Extra Points: 49ers, Bush, Edelman
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman had surgery on Monday to repair a broken bone in his foot. He’ll projected to be out for 6-8 weeks, which would have him back roughly in time for the start of the playoffs. Teammate Danny Amendola is confident that we’ll see Edelman back on the field this season, as Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com writes.
“Dealing with adversity is huge, not only during the season, but during a game, during a drive, everything,” Amendola said. “It’s no different. It’s no question that Julian was a great football player. He’ll be back and he’s going to work his tail off, just like he always does, to get back and play.”
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- 49ers running back Reggie Bush told reporters, including Joe Fann of 49ers.com (on Twitter), that he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus and not his ACL or MCL as previously believed by some. That’s good news for the veteran’s rehab timeline. Bush had only eight carries for 28 yards this season but prior to his injury he was in line for a bigger role with starter Carlos Hyde dealing with his own injury issues.
- With Andrew Luck on the sidelines, Colts coach Chuck Pagano says that he’s very happy to have battle-tested veteran Matt Hasselbeck on the roster. “It’s very comforting to know that you’ve got a guy in your building who’s won ball games for you, can operate at a high, high level,” Pagano said per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He’s been great for Andrew and for everybody else on the offensive side. He just brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom to our football team and to that position. It’s great having him. I feel awesome that we have Matt.” The veteran said that he wasn’t thinking about retirement prior to the 2015 season, but his plans for 2016 are not yet clear.
- Robert Klemko of The MMQB (on Twitter) is surprised as to why Brandon Weeden continues to get work despite his lack of achievement at the NFL level. He opines that those in the league that are complaining about an NCAA quarterback drought are the same folks refusing to give young QBs an opportunity to succeed in the league. On Wednesday, the Texans claimed Weeden off waivers from the Cowboys.
Workout Notes: Jets, Giants, Pats, Colts
Wednesday’s workouts from around the NFL:
- The Jets worked out kickers Corey Acosta, Michael Barnard, Tommy Frevert, Andrew Furney, Zach Hocker, Marvin Kloss, and Giorgio Tavecchio as well as wide receiver/kick returners Trindon Holliday and Damaris Johnson, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
- The Giants worked out running back Robert Turbin (now with the Cowboys), tackle Jake Rodgers, guard Jared Smith, linebacker Kevin Snyder, guard Anthony Steen, guard Donald Thomas, quarterback Dustin Vaughan, tight end Connor Hamlett, defensive lineman Toby Johnson, linebacker Jeff Luc, linebacker Mike Mohamed, and defensive back Floyd Raven, according to Wilson (Twitter links).
- The Patriots worked out running backs Dominique Brown and Marion Grice, wide receivers Andre Davis and Antwan Goodley, defensive end Glenn Foster, defensive backs Jonathon Mincy, and tight end Justin Tukes, per Wilson (Twitter links).
- The Colts auditioned defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi and tackle John Wetzel, Wilson tweets.
- The Dolphins auditioned tackel Cameron Clear, tight end Blake Annen, and linebacker Curtis Grant, Wilson tweets.
- The Seahawks worked out running back DuJuan Harris, Wilson tweets.
- The Rams worked out tackle James Brewer, Wilson tweets.
- With issues at long snapper, the Eagles worked out Tyler Ott and Patrick Scales, Wilson tweets.
Workout Notes: Seahawks, Colts, Bears
The Kendall Hunter tour continues. On Tuesday, the Seahawks tried out the running back, as Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. Hunter, who has seen his NFL career derailed by injuries in recent years, was removed from Sam Francisco’s injured reserve list in September with a settlement, making him a free agent. Last week, he tried out for the Jaguars, but that audition did not immediately lead to a deal.
Here’s a roundup of Tuesday’s notable workouts from around the NFL:
- The Colts tried out nose tackle Barry Cofield, according to Yates (on Twitter). He adds that tight end Joseph Fauria worked out for the Chiefs and Patriots while running back Dri Archer auditioned for the Jets.
- The Bears hosted a few players for workouts, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com (on Twitter), linebacker Xzavier Dickson, defensive end Tyre Glasper, linebacker Danny Mason, and linebacker Mike McAdoo.
- Wide receiver Tandon Doss was among players Jets tried out today, as Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets.
- The Falcons worked out cornerbacks Marc Anthony and Keon Lyn, according to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
- The Raiders worked out center Adam Gettis, Wilson tweets.
- The 49ers worked out former Texas offensive tackle Donald Hawkins, Wilson tweets.
- The Titans tried out Damarr Aultman, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Alan Bonner, Antwan Goodley, Colin Lockett, Dustin Vaughan, Wilson tweets.
- The Eagles auditioned eight players on Monday, including wide receiver Corey Washington, safety Brandian Ross, defensive end Brian Mihalik, linebacker Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo, linebacker Brandon Hepburn, defensive tackle Toby Johnson, cornerback Trovon Reed, and cornerback Robert Steeples, per Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
- The Saints worked out running back Bronson Hill and defensive end Phillip Hunt, Wilson tweets.
