Ravens Rumors: Sammy Watkins Claimed on Waivers After Packers Release
Dec 20, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (11) prior to the National Football League game between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles on November 27, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After his release by the Green Bay Packers on Monday, veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins has quickly found a new home, albeit a familiar one.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that Watkins was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens, whom he played for during the 2021 season.
Watkins failed to make much of an impact during his short time in Green Bay. He recorded 13 catches for 206 yards in nine games this season as he ceded playing time to Packers rookie receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
The move to add Watkins comes after the Ravens reportedly suffered another blow to their already depleted receiving corps. Pelissero noted that wideout Devin Duvernay left Tuesday's practice because of a foot injury and "there is concern it could be significant." He's been placed on injured reserve.
Baltimore is already without Rashod Bateman, who is on injured reserve after season-ending foot surgery.
In his lone year with the Ravens, Watkins appeared in 13 games and caught 27 passes for 394 yards and a touchdown. However, his familiarity with Baltimore star quarterback Lamar Jackson, when he returns from a knee sprain, should benefit the team's offense.
The No. 4 overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2014, Watkins has not proved himself as a consistent No. 1 receiver. Having also spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, he recorded over 1,000 yards just once in 2015. Since that year, the 29-year-old has not reached 700 receiving yards in a season.
The Ravens (9-5) will have to hope that Watkins can produce as they try to hold on to their spot in the playoffs. Baltimore will host the Atlanta Falcons (5-9) at M&T Bank Stadium on Christmas Eve.
Kenny Pickett Clears Concussion Protocol, Set to Start for Steelers vs. Raiders
Dec 20, 2022
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 11: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
It appears Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett will start Saturday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders after clearing concussion protocol, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
In the first quarter of a Week 14 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Pickett was sacked by Roquan Smith and was slow to get up. He walked off the field and went into the medical tent for further evaluation before being cleared to return.
He missed the Week 15 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The 2022 first-round pick out of Pitt did not take over as the Steelers' starting QB until Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, after beginning the year as backup to Mitchell Trubisky.
In 10 games this season, Pickett has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,797 yards and four touchdowns against eight interceptions. He has also rushed for 225 yards and three scores.
The Steelers are 6-8 overall and 4-5 in games Pickett starts.
If he misses any more time, the Steelers would turn back to Trubisky to lead the offense. The former Chicago Bears quarterback is 2-3 as a starter this season.
John Harbaugh Shows Support for Greg Roman as Fans Call for Ravens OC to Be Fired
Dec 20, 2022
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, talks with offensive coordinator Greg Roman during drills at the NFL football team's practice facility, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
The fans who want Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman to be fired won't be getting their wish right now.
Head coach John Harbaugh declined to entertain any questions Monday about whether he plans to reshuffle his coaching staff.
We're not getting into all that. I mean, you guys can talk about all that and I respect that. I love the fans talking about everything they can talk about. We're together man. We're a team. We're spending all of our time getting ready for the Atlanta Falcons with every ounce of energy and fiber we got with a bunch of very, very good people at what they do, who understand everything about our team better than anybody else possibly could. You know the end of the bar talk conversation is for the people sitting at the end of the bar.
Some within the fanbase are clearly fed up. Pieces of paper calling for Roman's firing were littered outside of the team facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. Ravens outside linebacker Tyus Bowser shared a video of the scene before deleting it.
Ravens HC John Harbaugh says he’s talked to Tyus Bowser about this instastory video. Tyus has also talked to OC Greg Roman about it.
“I could go on a social media rant. I don’t care about any of that. I’m not foolish enough to live in that world.”#RavensFlockpic.twitter.com/UjoQoFScEw
"When stuff like that happens, you communicate with one another, and you find out there's really not much there, in terms of what people are thinking and all that," Harbaugh told reporters of the situation. "I could go on a social media rant, but I don't know why anybody lives there."
The scrutiny toward Roman has steadily intensified as the season has gone on, and the performance of the offense since a Week 10 bye is doing little to help his cause.
The Ravens are 3-2 over that stretch but scored more than 16 points just once. From Week 11 on, they've been averaging 328.2 yards per game.
Some of that is related to Lamar Jackson's knee injury. The 2019 MVP exited a Week 13 win over the Denver Broncos after playing 10 snaps and hasn't returned to the field. Tyler Huntley has been running the offense in his stead.
But it's also true the Ravens offense hasn't returned to the heights it enjoyed when Jackson was shredding opposing defenses three seasons ago. Baltimore ranked first in offensive efficiency that year, per Football Outsiders, and then fell to 11th in 2020 and 17th in 2021.
