Sunday, August 31, 2014

49ers Ray McDonald Arrested For Domestic Violence

Just days after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a new enforcement policy for domestic violence, a San Francisco player is now facing charges of domestic violence.

According to NBC Bay Area reporter Damian Trujillo, 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was arrested at 2:48 a.m. Sunday morning on allegations of felony domestic violence. Reports indicated the incident involved his pregnant fiancĂ©e. Police arrested McDonald after seeing bruising on his fiancee's arms and neck.

McDonald was arrested at his home in San Jose. Sources say other 49er team members were at the home at the time of his arrest just before 3 a.m. McDonald was booked into Santa Clara County Jail and bail was set at $25,000,  according to the Santa Clara Department of Correction records.

This was McDonald's second run in with the law. He was arrested in 2010 for an outstanding warrant from a DUI arrest earlier that year.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Former Steelers/Bengals LB James Harrison Retires

After 11 great seasons in the NFL, James Harrison has called it quits. The linebacker made the announcement via his Facebook page:

"I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn't strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steeler family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, and last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you."

Harrison last played for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for Kent State University, and was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Harrison has earned two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.

Harrison registered at least 8.5 sacks in every season from 2007 through 2011 for the Steelers and retires with 66 sacks over his entire career. Though a dominant and often penalized player in Pittsburgh, he was not the same player who played for the Bengals last season. Cincinnati cut Harrison in March and though a deal with the Cardinals seemed eminent, he ultimately didn't catch on with any team.

Bills Sign QB Kyle Orton

For the second time in a week Buffalo has found a backup quarterback.

Bills agreed to a one-year deal with free agent quarterback Kyle Orton. Earlier in the week the Bills signed Jordan Palmer, but promptly released him.

Orton, who was released by the Cowboys in July, considered retirement before agreeing to terms with the Bills. The nine year journeyman has also played in Chicago, Denver and Kansas City.

Friday, August 29, 2014

49ers LB Aldon Smith Suspended

49ers linebacker Aldon Smith finally learned his fate from the league.

Smith has been suspended the first nine games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Smith was sentenced to 11 days to a work release in Santa Clara, Calif. for his Sept. 2013 drunk driving arrest. It was his second drunk driving arrest since entering the league in 2011. Smith missed five days last season when he entered a substance abuse treatment facility.

Smith also faced felony gun charges, but they were reduced to misdemeanors. Smith was arrested in April for allegedly making a fake bomb threat. Los Angeles City Attorney's office declined to press charges.

Smith will be eligible to return to the 49ers' active roster on Nov. 10 following the team's Nov. 9 game against New Orleans. He will make his first regular season game appearance against the Giants in New York on Nov. 16.

Vikings WR Jerome Simpson Suspension Upheld

Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson will serve a three game suspension after the league denied his appeal.

Simpson was arrested for drunk driving on Nov. 9 of last year. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of careless driving and refusing to submit to a chemical test. The league handed down the three game suspension which Simpson immediately appealed.

This is Simpson's second suspension in three years. He was suspended the first three games of the 2012 season after pleading guilty to mailing two pounds of marijuana to his home in Kentucky while he was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He served 15 days in jail and was placed on three years probation.

The Vikings will turn to wide receivers Jarius Wright, Adam Thielen and Rodney Smith to fill the void left by Simpson. Simpson, who resigned with the Vikings on a one year $1 million deal is not owed any guaranteed money and therefore could potentially not make the final 53 man roster.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Broncos QB Peyton Manning Fined For Taunting

The NFL levied a fine against Peyton Manning for his taunting penalty in last week's Texans game.

Manning was fined $8200 for taunting Texans safety D.J. Swearinger after a touchdown pass during the Texans-Broncos preseason game last week in Houston.

The taunting penalty came after Swearinger mouthed off all week during the joint practices and then knocked Wes Welker out of the game. Manning threw the touchdown then said an expletive to Swearinger.

When informed of the fine Manning replied "I accept it. Money well spent."

NFL Announces New Suspension Guidelines For Domestic Violence

After receiving a tremendous amount of negative feedback for the length of the suspension of Ravens running back Ray Rice for domestic violence, the league announced it has passed new guidelines for domestic violence suspensions.

As first reported by Jane McManus of ESPN the league announced new measures on domestic violence in a letter sent to all 32 owners today.

According to the new measure a first domestic violence offense will result in a six game suspension, the second offense will result in a lifetime ban from the NFL.

