NFL Workout Updates: 1/17/18
Today’s workout updates, with all links going to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account:
Carolina Panthers
- Gs Isame Faciane, Josue Matias; S Ed Reynolds (Twitter links)
Detroit Lions
- WRs DeAndre Smelter, Nelson Spruce (Twitter links)
Green Bay Packers
- WR Ja’Juan Story (link)
Indianapolis Colts
- TE Marcus Lucas (link)
New Orleans Saints
Philadelphia Eagles
- WR Chris Matthews (link)
Dolphins Reach 53-Man Max
The Dolphins reached the 53-man roster maximum. Here’s how:
Waived:
- LS Winston Chapman
- P Matt Darr
- QB Brandon Doughty
- TE Thomas Duarte
- G Isame Faciane
- QB David Fales
- WR Trey Griffey
- S A.J. Hendy
- T Sean Hickey
- CB Larry Hope
- RB Storm Johnson
- LB Deon Lacey
- WR Rashad Lawrence
- WR Malcolm Lewis
- CB Jordan Lucas
- DE Cameron Malveaux
- DE Praise Martin-Oguike
- WR Mitch Mathews
- WR Drew Morgan
- DT Lawrence Okoye
- TE Chris Pantale
- CB Lafayette Pitts
- DE Joby Saint Fleur
- RB De’Veon Smith
- WR Damore’ea Stringfellow
- LB Junior Sylvestre
- DE Julius Warmsley
- T Avery Young
Waived/injured:
- LB Neville Hewitt
- LB Brandon Watts
Released:
- DE Nick Williams
- T Sam Young
Placed on IR:
- CB Tony Lippett
- LB Raekwon McMillan
PUP List:
Williams played in ten games between the Chiefs and Dolphins last season, finishing with eight tackles. He restructured his deal in March, but it wasn’t enough to keep his spot in Miami.
Young was slated to make $1.2MM in 2017 per the terms of the extension he signed in the winter.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/5/17
Here are today’s minor moves.
- After working out tight end Emanuel Byrd, the Packers signed the talent out of Marshall, the team announced. They played cornerback Herb Waters on IR. The Chiefs initially signed Byrd as a UDFA in May but released him earlier this week.
- The Dolphins are signing guard Isame Faciane, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports (on Twitter). He’s spent time with both the Bills and Vikings, the Minnesota stint ending after the Vikes released him from their practice squad following a DUI arrest, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (on Twitter). Faciane finished last season on the Buffalo taxi squad. A biceps injury will sideline recently signed interior lineman Ted Larsen for a while.
- Miami also waived tackle Terry Poole, per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (on Twitter). Poole was originally a Seahawks fourth-round pick in 2015; he has yet to play in an NFL game.
- Wide receiver Rasheed Bailey will sign with the Browns, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports (via Twitter). Cleveland also signed tight end Nate Lese and waived defensive lineman Jamal Marcus and wide receiver James Wright with injury designations, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal tweets. The Eagles cut Bailey in May. He’s been with the Eagles and Chargers and spent time in the CFL.
- The Texans signed wideout Marcus Leak, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports. Houston won’t have the services of Will Fuller for months after the 2016 first-round pick broke his collarbone this week. The Colts waived Leak in June.
- Kansas City signed cornerbacks Jacoby Glenn and Larry Scott, Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star tweets. The Chiefs waived Keith Baxter. Glenn spent parts of the past two seasons with the Bears, mostly on the practice squad before being waived in May. A Chargers UDFA addition out of Oregon State in 2016, Scott ended up with the Colts but was cut in May.
- Tackle Martin Wallace cleared waivers and will revert to the Saints‘ IR, Nick Underhill of The Advocate tweets.
Extra Points: Gilchrist, Titans, Kaepernick
Free agent safety Marcus Gilchrist has been cleared for action and is lining up visits for next week, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Gilchrist tore his patellar tendon while with the Jets last season and wound up on the injured reserve in mid-December. The six-year veteran has combined for 91 appearances and 69 starts with the Chargers and Jets since entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2011. Gilchrist started in all 61 of his appearances from 2013-16, when he combined for eight interceptions. He picked off two passes in 13 games last season en route a passable 53rd-place ranking among Pro Football Focus’ 90 qualified safeties.
More from around the league:
- Titans rookie wide receiver Corey Davis could be headed toward a holdout as the team gets ready to start training camp Friday, writes Jason Wolf of the Tennessean. Davis, the fifth overall pick, is one of three unsigned first-rounders, and it seems the ex-Western Michigan star is haggling with the Titans over offset language. The Titans have typically included offset language in rookie deals and “are reluctant to change precedent,” writes Wolf.
- In a piece laying out the best fits for some of the top free agents remaining on the board, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com names Seattle as the most logical destination for quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The 29-year-old met with the Seahawks in May, but they never exchanged offers and the club went on to sign the unproven Austin Davis instead. He and Trevone Boykin are all the Seahawks have behind Russell Wilson, leading Seifert to argue that they should circle back to Kaepernick. The former 49er is also better than all of the Jets’ signal-callers (Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty), contends Seifert. Regardless of whether that’s true, the rebuilding outfit looks unlikely to add Kaepernick or any other experienced free agent to its current mix of passers.
