Category: Baltimore Ravens - LINDSEYYOK.COM

It's Happening

9/8/2022

The time has come. It is genuinely my Super Bowl.

To my delight, the New York Jets announced that Joseph Vincent Flacco will start at the quarterback position in Week 1. Who do they play, you ask? Why, his old team! The Baltimore Ravens!

Sources: The #Jets are starting QB Joe Flacco on Sunday vs. the #Ravens, as Flacco is set to face his old team. Zach Wilson (knee) is progressing well, but not quite ready. pic.twitter.com/NET7CiF1Om
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2022

ALLEGED starting quarterback Zach Wilson had knee surgery three weeks ago, making a return by Week One unlikely. The Jets wouldn't say which QB would be under center until Wednesday, but it appears Baltimore prepared for their former Super Bowl winner all along. Stakes will be high, but leave it to Flacco to keep emotions under wraps as he takes on a once-in-lifetime revenge game at Metlife on Sunday.

For my picks this weekend, head to my Patreon.

more:

On Wednesday, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons. Sanders most famously played with the Denver Broncos from 2014 to 2016, where he won a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning. Man, retiring at 35 years old is one of my ultimate dreams. Congrats to him. Sanders will retire as a Bronco.

“I gave it my all. Every single rep, every single play, I tried to go 100 percent as hard as I can. And that’s why I can hang my hat and say I gave the game everything I had and the game gave it back to me.”@ESanders_10 announces his retirement as a Bronco: pic.twitter.com/q1QTmy673s
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 7, 2022

The Buffalo Bills signed their star tight end Dawson Knox to a four-year extension on Wednesday. This extension rightfully places Knox in the top-five highest-paid TEs in the NFL. In addition to being a Super Bowl-favorite, Knox should see high numbers this season with his MVP-favorite QB Josh Allen.

Bills and TE Dawson Knox reached agreement on a four-year contract extension that ties to him Buffalo through 2026 season, per sources.

The deal is expected to place Knox in the top five highest-paid tight ends in the league. He will sign it after practice today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2022

JPP visited Ravens as they look for pass rush help

6/10/2022

Free agent pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul visited with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, as they look for help in that department. JPP is currently recovering from shoulder surgery, due to a lingering injury that lasted the entire 2021 season. It's unclear whether Pierre-Paul will be ready in time for training camp.

Three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul is visiting the #Ravens today, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 9, 2022

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Thursday that he doesn't expect Jameson Williams to be ready to return to the field by training camp this summer. The first-round wide receiver tore his ACL in January, so it could be some time before he's cleared for contact. The Lions remain hopeful that he could return during his rookie year, but it seems that will happen later rather than sooner.

Dan Campbell "hopeful," but doesn't see Jameson Williams being ready for training camp. https://t.co/g7Nflh6JOh
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 9, 2022

Although he's a recent Super Bowl champion, free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is still looking for a new home. But it likely won't be with his old team, the Cleveland Browns. So while the Browns are still looking for receivers to complement recent offseason addition of Amari Cooper, it probably won't be OBJ.

Odell Beckham Jr. returning to #Browns is unlikely, per source, but John Johnson III took a "shot in dark" anyway. @iamjohnthethird laughed today about his comment from March and explained the intent: "That was me recruiting." https://t.co/q3laakj3hs
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) June 9, 2022

While it seems like he's been injured forever, New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said we'll still have to wait a while to see wide receiver Michael Thomas on the field. While a report stated in May that things were heading in the right direction, Thomas is expected to be still sidelined at the team's minicamp.

Michael Thomas is “doubtful” as far as participation goes for next week at minicamp, Dennis Allen says.
— Amie Just (@Amie_Just) June 9, 2022

the ravens + jarvis landry?

5/9/2022

The Baltimore Ravens have "expressed interest" in former Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry. How much interest exactly? I'm told they haven't reached out or made him an offer (as of this past weekend). This year, Baltimore passed on drafting a receiver after trading Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals. The Ravens' WR room currently consists of Rashod Bateman, James Proche, and Devin Duvernay. The New Orleans Saints have also been linked to Landry.

