NFC Notes: OBJ, Brees, Hawthorne, Megatron
The NFL has found no evidence that Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was on the receiving end of homophobic slurs and insults from Panthers players prior to last Sunday’s game, a league source tells Mark Maske of the Washington Post.
Reports earlier this week suggested Panthers players directed homophobic slurs at Beckham, but punter Brad Wing – who described Marcus Ball‘s pre-game actions – said that he didn’t hear any slurs, and they weren’t brought up during Beckham’s appeal hearing. As such, no Carolina players will be disciplined, assuming no new information surfaces.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Despite battling what he describes as a “Grade 2” tear of the plantar fascia tendon in his right heel, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is adamant that he’ll play this weekend, per Evan Woodbery of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Asked why he’s so intent on not sitting with the Saints out of playoff contention, Brees replied, “One reason only: I want to play for my guys. Bottom line.”
- Saints linebacker David Hawthorne has been inactive for the team’s last three games, and may be nearing the end of his time in New Orleans, Woodbery writes in a separate Times-Picayune article. Hawthorne, who has spent his last four years with the Saints, took a pay cut back in March, but given his decreased role, that may not be enough to save his roster spot this time around.
- Speaking of pay cuts, it’s possible that Calvin Johnson will have to take one to remain with the Lions. Kyle Meinke of MLive.com examines that possibility, including Megatron’s comments – or lack thereof – on the situation
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/24/15
Here are Christmas Eve’s minor moves from around the league:
- The Saints have made a change at the back of their 53-man roster, elevating wide receiver Seantavius Jones from their practice squad and releasing fullback Toben Opurum, per Field Yates of ESPN.com, via ESPN’s Mike Triplett. Triplett speculates that Jones’ promotion might not bode well for the availability of Marques Colston, who hasn’t practiced this week due to a chest injury.
- The Bengals have promoted cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris from their practice squad, cutting cornerback Troy Hill to create a spot on the roster, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Earlier updates:
- The Giants signed wide receiver Ben Edwards to take Odell Beckham‘s roster spot for this week, Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reports. A rookie out of Richmond, Edwards was originally waived by the Giants on July 31 after he injured his hamstring.
- The Colts signed quarterback Stephen Morris off the Eagles’ practice squad and cut cornerback D’Joun Smith to make room, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (on Twitter). A former UDFA from Miami, Morris spent some of 2014 with the Jaguars before being claimed by the Eagles in September. With Andrew Luck and Matt Hasselbeck ailing, Indianapolis remains in need of healthy signal-callers.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/24/15
Here are the practice squad signings and cuts from around the league on Christmas Eve.
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: RB Marion Grice (courtesy of Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic)
- Cut: RB Abou Toure
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: T Bryan Witzmann (courtesy of Evan Woodberry of NOLA.com)
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Julian Talley (Twitter link via Jordan Raanan of NJ.com)
Odell Beckham’s Suspension Upheld
The league announced that Odell Beckham Jr.’s suspension has been upheld on appeal, as Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets. Beckham will be out for Sunday’s contest against the Vikings.
Beckham was suspended for his actions during Sunday’s game against the Panthers, during which he was flagged for three personal foul penalties and took a blind-side shot at cornerback Josh Norman‘s head. In the NFL’s statement explaining the suspension, the league cited a total of six incidents, including three for which Beckham wasn’t penalized at the time.
Since the league announced the one-game ban, stories have surfaced about the Panthers antagonizing and threatening Beckham pre-game, with practice-squad player Marcus Ball said to have been carrying a baseball bat toward the Giants’ sideline and issuing threats. While there were reports suggesting that Ball or other Panthers players used homophobic slurs to taunt Beckham, those alleged comments weren’t mentioned during today’s appeal hearing, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
“I appealed my suspension because it is a right granted to all players under the NFL’s CBA and because I owe it to my teammates to do everything I can to be on the field this week. Regardless of the outcome of my appeal, I apologize for my actions on Sunday,” Beckham said. “I work hard to be great and accepting the Blessing of having the physical skills to play at this leve brings the responsibility to conduct myself in a certain way on and off the field. Sportsmanship and respecting the game are as important as blocking, running routes, and catching the football. I dropped the ball on sportsmanship on Sunday. I apologize to my teammates, the Giants organization, and to all fans of the NFL.”