- Both the Kaepernick-less Seahawks and Jets rank toward the bottom of the league when it comes to the quality of their backup QBs, opines Field Yates of ESPN.com (Insider required and recommended). No one’s in worse shape than the Colts, though, observes Yates. Their fallback to Andrew Luck is Scott Tolzien, who has been horrid across nine career appearances with the Packers and Colts. He got into three contests last year and could see time this season if Luck’s shoulder continues to be an issue.
- Along with the previously reported Kitt O’Brien, the Dolphins worked out fellow guards Connor Bozick and Isame Faciane on Wednesday, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The Dolphins are content with their current choices at guard, per Jackson, which explains why they didn’t sign any of those unproven players or look at more established free agents.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/30/16
Today’s practice squad moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: G Isame Faciane
Detroit Lions
- Signed: LB Brandon Chubb
New York Giants
- Signed: S Christian Bryant
New York Jets
- Signed: T Donald Hawkins
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: RB Kelvin Taylor
Washington Redskins
- Signed: DL Trevon Coley
NFL Workout Updates: 10/26/16
Tuesday is workout day in the NFL, and today was no different. Due to the sheer volume of today’s auditions, we’ll split up the reports by conference:
AFC
- Defensive back Brandian Ross was part of the safety cadre worked out by the Dolphins today before the club signed Bacarri Rambo, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
- The Texans auditioned linebacker Dezman Moses, who has appeared in 45 games over the past four seasons, per Caplan (Twitter link).
- Quarterback Sean Renfree and wide receiver R.J. Harris each tried out for the Bills today, tweets Howard Balzer (Twitter link).
- The Jaguars worked out offensive tackles Aaron Epps and Keavon Milton and running back Jhurell Pressley on Monday, according to Balzer (Twitter link).
- Cornerbacks Greg Ducre and Shakiel Randolph, as well as linebackers Khairi Fortt and John Lotulelei, tried out for the Colts today, reports Balzer (Twitter link).
- The Chargers auditioned linebackers Beniquez Brown and James Burgess and cornerback Trovon Reed, tweets Balzer.
- Cornerback Jeremiah McKinnon, guard Blake Muir, and LB James Vaughters all worked out for the Chiefs, per Balzer (Twitter link).
NFC
- Before inking Stevan Ridley today, the Falcons also took a look at running back Storm Johnson, reports Caplan (Twitter link).
- The Seahawks auditioned defensive end Wallace Gilberry, per Caplan (Twitter link). Gilberry was released off the Lions’ injured reserve earlier in October.
- The Lions worked out offensive guards Jake Bernstein and Isame Faciane before signing fellow OG Matt Rotheram to their practice squad, tweets Balzer. Faciane was cut by the Vikings following a DUI arrest earlier this month.
- Defensive backs Kevin Peterson and Jeremiah McKinnon, as well as running back Brandon Burks, worked out for the Packers today, according to Rob Demovksy of ESPN.com.
- Wide receiver Bralon Addison tried out for the Bears today, according to Balzer (Twitter link).
VIkings Cut OL Isame Faciane After DUI Arrest
The Vikings are releasing offensive lineman Isame Faciane from the practice squad, as Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press writes. The news comes after Faciane was arrested last week on suspicion of drunk driving. Taking his place on the 10-man practice squad will be cornerback Tre Roberson. 
Police pulled Faciane over when he was spotted weaving around construction barriers in an effort to drive the wrong way down the highway. Faciane was given a citation and, days later, handed his release from the Vikings.
“My thoughts are that it’s disappointing and that’s one of the things I’m trying to get rid of around here, making sure that our fans are being represented in the right way,’’ Mike Zimmer said yesterday about the arrest. “It was stupid and we’ll see.’’
Roberson, a former quarterback at Illinois State, hooked on with the Vikings this offseason. He has been moved on and off the team multiple times this fall.
Extra Points: Osweiler, Colts, Fins, Cards, Vikes
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien denied a recent report that tension had emerged between himself and quarterback Brock Osweiler, calling it the “biggest non-story of the year,” according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. “Anybody that’s been around me knows that I really only know one way to go about it,” O’Brien said. “That’s to work very hard and to do it in a very intense environment. I think that’s the type of players we have. So when you’re coaching football and playing football, and you’re in a competitive environment where everyone is pulling the same rope and everybody is trying to do their very best to win the game, things are going to happen.”
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- After leaving last night’s game against Houston, an MRI revealed that Colts tight end Dwayne Allen has a sprained ankle and is now week-to-week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). As Rapoport notes, that designation likely means that Allen is set to be sidelined for at least some time. Jack Doyle and Erik Swoope will hold down the fort at tight end until Allen can return.
- When the 49ers restructured Colin Kaepernick‘s deal, they got rid of the embattled quarterback’s injury guarantees so that he could return to the field without the club worrying about being tied to him for the long haul. The Dolphins and Cardinals should think similarly about their quarterbacks, opines Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, as both Ryan Tannehill and Carson Palmer have hefty injury guarantees for the 2017 campaign.
