Colts Waive Chris Rainey
8:17am: The Colts’ decision to cut Rainey wasn’t performance-based, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link), who says the running back was waived for violating team rules.
8:05am: The Colts have parted ways with running back Chris Rainey, waiving him this morning, according to Craig Kelley of Colts.com (via Twitter). As several Indianapolis beat writers pointed out on Twitter, the timing of the move is unusual, since head coach Chuck Pagano raved about Rainey’s play just days ago.
Besides the fact that Rainey seemed to be impressing Pagano and the staff in the early stages of training camp, the Colts are also down a running back after losing Vick Ballard to a season-ending injury. As Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star tweets, the team intends to eventually place Ballard on injured reserve, but can’t do so until later in the summer due to a CBA technicality. Indianapolis recently signed Davin Meggett to help provide backfield depth, but it’s still surprising that the team would cut one of its incumbent backs at this point.
Rainey, 26, is a former Steelers fifth-round pick who joined the Colts last season and appeared in two games for the club, exclusively as a kick and punt returner. He’ll have to clear waivers before getting a chance to become an unrestricted free agent and sign with any team,
Minor Moves: Sunday
We will post any and all “minor moves” right here over the course of the day:
- The Colts have signed undrafted rookie tackle Matt Hall, the team announced. Hall originally signed with the Vikings in May, but was cut by the team on Friday.
- The Redskins have waived 2013 fifth-round draft pick Brandon Jenkins, and activated Mo Hurt after he passed his physical, reports Mike Jones of the Washington Post (via Twitter). Moving on from Jenkins was not a surprise, as John Keim of ESPN.com, Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington, and Jones all took to Twitter to comment on the player’s struggles and inability to contribute.
- The Panthers have signed former Brown Fozzy Whittaker to replace the injured Tyler Gaffney, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Whitaker can contribute both as a tailback and kick returner.
- The Bears have waived guard James Dunbar out of TCU, reports Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com (via Twitter).
- The Dolphins have signed offensive tackle Steven Baker, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
Earlier updates
- The Colts have waived tackle Jack Breckner, tweets Craig Kelley of Colts.com.
- The Panthers have signed safety Tom Nelson, tweets David Newton of ESPN.com. Newton adds that the club still has a roster spot to replace injured RB Tyler Gaffney.
- The Patriots have waived wide receiver Greg Orton, tweets Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald. Howe adds that Orton will revert to IR once he clears waivers. Shalize Manza Young of The Boston Glove tweets that the team has signed wideouts Cole Stanford and Brian Tyms and that the 90-man roster is once again full.
- The Colts have signed running back Davin Meggett, tweets Matt Zenitz of The Baltimore Sun. Meggett, who has spent time on the practice squads of four different NFL clubs since leaving the University of Maryland in 2011, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League in June but was released by the team earlier this month. Meggett provides backfield depth in the wake of Vick Ballard‘s season-ending injury. Prior to the signing, Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star examined the different options the Colts might pursue to replace Ballard, options that still may be on the table after acquiring the unproven Meggett.
- In a corresponding move, the Colts have place LB Aaron Morgan on IR, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
Rob DiRe and Ben Levine contributed to this post.
AFC Notes: Bengals, Ballard, Manziel, Raiders
Linebacker J.K. Schaffer played in nine games for the Bengals in 2013, making most of his impact on special teams. However, the former undrafted rookie understands that a roster spot is not guaranteed, and he explained to Bill Koch of Cincinnati.com that the situation isn’t too different from last year…
“The only difference now is that I’ve done it,” Schaffer said. “I’ve been there. I’ve played in games, so that’s a good feeling, knowing that I’m not just trying to get to the point where I do play in a game.
“With this league, you’ve always got to fight to keep your job no matter who you are.”
Schaffer would be vying for the third middle linebacker spot behind Rey Maualuga and Vincent Rey and will likely be competing with fellow special team’s ace Jayson DiManche.
Let’s check out some more notes from the AFC…
- Colts running back Vick Ballard was carted off the field this afternoon, and sources tell ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that the player has a torn ACL (via Twitter). Ballard missed last season with the same injury.
- Johnny Manziel‘s off-the-field antics have “alarmed” some within the Browns organization, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The writer notes that some feel that the rookie quarterback has “lost ground” to Brian Hoyer heading into camp.
- Meanwhile, Browns head coach Mike Pettine said that Manziel came to camp “focused” and called the quarterback competition “open,” tweets the Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich.
- Projected starting cornerback D.J. Hayden is still recovering from foot surgery and could miss several more weeks, but Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie explains to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle that his club doesn’t “want to push the panic button yet” and sign another corner.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Freeman’s Latest: Davis, Browns, Ravens, Rice
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report checks in this morning with the latest installment of his regular 10-Point Stance feature, and the piece includes several notable tidbits from around the NFL. Let’s dive in and round up the highlights….
