Last season Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray broke out, replacing starter DeMarcus Ware (who was injured) in eight starts on his way to a 48 tackle, eight sack season. Opposite Von Miller, Ray had Denver’s edge rush set and gave new head coach Vance Joseph, a nice, elite set of toys to play with. Now, with Ray suffering a broken wrist, there’s a chance one of those toys will start the season on the shelf.
Although this injury is unfortunate it hasn't broken my will to be great. Ill just have to figure out how to win with one arm 😜. pic.twitter.com/yijpHQhKXO
— Shane Ray (@StingRay56) July 29, 2017
There were already shake-ups on the Broncos’ defense and Ray’s injury doesn’t help. After suffering a torn ligament in his wrist this week, Ray is expected to miss six to eight weeks recovering. That puts him solidly out of Week One action and could see him sidelined until Week Three. While that doesn’t seem like that big a deal on paper, this Broncos team was a handful of plays away from making the playoffs last season. Missing Ray, especially early, could make all the difference later in the season.
It could also ripple on down, as Ray will be missing practices this whole time and won’t even be able to properly prepare until he’s healthy. He might not be in real, game shape until half way through October. Add in the fact that Ray is working in the first new defense of his career under Joseph and new Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods, and his production might not reach its potential until mid season.
Titans and Casey agree on extension
This week the Tennessee Titans and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jurrell Casey agreed to continue their relationship for the next few winters with a four year, $60.4 million contract extension with $40 million in guaranteed cash. Casey was due to be a free agent at the end of the 2018 season.
“It is rare to do a contract extension early in this business,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said. “But Jurrell is a unique player in that he was drafted here, has already done an extension with the team, is a standout in our community, and has earned multiple Pro Bowl invitations. We are happy to have him as a Titan for many years to come.”
#Titans and @Jurrellc agree to multi-year contract extension
Details 📰 » https://t.co/lVaz3K8j5u pic.twitter.com/mDtEYtOmZi
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 28, 2017
Casey is entering his seventh year in the league since the Titans drafted him in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Last year he had 44 tackles, five sacks and five passes defended.
All is not well in Philadelphia
As many strides as the Philadelphia Eagles made last season, one guy that wasn’t too happy under head coach Doug Pederson was apparently linebacker Mychal Kendricks. According to a report, Kendricks demanded a trade this off-season and the Eagles refused.
Last year Kendricks started eight games and played in 15, recording 28 tackles, no sacks for the first time in his career, one fumble recovery and one pass defense. It’s obvious that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz doesn’t view Kendricks as a key part of his defensive plan, so it’s kind of a mystery why the Eagles didn’t at least show him around.
Apparently the #Eagles responded with, "You're young, you're talented and we're not into that." https://t.co/kxO5zyNcT7
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) July 28, 2017
Under the former regime, Kendricks was a star player and had 80 or more tackles and three or more sacks for the previous three seasons. In 2013, his second year in the league, he recorded 113 tackles and four sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, five passes defended and three interceptions. The Eagles drafted Kendricks in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
“I signed under a different coach and I signed under different management,” Kendricks said. Well, some people are still here. Things change. …There’s a million teams out there. You’ve only gotta have one of them that loves you, one of them that likes what you’re doing. There’s 32 out there. It’s never closed. Everyone’s up. We’re all renting space here, coaches included.”
Kendricks is signed with the Eagles through the 2019 season. He will count $4.85 million against the salary cap this year.
In other Eagles news, running back Ryan Matthews is still apparently dealing with a herniated disc in his neck that is not only keeping him out of practice, but has kept him from even showing up to training camp at all. Philadelphia brought in LeGarrette Blount as a free agent this off-season and still has Darren Sproles, so Matthews could end being expendable anyway. He’s currently going to count $5 million against their cap.
Last year Matthews rushed 155 times for 661 yards, a 4.3 yards per carry average and eight touchdowns. He caught 13 passes for 115 yards and a score.
Rhodes scores extension in Minnesota
After proving himself as a shutdown corner and one of the best defensive backs in the league, Xavier Rhodes has cashed in. Sunday the Vikings announced they and Rhodes had agreed on a five year, $70 million contract extension with $41 million in guaranteed money, $12 million of which is a signing bonus.
The #Vikings and CB Xavier Rhodes have agreed to a 5-year extension worth $70M, source said. He'll get $78M over 6 years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2017
Rhodes, a first round pick in 2013, was entering the final year of his rookie contract. Last season Rhodes played and started in 14 games, recorded 52 tackles, defended 10 passes and picked off five passes, one of which he returned for a 100 yard touchdown.
Other NFL News
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus injured his hamstring in Friday’s practice. According to the NFL Network, the injury is not considered serious.
The New England Patriots will lose one of their best defensive players as linebacker Rob Ninkovich has announced he will retire. He retires with the fifth most sacks in Patriots history with 46. During Friday’s practice, the Patriots saw safety Duron Harmon and running back Brandon Bolden both go down with injuries. Harmon reportedly suffered a non-contact knee injury. Bolden left the field on his own power.
The Arizona Cardinals will be without cornerback Justin Bethel’s services for a few days. Bethel hyperexteded his knee in Friday’s practice.
The Oakland Raiders put rookie cornerback Gareon Conley and defensive lineman Jihad Ward on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Defensive ends Mario Edwards and Bruce Irvin were places on the non-football injury list.
The Dallas Cowboys saw two players go down with what look to be minor injuries Friday. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins and wide receiver Ryan Switzer both suffered injured hamstrings and are listed as day to day.
To make a wager on any sport, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
