The Steelers claimed quarterback Zach Mettenberger off waivers to help provide depth at the position.
Mettenberger was a sixth-round draft pick out of LSU of the Tennessee Titans in 2014 (178th overall) and has started 10 of the 14 games he played during his two-year career.
Mettenberger has completed 208 passes for 2,347 yards and 12 touchdowns. He started for the Titans against the Steelers in 2014, completing 15 of 24 passes for 263 yards with two touchdowns, including an 80-yarder to Nate Washington, in a 27-24 Steelers win.
He was released by the Titans in May, and signed with the Chargers. The Steelers claimed him a day after the Chargers released him.
To make room for Mettenberger on the roster, the Steelers placed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski on the team’s reserve/injured list. Gradkowski joined the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in 2013 and re-signed a one-year deal with the team on May 2, 2016. Gradkowski also spent the 2015 season on the reserve/injured list.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater to miss all of 2016 with severe leg injuries
 |
| Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater is expected to miss the remainder of the 2016 season with every leg injuries. |
After completely tearing his left ACL and dislocating his left knee in a non-contact incident that ended Vikings team practice 25 minutes early on Tuesday, it was announced that Bridgewater will miss the rest of the 2016 pre-season and regular season.
The scene at Vikings practice was an eerie one, as players went into the locker room after practice was ended early, while some players stayed out on the field and surrounded Bridgewater and prayed.
"Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury today at practice," said a statement from Vikings Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer Eric Sugarman. "Bridgewater The injury was quickly identified as a dislocated knee. The injury was stabilized, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation. After undergoing an MRI, it was determined that Teddy suffered a complete tear to his ACL and other structural damage. Fortunately, there appears to be no nerve or arterial damage. Surgical repair will be scheduled within the next few days. Although the recovery time will be significant, we expect Teddy to make a full recovery. I would like to thank all of the medical professionals and our athletic training staff for all of their help today. Teddy has already displayed the attitude needed to overcome this injury and attack his rehab."
Bridgewater missed the second preseason game with a sore shoulder, but was very sharp on Sunday against San Diego. He went 12 for 16 for 161 yards and a touchdown in two quarters of work, leaving Vikings players and fans fully confident as the team starts to prepare for the season opener at Tennessee on Sept. 11.
The Vikings host the Los Angeles Rams in their final preseason game Thursday night, though Bridgewater and most of the starters were not expected to play.
"Teddy's such a great kid," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. "I love this kid. Our fans love this kid."
Bridgewater was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
Teddy Bridgewater suffers apparent injury at practice
An emotional scene unfolded at Vikings practice on Tuesday when quarterback Teddy Bridgewater went down with a non-contact injury that ended practice after just 30 minutes.
According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, he was grabbing his left knee as teammates prayed around him.
At the moment, the team's current backups are Shaun Hill and Joel Stave.
In 2015, Bridgewater paced a run-first offense that helped the Vikings win the division and come within a missed field goal of beating the Seahawks in the playoffs. His 3,231 yards passing earned him a Pro Bowl bid and propelled the 2014 first-round pick into his third season. The preseason gave us glimpses of the best Bridgewater yet.
According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, he was grabbing his left knee as teammates prayed around him.
At the moment, the team's current backups are Shaun Hill and Joel Stave.
In 2015, Bridgewater paced a run-first offense that helped the Vikings win the division and come within a missed field goal of beating the Seahawks in the playoffs. His 3,231 yards passing earned him a Pro Bowl bid and propelled the 2014 first-round pick into his third season. The preseason gave us glimpses of the best Bridgewater yet.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Chargers Waive Six; Claim RB Gus Johnson
Required to trim the roster to 75 by Tuesday, the San Diego Chargers opted to get a head start on Monday. The team made eight moves, waiving six players, claiming running back Gus Johnson off waivers from Atlanta and placing Chris Watt on Reserve/PUP.
The six players waived were WR Torrence Allen, C Bruce Johnson,CB Michael Lee, LB Zach Hodges, DT Bruce Gaston and CB Greg Ducre.
The new addition is Johnson, who is a 5-10, 215-pound product out of Stephen F. Austin St. He originally signed with Oakland as an undrafted free agent in 2015, and also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys on their practice squad.
The Chargers still need to make nine moves on Tuesday.
The six players waived were WR Torrence Allen, C Bruce Johnson,CB Michael Lee, LB Zach Hodges, DT Bruce Gaston and CB Greg Ducre.
The new addition is Johnson, who is a 5-10, 215-pound product out of Stephen F. Austin St. He originally signed with Oakland as an undrafted free agent in 2015, and also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys on their practice squad.
The Chargers still need to make nine moves on Tuesday.
Joey Bosa Signs Four-Year Contract with the Chargers
Joey Bosa has arrived at Chargers Park.
After a much publicized contract dispute caused the first round pick to miss training camp, the San Diego Chargers announced Monday that they signed the defensive end to a four-year contract.
“We look forward to having Joey join us and getting him prepared as quickly as possible for the 2016 season,” said General Manager Tom Telesco.
The Bolts selected Bosa with the third overall pick in this year’s draft. A 6-5, 280-pound product out of Ohio State, the 21-year old spent three seasons with the Buckeyes totaling 150 tackles, 50.5 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries and five forced fumbles in 41 games.
Stout against the run with the ability to wreak havoc on the quarterback, he was a two-time Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and two-time first-team All-America selection over his college career.
Bosa’s sophomore campaign proved to be his best as he led the Buckeyes to a 14-1 record on the way to capturing the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014. He earned unanimous first-team All-America honors that year, recording 55 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and led the Big Ten with 13.5 sacks.
via Chargers.
After a much publicized contract dispute caused the first round pick to miss training camp, the San Diego Chargers announced Monday that they signed the defensive end to a four-year contract.
“We look forward to having Joey join us and getting him prepared as quickly as possible for the 2016 season,” said General Manager Tom Telesco.
The Bolts selected Bosa with the third overall pick in this year’s draft. A 6-5, 280-pound product out of Ohio State, the 21-year old spent three seasons with the Buckeyes totaling 150 tackles, 50.5 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries and five forced fumbles in 41 games.
Stout against the run with the ability to wreak havoc on the quarterback, he was a two-time Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and two-time first-team All-America selection over his college career.
Bosa’s sophomore campaign proved to be his best as he led the Buckeyes to a 14-1 record on the way to capturing the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014. He earned unanimous first-team All-America honors that year, recording 55 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and led the Big Ten with 13.5 sacks.
via Chargers.