- For now, all indications are that 49ers tight end Vernon Davis will hold out in hopes of signing a new contract. That could change, according to Freeman, who isn’t convinced Davis will “actually take the leap” into a full-fledged holdout, but that seems to be the tight end’s plan at the moment.
- At least one member of the Browns‘ coaching staff was pleased to see LeBron James decide to return to Cleveland because of the potential impact it could have on a certain rookie quarterback. “There will not be a better mentor for Johnny [Manziel] than LeBron,” said the coach. As Freeman explains, the Browns hope LeBron can show Manziel how to be “smart about his public image while also enjoying his stardom.”
- After Jimmy Smith became the fifth Ravens player to be arrested this offseason, Freeman suggests that the club’s front office “won’t put up with this type of nonsense for much longer.”
- Another of those Ravens who ran into legal trouble this year, Ray Rice, is still waiting to hear from the NFL about a suspension. According to Freeman, a two- to three-game ban is the likely scenario. As for Colts owner Jim Irsay, Freeman is hearing that he’s expected to receive a multigame suspension as well as a seven-figure fine.
Colts Sign Chad Anderson
The Colts announced on their website that they have signed offensive lineman Chad Anderson. To make room for the guard, the Colts waived undrafted rookie defensive end Gannon Conway.
Anderson, a 6’3″, 321 pound lineman, comes to Indianapolis by way of the LA Kiss of the Arena Football League. Anderson started 32-of-35 career collegiate games and was a three-time letterman at Northern Michigan. He made 32 consecutive starts over his final three seasons, including the last 21 at the right tackle position. As a senior in 2013, he blocked for an offense that averaged 352.8 total yards per game, including 231.7 yards passing and 121.1 yards rushing.
Conway, signed in June after being waived by the Dolphins, was a UDFA out of Arizona State. In 30 career games (14 starts) for the Sun Devils, he recorded 51 tackles (33 solo), nine tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two passes defensed.
AFC Notes: Pouncey, Rubin, Broncos, Colts
It’s been a tumultuous year for Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, who recently underwent hip surgery that will sideline him for the start of the 2014 season and was accused of assault following his birthday party in South Florida. However, it appears one piece of good fortune is coming Pouncey’s way — according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, it seems unlikely that the center will face any discipline from the NFL over his alleged involvement in last year’s bullying scandal.
“Never say never,” said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, when asked if the league expected to have any updates on Pouncey’s status. “But I don’t anticipate having to address the issue again.”
Of course, on the heels of that story, Beasley had more details on the recent incident at Pouncey’s birthday, reporting that the purported victim intends to sue Pouncey and his brother Maurkice Pouncey for their alleged role in the physical altercation at Cameo nightclub. As we wait to see what comes of the suit, here’s more from around the AFC:
- Ahtyba Rubin‘s long-term future with the Browns is uncertain, but he didn’t become a cap casualty this offseason as had been speculated, and hopes to eventually finish his career with the club, writes Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
- Jon Heath of the Mile High Report spoke to former agent Joel Corry about what sort of contract Broncos tight end Julius Thomas might be looking for in extension talks. The figures and points of comparison suggested by Corry were similar to the ones I put forward when I explored Thomas’ case for an extension earlier this month.
- Kevin Bowen of Colts.com poses some burning questions facing the Colts‘ pass catchers at wide receiver and tight end heading into training camp.
- Speaking to Neil Reynolds of Sky Sports (hat tip to NFL.com), Dolphins wideout Mike Wallace suggested he may get a chance to return kicks for the club this year. Wallace, whose cap hit is the largest on Miami’s roster in 2014, is entering the second season of the five-year pact he signed with the team in 2013.
AFC South Links: Texans, Jaguars, Brazill
A panel of NFL writers at ESPN.com ranked all 32 teams in order of future projected success — that is, how each franchise will fare over the next three seasons — by assigning grades for components like quarterback, front office, and coaching staff. Unsurprisingly, the Seahawks finished first in the exercise, but one underlying point was the brutal future prognosticated for the teams in the AFC South. The Colts ranked as the top team in the division, but were listed at just No. 20 overall, while the Jaguars, Titans, and Texans registered as Nos. 23, 25, and 27, respectively. I might quibble with the Texans’ projected futility, but as a whole, the AFC South looks like the weakest division in football, and could remain that way for some time.
- The Texans have several interesting position battles that need to be resolved during training camp, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle writes. Left guard will come down to either incumbent Ben Jones or rookie Xavier Su’a-Filo, while Randy Bullock will try to keep undrafted rookie Chris Boswell from taking the kicking job.
- In a video link, McClain and his Houston Chronicle colleague Brian T. Smith run down the top storylines on both sides of the ball for the Texans.
- The Jaguars don’t have much experience at receiver behind Cecil Shorts, but Jacksonville receivers coach Jerry Sullivan isn’t worried that his young players, including 2014 second-rounders Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, will buckle under the NFL lights. “I never think about that,” Sullivan told Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. “I put the pressure on myself to get them trained to perform at the NFL level.”
