Deebo Samuel broke his foot, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
More specifically, Rapoport says it’s a Jones fracture for Samuel, an injury that’s seemingly been somewhat common with wide receivers over the years. The promising second-year receiver is having foot surgery today and is reportedly expected to miss 12-16 weeks, which puts him on a timeline to potentially be ready as early as Week 1 and as late as early October. Of course, the hard-nosed Samuel will want to get on the field as soon as possible, but ideally the team and player will ensure he’s 100% healthy to avoid a re-fracture after he returns. Samuel’s recovery will be something to watch all summer.
Via: Ian Rapoport 6/18/20 - 02:53 PM ET
Josh Gordon officially applied for reinstatement yesterday.
Gordon is currently serving another indefinite suspension, but he hopes to get cleared and land with a team this summer ahead of the 2020 season. Still somehow only 29 years old, Gordon is several years removed from his sensational All-Pro campaign in 2013, but he has the natural talent to contribute to a team if he can stay clean. Hopefully Gordon finds self-control and can go on to have a strong second act in the NFL.
Via: Tom Pelissero 6/18/20 - 01:42 PM ET
Doug Pederson says Jalen Reagor will start learning at the Z.
Talking with reporters via webcam, the Eagles head coach says that the first-round rookie receiver will start his career learning from DeSean Jackson at the Z receiver position. Pederson added that when Reagor is comfortable with that position, he’ll be able to move around more (particularly inside at the slot). Clearly, Philadelphia sees the TCU product as a long-term speedster at the Z, similar to the role Tyreek Hill plays in the Chiefs offense. The shortened offseason due to COVID-19 might make it more difficult for rookies to see playing time, but Reagor should find his way onto the field a good amount in 2020, and his long-term upside is very high in Pederson’s offense.
6/16/20 - 10:23 AM ET
Ezekiel Elliott tested positive for coronavirus.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, multiple players from the Cowboys and the Texans have tested positive for COVID-19. This is not good to hear, but fortunately these are professional athletes that should be in tip-top shape and will hopefully not have much trouble pushing through the virus. As with everyone that has the coronavirus, hopefully the players that caught it are feeling better soon.
Via: Ian Rapoport 6/15/20 - 12:25 PM ET
Christian Hackenberg is attempting to become a baseball pitcher, according to NBC Sports’ John Clark.
The former Penn State quarterback, who was thought of as a future No. 1 overall selection before eventually going to the Jets in the second round in 2016, is still just 25 years old and says he still feels like he “has a lot left in the tank.” There’s no question Hackenberg has a strong arm, and it’ll be an intriguing story to follow moving forward if an MLB organization gives him an opportunity. Hackenberg did not appear in any games during his NFL career. We wish him luck moving forward.
Via: John Clark 6/13/20 - 05:06 PM ET
Antonio Brown pleads no contest to January 2020 charges.
Brown will have probation and community service, but his attorney Carson Hancock says that the All-Pro receiver “was not convicted of any criminal misconduct.” Hancock went on to explain in a statement that the situation was basically that—after a disagreement with a moving truck driver over pay—Brown’s friends took boxes off of the truck and immediately put back the ones that were not his after the driver told them other people’s boxes were also in his possession. AB’s multiple off-field issues are still being looked at by the NFL, and he’ll need to get cleared by the league before he can get back on the field. Teams will probably wait for the NFL’s decision before they even consider signing Brown.
Via: Tom Pelissero 6/12/20 - 03:05 PM ET
Sony Michel underwent foot surgery, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Reiss says Michel had the surgery last month, adding that the procedure “was viewed as more maintenance-based to help relieve discomfort that Michel had been experiencing.” However, the foot surgery puts the start of training camp, which is expected to begin in late July, in jeopardy for the third-year running back. Michel has missed just three games in two NFL seasons, but he’s been banged up since the Patriots selected him in the first round of the 2018 draft. Hopefully the Georgia product gets to 100% soon and can continue being the lead ball-carrier for a New England offense moving forward without Tom Brady under center.
Via: ESPN 6/12/20 - 07:59 AM ET