Dalvin Cook set to miss two games through injury
The Vikings’ playoff hopes have taken a huge hit after an injury to their franchise star.
Minnesota’s topsy-turvy season continued last Sunday, ending Week 12 below .500 after a crushing 34-26 loss in Santa Clara.
The Vikings didn’t just lose a game, but an incredibly valuable piece in the process. Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook suffered what now has become known to be a dislocated shoulder. Cook was carted off the field at Levi’s Stadium late in the third quarter. A brutal hit from San Francisco’s Kevin Givens caused carnage to both Cook, and Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
In a sign of wonderful sportsmanship, players from both teams took to their knees in prayer and personally consoling the Florida State product. Cook has been in fine form once again this season, rushing for 975 yards and four touchdowns across nine games this season.
On Monday, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Cook was “day-to-day,” though if Adam Schefter is to be believed, the situation is far worse. The ESPN insider reported on Nov. 30 that Cook is likely to miss games against the Lions and Steelers but the hope is he returns for Monday Night Football vs. Chicago on Dec. 20.
Zimmer would not comment on whether Cook dislocated his shoulder but firmly denied the 26-year-old had tore his labrum.
Aaron Rodgers may opt for in-season toe surgery
No.12 has a decision to make on the fractured toe which has caused much conjecture.
Green Bay’s star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was unbothered by a fractured toe during his phenomenal performance against Los Angeles last Sunday. Though, he may still go under the knife, with the injury causing some discomfort.
On Monday, NFL Media reported Rodgers had decided not to undergo surgery “at this time,” meaning the 37-year-old could in fact decide to surgically repair his toe, if current methods fail.
During his regular, weekly segment on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers elucidated his thinking on the matter.
“As compared this Monday to last Monday, I definitely felt better — same with this Tuesday to last Tuesday,” Rodgers told McAfee. “So I’ll just keep getting treatment. We’re hoping to avoid surgery, obviously, but the surgery would be such a minor one it wouldn’t be something that I’d have to miss time with. That’s a prerequisite for any surgery that I have at this point — I’m not going to miss any time. So we’ll re-assess early next week and make a decision. But it’s not something where [I’d miss time]. I could have surgery on a Monday or Tuesday and play on Sunday.”
Despite the quick recovery time, Rodgers admitted he would be unable to move the toe. As you can imagine, the decision thereby isn’t so simple.
“It would avoid any further displacement, but it would immobilize the toe,” Rodgers said. “So, we’re hoping that with a couple weeks here, we can get enough healing that maybe we can avoid doing that.
“Now, we’ll re-assess probably later this week and early next week. But the ultimate goal [is] to not have to do surgery. This thing heals up a little bit better and kind of make it through a few more weeks and maybe it doesn’t bother you the last few weeks of the season.”
Green Bay and Rodgers should be well rested after their bye week. With old foes Chicago on the horizon, Packers fans will be incredibly confident of another victory on Sunday Night Football.
Matt Nagy names Bears starting QB for Week 1
After an offseason like few before it, Bears fan now know who will line up under centre when they travel west to Los Angeles for the Sunday Night Football opener.
After an offseason like few before it, Bears fan now know who will line up under centre when they travel west to Los Angeles for the Sunday Night Football opener.
The primetime matchup always gains momentum heading into a new season but excitement has reigned in Chicago ever since Roger Goodell read out Justin Field’s name with the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Despite the fan hysteria, Matt Nagy took a more prudent approach when determining QB1 for the regular season, proclaiming Andy Dalton as the Week 1 starter.
As referenced by NFL Network’s Adam Schefter, Fields will start the Bears’ final preseason game at Tennessee this Sunday. Many experts and fans have petitioned for Fields to start but with the ferocious Aaron Donald first, you can understand Nagy’s decision. If the rookie were to be involved in L.A., we may have seen more hits like this…
Dalton, heading into his 11th NFL season, will provide experience, poise and stability at the quarterback position and with a tough early schedule, including the Rams and Browns in two of their opening three games, it’s understand why the Red Rocket was chosen.
Patience is a virtue and it may just be what Fields and the Bears need to succeed together longterm.
Rodgers: Packers defense incomparable to its past
Amidst a noisy offseason in Green Bay, one group has been moving in silence. And if their quarterback is to be believed, they could finally get over the hump and back to the promised land.
