Breer’s Latest: Incognito, Gurley, Manziel, Jets
In his latest piece for NFL.com, Albert Breer leads off by examining the performances of the seven clubs who hired new head coaches during the offseason, specifically taking a look at the Falcons and Jets, with whom Dan Quinn and Todd Bowles, respectively, have started a combined 4-0. Despite that robust start, both men were quick to deny that their teams had achieved much of anything. “I don’t know if I’d use the word ‘accomplished’,” said Quinn candidly.
“We haven’t accomplished anything,” Bowles said. “It just means we’re off to a good start. We’re trying to establish ourselves and guys are coming together. To me, it’s a long season, a very long season. No guarantees. The only guarantee is we won’t be worse than 2-14.”
Let’s dive into some more notes from Breer’s column…
- Embattled Bills guard Richie Incognito will make a homecoming of sorts this weekend when Buffalo heads to Miami to play the Dolphins, and despite his reputation, Incognito still has a positive reputation among members of Miami’s coaching staff. “Awesome guy,” one Dolphins assistant told Breer. “Would talk to everyone in the building, always worked hard, very respected … A guy you wanted on your side.”
- The Rams saw rookie running back Todd Gurley as a “generational talent,” according to Breer, which lead the club to not only select the former Georgia star with the 10th overall pick, but to display caution in terms of Gurley’s return from an ACL injury. Gurley is expected to be active for Sunday’s contest against the Steelers, and St. Louis believes that he’ll be able to perform as would any normal rookie, unencumbered by his knee ailment.
- After Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel returned from his stint in rehab, Cleveland’s coaching staff, including new offensive coordinator John DeFillipo, worked with Manziel to reshape his delivery and mechanics. Specifically, the club wanted to ensure that Manziel exhibited better footwork and demonstrated “quieter” lower body, per Breer. Manziel had a solid start against the Titans last week, but he’ll head back to the bench in Week 3 following the return of Josh McCown.
- Sam Bradford was never expected to be a running quarterback, but the complete lack of a mobile QB in Philadelphia has led to defenders ignoring the possibility of a quarterback run, allowing them to send waves of defenders into the backfield, according to Breer. However, Breer has heard that Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is not stubborn, meaning he won’t to allow subpar play — either due to play-calling or a lack of talent at offensive guard — to persist without looking for some sort of solution.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/26/15
Here are today’s minor moves.
- The Dolphins elevated center Sam Brenner from their practice squad to the active roster and cut guard Jacques McClendon, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald notes (on Twitter). A third-year player, Brenner made four starts with the Dolphins in 2013. McClendon’s bounced around after being selected by the Colts in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, playing for five teams and only staying in the same place in consecutive seasons once, with the Jaguars from 2013-14.
- To make room for Kam Chancellor on their 53-man roster, the Seahawks waived safety Dion Bailey, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports. The second-year player started the Seahawks’ opener against the Rams, but an ill-timed stumble allowed a costly Lance Kendricks fourth-quarter touchdown en route to St. Louis’ overtime victory. Bailey joined the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.
- Wide receiver Tony Washington received a promotion to the Jaguars‘ 53-man roster from their practice squad, while the team waived linebacker LaRoy Reynolds to make room, Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports. Washington’s promotion coincides with Marqise Lee being downgraded from probable to questionable for the Jags’ Week 3 contest against the Patriots. Washington will play behind Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and recently re-signed Bryan Walters if Lee is unable to go, notes O’Halloran. Reynolds has played in 30 games for the Jags over the past three seasons, starting in three games in 2014, and O’Halloran speculates the 24-year-old special-teamer could be brought back if he clears waivers.
Extra Points: Suh, Brent, London, Cooley
A report earlier this week suggested that high-priced Dolphins free agent pickup Ndamukong Suh “freelanced” during the club’s loss to the Jaguars, ignoring defensive play calls. Meanwhile, both Suh and coach Joe Philbin say there’s no truth to that, as Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News writes. However, Suh is quick to admit that he isn’t satisfied with the way he has played through the team’s first two games.
“Still not quite where I want it to be,” he said of his performance. “Fundamentally, I just have to get back into the sync of things and that’s what practice is for, getting with the coaches and understanding my mistakes that I’ve made.”
