2015 NFL Final Roster Cutdown News & Hot Takez

[SeoulSoxFan]

Gosder Cherilus still not 100% healthy. Released by the Colts:
 
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000503738/article/gosder-cherilus-released-by-indianapolis-colts
 

The Colts made Cherilus the highest-paid right tackle in football when they signed the former first-round pick to a five-year, $34.5 million contract in 2013. Cherilus started 16 years in his first season with the Colts, but was one of the least effective right tackles in football during an injury-plagued 2014. He finished 70th out of 84 qualified tackles in Pro Football Focus' ratings last season.

 
Colts OL depth isn't great, with shaky starters pretty much everywhere except LT with Anthony Castonzo:

• Center: Khaled Holmes
• LG: Donald Thomas -- out all of 2014
• RG: Todd Herremans -- sorry, that should the "The Corpse of"
• RT Jack Mewhort -- moving to the RT position after spending 2014 at LG

This is a unit that can't create lanes and may be even worse at plugging them. Can't wait for Collins, Nink, Brown, etc. to dominate up front. 

 

[jsinger121]

But hey they needed to bolster that WR corps.

 

[mwonow]

Gosder Cherilus still not 100% healthy. Released by the Colts:
 
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000503738/article/gosder-cherilus-released-by-indianapolis-colts
 
 
 
Colts OL depth isn't great, with shaky starters pretty much everywhere except LT with Anthony Castonzo:

• Center: Khaled Holmes
• LG: Donald Thomas -- out all of 2014
• RG: Todd Herremans -- sorry, that should the "The Corpse of"
• RT Jack Mewhort -- moving to the RT position after spending 2014 at LG

This is a unit that can't create lanes and may be even worse at plugging them. Can't wait for Collins, Nink, Brown, etc. to dominate up front. 

 
Given what we've seen from the Colts D-Line in games against the Pats, the practices should be pretty competitive, so there's that...

 

[RedOctober3829]

 

Doug Kyed ‏@DougKyedNESN  47s48 seconds ago
Dominique Easley, Dane Fletcher, Chris Jones, LaFell, Slater, Vince Taylor, Wendell and Chris White were placed on PUP today.

 
Matt Flynn was also placed on the NFI list.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Jonathan Martin retires from football due to back injury:
 
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13326949/carolina-panthers-ot-jonathan-martin-player-center-miami-dolphins-bullying-scandal-retire
 
Drafted in 2012, same draft class as Jones & Hightower (no OL taken) by the Pats. 

 

[RedOctober3829]

 

Josina Anderson ‏@JosinaAnderson  3m3 minutes ago
Source: #Cardinals are releasing CB Alfonzo Dennard.
 

 

[soxhop411]

“@JaysonBraddock: Arian Foster’s groin injury is serious in nature. Source said it should require surgery & may be candidate for IR w/ designation for return.”

 

[MillarTime]

“@JaysonBraddock: Arian Foster’s groin injury is serious in nature. Source said it should require surgery & may be candidate for IR w/ designation for return.”

At least it happened now, rather than after I take him in the 2nd round of my FF league.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Ouch. This is a major blow to the Vikings. Loadholt also missed part of last year & was targeted to solidify the RT spot once again. Now will be out for 21 consecutive games.
 

@AdamSchefter Vikings officially placed OT Phil Loadholt on injured reserve and signed OT Stephen Goodin to take his roster spot.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Damn. One of my favorite players to be drafted in 2014, Kelvin Benjamin carted off with an apparent knee injury. 
 
https://twitter.com/Jeff_Zell/status/633999307935477760

 

[RedOctober3829]

Damn. One of my favorite players to be drafted in 2014, Kelvin Benjamin carted off with an apparent knee injury. 
 
https://twitter.com/Jeff_Zell/status/633999307935477760

 

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet  17s17 seconds ago
It’s a torn ACL for #Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin
 

 

[CaptainLaddie]

That's awful.  Benjamin's a legitimate beast -- hell of a rookie season, and was looking to make a big jump this year.  This is a big, big disappointment for fans of great WR play.

 

[Soxy]

It's a bad break, for sure. But Benjamin is far, far away from being a great receiver. He's a big, athletic guy who benefited greatly from being thrown a ton of passes. He's not very skilled at being a WR; he's simply an athletic freak playing on a team that has a dearth of good receivers. Does suck that we won't get to see if he could develop into a true stud WR this season, but he wasn't there yet.