Lions acquire G Brandon Thomas via trade with 49ers and announce additional roster moves
Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions announced today that they have acquired G Brandon Thomas via trade with the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for WR Jeremy Kerley. The team also made the following transactions today:
Vested Veterans Released:
CB Crezdon Butler
TE Matthew Mulligan
G Geoff Schwartz
Players Waived:
K Devon Bell
WR Quinshad Davis
G Chase Farris
DE Deonte Gibson
DE Louis Palmer
CB Rashaad Reynolds
DE Quanterus Smith
Placed on Reserve/Injured:
LS Jimmy Landes (Shoulder – which will require surgery)
MORE ON G BRANDON THOMAS
Thomas, a 6-3, 317-pound guard, has spent the past two seasons with San Francisco after the 49ers selected him in the third round (100th overall) in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was inactive for all 16 games last season and missed the 2014 season after the 49ers placed him on the Reserve/Non-Injury list on August 25, 2014.
In college, Thomas started 39 games (30 at tackle and nine at guard) at Clemson and earned First Team All-ACC honors in 2013 as a senior and second-team honors in 2012.
With today’s transactions, the Lions roster currently stands at 78 players.
Vested Veterans Released:
CB Crezdon Butler
TE Matthew Mulligan
G Geoff Schwartz
Players Waived:
K Devon Bell
WR Quinshad Davis
G Chase Farris
DE Deonte Gibson
DE Louis Palmer
CB Rashaad Reynolds
DE Quanterus Smith
Placed on Reserve/Injured:
LS Jimmy Landes (Shoulder – which will require surgery)
MORE ON G BRANDON THOMAS
Thomas, a 6-3, 317-pound guard, has spent the past two seasons with San Francisco after the 49ers selected him in the third round (100th overall) in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was inactive for all 16 games last season and missed the 2014 season after the 49ers placed him on the Reserve/Non-Injury list on August 25, 2014.
In college, Thomas started 39 games (30 at tackle and nine at guard) at Clemson and earned First Team All-ACC honors in 2013 as a senior and second-team honors in 2012.
With today’s transactions, the Lions roster currently stands at 78 players.
Packers release six players
The Green Bay Packers have released DT Demetris Anderson, CB Randall Jette, WR Jamel Johnson, LB Derrick Mathews, P Peter Mortell and WR Ed Williams. The transactions were announced Monday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.
Colts Begin Roster Cuts, Waive 10 Players, Sign Stevan Ridley
INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts have begun the process of dwindling their roster.
On Sunday morning, the Colts waived 10 players, dropping the roster number from 90 players to 80.
The guys let go were wide receiver Justin Berger, safety Alden Darby, guard Eric Herman, defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, tight end Mike Miller, running back Chase Price, cornerback Winston Rose, defensive end Delvon Simmons, wide receiver Josh Stangby and inside linebacker Junior Sylvestre.
The Colts did make one addition later on Sunday, by signing veteran running back Stevan Ridley, who has played in 60 career NFL games (26 starts) piling up 685 carries for 2,907 yards (4.2 avg.) and 22 touchdowns in his time with the Jets (2015) and the Patriots (2011-14).
With the roster now at 81 players, the Colts will have until Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. to get down to the mandated number of 75 players.
Those 75 guys will be on the roster Thursday in Cincinnati for the team’s preseason finale. The roster will then be cut down to 53 players by Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Here is the current look at the Colts’ 81-man roster. The first number listed below is for how many players are currently on the roster at each position. Then the second number is how many players were kept at that spot following last year’s final cuts.
Quarterback (3/2): Andrew Luck, Stephen Morris, Scott Tolzien
Running Back (6/5): Josh Ferguson, Frank Gore, Stevan Ridley, Jordan Todman, Robert Turbin, Trey Williams
Wide Receiver (8/5): Danny Anthrop, Quan Bray, Phillip Dorsett, T.Y. Hilton, MeKale McKay, Donte Moncrief, Chester Rogers, Tevaun Smith
Tight End (5/3): Dwayne Allen, Chase Coffman, Jack Doyle, Konrad Reuland, Erik Swoope
Offensive Line (15/9): C-Austin Blythe, T-Anthony Castonzo, T-Le’Raven Clark, T/G-Denzelle Good, T/G-Joe Haeg, C/G-Jonotthan Harrison, C-Ryan Kelly, T-Keith Lumpkin, G-Jack Mewhort, G-Kitt O’Brien, G-Adam Redmond, G/T-Joe Reitz, G-Hugh Thornton, T-Mitchell Van Dyk, T-Jeremy Vujnovich
Defensive Line (9/5): DT-Henry Anderson, DE-Sterling Bailey, DT-Arthur Jones, DE-Kendall Langford, NT-Zach Kerr, DT-T.Y. McGill, NT-David Parry, DT-Kelcy Quarles, DT-Hassan Ridgeway
Linebacker (14/10): OLB-Trevor Bates, OLB-Trent Cole, ILB-Nate Irving, ILB-D’Qwell Jackson, ILB-Edwin Jackson, OLB-Curt Maggitt, OLB-Robert Mathis, ILB-Josh McNary ILB-Sio Moore, ILB-Antonio Morrison, OLB-Earl Okine, ILB-Anthony Sarao, OLB-Ron Thompson, OLB-Erik Walden
Cornerback (11/6): Jalil Brown, Darius Butler, Antonio Cromartie, Vontae Davis, Tay Glover-Wright, Christopher Milton, Tevin Mitchel, Patrick Robinson, D’Joun Smith, Darius White, Frankie Williams
Safety (7/5): Mike Adams, Clayton Geathers, T.J. Green, Winston Guy, Lee Hightower, Stefan McClure, Dezmen Southward
Specialists (3/3): P-Pat McAfee, LS-Matt Overton, K-Adam Vinatieri
via Colts.
On Sunday morning, the Colts waived 10 players, dropping the roster number from 90 players to 80.
The guys let go were wide receiver Justin Berger, safety Alden Darby, guard Eric Herman, defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, tight end Mike Miller, running back Chase Price, cornerback Winston Rose, defensive end Delvon Simmons, wide receiver Josh Stangby and inside linebacker Junior Sylvestre.
The Colts did make one addition later on Sunday, by signing veteran running back Stevan Ridley, who has played in 60 career NFL games (26 starts) piling up 685 carries for 2,907 yards (4.2 avg.) and 22 touchdowns in his time with the Jets (2015) and the Patriots (2011-14).
With the roster now at 81 players, the Colts will have until Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. to get down to the mandated number of 75 players.
Those 75 guys will be on the roster Thursday in Cincinnati for the team’s preseason finale. The roster will then be cut down to 53 players by Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Here is the current look at the Colts’ 81-man roster. The first number listed below is for how many players are currently on the roster at each position. Then the second number is how many players were kept at that spot following last year’s final cuts.
