NFC West: Nate Ness
The NFL rule expanding roster limits to 90 players came at the right time for teams overhauling their personnel.
The St. Louis Rams are one of those teams.
They drafted 10 players and are close to adding 23 undrafted free agents.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams cut five veteran players Thursday -- Demarco Cosby, John Henderson, Nate Ness, Quinn Porter and Chris Smith -- to make room for the influx. Thomas: "The Rams attempted to address their shortage of linebackers by adding undrafted rookies Sammy Brown of Houston, Derrick Choice of Stephen F. Austin, Alex Hoffman-Ellis of Washington State, and Noah Keller of Ohio. Brown led the nation in tackles for loss (30), while also registering 13.5 sacks for Houston. He's 6-2, 242 and ran a 4.63 at his pro day. Hoffman-Ellis was named Washington State's defensive MVP for the 2011 season after recording 88 tackles and two sacks, and returning his only interception for a touchdown." Noted: Releasing veteran kicker Josh Brown also contributed to the youth movement.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the San Francisco 49ers "have not ruled out" moving right tackle Anthony Davis to right guard, allowing Alex Boone to take over at right tackle. But Boone might be the front-runner at right guard for now. Maiocco: "The 49ers were fine letting Adam Snyder get away to sign a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals because the team believes a promotion from within will result in an upgrade. If Boone wins the starting job at right guard, he could still serve as the team's swing tackle. It would be easier for the 49ers to move Boone to one of the tackle positions and bring someone off the sideline to take over at guard than to groom another player to back up at both tackle spots."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says rookie Josh Looney faces stiff competition in his push to start at right guard.
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News checks in with former 49ers linebacker and broadcaster Gary Plummer regarding the death of Plummer's friend and former teammate, Junior Seau. Plummer estimated he had suffered more than 1,000 concussions during his career, and that Seau probably suffered more than that. Plummer: "In the 1990s, I did a concussion seminar. They said a Grade 3 concussion meant you were knocked out, and a Grade 1 meant you were seeing stars after a hit, which made me burst out in laughter. As a middle linebacker in the NFL, if you don't have five of these (Grade 1 effects) each game, you were inactive the next game. Junior played for 20 years. That's five concussions a game, easily. How many in his career then? That's over 1,500 concussions. I know that's startling, but I know it's true. I had over 1,000 in my 15 years. I felt the effects of it. I felt depression going on throughout my divorce. Junior went through it with his divorce." Noted: I'd be interested in hearing what a doctor would say about Plummer's estimates.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com looks at all the starters who have been in the lineup with Leroy Hill.
Also from Farnsworth: a look at the unusual pieces the Seahawks have put together on defense. Coach Pete Carroll: "Our defense is a 4-3 scheme with 3-4 personnel. It’s just utilizing the special talents of our guys."
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle runs the Robert Turbin photo Carroll was marveling over during draft weekend. Does any player in the NFL have more muscular arms?
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' decision to draft a cornerback early added competition to a position that wasn't hurting in that area. Somers: "At least four cornerbacks, including Greg Toler and Jamell Fleming, have a legitimate shot at starting at left cornerback. Toler was contending for the job last summer when he suffered a torn ACL and missed the season. A.J. Jefferson, who lost the starting job after seven games, is returning. William Gay signed as a free agent."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the team has recommitted to quarterback fundamentals with John McNulty coaching the position. John Skelton: "In years past, it seemed like, if the ball’s on the money and where it needs to be, we could let everything else slide. Now, I am throwing some good balls but my feet are messed up and that’s when I get coached up. Not only with coach McNulty but coach (Ken Whisenhunt) back there and coach Mike (Miller) sometimes."
The St. Louis Rams are one of those teams.