Suspensions Of Ace Sanders, LaRon Landry Lifted
The NFL has lifted the suspensions of safety LaRon Landry and wide receiver Ace Sanders, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Both players are free agents and free to sign with any team.
Sanders, who was released by the Jaguars in July, was hit with a ten game suspension for a violation of the substance abuse policy in August. A summer report indicated that teams including the Seahawks, Dolphins, and Lions had interest in Sanders, but his suspension obviously kept a deal from happening. Sanders, 24, had a decent rookie season in 2013, hauling in 51 balls, though he only averaged 9.5 yards per catch and reached the end zone just once. The South Carolina product wasn’t a major part of the Jaguars’ offense last season, after the team used multiple 2014 draft picks to add receiving help. He saw just seven targets in 2014, earning most of his playing time on special teams, where he returned 32 punts, averaging 7.1 yards per return.
Landry, 31, was suspended ten games for ostensibly violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs for a second time. Landry, a former sixth overall pick, signed a four-year deal with the Colts in 2013, which guaranteed him $11MM in his first season. However, his two seasons in Indianapolis were marred by injuries, underwhelming play, and a PED suspension which cost him four games in 2014.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/16/15
Today’s minor moves from around the NFL:
- The Colts announced that they activated cornerback D’Joun Smith from the Injured Reserve/Designated for Return list. Smith, a third round pick in the 2015 draft, was initially placed on IR-DTR on September 18th. In 44 career games at Florida Atlantic, Smith totaled 120 tackles (78 solo), nine interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 1.0 sack and 29 passes defensed.
- The Panthers waived tight end Richie Brockel from injured reserve, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
- The Giants are set to sign offensive lineman Emmett Cleary to the active roster, a source tells Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger. Cleary, 25, spent the first ten weeks of the season on the Giants’ practice squad and he had a strong training camp and preseason. Cleary has also spent time with the Bucs, Colts, Raiders, and Bengals in recent years. To make room, the Giants cut defensive back Tramain Jacobs, as Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News tweets.
- The Seahawks were awarded defensive tackle A.J. Francis off waivers from the Dolphins, as Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets. To make room, fellow defensive tackle David King was cut loose.
- The Eagles released Wade Keliikipi from injured reserve, Wilson tweets.
- Wide receiver Kaelin Clay took to Twitter to announce that the Ravens have signed him off the Lions‘ taxi squad.
AFC Notes: Hunter, Manziel, Pettine, Luck
Congratulations are in order for Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who, with a four-yard pass to running back Ronnie Hillman, leaped Brett Favre and took hold of the NFL’s passing yardage record with 71,840 yards (and counting). It’s been a trying season at times for Manning — in fact, he threw an interception to begin today’s contest — but the future Hall of Famer earned some deserved recognition from the crowd following today’s accomplishment.
Let’s take a look at some more notes from the AFC:
- Titans receiver Justin Hunter had to be carted off the field during today’s game against the Panthers, and head coach Mike Mularkey said the injury is “not good,” per Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com (Twitter link), who adds that Hunter has a cast on his right leg and is using crutches (link). Dr. David Chao of SiriusXM tweeted that the injury looks like a leg/ankle fracture, and postulated that Hunter will likely miss the remainder of the season.
- Due to an injury to Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel started at quarterback for the Browns today, completing 33 of 45 attempts for 372 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 30-9 loss to the Steelers. However, head coach Mike Pettine‘s refusal to commit to Manziel full-time could be Pettine’s undoing, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com writes. Per La Canfora, there is “sweeping support” for Manziel throughout the organization, from ownership to the front office to the coaching staff. By continuing to stick with McCown, says La Canfora, Pettine is putting his job at risk. Meanwhile, owner Jimmy Haslam told Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link) that there will not be any coaching changes during Cleveland’s upcoming bye.
- The NFL is still conducting its investigation into the Colts failure to report Andrew Luck‘s rib ailment on their injury report, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Indianapolis is expected to argue that it wasn’t necessary to include Luck’s rib injury given that it was actually a shoulder problem that kept him out of game action.
Sunday Roundup: O’Brien, Harbaugh, Lacy
As the early Week 10 games get underway, let’s take a look at some notes from around the league:
- Texans owner Bob McNair is understandably disappointed with his club’s performance this year under second-year head coach Bill O’Brien, and rumors persist that O’Brien could be on his way out at the end of the season while GM Rick Smith, long a McNair favorite, could stay in Houston. If that happens, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that O’Brien is “very intrigued” by the head coaching job at the University of Maryland, which is a more attractive position than some outsiders may realize. O’Brien fits Maryland’s criteria–a relatively young offensive mind who can run a quality pro-style offense–and he previously served as an assistant coach with the Terrapins. Current Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich is also reportedly interested in the job.
- Although it was expected that Texans TE Ryan Griffin would play this week, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reports that the team did not activate Griffin from the Injured Reserve-Designated To Return list before a Saturday afternoon deadline, meaning he will have to wait until next week to get back into game action. As Wilson writes, Griffin has recovered from a sprained MCL suffered during the season-opener against Kansas City, but he is still working his way back into football shape.