Quarterback (3/2): Andrew Luck, Stephen Morris, Scott Tolzien
Running Back (6/5): Josh Ferguson, Frank Gore, Stevan Ridley, Jordan Todman, Robert Turbin, Trey Williams
Wide Receiver (8/5): Danny Anthrop, Quan Bray, Phillip Dorsett, T.Y. Hilton, MeKale McKay, Donte Moncrief, Chester Rogers, Tevaun Smith
Tight End (5/3): Dwayne Allen, Chase Coffman, Jack Doyle, Konrad Reuland, Erik Swoope
Offensive Line (15/9): C-Austin Blythe, T-Anthony Castonzo, T-Le’Raven Clark, T/G-Denzelle Good, T/G-Joe Haeg, C/G-Jonotthan Harrison, C-Ryan Kelly, T-Keith Lumpkin, G-Jack Mewhort, G-Kitt O’Brien, G-Adam Redmond, G/T-Joe Reitz, G-Hugh Thornton, T-Mitchell Van Dyk, T-Jeremy Vujnovich
Defensive Line (9/5): DT-Henry Anderson, DE-Sterling Bailey, DT-Arthur Jones, DE-Kendall Langford, NT-Zach Kerr, DT-T.Y. McGill, NT-David Parry, DT-Kelcy Quarles, DT-Hassan Ridgeway
Linebacker (14/10): OLB-Trevor Bates, OLB-Trent Cole, ILB-Nate Irving, ILB-D’Qwell Jackson, ILB-Edwin Jackson, OLB-Curt Maggitt, OLB-Robert Mathis, ILB-Josh McNary ILB-Sio Moore, ILB-Antonio Morrison, OLB-Earl Okine, ILB-Anthony Sarao, OLB-Ron Thompson, OLB-Erik Walden
Cornerback (11/6): Jalil Brown, Darius Butler, Antonio Cromartie, Vontae Davis, Tay Glover-Wright, Christopher Milton, Tevin Mitchel, Patrick Robinson, D’Joun Smith, Darius White, Frankie Williams
Safety (7/5): Mike Adams, Clayton Geathers, T.J. Green, Winston Guy, Lee Hightower, Stefan McClure, Dezmen Southward
Specialists (3/3): P-Pat McAfee, LS-Matt Overton, K-Adam Vinatieri
via Colts.
Browns trim roster to 75
The Cleveland Browns have waived DB K’Waun Williams.
Earlier in the day, the Browns made the following roster moves:
Terminated the contracts of:
QB Austin Davis
DL Nick Hayden
LB Paul Kruger
Waived:
DB Sean Baker
TE E.J. Bibbs
WR Josh Boyce
K Travis Coons
WR Ed Eagan
FB Robert Hughes
TE David Reeves
OL Cory Tucker
Placed on injured reserve:
DL Nike Lawrence-Stample (shoulder)
RB Glenn Winston (shoulder)
The Browns roster is currently at 75 players.
All NFL teams must have a maximum of 75 players by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Earlier in the day, the Browns made the following roster moves:
Terminated the contracts of:
QB Austin Davis
DL Nick Hayden
LB Paul Kruger
Waived:
DB Sean Baker
TE E.J. Bibbs
WR Josh Boyce
K Travis Coons
WR Ed Eagan
FB Robert Hughes
TE David Reeves
OL Cory Tucker
Placed on injured reserve:
DL Nike Lawrence-Stample (shoulder)
RB Glenn Winston (shoulder)
The Browns roster is currently at 75 players.
All NFL teams must have a maximum of 75 players by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Broncos part ways with 11 as 75-man deadline nears
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Broncos began the painful process of paring their roster Monday morning, waiving 10 players and releasing five-year veteran safety Brandian Ross.
The roster now stands at 79 players. The Broncos must be down to 75 by 2 p.m. MDT on Tuesday.
NOTES ON THE ROSTER MOVES:
... Three of the players waived did not receive any snaps in Saturday's preseason win over the Rams: Garner, Gibson and Shannon.
... Ross joined the team on April 18 as offseason workouts began, but the Broncos drafted Justin Simmons and Will Parks on April 29 and 30, respectively. Both rookies were ahead of Ross on the depth chart.
... Jefferson spent the final month of the 2015 regular season on the Broncos' practice squad, then remained there throughout the postseason before signing a reserve-future contract Feb. 10. He is the only player among the 11 let go who was with the Broncos in any capacity last season.
... Garner was waived on July 28, but returned to the team Aug. 19 in the wake of injuries to fellow tight ends Garrett Graham and Jeff Heuerman.
... Sankey and Gibson were late acquisitions, joining the team on July 26 and Aug. 5, respectively.
via Broncos.
The roster now stands at 79 players. The Broncos must be down to 75 by 2 p.m. MDT on Tuesday.
| POSITION | PLAYER | EXP. | COLLEGE |
| S | Brandian Ross | 5 | Youngstown State |
| POSITION | PLAYER | EXP. | COLLEGE |
| TE |  | 1 | Pittsburgh |
| S | | R | Georgia Southern |
| OL | | R | Wingate |
| DL | | R | Miami (Florida) |
| OT | | 1 | Arkansas |
| NT | | R | Utah State |
| WR | | R | Oklahoma |
| WR | | 4 | Ohio State |
| ILB | | R | Sacramento State |
| ILB | | R | Oklahoma |
... Three of the players waived did not receive any snaps in Saturday's preseason win over the Rams: Garner, Gibson and Shannon.
... Ross joined the team on April 18 as offseason workouts began, but the Broncos drafted Justin Simmons and Will Parks on April 29 and 30, respectively. Both rookies were ahead of Ross on the depth chart.
... Jefferson spent the final month of the 2015 regular season on the Broncos' practice squad, then remained there throughout the postseason before signing a reserve-future contract Feb. 10. He is the only player among the 11 let go who was with the Broncos in any capacity last season.
... Garner was waived on July 28, but returned to the team Aug. 19 in the wake of injuries to fellow tight ends Garrett Graham and Jeff Heuerman.
... Sankey and Gibson were late acquisitions, joining the team on July 26 and Aug. 5, respectively.
via Broncos.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
49ers QB Colin Kaepernick does not stand during National Anthem due to views on racial oppression
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he refused to stand during the national anthem Friday against the Green Bay Packers due to his views on the country's treatment of racial minorities.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media after Friday's game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
The 49ers released a statement on the matter.
"The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony," the statement said. "It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."
Kaepernick also told NFL Media that he did not tell the team he was planning to protest the national anthem.
"This is not something that I am going to run by anybody," he said. "I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. ... If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right."
Kaepernick made his preseason debut in the ame after sitting out the first two exhibition games because of tightness in his right shoulder. He went 2-for-6 for 14 yards and added 18 yards on four carries in the 21-10 loss for his team.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Lions sign CB Brandon McGee, waive CB Keith Lewis
Allen Park, Mich. -The Detroit Lions announced today that they have waived CB Keith Lewis and sign free agent CB Brandon McGee. Contract terms were not disclosed.
McGee comes to Detroit following stints with the St. Louis Rams, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys practice squads in 2015. He appeared in one game for the Giants last season (10/19 at Phi) after being signed to the active roster.
A former fifth-round draft selection (149 overall) by the Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Miami (Fla.), McGee played in 17 games for the Rams from 2013-14. In 18 career NFL games, he has recorded 12 total tackles (10 solo).