- Linebacker J.R. Tavai is working out for the Broncos today, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Tavai, 23, spent several months on the Titans’ practice squad last season, and even made it onto the active roster for a few weeks. However, the 2015 UDFA was waived during final cutdowns earlier this year.
- Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer wasn’t clear on the future of offensive lineman Isame Faciane, who is facing three misdemeanors after being arrested for DUI earlier this month, tweets Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. For what it’s worth, Zimmer did say that Faciane’s arrest “was not very bright.” Faciane has been a member of the Vikings’ practice squad since 2014.
NFC Notes: Cowboys, Dak, Lions, Vikings
Cowboys rookie Dak Prescott has been among the NFL’s most effective quarterbacks through five weeks, but he’s prepared to surrender the starting role when Tony Romo is ready to return from injury in the coming weeks. The Cowboys are “Tony’s team,” according to Prescott, who took over as Dallas’ starter when Romo suffered a broken bone in his back in late August. A fourth-round pick from Mississippi State, Prescott has helped the Cowboys to a 4-1 record while completing 69 percent of his passes and combining for seven touchdowns (four passing, three rushing) Prescott has also amassed 155 attempts without an interception, which is the most ever for a player starting his career. He’ll try to keep that streak alive until at least Week 8, when Romo could come off the shelf. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insisted last Sunday that the No. 1 job belongs to Romo.
Now for a few NFC North notes:
- The Lions gave Justin Forsett a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum with nothing guaranteed, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes. That means Forsett will earn less than $625K for the final 12 weeks of the season since the deal is prorated.
- Jake Long‘s deal with the Vikings is for the prorated portion of the veterans’ minimum with an injury split of $453K, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com tweets. He’ll count only $423K against the salary cap because of the minimum salary benefit. At the moment, the Vikings are $379K over the salary cap, so they’ll have to move some money around.
- Isame Faciane, one of Long’s fellow Vikings offensive linemen, is facing three misdemeanor charges after receiving a DWI citation Wednesday, according to Goessling. Faciane has been a member of the Vikings’ practice squad since 2014.
Sunday NFL Transactions: NFC North
Listed below are the Sunday roster moves for the four NFC North teams. Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline yesterday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters, claiming players off waivers or signing guys who clear waivers. Those transactions for the Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings are noted below.
Additionally, as of 12:00pm CT today, teams can begin constructing their 10-man practice squads. You can check out our glossary entry on practice squads to brush up on those changes, as well as all the other guidelines that govern the 10-man units, whose players practice with the team but aren’t eligible to suit up on Sundays.
Here are Sunday’s NFC North transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day. All links go to Twitter unless otherwise noted:
Chicago Bears
- Claimed:
- Signed:
- TE Logan Paulsen (story)
- Waived:
- TE Khari Lee (story)
- C Cornelius Edison (Link via Brad Biggs)
- DB Demontre Hurst (Link via Biggs)
- Signed to practice squad:
- CB Da’Vante Bausby (Link via Brad Biggs)
- LB John Timu (Link via Brad Biggs)
- QB Matt Barkley (Link via Adam Schefter)
- TE Ben Braunecker (Link via Chicago Bears)
- WR Daniel Braverman (Link via Chicago Bears)
- OT Jason Weaver (Link via Chicago Bears)
- RB Senorise Perry (Link via Chicago Bears)
Detroit Lions
- Claimed:
- LB Thurston Armbrister (Link via PFT)
- Placed on IR:
- LB Josh Bynes
- Signed to practice squad:
- WR T.J. Jones (Link via Justin Rogers)
- RB George Winn (Link via Rogers)
- DB Charles Washington (Link via Dave Birkett)
- WR Jace Billingsley
- CB Alex Carter
- TE Brian Leonhardt
- OL Brandon Thomas (Link via Eric Branch)
- WR Isaach Fruehcte (Link via Darren Wolfson)
- QB Jake Rudock
- LB Steve Longa (Link via Birkett)
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed:
- RB Jhurell Presley (Link via PFT)
- Waived:
- RB Brandon Burks (Link via Rob Demovsky)
- Signed to practice squad:
- DT Brian Price (Link via Rob Demovsky)
- WR Geronimo Allison (Link via Tom Silverstein)
- WR Herb Waters (Link via Silverstein)
- LB Carl Bradford (Link via Demovsky)
- LB Beniquez Brown (Link via Demovsky)
- OLB Reggie Gilbert (Link via Demovsky)
- G Blake Muir (Link via Demovsky)
- G Lucas Patrick (Link via Demovsky)
- CB Jermaine Whitehead (Link via Demovsky)
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed to practice squad:
- WR Moritz Boehringer (Link via Chris Tomasson)
- CB Tre Roberson (Link via Chris Tomasson)
- G Willie Beavers
- TE Kyle Carter
- G Isame Faciane
- RB C.J. Ham
- DT Toby Johnson
- QB Joel Stave
- DE Stephen Weatherly
- S Shamiel Gary (Link via David Canter)
