West Notes: Manning, Houston, Boone, 49ers
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak announced that Brock Osweiler would continue to start for his team in Week 15, with Trevor Siemian serving as the No. 2 quarterback (Twitter link via Troy Renck of the Denver Post). That means Peyton Manning will be inactive for another week, despite the fact that he has returned to practice.
If and when Manning gets healthy, he has earned another shot at the starting job, in the view of Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports. Osweiler had all the momentum after his first couple starts, but the Broncos are coming off a home loss and haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in seven quarters. If he continues to struggle this weekend against the Steelers, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Manning return to action to play Cincinnati in Week 16, assuming he’s ready to go by then.
Here’s more from out of the NFL’s West divisions:
- As first reported by Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link), Chiefs pass rusher Justin Houston paid a visit to Dr. James Andrews recently, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. According to Getlin, there was “some fear” that Houston could miss the rest of the regular season, but there’s been no official word yet on the 26-year-old’s status.
- Veteran guard Alex Boone – who is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season – has likely played his last game for the 49ers, having not gotten close to a long-term extension with the team, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Still, while he’s looking forward to free agency, Boone says he’d “love to hear an offer” from the Niners.
- Shortly after a San Francisco Chronicle columnist speculated about the York family selling the 49ers, co-owner John York acknowledged on Wednesday that he has been disappointed by the on-field results this season. However, as Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News details, York also said his family is “extremely passionate” about the Niners, and is looking ahead to the future of the franchise.
- Writers and columnists for the Bay Area News Group looked into their crystal balls to attempt to determine who will be back and who won’t be for the 49ers in 2016.
NFC Notes: Michael, Jeffery, Trattou, Cousins
The Seahawks inked running back Christine Michael to a contract earlier today, his second stint with the organization. The former second-rounder was traded prior to the season, and with all of the injuries in Seattle’s backfield, he’s hoping his second chance ends better than his first.
“I’m just here to work and give you guys all I have,” he told reporters, including Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “That’s all I can do. All I want to do. And I told them just like that.’’
Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFC…
- Alshon Jeffery ranked number two in the first installment of our 2016 free agent power rankings, but he’s not the only important Bears player on an expiring deal. Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com takes a look at four more to go along with Jeffery.
- After re-signing with the Vikings, defensive end Justin Trattou admitted that he got an offer from another team during his brief time as a free agent, but turned it down because he wanted to remain in Minnesota. “I really didn’t want to go anywhere else,” Trattou said, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I’m happy where I’m at.”
- While Panthers cornerback Josh Norman is considered one of the top free-agents-to-be at any position for 2016, there are plenty of other corners who should be in line for nice deals, including Sean Smith of the Chiefs and Janoris Jenkins of the Rams. Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap takes a closer look at the cornerback market.
- Former sports agent (and current writer for CBSSports.com) Joel Corry examined what Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ next contract will look like. Corry wonders if Cousins could receive a deal similar to the two-year, $24.5MM (worth up to $38MM) extension between the Rams and Nick Foles.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Workout Notes: 12/16/15
It’s been a busy last couple of days around the NFL, with teams still looking to fill up their squads for the rest of the season. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweeted a whole bunch of workout notes this afternoon, which we’ve compiled for you below…
Arizona Cardinals
- CB Mitchell White (link)
Atlanta Falcons
- OT Cody Booth (link)
- DE Xzavier Dickson (link)
- OG Cole Manhart (link)
Buffalo Bills
- TE Andrew Gleichert (link)
- LB James-Michael Johnson (link)
- TE Jacob Maxwell (link)
Carolina Panthers
- OG Al Bond (link)
- DT Eric Crume (link)
- CB Travell Dixon (link)
- QB Zac Dysert (link)
- TE Joseph Fauria (link)
- NT Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (link)
- C Tyler Larsen (link)
- OG Matthew Masifilo (link)
- OG Shelley Smith (link)
- S Usama Young (link)
Workout Notes: Broncos, Moore, Thomas
Earlier today, we learned that former first-round pick Phil Taylor is auditioning for the Vikings. However, he’s not the only notable player to show his stuff for an NFL team this week. Here’s the full rundown:
- The Broncos auditioned wide receivers DeVier Posey, Greg Little, and Denarius Moore plus running back Daniel Thomas, according to PFT (on Twitter). Moore didn’t have a single reception during his time with the Bills this year and he was cut loose in late November. He worked out for the Packers on December 1st, but nothing came of that tryout.
