National Football League News and Rumors
Michigan coaches to don CHUCKSTRONG T-shirtsMike Florio, profootballtalk.com As the Michigan Wolverines prepare to play Illinois on Saturday, the team’s coaching staff will wear CHUCKSTRONG T-shirts purchased from the Colts’ official website. According to ESPN.com, coach Brady Hoke bought 40 of the T-shirts, which will be worn… |
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Fans in Kansas City shown in a disparaging lightOct 9, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com After fans cheer for an injury to Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel, the quality of Kansas City's sports scene has been called into question. |
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Bills sign Reggie WellsOct 9, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com After their first, second, and third games, the Chargers signed offensive lineman Reggie Wells. Before their second, third, and fourth games, the Chargers cut offensive lineman Reggie Wells. But they didn’t sign him again before their fifth game, and … |
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Report: Jets not interested in T.O.Oct 9, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com As to the possibility of signing receiver Terrell Owens, Jets coach Rex Ryan publicly said Tuesday, “Never say never.” Privately, the Jets are saying never. Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Jets aren’t interested in Owens. Instead, th… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com The Commissioner’s re-issued bounty discipline resulted in, as a practical matter, a $564,000 gift to Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, given that his one-year ban has been reduced to 10 games without pay, following the completion of his six-week stint … |
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RGIII clear to practice for Redskins, per reportOct 9, 2012
ESPN.com news services, ESPN.com Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has been cleared to practice without contact Wednesday, according to a report by The Washington Post. |
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Hall of Fame gets Brees' record-setting footballOct 9, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com The Pro Football Hall of Fame has received the football Drew Brees threw to eclipsed Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas' record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. |
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Ireland still eyeballs NFL gameOct 9, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com With the Jaguars preparing to announce the team they’ll face in the first of four games to be played at Wembley Stadium in London, another city in Europe is hoping to host a game as soon as 2013. The Sunday Times of London reported this past Sunday (whi… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Of the four players who received renewed discipline for their involvement in the Saints’ alleged bounty program, only Saints defensive end Will Smith had no changes made to his penalty. He initially was suspended four games, and he once again has been s… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com 49ers quarterback Alex Smith said after Sunday’s romp over the Bills that he has no concerns about a sprained middle finger on his throwing hand. Coach Jim Harbaugh lacks the same level of confidence. “It’s very much of a concern,” Harbaugh said… |
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Colts make several roster movesOct 9, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Buoyed by a big win over the Packers, the Colts apparently are hoping to push things to the next level, via an overhaul of the bottom of their roster. The team has announced a variety of roster moves. Namely, the Colts have: 1. signed nose tackle Anto… |
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Roger Goodell Reinstates Saints Bounty Program Suspensions, Writes Prickish Letters To Those InvolvedOct 9, 2012
Tom Ley, deadspin.com Roger Goodell, having tripped all over his dick as regards the Saints' bounty program, is back to swinging the stupid thing in our faces again. Today, he reinstated the suspensions of all four players, although three of them were given more lenient puni… |
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Lions take issue with talk that they lack talentOct 9, 2012
Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com The Lions think they’re better than their 1-3 record suggests, and they’re frustrated with those who question the talent on their roster. Unnamed league executives were quoted by Pro Football Weekly as saying that the Lions have players who aren’t a… |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The Packers are 2-3 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers thinks he’s a big part of the reason why the team has failed to meet expectations so far this season. His play hasn’t been bad by most people’s standards. He’s completed 68.8 percent of his passes,… |
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Texans' Cushing out for season with torn ACLOct 9, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Linebacker Brian Cushing is out for the season with a torn left knee ligament, leaving the unbeaten Houston Texans without their top tackler and one of their emotional leaders. |
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Buddy Nix wants more urgency from the defenseOct 9, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The Bills are hanging out in the desert this week before they face the Cardinals and they’re doing a little bit of soul searching to figure out how to stop a slide that’s seen them outscored 97-31 in the last two games. When they’re hanging out in a… |
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Goodell upholds Vilma penalty, lessens 2 othersOct 9, 2012
ESPN.com news services, ESPN.com NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reduced the bounty-related suspensions of two New Orleans Saints players while upholding the punishments of two others, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Throughout the NFL’s investigation of the Saints bounty case, the most serious accusation made against any player was the claim that Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma told his teammates before the NFC Championship Game that he’d give $10,000 to anyone … |
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49ers' Williams eyes redemption against GiantsOct 9, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Kyle Williams circled this week's game against the New York Giants as soon as the NFL schedule was released in April. |
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Former Lions great Alex Karras dies at 77Oct 9, 2012