Ridley played 26 snaps in the team's two preseason games, mostly with the third-team offense. He registered nine carries for 27 yards and caught one pass for five yards.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Redskins Acquire C Bryan Stork from Patriots
LOUDON COUNTY, Va. -- The Washington Redskins announced today that they have acquired center Bryan Stork from the New England Patriots in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick.
Stork (6-4, 310) initially entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (105th overall) of the Patriots in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 21 career regular season games with 17 starts in addition to starting all four postseason games in which he has played.
Last season, Stork appeared in eight regular season games with six starts - five at center and one at right tackle - after missing the first seven games of the season while on the Patriots' Reserve/Injured list with a designation to return. He also started both postseason contests for New England at center.
As a rookie in 2014, Stork played in 13 regular season games with 11 starts at center. He also started both postseason contests in which he appeared, including the Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX victory against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stork played collegiately at Florida State, where he started 41 of the 51 contests in which he appeared. In 2013, he was the recipient of the Rimington Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's top center.
Stork, 25, attended Vero Beach (Fla.) H.S. He was born Nov. 15, 1990.
PR war between Joey Bosa and Chargers officially begis
If you read the title, then you guessed it. It is now a public relations war between 2016 first-round pick Joey Bosa and his team that drafted him, the San Diego Chargers.
After Bosa recently rejected the best offer the Chargers have given him to sign, the Chargers released the following statement:
The San Diego Chargers issued the following statement regarding the contract negotiations with 2016 first-round selection Joey Bosa:
Our contract discussions and offers to the representatives of Joey Bosa have been both fair and structurally consistent with the contracts of every other Chargers player.
Our offer included:
• An initial signing bonus payment that is larger than any player in the League has received in the last two drafts.
• More money in this calendar year than every player in this year’s draft except one (QB Carson Wentz).
• The largest payment and the highest percentage of signing bonus received in the first calendar year of any Chargers’ first-round selection since the inception of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (2011).
We gave Joey’s representatives our best offer last night, which was rejected today. The offer that we extended was for Joey to contribute during all 16 games and beyond. Joey’s ability to contribute for an entire rookie season has now been jeopardized by the valuable time he has missed with his coaches and his teammates. Since Joey will not report at this time, his ability to produce not just early in the season, but throughout the entire season, has been negatively impacted.
As a result, we will restructure our offer since Joey will be unable to contribute for the full 16 game season without the adequate time on the practice field, in the classroom, and in preseason games.
Some of Bosa's representatives released the following statement in response.
It is unfortunate the San Diego Chargers have decided to manipulate facts and negotiate in the media. The team surely is not strengthening its relationship with Joey Bosa by taking this stance and making their position public.
We have decided that we will not engage in public negotiations or discuss numbers and/or terms in this negotiation.
We will say, that it is ironic that the team now takes issue with the timing of Joey’s arrival, since the Chargers unilaterally decided to remain silent for the first 14 days of training camp instead of replying in a timely fashion to the proposal we made on the eve of training camp on July 28th.
At this point, all we can do is continue to fight for a fair contract on behalf of our client, as we do for all of our clients. The Chargers can focus on trying to sway public opinion, but our focus will remain on our client and securing a contract for him that is fair and consistent with his draft position.
It seems right now that Bosa may not play a full 2016 schedule, and may not get to play in 2016 at all.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Giants kicker Brown talks about domestic violence arrest
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants kicker Josh Brown says an arrest on a domestic violence charge in May 2015 led to his one-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Speaking after practice on Thursday, the 37-year-old Brown said the woman whose wrist he grabbed in Woodinville, Wash. during a disagreement was his wife. He said the couple has since divorced.
Brown said the case was dismissed by the King County Prosecutor's office five days after his arrest for fourth-degree domestic violence.
A spokesman for the prosecutor said in an email to The Associated Press that no charge was filed because of insufficient evidence.
"It's not something that you want, and like I said, my main concern is my kids," Brown said. "That's the last thing you ever want to be on the internet, that they would read or their friends would read and the way that they would be approached at school and how they're looked upon. Is it good? No, it's not."
Brown said he told the Giants immediately after his arrest, and the team informed the league.
He was notified of his suspension in June. He appealed because he was not charged, but it was rejected. The league announced the suspension Wednesday.
"We've exhausted everything that the NFL allows," said Brown, who didn't know why the league took so long to make its decision. "We're not going to do anything else, we'll take it for what it is, take the one game and move on."
Still, Brown didn't agree with either the suspension or the power of Commissioner Roger Goodell.
"I'm uncomfortable with it, but I just want to kick field goals," said the 14-year veteran who scored a career-high 134 points last season. "That's really what it comes down to. I'm not the power, I'm just here to do this job and help this team in every way that I can and that's what I've done since I've been here for four years."
Ben McAdoo said he was informed about Brown's arrest after being named coach in January. The two have spoken about it.
"We support the league office in their decision and their stance on personal conduct," McAdoo said. "I do support Josh as a man, a father, and a player. We treat these situations on a case by case basis."
Brown said the incident with his former wife was a momentary thing.
"A charge was not filed in the case," Dan Donohoe, a spokesman for the Kings County prosecutor's office said in an email. "There was a thorough investigation and review of the case, but there was insufficient evidence to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt."
Brown will miss the Giants' season opener at Dallas.
"I'm going to spend it with my daughter," he said. "I'm going to go home and take her to school and be a dad and do the things that I need to do, that I get the opportunity to do because of this. Take that as an opportunity I've never had as a player, to take my daughter to school on the first day. I'm looking forward to that."
Free agent kicker Tom Obarski was signed by the Giants in January and has been in training camp. McAdoo said he will get most of the work when the Giants face the Bills in Buffalo on Saturday.
"He seemed steady," McAdoo said. "I like the fact that he is going to have an opportunity, a golden opportunity, to make an impact for himself and this organization."
Quarterback Eli Manning hopes the Giants can get along for a week without Brown, who was 32 of 34 on field goals last season.
"Hopefully we don't have to settle for field goals and we can score touchdowns," he said.
NOTES: WR Victor Cruz (groin) and G Justin Pugh (shoulder) are making progress, McAdoo said. ...The team will have a 50-minute speed practice on Friday before heading to Buffalo. ... Manning and WR Odell Beckham Jr. will make their preseason debuts Saturday.
Speaking after practice on Thursday, the 37-year-old Brown said the woman whose wrist he grabbed in Woodinville, Wash. during a disagreement was his wife. He said the couple has since divorced.
Brown said the case was dismissed by the King County Prosecutor's office five days after his arrest for fourth-degree domestic violence.
A spokesman for the prosecutor said in an email to The Associated Press that no charge was filed because of insufficient evidence.
"It's not something that you want, and like I said, my main concern is my kids," Brown said. "That's the last thing you ever want to be on the internet, that they would read or their friends would read and the way that they would be approached at school and how they're looked upon. Is it good? No, it's not."
Brown said he told the Giants immediately after his arrest, and the team informed the league.
He was notified of his suspension in June. He appealed because he was not charged, but it was rejected. The league announced the suspension Wednesday.
