LaRon Landry Suspended For Four Games
Colts safety LaRon Landry has been suspended for four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, the NFL and the team announced today in a press release. Landry will be eligible to return to the team following its October 26 contest against the Steelers.
Under the NFL’s new drug policy, first-time violators for steroids, stimulants, HGH, and other banned substances are subject to suspensions of four games without pay. If Landry were to fail a second test, he’d be facing a ban of 10 games, while a third violation would result in a banishment for a minimum of two years.
In Landry’s absence, Sergio Brown appears to be the likeliest candidate to assume a more significant role in Indianapolis’ secondary. The team also promoted safety Dewey McDonald to the 53-man roster from the practice squad earlier today, which now makes sense as a depth move.
The Colts will have an open roster spot to fill with Landry headed to the reserve/suspended list for the next four weeks.
Colts Notes: Hamilton, Bailey, Bowen
Every time Andrew Luck turns around and hands the ball off to a running back, Colts’ fans take to the internet to demand that offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton’s job. Trent Richardson‘s struggles and the team’s 0-2 start to the season only added to the anti-Hamilton bandwagon. Mike Freeman of ESPN thinks that after the Colts put a huge number on the board against the lowly Jaguars, Hamilton’s job is safe. The team is ranked in the top three in the league in total yards, passing yards, and points per game. Here are some other notes from the Colts:
- In the mailbag, Freeman writes that Champ Bailey is not an option at safety due to his declined play at 36 years old. He also addresses the team’s decision to keep Khaled Holmes out of the starting lineup despite being healthy, in order to keep continuity with that unit.
- One of the biggest surprises of the season so far has been the effectiveness of a much maligned offensive line for the team, wrote Kevin Bowen of Colts.com earlier this week. Rather than being a weakness, Bowen sees them as being among the NFL’s best through three weeks.
- Bowen also compiled some quotes from both coordinators, Hamilton and defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, as well as an injury report going into this weekend’s matchup against the Titans.
- Finally from Bowen, he grabbed a number of quotes from head coach Chuck Pagano regarding the rotation at running back, the offensive line, and many other topics.
Minor Moves: Saturday
We’ll continue to update you on all of today’s minor transactions right here, with the latest moves added to the top…
- In addition to cutting Gabe Miller, as noted below, the Redskins have also waived defensive lineman Robert Thomas, who had been promoted from the practice squad for Thursday’s game, the team announced today (Twitter link). I expect if Thomas clears waivers, there’s a good chance he’ll rejoin Washington’s taxi squad.
- The Colts have promoted linebacker Andrew Jackson to their active roster, tweets Aaron Wilson. To make room, the team waived-injured fullback Mario Harvey.
Earlier updates:
- The Panthers have signed running back Tauren Poole from their practice squad, tweets Wilson. The team also placed offensive tackle Garry Williams on injured reserve.
- The Patriots have signed defensive lineman Casey Walker from the Panthers‘ practice squad, the team announced. To make room, the Pats placed defensive lineman Sealver Siliga on injured reserve with a designation to return.
- The Redskins have waived linebacker Gabe Miller, tweets agent Brett Tessler. The 26-year-old was originally drafted by the Chiefs as a defensive end. He was converted to a tight end during his stops with the Seahawks and Bears before returning to defense with Washington. He made his first career tackle on Thursday against the Giants.
Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday
We’re tracking Tuesday’s minor 53-man roster transactions around the NFL in a separate post, but we’ll use this spot to keep tabs on Tuesday’s practice squad moves. Here’s the latest:
- The Texans have signed punter Chris Boswell to their practice squad, according to James Palmer of CSNHouston.com (on Twitter).
- The Packers have signed offensive lineman Josh Walker to the practice squad, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). The team released center Josh Allen to make room on the roster.
- The Chargers signed D.J. Adams and former University of Oregon tight end David Paulson to the practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).