Brian McIntyre, yahoo.com Former All-Pro Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alex Karras passed away Wednesday morning in Los Angeles at the age of 77. Karras had been given just days to live after recently experiencing kidney failure. In recent years, Karras had been bravely battlin… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com If you think the drama surrounding the Saints bounty penalties is going to die down anytime soon, think again. The NFLPA released the following statement, moments after the NFL released Roger Goodell’s slight changes to the punishments of four players: … |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The Vikings have been one of the biggest surprises of the first five weeks of the NFL season and one of their players with talk about the 4-1 start with the Pro Football Talk on NBC Sports Network crew on Tuesday. Tight end Kyle Rudolph will let us all … |
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Dom Cosentino, deadspin.com Since the NFL instituted its "more significant discipline" for shots to the head two years ago, James Harrison has been a remorseless re-offender. He's been fined six times under the new protocol, and he's seemingly bitched about it just as of… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Apparently Willie Colon now has more to apologize for than his four holding penalties. Colon said Monday that his teammate Ben Roethlisberger thought the Eagles “were going after his head,” but his quarterback circled back Tuesday to deny that. “I j… |
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Redskins cut slumping K Cundiff, sign ForbathOct 9, 2012
ESPN.com news services, ESPN.com The Washington Redskins cut Billy Cundiff on Tuesday, the second time the kicker has been released this season. |
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Source: Cushing torn ACL is confirmedOct 9, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com After Monday night’s game against the Jets, the Texans feared that linebacker Brian Cushing suffered a torn ACL. An MRI has confirmed those fears. A source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Cushing’s ACL is indeed torn. It means that he… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com So much for “getting there.” The Buccaneers placed cornerback Anthony Gaitor on injured reserve, with the designated for return tag so he can return later this season. They filled his roster spot by promoting linebacker Jacob Cutrera from the practice… |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com There are plenty of players on both the 49ers and Giants who remember last year’s 20-17 Giants win in the NFC Championship Game, but it is hard to imagine that the memory of the game burns hotter for anyone than it does for 49ers wide receiver Kyle Will… |
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Breaking Down Brees's Record-Setting TouchdownOct 9, 2012
Jonathan Bales, nytimes.com The Saints' Drew Brees became the first quarterback to throw at least one touchdown pass in 48 straight games, breaking the record of Johnny Unitas. |
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Outside the Game: Kyle Turley hopes to get back to NFL stadiums — this time, with his bandOct 9, 2012
Doug Farrar, yahoo.com As a football player, offensive lineman Kyle Turley was best-known for one incident. When Turley's Saints played the New York Jets at the Superdome in November of 2011, there was a play in which Jets defensive player Damien Robinson was trying to twist … |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com Raiders linebacker Aaron Curry went on the PUP list at the start of training camp, which means that he hasn’t taken part in one practice yet this season. The Raiders expect that to change next week. That’s when Curry and other players who spent time o… |
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Bills GM calls out defense for lack of urgencyOct 9, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Buddy Nix places the blame for the Buffalo Bills' defensive meltdowns on an overall lack of urgency and not solely on high-priced defensive end Mario Williams. And the Bills general manager maintained his confidence in coach Chan Gailey's ability to tur… |
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T-Rich already a star; more Week 5 Xs & OsOct 9, 2012
The Browns are terrible, but luckily Trent Richardson is far from it. Already a star, the rookie could be a monster in the near future. Chris Burke breaks down Week 5's Xs and Os. |
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'Encouraged' Ryan expects Keller to returnOct 9, 2012
Rich Cimini, ESPN.com New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller, who has missed the last four games with a pulled hamstring, is expected to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Rex Ryan. |
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He was dominant in college, and starred as an NFL rookie. Then came the struggles, and the attitude questions. Cam Newton's arc is now looking familiar, writes Don Banks. |
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Belichick: Welker’s got a good sense of humorOct 9, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com If Patriots coach Bill Belichick was upset by wide receiver Wes Welker’s comment that it was nice to stick it in the coach’s face after catching 13 balls in the win over the Broncos, he’s not sharing it with the public. Belichick directed questions… |
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Sam Page, deadspin.com Vince Young is broke and out of work, so you'll forgive him if he retweets the occasional encouraging note. Today, for instance, he retweeted a picture from his Titans days, showing him handing the ball off to Chris Johnson. The fun memory became a desp… |
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Ryan: Jets sticking with struggling SanchezOct 9, 2012
Rich Cimini, ESPN.com Mark Sanchez is mired in one of the worst slumps of his career, but he will remain the New York Jets' starting quarterback. |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Antrel Rolle never imagined his knee would still be sore three weeks after slamming into a cameraman in Charlotte. But the Giants safety said Tuesday on WFAN (via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News) that the knee is a “lingering” issue. Now yo… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com A day after Chiefs right tackle Eric Winston should have gotten a paycheck from ESPN for all the time his face and voice went out over its airwaves, folks in Kansas City are pushing back against the notion that fans cheered the head injury suffered by q… |
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Alfred Morris has gotten off to a great startOct 9, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com When the subject of rookies comes up with the Washington Redskins, the conversation is almost always about Robert Griffin III. That makes sense. It’s a quarterback league, Griffin was the second overall pick and the Redskins have needed a long-term solu… |