Amidst a noisy offseason in Green Bay, one group has been moving in silence. And if their quarterback is to be believed, they could finally get over the hump and back to the promised land.
"It's definitely different," Rodgers told local reporters today. "It's not really like any of the other defenses that I've faced over the years in practice."
Joe Barry, Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator, has caused confusion for Rodgers and the offense during practice since taking over from the released Mike Pettine.
Recognizing the coverages of Barry’s new defense has been of Rodgers’ bug bears early on this preseason, with third-year safety Darnell Savage particularly causing confusion.
Savage has halted Rodgers many times throughout practice with his ability to swiftly shift positions and find himself where No. 12 wants to throw the ball. So much so, Rodgers has pulled him aside to pick his brain.
"I saw a flash out of my eye, and I couldn't believe … what the hell was Darnell doing there?" Rodgers said. "You're seeing these guys kind of running all over the place, which is definitely difficult even for an older quarterback like myself."
As for the Packers offense and the reigning MVP, there’s not much that’s going to be different. Why would there be after being the #1 scoring offense in the NFL in 2020?
"There's not a whole lot we wanted to change," Rodgers said when asked about this season’s offense.
"I think we might want to refine some things that we did last year and kick some plays out that really didn't fit what we were doing. Added a few things, some wrinkles. Matt does a great job of communicating those things."
Why Davante Adams & Packers canceled extension talks
If you thought Green Bay’s offseason couldn’t get much worse, then look away now.
If you thought Green Bay’s offseason couldn’t get much worse, then look away now.
The Packers are already engaged in one will he/won’t he saga with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and now All-Pro receiver Davante Adams is set to join him.
Despite being in discussions for months about a new long-term extension with the team, both Adams and the Packers have decided to end negotiations with the relationship said to be in a “bad place” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport’s sources.
According to Rapoport, Green Bay have not offered a package which would make Adams football’s #1 paid receiver — a central component as to why extension talks have ceased.
Talks had continued despite the uncertainty surrounding Packers quarterback - another currently disgruntled with the front office.
Last season was spectacular for Adams on an individual level — finishing as the league leader in touchdown receptions (18) and fifth among receivers in yards.
The 28-year-old will become an unrestricted agent at the end of the 2021 NFL season.
Packers fans would love some positive news to come out of Lambeau quick smart. It’s difficult to see how they can return to former glories when their two prized assets remain at odds with the organization.
NFL announces Preseason TV schedule
An enormous 23 games will be shown on the league’s broadcast channel…this includes to quadruple-headers in Weeks 1 and 2 before two doses of triple-headers in Week 3.
The NFL announced this week there will be a record number of preseason games will be shown on NFL Network.
Let’s hope we’ll see more of this!
Importantly, all preseason games will be shown on NFL GamePass, which is fantastic news for international and American fans alike.
An enormous 23 games will be shown on the league’s broadcast channel will show eight games through Weeks 1-2 before a final seven during the third and final week of preseason.
This includes to quadruple-headers in Weeks 1 and 2 before two doses of triple-headers in Week 3.
The Football Team kick off NFL Network’s coverage on August 12 at New England, where we should get our first official look at Mac Jones in a Patriots uniform.
Trevor Lawrence is likely to hit your screens on August 14 as Urban Meyer and the Jags host AFC rivals, Cleveland.
Media and fans alike will be hoping to get a glimpse of Jordan Love too, which may come as early as Week 2 (August 21) at home to Zac Wilson and Gang Green.
Below is a full list of the games to air on NFL Network across the preseason:
Week 1
Thursday, August 12
7:30 PM ET – Washington Football Team vs. New England Patriots
Friday, August 13
7:00 PM ET – Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions
10:00 PM ET – Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals
Saturday, August 14
1:00 PM ET – Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears
4:00 PM ET – Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings
7:00 PM ET – Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
10:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, August 15
1:00 PM ET – Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 2
Thursday, August 19
7:30 PM ET – New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Friday, August 20
8:00 PM ET – Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Football Team
Saturday, August 21
1:00 PM ET – Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears
4:25 PM ET – New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers
7:30 PM ET – Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
10:00 PM ET – Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, August 22
1:00 PM ET – New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns
7:30 PM ET – San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3
Friday, August 27
8:00 PM ET – Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Saturday, August 28
1:00 PM ET – Green Bay Packers vs. Buffalo Bills
7:00 PM ET – Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans
10:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, August 29
1:00 PM ET – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys
4:00 PM ET – Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
6:00 PM ET – New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
For American fans — NFL Network will blackout live games shown concurrently in local markets.