They drafted 10 players and are close to adding 23 undrafted free agents.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams cut five veteran players Thursday -- Demarco Cosby, John Henderson, Nate Ness, Quinn Porter and Chris Smith -- to make room for the influx. Thomas: "The Rams attempted to address their shortage of linebackers by adding undrafted rookies Sammy Brown of Houston, Derrick Choice of Stephen F. Austin, Alex Hoffman-Ellis of Washington State, and Noah Keller of Ohio. Brown led the nation in tackles for loss (30), while also registering 13.5 sacks for Houston. He's 6-2, 242 and ran a 4.63 at his pro day. Hoffman-Ellis was named Washington State's defensive MVP for the 2011 season after recording 88 tackles and two sacks, and returning his only interception for a touchdown." Noted: Releasing veteran kicker Josh Brown also contributed to the youth movement.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the San Francisco 49ers "have not ruled out" moving right tackle Anthony Davis to right guard, allowing Alex Boone to take over at right tackle. But Boone might be the front-runner at right guard for now. Maiocco: "The 49ers were fine letting Adam Snyder get away to sign a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals because the team believes a promotion from within will result in an upgrade. If Boone wins the starting job at right guard, he could still serve as the team's swing tackle. It would be easier for the 49ers to move Boone to one of the tackle positions and bring someone off the sideline to take over at guard than to groom another player to back up at both tackle spots."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says rookie Josh Looney faces stiff competition in his push to start at right guard.
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News checks in with former 49ers linebacker and broadcaster Gary Plummer regarding the death of Plummer's friend and former teammate, Junior Seau. Plummer estimated he had suffered more than 1,000 concussions during his career, and that Seau probably suffered more than that. Plummer: "In the 1990s, I did a concussion seminar. They said a Grade 3 concussion meant you were knocked out, and a Grade 1 meant you were seeing stars after a hit, which made me burst out in laughter. As a middle linebacker in the NFL, if you don't have five of these (Grade 1 effects) each game, you were inactive the next game. Junior played for 20 years. That's five concussions a game, easily. How many in his career then? That's over 1,500 concussions. I know that's startling, but I know it's true. I had over 1,000 in my 15 years. I felt the effects of it. I felt depression going on throughout my divorce. Junior went through it with his divorce." Noted: I'd be interested in hearing what a doctor would say about Plummer's estimates.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com looks at all the starters who have been in the lineup with Leroy Hill.
Also from Farnsworth: a look at the unusual pieces the Seahawks have put together on defense. Coach Pete Carroll: "Our defense is a 4-3 scheme with 3-4 personnel. It’s just utilizing the special talents of our guys."
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle runs the Robert Turbin photo Carroll was marveling over during draft weekend. Does any player in the NFL have more muscular arms?
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' decision to draft a cornerback early added competition to a position that wasn't hurting in that area. Somers: "At least four cornerbacks, including Greg Toler and Jamell Fleming, have a legitimate shot at starting at left cornerback. Toler was contending for the job last summer when he suffered a torn ACL and missed the season. A.J. Jefferson, who lost the starting job after seven games, is returning. William Gay signed as a free agent."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the team has recommitted to quarterback fundamentals with John McNulty coaching the position. John Skelton: "In years past, it seemed like, if the ball’s on the money and where it needs to be, we could let everything else slide. Now, I am throwing some good balls but my feet are messed up and that’s when I get coached up. Not only with coach McNulty but coach (Ken Whisenhunt) back there and coach Mike (Miller) sometimes."
The St. Louis Rams' scheduled visit with Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan, noted by ESPN's Adam Schefter, lines up with expectations heading into free agency.
Finnegan played for new Rams coach Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. His reputation for hard-nosed play would lend an edge to the Rams' secondary.
Since 2007, when Finnegan became a starter, he leads the NFL with 16 combined penalties for disqualification, face mask, horse-collar tackle, personal foul, roughing the kicker, roughing the passer, taunting, unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct. The chart identifies league leaders in these "swagger" penalties since 2007, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Finnegan earned Pro Bowl honors for his play during the 2008 season. The Titans decided against naming him their franchise player at a cost of nearly $10.3 million for one season.
Injuries wiped out the Rams at cornerback last season. The team released starter Ron Bartell, who finished the 2011 season on injured reserve with a neck injury. The other starter, Bradley Fletcher, is returning from a season-ending knee injury.