- The Saints signed fullback/tight end Orson Charles to their practice squad, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
- The Bears have re-signed Josh Bellamy to their practice squad, tweets Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
- The Browns signed wide reciever Lee Doss to their practice squad, tweets Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. The move fills the vacancy left by Charles Johnson leaving the Browns’ taxi squad for the Vikings.
- Brandon Smith had a successful tryout for the Jets and they’re expected to sign him to their practice squad, a league source tells Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).
Earlier updates:
- Defensive back Josh Victorian has filled the final opening on the Lions‘ practice squad, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
- The Redskins have finalized the addition of center Tevita Stevens to their practice squad, and also announced that offensive lineman Braxston Cave has been cut (Twitter link). That leaves the club with nine players on its taxi squad still.
- The Panthers have filled the final opening on their practice squad by bringing aboard wide receiver Willie Snead, according to David Newton of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Snead was cut by the Browns at the end of the preseason.
- After working out for the club earlier today, tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi has signed with the Ravens‘ practice squad, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Ogbuehi takes the spot vacated by Phillip Supernaw, who has been promoted to the team’s active roster.
- Offensive lineman Reid Fragel, who was on Indianapolis’ practice squad earlier this season, has signed with the Falcons‘ taxi squad, replacing tackle Terren Jones on the unit, per a team release.
- As part of the flurry of transactions they made today, the Jaguars added fullback Eric Kettani to their practice squad, filling the 10th and final spot, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com.
- The Colts have removed defensive end Nnamdi Obukwelu from their practice squad with an injury settlement, the club announced today in a press release. Linebacker Trevardo Williams takes Obukwelu’s place on the squad.
- With outside linebacker Cordarro Law set to join the Chargers‘ 53-man roster, another outside linebacker – rookie Colton Underwood – will take Law’s spot on San Diego’s practice squad, writes Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
AFC Notes: Ravens, Jets, Pats, Chargers
A year ago, the Patriots began the 2013 season by winning their first four games, the Broncos came out of the gates by winning six consecutive contests, and the Chiefs started 9-0 before being dealt their first loss. In 2014, however, we’re through just three weeks and only one AFC team remains unbeaten.
The 3-0 Bengals have the conference’s best point differential by far at +47, and with a bye week coming up, their loss column will remain unblemished for at least one more week. Starting in Week 5 though, the Bengals will play games against the Patriots, Panthers, Colts, and Ravens, meaning there’s a good chance their winning streak will be halted well before they have the opportunity to match last year’s Chiefs’ start.
As we look forward to seeing how long the Bengals can continue their winning ways, let’s round up a few items from around the AFC….
- With Dennis Pitta having been ruled out for the season after undergoing hip sugery, the Ravens are eyeing potential replacements at tight end. Per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the team is working out free agents Emmanuel Ogbuehi, Jake Murphy, Matthew Mulligan, and Kellen Davis today.
- Former Bills cornerback Brandon Smith is trying out for the Jets today, following the club’s Monday Night loss to the Bears, reports Wilson at the National Football Post. According to Wilson, Smith, who has recovered from a broken fibula suffered in training camp, is receiving some interest from multiple NFL clubs.
- The Patriots worked out running back Rajion Neal, wide receiver Kevin Cone, defensive end Steven Means, and linebacker D.J. Smith, tweets Wilson.
- Wide receiver and return man Marcus Thigpen agreed to join the Dolphins’ practice squad yesterday, but also recently worked out for the Colts, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
- With the help of his colleague Adam Caplan, ESPN.com’s Eric D. Williams explores some possible free agent options at running back for the Chargers in the wake of injuries to Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead.
AFC Mailbags: Jaguars, Ravens, Colts, Raiders
It’s Saturday, and that means a fresh batch of ESPN.com NFL mailbags. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the AFC…
- The Jaguars have rookie Telvin Smith waiting in the wings, but Michael DiRocco thinks the team still needs an upgrade at linebacker.
- Looking forward to next year’s draft, DiRocco opines that the Jaguars should focus on drafting a pass rusher. The writer suggests Randy Gregory (Nebraska), Shane Ray (Missouri), and Shilique Calhoun (Michigan State).