Free agent WR Jarvis Landry has not heard from the #Browns as of late following the team drafting two WRs in the NFL Draft, per a league source.

I’m told another team in the AFC North: the Baltimore Ravens, have expressed interest in Landry since the draft ended.
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) May 6, 2022

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles said the team is "all in" on second-year quarterback Justin Fields. Umm... I would hope so. The team, so far, hasn't built around Fields the way they should. They added wideout Velus Jones in the third round, and that's pretty much it. Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle are also there, but neither are that special. I hope the expectations are realistic.

"We're all in on Justin [Fields]. I believe in Justin, the staff believes in Justin."

- Ryan Poles, just now on ESPN 1000
— Jeremy Layton (@JeremyLayt0n) May 6, 2022

At their minicamp, free agent defensive tackle Marcell Dareus is working out for the Baltimore Ravens. Dareus has not seen the field since being cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars at the end of the 2019 season. So this is quite a reach.

Harbaugh said former first-round DT Marcell Dareus also at Ravens minicamp.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 7, 2022

do they or don't they take a qb

4/27/2022

The Carolina Panthers are slated to pick at No. 6 on Thursday, and if mock drafts are your thing, many of them have them picking a quarterback. During a press conference on Tuesday, general manager Scott Fitterer said they had done their work on QB prospects and that they are a few they are comfortable with taking with their first pick. I think Kenny Pickett goes to Carolina, but this also makes me think the Panthers are trying to persuade someone to trade with them if THEY are also eyeing a top QB.

Scott Fitterer says there are a couple of QBs he would feel comfortable with at No. 6. He also said there are a handful of teams that are serious about trading up to 6.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 26, 2022

While rumors went around on Monday that Las Vegas Raiders star tight end Darren Waller was being looked at in a trade with the Green Bay Packers, it seems that lil rumor is going nowhere. It was somewhat believable because Waller only has one year remaining on his current deal, but it seems more likely that Vegas will look to get something long-term worked out with Waller.

Got a firm ‘zero chance’ Darren Waller is traded from a source. Teams certainly would like to acquire a top tight end on a good contract but Raiders have no plans to acquiesce.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 26, 2022

The Chicago Bears may be taking trade calls for pass rusher Robert Quinn. They already let Khalil Mack walk, and if they're currently in re-build mode, this may be a no-brainer. It's possible they're gearing up talk before the draft, for the player who had 18 and a half sacks in 2021.

Interesting. Robert Quinn was in Chicago today meeting the new staff and spending time with #Bears coach Matt Eberflus. But teams are sniffing around on him for a possible trade. One of several veteran names being discussed. https://t.co/pXvlZlr1oF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2022

The Denver Broncos re-signed running back Melvin Gordon to a one-year deal on Tuesday night. Gordon also talked with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason about a potential deal. He fits better in Denver.

Breaking: FA RB Melvin Gordon is re-signing with the #Broncos, per source.

A 2x Pro Bowler w/the #Chargers, Gordon -- who just turned 29 -- tallied 1,904 yards and 20 TDs his last two seasons, both with Denver. (Melvin also visited the #Ravens.) Huge get for Russell Wilson. □
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2022

the latest on deebo samuel

4/26/2022

General manager John Lynch reiterated again that the San Francisco 49ers have no interest at moving wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The Niners don't want to move him, but Samuel has requested a trade and clearly wants out of San Francisco. Samuel has one year left on his rookie deal, so this is a situation that will be closely monitored. I'm in the club of 'everyone is tradeable for the right price.'

Lynch now saying he can’t imagine a scenario where they let Deebo Samuel go. Too good of a player. Also praised him as a person, too, noting he interacts with fans before games. https://t.co/09mo442IVQ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 25, 2022

While many have assumed Baker Mayfield would be traded by now, the first-round quarterback is still on the Cleveland Browns' roster, and their asking price may go down post-draft. The Carolina Panthers, who are slated to pick at No. 6, could further pursue Mayfield if they don't take a QB with that pick. The Seattle Seahawks have also been a team linked to Mayfield.

