Brandon Thomas

AFC Notes: Stidham, Jags, Browns, Bolts

Although Tom Brady continuing to play at a high level into his early 40s has allowed the Patriots to table their need to identify a long-term successor for many years, their recent extension/2019 pay raise brings this issue back to the forefront. The Pats, however, are pleased with their latest quarterback draft pick. Fourth-round rookie Jarrett Stidham has “blown away expectations” this offseason, Jeff Howe of The Athletic notes (subscription required), adding that he is ahead of where Jimmy Garoppolo was at this point during his first NFL summer. Stidham has taken first-team reps in camp and moved the Patriots to move Danny Etling to wide receiver. He finished 14-for-24 for 179 yards and a touchdown in New England’s preseason opener Thursday. While the Auburn alum does not profile as a classic Brady successor type, the Patriots certainly appear encouraged by their developmental prospect.

As we wind down preseason Week 1, here is the latest from the AFC:

  • A.J. Cann has served as the Jaguars‘ starting right guard since his rookie season in 2015. He is not a lock to reprise his role in 2019. Cann is battling converted tackle Will Richardson for the spot, with Doug Marrone indicating (via Hays Carlyon of 1010 XL, on Twitter) Brandon Thomas is also in the mix here. A 2018 fourth-rounder, Richardson looks like the favorite to win this job thus far, Carlyon adds (via Twitter). Richardson has yet to play an NFL down; he hit IR in October of his rookie year. Thomas has hung around for six NFL summers, with the 2014 third-round 49ers pick having never played in a regular-season game. He’s bounced on and off the Jaguars’ roster and practice squad since 2017. Cann has three years remaining on a contract he signed in 2018.
  • With Cam Robinson potentially set to have a delayed start to the season, Marrone said the Jaguars are considering free agent additions Cedric Ogbuehi and Leonard Wester at left tackle. Longtime Jags backup Josh Wells is vying for that temp job as well. Second-round rookie Jawaan Taylor is set to start at right tackle.
  • Had Antonio Callaway not received a four-game suspension, the second-year Browns wideout might not have been able to go in Week 1 anyway. Callaway suffered a high ankle sprain in Cleveland’s preseason opener, per Freddie Kitchens (via ohio.com’s Nate Ulrich, on Twitter). The Browns will now be without two of their 2018 pass catchers, with Duke Johnson having been traded and Callaway out until at least October. Fortunately, they acquired Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason.
  • Chargers tight end Andrew Vollert suffered ACL damage in the team’s preseason opener, and Anthony Lynn said (via ESPN.com’s Eric Williams, on Twitter) the second-year UDFA will miss the season. The Bolts signed Vollert in May.

Jaguars Place OL Jermey Parnell On IR

Another Jaguars offensive lineman has been lost for the season. The team announced that they’ve placed offensive lineman Jermey Parnell on the team’s reserve/injured list. The Jaguars also officially announced that they’ve placed safety Ronnie Harrison on the IR, a move that was reported earlier this week. The Jaguars promoted cornerback Breon Borders and offensive lineman Brandon Thomas from the practice squad to take the open roster spots.

Parnell, a 2009 undrafted free agent out of Mississippi, bounced around the NFL before landing with the Cowboys in 2010. The offensive tackle established himself as one of Dallas’ key backups, and he turned that experience into a starting gig with the Jaguars. The 32-year-old has spent that past four years in Jacksonville, starting each of his 57 games. He appeared in 13 games this season, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 49th among 83 eligible offensive tackles.

The Jaguars offensive line has been destroyed by injuries in 2018. Parnell will now be the sixth lineman to be placed on the IR, joining Andrew Norwell, Cam Robinson, Will RichardsonBrandon Linder, and Josh Walker.

Borders, a 2017 undrafted free agent out of Duke, saw his lone NFL action during the Bills’ 2017 AFC Wild Card game against the Jaguars. He’s been on Jacksonville’s practice squad since late October. He’ll be joining a deep cornerback corps that already includes D.J. Hayden, Tre HerndonQuenton Meeks, CJ Reavis, and Tyler Patmon on the bench.

Thomas, 27, has spent the majority of the season on the Jaguars practice squad. Despite being selected in the third round of the 2014 draft, the lineman still hasn’t managed to make his way into a regular season NFL game. With Parnell out of the lineup, he may have his opportunity, as the team will be eyeing any of Thomas, Chris Reed, Corey Robinson, or Josh Wells to fill in.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/18/18

We’ll keep track of today’s practice squad moves here:

Arizona Cardinals

  • Signed: OL Kyle Friend
  • Released: OL Will House

Atlanta Falcons

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

  • Signed: G Zack Golditch
  • Released: G Sean Harlow

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Workout Updates: 10/16/18

Here’s the latest from the workout circuit. Links to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account, unless otherwise noted.

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Miami Dolphins

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Redskins

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/1/18

Today’s minor moves:

Carolina Panthers

Detroit Lions

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Tennessee Titans

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/23/18

Here are the latest reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2018 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters:

Jacksonville Jaguars

Minnesota Vikings

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/24/17

Today’s practice squad updates:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

  • Signed: WR Kenny Bell
  • Released: TE Gabe Holmes

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

  • Signed: DT Jarrod Clements

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Signed: OL Brandon Thomas
  • Released: OL Norman Price

Kansas City Chiefs

New York Jets

Oakland Raiders

  • Signed: CB Tevin Mitchel

Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

NFL Workout Updates: 10/20/17

Today’s workout updates, with all links going to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account:

Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers