dallas Cowboys: LB Mark Nzeocha
  • Houston Texans: T David Quessenberry
  • Kansas City Chiefs: QB Tyler Bray
  • San Francisco 49ers: WR DeAndre Smelter
  • Seattle Seahawks: DT Jesse Williams

In addition to monitoring players on the PUP and NFI lists, it’s worth keeping an eye on players who have been placed on the injured reserve list with the designation to return. Teams can use this IR-DTR spot on one player per season, placing him on the injured reserve list without necessarily ruling him out for the season. As we explained in an earlier post, players given this designation can begin practicing after six weeks and can return after eight weeks.

That means that a player who was placed on IR-DTR prior to Week 1 can begin practicing on Tuesday, though he won’t be eligible to return to game action until Week 9. A player who was placed on IR-DTR after Week 1 will have to wait until next Tuesday – October 27 – to return to practice, while other IR-DTR players will have to wait until November to practice.

Here’s the list of players currently on IR-DTR who can begin practicing as soon as Tuesday:

1 comment Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Detroit Lions Houston Texans Kansas City Chiefs Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New York Giants New York Jets Newsstand PFR Originals Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans

AFC Notes: Yanda, Bills, Chiefs

By | at October 18, 2015 6:47 pm

Let’s look at some of the news coming out of the AFC as Week 6’s late-afternoon games wind down.

  • Marshal Yanda‘s extension showed the Ravens prioritizing a top-quality player as opposed to trying to pay for the future of a younger, less-proven performer in Kelechi Osemele, CBSSports.com’s Joel Corry tweets. The 31-year-old Yanda is five years Osemele’s senior but has four Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro honor to his credit. Corry notes Osemele, the Baltimore left guard, will now have a set price to re-sign with the Ravens or seek his second contract elsewhere like so many of his former teammates have in recent years.
  • In extending the All-Pro right guard, the Ravens showed not only a belief that Yanda will continue to play at a high level as his 30s progress but loyalty to one of the performers that’s exemplified their franchise, ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley writes. In calling Yanda the best Ravens offensive lineman since Jonathan Ogden, Hensley notes keeping Yanda marks a change in course from the franchise that parted ways with Ed Reed and Haloti Ngata, but listed Yanda’s dominant level of play as the difference-making factor here.
  • Kyle Williams likely won’t play in next week’s Bills-Jaguars tilt, according to ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak, after suffering a knee injury. The veteran defensive tackle is believed to have suffered a PCL malady, which won’t require surgery but could sideline him for as long as four weeks, 550 WGR’s Sal Capaccio reports (on Twitter).
  • Mario Williams expressed confusion with a Bills defense that forced him to drop into coverage on numerous occasions, Syracuse.com’s Matthew Fairburn reports. Although the veteran who’s vacillated between defensive end and outside linebacker throughout his 10-year career denied being frustrated, Fairburn notes he used the phrase “plays that are called” more than a dozen times in a four-minute interview. “A lot is put on (the defensive line’s) shoulders as far as the amount given out to players on this team as far as income,” Williams said. “I would assume, those four guys, a lot is on their shoulders to go after the quarterback or stop the run, be disruptive. Like I say, if the call is three-man this or that, dropping, things like that, that’s the call.”
  • Both Jeremy Maclin and Mike DeVito sustained concussions in the Chiefs‘ loss to the Vikings, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports. Maclin’s totaled 37 receptions this season; the remainder of the Chiefs’ receiving corps has 28 combined.
1 comment Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Kansas City Chiefs

2015 Trade Deadline Candidates: AFC

By | at October 17, 2015 8:09 pm

The NFL’s November 3 trade deadline is the next major event on the league’s calendar, and with a bit over two weeks left for clubs to make deals, it makes sense to scour each team’s roster and identify which players might be on the block. The NFL certainly doesn’t see the amount of trade activity that does MLB or the NBA, but there have already been a fair number of deals worked this calendar year. Additionally, in 2014, there were four trades in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline — two of those four players were in the final year of their contracts, so for this exercise, we’ll mostly focus on players who are on expiring deals.

We’ll start off by taking a look at the AFC clubs, with an obvious focus on teams who aren’t currently, or don’t figure to remain, contenders…

Baltimore Ravens

  • Courtney Upshaw, LB: Upshaw is playing a larger role than the Ravens originally intended, as he’s been forced to step in as a starter due to Terrell Suggs‘ season-ending injury. However, Upshaw, strikes me as the type of player that Baltimore usually lets leave via free agency (see: Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbe, Pernell McPhee). If the 1-4 Ravens continue to fall further out of contention, it could make sense for them to trade Upshaw to a club looking for pass-rush help, and give that playing time to rookie Za’Darius Smith.

