Extra Points: Cassel, Bryant, Cruz, Los Angeles
In a chat with for the Dallas Morning News, columnist Kevin Sherrington guesses that the Cowboys will dress Kellen Moore as the backup this week while Matt Cassel continues to learn the offense. He does note that if Brandon Weeden doesn’t turn things around, Cassel will eventually get the chance to start, which is key since he is doubtful Tony Romo will be ready to return as soon as he comes of the IR-DTR.
- Sherrington also believes the Cowboys could be in the market to add a wide receiver, specifically one who could threaten to take the top off the defense. He cites the team’s inability to get the ball to any wideout other than Cole Beasley since the injuries to Romo and Dez Bryant.
- Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has had his suspension ended after the team played their fourth game last night, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). The team will still have a roster exemption until Tuesday, October 13th.
- Free agent wide receiver A.J. Cruz has been suspended for the next four games of the regular season, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). He has previous experience with the Arena Football League and was on the Bears’ 90-man roster this offseason.
- The league office has informed teams that they will be discussing “relocation guidelines” surrounding a potential Los Angeles franchise at next week’s owners’ meeting in New York, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter). It is unclear if they will discuss relocation fees and a timetable for the move (via Twitter).
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/29/15
To make room for the newly acquired Jonathan Bostic, the Patriots announced that they have released running back Travaris Cadet. Cadet, 26, was signed by the Pats as a free agent in March of this year. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder spent the last three seasons with the Saints and saw time in only one Pats game this year. Cadet has played in 42 career NFL games and has 11 rushing attempts for 37 yards, 46 receptions for 346 yards with two touchdowns, 50 kickoff returns for 1,293 yards, and two punt returns for two yards.
Here’s a rundown of Tuesday’s minor signings, cuts, and other moves around the NFL..
- The Chargers announced that they have signed veteran center J.D. Walton, as Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com writes. Walton started 16 games at center for the Giants last season and played for Mike McCoy when he served as offensive coordinator in Denver.
- The Chargers have waived tight end Kyle Miller, as Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego writes.
- The Chargers informed tackle Tyreek Burwell that he’ll be promoted from the practice squad, a source told Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. Burwell will help provide San Diego with depth in the wake of recent injuries on the O-Line.
- The Cowboys signed defensive lineman David Irving to their active roster off of the Chiefs‘ practice squad, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
- The Colts added cornerback Shaun Prater and dropped fellow corner Eric Patterson, as Mike Florio of PFT writes. Patterson played in the first two games for the Colts but was cut last week, signed back to the practice squad, then promoted again last Friday.
- The Vikings cut wide receiver Gavin Lutman from injured reserve, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/29/15
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL, with any additional moves added to the list throughout the day:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: S Marcus Ball (Twitter link)
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: DE Lavar Edwards (Twitter link via Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com)
- Cut: OL Ronald Patrick
Denver Broncos
- To be signed: T Antonio Johnson (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
- Cut: OLB Danny Mason (via Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post)
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: QB Alex Tanney (press release)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: WR Shaq Evans (Twitter link via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union)
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: WR Marcus Lucas (Twitter link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- Cut: LB Terrell Manning (Twitter link via Jayson Braddock)
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Donte Foster (Twitter link)
- Cut: FB Blake Renaud
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Tavarres King (Twitter link via Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News)
- Cut: OL Vinston Painter (Twitter link via Wilson)
New York Jets
- Signed: S Ronald Martin (Twitter link via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com)
- Cut: CB Keon Lyn
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: C B.J. Finney (Twitter link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- Cut: C Barrett Jones
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: G Michael Huey (via Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego)
St. Louis Rams
- Signed: WR Nick Toon (Twitter link via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DT Derrick Lott (press release)
- Cut: CB Imoan Claiborne
Washington:
- Signed: C Austin Reiter (Twitter link via Zac Boyer of the Washington Times)
NFC Notes: Panthers, Brooks, Parkey
Although defensive end Charles Johnson is expected to miss multiple games due to a hamstring injury, the Panthers aren’t considering placing him on the injured reserve list with the designation to return, tweets Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Carolina acquired Jared Allen this week to help boost the pass rush in Johnson’s absence, and according to agent Ken Harris, the Panthers were one of five teams that he and his client identified as potential landing spots (link via David Newton of ESPN.com). Carolina was “by far” their No. 1 choice, per Harris.
Let’s round up several more items from across the NFC….
- 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks wasn’t present in court today, but his lawyer put in a plea of “not guilty” for his client on a misdemeanor sexual battery charge, reports Damian Trujillo of NBC Bay Area (Twitter link). Brooks seems likely to face discipline from the NFL sometime after the legal process plays out.
- Cody Parkey‘s groin injury is more serious than it initially sounded, with the Eagles kicker telling reporters today that he tore three muscles in his groin. While he landed on the IR today, Parkey fully expects to be kicking again for the Eagles again in 2016 (Twitter links via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer).