Finnegan and the San Francisco 49ers' Carlos Rogers could make sense for the Rams as free-agent additions. The team could also consider LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall choice in the 2012 draft.
Fletcher, Jerome Murphy, Marquis Johnson, Brian Jackson, Nate Ness, Chris Smith, Josh Gordy and Kendric Burney are the corners on St. Louis' roster at present.
New Orleans' Tracy Porter is another option. Like Rogers, he played for Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams elsewhere.
Finnegan played for new Rams coach Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. His reputation for hard-nosed play would lend an edge to the Rams' secondary.
Since 2007, when Finnegan became a starter, he leads the NFL with 16 combined penalties for disqualification, face mask, horse-collar tackle, personal foul, roughing the kicker, roughing the passer, taunting, unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct. The chart identifies league leaders in these "swagger" penalties since 2007, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Finnegan earned Pro Bowl honors for his play during the 2008 season. The Titans decided against naming him their franchise player at a cost of nearly $10.3 million for one season.
Injuries wiped out the Rams at cornerback last season. The team released starter Ron Bartell, who finished the 2011 season on injured reserve with a neck injury. The other starter, Bradley Fletcher, is returning from a season-ending knee injury.
Finnegan and the San Francisco 49ers' Carlos Rogers could make sense for the Rams as free-agent additions. The team could also consider LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall choice in the 2012 draft.
Fletcher, Jerome Murphy, Marquis Johnson, Brian Jackson, Nate Ness, Chris Smith, Josh Gordy and Kendric Burney are the corners on St. Louis' roster at present.
New Orleans' Tracy Porter is another option. Like Rogers, he played for Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams elsewhere.
Moss' fate unclear amid Seahawks' moves
November, 2, 2010
11/02/10
7:00
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The Seattle Seahawks left open three rosters spots Tuesday after placing two players on injured reserve and releasing two others.
I've heard nothing new suggesting the team plans to fill one of those spots by claiming receiver Randy Moss off waivers from Minnesota.
Any team claiming Moss off waivers will be on the hook for more than $3 million in guaranteed salary, a potential consideration for Seattle as the team continues paying more than $6 million to former wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
The Seahawks would presumably have more interest in Moss if he cleared waivers. The idea of placing a $3 million bet on Moss without knowing what the receiver might provide in return could dissuade some teams from placing waiver claims.
It's just unclear at this point how many teams might be willing to pay the money anyway.
Note: I thought this item included news that the team had placed Red Bryant (knee) and Ben Hamilton (concussion) on injured reserve while releasing Quinton Ganther and Nate Ness. The team also signed defensive lineman Frank Okam, formerly of the Houston Texans.
I've heard nothing new suggesting the team plans to fill one of those spots by claiming receiver Randy Moss off waivers from Minnesota.
Any team claiming Moss off waivers will be on the hook for more than $3 million in guaranteed salary, a potential consideration for Seattle as the team continues paying more than $6 million to former wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
The Seahawks would presumably have more interest in Moss if he cleared waivers. The idea of placing a $3 million bet on Moss without knowing what the receiver might provide in return could dissuade some teams from placing waiver claims.
It's just unclear at this point how many teams might be willing to pay the money anyway.
Note: I thought this item included news that the team had placed Red Bryant (knee) and Ben Hamilton (concussion) on injured reserve while releasing Quinton Ganther and Nate Ness. The team also signed defensive lineman Frank Okam, formerly of the Houston Texans.
Seattle could have issues in its secondary
October, 31, 2010
10/31/10
2:49
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Seattle Seahawks' top two right cornerbacks will not play against Oakland in Week 8.
Kelly Jennings (hamstring) and Walter Thurmond (concussion) were named inactive Sunday. This could make it tougher for the Seahawks to defend against multiple-receiver sets. Seattle has frequently used a "Bandit" defense featuring extra defensive backs.
Roy Lewis will make his first NFL start at right cornerback against the Raiders. Defensive back Nate Ness is part of a 45-man game-day roster for the first time in his career.