If anything, Jackson's injury has reinforced how dependent upon his individual brilliance the team has become.
Especially for a team that's on pace to make the playoffs, firing or demoting a top coordinator would reek of desperation. For better or worse, it seems unlikely that Roman will be going anywhere.
Should the current trend continue, Harbaugh might have a difficult decision on his hands, though.
Justin Tucker Stuns Twitter After Missing Multiple FGs in Ravens' Loss to Browns
Dec 18, 2022
Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) watches the flight of the ball after attempting a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
You know it's a bad day for the Baltimore Ravens when even Justin Tucker is struggling.
The star Ravens kicker, a model of consistency during his NFL career, missed a 48-yard field goal and had a 50-yard attempt blocked in Baltimore's 13-3 loss against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
The irony of all ironies was that on the day Tucker went just 1-of-3 on field goals, stunning everybody, he also set the Ravens' all-time record for field goals made (355) with his lone conversion, surpassing Matt Stover.
And Tucker shouldn't be singled out—this was a total team loss from Baltimore.
The Ravens managed just 126 passing yards, as backup quarterback Tyler Huntley (17-of-38 for 138 yards, one interception and three sacks) and his receiving corps struggled to get much going. The absence of Lamar Jackson was felt.
And Tucker wasn't alone in his struggles. On a wintry, whipping day in Cleveland, Tucker's counterpart, Cade York, missed two field goals himself, finishing 2-of-4 on the day.
York, however, isn't a guaranteed lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Tucker is arguably the greatest kicker in NFL history. Which made his multi-miss day all the more shocking.
As for the Ravens, the loss bumped them to 9-5 on the season, dropping the team below the Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) in the AFC North.
The Browns (6-8), meanwhile, kept their slim playoff hopes alive. And all it took was some ugly football, a healthy dose of Nick Chubb (21 carries for 99 yards), the absence of Jackson and the ever-rare struggles of Tucker.
As the old cliche goes, a win's a win. Cleveland will take it.
Marcus Peters Ruled Out for Ravens vs. Browns After Suffering Calf Injury
Dec 18, 2022
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 28: Marcus Peters #24 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before the preseason game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on August 28, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The injury bug has struck Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters again.
Peters suffered a calf injury in Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest, the team announced. He was seen limping off the field in the third quarter.
This comes after Peters missed the 2021 campaign with a torn ACL he suffered before the regular season began.
The injury to Peters is a massive blow to the secondary. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection who was the 2015 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Baltimore traded for him during the 2019 season, and he made an immediate impact with two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
He followed up with 52 tackles, four interceptions, nine passes defended, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as one of the leaders of the defense in 2020.
Look for the Ravens to rely further on the cornerback combination of Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens and Kevon Seymour in his absence.
Jadeveon Clowney out for Browns vs. Ravens After Suffering Concussion
Dec 17, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Cleveland Browns warms up during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cleveland won 26-24. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns will be without defensive end Jadeveon Clowney for the rest of their game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Clowney was ruled out with a concussion after being evaluated on the sideline. He suffered the injury in the first half of Saturday's contest.
The 29-year-old recorded one tackle against the Ravens prior to being removed from the game.
Clowney sustained a right ankle injury in Cleveland's 31-30 loss to the New York Jets that caused him to miss the team's next two games before returning in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he was ruled out the following week against the New England Patriots after dealing with ankle, knee and elbow injuries.
The No. 1 pick in 2014, Clowney is one of the most respected pass-rushers in the NFL. Through 10 games entering Saturday, he has 22 combined tackles and two sacks. The nine-year veteran posted 37 total tackles, nine sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 games in 2021.
Clowney spent the first five seasons of his career with the Houston Texans before playing one season each for the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans. He signed a one-year deal with the Browns in 2021 and the team re-signed for the 2022 season on a one-year contract worth $10 million.
While paired alongside edge-rusher Myles Garrett, Clowney is a member of one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the NFL. Garrett is one of the favorites for NFL Defensive Player of the Year and has 39 combined tackles and 12 sacks through 12 games before Saturday.
During Clowney's absence, rookie defensive end Alex Wright will be thrust into a bigger role. The 2022 third-round pick racked up 11.5 sacks in three seasons at UAB. Veteran pass-rusher Isaac Rochell is also likely to see more time on the field. He has 9.5 career sacks in his six NFL seasons.