- The Broncos also worked out tight end/fullback Manasseh Garner today, a source tells Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). Tight end Nick Kasa and quarterback Ryan Lindley also showed their stuff for the Broncos, as Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Panthers worked out former Chiefs first-round pick wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Panthers also auditioned wide receiver Cobi Hamilton, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Baldwin, the 26th overall pick of the 2011 draft, has 44 career receptions for 607 yards, mostly with the Chiefs.
- The Cardinals will work out Edmonton Eskimos corner Aaron Grymes today, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Grymes was a CFL All-Star this past season, intercepting four passes and even returned one for a touchdown. In three seasons with the Eskimos, Grymes has eight interceptions total.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/14/15
Today’s minor moves around the NFL:
- The Buccaneers will sign free agent defensive tackle Da’Quan Bowers on Tuesday and waive D-lineman Josh Shirley, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports (via Twitter). Bowers spent 2011-14 in Tampa and totaled seven sacks after it used a second-round pick on him. Shirley, a rookie, joined the Bucs in October. He subsequently appeared in five games.
- The Dolphins signed defensive tackle Deandre Coleman and placed tight end Brandon Williams on injured reserve, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Coleman, undrafted out of Cal in 2014, appeared in one game as a rookie. Williams suited up four times for the Dolphins this year before breaking his left foot.
- The Vikings signed defensive end Justin Trattou and waived safety Shaun Prater, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. Trattou has had multiple stints with the Vikings since entering the league in 2011. He appeared in two games with them earlier this season and intercepted a pass. Prater, who had been with the Vikings since 2013, garnered one appearance this year.
- The Browns cut center Gabe Ikard, per Wilson (on Twitter). Ikard, a 25-year-old snapper, joined the Browns earlier this month.
- The Chiefs removed safety Sanders Commings from injured reserve and reached a settlement with him, Wilson tweets. Commings’ last appearance with the Chiefs was in 2013.
- The Chargers waived quarterback Brad Sorensen, per Eric D. Williams of ESPN (Twitter link). Sorensen, whom the Chargers chose in the seventh round of the 2013 draft, has never attempted a regular-season pass.
More Minor NFL Transactions: 12/8/15
Updates from earlier today can be found here. The latest…
- The Lions released defensive tackle Andre Fluellen from injured reserve, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets. Fluellen has had several stints with the Lions, among other teams, since they used a third-round pick on him in 2008. He has appeared in 81 career games and totaled 69 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Fluellen played four games for the Lions this year and made four tackles.
- The Seahawks waived veteran tight end Chase Coffman, reports Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times (Twitter link). Coffman, who has 14 career catches, joined the Seahawks last week but didn’t appear in their 38-7 win over the Vikings.
- The Cardinals placed guard Earl Watford on injured reserve with a hand injury and promoted safety D.J. Swearinger from their practice squad, per Darren Urban of their website (Twitter link). Watford appeared in seven games and made two starts this year. Swearinger appeared in seven games for Tampa Bay earlier this season, but he garnered more extensive experience (32 games, 22 starts) in Houston from 2013-14.
- The Patriots released cornerback Rashaan Melvin, per Wilson (Twitter link). Melvin has spent time with both New England and Baltimore since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois last year. He appeared in eight games and made six tackles for the Pats this season.
- The Chiefs cut offensive lineman Daniel Munyer, according to Wilson (Twitter link). The undrafted rookie from Colorado made one appearance for the Chiefs this season.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/8/15
We’ll track all of Tuesday’s minor transactions from around the NFL in this space, with the latest moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:
- The Dolphins have re-signed tight end Brandon Williams to their active roster, waiving safety Jordan Kovacs in a corresponding move, the team announced today (Twitter links). Miami also opened up another roster spot by placing defensive tackle Robert Thomas on the injured reserve list.
- Jets defensive end Mike Catapano has landed on IR due to a foot injury, with safety Ronald Martin getting the promotion from the practice squad to take his spot on the roster, the Jets announced today (via Twitter).
- The Chiefs are signing offensive lineman Jarrod Pughsley from their practice squad to their 53-man roster, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. The corresponding move to make room for Pughsley isn’t yet known.
- The Falcons have released defensive tackle Ricky Havili-Heimuli from their injured reserve list, the team announced today (via Twitter). He’ll become a free agent if he clears waivers.
Earlier updates:
- In the wake of Nick Boyle‘s suspension, and with Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams both battling injuries, the Ravens have added two tight ends to their roster. According to a press release, the club has promoted Konrad Reuland from its practice squad and signed veteran free agent Richard Gordon. Boyle was moved to the reserve/suspended list and cornerback Cassius Vaughn was cut to create space on the roster.