Also inactive for Seattle: running back Michael Robinson, linebacker Matt McCoy, offensive lineman Allen Barbre, left tackle Russell Okung, tight end Anthony McCoy and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.
Kelly Jennings (hamstring) and Walter Thurmond (concussion) were named inactive Sunday. This could make it tougher for the Seahawks to defend against multiple-receiver sets. Seattle has frequently used a "Bandit" defense featuring extra defensive backs.
Roy Lewis will make his first NFL start at right cornerback against the Raiders. Defensive back Nate Ness is part of a 45-man game-day roster for the first time in his career.
Also inactive for Seattle: running back Michael Robinson, linebacker Matt McCoy, offensive lineman Allen Barbre, left tackle Russell Okung, tight end Anthony McCoy and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.
Seattle starters Mebane, Jennings inactive
October, 24, 2010
10/24/10
2:55
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- The Seahawks' list of players named inactive Sunday featured no surprises.
Cornerback Kelly Jennings and defensive end Brandon Mebane missed practices, so their inclusion on the inactive list had been expected. Mebane will have missed two games in a row after suffering a calf injury. Jennings suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6.
Also inactive for Seattle: Nate Ness, Dexter Davis, Allen Barbre, Chester Pitts, Anthony McCoy and E.J. Wilson.
Cornerback Kelly Jennings and defensive end Brandon Mebane missed practices, so their inclusion on the inactive list had been expected. Mebane will have missed two games in a row after suffering a calf injury. Jennings suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6.
Also inactive for Seattle: Nate Ness, Dexter Davis, Allen Barbre, Chester Pitts, Anthony McCoy and E.J. Wilson.
CHICAGO -- The Seattle Seahawks' list of inactive players Sunday includes starting defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and veteran guard Chester Pitts.
Mebane has been recovering from a calf injury. Pitts is attempting to come back from microfracture knee surgery; he has not yet played this season.
Mebane is one of the Seahawks' better defensive players. Junior Siavii will start in his place. Update: Kentwan Balmer starts in Mebane's place. My bad.
Also inactive for Seattle: defensive back Nate Ness, cornerback Kennard Cox, offensive lineman Allen Barbre, tackle Breno Giacomini, tight end Anthony McCoy and defensive end E.J. Wilson.
Mebane has been recovering from a calf injury. Pitts is attempting to come back from microfracture knee surgery; he has not yet played this season.
Mebane is one of the Seahawks' better defensive players. Junior Siavii will start in his place. Update: Kentwan Balmer starts in Mebane's place. My bad.
Also inactive for Seattle: defensive back Nate Ness, cornerback Kennard Cox, offensive lineman Allen Barbre, tackle Breno Giacomini, tight end Anthony McCoy and defensive end E.J. Wilson.
ST. LOUIS -- The Seattle Seahawks named former starting running back Julius Jones among their inactive players Sunday, an indication the team might have plans for newly signed receiver Brandon Stokley.
Jones faded from the rotation against San Diego in Week 3 as the Seahawks committed to Justin Forsett as its primary back, at least for now. Leon Washington's two kickoff returns for touchdowns against the Chargers showed he has big-play ability. Washington becomes the clear No. 2 halfback with Jones inactive.
Stokley's status gives the Seahawks six receivers active against the Rams. Teams often keep only four or five active on game days. Seattle has fared well with more than two wide receivers on the field. The Rams' secondary could be vulnerable against three- and four-receiver groupings.
Seattle's secondary also faces challenges, but starting cornerback Marcus Trufant is active despite suffering an ankle injury last week.
Inactive for Seattle: Jones, safety Nate Ness, guard Evan Dietrick-Smith, offensive lineman Allen Barbre, tackle Breno Giacommini, tight end Anthony McCoy, defensive end E.J. Wilson and newly re-signed defensive tackle Craig Terrill.
Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (shoulder injury) and linebacker Aaron Curry (hamstring) are active.
The Seahawks did not yet report any potential lineup changes.
Rookie first-round choice Russell Okung is active for the first time since suffering an ankle injury during the exhibition season. Coach Pete Carroll indicated during the week that Okung could play, most likely in a relief role before taking over the starting job at left tackle.