"We've exhausted everything that the NFL allows," said Brown, who didn't know why the league took so long to make its decision. "We're not going to do anything else, we'll take it for what it is, take the one game and move on."
Still, Brown didn't agree with either the suspension or the power of Commissioner Roger Goodell.
"I'm uncomfortable with it, but I just want to kick field goals," said the 14-year veteran who scored a career-high 134 points last season. "That's really what it comes down to. I'm not the power, I'm just here to do this job and help this team in every way that I can and that's what I've done since I've been here for four years."
Ben McAdoo said he was informed about Brown's arrest after being named coach in January. The two have spoken about it.
"We support the league office in their decision and their stance on personal conduct," McAdoo said. "I do support Josh as a man, a father, and a player. We treat these situations on a case by case basis."
Brown said the incident with his former wife was a momentary thing.
"A charge was not filed in the case," Dan Donohoe, a spokesman for the Kings County prosecutor's office said in an email. "There was a thorough investigation and review of the case, but there was insufficient evidence to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt."
Brown will miss the Giants' season opener at Dallas.
"I'm going to spend it with my daughter," he said. "I'm going to go home and take her to school and be a dad and do the things that I need to do, that I get the opportunity to do because of this. Take that as an opportunity I've never had as a player, to take my daughter to school on the first day. I'm looking forward to that."
Free agent kicker Tom Obarski was signed by the Giants in January and has been in training camp. McAdoo said he will get most of the work when the Giants face the Bills in Buffalo on Saturday.
"He seemed steady," McAdoo said. "I like the fact that he is going to have an opportunity, a golden opportunity, to make an impact for himself and this organization."
Quarterback Eli Manning hopes the Giants can get along for a week without Brown, who was 32 of 34 on field goals last season.
"Hopefully we don't have to settle for field goals and we can score touchdowns," he said.
NOTES: WR Victor Cruz (groin) and G Justin Pugh (shoulder) are making progress, McAdoo said. ...The team will have a 50-minute speed practice on Friday before heading to Buffalo. ... Manning and WR Odell Beckham Jr. will make their preseason debuts Saturday.
Hill's early TD helps Bengals to 30-14 win over Lions
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| Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) celebrates his 9-yard rushing touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Detroit, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) |
Hill hurt his left hand in Cincinnati's preseason opener last week, but he had three carries for 16 yards against the Lions and also caught a pass.
Former Cincinnati wide receiver Marvin Jones, signed by the Lions in the offseason, had four catches for 65 yards against his former team. Detroit's Matthew Stafford was 8 of 11 for 113 yards, but the Lions went without a touchdown until the final minute of the game.
Cincinnati's Derron Smith returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Andy Dalton was 7 of 9 for 78 yards for the Bengals.
ROOKIES
Bengals: WR Tyler Boyd continues to impress. After a 40-yard catch in last week's game, he made a nice diving grab of Dalton's pass for a 26-yard gain on Cincinnati's first possession. Boyd later caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from AJ McCarron with 12 seconds left in the first half.
Lions: TE Cole Wick was beaten by a pass rusher in the first quarter on a play in which Stafford was hit and fumbled, but he also had two catches for 26 yards.
INJURY UPDATE
Bengals: T Jake Fisher walked off slowly in the first half with a right leg injury. He took over at RT after Cedric Ogbuehi injured his toe last week, so now Cincinnati's depth could be tested even further.
Lions: The absences of TE Eric Ebron and LB DeAndre Levy weren't huge surprises, and Detroit didn't appear to have any major health issues among those who played.
POSITON BATTLES
Bengals: Mike Nugent missed a field goal on the opening drive last week against Minnesota, and he missed an extra point and a field goal against Detroit. There was no real competition for his job, but if he falls into an extended slump, perhaps there could be. Nugent did make a 50-yard kick in the fourth quarter.
Lions: There's some uncertainty at the backup quarterback spot, with Dan Orlovsky doing little to inspire confidence when his interception was returned for a touchdown. Rookie Jake Rudock received a nice hand when he came on in the fourth quarter, but the University of Michigan product was also intercepted on just his third pass attempt.
Eagles capitalize on Steelers turnovers in win
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Landry Jones threw four interceptions and the Philadelphia Eagles capitalized.
Nolan Carroll's 38-yard interception return for a score was the lone touchdown of the first half, helping the Eagles to a 17-0 victory Thursday night.
The Eagles' defense has nine takeaways in six quarters. Pittsburgh, which suffered its previous preseason shutout in 2014, has one offensive touchdown in two games.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was held out for the second straight week along with running backs Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams and wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, missed the game with fractured ribs, while wide receiver Jordan Matthews sat out with a knee injury.
Sam Bradford led Philadelphia's offense to a field goal late in the first half, giving the Eagles a 10-0 lead at the break. He finished 14 of 19 for 115 yards.
Jones had a dismal half for Pittsburgh, going 12 of 20 for 111 yards with four interceptions. The first was Carroll's 38-yarder for a score.
Jones' second interception came in the first quarter after leading the Steelers to the Philadelphia 8. A fade for Cobi Hamilton was broken up by Leodis McKelvin and intercepted by Malcolm Jenkins.
Jones threw his third interception late in the second quarter as a pass intended for Sammie Coates was picked off in the end zone by Aaron Grymes. Jaylen Watkins picked off Jones again in the final minute of the half.
Chase Daniel opened the second half, leading the Eagles on a 15-play, 87-yard touchdown drive. A 23-yard pass to Paul Turner helped set up Kenjon Barner's 5-yard touchdown run, making it 17-0. Daniel finished 10 of 16 for 82 yards.
ROOKIE WATCH
Steelers: Second-round pick Sean Davis started his second straight game as the slot cornerback. He's been rotating at safety and first-team slot cornerback after an injury to 2015 second-round pick Senquez Golson.
Eagles: Third-round pick Isaac Seumalo started at left guard. Allen Barbre started at right tackle for Lane Johnson, who is expected to be suspended the first 10 games of the season. That opened up a spot at left guard for Seumalo, who could be given an opportunity to earn the starting job. The rookie committed a costly holding penalty that wiped out a big gain late in the first half.
POSITION BATTLES
Steelers: Alejandro Villanueva and Ryan Harris, who are competing for the starting left tackle spot, both started along the offensive line. Marcus Gilbert missed the game and Harris, a nine-year veteran, who won a Super Bowl with Denver last season, started in his place at right tackle. Villanueva started at left tackle for the second straight week.
Eagles: It's a crowded wide receiver group behind Matthews. Turner, an undrafted rookie, led the Eagles with three receptions for 44 yards, while Nelson Agholor, the team's 2015 first-round pick, had 30 yards on two receptions. Veteran Rueben Randle, a free agent acquisition from the New York Giants, caught two passes and Josh Huff, a 2014 third-round pick, finished with a reception. Newly acquired Dorial Green-Beckham was targeted in the red zone, and again later in the game, but the 6-foot-5 former second-round pick didn't finish with any catches.