- Even with wideout Steve Smith‘s presence, Jamison Hensley says it would be “shocking” if the Ravens don’t extend Torrey Smith.
- Mike Wells would be surprised if the Colts signed defensive end Michael Sam from the Cowboys practice squad. To thrive in the team’s defense, the writer says that Sam would need to learn to play outside linebacker.
- If the Raiders lose to the Patriots this weekend, coach Dennis Allen will certainly be feeling some pressure, writes Bill Williamson.
AFC Notes: Ravens, Broncos, Bills, Richardson
The Ravens have responded to the ESPN report by Don Van Natta Jr. and Kevin Van Valkenburg, releasing a statement denying the authenticity of the report, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). The statement is as follows (via Twitter):
“The … article contains numerous errors, inaccuracies, false assumptions, and perhaps misunderstandings. The Ravens will address all of these next week in Baltimore after our trip to Cleveland for Sunday’s game against the Browns.”
ESPN released a simple statement in response to the Ravens’ reaction, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter):
“We stand by our reporting.”
Here are some other notes from around the AFC:
- The Broncos have been preparing for their regular season rematch with the Seahawks since February. After being blown out 43-8 in the Super Bowl, the Broncos returned as the favorites to return to the big game. However, just getting there wasn’t enough. Over the offseason, the team turned over regulars at ten spots on the defense, writes Peter King of Monday Morning Quarterback. The new look Broncos’ defense will be highlighted by the return of Von Miller and Chris Harris, and the additions of Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware, and T.J. Ward
- The Bills received a great offer to buy the team from Kim and Terry Pegula, but the person who deserves credit for the big price is Donald Trump, reports Donald Trump (via Twitter). The Pegula’s paid $1.4 billion for the team, which was considered an overpay by financial analysts, according to the Buffalo News.
- One year later, Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star reflects on the trade that brought Trent Richardson to the Colts. The former Alabama star can bench press nearly 500 pounds, but he hasn’t been able to power his way to a smooth transition with his new club. Richardson’s 79 rushing yards and 16 receiving yards on Monday night represented his best statistical game in Indianapolis. But, even in the 30-27 loss, Richardson fumbled twice.
Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday
We’ll round up Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts right here, with the latest news added to the top of the list throughout the day….
- The Chiefs have signed fullback Jordan Campbell and tight end Justin Jones to the practice squad, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter). To make room, they have released cornerback Robert Steeples.
- The Cowboys announced (via Twitter) that they have released cornerback Jemea Thomas from the p-squad and re-signed fullback Nikita Whitlock.
- Running back Edwin Baker has replaced cornerback Trevin Wade on the Saints‘ practice squad, tweets Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
- Defensive end James Davidson, who was in camp with the Bengals, is set to fill the 10th and final spot on the Giants‘ practice squad, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- The Rams have removed linebacker Kevin Reddick from their practice squad, says Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
- The Chiefs have cut tight end Adam Schiltz from their practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
Earlier updates:
- Besides confirming the previously reported re-signing of linebacker Darius Fleming to their practice squad, the Patriots also announced several more moves today. Offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann and defensive lineman Kona Schwenke are now part of the club’s 10-man unit, while defensive lineman Cam Henderson and running back Marcus Thigpen have been cut.
- The Browns have signed linebacker Allen Bradford to their practice squad, cutting wideout Ifeanyi Momah, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- Safety Josh Aubrey has taken the place of wide receiver Travis Labhart on the Texans‘ practice squad, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link).
- The Redskins announced today (via Twitter) they’ve signed defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo to their practice squad, cutting another defensive lineman, Dennis Hopkins, to clear an opening.
- Defensive tackle Roy Philon has re-signed with the Bears‘ practice squad, leaving the team with three openings on the taxi squad, the team confirmed (via Twitter).
- The Panthers have signed former Redskins’ sixth-round running back Lache Seastrunk to their practice squad, the team announced today (Twitter link).
- Offensive lineman Emmett Cleary has joined the Bengals‘ practice squad, replacing tight end Ryan Otten on the unit, according to the club (via Twitter).