Jones faded from the rotation against San Diego in Week 3 as the Seahawks committed to Justin Forsett as its primary back, at least for now. Leon Washington's two kickoff returns for touchdowns against the Chargers showed he has big-play ability. Washington becomes the clear No. 2 halfback with Jones inactive.
Stokley's status gives the Seahawks six receivers active against the Rams. Teams often keep only four or five active on game days. Seattle has fared well with more than two wide receivers on the field. The Rams' secondary could be vulnerable against three- and four-receiver groupings.
Seattle's secondary also faces challenges, but starting cornerback Marcus Trufant is active despite suffering an ankle injury last week.
Inactive for Seattle: Jones, safety Nate Ness, guard Evan Dietrick-Smith, offensive lineman Allen Barbre, tackle Breno Giacommini, tight end Anthony McCoy, defensive end E.J. Wilson and newly re-signed defensive tackle Craig Terrill.
Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (shoulder injury) and linebacker Aaron Curry (hamstring) are active.
The Seahawks did not yet report any potential lineup changes.
Rookie first-round choice Russell Okung is active for the first time since suffering an ankle injury during the exhibition season. Coach Pete Carroll indicated during the week that Okung could play, most likely in a relief role before taking over the starting job at left tackle.
Inactives: Ganther, Mathews will not play
September, 26, 2010
9/26/10
2:56
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- The Seattle Seahawks have used multiple combinations at running back and fullback this season.
They'll have one fewer option at fullback after naming starter Quinton Ganther inactive Sunday. Ganther has a knee injury. Michael Robinson played fullback some against the Denver Broncos in Week 2.
Also inactive for Seattle against San Diego: Nate Ness, Leroy Hill, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Chester Pitts, Russell Okung, Anthony McCoy and E.J. Wilson. Pitts could become available on the offensive line in Week 4. He has not played since undergoing microfracture knee surgery last season.
Inactive for San Diego: Ryan Mathews, Larry English, Stephen Cooper, Cam Thomas, Adam Terry, Vaughn Martin and Jyles Tucker. J.T. O'Sullivan is the third quarterback. Matthews had not been expected to play after suffering an ankle injury against Jacksonville in Week 2.
They'll have one fewer option at fullback after naming starter Quinton Ganther inactive Sunday. Ganther has a knee injury. Michael Robinson played fullback some against the Denver Broncos in Week 2.
Also inactive for Seattle against San Diego: Nate Ness, Leroy Hill, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Chester Pitts, Russell Okung, Anthony McCoy and E.J. Wilson. Pitts could become available on the offensive line in Week 4. He has not played since undergoing microfracture knee surgery last season.
Inactive for San Diego: Ryan Mathews, Larry English, Stephen Cooper, Cam Thomas, Adam Terry, Vaughn Martin and Jyles Tucker. J.T. O'Sullivan is the third quarterback. Matthews had not been expected to play after suffering an ankle injury against Jacksonville in Week 2.
Roster turnover is a leading topic for discussion in Seattle following the release of T.J. Houshmandzadeh in particular.
I've addressed the subject in depth across the division -- first May 26 and again July 30 -- and it's worth another look now that teams have reduced to 53 players for the regular season.
This time, I'm going to break down the changes by position, listing players no longer on the active roster at each main position group (with new players in parenthesis). Departures outnumber replacements because some players finished last season on injured reserve, meaning they were not part of the 53-man roster.
Some players no longer on the active roster remain with the team (they could be suspended, deemed physically unable to perform or part of the practice squad).