While the Panthers’ pre-game actions resulted in a league-wide warning from NFL exec Troy Vincent cautioning teams not to take outside objects – such as baseball bats – onto the field, hearing officer James Thrash wasn’t persuaded that Beckham’s violations could be excused.
Beckham, who let his emotions get the better of him during Sunday’s 38-35 loss to the undefeated Panthers, will now be sidelined for the Giants’ must-win contest. The Giants need to win their final two games and hope Washington loses out in order to win the NFC East. Now, that tall order just got a little bit taller with ODB out of commission for Week 16.
Beckham was slowed down somewhat on Sunday by Norman and the Panthers secondary, who held him under 100 yards receiving for the first time since Week 7. However, he has been one of the league’s top wideouts this year, racking up 91 receptions, 1,396 yards, and 13 touchdowns — each of those figures matches or bests his 2014 marks.
The Giants will have the opportunity to fill Beckham’s spot on the 53-man roster, as he spends the week on the reserve/suspended list.
NFC Notes: Beckham, Brees, Tomsula, Lions
The appeal hearing for Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. ended at about 12:25 CT this afternoon, and a decision will likely come at some point today, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. As we wait for that announcement, let’s round up some news and rumors from across the NFC…
- While there’s little question that the Saints will have to address Drew Brees’ contract in the offseason to reduce his cap hit if they want to keep him, there’s another issue in play, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). If head coach Sean Payton were to listen on other head coaching opportunities around the NFL and ultimately decided to leave New Orleans, it’s not clear whether or not Brees would still want to stick with the team for the rest of his career.
- From the Saints‘ perspective, there’s no question that the club should want Brees to return for the 2016 season, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.
- In a separate Bleacher Report video, Cole echoes what CBS sideline reporter Jay Feely said on Sunday, suggesting that 49ers management would like to see head coach Jim Tomsula return for the 2016 season. However, Cole adds that a final decision has not yet been made.
- After signing a one-year contract with the Lions, defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker saw his 2015 season derailed in Week 4 by a broken fibula and dislocated ankle. However, he tells Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News that he’s not thinking about re-entering free agency again yet, focusing instead on making sure he’s fully healthy first. “I’ve got to rehab, man,” Walker said. “I’ve got to get right.”
- Sharon Terlep of The Wall Street Journal examines the ascension of Martha Ford, who – at age 90 – has taken over a larger role in Lions ownership, representing the team in place of Bill Ford.
Giants Re-Sign Brandon Meriweather
Less than a week after cutting him loose, the Giants have re-signed veteran safety Brandon Meriweather to their 53-man roster, the team announced today in a press release. In a corresponding move, the club officially placed fullback Nikita Whitlock on injured reserve, as was previously reported.
Meriweather, a starting safety for the Giants’ first 11 games, had been inactive during his last two weeks before his release, as he dealt with a knee issue. However, he should be healthy now, considering the Giants cut him without an injury designation, and have now re-signed him. The 31-year-old had 53 tackles and a pair of interceptions for New York this season.
Giants safety Cooper Taylor suffered a concussion during the club’s 38-35 loss to the Panthers on Sunday, leaving just two healthy safeties on the roster, so it makes sense that New York would want to add some depth at the position. And, of course, Meriweather is a logical fit, considering his familiarity with Steve Spagnuolo‘s system.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/22/15
Tuesdays are typically busy days for roster changes during the NFL regular season, and even with the holidays around the corner, this week is no different. Here are the latest minor transactions from around the league:
- The Packers announced that they’ve placed long snapper Brett Goode on injured reserve, signing fellow snapper Rick Lovato to take his place. Per Wes Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com (Twitter link), Goode tore his ACL during Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
- The Bears announced (via Twitter) that they’ve promoted defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith from the practice squad, waiving running back Antone Smith to create a roster spot. D’Anthony has spent time with the Jaguars, Lions, and Seahawks, while Antone had seen just one carry for Chicago this year.