Aaron Rodgers turns down contract to become NFL’s highest paid player
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, A-Rod turned down a two-year extension, meaning he would have remained in TItletown until the end of the 2025 season.
Aaron Rodgers’ relationship with the Packers is far from fixed with the first-ballot Hall of Fame declining their offer to become the NFL’s biggest earner.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, A-Rod turned down a two-year extension, meaning he would have remained in TItletown until the end of the 2025 season.
Rumors persist that Rodgers wants to leave Milwaukee, with Denver spoken about heavily. The prospect no matter how unlikely, is an enticing one for Broncos Country who would have another game-wrecker to go with Von Miller and their stout defense.
It had been rumored Rodgers was offered a new deal by Green Bay, however Schefter’s revelation of the scale proves yet again the Packers and no.12 are a long way apart.
Many expect the reigning MVP to return to Green Bay and head up the Packers’ push for a first Super Bowl appearance since their 31-25 win over Pittsburgh in 2011.
Whatever happens, we know this isn’t about money for Aaron, this proves it more than anything thus far.
If Rodgers doesn’t make his way to Denver before the season, this saga may not have an end date.
Buckle up folks.
Justin Fields visits gun shot victim - makes his life
Scott Morrow was walking down the street when he was shot in the back…Morrow willed himself to live on, he couldn’t pass before witnessing the Bears’ great white hope.
Chicago’s new quarterback Justin Fields has endeared himself to Bears and football everywhere after a beautiful act of kindness toward a Bears fan who nearly lost his life last month.
Scott Morrow, a 41-year-old Chicago resident, was walking down the street when he was shot in the back. While being whisked away in an ambulance, Morrow willed himself to live on, he couldn’t pass before witnessing the Bears’ great white hope.
“I thought well…pretty much all of Chicago has gone our whole lives without even having great prospects for a franchise quarterback, I can’t die before seeing Justin Fields take the field,” Morrow told 670 The Score.
“I don’t plan to die before he’s a Hall of Famer.”
After hearing Morrow’s comments and learning about his accident, Fields and his parents visited Morrow at his home, with the rookie handing over a jersey to his new pal.
Morrow has a GoFundMe page set up which will help his recovery after losing his spleen and a kidney during the life-saving operation process.
If Fields plays anywhere close to the level of kindness and compassion he showed this Bears fan, he’ll live long in the hearts and minds of The Windy City faithful.
NFL Training Camps begin this week- When does your team return?
Football season is fast approaching with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off their respective training camps on Wednesday.
Football season is fast approaching with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off their respective training camps on Wednesday.
All players from the Cowboys and Steelers are scheduled to report, with the teams facing off in the Hall of Fame Game on August 5.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host its rookies on Tuesday, with veterans coming through on Saturday.
Below you will find exactly when each team reports for training camp ahead of the NFL preseason which begins on Thursday, August 12.
Reporting dates and locations for NFL training camps this offseason - courtesy of NFL Communications.
NFL announces joint practices - Who your team is playing and why
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
Joint practices aren’t a new phenomenon in the NFL. They essentially act as an opportunity for teams and players to go through scrimmages against different personnel.
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
New Orleans and Jacksonville were set to meet in Louisiana on August 20, but since the release of the schedule both teams have confirmed otherwise.
Teams NOT involved in joint practices this offseason:
Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Football Team
Some teams will engage in two bouts of joint practices; the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and both the New York clubs (Jets and Giants).
Arguably, the most famous joint practice moment of recent memory involved then-Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins and Washington’s DeAngelo Hall getting into it. Things got interesting, real quick…
Thankfully for DB’s everywhere their ankles won’t be tested by D-Hop until preseason at the earliest.
Full list of this year’s joint practices:
Courtesy of NFL Communications
Packers record big financial loss in 2020
The NFL’s smallest market announced on Friday they lost $38.8 million over the last fiscal year, which ended on March, 31.
Like many NFL franchises the Green Bay Packers were hit hard from the moment COVID spread across America. The NFL’s smallest market announced on Friday they lost $38.8 million over the last fiscal year, which ended on March, 31.
“It was the first time we haven’t had a profit in over 20 years,” Murphy revealed, via Bill Huber of SI.com.
For context, the Packers most recent operating previous was prior to its Lambeau’s renovation in 2003.
