Footballguys #270 - 1/17 - News & Notes From Around The League + Free DraftKings Contest

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #270 -- Wednesday Night, January 17th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- [You could win BIG this weekend!]( We've made it football fans. Get that spot on the couch primed and ready to go. Settle in and watch this year's best of the best go at it for a shot to get to the big game. Adding to the excitement, DraftKings is launching a new game type, Showdown, which capitalizes on the playoff hype. Now, it wouldn't be fair of us to dangle that in front of you and not offer some bonus content. So, this Sunday, January 20th , we're teaming up with DraftKings to offer a [FREE Showdown contest]( where the first three places win a 2018 Footballguys subscription. That's right ladies and gents, I said FREE. But fear not, even if you don't come in the top 3 spots, you can still play for total prizes of 500 DraftKings Dollars. Now, you may ask, what's different about Showdown? You draft four offensive players and two defensive players from one single football game. Cool, right? So, buckle up football fans and get ready for another crazy ride. Act quickly, this opportunity won't be available long. [Click here to play]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Thursday to you. We've got some News and Notes for you so let's get to it. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NE - QB Tom Brady undergoes X-rays](#1) 2. [NYJ - Todd Haley may be OC candidate for Jets](#2) 3. [DAL - Dallas hire Sanjay Lal](#3) 4. [TEN - Steve Wilks' interview postponed](#4) 5. [ARI - Arizona to talk with Keith Armstrong again](#5) 6. [NYJ - Jeremy Bates may be OC candidate for Jets](#6) 7. [NYJ - John Morton let go](#7) 8. [JAX - Wednesday practice report for Jaguars](#8) 9. [NE - Wednesday injury report for Patriots](#9) 10. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead limited Wednesday](#10) 11. [PIT - Richard Mann retiring](#11) 12. [DEN - Denver signs three players](#12) 13. [MIN - Minnesota's Wednesday injury report](#13) 14. [MIN - WR Adam Thielen misses practice](#14) 15. [CHI - Chicago bringing in Shane Toub](#15) 16. [MIA - Kris Kocurek joining Dolphins](#16) 17. [NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell won't be activated](#17) 18. [HOU - Houston hiring Brad Seely](#18) 19. [OAK - Oakland wants NaVorro Bowman back](#19) 20. [TB - RB Doug Martin not returning?](#20) 21. [TB - DeSean Jackson talks QB Jameis Winston](#21) 22. [MIA - WR Jarvis Landry seeking Davante Adams money](#22) 23. [ARI - Mike Munchak bows out of Cards race](#23) 24. [NO - Zach Strief mulling retirement](#24) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NE - QB Tom Brady undergoes X-rays](=) Source: Boston Herald - Karen Guregian New England Patriots QB [Tom Brady]( (hand) underwent X-rays on his injured hand Wednesday, Jan. 17, but they did not show any structural damage, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That he had to have X-rays means that the injury was not just a mere nick or bruise. The Jaguars are not the defense you want to be facing with a throwing hand that is less than 100%. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYJ - Todd Haley may be OC candidate for Jets](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is expected to be a candidate for the New York Jets vacant offensive coordinator position. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Haley and head coach Todd Bowles spent time together on the Cowboys and Jets coaching staffs in the past and Haley has been successful when he's not getting into personality conflicts. Haley should find a job soon even if the Jets pass on him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [DAL - Dallas hire Sanjay Lal]() Source: The Dallas Morning News - David Moore The Dallas Cowboys have hired Indianapolis Colts wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal as their new wide receivers coach, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lal hasn't had a lot of success in stops with Oakland, Buffalo, the Jets, and the Colts, but he continues to get opportunities. Don't look for Dez Bryant to have a big bounceback season, at least not because of this hire. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [TEN - Steve Wilks' interview postponed]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was scheduled to interview for the Tennessee Titans head coaching position Wednesday, Jan. 17, but the interview has been delayed because of inclement weather, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wilks will also be in consideration for the open head coach position with Arizona, where he is likely to interview for a second time this week, according to Kent Somers of AZCentral sports. The Panthers are likely to have two new coordinators next season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [ARI - Arizona to talk with Keith Armstrong again]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong is scheduled to have a second interview with Arizona Cardinals for their head coaching position Friday, Jan. 19, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Armstrong has piloted Falcons special teams units that usually among the top in the league. John Harbaugh went from special teams to head coach success and it appears the Cardinals think Armstong can too. With Mike Munchak out of the running, Armstrong is a top candidate, along with New England linebackers coach Brian Flores. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [NYJ - Jeremy Bates may be OC candidate for Jets]() Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates is considered a strong candidate for the team's offensive coordinator position, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bates deserves a lot of the credit for Josh McCown's play, and he has had one previous offensive coordinator position under Pete Carroll with the Seahawks in 2010. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NYJ - John Morton let go]() Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets offensive coordinator John Morton will not return to the team next season, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Morton's playcalling and unwillingness to take suggestions from head coach Todd Bowles were allegedly at the heart of this move. His pass-heavy approach was even called out by Matt Forte after a game. Jets quarterback coach Jeremy Bates, former Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and current Eagles quarterback coach John DeFillipo are all candidates to replace Morton. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [JAX - Wednesday practice report for Jaguars](=) Source: Jaguars.com Jacksonville Jaguars FS Tashaun Gipson (foot) and OL Patrick Omameh (illness) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 17. SS Barry Church (shoulder) and DT Malik Jackson (ankle) were limited. LB Paul Posluszny (abdomen) participated fully. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jaguars have two banged up safeties heading into a game where they'll have to contain Rob Gronkowski. The Jaguars may instead ask one of their ultra-athletic linebacker duo to defend Gronk this weekend. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NE - Wednesday injury report for Patriots](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots DT Alan Branch (knee) and RB [Mike Gillislee]( (knee) were limited in practice Wednesday, Jan. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gillislee could return this week to take a little off of Dion Lewis or Rex Burkhead's plate as an inside runner, but the restricted free agent signing has mostly been a bust for the team, and he's unlikely to have a playoff impact. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead limited Wednesday](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB [Rex Burkhead]( (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Jan. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Burkhead appeared close to a return last week despite being clearly limited by his knee injury in practice last week. The team has been using Dion Lewis on 20+ touches a game since Burkhead went down, which is not ideal, but workable since Lewis has been used sparingly at times earlier in the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [PIT - Richard Mann retiring]() Source: The Athletic - Mark Kaboly Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Richard Mann announced his retirement Wednesday, Jan. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mann has been around the NFL coaching ranks since the 80s and had a hand in Antonio Brown raising his game to a Hall of Fame level. There has been buzz around 2017 coaching intern Hines Ward as Mann's replacement. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [DEN - Denver signs three players]() Source: The Denver Post - Nicki Jhabvala Denver Broncos WR Kenny Bell, DL DeShawn Williams and OT Andreas Knappe were signed to Reserve/Future contracts Wednesday, Jan. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bell is a good blocking receiver with athleticism and a Matt Waldman favorite, but he hasn't been able to put it together long enough to stick on a roster for the long haul after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 draft by Tampa Bay. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [MIN - Minnesota's Wednesday injury report]() Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings DT Shamar Stephen (knee, ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 17. SS Andrew Sendejo (concussion) and CB Mackensie Alexander (ribs) were limited. S Anthony Harris (knee) and C Pat Elflein (shoulder) participated fully. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sendejo seems to be on track to play Sunday night, but if he's not out there, the Vikings had excellent defensive games in both of his missed contests this year, including a 24-7 win over the Rams. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [MIN - WR Adam Thielen misses practice]() Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings WR [Adam Thielen]( (back) was absent from practice Wednesday, Jan. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Thielen should be good to go for Sunday night's tilt with the Vikings, but it would obviously be better if he was fully healthy going into the game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CHI - Chicago bringing in Shane Toub]( Source: Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs Former University of Illinois graduate assistant Shane Toub is being hired as an offensive quality control coach for the Chicago Bears. Toub is the son of former Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Toub was under Lovie Smith last year after his college playing career wound up in 2016. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [MIA - Kris Kocurek joining Dolphins](=) Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett Former Detroit Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek has agreed to join the Miami Dolphins as their defensive line coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kocurek has a lot of experience with the centerpiece of the Dolphins defensive line, Ndamukong Suh. He also came up under Jim Schwartz, who was a mentor to Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell won't be activated]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport New England Patriots WR [Malcolm Mitchell]( (knee) will not be activated from the Reserve/Injured list, according to a source. He will not be eligible to play again until next season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mitchell's knee never responded well enough to have an impact this year after a promising rookie campaign. The Patriots passing attack can support multiple fantasy relevant receivers, so Mitchell should still be stashed in all but the most shallow dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [HOU - Houston hiring Brad Seely](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Former Oakland Raiders special teams coach Brad Seely is being hired by the Houston Texans for the same position, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Texans special teams play was an area they wanted to improve, and the team let Larry Izzo go after four years of being in charge of that unit. Seely was a special teams coach under Bill Belichick for ten years, including two with Texans head coach Bill O'Brien on the staff. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [OAK - Oakland wants NaVorro Bowman back]( Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez Oakland Raiders impending free-agent LB NaVorro Bowman is wanted back by new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. 'I think NaVorro is a prototype middle linebacker. I love smart guys who love playing football,' Guenther said of Bowman. 'Hopefully we can get him back in the fold and keep him a Raider. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The 49ers had run out of use for Bowman and he was granted his release in a stunning mid-season move. If he can remain a starter, Bowman will still have legs in IDP leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [TB - RB Doug Martin not returning?](=) Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB [Doug Martin]( has 'no chance' of being on Tampa Bay's roster next season, in the opinion of the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Martin probably shouldn't have been on the roster this year. The team paid him over five million non-guaranteed dollars despite being unavailable for the first three games. Even with the endorsement of the team, he was the same unexciting back that he had been recently, and Martin was outperformed by Peyton Barber down the stretch. Martin will have to fight to be a backup next year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [TB - DeSean Jackson talks QB Jameis Winston]( Source: PewterReport.com - Trevor Sikkema Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB [Jameis Winston]( needs to go back to having fun with football, according to WR [DeSean Jackson](. 'Go back to being comfortable [as] who he used to be. Go back to having fun,' Jackson said about his quarterback. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson said Winston needs to stop trying to "impress the world". Winston seemed to be pressing at times, and his chemistry throwing deep to Jackson was non-existent. It could make Jackson a good sleeper for next season, likely to be overlooked in fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [MIA - WR Jarvis Landry seeking Davante Adams money]( Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins impending free-agent WR [Jarvis Landry]( is believed to be seeking a contract similar to the one Green Bay Packers WR [Davante Adams]( received. Adams signed a four-year, $58 million deal with $32 million guaranteed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Landry has outproduced Adams over the duration of their rookie contracts, so this shouldn't be difficult, as long as a team considers a shorter-range slot receiver valuable enough to pay like a #1. The Dolphins could franchise him, but they don't seem to value him enough to do that, even if it could allow them to recoup more in a trade than they would get as a compensatory pick. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [ARI - Mike Munchak bows out of Cards race](=) Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak has declined a second interview with the Arizona Cardinals for their head coach vacancy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This news is not easy to interpret, as Munchak doesn't sound like the leading candidate to replace Todd Haley as offensive coordinator, although he could have a larger role in the Steelers coaching staff in a different way. It could also speak to the unattractiveness of the Cardinals head coaching job, but then it seems odd that Munchak would even allow a first interview. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [NO - Zach Strief mulling retirement]() Source: ESPN.com - Mike Triplett New Orleans Saints OT Zach Strief has not decided whether he'll return for a 13th season in 2018. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Saints have 2017 first-rounder Ryan Ramczyk, who was selected with a pick acquired in the deal for Brandin Cooks, so they won't have to sweat this too much if Strief decides to hang up his cleats. He has played with the Saints for his entire career, including their Super Bowl champion season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). 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