From NFL Now (in Las Vegas): The #Panthers aren't trading for QB Baker Mayfield, at least not before Thursday. Which opens up a ton of questions... pic.twitter.com/3Lq1RHaWLM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2022

The New York Giants are looking to trade wide receiver Kadarius Toney unless they aren't. While reports have floated over the past week of a desire to trade him, New York may not be shopping him; just listening to offers. And they want something substantial in his return. So while Toney has not reported to offseason workouts, has been plagued by injuries, and has no real ties to head coach Brian Daboll, a trade for Toney will likely not happen before the Draft later this week. UPDATE: Toney was present at the Giants' facility for workouts on Monday.

Spoke to a bunch of sources around the league about second-year WR Kadarius Toney over the weekend. Giants view him as a valuable asset. Would want a significant return. Makes it seem right now the likelihood is he does not get moved.#giants #nfl #NFLDraft2022
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 25, 2022

The hearing for New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been pushed back until August. Kamara is being charged with a felony regarding an incident the night before this year's Pro Bowl. The NFL could potentially fine or suspend Kamara for the incident, but they are expected to wait until the trial is over.

Hearing in Alvin Kamara case moved to August. https://t.co/MeTWHtHKDt
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 25, 2022

The 49ers picked up edge rusher Nick Bosa's fifth-year option. Bosa, the second-overall pick in 2019's draft, has been one of the top ten edge rushers the entirety of his career thus far. I'd expect the Niners to want to work out a long-term deal with him sometime in the near future.

49ers picked up Nick Bosa's fifth-year option today, not there ever was a doubt about that.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2022

49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey tore his quad in Week 9, but expects to be ready to go by training camp. The Niners picked up McGlinchey's fifth-year option so he's under contract through this season.

#49ers RT Mike McGlinchey, who tore his quadriceps in November, said he expects to be able to participate in training camp.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) April 25, 2022

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley missed six games of the 2020 season with an ankle injury before declaring himself ready for 2021. Fast forward to Week 2, and he was out for the season with the same injury. Stanley is said to be on pace to be ready for the 2022 season, let's just hope it works out this time.

#Ravens All-Pro OT Ronnie Stanley received a medical check-up recently and he’s on pace to be ready for 2022, sources say. Stanley played just one game last year then had another ankle surgery. He’ll be monitored throughout the summer, but there is optimistic he’ll be good to go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2022

Draft trades are starting to roll in. The New England Patriots dealt a fifth-round pick to the Houston Texans for their sixth and seventh-round picks.

Trade: Patriots dealt their fifth-round pick to the Texans for their sixth- and seventh-round picks, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2022

49ers running back Elijah Mitchell had once of those elusive "clean up knee procedures" after the 2021 season. He missed some practice time and a handful of games in 2021 due to knee problems but should be ready for 2022 training camp.

#49ers RB Elijah Mitchell was playing hurt toward at the end of the season. He said he required a clean-up procedure on his knee.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 25, 2022

April 23rd, 2022

4/23/2022

Seven-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas wants to revive his NFL career. Thomas last played for the Baltimore Ravens and was released in 2020 for conduct detrimental to the team. Thomas went through a domestic violence issue (which, I'm not going to get into the details, was WILD) and reportedly fought with teammates during training camp. At age 33, Thomas might have something left in the tank, but it remains whether a team will take a chance on him given his past issues.

Former seven-time Pro-Bowl safety Earl Thomas, who last played for Baltimore in 2019 and who turns 33 in May, said today that he wants to resume his NFL career this season. “I’m ready,” Thomas texted. “I’m in shape. My timing is on point - I’m proud of that.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2022

The Jacksonville Jaguars (once again) have the number one pick in this year's NFL Draft. While most have Aidan Hutchinson as going number one, the team says they're between four players at the moment for their first choice. General manager Trent Baalke also added that he had not fielded any calls from teams wanting to trade up to the top spot.

Jaguars GM Trent Baalke later says they have 4 players in consideration for the No.1 overall pick. He won’t reveal who or what positions. Gotta figure Aiden Hutchinson, Travon Walker & at least one of OTs are among the group.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) April 22, 2022

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and the San Francisco 49ers are at a standstill as a contract goes. But, it turns out, Samuel doesn't want a new deal from the team; he just wants out. The 49ers insist they have no intention of trading him, but this is something worth keeping an eye on.

