Take a look at the latest New and Notes from the National Football League for Wednesday, October 17, 2018:
Steelers Not Expecting Bell Back
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not expecting to see Le’Veon Bell return to the team this week according to a source. The Steelers are beginning their bye week, and no one from the organization has heard from Bell since the regular season began. Bell is currently not under contract with the team after refusing to sign his franchise tender that is worth more than $14.5 million. Bell would need to report to the Steelers this week in order to have this season count towards free agency. The Steelers will continue to use James Conner as their starting running back in Bell’s absence. The second-year running back has run for over 450 yards this season and has accounted for seven rushing touchdowns.
Seahawks Owner Paul Allen Dies
The Seattle Seahawks are mourning the loss of their owner, Paul Allen, who died on Monday. Allen passed away from complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 65. The Seahawks owner was initially treated for and overcame the disease in 2009. Allen announced just a few weeks ago that he was beginning treatment for the disease a second time. Allen took over the ownership role of the Seahawks in 1997, and the team made it to three Super Bowls under his leadership. The Seahawks were victorious in Super Bowl XLVIII at the end of the 2013 season. Allen was also the owner of the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA.
Raiders Trying To Trade Cooper
The Oakland Raiders have begun shopping their talented wide receiver, Amari Cooper. The Raiders are asking teams for a first round pick in exchange for Cooper according to a source. The NFL trade deadline is set for October 30, and the Raiders would like to have a deal in place before that time.
Cooper is in his fourth season with the Raiders since being drafted in 2015 out of the University of Alabama. He has accounted for over 3,000 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during his NFL career but has also struggled with inconsistency. The Oakland Raiders are 1-5 so far this season and are looking to position themselves for future success.
Allen Injured For Buffalo
Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback suffered an injury in the week six loss to the Houston Texans, and his status is unclear for week seven. The Bills officially announced that Allen is week to week with an elbow injury, which sources have indicated that it is an elbow strain. The injury occurred during the Bills 20-13 loss to the Houston Texans to fall to 2-4 on the young season. Allen underwent an MRI on Monday morning, and head coach Sean McDermott said that there is a possibility he will be ready for their week seven clash against the Indianapolis Colts. The Bills are averaging just 12.7 points per game this season, which is the lowest mark in the NFL.
Freeman Likely Out For Week 7
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn told the media that running back Devonta Freeman is likely out for a week seven matchup against the New York Giants. Freeman is dealing with both a foot and groin injury and was forced to miss the Falcons week six victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The talented running back has played in just two games for Atlanta this season after suffering a knee injury in the season opener that caused him to miss some time. The Falcons currently rank 29th in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 86 yards per game.
Buccaneers Fire Defensive Coordinator
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired defensive coordinator Mike Smith after owning the league’s worst defense through six weeks of the season. Mark Duffer will take over as the interim defensive coordinator after serving as the linebacker coach for Tampa Bay. Smith took over as defensive coordinator in Tampa in 2016 when Dirk Koetter took over as the head coach.
The Buccaneers have surrendered at least 400 yards twenty times since Smith took over the role as defensive coordinator. Tampa has given up a whopping 34.6 points per game this season, which is easily the worst mark in the NFL. The Buccaneers got off to a 2-0 start this season, but have dropped their three previous games, prompting the firing.