Albert Breer of NFL.com passed along comments from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in regards to the Ray Rice suspension:



In a separate memo to all personnel Goodell  also outlined new educational program on domestic violence, outreach to young athletes and additional services for families. The new rules go into effect immediately.

Cowboys SS Jakar Hamilton Suspended

The Cowboys secondary has suffered their second player suspension in less than a month.

Cowboys strong safety Jakar Hamilton has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Hamilton's suspension comes weeks after cornerback Orlando Scandrick was suspended the first four games for violating the league's performance enhancing drug policy.

Hamilton has played in only one preseason game thus far and is unlikely to play in Thursday's final preseason game against the Broncos due to a leg injury. His spot on the final 53 man roster is not guaranteed.

This is Hamilton's second violation of the league's drug policy. He will remain in the league's Stage Two policy for 24 months or two full seasons wherein he is subject to random drug test up to 10 times per month. Another violation would incur a one year suspension.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

League Upholds Josh Gordon Suspension

Despite his best appeal efforts, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will  be suspended for the entire 2014 season.

The NFL announced on Wednesday that arbitrator Harold Henderson upheld the league's one year suspension of Gordon for a failed marijuana test.

Gordon had appealed the suspension and hired attorney Maurice Suh to represent him at the appeal hearing. Suh had successfully argued to have Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman's suspension reduced last season. Suh argued that Gordon tested positive for marijuana due to second hand smoke and that test results were inconsistent and should be thrown out.

Gordon didn't help his case however when he was arrested on July 5 in Raleigh, North Carolina on drunk driving charges. The talented receiver was a risky pick for the Browns in the 2012 supplemental draft because of his history of failed drug tests in college.

Gordon served a two game suspension last season for a drug violation but still led the league with 1,646 receiving yards.

Gordon issued a statement apologizing to his teammates, coaches, the organization and fans and thanked the people who supported him during the appeals process.

Gordon's suspension is effective immediately. Gordon is not allowed to practice or play for the Browns or attend any team meetings or functions. His reinstatement to the league will be determined after the 2014 season.

Gordon is still under the care of the NFL treatment program which requires counseling and rehab and random drug testing. His loss for the season is a huge blow to the Browns.

Jets Dimitri Patterson banned until Mon

Dimitri Patterson will have to miss the Jets final preseason game due to his actions last week.

Patterson went AWOL from the team for two days last weekend. He failed to show up the Jets preseason game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Friday and the team didn't hear from his agent until Saturday to inform them Patterson was fine. Patterson later met with the team on Sunday.

The Jets suspended the young cornerback for the remainder of the preseason. Patterson faces additional punishment including a possible fine by the team. The suspension doesn't remove the possibility that Patterson will be cut over the weekend when the Jets make their final cuts to a 53 man roster.

Patterson was signed in the off-season to a one year $3 million contract to start opposite Dee Milliner. He has been injury plagued for the last several seasons but with the Jets thin at the cornerback position he will likely remain on the team after his suspension is lifted on Monday.

Seahawks Fined $300K For Off-Season Practice Violations

The Seahawks have come under fire for their off-season practices and now will pay a hefty price for their violation.

The team and head coach Pete Carroll have been fined more than $300,000 and will lose two double practices in 2015 for violating no-contact rules that govern NFL teams' offseason practices.

Carroll was fined $100,000 and the Seahawks organization was fined just over $200,000 for excessive contact between players during a June 18 practice. The team will be allowed one practice session during the final day of minicamp.

The 2011 collective bargaining agreement bans physical contact between players during the off-season. This is the second time the Seahawks have violated the rule. They were fined and lost two practices in 2012 for a similar violation.

Broncos K Matt Prater Suspended

The Broncos will have to start the regular season without their starting kicker.

Kicker Matt Prater was suspended for the first four games of the regular season without pay on Monday for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The league made it official on Tuesday.

Prater is able to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games, but he cannot do any on-field work or attend practice once the start of the regular season begins.

Prater took ownership of his actions and apologized and vowed to no longer drink alcohol for as long as he is in the NFL substance abuse program.

With the Broncos on bye in Week 4, Prater will not make his regular season debut until Week 6 against the Jets in New York.

The Broncos  traded a conditional seventh-round pick to the Giants for kicker Brandon McManus to fill the void left by Prater for the first four games.