"From my understanding Deebo Samuel basically told the 49ers I want to be traded & don't make an offer.. I don't think this is about the money" ~@RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/V6Nc0Vwveu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 22, 2022

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard spoke with reporters this week and was asked about the status of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. Hilton is currently a free agent and hinted that he wasn't interested in retiring at this time. So could a return to the Colts be possible despite little to no interest from other teams? Ballard says he thinks Hilton can still play but didn't confirm or deny that the team has interest.

Chis Ballard said they’ll still have some talks with T.Y. Hilton. Ballard has texted with him this week and thinks Hilton can still play.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 22, 2022

no-shows to kick off the offseason

4/20/2022

San Francisco 49ers quarterback (at least for now) Jimmy Garoppolo will be a no-show for the team's offseason program as he is rehabbing his shoulder off-site as he recovers from surgery. While the assumption is that he will be traded this offseason, the shoulder surgery has diminished some other teams' interest. So while his market is expected to pick back up as he recovers, the Niners should be turning to Trey Lance as their starter come September.

#49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been rehabbing his throwing shoulder off-site, per his surgeon's instructions. Garoppolo and the team are on the same page with that continuing and he won't be there when their offseason conditioning program starts today, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2022

Another no-go: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray won't be in attendance at his team's offseason program. Murray has been pushing towards a new long-term deal with the team, deleting all traces of them from his social media in the process (the latest trend). Both sides have stated that they want to break ground on a new deal, but that has not happened. I think the Cardinals' inability to draft a QB that can start over Murray right now or trade for someone better than him will ultimately lead them to pay him eventually.

As the #AZCardinals begin their offseason conditioning today, QB Kyler Murray and many of the teams veterans will stay away and train on their own rather than attend the voluntary workouts, sources say. This has been communicated as the plan for several weeks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2022

New Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is attending the team's offseason program, as he showed up on Tuesday. Baker Mayfield, meanwhile, was a no-show, to no one's surprise. While Mayfield still wants to be traded, Watson could still face a lengthy suspension for the allegations of sexual assault on 22 women. And that's all I have to say about that.

As expected, Deshaun Watson reported for the #Browns offseason program today, but Baker Mayfield has not. Among other things, Mayfield is still rehabbing his left shoulder surgery
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 19, 2022

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was asked (again) if Sam Darnold is the team's starting quarterback. While it is largely speculated that the team will draft a new QB or trade for a vet (a la Baker Mayfield), McAdoo said that Darnold is the team's (current) starter. So maybe for about another week.

Ben McAdoo asked if he looks at Sam Darnold as his starting quarterback didn't hesitate: "Yes.'' He later said he put his foot in his mouth naming a starter, saying, "That is something I shouldn't have said.''
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 19, 2022

Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht spoke at a pre-draft presser on Tuesday, where he stated that just because they re-signed both of their running backs, Leonard Fournette and Giovanni Bernard, that didn't mean they wouldn't draft a back in this year's draft. While there likely will be no running backs taken in the first round (for the first year ever), Tampa isn't out of the question to take one later on.

Bucs GM Jason Licht said re-signing Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard wouldn't preclude them from drafting a running back. They've done a lot of homework at RB. Despite signing Logan Ryan, who can play nickel and safety, and Keanu Neal, he said they could still draft a safety
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) April 19, 2022

With Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp up for extensions ASAP, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team have talked about both extensions. While one may be further along than the other, it's a no-brainer for both of these players to get PAID paid before someone else does it.

Sean McVay says “good dialogue” is ongoing on Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp contracts as voluntary OTAs begin and reiterates that getting the two done are priorities for the team this spring. I *think* it would be fair to indicate that Donald further along than Kupp at the moment.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 19, 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed wide receiver Miles Boykin off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. Boykin, a third-round pick for Baltimore, was riddled with injuries throughout his career amid a crowded receiver room. Boykin will try to revive his career against his former team's biggest rival.

#Steelers claimed WR Miles Boykin off waivers from the #Ravens, sources say.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 19, 2022

Sean Payton said that if he were to coach in 2022, he would have stayed with the New Orleans Saints. I guesssss that means no truth to that rumor of the Tom Brady and Miami Dolphins rumor? Payton is expected to be on the media side of things at least for 2022.