- The Bears may not be done making trades this season, but the Cowboys haven’t discussed the possibility of acquiring a player like Matt Forte or Alshon Jeffery, says Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- No outside free agent got a larger contract from the Saints than the $16MM deal C.J. Spiller signed this offseason, and head coach Sean Payton admits that he needs to get the running back more involved in the offense, according to Christopher Dabe of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
- Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, who was taken out of Monday night’s game against the Chiefs, re-aggravated his high ankle sprain, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Adams is expected to miss some time, though it’s too early for an exact timetable. As for tight end Andrew Quarless, he has a sprained MCL, and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, per Rapoport (Twitter link).
East Notes: RGIII, Patriots, Washington
Robert Griffin III hasn’t dressed for any of Washington‘s first three regular season games, but his presence “continues to loom over the franchise, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Griffin still has support within the organization, and – according to Jones – league insiders have speculated that the Washington brass could eventually force Jay Gruden to go back to RGIII if Kirk Cousins falters, even though Colt McCoy is technically the backup.
Griffin has a fifth-year option on his contract for 2016 that is currently guaranteed for injury only, so playing him would put the team at risk — if the fourth-year quarterback suffered a serious injury, the club would be on the hook for $16MM+ in ’16. Still, Jones can’t help but wonder if the former second overall pick will get one last shot in D.C.
Here’s more from across the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Mike Reiss of ESPN.com examines how linebacker Jon Bostic, acquired in a trade with the Bears, will fit in with the Patriots‘ defense, comparing the deal to the team’s 2014 acquisition of linebacker Akeem Ayers. Both Bostic and Ayers were casualties of defensive scheme changes with their old teams.
- Washington recently tried out linebackers Jayson DiManche, Mason Foster, Parys Haralson, and Carlos Fields, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
- Could Matt Cassel be the Cowboys‘ backup quarterback next season behind Tony Romo? Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com tackles that question, along with a few more topics of note from out of Dallas.
- Asked today why the Eagles didn’t do more to address their offensive line this offseason, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur responded, “Those are questions for somebody else” (Twitter link via Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com).
- Second-round cornerback Ronald Darby and fifth-round running back Karlos Williams were viewed as risky draft picks this spring, but they’ve paid off so far for the Bills, says Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/28/15
Today’s minor NFL signings, cuts, and other moves..
-
The Giants cut wide receiver Chris Harper from IR, the Raiders cut offensive lineman Anthony Morris from IR, and the Chargers cut Gordon Hill from IR, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets.
- The Dolphins will sign offensive lineman Mike Leidtke to their taxi squad, as agent Brett Tessler tweets. Liedtke, an Illinois State product, recently auditioned for the Saints and Jets.
- The Raiders released cornerback Chimdi Chekwa from their injured reserve list, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The defensive back was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
- The Rams will sign wide receiver Nick Toon, a source tells Ross Jones of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Toon had workouts with the Rams and Seahawks last week.
- To make room for Dion Bailey, the Jets waived Ronald Martin, as Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets. New York claimed Martin from Seattle just a few weeks ago.
- The Cowboys cut backup defensive tackle Davon Coleman, Todd Archer of ESPN.com tweets.
NFC Notes: Weeden, Kaep, Cam, Bradford
Prior to the Cowboys’ Brandon Weeden making his first start of the season Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that some around the NFL think it’s only a matter of time before newly acquired Matt Cassel takes over as Dallas’ starter. Weeden, who’s subbing for the injured Tony Romo, then completed an efficient 22 of 26 passes for 232 yards as part of a conservative Cowboys game plan. However, he tossed a costly interception and the Cowboys dropped a 39-28 decision to the Falcons.
Afterward, Bob Sturm of The Dallas Morning News wrote that Weeden isn’t someone the Cowboys should feel good about continuing to start. That’s certainly not an unreasonable opinion when you consider the abysmal numbers Weeden has put up throughout his career in Cleveland and Dallas. While Cassel isn’t exactly an ideal option, he has had more success in his career than Weeden. If the Cowboys don’t show an ability to stay afloat with Weeden under center, a switch to Cassel would become inevitable.
Here’s more from the NFC:
- Colin Kaepernick‘s performance in the 49ers’ 47-7 loss to Arizona on Sunday was the nadir of the fifth-year man’s career, as he went 9 of 19 for 67 yards and four interceptions. Head coach Jim Tomsula isn’t considering switching to backup Blaine Gabbert, however. “Colin’s our quarterback,” he said, per Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group (via Twitter)
- Panthers quarterback Cam Newton drew a hit that he felt could have warranted a flag in a 27-22 win over New Orleans on Sunday. Referee Ed Hochuli disagreed, though, and gave a bizarre reason for the non-call, per Newton. “Was it a late hit? I don’t know,” stated Newton. “But the response that I got was, ”Cam you’re not old enough to get that call.” For what it’s worth, Hochuli denied Newton’s story (link via Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer).
- The Eagles broke into the win column Sunday with a 24-17 victory over the Jets, but it wasn’t because of struggling QB Sam Bradford. Although the sixth-year man went just 14 of 28 for a meager 118 yards, head coach Chip Kelly was encouraged that he didn’t turn the ball over after tossing four picks in the first two weeks of the season. He also pointed the finger at the Eagles’ offensive weapons for not hauling in more of Bradford’s passes. “I thought Sam did a nice job considering what [the Jets] brought,” Kelly said, according to Corey Seidman of CSNPhilly.com. “They can bring a rush unlike any team we play. They bring seven, they’re gonna play zero-man behind it. A few of those drops, I think all those guys want them back.”