Rams CB Trumaine Johnson Out 4-6 Weeks

The same game where Rams lost quarterback Sam Bradford, the team also lost their starting cornerback Trumaine Johnson.

Johnson went down on the first play of the Rams third defensive series. Both Johnson and defensive tackle Michael Brockers went down. Brockers was able to get up on his own power, but Johnson had to be carted off the field.

MRI test on Saturday revealed that Johnson suffered a sprained MCL and will be out 4-6 weeks. He is expected to return the week after their bye when the Rams face the Eagles in Philadelphia in Week 5 or against the 49ers at home in week 6.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Rams QB Sam Bradford Out For the Season

Sam Bradford was hopeful to make an impact on the field this season after suffering a season ending injury early last season. His hopes have been dashed before the regular season even started.

Head coach Jeff Fisher announced Sunday that Bradford is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. This was the second time he suffered the injury to the same knee.

The injury happened when Cleveland's defensive end Armonty Bryant made contact with Bradford's knee on a passing play. Bradford fell to the ground but eventually limped off on his own power. He went to the locker room for further examination.

Bradford will be replaced by quarterback Shaun Hill for the season.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Raiders RB Kory Sheets Out For the Season

The Raiders lost one of their kick returners in a preseason loss on Friday.

Running back Kory Sheets announced via his Twitter that he had sustained a season ending Achilles injury during the Raiders 31-21 loss to the Packers in Green Bay.

Sheets was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Purdue in 2009. He later played with the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers before signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Sheets had his best season in professional football with the Roughriders where he gained the second most yards ever in a championship game and was named the 2013 Grey Cup Most Valuable Player. He signed with the Raiders in the off-season.

With Sheets lost for the season the kick and punt return duties now fall to running back Latavius Murray.

Packers NT B.J. Raji Out For the Season

Packers suffered their first injury to a starting player this season.

Nose tackle B.J. Raji is out for the season after suffering a torn right bicep in Friday's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders.

Raji is the third Packer to sustain a season ending injury but the first starter.

Raji had his best seasons with the Packers in 2009 and 2010 while playing nose tackle but struggled the last three years when he was switched to defensive end. He resigned with the Packers to a one year $4 million dollar deal this off-season after drawing little interest in the free agent market.

Packers have second year player Josh Boyd,  rookie Mike Pennel  and former Minnesota Viking Letroy Guion who can fill the nose tackle position.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Chiefs OT Donald Stephenson Suspended

The Chiefs were dealt another harsh blow as another member of their offense faces suspension.

Right tackle Donald Stephenson has been suspended the first four games of the regular season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs. The team is already without wide receiver Dwayne Bowe for a violation of the NFL's drug policy for the first game of the season.

Stephenson will be eligible to practice and play in the final two preseason games before his suspension begins. He won't be eligible to return to the active roster until Sept. 30, a day after the Chiefs play the Patriots at Arrowhead.

He will miss a key divisional game against the Broncos as well as games against the Titans, Dolphins and Patriots. He will make his season debut against the 49ers in San Francisco on Oct. 5.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Steelers RBs Bell and Blount Face Marijuana Possession Charges

Steelers running backs Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount have run into legal trouble as a result of  a traffic stop in Ross Township, Penn.

Bell, Blount and a female passenger were pulled over when a motorcycle cop smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from a Camaro driven by Bell. A 20 gram bag of marijuana was found in the vehicle and all three people in the vehicle claimed possession. All three were arrested and charged with marijuana possession and released. Bell was taken to a local hospital to have blood drawn and faces a possibility of being charged of driving under the influence of marijuana.

Bell and Blount will play in Thursday night's game against Philadelphia. The team and the league will review the incident for any possible punishment.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Cardinals DE Darnell Dockett Out For the Season

Arizona lost another key member to their defense for the season.

Defensive end Darnell Dockett went down with a knee injury during a pass play and had to be carted off the field during Monday's practice. Cardinals later tweeted that Dockett suffered a torn right ACL and will have season ending knee surgery.

Dockett is a 10 year veteran with the Cardinals who has only missed two games in his entire career. He is a three time Pro Bowler had his best season last year and is a durable reliable leader for the team.

Cardinals are already without linebacker Daryl Washington who is suspended for the season. The loss of Dockett adds another tremendous blow to a team who missed the playoffs by one game last season.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Falcons OT Sam Baker Out for the Season

The Falcons suffered a major setback on their offense with the loss of a key member of their offensive line.