Former Saints coach Sean Payton chatted with the media after his golf round, and before he was even asked a question, said he didn’t know anything about the Dolphins/Tom Brady reports. Said if he was interested in coaching in 2022 he would have stayed with Saints. https://t.co/0bEfJw8t4u
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) April 19, 2022

Rumors of San Francisco 49ers versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel being involved in a trade have been swirling all offseason, and this just puts a pin in it. Samuel is reportedly the one who wants out, for various reasons.

“SF would pay Deebo Samuel today, tomorrow, the next day, it's not hard to figure out what the contract would
look like. This, I think is Deebo not wanting to get a deal done. The 49ers are ready, Deebo’s the one that's put a halt to everything for right now." — Schefter on ESPN
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) April 19, 2022

Wide receiver Jarvis Landry is visiting the New Orleans Saints this week. Landry obviously wants to play for a contender.

Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Jarvis Landry is visiting the #Saints this week, per source. Should be there tomorrow. New Orleans has been looking for WR help for a while. #Browns still in the mix for Landry, too.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 19, 2022

a new deal for denzel ward

4/19/2022

On Monday, the Cleveland Browns signed cornerback Denzel Ward to a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension. Ward's deal includes a $71.25 million guarantee, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Ward, drafted fourth overall by Cleveland in 2018, has been a standout player on their defense and should be a top-performing member of the secondary for years to come. While I wouldn't consider him a "lockdown corner" like Jalen Ramsey, he's a solid defender and is extremely valuable in a division like the AFC North.

Browns are signing Pro-Bowl CB Denzel Ward to a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension that includes $71.25 million guaranteed, per source. At age 24, Ward is the highest-paid CB in NFL history.

Tory Dandy of CAA Sports, who negotiated the contract, confirmed the deal to ESPN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2022

The Kansas City Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason and have been consistently trying to convince us that it won't really matter that much. But, of course, any time you trade away a game-changing player, the main question remains - can you replace him or his talent? The Chiefs will attempt to do this with either Mecole Hardman or Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Additionally, there are rumors that Kansas City could potentially go in on another top wide receiver a la DK Metcalf. We will see, but head coach Andy Reid is convinced the offense will not be primarily affected. Um, ok.

Andy Reid on his offensive game plans without Tyreek Hill: "I don't think it will be significantly different."
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) April 18, 2022

The Chicago Bears signed tight end James O'Shaugnessy, hoping to give second-year quarterback Justin Fields something to work with. O'Shaughnessy showed promise and chemistry with rookie QB Trevor Lawrence when he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars before ankle, and hip injuries interrupted his season. O'Shaughnessy joins Cole Kmet in the Bears' tight end room.

Chicago Bears signed James O’Shaughnessy to a one-year contract.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 18, 2022

The Baltimore Ravens released wide receiver Miles Boykin, saving the team $2.5 million in cap space. The Ravens were trying to trade him, to no avail. Injuries riddled Boykin's career in Baltimore, but he should be able to catch on to a team looking for a low-risk, high-reward player.

Ravens release WR Miles Boykin, a former third-round pick. The move, which was announced by the team, creates $2.54 million of cap space. The Ravens tried to trade him but there really wasn't a market for a player coming off injury-marred season.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 18, 2022

covid in the nfl keeps climbing

12/22/2021

The COVID issues in the NFL continue. Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.

Nick Sirianni speaking now: "Wasn't feeling great this morning when I woke up and just got tested and obviously we are where we are right now. Feeling OK, feeling a little better now."

Nick said passing game coordinator Kevin Petullo would run team Sunday if he's not back.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) December 22, 2021

And it seems the entire New York Jets roster has COVID as well.

Fifteen Jets out due to COVID-19:

HC Robert Saleh
CB Michael Carter
WR Elijah Moore
G Vera-Tucker
DL Foley Fatukasi
DE J.Franklin-Myers
ST Justin Hardee
LB H.Nasirildeen
S S.Neasman
WR Jeff Smith
LB Blake Cashman
LB Noah Dawkins
CB Lamar Jackson
DL Tanzel Smart
WR Vyncint Smith
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2021

This is interesting from Cleveland Browns center and NFLPA President JC Tretter. The NFL had originally wanted to cancel the games that were eventually moved, meaning neither team would have gotten paid for them. Tretter made sure to fight for them to be moved. Do we still want to complain about how the "NFL coddles the Browns" or no?