Extra Points: Dez, Cruz, Jets, Browns
The NFC East-leading Cowboys are optimistic that injured receiver Dez Bryant will return after their Week 6 bye, chief operating officer Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Friday. Bryant had surgery Sept. 14 to repair a fractured bone in his right foot that he suffered in Dallas’ Week 1 win over the Giants. There’s been plenty of speculation since regarding the amount of time the two-time Pro Bowler could miss.
“We really feel like it’s a very fair goal to think that Dez will be back after the bye,” said Jones, per Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News.
If Jones is right, Bryant will only miss three more games – matchups against the Falcons, Saints and Patriots. His return, whenever it comes, will be a boon to a team that’s also without star quarterback Tony Romo for an extended period of time.
More on Dallas and the rest of the NFL:
- In addition to Bryant, Jones also expect Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory to return after the bye week (link via Machota). The rookie second-round pick suffered a high ankle sprain in the opener.
- Giants receiver Victor Cruz is expected to make his season debut Oct. 4 in Buffalo, head coach Tom Coughlin said Friday (link via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post). Cruz, who is currently working his way back from a strained calf, missed most of last season with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.
- With veteran receiver Eric Decker questionable for Sunday’s game against Philadelphia, the Jets could turn to rookie second-rounder Devin Smith. The ex-Ohio State standout missed nearly all of training camp and then the entire preseason and first two games of the regular season with broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Smith still isn’t 100 percent. Thus, whether he debuts Sunday depends on the status of Decker – who hasn’t practiced this week because of a sprained knee – according to head coach Todd Bowles (link via the New York Daily News’ Daniel Popper).
- As was reported earlier Friday night, the Browns tried out free agent receiver Jerry Rice Jr. this week. The latest development is that they have no plans to sign him, reports Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer (via Twitter). Rice will instead join Montreal of the Canadian Football League.
East Notes: Cassel, Bills, Brady, Eagles
After being traded to the Cowboys by the Bills, quarterback Matt Cassel is joining his fifth team in 11 NFL seasons, but as Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram details, he’s looking forward to the new challenge.
“I’m just coming in trying to learn a new playbook,” Cassel said. “There’s a lot to get done obviously. It was explained to me that Brandon [Weeden] is the starter, and I’m going to support him in any way I can, help the team in any capacity they want me to. At the same time, I’m going to try to learn the playbook and see how far I can move along and how quickly I can move along, so if an opportunity does come up, I’m ready to play.”
As Cassel adjusts to his new team, let’s check in on a few other items from around the NFL’s East divisions….
- Babe Laufenberg of the Dallas Morning News “loved” the Cowboys‘ trade for Cassel, since it gives the club a viable veteran backup option if Weeden struggles in Tony Romo‘s absence.
- Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News addresses the Cassel trade, the Rex Ryan/Doug Whaley relationship, and a handful of other topics in his latest Bills mailbag.
- Responding to a report that suggested a “very influential” person in the NFL is confident that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will still serve a suspension this season, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says that such a belief is skewed to the point of being delusional.
- Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com takes a look back at some of Chip Kelly‘s most noteworthy offseason transactions for the Eagles, weighing in on the early impact of those moves. So far, only the club’s signing of defensive back Walter Thurmond and selection of rookie linebacker Jordan Hicks get a thumbs-up from Sheridan.
Extra Points: Suh, Brent, London, Cooley
A report earlier this week suggested that high-priced Dolphins free agent pickup Ndamukong Suh “freelanced” during the club’s loss to the Jaguars, ignoring defensive play calls. Meanwhile, both Suh and coach Joe Philbin say there’s no truth to that, as Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News writes. However, Suh is quick to admit that he isn’t satisfied with the way he has played through the team’s first two games.
“Still not quite where I want it to be,” he said of his performance. “Fundamentally, I just have to get back into the sync of things and that’s what practice is for, getting with the coaches and understanding my mistakes that I’ve made.”
Here’s more from around the NFL..
- The Cowboys have hired former defensive tackle Josh Brent to work for them in the scouting department, as Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram tweets. Brent, 27, returned to the Cowboys in November 2014 after serving a 10-game suspension which stemmed from a car accident that resulted in the death of his teammate Jerry Brown in December of 2012. In May of this year he announced his retirement.
- The NFL says it would put a full-time franchise in London only once all operational issues are worked out and the league is sure the team would be competitive, as Stephen Wilson of The Associated Press writes. Mark Waller, executive vice president of the NFL’s international division, said there is no time frame for possibly placing a team in London, adding that a decision will come “when we’re ready.” On Wednesday, the mayor of London tweeted that he was optimistic about getting the NFL to the city in the next few years.
- Tight end Chris Cooley insisted to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) that he is still looking to return to football. La Canfora added that Cooley appears to be in good shape.