NFL Workout Updates: 11/30/17
Here are the latest workout and visit updates, courtesy of veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer unless otherwise noted.
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay Packers
- TE Devon Cajuste (visit), LB Ahmad Thomas (visit)
Kansas City Chiefs
- TE Anthony Firkser, Henry Krieger-Coble (link)
Miami Dolphins
- RB Russell Hansbrough, RB Kalif Phillips, RB Brandon Radcliff (link)
New Orleans Saints
- TE Alex Ellis, TE Darion Griswold, TE Henry Krieger-Coble, TE Robert Tonyan (link)
Oakland Raiders
- WR Seantavius Jones, WR Francis Owusu, WR Tevaun Smith (link)
San Francisco 49ers
- T Reid Fragel, CB Senquez Golson, K Garrett Hartley, CB Michael Hunter (visit), CB Keith Lewis, LB Boseko Lokombo, LB John Lotulelei, CB J.R. Nelson, TE Luke Papilion, RB Jhurell Pressley, RB Khiry Robinson, CB Channing Stribling RB Jahad Thomas, WR Javon Williams, TE Travis Wilson, CB Lou Young (Twitter links via Balzer)
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/25/17
Friday’s minor moves:
- The Broncos have claimed defensive lineman Jimmy Bean off waivers from the Raiders and cut cornerback Dontrell Nelson, per Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link). The Raiders waived Bean, a 2016 undrafted free agent, on Wednesday. Nelson’s an undrafted rookie from Memphis who had been with the Broncos since May.
- In a series of transactions, the Cowboys have waived/injured linebacker John Lotulelei and wide receiver Corey Washington, paving the way for the signings of LB Lamar Louis and WR Karel Hamilton. The most experienced member of the foursome is Lotulelei, who played parts of the 2013 and ’15 seasons with the Seahawks and Jaguars and combined for 16 appearances over those two years. He signed with the Cowboys earlier this year, as did Washington, who only joined the team 10 days ago. Washington’s lone action came as a member of the Giants in 2014, with whom he caught five passes in 14 games. Louis went undrafted out of LSU last year and played one game with the Cardinals as a rookie. The Ravens waived him from injured reserve last Sunday, the same day the Bengals parted with Hamilton. The undrafted rookie from Samford spent three-plus months with the Cincinnati organization.
- The Texans have waived/injured linebacker Dayon Pratt, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets. Pratt, who’s dealing with a foot issue, signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent from East Carolina in May.
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/3/17
Here are Tuesday’s reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2017 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters.
Arizona Cardinals
- LB Cap Capi
- WR Marvin Hall
- WR Chris Hubert
- G Kaleb Johnson
- OL Daniel Munyer
- RB Elijhaa Penny
- CB Ronald Zamort
Carolina Panthers
- FB Darrel Young
Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs
- OT Isaiah Battle
Minnesota Vikings
- OT Reid Fragel
- P Taylor Symmank
San Diego Chargers
- OL Brett Boyko
- CB Randall Evans
- CB Mike Lee
- LB Chris McCain
- S Adrian McDonald
- TE Jake McGee
Tennessee Titans
- OLB Reshard Cliett
- TE Tim Semisch
NFL Workout Updates: 12/13/16
We’ve already passed along one batch of workout updates earlier today, but clubs with continuously taking a look at free agents as the season comes to a close — likely with an eye on futures contracts — we have a fresh listing of tryouts to share. Here’s the latest from the workout circuit:
- Before signing Shaquille Riddick to their practice squad earlier today, the Steelers also worked out fellow linebacker Davis Tull, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Tull was waived from Atlanta’s practice squad in early November.
- The Broncos auditioned the following 10 players, according to Howard Balzer of BalzerFootball.com (Twitter links): linebackers Khairi Fortt, Deon Lacey, and John Lotulelei; safeties Kevin Peterson, Josh Evans, Dezmen Southward; and cornerbacks Keith Baxter, Mike Hilton, Demetrius McCray, and Corey Tindal.
- Like Denver, the Saints also worked out a large group of players. The full list, per Nick Underhill of the Advocate (all links go to Twitter): quarterback Sean Renfree; running backs Will Ratelle, Darrel Young, and Soma Vainuku; wide receivers Max McCaffrey, Derel Walker, and Kevin Smith; linebackers Khalil Bass and Adam Bighill; defensive end T.J. Fatinikun; defensive tackle Drake Nevis; defensive backs Tony Burnett, Otha Foster, Anthony Gaitor, and Forest Hightower.
- The Packers worked out linebacker Frank Beltre and defensive lineman David Moala today, reports Rob Demovksy of ESPN.com. The third member of that tryout, linebacker Jordan Tripp, was ultimately signed to the active roster.
- The Buccaneers tried out cornerback Tre Jones and linebacker Raphael Kirby, per Caplan (Twitter link).
NFC North Notes: Bears, Fuller, Vikes, Peterson
The Bears announced last week that defensive back Kyle Fuller would be their IR/return player, and Fuller is practicing today for the first time since he was placed on injured reserve in late September. This opens the 21-day window for the team to evaluate the former first-round pick. Chicago head coach John Fox said last week he would be “surprised” if Fuller wasn’t participating in workouts soon, and that level of optimism could be an indication that Fuller could return to game action quickly.