JC Tretter says the NFL wanted to cancel all 3 postponed games last week, which would have meant no players would have been paid. Tretter heads the players union and fought for postponement based on that, not competitive balance.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) December 22, 2021

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is shut down for the rest of this season, but a decision is looming for 2022. When asked about the future, this was his response. And the picture is just a perfect representation.

Daniel Jones on if #Giants want him as 2022 QB: “I’ve spoken to Joe & we’ve had conversations about that. But I think there’s things I need to improve on. There’s things he expects me to improve on & I understand that. I obviously take that very seriously. So that’s my approach.”
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) December 22, 2021

Classic John Harbaugh was on display on Wednesday. When asked about the star of his team's availability for this weekend, he responded with basically a shrug. I know he's had to answer way more questions about injuries than anyone else this season, but this is annoying.

John Harbaugh when asked about an update on Lamar Jackson (ankle): "I don't have any updates on that. That's wait and see for all those guys. Every single guy you're going to ask me about is all going to be day by day. We'll just see where they're at as we go."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 22, 2021

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed running back Le'Veon Bell earlier this week. Bell had some interesting ideas of what he would have done had the Bucs not called him.

Le’Veon Bell on joining the Bucs: “I got to the point where I had thought about calling it quits…this is literally the only spot that would make me want to play football again.” pic.twitter.com/kc8v0rorqJ
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 22, 2021

Myles Garrett sustained a groin injury in this week's game and has little time to recover, being that the Browns play on Christmas Day. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said they're going to play it by ear and see how he responds before ruling him out.

#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski on latest with Myles Garrett: "We'll see. I'll get my eyes on him today and we'll see how it goes."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) December 22, 2021

The Pittsburgh Steelers are losing a coach. Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm is heading to Oregon to be their offensive line coach, following the 2021 season.

Told this hire is expected to happen, per sources. Plan is for Klemm to finish out the season with the Steelers before heading to Oregon. https://t.co/em1vEYmIqT
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 22, 2021

The Drop-Back: Harbaugh talks about going for two, holiday wishes from brady

12/20/2021

A lot has been said about Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh deciding to go for two in the last seconds of Sunday's game instead of using the best player on his roster to kick a field goal. Harbaugh clarified his comments (even though he didn't really have to) by saying if there were more time on the clock, he likely would have elected to use Justin Tucker.

Coach Harbaugh on the decision to go for two at the end of the game. pic.twitter.com/0C6YPBd5NR
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 20, 2021

The Carolina Panthers are bringing in kickers after Zane Gonzalez was injured during warmups on Sunday. Apparently, this isn't going to cut it.

A multitude of Panthers attempting to kick the ball is pretty hilarious pic.twitter.com/Qof9RWHiHT
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) December 19, 2021

The New England Patriots are no longer in a winning streak after this week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Linebacker Jamie Collins says they're not letting it get them down.

"Sometimes you need that setback, you need that humble pie." https://t.co/vQFvzyBYS7
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) December 20, 2021

Tom Brady is just wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Nothing to see here.

Sure does look like Tom Brady sprints over to the Saints sideline and yells “go f— yourself, pal” pic.twitter.com/7UNYlewQt4
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) December 20, 2021

The Tennessee Titans have had to overcome a lot this season, including losing their best player in Derrick Henry and making the colossal mistake of signing Julio Jones and his glass foot. Another huge problem: Turnovers. And head coach Mike Vrabel knows this is an obvious one.

Vrabel: It’s “Captain Obvious”, but we have to take care of the football. @Titans pic.twitter.com/V0nPteaX2H
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 20, 2021

And the hits keep coming for the Washington Football Team. All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff is another player going on the COVID-19 reserve list.

Washington All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff will be placed on the team’s reserve/covid list, per sources.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 20, 2021

OLIPOP - A new kind of soda.