- In the wake of LaVon Brazill‘s suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, ESPN.com’s Mike Wells opines that the 25-year-old ex-Colt has no one to blame but himself.
AFC Notes: Manuel, Luck, Bryant, Haden
Bills passer E.J. Manuel was the top quarterback selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, but failed to live up to his selection because he was unable to stay on the field last season. Manuel was forced out of the game three times due to knee injuries. He is focused on staying healthy in 2014, writes Dan Hanzus of NFL.com.
“That was one thing I had to learn: to be smart when I take off with the football,” Manuel said. “Instead of trying to get an extra three yards, either step out of bounds or slide. Those are all the nuances I had to learn.”
Here are some other notes from around the AFC:
- The Colts have a number of burning questions heading into 2014, but quarterback is not one of the more pressing issues. Even still, Kevin Bowen of Colts.com examines a few nuances of the position heading into Andrew Luck‘s third year. One noteworthy improvement Bowen will be looking for is increased efficiency on third down and in the red zone from the star quarterback.
- While the Steelers have lost receivers Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders the past few offseasons, they still employ pass catchers they feel they can rely upon, writes Marc Sessler of NFL.com. Antonio Brown is coming off a career year, and Markus Wheaton is poised for a big season himself. Rookie fourth-round pick Martavis Bryant could provide the height and physicality needed for a red zone threat.
- With the addition of LeBron James to the Cavaliers, Browns cornerback Joe Haden believes there will be a race to see which team will bring a championship to Cleveland first, writes Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. “LeBron makes things happen pretty quickly, so we’re going to have to get to it. I say it’s going to be a tight fight,” says Haden. “I know me and Manziel will be pushing to make that happen before. That’s why LeBron is coming here to bring a championship to the city and I’m trying to do the same thing.” The Browns will have the first shot at it this February in Phoenix, Arizona.
South Links: Richardson, Phillips, Vaccaro
Despite averaging just 2.9 yards per carry in 2013, Trent Richardson is penciled in as the Colts’ No. 1 running back, writes ESPN’s Mike Wells: “Richardson obviously was behind the rest of his teammates after being acquired just days before the Colts’ Week 3 game against San Francisco, but he didn’t show much progress as the season went on. He actually regressed as the season went on. Richardson has to step up to not only avoid being labeled a bust after being taken with the No. 3 pick in the 2012 draft, but also to help the Colts from looking like they got played by the Browns in the trade.” In exchange for Richardson, the Browns received the 26th overall pick, which they used to trade up for Johnny Manziel.
Here’s some more AFC and NFC South links:
- Shaun Phillips is fitting in well with the Titans thanks to his veteran presence and likable personality, writes Jim Wyatt in the Tennessean. Phillips, 33, has totaled 19.5 sacks the last two seasons with the Broncos and Chargers. He signed a two-year, $5MM deal in Tennessee.
- Second-year Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro brings unique “duality” to the secondary, writes NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal, who identifies Vaccaro as a rising star. Vaccaro’s versatile skill set enables defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to deploy him as a safety, cornerback or linebacker. “Ryan might have asked Vaccaro to do too much as a rookie,” according to Rosenthal. “In the first half of the season, Vaccaro didn’t excel when he lined up as a deep safety. The Saints have spoken this offseason about dialing back Vaccaro’s responsibilities with Jairus Byrd in town. With Byrd taking most of the traditional “free safety” roles, Vaccaro should be freed up to play closer to the line of scrimmage. They should be the best safety tandem east of Seattle.”
- The Panthers turned over their receiving corps this offseason. With the dust settled, first-rounder Kelvin Benjamin is joined surrounded by a few veterans and a few more unproven players vying for jobs. Panthers.com staff writer Max Henson provided a position preview.
- Reid Ferrin of AtlantaFalcons.com did the same for the Falcons receiving corps, which has significantly more star power and significantly fewer question marks.
Colts Cut LaVon Brazill, Sign Aaron Burks
The Colts have cut wide receiver LaVon Brazill in the wake of his year-long suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN (via Twitter).
Brazill, who was going into his third year in the NFL, all with the Colts, had 23 career catches but showed signs of ability in key moments last season. He saw increased playing time after the injury to Reggie Wayne, but was unable to turn that opportunity into impactful production.
The team moved on quickly, signing undrafted free agent Aaron Burks, according to Caplan (via Twitter). Burks, a wide receiver out of Boise State University, stands tall at 6’3″ and 205 pounds. The team could use him to replace Brazill’s size and add physicality to a receiver unit.
Following owner Jim Irsay’s recent indiscretions, the Colts were going to be watched closely in how they dealt with Brazill. There was some expectation that the organization would have to provide some latitude in their punishment, considering the parallel situation with their owner.