Live action was plentiful over the weekend of the final preseason games. Young players showed themselves once again and many experienced players also tried to make their way into the final 53-man squad. Because for many players it’s time to pack their bags on Tuesday. Over 1,000 NFL professionals will be unemployed as a result of the final roster cuts and only in exceptional cases can they get a place on another team or slip into the practice squads. Everything about injuries, player changes and conspicuous actions during the pre-season can be found at sport.de in NFL Training Camp Inside.
Houston Texans: German offensive tackle Kilian Zierer on injury reserve
Kilian Zierer injured his ankle in the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins a week ago. By then, he was poised to make his way into the Houston Texans roster as an undrafted free agent. However, they now put him on the injured reserve, which means that the season for the Munich player is already over. In contrast to other players, he keeps his contract and is allowed to rehabilitate himself in the Texan environment.
Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson wobbles
Hopes are high for Deshaun Watson at the Cleveland Browns. Aside from the problems the quarterback causes off the field, there’s little to see of the former Pro Bowler on the field either. Watson participates in fumbles on his offense, obviously throws a lot of short laydowns at his receivers and is currently showing none of his earlier explosive style of play. Of course, the Browns can continue to hope that their playmaker will show a better side in the first game of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals (live on RTL). But that remains to be seen.
Seattle Seahawks: Operation at Jaxon Smith-Njigba
In the early stages of the preseason, Jaxon Smith-Njigba played very conspicuously. The Seattle Seahawks hoped they had finally found the slot receiver for the future in their rookie. But after a wrist injury against the Dallas Cowboys, “JSN” needed surgery a week ago. In all probability, he will not be fit until the start of the season and could also be out for a few more weeks.
Las Vegas Raiders: Josh Jacobs back from the holdout
The Las Vegas Raiders have their running back Josh Jacobs available for the first game of the regular season. The ended his holdout after the Raiders signed him to a new one-year contract. Comparable to the contract of New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, Jacobs should be satisfied with that for the time being. Next year there will be a new round of negotiations. Either with a new team or even the old one.
Washington Commanders: Terry McLaurin turf toe injured
The possibility of using the star receiver of the Washington Commanders Terry McLaurin is uncertain. A week ago, he got stuck on the lawn of the local FedEx field and sprained his big toe. Such an injury can be protracted, rarely preventing a player from playing, but massively hampering effectiveness, as evidenced by other prominent examples from the past. Quarterback Sam Howell will have to adjust to not seeing his key receiver at his best for a long time.
Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison pleads guilty
Rookie receiver Jordan Addison has now pleaded guilty to reckless driving on a public road. It was measured at 225 km/h in a place where less than 90 km/h were allowed.
Addison will seek a reduced sentence at a September 19 court hearing by testifying that he drove his dog to essential treatment in an emergency situation. It is unclear to what extent the court will thereby mitigate its fine. The NFL will also look into the character misconduct case. This season, however, Addison and the Minnesota Vikings do not have to expect a penalty.
Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy threatened with prolonged absence
During a joint training session with the Los Angeles Rams, Jerry Jeudy suddenly grabbed his thigh. The Denver Broncos’ main receiver will miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury.
This is another bad news for the new head coach Sean Payton. First, Tim Patrick tore his Achilles tendon. Then KJ Hamler had to leave the team due to heart muscle inflammation. Now Jeudy will also be absent for a while as the next pass recipient.
New York Jets: Corey Davis retires
Hailed as the top wide receiver in the 2017 NFL Draft and picked fifth overall by the Tennessee Titans, wide receiver Corey Davis is retiring at 28. At least for a while he wants to leave football behind, so the taciturn Davis on his Instagram page.
As a professional, he never really got going. Not a single season with over 1,000 receiving yards is on his credit side. But more than 52 million US dollars in paid player salaries, with which it can certainly get by in early retirement.
Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Kupp fit in time
Incidentally, Cooper Kupp was in the same draft in 2017. He was only drafted in the third round, but did a lot better as a Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP and “Offensive Player of the Year” 2021.
Kupp is now back in training after his hamstring injury, which, unlike Jerry Jeudy, he suffered four weeks ago. His start in the first game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks does not seem to be in jeopardy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield officially named a starter
Now it’s official. Baker Mayfield follows Tom Brady. For a few weeks, head coach Todd Bowles left the duel for the starting post between Mayfield and Kyle Trask open. Now he announced: “We like both boys. We like where we are. Baker is 1. Kyle is 2.”
The former first overall will start as quarterback for the fourth team in two years. Baker Mayfield is highly motivated. But should have learned from past experiences. Trask will be hot on his heels.
Miami Dolphins open trade offer for Jonathan Taylor
To this day, the Indianapolis Colts are trying to make a decision on whether Jonathan Taylor stays or trades at the end of his holdout. A first-rounder or a package of several draft picks should be a reasonable price from the Colts’ point of view.
Now several teams have expressed their interest and the Miami Dolphins are said to have even made an initial bid for the running back. But this is said to be far removed from the Colts’ demands.
Whether there is still a deal will certainly also depend on the pressure in Indianapolis. Because interest is also heard from Denver and Chicago. But neither team is willing to even come close to paying the asking price for Taylor.
Philip Forstner