- With Marcus Mariota ailing, the Titans have signed quarterback Alex Tanney off the Colts’ practice squad, reports Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com (Twitter link). Tanney, known for his “trick-shot” Youtube videos, will back up Zach Mettenberger on Sunday. Tennessee placed defensive tackle Mike Martin on injured reserve to create a roster spot.
Earlier updates:
- The 49ers have signed running back DuJuan Harris from off the Ravens‘ practice squad, cutting running back Travaris Cadet to make room, tweets Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com noted this afternoon (via Twitter) that the knee injury sustained by Shaun Draughn didn’t appear to be serious, but the club wanted to add some insurance just in case. San Francisco may get some added insurance in the form of Mike Davis, who is currently on the IR-DTR list, and will begin practicing this week, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter link).
- After somehow playing through a fractured fibula for three quarters on Sunday, safety David Bruton will head to injured reserve, officially ending his season, the Broncos confirmed today in a press release. Safety Shaun Prater will take the open spot on the roster, with Bruton expected to require four to six weeks to recover from his injury.
- As expected, the Browns formally placed starting right guard John Greco on injured reserve today, per a team release. Cleveland has re-signed wide receiver Darius Jennings to the roster, after waiving him last week.
- The Buccaneers have filled the opening on their 53-man roster by promoting wide receiver Evan Spencer from their practice squad, the team announced today in a press release. Spencer was selected in the sixth round of this year’s draft by Washington.
- The Bills are elevating wide receiver Walter Powell to their active roster from the practice squad, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Powell figures to replace Robert Woods, who is expected to land on IR.
- Giants fullback Nikita Whitlock is headed to the injured reserve list, reports Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Whitlock suffered a knee injury that isn’t expected to be a long-term issue, but it will keep him sidelined for the club’s last couple games of the season.
NFC East Notes: Beckham, Eagles, Washington
As anticipated, Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr. is appealing his one-game suspension, and that appeal is scheduled for Wednesday, with James Thrash serving as the hearing officer, tweets Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com. As Mortensen notes, a decision is expected to come quickly once the hearing completes, so we should know within the next couple days whether or not Beckham will be eligible to play this weekend.
With Washington and Philadelphia set to play on Saturday night, it’s possible the NFC East division crown will already be decided by the time the Giants’ kick off against the Vikings on Sunday, since Washington will clinch with a victory. But if the Eagles prevail on Saturday, Beckham’s suspension could loom large on Sunday, with the Giants’ season on the line.
Here’s more from around the NFC East:
- After Chip Kelly‘s weak endorsement of Eagles running back DeMarco Murray this weekend, Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News is becoming more convinced that Murray’s time in Philadelphia could come to an end after just one season.
- Defensive coordinator Bill Davis shouldn’t have to shoulder all the blame for the Eagles‘ struggles on defense this season, but his job is on the line nonetheless, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- A Federal Circuit ruling on Tuesday may have an impact on Washington‘s case regarding the Redskins trademark, as Bill Donahue of Law360 details. The Federal Circuit ruled that the government’s ban on “disparaging” trademark registrations is a violation of the First Amendment, striking down the provision that was used to strip Daniel Snyder’s franchise of the Redskins trademark.
- Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link), Washington recently tried out a pair of tight ends, Andrew Gleichert and Brian Vogler, along with defensive tackle Kamal Johnson.
Odell Beckham Faces One-Game Suspension
8:53pm: The Giants will find out whether they’ll have the services of their embattled receiver in Week 16 by Wednesday. Beckham’s appeal is not expected to occur until then, per Schefter (on Twitter). The appeals officer is not yet known.
3:13pm: Beckham will appeal, and that appeal will be heard by either James Thrash or Derrick Brooks, who are jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, tweets Mark Maske of the Washington Post. A decision should come within the next couple days.
2:59pm: The NFL has officially announced a one-game suspension for Beckham (Twitter link via Michael Signora). The wide receiver is expected to appeal the ruling.