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Marcedes Lewis, TE: Though the Jaguars do try to run a good amount of two tight end sets, Lewis’ role will steadily decrease now that Julius Thomas has returned from injury. Given that Lewis, 31, is earning $2MM in base salary, and doesn’t figure to be re-signed, he could be an option to get traded in the coming weeks. He probably wouldn’t bring back much, but perhaps a team like the Saints could opt to bring in reinforcements at tight end as they try to claw back in the NFC South race. Elsewhere, the Jets, Cardinals, and Washington could all use some depth at tight end.

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Marcus Cooper, CB: As noted by Mike Reiss of ESPN.com earlier today, the 25-year-old Cooper could make sense as a trade target, specifically for a cornerback-depleted team like the Patriots. Cooper has only managed 77 defensive snaps on the season, and hasn’t played a single defensive snap in the two weeks since Sean Smith returned from suspension. The Chiefs have been utilizing a three-safety look in recent weeks, lessening the need for Cooper of fellow depth corner Jamell Fleming, so perhaps Cooper (and his minimum salary deal, which runs through 2016) could be on the move.
  • Mike DeVito, DL: A rotational 3-4 defensive end, DeVito probably wouldn’t bring back much in a trade, but he is cheap, as he’d be owed just the remainder of his $870K base salary. The Chiefs would probably be wise to deal the 31-year-old now, clearing out playing time for youngsters Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Nicholas Williams. Clubs such as the Patriots, Packers, Eagles, Cardinals, and Colts — all of whom employ a 3-4 look — could be interested.
  • Sean Smith, CB: Kansas City sits at 1-4 and just lost its best offensive player in Jamaal Charles to a season-ending injury, so if the club wants to “blow things up,” trading Smith becomes a consideration. Smith, 28, isn’t cheap, as an acquiring club would owe the rest of his $4.25MM base salary, but he’s an underrated player, and if the Chiefs have no intention of re-signing him, dealing him now could be the smart move. I’d guess only one of Smith or Cooper gets moved (if either does).

Miami Dolphins

  • Rishard Matthews, WR: If the Dolphins subscribe to the basic economic theory of “buy low, sell high,” there might never be a better time to trade Matthews, who is in the midst of his best season at age 26. There are a myriad of reasons to deal Matthews, but chief among them is probably that his current production is likely unsustainable. Additionally, he’s in the final season of his rookie contract, and with Miami already committed to Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker, there might not be room on the roster, or more specifically, in the salary cap, for Matthews.
  • Derrick Shelby, DE: Miami already has a large chunk of assets devoted to its defensive line, so Shelby, who is earning $2.56MM as a restricted free agent, could be on the trade block. He’s actually played in more than 50% of the club’s defensive snaps so far this season, but with Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake already earning sizeable money, and Olivier Vernon likely to follow, Shelby probably won’t be a priority in free agency.

New England Patriots

  • Aaron Dobson, WR: Dobson seems to be a complete afterthought in the Patriots’ offense, as he was a healthy scratch last week against the Cowboys, playing behind even special teamer Matthew Slater. Dobson’s removal from the offense only figures to accelerate once Brandon LaFell, New England’s No. 2 receiver a year ago, returns from the PUP list. A team with a need at receiver, such as the Browns or Panthers, could take a look at Dobson, who is signed through 2016 at cheap rates.
1 comment Baltimore Ravens Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Miami Dolphins New England Patriots PFR Originals

AFC Notes: Patriots, Forsett, Steelers

By | at October 17, 2015 6:20 pm

Let’s take a look around the AFC, where three clubs still remain undefeated…

  • The Patriots placed cornerback Tarell Brown on injured reserve earlier today, leading Mike Reiss of ESPN.com to examine how New England will approach its secondary woes going going forward. Malcolm Butler will be joined in the starting lineup by Logan Ryan, while Justin Coleman and recent waiver claim Rashaan Melvin could also see time. But the Patriots, who have never shied away from the trade market, could also look to swing a deal to add reinforcements, opines Reiss, who points to the Buccaneers’ Alterraun Verner and the Titans’ Jason McCourty as possible targets (though the ESPN scribe allows that McCourty is unlikely to be moved). Marcus Cooper, a little-used Chiefs corner, might also be on the table, an opinion Reiss has voiced before.
  • It’s still up in the air as to whether Justin Forsett will be active for the Ravens‘ game against the 49ers, but according to Forsett, his ankle injury is looking a little better. “It’s a work in progress,” Forsett told Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. “We’re heading in the right direction.” Baltimore promoted fellow running back Terrance Magee from its practice squad earlier today, which could be a bad sign for for Forsett’s availability.
  • After missing four games due to suspension and one additional contest due to injury, Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant is expected to return for tomorrow’s game against the Cardinals. He’ll likely act as Pittsburgh’s No. 2 pass-catcher, meaning Darrius Heyward-Bey, who has posted 17 receptions for 209 yards and two scores, will move back to the bench, per Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. But Heyward-Bey, who has been involved in more than 70% of the Steelers’ offensive plays, vows to remain active in the club’s gameplan. “My focus is whatever Coach Tomlin needs me to do,” he told Kaboly. “My job is to play every position on the field, whether it is X, Z or F. Whatever they need me to do, I will do.”
0 comments Baltimore Ravens New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/17/15