Here’s more from around the NFL..
- The Cowboys have hired former defensive tackle Josh Brent to work for them in the scouting department, as Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram tweets. Brent, 27, returned to the Cowboys in November 2014 after serving a 10-game suspension which stemmed from a car accident that resulted in the death of his teammate Jerry Brown in December of 2012. In May of this year he announced his retirement.
- The NFL says it would put a full-time franchise in London only once all operational issues are worked out and the league is sure the team would be competitive, as Stephen Wilson of The Associated Press writes. Mark Waller, executive vice president of the NFL’s international division, said there is no time frame for possibly placing a team in London, adding that a decision will come “when we’re ready.” On Wednesday, the mayor of London tweeted that he was optimistic about getting the NFL to the city in the next few years.
- Tight end Chris Cooley insisted to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) that he is still looking to return to football. La Canfora added that Cooley appears to be in good shape.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/23/15
Today’s minor NFL signings, cuts, and other moves..
- The Dolphins announced (via Twitter) that they have signed running back Jonas Gray off of the practice squad. The Dolphins first added Gray to their taxi squad earlier this month and since then he has been promoted, cut outright, and re-signed to the practice squad before finally being brought back up to the 53-man roster today. Gray emerged as a potential starter for the Patriots during his 201-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Colts during the 2014 season, but was leapfrogged on New England’s depth chart by LeGarrette Blount and others down the stretch. In early September, several running backs in New England got ahead of him in line, leading to his release.
- The Giants cut Josh Gordy from injured reserve with an injury settlement, as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets.
- The Bills promoted safety Jonathan Meeks to the 53-man roster, per Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News (on Twitter).
- The Steelers released wide receiver Tyler Murphy to make room for the returning Le’Veon Bell, as Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/23/15
Here are the latest practice squad signings and cuts from across the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: TE Joseph Fauria, RB Kerwynn Williams (Twitter links via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com)
Buffalo Bills
- To be signed: QB Dustin Vaughan (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com)
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: DE Efe Obada (Twitter link via Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com)
Detroit Lions
- Signed: WR/KR Kaelin Clay (link via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press)
- Cut: WR Kendrick Ings
Houston Texans
- Signed: T Edawn Coughman; RB Daryl Richardson (Twitter links via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
- Cut: QB Zac Dysert; T Joseph Treadwell
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: TE Sean McGrath (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle), CB Eric Patterson (via Mike Chappell of FOX59 on Twitter)
- Cut: OL David Arkin
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: WR Damarr Aultman; LB Terrell Manning (Twitter link via Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald)
- Cut: WR Deon Long
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: TE Connor Hamlett (Twitter link via Evan Woodbery of the Times-Picayune)
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OL Dillon Farrell (link via Associated Press)
- Cut: TE Tevin Westbrook
Workout Notes: 9/23/15
Teams around the NFL are bringing in players for workouts, surveying the free agent landscape for possible practice squad additions or 53-man roster players, either for the near future or down the road. Here are a few of the latest auditions from across the league, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (all links go to Twitter):
AFC:
- Former Broncos cornerback Tony Carter had a workout with the Ravens, who have liked him for a while. Of course, up until very recently, Carter was under contract with Denver.
- In addition to Matt Huffer, whose workout was reported yesterday, offensive linemen Kevin Graf, Antonio Johnson, and Travis Bond, along with defensive ends Matt Conrath and Xzavier Dickson, were among the players who auditioned for the Broncos this week.
- We already heard that the Jets brought in multiple receivers this week for workouts, and we can add a few more names to that list: DaVaris Daniels, Titus Davis, and Josh Lenz got a look from New York.
- It was a linebacker-heavy workout group this week in Jacksonville, as the Jaguars auditioned Jeff Luc, Alex Singleton, and Jordan Tripp, in addition to Jayson DiManche, whose workout was previously reported.
- We can add tight end Nick Kasa, guard Joe Looney, wide receiver Marcus Lucas, ex-Niners tackle Sean Hooey, and former Titans tackle Byron Stingily to the list of players who tried out for the Dolphins this week. We learned yesterday that tight end Adrien Robinson also visited the team.