INJURY UPDATE
Steelers: The Steelers sat linebackers Jarvis Jones, Bud Dupree and Anthony Chickillo and cornerback Artie Burns, the team's first-round pick.
Eagles: Kicker Caleb Sturgis suffered a concussion when he was struck by a punt during warmups. The Eagles also sat RB Wendell Smallwood, DT Mike Martin, WR Hunter Sharp, LB Mychal Kendricks and cornerbacks JaCorey Shepherd and Jalen Mills. Grymes (shoulder), Joe Walker (knee), and Blake Countess (head) left the game with injuries.
Nolan Carroll's 38-yard interception return for a score was the lone touchdown of the first half, helping the Eagles to a 17-0 victory Thursday night.
The Eagles' defense has nine takeaways in six quarters. Pittsburgh, which suffered its previous preseason shutout in 2014, has one offensive touchdown in two games.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was held out for the second straight week along with running backs Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams and wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, missed the game with fractured ribs, while wide receiver Jordan Matthews sat out with a knee injury.
Sam Bradford led Philadelphia's offense to a field goal late in the first half, giving the Eagles a 10-0 lead at the break. He finished 14 of 19 for 115 yards.
Jones had a dismal half for Pittsburgh, going 12 of 20 for 111 yards with four interceptions. The first was Carroll's 38-yarder for a score.
Jones' second interception came in the first quarter after leading the Steelers to the Philadelphia 8. A fade for Cobi Hamilton was broken up by Leodis McKelvin and intercepted by Malcolm Jenkins.
Jones threw his third interception late in the second quarter as a pass intended for Sammie Coates was picked off in the end zone by Aaron Grymes. Jaylen Watkins picked off Jones again in the final minute of the half.
Chase Daniel opened the second half, leading the Eagles on a 15-play, 87-yard touchdown drive. A 23-yard pass to Paul Turner helped set up Kenjon Barner's 5-yard touchdown run, making it 17-0. Daniel finished 10 of 16 for 82 yards.
ROOKIE WATCH
Steelers: Second-round pick Sean Davis started his second straight game as the slot cornerback. He's been rotating at safety and first-team slot cornerback after an injury to 2015 second-round pick Senquez Golson.
Eagles: Third-round pick Isaac Seumalo started at left guard. Allen Barbre started at right tackle for Lane Johnson, who is expected to be suspended the first 10 games of the season. That opened up a spot at left guard for Seumalo, who could be given an opportunity to earn the starting job. The rookie committed a costly holding penalty that wiped out a big gain late in the first half.
POSITION BATTLES
Steelers: Alejandro Villanueva and Ryan Harris, who are competing for the starting left tackle spot, both started along the offensive line. Marcus Gilbert missed the game and Harris, a nine-year veteran, who won a Super Bowl with Denver last season, started in his place at right tackle. Villanueva started at left tackle for the second straight week.
Eagles: It's a crowded wide receiver group behind Matthews. Turner, an undrafted rookie, led the Eagles with three receptions for 44 yards, while Nelson Agholor, the team's 2015 first-round pick, had 30 yards on two receptions. Veteran Rueben Randle, a free agent acquisition from the New York Giants, caught two passes and Josh Huff, a 2014 third-round pick, finished with a reception. Newly acquired Dorial Green-Beckham was targeted in the red zone, and again later in the game, but the 6-foot-5 former second-round pick didn't finish with any catches.
INJURY UPDATE
Steelers: The Steelers sat linebackers Jarvis Jones, Bud Dupree and Anthony Chickillo and cornerback Artie Burns, the team's first-round pick.
Eagles: Kicker Caleb Sturgis suffered a concussion when he was struck by a punt during warmups. The Eagles also sat RB Wendell Smallwood, DT Mike Martin, WR Hunter Sharp, LB Mychal Kendricks and cornerbacks JaCorey Shepherd and Jalen Mills. Grymes (shoulder), Joe Walker (knee), and Blake Countess (head) left the game with injuries.
Griffin throws 2 TD passes in Browns' 24-13 loss to Falcons
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| Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) reacts after tight end Gary Barnidge scored a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard) |
Griffin found wide receiver Terrelle Pryor streaking down the right sideline on Cleveland's second drive of the game for a 50-yard scoring strike. Griffin connected with tight end Gary Barnridge for a 22-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Griffin, who signed with the Browns (0-2) after being released by Washington, was 6 of 8 for 96 yards in four series. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner also gained 36 yards on three carries, including a 22-yarder.
Devonta Freeman scored on a 19-yard run to cap Atlanta's first drive. Matt Ryan played three series and completed 6 of 11 passes for 78 yards.
Atlanta (2-0) trailed 13-10 at halftime, but went ahead on Brandon Wilds' 32-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
ROOKIE WATCH
Falcons: LBs Deion Jones and De'Vondre Campbell were in the starting lineup. Jones, a second-round draft pick, played in the middle while Campbell, taken in the fourth round, played on the weak side.
POSITION BATTLES
Falcons: QB Matt Simms, who is competing with Sean Renfree for the No. 3 spot, directed a 15-play, 98-yard drive for a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Browns: K Patrick Murray, who is competing with Travis Coon, made an extra point after Cleveland's first touchdown.
INJURY UPDATE
Falcons: PK Nick Rose handled all of the team's kicking duties because of injuries. PK Matt Bryant didn't play beacuse of tightness, according to the team. P Matt Bosher left the game with a chest injury after taking a big hit from LB Tank Carder covering a kick. DE/LB Vic Beasley (shoulder), RB Terron Ward (ankle) and S Kemal Ishmael (shoulder) were also out.
Browns: WR Corey Coleman, the team's No. 1 draft pick, has yet to play in the preseason because of a left hamstring injury. RT Joe Thomas (back), CB Joe Haden (ankle) and WR Andrew Hawkins (hamstring) were also out. S Rahim Moore was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion.
NOT READY YET
WR Josh Gordon (quad) returned to practice Tuesday but didn't play. He is suspended for the first four games of the regular season after missing the entire 2015 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Brady out, Garoppolo throws TD as Pats beat Bears 23-22
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| New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes against a rush by Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) |
Brady did not go through pregame warmups Thursday night and never made it to the field for the New England Patriots' 23-22 win over the Chicago Bears.
Brady had been expected to make his debut after missing last week's game to attend memorial services for a family member.
Jimmy Garoppolo will start the first four games of the regular season while Brady serves his "Deflategate" suspension, and he made the most of the extra playing time.
He threaded a 16-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to A.J. Derby late in the first half for his first TD pass of the preseason. He played the entire first half and one series in the second half, finishing 16 of 21 for 181 yards.
Jay Cutler and Chicago's offense started the game with a lot more pep following an anemic effort in the opener last week.
The Bears gained 78 yards of offense in the first half of their 22-0 loss to Denver last week. Chicago gained 59 yards in its first drive Thursday and surpassed last week's total in its second possession.