Steelers' Mitchell Trubisky to Start vs. Panthers; Kenny Pickett Out with Concussion
Dec 17, 2022
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 16: Mitch Trubisky #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly expected to start Mitch Trubisky at quarterback in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Steelers rookie starting quarterback Kenny Pickett was still in concussion protocol and doubtful for Sunday's game, necessitating the move to Trubisky. ESPN's Brooke Pryor later followed up with news that the Steelers had officially ruled Pickett out for the game.
Trubisky and Mason Rudolph reportedly split first-team snaps at practice this week, but rather than Rudolph getting his first start of the season, Trubisky is in line to earn his fifth.
After Pickett was knocked out of last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion, Trubisky completed 22 of his 30 passes for 276 yards, which was his highest yardage total in a game this season.
He threw only one touchdown compared to three interceptions, however, playing a role in Pittsburgh's 16-14 loss.
Trubisky, who spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears and one as Josh Allen's backup with the Buffalo Bills, signed a two-year, $14.3 million deal with the Steelers during the offseason.
Pittsburgh later selected Pickett with the No. 20 pick in the 2022 draft, and the hope was Trubisky would bridge the gap until Pickett was ready.
Instead, Trubisky struggled out of the gates, going 1-3 as a starter over the first four weeks of the season before losing the starting job to Pickett.
In four starts and six appearances this season, Trubisky has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 1,073 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.
Trubisky was the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft, and while he led the Bears to the playoffs in 2018 and 2020, he hasn't come close to living up to expectations.
While the 24-year-old Pickett is younger and potentially has a bright future, he hasn't been much better by comparison.
Pickett is 4-5 as a starter and has completed 65.0 percent of his passes for 1,797 yards, four touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has done far more damage with his legs, though, rushing for 225 yards and three scores.
The Steelers are just 5-8, and they likely need to win out to have even the slightest chance of reaching the playoffs for a third consecutive year.
Given that the Steelers have no margin for error, head coach Mike Tomlin may have a quick hook on Trubisky in favor of Rudolph against Carolina.
Russell Wilson, Tee Higgins, NFL Injury Statuses and Fantasy Impact for Week 15
Dec 16, 2022
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrampes out of the pocket in the first quarter during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Russell Wilson will not be on the field for the Denver Broncos in Week 15.
Wilson was officially listed as out on Friday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Broncos ruled out Russell Wilson for Sunday’s game.
Wilson has been in concussion protocol all week after he suffered the head injury in Week 14.
While Wilson will not be on the field, Tee Higgins is trending in the right direction to play on Sunday.
Higgins was at the center of a controversial circumstance last week, as he played a single snap before leaving the field.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver practiced on Friday in what could be viewed as a positive development ahead of Sunday.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) and WR Tyler Boyd (finger) both practiced in full today and are listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Bucs.
Below is a look at updates on the other significant fantasy football stars dealing with injuries ahead of Week 15.
Russell Wilson, QB, DEN: out (concussion)
Tee Higgins, WR, CIN: questionable (hamstring)
Tyler Boyd, WR, CIN: questionable (finger)
Jakobi Meyers, WR, NE: returned to practice Friday (concussion), per NESN's Zack Cox
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE: returned to practice Friday, per Cox
Damien Harris, RB, NE: limited in practice (thigh), per NFL.com.
Marquise Brown, WR, ARI: questionable (illness)
Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT: not listed on injury report (foot)
Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT: not listed on injury report (hip)
David Montgomery, RB, CHI: not listed on injury report (Illness)
Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU: out (ankle)
Jeff Wilson, RB, MIA: questionable (hip)
Kenny Pickett, QB, PIT: doubtful (concussion)
DJ Moore, WR, CAR: questionable (ankle)
Chase Claypool, WR, CHI: out (knee)
Russell Wilson Practices Friday
Russell Wilson will not play on Sunday.
He will be replaced by Brett Rypien for the clash with the Arizona Cardinals.
Rypien threw a touchdown pass in relief of Wilson, but he only had 16 yards and completed four of his eight pass attempts in Week 14.
Rypien had 225 passing yards and no touchdown passes in his lone start this season in Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Jeudy and Greg Dulcich are most affected by Wilson's absence. Courtland Sutton is out for Sunday. Running back Latavius Murray carries a bit more fantasy value.
Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder and Andy Dalton are among the potential waiver-wire candidates to add at quarterback.
Tee Higgins Listed as Questionable
Tee Higgins is officially listed as questionable for the Cincinnati Bengals' matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out for most of last week's game against the Cleveland Browns.
He did practice on Friday, as well as teammate and fellow wide receiver Tyler Boyd, which is a positive sign for his hopes to play on Sunday.