- The lengthy roster of players who auditioned this week for the Titans: cornerbacks Robert McClain, Robert Steeples, Shaun Prater, and Carrington Byndom; safeties Jean Fanor and Robert Lester; and wide receiver Nick Toon.
NFC:
- The Panthers brought in several defensive backs for tryouts, taking a look at Richard Crawford, Ras-I Dowling, and Tajh Hasson.
- Wide receiver Deonte Thompson turned an audition with the Bears into a practice squad spot this week, but he wasn’t the only player to work out for the team. The club also brought in wide receiver DeVier Posey, quarterback Alex Tanney, and QB Justin Worley.
- The Lions were eyeing veteran defensive backs this week, with ex-Giants safety Stevie Brown, longtime Panthers safety Charles Godfrey, and former Raiders DB Brandian Ross all coming in for auditions. The club also worked out tight end Mickey Shuler.
- Defensive tackle Deandre Coleman, cut from the Dolphins’ practice squad last week, and former Broncos defensive end Quanterus Smith both worked out for the Seahawks this week.
- After being removed from the Patriots’ injured reserve list last week, wide receiver Jonathan Krause tried out for the Eagles.
- Washington auditioned two linebackers who hit the open market within the last few weeks, bringing in ex-Bengal Nico Johnson and former Seahawk Alex Singleton. It’s been a busy week for Singleton, who also worked out for the Jaguars, as noted above.
- The Packers took a look this week at tight end Blake Annen, defensive tackle Justin Hamilton, CFL linebacker Henoc Muamba, and linebacker Josh Shirley.
Extra Points: Decker, Bucs, Dolphins, Jets
The Cowboys‘ acquisition of Matt Cassel is more proof that Dallas is all in for 2015, Kevin Sherrington of The Dallas Morning News writes. In time, Sherrington wonders if Cassel will take the starting job away from Brandon Weeden, who is currently slated to start while Tony Romo heals up. Cassel has started 71 games, nearly four times Weeden’s total, and he might make more sense for a Cowboys team that is looking to win. Here’s more from around the NFL..
- Jets coach Todd Bowles says that Eric Decker has a sprained knee and is day-to-day, as Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets. Decker left Monday night’s game in the fourth quarter after a Colts defender landed on him following an incompletion. The wide receiver had a tremendous showing against the Colts, catching eight passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.
- Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins suffered a strained shoulder and it’s expected to sideline him for 4-6 weeks, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The sophomore tight end will get a second opinion on the matter, he adds.
- Former Giants tight end Adrien Robinson worked out for the Dolphins today, according to a source that spoke with Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (on Twitter). Robinson was dropped by Big Blue on September 5th as the club trimmed down to a 53-man roster.
- Former Ravens wide receiver Daniel Brown worked out for the Jets today, according to a league source who spoke with the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson (via Twitter). Brown was dropped by Baltimore on September 10th in favor of center Asa Jackson.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/22/15
As usual, plenty of teams around the NFL are shaking up their rosters a little on the Tuesday following a full slate of games. Here are today’s minor moves:
- Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain is done for the season with a badly sprained big toe, reports Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link). Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram adds (via Twitter) that the team has placed McClain on injured reserve.
- The Cardinals have cut running back Kerwynn Williams in order to make room for offensive tackle Bobby Massie, who is returning from a two-game suspension, says Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (Twitter link). We’ll see if Arizona re-adds Williams or another running back to the roster before the club’s Week 3 game, with Andre Ellington likely to be sidelined again. The Cardinals also cut Travis Harvey from injured reserve with an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post tweets.
- With Jay Cutler injured, the Bears activated quarterback David Fales from the taxi squad to the active roster, as Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. To make room, the Bears waived Bryce Callahan, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com tweets.
- Washington linebacker Martrell Spaight, a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, tweets Tarik El-Bashir of CSNMidAtlantic.com. The move opens up a roster spot for reinstated cornerback Chris Culliver.
- Besides Massie, Culliver, and Vikings cornerback Jabari Price, whose reinstatement we noted yesterday, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell and Chargers offensive lineman Craig Watts are returning from suspensions this week, per Wilson (Twitter link). Pittsburgh and San Diego will have roster exemptions until tomorrow afternoon for those players.
