Month: July 2021

May 26, 2021; Eagan, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and quarterback Kellen Mond (11) participate in drills at OTA at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings QB Kellen Mond tests positive, Kirk Cousins close contact

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Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Kellen Mond tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, NFL Network reported, as three of the team’s QBs were out for Saturday’s practice, including starter Kirk Cousins.

Fellow quarterback Nate Stanley also was out of Saturday’s practice, with NFL Network adding that Cousins is a “high-risk close contact.”

The Vikings did release a statement on the situation but did not name specific players.

“Due to the NFL-NFLPA COVID-19 protocols, multiple players will be held out of tonight’s practice inside TCO Stadium,” the team said in its statement. “We will share further updates as they become available in the coming days.”

According to NFL rules related to COVID-19, any players or staff who have been vaccinated are not considered high-risk close contact.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer expressed frustration over the team’s predicament.

“That’s why people should get vaccinated,” Zimmer said, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Quarterback Jake Browing, who has no NFL experience and was signed to a reserve/future contract in January, was expected to handle all of the reps in practice Saturday. Browning is vaccinated.

“It’s important to be available when you’re playing football in a team sport,” Zimmer said in regard to Browning. “… He’s vaccinated. That helps to be the backup.”

–Field Level Media

Jul 29, 2021; Berea, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) catches a pass during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Browns reach 3-year extension with RB Nick Chubb

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The Cleveland Browns and two-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb reached an agreement on a three-year, $36.6 million extension, ESPN and NFL Network reported Saturday.

Chubb, 25, gets $30 million in guaranteed money, per the reports. The deal keeps Chubb under contract with the Browns through the 2024 season.

Chubb has rushed for 3,557 yards in 44 games (37 starts) to go with 28 touchdowns in Cleveland since the Browns drafted him in the second round of the 2018 draft out of Georgia.

He rushed for 1,067 yards last season despite missing four games with an MCL sprain. He made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.

He was four rushing yards shy of 1,000 in his rookie campaign. He’s also caught 72 balls for 577 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield.

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Agent: Devonta Freeman agrees to deal with Saints

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Running back Devonta Freeman agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, his agent Drew Rosenhaus announced Saturday.

The decision came quickly after Freeman and fellow running back T.J. Yeldon worked out for the club earlier in the day.

Freeman, 29, was a college teammate of Saints quarterback Jameis Winston at Florida State.

The Saints’ backfield is led by four-time Pro Bowl selection Alvin Kamara, who set career highs in rushing yards (932), receptions (83), all-purpose yards (1,688) and total touchdowns (21) in 2020.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Freeman was signed by the New York Giants in 2020 after a season-ending injury to Saquon Barkley in Week 1. He played in just five games because of hamstring and ankle injuries and COVID-19 before being released in January.

Freeman was signed to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad during the playoffs. He did not play in a game.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Freeman in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. In 77 games with the Falcons, he gained 3,972 yards and scored 32 touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 257 passes for 2,015 yards and 11 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (50) watches New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick: Cam Newton is Patriots QB … for now

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Veteran Cam Newton is the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. At least for now.

That’s what coach Bill Belichick told reporters Saturday, reiterating the comments he made after the Patriots selected Alabama quarterback Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft in April.

Still, Belichick acknowledged he could change his viewpoint as training camp progresses in Foxborough, Mass.

“We’ll take a look at the whole situation,” Belichick said. “I don’t think you want to evaluate players at any position off one or two plays, or maybe a day. So from a consistency standpoint, that’s always important. And obviously production. So hopefully those things will be good, and I’m sure it will be a hard decision.”

Since training camp opened this week, Newton has taken the majority of the snaps, followed by Jones.

Newton, a former No. 1 overall draft pick and the 2015 NFL MVP with the Carolina Panthers, is in his second season with the Patriots. Brought in to fill the very big shoes of Tom Brady, Newton was 7-8 as a starter as the Patriots missed the playoffs for only the third time in 20 seasons. He completed 65.8 percent of his pass attempts for 2,657 yards and eight touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He added 12 touchdowns on 592 rushing yards.

Newton, 32, told reporters Friday that he knows his grip on the position isn’t secure.

“Ever since I’ve been here, there’s been a quarterback competition,” he said. “I think, in essence, that’s the underlying Patriot Way. Every position has a competition there, and quarterback is no different.”

–Field Level Media

Jul 29, 2021; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Football Team offensive guard Brandon Scherff (75) looks on during training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Cennter. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Washington adds Brandon Scherff, David Sharpe to COVID list

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Washington All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff and offensive tackle David Sharpe both were placed on COVID-19 reserve on Saturday, coach Ron Rivera announced Saturday.

Since the start of training camp earlier this week, six Washington players have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Receiver Curtis Samuel, defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis, offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas and defensive back Chris Miller are the other players on the COVID reserve list.

As of Monday, only about 60 percent of Washington’s roster had received the COVID-19 vaccine, among the lowest rate for NFL teams.

Washington’s entire coaching staff is vaccinated, but because so many of his players aren’t, Rivera has continued to wear a mask around the team’s facility.

“I’m truly frustrated. I’m beyond frustrated. Part of the reason I walk in with a mask on is I’m immune-deficient,” said Rivera, a cancer survivor. “I just hope that our guys can understand that.”

Rivera said that he hoped that players will change their stances and get vaccinated, possibly as soon as Sunday.

“We’ll see tomorrow. Tomorrow we’re hoping we can get some more guys vaccinated,” Rivera told multiple media outlets following Washington’s final training camp practice in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. “We’ll see. It’s a difficult topic. I’ve tried to broach it a lot of our players, talked with a lot of our guys that haven’t. Again, it’s a personal thing, but hopefully — we can sway them, hopefully.”