As is well known, most teams, 13 to be precise, played without a single fan last season. Unsurprisingly, the league leader in attendance was the Dallas Cowboys with an average of 28,187 packed in to AT&T Stadium at their home games.
Green Bay disclosed a $371.1 million earning in total revenue, naturally well down on its record-setting $506.9 million from the 2020 fiscal year.
“COVID obviously impacted the Packers from a financial perspective,” Murphy said.
“Our local revenue was significantly impacted. Still, we really feel that we remain in a strong financial position going forward and that we will continue to be able to provide the resources for the organization to be successful both on and off the field. As we all faced health and economic challenges with the pandemic, we really feel we emerged in a very good financial position.”
It wasn’t all bad news for the Pack, and NFL more broadly, with teams splitting a $9.894 billion national revenue share. Up $42 million from the previous season. You can thank the expanded playoffs.
“It’s a real credit to the league that we were able to play a full slate of regular-season games and postseason games,” Murphy said.
“It was really crucial. We knew if we were able to get all the games broadcast that would cover all of our player expenses.”
The stage is set for a $10+ billion total for the 2021 fiscal year (began April 1) with the introduction of a 17-game regular season.
Watch: Ted Ginn announces retirement - best plays of his career
Ginn, 36, played for six teams (Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago) across a stellar 14-year career after being drafted 9th overall to Miami in the 2007 NFL draft.
Punters and kickers can sleep a little easier tonight now that specialist sensation Ted Ginn has announced his retirement.
Ginn, 36, played for six teams (Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago) across a stellar 14-year career after being drafted 9th overall to Miami in the 2007 NFL draft.
Ted Ginn stats:
412 catches for 5,742 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns
262 punt returns for 2,624 yards and 4 TDs
307 kickoff returns for 6,899 yards and 3 TDs.
15,749 career all-purpose yards — 4th in the NFL since 2007, behind Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore and Darren Sproles.
Oh, and a special treat for those who remember GInn from his Ohio State days…what a phenom.
“I’m ready to play ball” - Adrian Peterson wants year 15 in NFL
Despite accomplishing so much throughout his decorated NFL career, Adrian Peterson isn’t done wrecking opposition defenses yet — well, according to him anyway.
Peterson may not be the force he once was but All Day believes teams will be interested in him soon enough.
"The training is going well and I'm going to control the things that I can control right now, and, when that time comes, somebody will give me a call," Peterson said, via Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790.
“That’s all I’m asking for. My body feels good. I came out healthy from last season. My body feels strong. I still feel young. I still feel good. I’m ready to play ball.”
AP knows what he’s got plenty left in the tank and has his sights set on getting at least another 450 yards to break Barry Sanders’ rushing total. The feat would move Peterson up one spot to third on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list.
"Yeah, I've been chasing it for a long time. It would be nice to finally get one."
Peterson has still managed to cause havoc in later years, rushing 156 times for 604 yards and seven touchdowns with Detroit last season.
Who will play under the franchise tag in 2021?
The NFL list of franchise tagged players is relatively short this season. Only six players will go through the 2021-22 NFL season under the conditions of the tag.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams and Broncos safety Justin Simmons were all tagged and looked likely to remain that way until they agreed new deals with their respective teams.
Carolina right tackle Taylor Moton was similarly fortunate after agreeing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Panthers just before today’s deadline.
The unlucky six on this season’s franchise tag are:
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR)
Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears WR)
Marcus Maye (New York Jets S)
Marcus Williams (New Orleans Saints S)
Cam Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars T)
Brandon Scherff (Washington Football Team G)
How Larry Fitzgerald & Patrick peterson Bore a leader in Cardinals’ D.J. Humphries
When Cardinals’ tackle D.J. Humpries arrived at practice this offseason and something was different. Not different in a good way either. There was a big hole in Arizona and it wasn’t another canyon.
Two of Arizona’s most loyal servants; Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald were gone, perhaps never to return. Peterson signed with the Minnesota Vikings during free agency, while Larry Fitz weighs up whether he wants to put his body through another year of pro football.
Something, or someone had to fill the void, so Humphries put his 6’5”, 307lb frame to use.
“I haven’t been to a practice in my NFL career before minicamp where I didn’t see Patrick or Larry,” Humphries said in a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“So that was something for me that kind of took me back a little bit when I went out there, because I’m used to those guys. I always felt like I was practicing to prove something to those guys and make those guys proud of me because those are my OGs, those are guys that have been here since I’ve been here.”