- The Bills have also made a change at the tight end position, promoting Nick O’Leary from the practice squad and cutting veteran Matthew Mulligan, the team announced today. Mulligan had played a role this season for the Bills as a blocker and special-teamer, making the move a little surprising. Joe Buscaglia of WKBW wonders (via Twitter) if another team – perhaps the Ravens? – showed interest in O’Leary, prompting Buffalo to protect him.
- The Eagles have signed outside linebacker Steven Means from the Texans‘ practice squad, the club announced today (via Twitter). Means will take over the roster spot vacated by Miles Austin, who was released on Monday.
- With a Thursday night showdown against Arizona around the corner, the Vikings have made a handful of roster moves, announcing in a press release that they’ve signed safety Shaun Prater and elevated safety Anthony Harris from the practice squad. To make room for the incoming defensive backs, Minnesota placed safety Antone Exum on injured reserve and waived defensive end Justin Trattou.
- The Colts are adding some depth at the linebacker spot by promoting linebacker Amarlo Herrera to their active roster, a source tells Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (Twitter link). Jerrell Freeman and Nate Irving are banged up for Indianapolis.
- The Browns have re-signed offensive lineman Darrian Miller to their 53-man roster just three days after cutting him, placing fullback Malcolm Johnson on injured reserve in a corresponding move, per a team release.
AFC West Notes: Charles, Raiders, Broncos
When the 2016 season begins, Jamaal Charles will be coming off his second major knee injury, and will be on the verge of turning 30 years old, practically ancient for a running back. However, the standout running back remains under contract with the Chiefs for two more years, and he intends to come back strong for Kansas City next season, as he tells Dave Skretta of The Associated Press.
“That’s the goal,” Charles said. “I had 11 [games] left in the season when I [tore my ACL], so it’s a lot of time to come back from it. The way I’m moving, I’ll be back before the season starts. I want to be back. I want to play. I want to be out there again.”
Here’s more from around the AFC West:
- In the wake of a Monday report which suggested that Oakland city leaders had spoken to the NFL about a possible new stadium near the O.co Coliseum site, NFL executive VP Eric Grubman tells Matthew Artz of the Contra Costa Times that the league isn’t offering any more help to keep the Raiders in Oakland than it would to help to keep the Rams in St. Louis or the Chargers in San Diego. However, Grubman did confirm that the NFL is open to discussing the Coliseum City development with Oakland.
- Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said on Monday that rookie linebacker Neiron Ball, who has missed six straight games due to a knee injury, will likely land on the injured reserve list, which would open up a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com has the details.
- The Broncos had already been battling some injury issues at safety, and now will be without David Bruton for the next week or two, as Mike Klis of 9NEWS writes. Having signed Josh Bush last week to compensate for being without T.J. Ward, the club may not to add another safety this week, but that decision likely won’t have to be made until closer to Sunday.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/2/15
Here are Wednesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from across the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: RB Abou Toure (Twitter link via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com)
- Cut: TE Brandon Bostick
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Chuck Jacobs, RB Terrence Magee (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun)
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OL Dan France (Twitter link via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal)
- Cut: OL Ronald Patrick
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: RB Ben Malena, CB Terrance Mitchell, DE Efe Obada (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Denver Broncos
- Signed: TE Dan Light (link via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post)
- Cut: TE Arthur Lynch
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: OT Reid Fragel (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle)
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Chris Harper (Twitter link via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald), DT Kelcy Quarles (Twitter link via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com)
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: DB Dewey McDonald (Twitter link via Scott Bair CSNBayArea.com)
- Cut: S Chris Hackett
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: WR Shane Wynn (Twitter link via Eric Williams of ESPN.com)
- Cut: WR Donte Foster
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Deshon Foxx, DT Justin Hamilton, C Drew Nowak (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle)
- Cut: WR Douglas McNeil
Cowboys Sign Kellen Moore
Today’s minor moves from around the NFL:
- The Cowboys have signed quarterback Kellen Moore to the active roster, as David Moore of The Dallas Morning News tweets. In other news, the Cowboys placed defensive end Ryan Russell on IR with an abdominal injury. Taking his place on the 53-man roster will be rookie offensive tackle Chaz Green, who is being activated off the PUP list.
- The Chiefs placed Ben Grubbs on injured reserve, as Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star writes. Grubbs last played in the Chiefs’ 23-13 win over Pittsburgh on Oct. 25. “We’ve gone four or five weeks here with rehabilitation (and) he hasn’t improved,” head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said. “He’s going to need at least another month to come back from this.” The Chiefs promoted offensive lineman Daniel Munyer to the active roster to fill the newly-created opening.