Left tackle Sam Baker is out for the season with a torn patella tendon in his right knee. He suffered the injury during the Falcons Saturday night 32-7 loss to the Texans.

Baker was a first round draft pick for the Falcons in 2008. He has started 61 games in his career and had three back surgeries. He played a full season in 2012 but after signing a six year $41.5 million dollar deal in 2012 he played in just four games in 2013 before suffering a knee surgery that kept him out the remainder of the season. This was supposed to be his return to the Falcons revamped offensive line.

Now with Baker out, the Falcons have moved rookie Jake Matthews from right tackle to left. Competition is now open to replace Matthews spot on the right side of the line with Lamar Holmes, Mike Johnson, Gabe Carimi and Ryan Schraeder all competing for the spot.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Bears TE Zach Miller Out for the Season

Bears received bad news on Friday in their already depleted tight end corp.

Tight end Zach Miller will be out for the season due to a foot injury he suffered during the Bears preseason victory over the Jaguars.

Miller was trying to make the team as a backup behind starter Martellus Bennett and backup Dante Rosario.

Miller had six catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns in the first preseason game for the Bears.

Miller played in 29 games in his first two seasons in the NFL from 2009-2010 but hasn't been on an active roster since 2011. He spent 2012 on the Jaguars injured reserve list and was waived by the Buccaneers prior to the start of the 2013 regular season.

Bears Agree to Terms With WR Santonio Holmes

The Chicago Bears have found their number three receiver. The team has agreed to terms with former New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes.

ESPN first reported the Bears worked out Holmes earlier this week.

Holmes had his season with the Steelers in 2009 when he made 79 receptions for 1,248 yards and was named Super Bowl XLIII MVP. He has been plagued with injuries since then missing 12 games for the Jets in 2012 with a Lisfranc injury and playing in just 11 games last games last season.

Bears are in need of a stud No. 3 after losing receiver Marquess Wilson to a fractured clavicle earlier this month.

If Holmes can stay healthy he can be the quality receiver the Bears need over Eric Weems and Josh Morgan.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe Suspended

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been suspended one game for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Bowe will be allowed to practice and play throughout the preseason. He will miss the season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 7 at home.

Bowe released a statement taking responsibility for making an error in judgment and apologizing to the team and their fans.

Bowe was arrested in November in Riverside, Missouri for possession of marijuana. He pleaded guilty in April to littering and defective equipment. The marijuana charge was dismissed when the passenger from the vehicle admitted to the drug belonging to them and that Bowe was unaware it was in the car.

Chiefs have several receivers to replace Bowe for the season opener including Junior Hemingway, A.J. Jenkins, Kyle Williams and rookie Albert Wilson.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Packers TE Colt Lyerla Out For Season

Packers were hoping to get rookie tight end Colt Lyerla some playing time this preseason, but now his season has been cut short.

Packers announced Lyerla has been diagnosed with a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee.

Lyerla is an undrafted rookie out of Oregon. While he had a decent freshman and sophomore season for the Ducks, he ran into trouble during his junior year and later quit the team.

Lyerla has been described as having ability on the level of Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski, but with this injury he will not get to show that talent this season. He will be relegated to injured reserve.

Brandon Bostick and rookie Richard Rodgers will take over as pass-catching tight ends, with Andrew Quarless and Ryan Taylor taking over as the blockers.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Raiders, Cowboys and Fans Fight in Joint Practice

The Raiders and Cowboys held joint practice on Tuesday that resulted in not one, but two altercations.

The first altercation started between the Cowboys defense and the Raiders offense. There was a no tackling agreement made prior to practice, but cornerback Morris Claiborne decided to tackle tight end Mychal Rivera to the turf right near a crowd of Raiders fans.

When Claiborne got up to celebrate his tackle, Raiders wide receiver Greg Little confronted him. Shortly after players from both teams rushed over and a melee broke out close to the fans behind a fence.

One Raider fan hit Cowboys cornerback B.W. Webb with a helmet and Webb pushed the fan in defense.

A second fight broke out as practice wound down between the Cowboys offense and the Raiders defense. No players were seriously injured in either brawl.

Broncos LB Danny Trevathan Out 4-8 Weeks

The Broncos lost a key member of their defense as Danny Trevathan suffered an injury.

In practice on Tuesday, Trevathan fell to the ground during a running play. Back-up center Will Montgomery rolled over Trevathan when both hit the ground. Trevathan immediately grabbed for his knee and was carted off the field after several minutes.