The NFL is intensifying its efforts to coax players into receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, laying out strict protocols that will penalize teams should a coronavirus outbreak among unvaccinated players put the league’s schedule in jeopardy.

–Field Level Media

Dec 20, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Todd Davis (40) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Giants sign free-agent LB Todd Davis

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The New York Giants signed free-agent linebacker Todd Davis on Saturday.

Terms were not disclosed.

Davis, 29, had 35 tackles, one sack and two passes defensed in 11 games — six starts — for the Minnesota Vikings last season.

In 96 career games — 69 starts — with the New Orleans Saints (2014), Denver Broncos (2014-19) and Vikings, Davis has 479 tackles, three sacks, 15 passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

He finished with 114 and 134 tackles, respectively, over his last two seasons with Denver.

Undrafted out of Sacramento State in 2014, Davis has also appeared in four playoff games, including the Broncos’ victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

–Field Level Media

Aug 29, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brett Hundley (7) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Colts sign veteran QB Brett Hundley

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The Indianapolis Colts signed veteran quarterback Brett Hundley on Saturday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The move comes on the heels of starting QB Carson Wentz suffering a foot injury Thursday at practice. Wentz, whom the Colts acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, is out indefinitely, and surgery is a potential option.

Hundley, 28, will compete with 2021 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger and undrafted free agent Jalen Morton for a spot behind 2020 fourth-round pick Jacob Eason.

A fifth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2015, Hundley last played in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. In 18 career games — nine starts — with the Packers and Cardinals, Hundley has completed 199 of 337 passes for 1,902 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

The Colts also signed free-agent defensive tackle Joey Ivie on Saturday. A seventh-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, Ivie, 26, appeared in eight combined games with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Jul 29, 2021; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles (9) catches the ball during a Chicago Bears training camp session at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Bears’ Matt Nagy: Teams will have interest in Nick Foles

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Not many Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks are third-stringers on NFL rosters. But that’s where QB Nick Foles happens to be on the Chicago Bears’ depth chart.

However, the 10-year veteran might not stay there for long, considering how much teams always seem to need a quarterback. One of those teams might be the Indianapolis Colts, whose starter — Carson Wentz — is out indefinitely after suffering a foot injury on Thursday at practice.

Bears coach Matt Nagy is someone who appreciates Foles’ value and wouldn’t be surprised if the Colts — or any other team — come calling for Foles.

“… You’re talking about a Super Bowl MVP and a guy that’s started a lot of games,” Nagy told reporters before practice on Saturday. “He’s had a really interesting career in so many ways that I just think that he deserves that.”

Nagy added that he and Foles have not talked about a potential trade since training camp started.

“I don’t talk to him about that; he doesn’t talk to me about it,” Nagy said. “We just don’t go there because, again, that’s out of our control. He’s worrying about doing everything he can to just be great for us, and that’s what I like about our relationship. He’s happy with where he’s at here and he’s in a good place.”

That place is currently behind starter Andy Dalton and first-round pick Justin Fields. In nine games — seven starts — for the Bears last season, Foles passed for 1,852 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions while splitting snaps with Mitchell Trubisky, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in the offseason.

The MVP of Super Bowl LII, Foles has played for five NFL teams, including two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has played 67 regular-season games and has gone 28-27 in 55 starts.

Foles, 32, also appears to be reasonably affordable. His salary-cap charge for 2021 is $6.7 million.

Nagy values Foles’ experience and ability but knows snaps might be hard to find. The coach also respects Foles for how he has dealt with a challenging first week of training camp.

“I would say probably 95% of people in Nick’s situation would handle it completely opposite of the way he’s handled it, from the time that I brought him in and told him that he was going be the third-string quarterback,” Nagy said. “And I have to give so much credit to him because he accepted it. He understood it.”

The Colts signed veteran QB Brett Hundley on Saturday. But it remains to be seen if Foles will still be with the Bears before the 2021 NFL season kicks off.

–Field Level Media

Jun 15, 2021; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) participates in a drill during the New England Patriots mini camp at the New England Patriots practice complex. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham has successful back surgery

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New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham had successful back surgery earlier this week, according to a report from NFL Network. The veteran is expected to be out of commission for approximately 12 weeks.

The nature or severity of the back injury has yet to be reported or disclosed by the team. At the start of camp, he was placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list for “pain in his right shoulder and back while throwing the football,” per an earlier report from The Athletic.

If his recovery proceeds as scheduled, he should be available to return to provide quarterback depth in mid to late October.

Stidham, 24, was expected to be the No. 3 quarterback behind Cam Newton and rookie Mac Jones this season.

He has appeared in eight games in his career for the Patriots after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns with four interceptions.

On Wednesday, the Patriots claimed Jake Dolegala off waivers from Green Bay. Dolegala should compete with veteran Brian Hoyer for a roster spot this preseason.

–Field Level Media

Feb 1, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Hall of Fame inductee Troy Polamalu speaks to the media druing NFL Honors awards presentation at Adrienne Arsht Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Troy Polamalu may miss HOF ceremony with COVID-19

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Former Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February 2020, and he’ll be enshrined in the Hall one way or the other in about a week. He just may not be able to be there for the ceremony, after announcing Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

“Thank God I feel great and family are well,” Polamalu announced on social media. “I’m working with the HOF to ensure we abide by all protocols to make it to Canton in time for all the festivities.”

The Hall also commented on the situation, expressing disappointment for Polamalu. The Hall said it is working with health officials to determine whether he could be cleared to travel to Canton.

The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 7.

Polamalu, a four-time first-team All-Pro and 2010 AP Defensive Player of the Year, totaled 32 interceptions and 783 tackles in a 12-year career. He retired following the 2014 season and was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

–Field Level Media