Cutler played three series, completing 8 of 12 passes for 83 yards. Jeremy Langford also had a nice game, rushing eight times for 55 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots are away for their final two preseason games, so Thursday marked Brady's last opportunity to play in Foxborough until at least Oct. 16. His four-game suspension ends Oct. 3, but New England plays at Cleveland on Oct. 9 in what is expected to be Brady's regular-season debut.
ROOKIE WATCH
Bears: DL Jonathan Bullard, a third-round pick out of Florida, and Georgia first-rounder LB Leonard Floyd got together to corral QB Jacoby Brissett for a sack late in the third quarter.
Patriots CB Cyrus Jones continues to make a case for playing time in an already stacked New England secondary. He came away with his second turnover in two weeks, this time stepping in front of Bears backup quarterback Brian Hoyer's first pass for an interception in the second quarter. He had a fumble recovery last week.
POSITION BATTLES
Bears: Though he never got a clean hit on a Patriots quarterback, Floyd did force some quick throws, and was one of the few positives for Chicago's reserves. ...TE Rob Housler showed off some speed with a 52-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter.
Patriots: Tight end A.J. Derby may have put some distance between himself, Bear Pascoe and Clay Harbor in the competition for the third tight end spot. Derby was all over the field, catching six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. WR Chris Hogan, an offseason free agent pickup, took off his noncontact jersey this week during practice and had a solid debut for the Patriots. He had four catches for 53 yards.
INJURY UPDATE
Bears: CB Jacoby Glenn started in place of Kyle Fuller (sore knee), but left in the third quarter with a concussion. TE Zach Miller and WR Eddie Royal both sat out Thursday's game as they recover from concussions.
Patriots: WR Julian Edelman was held out as he continues to take it easy after having a minor procedure this spring on his surgically repaired left foot. TE Rob Gronkowski, also sat out for the second consecutive game after leaving the first practice of the week early with an undisclosed issue. WR Malcolm Mitchell (left elbow) was also out.
Ex-NFL star Darren Sharper sentenced to 18 years in prison
NEW ORLEANS — Former NFL star Darren Sharper has been sentenced to 18 years in prison in a case where he was accused of drugging and raping as many as 16 women in four states.
Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced Sharper on Thursday. He had pleaded guilty or no-contest to charges arising from the allegations of drugging and raping women in federal court in New Orleans, and state courts in Louisiana, Arizona, California and Nevada.
Prosecutors suggested a 9-year prison term for Sharper under a multi-jurisdictional plea deal, but Milazzo rejected it as too lenient in June.
Sharper spent 205 games in 14 seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Titans Trade Green-Beckham to Eagles for O-Lineman Dennis Kelly
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Titans and Eagles have agreed to a trade involving receiverDorial Green-Beckham and versatile offensive lineman Dennis Kelly.Green-Beckham, heading into his second NFL season, heads to Philadelphia in exchange for Kelly, who's set to begin his fifth year in the league.
Kelly has played in 30 games, with 15 starts, after being selected by the Eagles in the fifth round 2012 NFL Draft. Kelly has started nine games at right tackle and three games at right guard and three games at left guard during his career. The 6-foot-8, 321-pounder played at Purdue.
He'll add competition to the team's offensive line in Tennessee.
"I like his versatility,'' general manager Jon Robinson said of Kelly. "He has really good size, he's versatile, he's played a lot of positions. He embodies the traits we look for in an offensive lineman - smart, tough, and dependable."
Green-Beckham was informed of the decision on Tuesday morning. He finished last season with 32 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns. As a rookie, Green-Beckham finished the year with more catches, yards and touchdowns than six of the seven receivers selected in front of him, with the lone exception being Oakland's Amari Cooper, the fourth overall pick of the draft.
Throughout training camp, however, coaches have said he's struggled with consistency.
"Not to speak on Philly's behalf, but they inquired about it,'' Robinson said. "They thought it was a good opportunity for him, and we thought adding Dennis would be good for our football team. We are moving on. I appreciate everything Dorial did when he was here. He bought in to what we are trying to do. But in the end we felt like this was the best decision for the team."
The Titans have numbers at the receiver position. Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe worked with the starters in Saturday night's preseason opener against the Chargers.
Kendall Wright, Harry Douglas, Andre Johnson, Justin Hunter, Tre McBrideand Andrew Turzilli are all also in the mix, among others.
Titans Statement.
Friday, August 12, 2016
NFL Preseason Capsules (August 12, 2016)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Jimmy Garoppolo made his preseason debut, spreading the ball around for 168 yards, and Jamie Collins added a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown to help the New England Patriots beat the New Orleans Saints 34-22 on Thursday night.
Garoppolo played the entire first half as he preps to start the first four games of the regular season with Tom Brady suspended for his involvement in the ''Deflategate'' case. Brady was not in the building Thursday, excused by the team to attend memorial services for a family member.
Saints running back Mark Ingram had an early fumble, but also had two 1-yard touchdown runs in an extended night that saw him play most of the first half. Second-year quarterback Garrett Grayson threw an early interception, but completed a few long passes to finish 10 for 16 for 133 yards.
After a slow start, Garoppolo completed several long passes and finished 11 of 18.
Trey Flowers added a 17-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, scooping up the loose ball created by his sack of Luke McCown.
CHICAGO (AP) - Mark Sanchez made a strong opening argument for Denver's starting quarterback job, throwing for 99 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter in the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos' victory over Chicago.
Sanchez came through with just the sort of performance he needed if he's going to beat out Trevor Siemian. The former Jets quarterback completed 10 of 13 passes in the first quarter and led a game-opening 76-yard touchdown drive. He had a pass intercepted by Jerrell Freeman on the Broncos' second possession.
Sanchez maintained his cool against Chicago's pressure and kept the opening drive going by completing three third-down passes - including a 32-yard TD to a wide open Demaryius Thomas along the right side.
As for Siemian, the former Northwestern star looked comfortable throwing short passes and was 7 of 12 for 88 yards in the second quarter.
Chicago starter Jay Cutler threw for 18 yards and got sacked twice in the first quarter. Brian Hoyer threw for 81 yards in the second period, but was sacked three times.
BALTIMORE (AP) - Cam Newton directed a 68-yard drive in his only series, then stepped aside in Carolina's loss to Baltimore.
The NFL MVP was 5 for 6 for 36 yards before being replaced by 33-year-old Derek Anderson.
Graham Gano kicked four field goals for the Panthers. They went 15-1 last year and won the NFC championship before falling to Denver in the Super Bowl.
Baltimore was without quarterback Joe Flacco as he returns from a knee injury. Running back Justin Forsett, wide receivers Steve Smith and Breshad Perriman, and linebackers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil were also held out of the game.
Anderson threw a TD pass to Devin Funchess for a 10-0 lead before the Ravens answered with touchdowns by Terrance West and Javorius Allen.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Blake Bortles led Jacksonville on two scoring drives, the second capped by Chris Ivory's 1-yard run against his former team, in a loss to New York.