Test later revealed that Trevathan suffered an impact fracture on his tibia and will be out four to eight weeks recovering.

Trevathan is a vital player on the Broncos defense. He is a three down linebacker with skill to play both the run and the pass so his loss to the weak side is significant.

Veteran Brandon Marshall and rookies Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson will fill in for Trevathan in the coming weeks.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Texans Release RB Andre Brown

Texans are in need of a backup to their starting running back Arian Foster, but Andre Brown will not be that player. Brown was released by the Texans on Monday along with fellow running back Dennis Johnson.

The two players were replaced by running back Ronnie Brown, who played for the Chargers for the last two seasons and William Powell who has not played since 2012.

Brown scored three touchdowns for the Giants last season so had no idea what prompted the Texans to cut him.

Starting running back Arian Foster did not play in Texans first preseason game as he missed most of training camp with leg injuries. Jonathan Grimes has been the starter with rookie Alfred Blue backing him up.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick Suspended

Dallas Cowboys are already without Sean Lee on their defense, now comes word that another defensive player will miss time.

Cornerback Orlando Scandrick has been suspended four games. The news reported via Jerry Jones:
NFL Insider Jay Glazer further explained Scandrick's suspension:
Information released on Tuesday reveals the banned substance Scandrick took in Mexico was MDMA commonly referred to as Molly. Scandrick denies knowingly taking the substance but apologized to his team, family and fans for the suspension.

Scandrick won't be available to play until Oct. 5 when the Cowboys host the Texans.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Jets Dee Milliner Out Weeks and Dexter McDougle Out For season

The Jets are the latest team to be struck by the injury bug. The team lost cornerbacks Dee Milliner and rookie Dexter McDougle to injuries.

Milliner suffered a high ankle sprain when he rolled his ankle while defending rookie wide receiver Quincy Enunwa. He's expected to miss a few weeks.

McDougle caught a cleat in the grass while covering in a one-on-one drill in the red zone. He was able to walk off on his own but felt a sharp pain in his knee. The team announced later he tore the ACL in his left knee and is out for the season.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Vikings DT Linval Joseph Sustains Minor Injury After Shooting

Police are investigating a shooting that left nine people injured including Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph.

Joseph was struck in the calf by a stray bullet fired inside a nightclub in downtown Minneapolis early Saturday morning just before closing time of the 400 Soundbar. Joseph was treated at the hospital and released. The team expects him to return to practice sometime this week.

Police are still searching for a gunman in the incident. Vikings released a statement saying they were thankful Linval wasn't seriously hurt and that their thoughts and prayers were with all the victims.

Linval signed a five-year, $31.25 million deal with the team in March.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Dolphins S Reshad Jones Suspended

Miami has been dealt another tough blow as their season is just starting to begin.

Dolphins safety Reshad Jones has been suspended by the league for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Jones will not be eligible to play in a regular-season game until Oct. 12 against the Green Bay Packers.

This is the second player on the Dolphins defense lost to a suspension. Dion Jordan was suspended in July for the same violation.

Jones released a statement via the Dolphins and the NFLPA stating a supplement he took caused the positive test and he regretted not investigating the supplement before he took it. He apologized to all his teammates, coaches and fans for the mistake.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Falcons LB Marquis Spruill Out for Season

Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Marquis Spruill is out for the season with a left knee injury.

The 23-year-old tore his ACL late during Wednesday's practice, the team announced Thursday. Spruill had to be helped off the field by two members of the Falcons medical staff.

Spruill was a rookie out of Syracuse. The 6-foot, 224 pound lineman played all four years for the Orange and was drafted in the fifth round. He was working as a reserve inside linebacker when the injury occurred.

The Falcons have already lost Sean Weatherspoon to a season ending Achilles injury leaving Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu and rookie Prince Shembo to fill in the gaps.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Bears Suspend and Fine TE Martellus Bennett

On Monday a skirmish broke out during Bears training camp between veteran tight end Martellus Bennett and rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller.

On Tuesday the team reacted swiftly by fining and suspending Bennett for conduct detrimental to the team. According to ESPN the length of the suspension has yet to be determined.

During a routine tackle, Bennett became enraged after Fuller tackled him. He slammed Fuller to the turf before being restrained by teammates. After some time the two were seen high fiving each other.