Higgins played one snap last week and then did not feature in the AFC North to the ire of fantasy football players.
There may be some lost trust between fantasy players and the Bengals regarding Higgins' status for Week 15.
Higgins produced back-to-back 100-yard games in Weeks 11 and 12 and scored three times in five weeks leading up to Week 14.
Higgins could play a large role in the Cincinnati offense, as usual, if he does see the field against Tampa Bay.
If he can't play, Michael Gallup, Elijah Moore and Mack Hollins are among the players to pick up off the waiver wire.
Bengals' Tyler Boyd Was 'in Shock' After Suffering Gruesome Finger Dislocation Injury
Dec 16, 2022
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 3, 2022, at the Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd had an understandable reaction to the dislocated finger he suffered during Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns.
"I kind of went in shock," Boyd said Thursday, per Ben Baby of ESPN. "I never really had any major injuries, thank god, let alone being able to see a bone. So, it kind of threw me off."
The bone broke through his skin and forced him to miss most of the contest, but Baby noted he has practiced in a limited capacity this week with a game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the schedule.
Fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins, who missed all but one snap during the win over Cleveland, has been limited with a hamstring injury, so having Boyd available will be critical.
Otherwise, more of the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Ja'Marr Chase, who is as well suited to thrive in such a situation as almost any wide receiver in the league. He posted 10 catches for 119 yards and one touchdown against the Browns and appears to be fully healthy after missing time earlier in the season.
Trenton Irwin also caught a touchdown against the Browns and could see more time if Boyd or Higgins is out.
Cincinnati is one of the hottest teams in the NFL with five wins in a row and a 9-4 record. It is tied with the Baltimore Ravens with a head-to-head showdown in Week 18 looming, and the team is in championship-or-bust mode after reaching the Super Bowl last season.
One reason the Bengals are so dangerous is their wide receiver group of Chase, Higgins and Boyd, and having them all on the field is their best chance to win the Lombardi Trophy.
It seems as if Boyd is trending toward playing against the Buccaneers even if he is battling through a shocking injury.
Steelers' Diontae Johnson Wants Mason Rudolph over Trubisky If Kenny Pickett Is Out
Dec 15, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 04: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during warmups before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson wants to see Mason Rudolph get a chance to be the starting quarterback if rookie Kenny Pickett is unable to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers
"Yeah, I want to see him play," Johnson told reporters. "I know he's ready to play. I know it's probably in the back of his mind like, 'Dang, when I'm going get my chance?' I feel like this week is it for him. I know he's going to do everything it takes to be prepared this week, get ready for Sunday."
Pickett's status is up in the air after being put in the concussion protocol last week for the second time this season.
Mitchell Trubisky started the season as Pittsburgh's starter and has served as Pickett's backup since the rookie was elevated to the starting role. But Johnson clearly wants to see Rudolph—who has been inactive every week this season—get his shot, although he indicated he'll adjust to whoever it is playing.
"Whoever's at quarterback, they have got to be prepared as well," he told reporters. "They've got to be on their stuff just like me. I'll make sure I talk to [Pickett] to see if he's cool or whatnot. But no matter who it is, I'm going to be ready. Don't matter who's throwing the balls, as long as you're making the play on the ball at the end of the day."
Rudolph, 27, started all of two games for the Steelers in the 2020-21 seasons as Ben Roethlisberger's backup after being given an extended look in 2019. He offered mixed results that year, throwing for 1,765 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions in eight starts (10 total appearances), completing 62.2 percent of his passes while taking 15 sacks. The Steelers went 5-3 in those starts.
The Steelers as a team have had mixed results this season, going just 5-8. Trubisky was just 1-3 as the starter before losing the position, while Pickett has led the team to a 4-5 mark.
Neither has played particularly well, though Pickett has the caveat of being a rookie.
Trubisky has thrown for 1,073 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 63.3 percent of his passes and taking 10 sacks. Pickett has gone for 1,797 yards, four scores and eight picks while completing 65 percent of his passes and taking 23 sacks.
As for Johnson's preference for Rudolph over Trubisky, that may partially stem from an October dust-up between the two men during a game against the New York Jets, when Johnson reportedly told the quarterback at halftime that he wanted more targets.
Johnson said in October that the situation was resolved, and added Thursday that he believes Rudolph has proven in practice that he's earned a chance to play again if Pickett can't go.
"He's been doing a great job just staying solid through everything and continuing to get better every day," he said. "You see at practice, he's locked in, he's making those throws, continuously showing that he knows what he's doing, making the right throws here and there, getting everybody lined up right. I like that."