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Dolphins RB Bush to become first-time fatherOct 9, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Reggie Bush is going to become a first-time father. |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com A trio of tough calls helped turn a potential win for the Chargers on Sunday night into a loss. After the game, however, San Diego coach Norv Turner wasn’t inclined to complain about the officials. As to the roughing the passer call on linebacker Melv… |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The Panthers have been coy about the long-term plans for their linebacking corps, but it sounds like they’ll be sticking with Jon Beason as their middle linebacker a little while longer. Beason missed the loss to the Seahawks with shoulder and knee inju… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com The Cardinals placed running back Ryan Williams on injured reserve this morning, but they didn’t fill his spot with another running back. Instead, they brought back cornerback Crezdon Butler, according to Darren Urban of the team’s official website. T… |
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Former Pats RB Faulk retires, receives praiseOct 9, 2012
Mike Rodak, ESPN.com Former New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk announced his retirement Thursday in a ceremony at Gillette Stadium attended by his coaches and teammates. |
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PFT Live: Texans talk with James PalmerOct 9, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com Week Five is in the books and we’ll spend some time during Tuesday’s edition of PFT Live talking about one of the two remaining unbeaten teams. James Palmer of CSN Houston will join Mike Florio to talk about the Texans in the wake of their 23-17 win o… |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com The Patriots’ fast-paced offense gave the Broncos fits on Sunday. And simplifying the play calling was a big part of it. New England used one-word play calls for much of the game against Denver, taking what is ordinarily a mouthful that includes the for… |
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Have N.F.L. Questions? Judy Battista Has AnswersOct 9, 2012
The New York Times, nytimes.com Judy Battista, the N.F.L. reporter for The Times, will answer questions from readers. |
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Tom Ley, deadspin.com This is almost too good to be true. First, Tim Tebow let us know that last night was the 666th Monday Night Football game in history, and then Mark Sanchez went out and played like Mark Sanchez as the Jets fell victim to the Houston Texans. More » |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com There was once a time when Philip Rivers was the guy you wanted on your side, trailing late. But that seems like a long time ago. Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego points out that the Chargers have seemingly lost their knack for comebacks, unable to replicate… |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Broncos cornerback Tony Carter made an incredibly tasteless attempt at a joke on Monday night, referencing the July shooting in a Denver-area theater that left 12 dead and 58 injured. On Tuesday morning he apologized. Carter wrote on Twitter Monday nigh… |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com The Titans are 1-4, with one win coming by a field goal in overtime, and four losses coming by 21, 28, 24 and 23 points. So it’s not exactly breaking news that they’re not a good team. But it is news when their highest-paid player, running back Chris … |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com The Jets continue to stumble when it comes to devising the proper strategy for using quarterback Tim Tebow. Amid rampant reports and speculation that the Jets would make extensive use out of Tebow on Monday night against the Texans, Tebow was involved i… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick grew up in Arizona, so he knows about the old hippies and New Agers who flock to Sedona. He might considering leading a field trip of self-discovery this week. “Light some incense,” Fitzpatrick joked with Tim Graham … |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano has been preaching discipline at work, but may need to take a bit of that home with him as well. Schiano’s son Joe, a sophomore linebacker at Tampa’s Berkeley Prep, has been suspended for the rest of the season after bein… |
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Texans fear torn ACL for Brian CushingOct 9, 2012
Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com The injury Texans linebacker Brian Cushing suffered on Monday night may have ended his season. A source told PFT’s Mike Florio that the Texans’ medical staff fears Cushing suffered a torn ACL in Monday night’s win over the Jets. An MRI to reveal the… |
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Tuesday morning one-linersOct 9, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com Said Bills LB Nick Barnett, “Going on two weeks and giving up that many run yards and giving up the plays we gave up, it’s disappointing and deflating. I don’t lose hope. I’m going to keep striking and pushing forward because I know we have the po… |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Packers running back Cedric Benson said after Sunday’s game that he didn’t think the foot injury he suffered was serious. It appears that he was wrong. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Benson has the Lisfranc foot injury and is expected to miss at l… |
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George Bretherton, nytimes.com If the injury-depleted Jets are going to find a way to get back on the plus side of .500, re-establishing their ground-and-pound roots would seem to be a necessity. |
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NY Jets' quarterback plan a total loss so far with Mark Sanchez starting but it’s not Tim Tebow time yetOct 9, 2012
The Jets’ season is slipping away, but the time has not yet arrived for Rex Ryan to bench Mark Sanchez and hand the team over to Tim Tebow. That would be a desperation move just five weeks into the season even though Sanchez threw two passes in Monday n… |
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Sam Page, deadspin.com Darren Rovell tweeted something tonight that incorrectly assumed Detroit Lions great Alex Karras had died. Karras is gravely ill, but not dead. Rovell's tweet was unfortunate, but everyone makes mistakes. Alas, he followed it up with this: More » |
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Doug Farrar, yahoo.com The New York Jets pride themselves on the versatility of their quarterbacks, but Rex Ryan didn't want his team to end its real shot at upsetting the Houston Texans with a tackle credited to Mark Sanchez. In a game that was much closer on the field and o… |
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Foster carries unbeaten Texans to win vs. JetsOct 9, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Arian Foster ran for 152 yards and a touchdown, and the Texans stayed unbeaten by defeating the Jets for the first time in team history, hanging on for a 23-17 victory Monday night. |