Bennett later said he is known for his aggressive style of play and he is there to help the team win championships. The Bears need Bennett on board as he has been a key element in their offensive scheme being both an additional offensive weapon for Jay Cutler and a key blocker for Matt Forte.

Update: Giants RB David Wilson Career is Over

David Wilson will not be returning to play professional football. The young running back's career is over after just two seasons in the league.

Wilson suffered a setback in his recovery when he was injured during a collision in practice last Tuesday. He suffered a burner and was set to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York for tests and evaluation.

On Monday doctors informed Wilson he needed to stop playing football in order to avoid further damage to his spine.

Wilson was drafted in the first round by the Giants out of Virginia Tech in 2012. He was a kick return specialist he rushed for over 1,500 yards in his rookie season. He missed the final 11 games of last season due to the neck surgery.

Wilson released a statement through the team asking people not to feel sorry for him and stating he had a chance to live a dream and now he can dream another dream and live that too.

The Giants were prepared for the potential loss of Wilson. Rookie Andre Williams made an impression during the Giants preseason opener against Buffalo rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown. Veterans Rashad Jennings and Peyton Hillis also contributed in the Giants run total.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Broncos Montee Ball Set to Have Appendectomy

Montee Ball will not be seen this preseason for the Broncos.

ESPN reports Ball will undergo an appendectomy on Monday which will effectively end his chances of practicing or playing this preseason. He is expected to be healthy in time to return for the regular season.

Ball was drafted in the second round in 2013. In his rookie season he amassed 559 yards on 20 carries and four touchdowns. With Knowshon Moreno having left via free agency, Ball is the expectd replacement to pick up the carries. Moreno had over 1,000 yards rushing last season.

Giants RB David Wilson Out for the Season

David Wilson will not be returning from injury this season. According to ESPN, the New York Giants are ending the young running back's season due to a burner he sustained in his neck last week during practice.

Wilson was set to make a return after having spinal fusion surgery in January to repair a disk issue. He was injured during a collision in practice last Tuesday.

Tuesday night Wilson was sent to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York for tests and Wednesday the Giants announced Wilson would miss the rest of the week of practice and the preseason opening game.  He is scheduled to meet with the doctor who performed his spinal surgery on Monday.

Giants have plenty of backup options to replace Wilson. The team picked up Rashad Jennings and Peyton Hillis in free agency and drafted Andre Williams in the fourth round.

Wilson is likely headed to injured reserve for the season, but the injury could potentially end his young career.

Bengals QB Andy Dalton Receives Six Year $115M Extension

The Bengals and Andy Dalton have agreed to a long term deal to keep the young quarterback in Cincinnati for the next several years.

According to ESPN, Dalton and the Bengals agreed to a six year $115 million contract extension on Monday.

Dalton will sign the new contract extension today. He has one year left on his rookie deal and was scheduled to make just under $1.7 million this season.

In his three year NFL regular season career Dalton has thrown for 11,360 yards 80 touchdowns, 49 interceptions and also rushed for an additional 7 touchdowns. However, Dalton is 0-3 in the playoffs where he has thrown just 1 touchdown and 6 interceptions.

Bengals start their preseason this Thursday against the Chiefs in Kansas City.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

49ers DT Glenn Dorsey Out For Season

San Francisco has become the latest casualty of the injury bug.

ESPN Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn bicep muscle.

Dorsey injured his left arm during Friday's practice, which also happened to be his birthday. He will have surgery on Monday to repair the tear.

Dorsey is set to become a free agent after this season so the injury is a major setback for his future with the team. He was drafted number 5 overall in 2008 by Kansas City and played five lackluster seasons for the Chiefs before signing with the 49ers in 2013 where he has had tremendous success at nose tackle.

49ers have Quinton Dial and Ian Williams to replace the injured Dorsey.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch Ends Training Camp Holdout

After an eight day holdout, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch finally reported to camp on Thursday. The move came at a cost to the team.

Seahawks have agreed to pay Lynch $6.5 million this season. He was originally scheduled to make $5 million. The additional pay comes from a $500,000 pregame roster bonus, $500,000 if he rushed for 1,500 yards and $500,000 from his 2015 salary.

The team will also waive the nearly $500,000 in fines he accumulated during his holdout. He must still pass a physical in order to be added to the active 90-man roster.

Lynch has averaged over 1,350 yards on 300 carries and amassed 39 touchdowns in the last three seasons with the Seahawks. He is their most prolific offensive weapon.