 

[Super Nomario]

It's a bad break, for sure. But Benjamin is far, far away from being a great receiver. He's a big, athletic guy who benefited greatly from being thrown a ton of passes. He's not very skilled at being a WR; he's simply an athletic freak playing on a team that has a dearth of good receivers. Does suck that we won't get to see if he could develop into a true stud WR this season, but he wasn't there yet.

I don't think Benjamin was a great receiver yet, but his rate stats were likely also depressed by being on such a crappy offense. How many times did Newton try to force it in to Benjamin because the alternatives were Jericho Cotchery or Jason Avant or undrafted rookie Philly Brown (not arbitrary examples - they actually were 2nd through 4th in WR targets)? That's the bummer here; Newton already has to deal with perhaps the worst offensive line in the league, and now he has maybe the worst receivers, too. How is Carolina supposed to gauge his development?

 

[Soxy]

I don't think Benjamin was a great receiver yet, but his rate stats were likely also depressed by being on such a crappy offense. How many times did Newton try to force it in to Benjamin because the alternatives were Jericho Cotchery or Jason Avant or undrafted rookie Philly Brown (not arbitrary examples - they actually were 2nd through 4th in WR targets)? That's the bummer here; Newton already has to deal with perhaps the worst offensive line in the league, and now he has maybe the worst receivers, too. How is Carolina supposed to gauge his development?

That's kind of my point. He was forced the ball a bunch not necessarily because he's good, but because the other options, outside of Greg Olsen, were basically garbage. He made some great plays on jump balls, and he's a handful in the red zone, but his route running is still a work in progress and he drops far too many catchable balls. Not to mention that numerous reports said he showed up to June minicamp overweight.

Don't get me wrong, it's a big loss for Carolina. If for no other reason then the fact that they severely lack WR talent. But, as someone who watched almost all of Carolina's games last season, I'm not sold on Benjamin long term. He has the physical talent to be a dominant force, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if his rookie season ends up being his peak. The Michael Clayton career trajectory seems more likely to me than the stud WR trajectory. And that was before he got hurt.

 

[singaporesoxfan]

Down goes RGIII. Really the fault of a terrible line.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Down goes RGIII. Really the fault of a terrible line.

Annnddd now Cousins is shaken up.

Local talk radio was calling Brady a "slimy cheater" today, so maybe I can give them a call tomorrow.

 

[RedOctober3829]

 

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer  7m7 minutes ago
Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey carted back to the locker room.

 
 
Jordy Nelson also left the same game after this play.  Not good.  Looks like a non-contact knee injury which usually means a torn ligament.
 
https://twitter.com/WillBrinson/status/635508000346783744

 

[Corsi]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet  2m2 minutes ago
The initial diagnosis on #Packers WR Jordy Nelson is a torn ACL, source said. Horrible news. Awaiting MRI results to confirm.

 

[LondonSox]

That looks like an acl other than he hobbled off. Normally that is down and shouting. Would be the only hope for a packers fan.
I think Rodgers can make anyone good but nelson is great that's a big blow.
One of the best players on one of the best teams.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Pouncey needs ankle surgery. Timetable is unknown.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000514908/article/maurkice-pouncey-carted-off-with-left-ankle-injury?campaign=Twitter_atn

 

[86spike]

That looks like an acl other than he hobbled off. Normally that is down and shouting. Would be the only hope for a packers fan.
I think Rodgers can make anyone good but nelson is great that's a big blow.
One of the best players on one of the best teams.

You can usually put weight on a torn ACL. The fact he did so doesn't mean the ligament is in tact.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

Torn per Rapoport:
 
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/report--green-bay-packers-wr-jordy-nelson-has-torn-acl-190427847.html

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Torn per Rapoport:
 
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/report--green-bay-packers-wr-jordy-nelson-has-torn-acl-190427847.html

 
Nelson (most likely) out for the year with a torn ACL. That's a tough blow for one of 3-4 teams with legit SB chances.
 
But is it?
 
Packers can still line up Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, and the promising Ty Montgomery, who's been a standout during camp. It'll be silly to dismiss the importance of a player like Nelson, but if there's a team & a QB that can fill the void, it'll be the Packers.

 

[LondonSox]

It's a blow but the Packers are a contender unless Rodgers get injured. I don't know how their defence will be (again) but that offence is goign to be good Nelson or no Nelson

 

[soxfan121]

Pouncey needs ankle surgery. Timetable is unknown.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000514908/article/maurkice-pouncey-carted-off-with-left-ankle-injury?campaign=Twitter_atn

 
I've heard 6-8, depending on what they find inside Maurkice's ankle. He will definitely miss the season opener vs. the Patriots.

 

[RedOctober3829]

 

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter  45m45 minutes ago
Steelers WR Martavis Bryant is facing 4-game suspension for violating Substance Abuse Policy, per league sources. Suspension under appeal.
 

 

[jsinger121]

Sept 10th should be dubbed the Suspended Bowl

 

[edmunddantes]

Is it just me or does it seem like there are a lot more Substance abuse suspensions then in previous years?
 
Or is this purely a function of social media let's you know when every tom, dick, and harry is suspended versus out of market you'd normally only here about the top tier guys?

 

[RedOctober3829]

@AdamHBeasley: I'm hearing that Pouncey walked into the locker room VERY slowly after he got hurt.

Now the other Pouncey is hurt. Not good news for an already banged up OL.

 

[soxfan121]

Is it just me or does it seem like there are a lot more Substance abuse suspensions then in previous years?
 
Or is this purely a function of social media let's you know when every tom, dick, and harry is suspended versus out of market you'd normally only here about the top tier guys?

 
This could be researched using PFT's suspension tracker and/or the USA Today database on player arrests/suspensions.
 
It's a worthy line of inquiry with some data to discuss, but it's not worthy of discussion until there's some data to look at - ya know?

EDIT: If anyone does research it - and you get past three paragraphs of writing...do you want to publish it at ITP? Drop me a PM. ;-)

 

[RedOctober3829]

The word is that Arthur Jones has another high ankle sprain. He should miss at least 6 weeks.

Josina Anderson reports that Jones is seeking out both foot and ankle specialists after finding out the MRI results. That can't be good.

 

[bsj]

Tim Jennings cut by the Bears. 
 
I would love to add him to the Pats secondary.

 

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

These are his comments on where he might end up...
 

 
 
But it sounds like he's not the same guy in pass coverage anymore:
 

Jennings is not that far removed from two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances following the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He appeared in all 16 games in 2014 but did not tally a single interception and only notched seven passes defended. It was a noticeable drop-off from the combined 13 picks in the two previous campaigns.
Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times pointed out that Jennings said he was still working back to form following offseason knee surgery.     
While health is a factor with any roster decision, Jennings’ lack of production in 2014 was part of a larger issue on that side of the ball for the Bears. Chicago finished an abysmal 30th in the league in passing yards allowed per game and consistently failed to come up with critical plays on third downs.
 

 

[Gunfighter 09]

Raiders starting right tackle Menelik Watson tore his achilles against Arizona tonight. 
 
He had beat out former Jet Austin Howard for the starting job. It would not be surprising to see the Raiders sign another tackle. 
 
http://raiderbeat.com/2015/08/watson-says-he-ruptured-achilles-vows-to-return-stronger-than-ever/

 

[RedOctober3829]

Tim Wright has been traded to the Lions and the Lions have cut Ryan Broyles.

 

[Shelterdog]

Tim Jennings cut by the Bears. 
 
I would love to add him to the Pats secondary.

 
Cue quote about NFL players #467. 
 
You don't go downhill in the NFL you fall off a cliff.  Maybe Jennings has something left or maybe not--you can't even begin to tell unless you've watched a bunch of game film on the guy.

 

[bsj]

Tim Wright has been traded to the Lions and the Lions have cut Ryan Broyles.

 
Broyles is a guy I really thought would be a star in this league. So much raw talent, just never materialized. 

 

[Shelterdog]

Raiders starting right tackle Menelik Watson tore his achilles against Arizona tonight. 
 
He had beat out former Jet Austin Howard for the starting job. It would not be surprising to see the Raiders sign another tackle. 
 
http://raiderbeat.com/2015/08/watson-says-he-ruptured-achilles-vows-to-return-stronger-than-ever/

 
Zombie Al Davis is calling BB about Vollmer or Cannon as we speak--and something like a fifth or sixth round pick for Cannon makes a little sense.

 

[Super Nomario]

Tim Wright has been traded to the Lions and the Lions have cut Ryan Broyles.

Lions used a top 10 pick last year on Ebron and still have Christian Fauria's kid ... I don't get it.
 

 
Cue quote about NFL players #467. 
 
