Let’s take a look around the National Football League at some news and notes heading into week 10 of the season.
Saints Sign Dez Bryant
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a one-year deal with former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, Dez Bryant. The agreement came just one day after Bryant worked out for the Saints in New Orleans, and the team plans to make the deal official on Thursday. Bryant was released by the Cowboys in a surprising move in April after his on field production declined. The Saints are hoping that Bryant can return to his 2014 form when he earned 1st team All Pro status after that season. Bryant failed to rack up at least 900 receiving yards in the three seasons after signing a big extension with the Cowboys before the 2015 season. In a corresponding move, the Saints are placing receiver Cam Meredith on injured reserve to make room for Bryant on the active roster. New Orleans will host the Cowboys in week 13 in a Thursday Night Football clash.
Dolphins, Gase Fined By NFL
The NFL has announced that the Miami Dolphins and head coach Adam Gase have been fined in regards to their handling of Ryan Tannehill’s injury. The Dolphins were fined $30,000 and Gase was handed a $15,000 fine for violating the NFL Injury Report Policy in the week leading up to the October 14 game against the Chicago Bears. Miami listed the quarterback as a full participant in a practice on October 11, but the NFL deemed that he should have been listed as limited after taking less reps than normal in that Thursday scrimmage. Tannehill has been dealing with a sore right throwing shoulder, and he is listed as “out” for the Dolphins matchup against the Green Bay Packers this week.
Vikings Claim Ameer Abdullah
The Minnesota Vikings have claimed running back Ameer Abdullah after he was waived by the Detroit Lions earlier this week. The former Nebraska Cornhuskers standout never really got his career going in Detroit despite spending four seasons with the Lions. Abdullah had 327 rushing attempts for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns in the 35 games that he played in Detroit. The Vikings will now have three legitimate running backs on their roster with Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray both back and healthy in Minnesota.
Darnold To Miss Week 10
New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold will miss the team’s week 10 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Darnold was forced to miss the Jets practice on Wednesday and is currently in a walking boot as he continues to deal with a sore foot. New York will start veteran Josh McCown against a Bills defense that has a solid defense. The Jets will re-evaluate their rookie quarterback after their week 11 bye in hopes to get him back on the field. Darnold became the youngest quarterback to ever start a season opener earlier this season, but has struggled in his rookie campaign. He has thrown 14 interceptions through his first nine NFL games, and has taken a beating behind a struggling offensive line.
Falcons Sign Bruce Irvin
The Atlanta Falcons announced that they have reached an agreement with former Oakland Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin. The Oakland Raiders cut the pass rusher who was still owed $3.8 million on Sunday, and he cleared waivers on Tuesday making him a free agent. Irvin is set to make $1.5 million over the final eight games of the season with the Falcons, and will still be paid the money left on his deal with the Raiders. Irvin, 31, was born in Atlanta and will also reunite with Dan Quinn, who was his coach when both were in Seattle. The 4-4 Atlanta Falcons will take on the Cleveland Browns in week 10.
Aqib Talib Nearing Return To Rams
The Los Angeles Rams secondary could be getting some help soon in the form of Aqib Talib. Talib has told reporters that he is eyeing a return to the field after Thanksgiving, and should be ready when he is eligible to come off of IR during week 13. The cornerback has not played since suffering an ankle injury during a week three victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Talib underwent surgery to repair that ankle that same week.