- The Colts have made a change at the cornerback spot, signing veteran free agent Josh Thomas and waiving Eric Patterson, owner Jim Irsay announced today (via Twitter). Perhaps more notably, the team an injury settlement with running back Vick Ballard, officially removing him from the roster. Ballard, who hasn’t played a game since the 2013 season, will become a free agent if and when he clears waivers.
- The Dolphins are signing linebacker and special-teamer Terrell Manning, according to Wilson. The 25-year-old has already appeared in regular season games for five different NFL teams since entering the league in 2012.
- With Austin Seferian-Jenkins set to miss some games, the Buccaneers are signing tight end Cameron Brate off the Saints‘ practice squad, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Brate started the season on Tampa Bay’s taxi squad before he landed on New Orleans’ unit last week.
- The Buccaneers have also have also signed free agent defensive end Josh Martin and waived defensive end Kourtnei Brown, Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune tweets.
- The Ravens waived running back Terrence Magee to open up spot for newly-acquired cornerback Will Davis, as Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun tweets.
- The Raiders cut Tevin McDonald, Wilson tweets.
Ravens Acquire CB Will Davis From Dolphins
3:41pm: It’s a 2016 seventh-round pick going from the Ravens to the Dolphins, according to Baltimore (on Twitter).
3:19pm: The Ravens have acquired cornerback Will Davis from the Dolphins, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). The Dolphins have been shopping Davis all month long and it appears that they have finally found a taker.
Davis, a 2013 third-round pick, was placed on IR in November of 2014 after tearing his ACL. Up until that point, he had only been playing on slightly more than 20% of Miami’s defensive snaps. Coming into this summer, Davis told reporters, including Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, that he was feeling pretty strong, albeit not at 100%. The fact that Davis found his way back to the practice field at all in June was impressive since an ACL tear typically requires a nine-to-12 month layoff.
Some speculated that Davis could put himself in the mix for the starting cornerback job opposite of Brent Grimes, but things did not pan out that way. Instead, Davis found himself on Miami’s roster bubble. The Dolphins didn’t get a massive return here, but they did get something for their former third round choice rather than nothing.
Injury Updates: 9/20/15
The big news is the Tony Romo injury, which could have a devastating effect on the Cowboys’ season. We already looked at a major injury to Bills safety Aaron Williams – who appeared to be doing okay after being taken to a hospital, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter) – and a potential starting quarterback injury for Jay Cutler of the Bears. Here’s a roundup of other noteworthy injuries from Sunday’s action. Any additional injury updates from the afternoon games will be added to the top of the page throughout the day.
- Eddie Lacy has been carted off the field for the Packers due to a right ankle injury, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN (via Twitter). His return is questionable (via Twitter). Davante Adams is also being carted to the locker room with a left ankle or foot injury, reports Jason Wilde (via Twitter).
- Packers defensive tackle Josh Boyd also just went down on the field, and is being attended to by the coaches and medical staff, writes Tom Pelissero of USA Today. He will also be carted off with a right leg injury (via Twitter).
- Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert left the game against the Jaguars twice, not returning the second time, with a reported hamstring injury, according to James Walker of ESPN (via Twitter).
- Rookie tailback Tevin Coleman couldn’t finish the game for the Falcons today due to a rib injury, and D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution believes a prolonged absence could doom the team’s rushing attack.
Earlier:
- Ereck Flowers left the Giants-Falcons game with an ankle injury, and was not able to return, writes Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). Flowers has dealt with ankle injuries for a few weeks, and Jordan Raanan of NJ.com notes that head coach Tom Coughlin hopes those issues aren’t continuous (via Twitter).
- Eagles linebacker Kiko Alonso has been ruled out of the remainder of today’s game vs. the Cowboys due to a left knee injury, tweets Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. As McLane observes, that’s the same knee that suffered a torn ACL in 2014.
- Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was getting X-rays taken after the loss to the Vikings, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). Detroit Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman writes that Stafford confirmed the X-rays were taken of his chest and ribs (via Twitter).
- Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy left the 26-19 win over the Saints with a right arm injury, reports Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 The Team in Tampa (via Twitter). Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times adds that McCoy was not moving his right arm in the locker room (via Twitter).
- Titans right guard Chance Warmack will have an MRI on his knee on Monday after injuring it today, but the initial diagnosis is a sprained MCL, according to Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com (Twitter links).