By | at October 17, 2015 4:01 pm

Here are Saturday’s minor moves from around the NFL. We’ll keep the list updated throughout the day…

  • The Raiders added wide receiver and kick returner Walt Powell to their 53-man roster and signed strong safety Keenan Lambert to their practice squad, according to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter). A Cardinals sixth-round pick in 2014, Powell played in 14 games for the Jets as a rookie. Oakland waived Lambert, who began the year in training camp with the Seahawks, two days ago, and the defender cleared waivers to enable a practice squad signing.
  • The Chargers placed rookie sixth-round pick Darius Philon on IR-DTR and promoted guard/tackle Michael Ola from their practice squad, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports (on Twitter). With the Bolts still struggling with offensive line injuries, a need for Ola emerged. A former UDFA, Ola started 12 games with the Bears in 2014. Philon, a defensive end who’s been backing up Kendall Reyes, been active in each of the Chargers’ five contests thus far this season but now will miss most of the regular season’s remainder with a hip malady. Week 14 represents Philon’s earliest return date.
  • The Titans signed Justin Staples to their active roster and placed Deiontrez Mount on IR, per the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson (via Twitter). Mount, a rookie sixth-round defensive end, suffered a torn ACL. A third-year linebacker, Staples played six games with the Titans in 2014 after entering the league as a UDFA.
  • Hard Knocks fan favorite cornerback Charles James received notice of being cut by the Ravens, with the team signing running back Terrance Magee, Jeff Zreibec of the Baltimore Sun reports (on Twitter). The Ravens placed Lorenzo Taliaferro on IR this week, creating a spot for Magee. Zreibec also notes (on Twitter) this may be a depth move to protect the team in case Justin Forsett, who is questionable for Sunday’s game against the 49ers with an ankle ailment, doesn’t play this week. A rookie undrafted free agent out of LSU, Magee signed with the Ravens initially in May. Prior to being waived by the Texans in September, James played in 13 games with the Giants in 2013.
  • The Broncos have promoted running back Kapri Bibbs from the practice squad, reports Mike Klis of 9News in Denver (via Twitter). The team also released tight end Richard Gordon, who was just added to the roster earlier this week.

Earlier updates:

  • The Colts have released kick returner Marcus Thigpen and called up linebacker Amarlo Herrera to take his roster spot, reports Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (via Twitter). With Jerrell Freeman and Nate Irving both struggling with injuries, the Colts were clearly looking for some reinforcement on defense. Thigpen previously saw time with the Bills this season, returning 12 combined punts and kickoffs.
  • The Bears have signed nose tackle Bruce Gaston from the Packers practice squad, reports Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times. The second-year player had made a pair of appearances with Green Bay this season. He’s expected to provide the Bears with some depth on the defensive line, where Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton and Jeremiah Ratliff are all banged up.
0 comments Baltimore Ravens Chicago Bears Denver Broncos Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Tennessee Titans Transactions

AFC Notes: Yanda, Titans, Shorts, Skrine

By | at October 17, 2015 10:00 am

Following Marshal Yanda‘s four-year extension with the Ravens, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes that the lineman “has earned the right to finish his career in Baltimore.” When Yanda ultimately hangs it up, the writer believes he’ll be regarded as one of the best players in franchise history.

That sentiment was echoed by general manager Ozzie Newsome on Friday.

“Marshal Yanda is not only a staple of our offensive line but also a staple of our entire team,” he said. “He is the best of what a Raven should be.”

Predictably, Yanda was calm and collected while discussing his new contract.

“I look forward to carrying on the Baltimore Ravens’ great tradition,” he said. “Hopefully I will finish my career as a Raven.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the AFC…

  • The Titans should have an open roster spot when they inevitably place linebacker Deiontrez Mount on injured reserve. Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com expects that spot to either be filled by practice squad participants Jason Ankrah or Justin Staples. “At some point, everyone’s number gets called, so I just have to make sure I am ready so I can help the team,’’ Staples said. “I am excited. My body is feeling great and I am ready to get out there and fly around with my teammates.”
  • The Jaguars let wideout Cecil Shorts depart to the Texans this offseason, but the receiver isn’t upset that the team didn’t put more of an effort into retaining him. “That’s where I started my career and spent four years of my life,” Shorts told Ryan O’Halloran of Jacksonville.com. “I have nothing but love for that community and for the fans. It will be a little emotional, but it will be fun to compete.”
  • Buster Skrine certainly wasn’t one of the Jets‘ biggest offseason moves, but the former Browns defensive back has proven to be an invaluable part of New York’s defense, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

 

0 comments Baltimore Ravens Houston Texans Jacksonville Jaguars New York Jets Tennessee Titans
Show all
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors