We scour the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most to you and your dynasty team: the most current news on players, both superstars and the relative unknowns, and analysis to decipher the respective situations. These are many of the major stories and not meant to be an exhaustive look at all the recent happenings around the league.
Monday morning, Adam Schefter tweeted, “Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger, who leads Pittsburgh into Cincinnati tonight for Monday Night Football, intends to return next year for his 18th season, per sources.” The Steelers are going to try to extend their Super Bowl window as long as possible, but the team will lose several starters to free agency on both sides of the ball. Former NFL agent and salary cap expert Joel Corry followed up Schefter’s tweet with, “Steelers will need to address Ben Roethlisberger's $41.25M salary cap number, which is the NFL's largest for 2021. $15M of Roethlisberger's $19M 2021 salary is in a 3rd-day of league year (3/19) roster bonus. 2021 is the final year of his contract.” This will an interesting offseason for several teams.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was forced from Thursday night’s game on the second drive of the game. He was rolling to his right and was visibly grabbing his right groin, hopping on one foot out of bounds. Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota replaced him in the lineup and played well. Mariota completed 17 of his 28 pass attempts for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. But it was Mariota’s running ability that shined. He picked up 88 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Mariota was more effective than his time in Tennessee. It could have been the designed runs in the Gruden offense. The 88 yards were the second-most of his career. Ian Rapoport tweeted an update on Carr’s injury, “Source: #Raiders QB Derek Carr suffered a significant groin injury and it’s expected to have a 10-to-14 day timeline. Carr, who has been having one of his best seasons, will fight to be in the lineup against the #Dolphins if he somehow can.” The Thursday game gives Mariota an extra few days to get ready for Week 16. As for Carr’s future, he is likely back in Las Vegas next year. He turns 30 years of age right before the draft and has played very well this season.
In the fourth quarter of the victory over the New Orleans Saints, talented rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire had to be helped on the field. He took a handoff to the right and was tackled awkwardly, in a splits-like fashion. Making it worse, a player fell on his trailing leg. In his post-game press conference, coach Andy Reid told reporters that the x-rays were negative, meaning any damage would be to his ankle and hip ligaments. Edwards-Helaire was unable to put wait on the injured leg. He is likely done for the regular season and the team hopes to have him back for the playoffs. Having a first-round by will only help. The talented youngster has seen his role shrink with the acquisition of LeVeon Bell but was still heavily involved in the Chiefs offense.
On Saturday, Adam Schefter tweeted an update on New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas, “Saints’ WR Michael Thomas is being placed on injured reserve due to the ankle injury that has lingered since Week One. Saints now will be without Thomas for the rest of the regular season, but they expect him close to 100 percent for the start of the postseason.” New Orleans needs Thomas healthy for the playoffs. His absence was felt against the Chiefs Sunday.
Last Wednesday local beat Jake Hutchinson tweeted a quote from San Francisco 49ers press conference, “Kyle Shanahan on Brandon Aiyuk: ‘Aiyuk has not arrived yet. He can get a lot better. A lot.’ #49ers.” Aiyuk has been tremendous this season. He started slowly due to injury but has played well down the stretch. His opportunities have increased with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle sidelined. Quarterback Nick Mullins has locked onto the rookie and the youngster has responded. With the quality of this rookie class, Aiyuk has been overlooked.
Beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter tweeted an update on Falcons star receiver Julio Jones, “#Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris doesn’t believe WR Julio Jones nagging hamstring injury will hinder his long term future. He’s week-to-week with the #Falcons.” A week-to-week status is undesirable considering the way Matt Ryan plays without Jones in the lineup. His injuries this season could make the veteran receiver a huge “buy low” this coming offseason. Much will depend on who is brought in as the team’s new general manager and head coach.
As his team is primed for a deep playoff run, Josh Gordon rejoined the Seattle Seahawks Monday. According to Tom Pelissero on Sunday, “#Seahawks WR Josh Gordon has adhered to the terms of his conditional reinstatement and is set to rejoin the team Monday, per source. He hasn’t practiced yet, but he reported at 238 pounds with 7% body fat and is eligible to play next week.” The Seahawks are getting healthy and at full strength at the right time. The running backs (Carson, Hyde, and Penny) are all healthy and Gordon joins Lockett, Metcalf, and Moore at receiver. Russell Wilson has cooled off a little of late but has a full cache of weapons at his disposal going forward.
Last Wednesday, ace beat reporter Mike Reiss tweeted, “Patriots WR Julian Edelman returned to practice today, according to the team.” He missed Sunday’s game against Miami but could play in Week 16. Edelman has missed a lot of action this season. To his credit, the veteran has been working hard to return. He has yet to be activated from injured reserve but is expected to be cleared soon. Edelman is under contract for one more year in New England with a salary of $2.8 million. The team may decide to go full youth movement and let him walk this offseason. If so, a reunion with Tom Brady is not out of the question.
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