You don't go downhill in the NFL you fall off a cliff.  Maybe Jennings has something left or maybe not--you can't even begin to tell unless you've watched a bunch of game film on the guy.

Bears D last year (with Jennings playing 16 games): 31st in points, 30th in yards, 30th in passing yards, 31st in passing TDs, 31st in passing yards / attempt. Guessing he doesn't have much left in the tank.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Didn't see this one coming. Fred Jackson released.
 
The #Bills have released RB Fred Jackson as part of their roster cut to 75, according to an #NFL source.
 
 
https://twitter.com/viccarucci/status/638352984473251840

 

[RedOctober3829]

Jackson has long been a Belichick favorite.  Wonder if he kicks the tires on him.....

 

[Shelterdog]

Jackson has long been a Belichick favorite.  Wonder if he kicks the tires on him.....

 
Cue quote about NFL players #467. 
 
You don't go downhill in the NFL you fall off a cliff.  Maybe Jackson has something left or maybe not--you can't even begin to tell unless you've watched a bunch of game film on the guy.

 

[jsinger121]

No thanks on Jackson. 2 of the last 3 years he has been 3.8 yard per carry or less. 

 

[RedOctober3829]

 
Cue quote about NFL players #467. 
 
You don't go downhill in the NFL you fall off a cliff.  Maybe Jackson has something left or maybe not--you can't even begin to tell unless you've watched a bunch of game film on the guy.

He had 66 catches last season to go along with 500 plus yards rushing.  Totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage.  He has not fallen off a cliff.  The presence of LeSean McCoy phases him out of the offense and I think this is Rex Ryan giving a veteran a chance to tag on with another club.  He is tailor made for this offense as he'd automatically become their 3rd down back ahead of White, Cadet, or Lewis.  

 

[jsinger121]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet  now23 seconds ago
The #Jaguars are trading longtime kicker Josh Scobee to the #Steelers. He’s been their kicker since 2004. Pitt had a K injury.

 

[thehitcat]

He had 66 catches last season to go along with 500 plus yards rushing.  Totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage.  He has not fallen off a cliff.  The presence of LeSean McCoy phases him out of the offense and I think this is Rex Ryan giving a veteran a chance to tag on with another club.  He is tailor made for this offense as he'd automatically become their 3rd down back ahead of White, Cadet, or Lewis.  

The Browns have to be all over him, they have a need and he can do many things for them. 

 

[Shelterdog]

He had 66 catches last season to go along with 500 plus yards rushing.  Totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage.  He has not fallen off a cliff.  The presence of LeSean McCoy phases him out of the offense and I think this is Rex Ryan giving a veteran a chance to tag on with another club.  He is tailor made for this offense as he'd automatically become their 3rd down back ahead of White, Cadet, or Lewis.  

 
34 year old back averaging 3.7 ypg?
 
Thelma and Louise bro.
 
(But seriously I have no idea how much he has left.  He's good enough that you could imagine BB taking a look-see, particularly after contracts become guaranteed in week 1.)

 

[Super Nomario]

Some interesting cuts (other than Jennings and Jackson):
WR Kevin Norwood - an Alabama / Saban guy, was a big favorite of Matt Waldman's, 4th-round pick just last year EDIT: never mind, Panthers traded for him
QB Garrett Gilbert - was on the practice squad late last year, cut earlier in the preseason to pick up Matt Flynn. Could be back if they don't like what they saw from Lindley
TE Joe Don Duncan - another Waldman favorite, was a star for DII Dixie State, struggled with injuries
 
EDIT:
Also G Donald Thomas, CB Javier Arenas, and WR Tebucky Jones, Jr. I assume he's the son of former Patriots safety Tebucky Jones and not some other Tebucky Jones.

 

[dynomite]

He had 66 catches last season to go along with 500 plus yards rushing.  Totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage.  He has not fallen off a cliff.  The presence of LeSean McCoy phases him out of the offense and I think this is Rex Ryan giving a veteran a chance to tag on with another club.  He is tailor made for this offense as he'd automatically become their 3rd down back ahead of White, Cadet, or Lewis.  

Couldn't agree more. Belichick has long rhapsodized about Jackson, much in the same way he did about Reggie Wayne and Jason Taylor for years.

Honestly, I think he would be an incredible fit on this team and the epitome of a "Patriots way" kind of veteran. Unfortunately I think there will be plenty of competition for his services as veteran depth (perhaps from the Jets, where his former head coach Gailey is the OC, right?)