8:39am: Despite being flagged for three personal foul penalties and taking a blind-side shot at Josh Norman‘s head on Sunday, Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. avoided being ejected or benched. However, the NFL may not be quite as lenient as the referees and head coach Tom Coughlin were. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), discussions are ongoing, but the league will likely suspend Beckham for one game.
Beckham, who let his emotions get the better of him during Sunday’s 38-35 loss to the undefeated Panthers, would have the option of appealing any suspension he receives from the NFL. To allow time for the appeal process, the league figures to announce any penalty for him sooner rather than later.
If the NFL hands down a one-game suspension and it’s upheld after an appeal, Beckham would have to miss the Giants’ Sunday night game in Minnesota in Week 16, a must-win contest if New York wants to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Giants would have to win their final two games and hope Washington loses out in order to win the NFC East.
Beckham was slowed down somewhat on Sunday by Norman and the Panthers secondary, who held him under 100 yards receiving for the first time since Week 7. However, he has been one of the league’s top wideouts this year, racking up 91 receptions, 1,396 yards, and 13 touchdowns — each of those figures matches or bests his 2014 marks. Needless to say, if he has to sit down for the Giants’ game against the Vikings, it would limit New York’s passing attack.
East Notes: Deflategate, Bills, Beckham, Cowboys
The NFL filed its final salvo in the Deflategate saga, countering the NFLPA’s 73-page appeal earlier this month with a 38-page response that centers on how the Patriots‘ alleged manipulation of footballs does not compare with uniform or equipment violations as the Players’ Association previously stated.
The case that resulted in Tom Brady being suspended for four games, then being permitted to play during that period by Judge Richard Berman, will reach the appeal stage March 3, 2016.
Let’s look at some more news coming out of the Eastern division as Week 15 wraps up.
- Rex Ryan said today he’s “pretty sure” Tyrod Taylor will be the Bills‘ starting quarterback next season, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports. After winning a three-man quarterback race as a newly signed free agent this offseason, Taylor will be able to further develop with an entire offseason shaped around him being atop the depth chart, Ryan said. After beating out the since-traded Matt Cassel and ex-first-rounder EJ Manuel, Taylor has completed 63.2% of his passes — although the ex-Ravens backup’s failed to surpass the 60% plateau in each of his past five games — and thrown 20 touchdown passes compared to just five interceptions.
- Mario Williams continued his recent path out of Buffalo on Sunday in criticizing Ryan’s defensive scheme, and Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News said the 30-year-old defensive end’s team-high $19.9MM cap number next year makes that an easier decision. Dunne also sees Kyle Williams ($7MM 2016 cap figure) having a potential uphill battle to remaining on the roster.
- Odell Beckham took issue with Panthers practice squad players allegedly lobbing homophobic slurs at him before Sunday’s eventful Giants-Panthers game, sources inform Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. Jones also notes Beckham was, per sources, intimidated by Panthers defensive backs swinging a baseball bat during pregame warmups, a ritual that’s spawned this season for the unbeaten Panthers. Carolina sources obviously don’t believe the bat routine could have necessitated Beckham’s rampage.
- In its letter communicating Beckham’s suspension, the NFL found six violations committed by the Giants second-year wideout, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. Two of the three transgressions for which Beckham wasn’t penalized involved punches being thrown. “Your actions adversely reflected on the NFL and have no place in the game because incidents like this erode public confidence in the orderly conduct of our game as well as the good character of our participants,” NFL V.P. of operations Merton Hanks told Beckham in the suspension letter.
- Kellen Moore‘s late-season audition for the Cowboys will be for the No. 2 job and won’t influence what the team does this coming offseason in pursuing Tony Romo‘s potential heir apparent, Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan, per Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (on Twitter). The 26-year-old Moore, a UDFA who the Lions cut this year, completed 15-of-25 passes and threw three interceptions against the Jets.
- Eagles high-priced corner Byron Maxwell sprained his SC joint in Sunday night’s loss to the Cardinals and may miss Saturday’s pivotal tilt with Washington, Les Bowen of Philly.com reports.