Here’s more out of Chicago:
- The Bears tried out tight ends Kivon Cartwright and J.P. Holtz, defensive back Justin Currie, and linebacker John Lotulelei this week, according to Howard Balzer of BalzerFootball.com (Twitter link). Chicago also auditioned linebacker Wynton McManis, who has since joined San Francisco’s practice squad. The Bears have been hit with injuries at nearly every level of their offense and defense, and could be aiming for additional depth as the year comes to a close.
- Adrian Peterson is “way ahead” of schedule, according to fellow Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon, who keeps in touch with Peterson, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press writes. Peterson is currently going through the rehab process with an eye on a December return, and a report yesterday indicated that he had engaged in some light running during practice sessions.
- Earlier this week, the Bears placed veteran linebacker Danny Trevathan on injured reserve after he ruptured his patella tendon, and used the open roster spot to promote rookie wide receiver Daniel Braverman from the practice squad.
- The Packers and Bears are among the NFL clubs that are expressing interest in a pair of Australian Rugby League players.
NFC Notes: Romo, Cousins, Eagles, Saints
Tony Romo ran the scout team for 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills during today’s Cowboys practice, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says (via Twitter) this a clear indication that the quarterback won’t be active this weekend. However, there is optimism for Romo’s return, as the 36-year-old was listed as a full participant in practice for the first time this year.
For what it’s worth, Romo’s teammates were excited for his return.
“He looks great,” linebacker Sean Lee told ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. “I mean he looks like he hasn’t missed a beat. His ability to throw the ball, I always say I’ve been here seven years and I haven’t been near a football when he goes against us just because of how great he is with this eyes, how quick he is with his release. It’s amazing taking the time off, he looks fantastic, like he hasn’t missed any time.”
Let’s take a look at some other notes from the NFC…
- As the Eagles look to fill their final roster spot, coach Doug Pederson told Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com that wideout Paul Turner or cornerback Aaron Grymes could be possible candidates for the opening (Twitter link). Grymes, a former CFL standout, has been on the Eagles’ practice squad since late October. Turner, an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech, has been on the practice squad all season.
- Before signing linebacker Sam Barrington earlier today, the Saints looked at a handful of defenders. According to Nick Underhill of The Advocate (via Twitter), the team worked out linebackers James-Michael Johnson, John Lotulelei, Casey Matthews, and Jason Trusnik.
- The Redskins final eight games will not only determine their playoff fate, but they’ll also determine quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ future in Washington, writes ESPN.com’s John Keim. Since the team is seeking consistency from their signal-callers, Keim takes a look at Cousins’ potential performances against his upcoming opponents.
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).
Saints Work Out Handful Of LB/DEs
The Saints auditioned a crop of front seven players today, including one — former first-round pick Bjoern Werner — that was already reported earlier today. The full list is below, all courtesy of Mike Triplett and Field Yates of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted:
- Derek Akunne, LB
- Wes Horton, DE
- Royce LaFrance, DE
- Danny Lansanah, LB
- John Lotulelei, LB
- Dezman Moses, LB
- Andy Mulumba, DE/LB (Twitter link via Herbie Teope of the Times-Picayune)
- Shaquille Riddick, LB
- Greg Townsend Jr., DE (Twitter link via Nick Underhill of The Advocate)
Lansanah, 31, had spent the last two seasons and change with Tampa Bay before spending a week with the Dolphins in August. Over the last two years, Lansanah appeared in every regular season game for the Bucs, making 22 total starts. In 2014, Lansanah recorded three interceptions, eight pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, and 81 total tackles. His production tailed off last season, though he still notched 47 tackles, one sack, and four pass breakups.
Horton, Lotulelei, Moses, and Mulamba also have prior NFL experience, and Moses leads the pack, as he’s appeared in 45 games with the Packers and Chiefs (mostly on special teams duty). Horton, meanwhile, started 15 games for the Panthers as recently as 2014.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Raiders Trim Roster To 53
The Raiders have moved their roster to 53 players by making the following moves:
Waived:
- RB George Atkinson III
- G Mitch Bell
- WR K.J. Brent
- CB Kenneth Durden
- WR Marvin Hall
- DL Drew Iddings
- DL Branden Jackson
- G Denver Kirkland
- DT Derrick Lott
- LB John Lotulelei
- TE Jake McGee
- WR Jaydon Mickens
- TE Ryan O’Malley
- G Oni Omoile
- CB Neiko Thorpe
- LB Korey Toomer
- DE Greg Townsend Jr.
- LB Kyrie Wilson
Waived/injured:
- LB Neiron Ball
- LB James Cowser
Additionally, the Raiders also traded safety Dewey McDonald to the Seahawks earlier today.
Raiders Place Mario Edwards On IR
2:48pm: The Raiders have placed Edwards on IR and promoted linebacker John Lotulelei from their practice squad, according to CSNBayArea.com.
2:34pm: The Raiders are placing rookie defensive end Mario Edwards on season-ending injured reserve, per Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link). The move will become official before Oakland faces San Diego on Thursday night, with a corresponding transaction to fill Edwards’ spot on the 53-man roster.
Edwards, the 35th overall pick in this year’s draft, sustained a neck injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Packers, and didn’t return to the game. Per Tafur (Twitter link), head coach Jack Del Rio said today that the injury is significant, and may require surgery.
It’s an unfortunate end to what was a solid rookie season for Edwards. In 14 games (10 starts) for Oakland, the Florida State product compiled 41 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He looks like another one of the many early draft picks that the Raiders have gotten right in the last couple years.