In his seventh season, Humphries knew he needed to give more of himself to push the Cardinals further.
“I had to shift my mindset to be an example instead of trying to impress my OGs in the way that I move and the way that I practice, how I handle myself. It was more so I had to set an example now for the younger cats that’s coming up and watching me. Because when that happened, I didn’t realize how many people were watching me leading up to that, before those guys left. And now that they’re gone, it’s even more magnified.
“So it’s like I have to step into a certain light where I can’t have any downs or slips, I’ve got to do everything right every day, every second. Everything has to be done [right] — every rep’s gotta be game reps because guys are watching and I know that.”
The additions of experienced Pro-Bowlers J.J. Watt and Malcolm Butler will help steady the defense, while the offense can caught on Humphries to help Kyler Murray and company flourish in the desert.
‘Maybe We’ll Have something to talk about’: Devante Adams on possible reunion with Derek Carr
Derek Carr and Davante Adams were the ultimate duo in college, starring for little-known Fresno State. Though both have been apart for eight years now, playing for the Raiders and Packers respectively.
Carr recently said he’d do just about anything, including a “full-court press” to land his fellow Bulldog alum.
Derek Carr and Davante Adams were the ultimate duo in college, starring for little-known Fresno State. Though both have been apart for eight years now, playing for the Raiders and Packers respectively.
Carr recently said he’d do just about anything, including a “full-court press” to land his fellow Bulldog alum.
Sadly for Raiders fans, Adams poured cold water on those claims for now, but stopped short of saying a reunion in Allegiant Stadium was off the table.
“Well, I mean, I’m a Packer, so I can’t really get too far ahead on that,” Adams said, via Evan Webeck of the Bay Area News Group.
“When the season ends and if nothing’s figured out, then maybe we’ll have something to talk about. But those are cautious waters, so I can’t really dabble in that now.”
Adams and the Packers have plenty to figure out with Aaron Rodgers’ position on the roster still under question as we head toward training camp.
One thing is for certain though, if Adams does exercise his free agency rights, the Raiders won’t be the only suitor in the queue.
Bears, Dolphins to hold joint practices
Interestingly, the Bears and Dolphins will meet again in the preseason — on August 14 — but once doesn’t seem enough for head coaches Matt Nagy and Brian Flores.
Chicago and Miami will put each other through their paces this offseason with joint practices set be held in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Interestingly, the Bears and Dolphins will meet again in the preseason — on August 14 — but once doesn’t seem enough for head coaches Matt Nagy and Brian Flores.
Chicago will host the Dolphins at their practice facility for a few practices according to The Athletic’s Adam Jahns.
It will be Justin Fields’ first taste of joint practice, after being drafted No. 11 overall by Chicago in the 2021 NFL Draft. It will be a new experience for Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tangavailoa after COVID caused them to be canceled.
Fields and Tangavailoa will be tested but without any physical contact. As for their teammates, well they’re not so lucky. Oh, the luxuries of the quarterback position.
Bengals OC: Tee Higgins ‘will be a Problem’ this season
After a promising rookie season, former Clemson product Tee Higgins is ready to take things up a level, that’s according to a man who knows him better than most.
After a promising rookie season, former Clemson product Tee Higgins is ready to take things up a level, that’s according to a man who knows him better than most.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan couldn’t be happier with the shape Higgins is in heading into his sophomore season.
“He’s more explosive,” Callahan said, via Geoff Hobson of the Bengals website. “I went back and watched some stuff the other day and looked at his routes on air right now and he’s markedly more explosive.
“It’s not necessarily that he’s gotten faster or that he’s a different type of player, he’s just now understanding how to bring those skills into practice every single day and the consistency that it requires to improve the speed you have to play with all the time.”
Higgins had a quietly impressive first year in the National Football League amassing 67 receptions, 908 yards and six touchdowns.
“When you’re a young player, you kind of find your way through. I think he’s found that. Now he knows what it takes to get to the next level of his game. He put all the work in to do it. I’m very, very excited about where he is at and where he is headed. He’s going to be a problem for defenses,” Callahan added.
With a rejuvenated Joe Burrow back on board, Higgins, and his fellow receivers — namely Tyler Boyd and No. 5 overall pick Ja’Marr Chase — are set to feast on secondaries.