NFL Workout Updates: 8/7/22
Here’s a look at some of the notable workouts from around the league this weekend:
- The Colts auditioned four linebackers this weekend, bringing in Aaron Hansford, Justin Hilliard, Dorian O’Daniel, and Kadofi Wright, according to Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star. This is likely a search for camp bodies and shouldn’t say much as to Darius Leonard‘s availability for the regular season.
- The Ravens worked out defensive backs Ken Crawley, Darryl Roberts, and Daryl Worley this weekend, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. Worley actually spent the end of last season on Baltimore’s practice squad, so he has some familiarity with the system. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Ravens bring in some bodies to play more snaps in the preseason after watching multiple players go down with season-ending injuries before the season even began last year.
- The Dolphins spent their weekend trying out centers Cohl Cabral, Jake Lacina, and Cole Toner, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. Miami has been adamant about bringing in center competition for last year’s starter, Michael Deiter, but has ended up shifting former Cowboys tackle Connor Williams to the position. Even with Williams taking the starting role, Deiter is still dealing with a foot injury. The Dolphins may be looking to add some depth to shoulder the load for the rest of the preseason.
- The Chiefs, who recently signed former USFL wide receiver Devin Gray, also worked out receivers Matt Cole and Damion Willis., according to Wilson. Willis was an undrafted free agent in 2019 who started for the Bengals in Week 1 of his rookie season in place of an injured A.J. Green. He finished that season with 9 catches for 82 yards and has been bouncing around practice squads ever since.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/16/21
Here are the minor moves from divisional-round Saturday:
Cleveland Browns
- Promoted: TE Kyle Markway, TE Alex Taylor
Kansas City Chiefs
- Promoted: WR Gehrig Dieter, DB Chris Lammons, TE Ricky Seals-Jones
- Activated from IR: LB Dorian O’Daniel
- Placed on IR: TE Deon Yelder
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from IR: WR Tre’Quan Smith
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: C Will Clapp; Clapp contracted the coronavirus, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
- Promoted: LS John Denney, LB Chase Hansen, OL Cameron Tom, K Blair Walsh
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: LB Deone Bucannon, S Javon Hagan, G Ted Larsen
Chiefs To Promote OL Stefen Wisniewski
Two weeks after rejoining the Chiefs as a practice squad stash, Stefen Wisniewski is on track to suit up for the team. The Chiefs are promoting their 2019 playoff starter ahead of their Week 13 game.
An injury derailed Wisniewski’s time with the Steelers, who reached an injury settlement with him to move him off their IR list. Now, Wisniewski will attempt to help Pittsburgh’s challenger for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Wisniewski was not on the Chiefs team that claimed home-field advantage two years ago, but the productive journeyman played a key role on last season’s team. The Chiefs turned to the former Raiders, Jaguars and Eagles interior O-lineman as one of their starting guards in each of the team’s three playoff games. Wisniewski has started in two Super Bowls.
The 31-year-old blocker may now profile as depth behind interior starters Andrew Wylie, Nick Allegretti and Daniel Kilgore. But it certainly would not surprise if Wisniewski commandeered one of Kansas City’s first-string slots. If nothing else, the 2020 season has required depth more than any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chiefs also placed linebacker Dorian O’Daniel on IR and promoted defensive back Chris Lammons.
Chiefs Sign Third-Round LB Dorian O’Daniel
The Chiefs inked another one of their draft picks today. ESPN’s Adam Teicher reports that the team has signed linebacker Dorian O’Daniel.
The Clemson product, who was selected with the 100th-overall pick, followed up a stellar 2016 campaign with an even better 2017 season. As a senior, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound O’Daniel finished with 88 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, five passes defended, and a pair of interceptions. His performance earned him a second-team all-conference nod.
Of course, the rookie will struggle for playing time on a crowded Kansas City depth chart. With Justin Houston and Dee Ford penciled in as the team’s starting outside linebackers, O’Daniel will have to battle with Frank Zombo and former second-rounder Tanoh Kpassagnon for playing time.
With this signing, the Chiefs have signed five of their six draft picks. Third-round defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi remains unsigned. The list of other Chiefs’ draft picks includes:
- 2-46: Breeland Speaks, DE (Mississippi)
- 4-124: Armani Watts, FS (Texas A&M)
- 6-196: Tremon Smith, WR (Central Arkansas)
- 6-198: Kahlil McKenzie, DT (Tennessee)