- The Colts have swapped one guard for another on their practice squad, dropping Josh Walker and signing David Arkin, the team announced in a press release.
- After promoting tight end Marcel Jensen to their 53-man roster, the Jaguars have filled the 10th and final spot on their practice squad by adding offensive tackle Cody Booth, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com.
- Fullback Zach Line, waived from the 53-man roster over the weekend, has joined the Vikings‘ practice squad, per Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link).
- The 49ers made several changes to their practice squad last night. In addition to confirming the signing of tight end Xavier Grimble, which was previously reported, the club also signed cornerback Leon McFadden, dropping linebacker Shayne Skov and defensive back Chance Casey to make room, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter).
Minor Moves: Tuesday
We’ve devoted one Tuesday post to the practice squad shuffling being done by teams today, but many clubs around the league are also tweaking their 53-man rosters. We’ll round up a handful of those transactions right here, with new moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:
- The Cardinals have cut linebacker Marcus Benard, a source tells Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). Benard was added to the roster last week when John Abraham left the team, so Abraham will assume his old roster spot now that he’s returning to the club.
- The Cardinals have also signed outside linebacker Victor Butler and cut punter Drew Butler, per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter).
- Linebacker Ricky Sapp has replaced fellow linebacker Jason Ankrah on the Texans‘ 53-man roster, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- In addition to the moves noted below, the Bears have also promoted defensive back Isaiah Frey to their active roster from their practice squad, and cut running back Shaun Draughn, as well as tight end Matthew Mulligan (Twitter link). The series of transactions leaves the club with 52 players on its roster.
- Former Vikings linebacker and special-teamer Larry Dean has signed with the Bills, the team announced today in a press release. To make room for Dean, Buffalo placed safety Jonathan Meeks on injured reserve with a neck injury.
- A week after placing tight end Tyler Eifert on IR with the designation to return, the Bengals have placed another tight end on injured reserve, and Alex Smith won’t be eligible to return the season (Twitter link). The team also announced that tight end Kevin Brock has been signed to take Smith’s roster spot.
- The Bears have promoted practice-squad wideout Rashad Ross to the 53-man roster, cutting receiver and returner Chris Williams to clear room, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
- Linebacker Dan Fox is set to be called up to the Giants‘ active roster from their practice squad, tweets Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News, suggesting that placing Jon Beason on injured reserve may end up being the corresponding move.
- The Colts announced in a press release that they’ve signed defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles off the Patriots‘ practice squad, waiving running back Dion Lewis to create roster space.
NFC East Notes: RGIII, Giants, Eagles
When news first broke yesterday that Robert Griffin III had suffered a dislocated ankle during the Redskins‘ win over the Jaguars, there was speculation that he’d be out for the season, but a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggested the team was hopeful it would only be without Griffin for a matter of weeks, rather than months. That may be an overly optimistic view, however.
Mike Jones of the Washington Post spoke to multiple orthopedic specialists, all of whom agreed that the best-case scenario for Griffin would probably still see him sidelined for a couple months. Depending on the specific diagnosis of the injury, it could also be a season-ender for the young signal-caller.
As we wait for more details on RGIII, here’s more from around the NFC East:
- In Mike Garafolo’s recap of Sunday’s action for FOX Sports, he notes that “there are those in the Redskins‘ locker room” who believe Kirk Cousins is a better option for the team in the long run that Griffin, though none would say so on the record. Meanwhile, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com notes (via Twitter) that if Cousins lights it up in RGIII’s absence this season, Washington could have a real decision on its hands regarding Griffin’s fifth-year option for 2016.
- The Giants were one of the most active teams in the NFL this offseason, signing 10 free agents to multiyear contracts. However, as Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News observes, following the club’s 0-2 start, it’s fair to wonder whether all those moves were worth making.
- The existing relationship between Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and Colts GM Ryan Grigson allowed the two teams to complete the preseason trade that sent kicker Cody Parkey to Philadelphia in about “a nanosecond,” as Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer details.