- After Michigan’s narrow win over Indiana last night, an Indiana-based reporter began to ask Wolverines head coach–and former Colts quarterback–Jim Harbaugh if he would have any interest in the Colts head coaching position should it become available at the end of the season, as is widely expected. Per Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com, Harbaugh did not allow the reporter to finish the question, saying simply, “Stop. Just stop yourself. No comment.”
- Eddie Lacy was a surprise entry on the Packers‘ inactive list today, but he has disappointed all season. Some of Lacy’s struggles can be attributed to injury, some to poor blocking, and some to Lacy’s physical condition (he is noticeably heavier than last year). As Rob Demovksy of ESPN.com writes, Lacy is facing a crossroads in his young career, and Green Bay hopes that the emergence of James Starks, coupled with Lacy’s difficulties, will spur the latter back to his previous level of success.
- Mark Kiszla and Troy Renck of The Denver Post debate whether the Broncos should give backup quarterback Brock Osweiler some snaps down the stretch in order to preserve Peyton Manning for what will likely be his last playoff run. As long as a first-round bye is at stake, Osweiler will remain on the sidelines, unless the outcome of a particular game is no longer in doubt.
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com breaks down the upcoming free agent and trade markets for quarterbacks.
Colts Claim Charlie Whitehurst Off Waivers
SATURDAY, 9:50am: The team has officially announced the move.
THURSDAY, 3:31pm: Finally, the Colts have found themselves a backup quarterback in support of Matt Hasselbeck. The Colts have been awarded signal caller Charlie Whitehurst off waivers from the Titans, as Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
Whitehurst, a 10-year NFL veteran, served as Zach Mettenberger‘s backup when Marcus Mariota was sidelined, but with Mariota healthy and back in the No. 1 role, Whitehurst was third on the depth chart, rendering him non-essential for Tennessee. Now, he joins the Colts where he’ll hold the clipboard for Hasselbeck until Andrew Luck is able to return.
Whitehurst came to the Titans as a free agent prior to the 2014 season. At that time, he had just finished season No. 2 as Philip Rivers‘ backup in San Diego. He saw just 12 snaps in two games during the 2013 season and didn’t attempt a pass, but he does have notable experience from his time in Seattle, when he started some games during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/13/15
Here are Friday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Josh Robinson (press release via team)
Minnesota Vikings
- Cut: S Brock Vereen (Twitter link via Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN)
New England Patriots
- To be signed: S Dewey McDonald (Twitter link via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald)
New York Jets
- Signed: DL T.J. Barnes, OL Lawrence Okoye (Twitter link via Brian Costello of the New York Post)
- Cut: CB Jeremy Harris
South Notes: Campbell, A. Johnson, Panthers
The Colts tried to get Jason Campbell to sign on as Matt Hasselbeck‘s temporary backup, but the veteran quarterback declined. In an interview with ESPN 980, Campbell explained that he’s busy pursuing other opportunities and spending time with his family.
“I’m trying to follow my university a little bit, trying to figure out what it is that I want to get into next as far as TV or radio,” Campbell said (via Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post). “And the most important thing for me is just spending some family time. You’re playing football for so many years — you’re always gone, you’re always on the road, doing different things, and you never get a chance to spend that time with your family. And you look up, and 10 years have went by. Your nephews aren’t three no more; they’re 13. Your parents have gotten older. So the older you get, you seem to realize how much time is valuable, especially spending that time with the ones that you love.”
Even though Campbell is only 33 (34 next month), it sounds like there’s a chance he’ll never make a return to the NFL. Here’s more out of the AFC and NFC South:
- Andre Johnson was expected to be the Colts‘ No. 2 receiver behind T.Y. Hilton when he inked a three-year, $21MM deal in the offseason. So far, he hasn’t done much on the stat sheet, but the veteran isn’t the least bit upset about it, as Mike Wells of ESPN.com writes. “I think now people are so caught up in fantasy football,” Johnson said. “We hear it all the time. [Fans] get upset with you when you don’t catch a pass. People can say whatever they want or feel however they want to feel. I sleep good at night. I’m not really caught up with people have to say. I’ve had a great career. I’ve got a lot of passes and gained a lot of yards. I don’t really get caught up in what the outside people have to say.”
- During an appearance on Mad Dog Sports Radio, longtime Indianapolis journalist Bob Kravitz expressed his belief that Nick Saban may be a top target for Colts owner Jim Irsay if the team decides to move on from Chuck Pagano in the coming months. Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk has the details, along with the quotes from Kravitz.
- The Panthers were panned by many for not taking a left tackle in the draft and instead signing Michael Oher in free agency. As David Newton of ESPN.com writes, even though Oher hasn’t been a world beater this season, he has done a solid job of doing what he was signed to do — protecting Cam Newton. Recently, coach Ron Rivera commented that Oher has brought stability to a position that has been in flux since Jordan Gross retired after the 2013 season. In Sunday’s win over Green Bay, Oher didn’t allow a pressure or a sack and got a positive grade of 2.0 for pass protection from Pro Football Focus.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.