Bortles finished 6 of 7 for 105 yards in his two series, Allen Robinson caught three passes for 80 yards and the Jaguars took a quick 10-0 lead with their starters in the game. Ivory, who signed with Jacksonville as a free agent after three seasons in New York, capped the second drive with his TD.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, who re-signed with the Jets just before training camp after a long contract stalemate, also went two series with the starters and was 3 of 4 for 72 yards.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
49ers excited for upcoming joint practice with Texans
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – After spending nearly two weeks only lining up against teammates, the San Francisco 49ers are looking forward to the opportunity to hit someone else for a change.
The Niners will hold a joint practice on Friday with the Houston Texans before the two teams open the exhibition season two days later at Levi's Stadium.
While these sessions often come with increased intensity and occasional fights, 49ers coach Chip Kelly said he does not believe his players will cross any lines.
''They understand that you have to play with emotion, not let emotion play with you,'' Kelly said. ''It's the same rules that you have in a game. If you get in a fight in a game, you're not going to be around. So, it's the same thing. We're trying to get a good quality practice. We're not trying to turn it into a WWE wrestling match.''
That has not always been the case. Two years ago, the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys got into a few scuffles in a joint practice in Oxnard that spilled over into the fans on the side of the field. One Raiders fan even tried to hit a Dallas defender with a replica helmet.
Niners rookie guard Joshua Garnett said it's important to strike a balance between being aggressive and physical, while staying under control.
''You hope people are not too sensitive,'' he said. ''You're going to go after them and they're going to go after you. You want to be the guy dealing the blow and not be that guy who gets caught not going harder than your opponent. You always want to be that guy setting the tempo but keep it under control and play with poise and not get out of control with your emotions.''
Kelly is a proponent of joint practices, having done them a few times during his tenure in Philadelphia. The 49ers will hold another joint practice next week in Denver before taking on the Broncos in their second exhibition game.
''I think it's always good,'' Kelly said. ''It's a great way to gauge yourself. I've done it in the past a couple times with the Patriots and once with the Ravens. We thought it was quality work in the three years that we did it.''
The sessions require some pre-planning with head coaches coordinating schedules and offensive and defensive coordinators trading ideas and scripts to make sure the practices go as smoothly as possible.
Kelly said he has spent a lot of time talking to Texans coach Bill O'Brien about how the sessions will go. The coordinators for both teams also have been involved, with Niners offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins trading ideas with Texans defensive head Romeo Crennel and defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil doing the same with Houston offensive coordinator George Godsey.
O'Neil said he and Godsey have talked about whether there are any different looks they would like to see Friday in practice that they aren't able to see as much when they go up against their own teams.
''For us defensively, it's going to be huge just from a player evaluation standpoint and then it's a totally different offensive scheme,'' O'Neil said. ''It'll be a lot more two-back formations, stuff we need to see to get ready for the season. So, it'll be a big test for our defense.''
NOTES: QB Colin Kaepernick only took mental reps at practice Thursday in what the team described as a ''planned'' rest day. ... DL Arik Armstead returned to team drills after sitting out earlier this week.
The Niners will hold a joint practice on Friday with the Houston Texans before the two teams open the exhibition season two days later at Levi's Stadium.
While these sessions often come with increased intensity and occasional fights, 49ers coach Chip Kelly said he does not believe his players will cross any lines.
''They understand that you have to play with emotion, not let emotion play with you,'' Kelly said. ''It's the same rules that you have in a game. If you get in a fight in a game, you're not going to be around. So, it's the same thing. We're trying to get a good quality practice. We're not trying to turn it into a WWE wrestling match.''
That has not always been the case. Two years ago, the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys got into a few scuffles in a joint practice in Oxnard that spilled over into the fans on the side of the field. One Raiders fan even tried to hit a Dallas defender with a replica helmet.
Niners rookie guard Joshua Garnett said it's important to strike a balance between being aggressive and physical, while staying under control.
''You hope people are not too sensitive,'' he said. ''You're going to go after them and they're going to go after you. You want to be the guy dealing the blow and not be that guy who gets caught not going harder than your opponent. You always want to be that guy setting the tempo but keep it under control and play with poise and not get out of control with your emotions.''
Kelly is a proponent of joint practices, having done them a few times during his tenure in Philadelphia. The 49ers will hold another joint practice next week in Denver before taking on the Broncos in their second exhibition game.
''I think it's always good,'' Kelly said. ''It's a great way to gauge yourself. I've done it in the past a couple times with the Patriots and once with the Ravens. We thought it was quality work in the three years that we did it.''
The sessions require some pre-planning with head coaches coordinating schedules and offensive and defensive coordinators trading ideas and scripts to make sure the practices go as smoothly as possible.
Kelly said he has spent a lot of time talking to Texans coach Bill O'Brien about how the sessions will go. The coordinators for both teams also have been involved, with Niners offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins trading ideas with Texans defensive head Romeo Crennel and defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil doing the same with Houston offensive coordinator George Godsey.
O'Neil said he and Godsey have talked about whether there are any different looks they would like to see Friday in practice that they aren't able to see as much when they go up against their own teams.
''For us defensively, it's going to be huge just from a player evaluation standpoint and then it's a totally different offensive scheme,'' O'Neil said. ''It'll be a lot more two-back formations, stuff we need to see to get ready for the season. So, it'll be a big test for our defense.''
NOTES: QB Colin Kaepernick only took mental reps at practice Thursday in what the team described as a ''planned'' rest day. ... DL Arik Armstead returned to team drills after sitting out earlier this week.
Chargers lose receiver Stevie Johnson for the season
SAN DIEGO (AP) – San Diego Chargers wide receiver Stevie Johnson will miss the season with a knee injury, coach Mike McCoy confirmed Thursday.
Johnson injured his right knee during the second practice of training camp while getting up to run downfield after making a diving catch. The nine-year pro underwent surgery Tuesday and was told Wednesday that his season was done.
Johnson, who's often used as a slot receiver, missed six games last year with hamstring and groin issues. He had 45 catches for three touchdowns and 497 yards.
Johnson injured his right knee during the second practice of training camp while getting up to run downfield after making a diving catch. The nine-year pro underwent surgery Tuesday and was told Wednesday that his season was done.
Johnson, who's often used as a slot receiver, missed six games last year with hamstring and groin issues. He had 45 catches for three touchdowns and 497 yards.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Patriots WR Julian Edelman reportedly injures leg in practice
New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman returned to Patriots practice on Tuesday after coming of the PUP list, but reportedly injured his lower-left leg in the practice.
Edelman, who underwent minor foot surgery in May, had a Patriots trainer looking at his lower left leg. He sat on a cart for a bit before leaving the field on his own, according to reports.
Edelman, 30, broke his left foot last November, ending his regular season with 61 catches and 692 yards in seven games. He returned for two playoff games, recording 17 catches for 153 yards.
The May surgery reportedly was to reinsert a screw from a past procedure.
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