St. Louis Rams (34 off roster)
Defensive back: Eric Bassey, Quincy Butler, Danny Gorrer, Clinton Hart, Cordelius Parks, David Roach, Jonathan Wade (added Kevin Dockery, Jerome Murphy, Darian Stewart)
Defensive line: Victor Adeyanju, Adam Carriker, Leger Douzable, Leonard Little, LaJuan Ramsey, James Wyche (added Jermelle Cudjo, Fred Robbins, George Selvie, Eugene Sims)
Linebacker: K.C. Asiodu, Paris Lenon (added Na'il Diggs, Josh Hull)
Offensive line: Roger Allen, Alex Barron, Ryan McKee, Mark Setterstrom, Phillip Trautwein, Eric Young (added Renardo Foster, Hank Fraley, Rodger Saffold)
Quarterback: Kyle Boller, Marc Bulger, Keith Null, Mike Reilly (added Sam Bradford, A.J. Feeley, Thaddeus Lewis)
Running back: Samkon Gado, Chris Ogbonnaya (added Keith Toston)
Special teams: Ryan Neill
Tight end: Randy McMichael (added Mike Hoomanawanui, Fendi Onobun)
Wide receiver: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Brooks Foster, Jordan Kent, Ruvell Martin (added Mark Clayton, Dominique Curry, Mardy Gilyard)
Seattle Seahawks (33 off roster)
Defensive back: Jamar Adams, Deon Grant, Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson (added Kam Chancellor, Kennard Cox, Nate Ness, Earl Thomas, Walter Thurmond)
Defensive line: Lawrence Jackson, Patrick Kerney, Cory Redding, Nick Reed, Darryl Tapp, Craig Terrill (added Kentwan Balmer, Raheem Brock, Chris Clemons, Dexter Davis, Junior Siavii, E.J. Wilson)
Linebacker: Leroy Hill, Lance Laury, D.D. Lewis (added Matt McCoy; note that Hill is suspended for the first regular-season game)
Offensive line: Trevor Canfield, Brandon Frye, Walter Jones, Damion McIntosh, Rob Sims, Steve Vallos, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto (added Stacy Andrews, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Ben Hamilton, Russell Okung, Chester Pitts, Tyler Polumbus)
Quarterback: Mike Teel, Seneca Wallace (added Charlie Whitehurst)
Running back: Justin Griffith, Louis Rankin, Tyler Roehl, Owen Schmitt (added Quinton Ganther, Michael Robinson, Leon Washington)
Special teams: Kevin Houser, Jeff Robinson (added Clint Gresham)
Tight end: John Owens (added Chris Baker, Anthony McCoy)
Wide receiver: Nate Burleson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh (added Golden Tate, Mike Williams)
Arizona Cardinals (24 off roster)
Defensive backs: Ralph Brown, Bryant McFadden, Antrel Rolle (added A.J. Jefferson, Trumaine McBride, Brandon McDonald, Kerry Rhodes)
Defensive line: Jason Banks (added Dan Williams)
Linebacker: Monty Beisel, Bertrand Berry, Cody Brown, Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, Chike Okeafor, Pago Togafau (added Paris Lenon, Cyril Obiozor, Joey Porter, Daryl Washington; Hayes can return from the physically unable to perform list after six games)
Offensive line: Mike Gandy, Herman Johnson, Reggie Wells (added Alan Faneca, Rex Hadnot)
Quarterback: Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre, Kurt Warner (added Derek Anderson, Max Hall, John Skelton)
Running back: Justin Green, Dan Kreider (added Jerome Johnson)
Special teams: Neil Rackers (added Jay Feely)
Tight end: Anthony Becht (added Jim Dray)
Wide receiver: Anquan Boldin, Sean Morey, Jerheme Urban (added Andre Roberts, Stephen Williams)
San Francisco 49ers (24 off roster)
Defensive backs: Dre' Bly, Walt Harris, Marcus Hudson, Mark Roman (added Phillip Adams, Tramaine Brock, William James, Taylor Mays)
Defensive line: Kentwan Balmer, Derek Walker
Linebacker: Scott McKillop, Jeff Ulbrich, Matt Wilhelm (added NaVorro Bowman, Travis LaBoy)
Offensive line: Tony Pashos, Chris Patrick, Cody Wallace (added Alex Boone, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati)
Quarterback: Nate Davis, Shaun Hill (added David Carr, Troy Smith)
Running back: Thomas Clayton, Glen Coffee, Brit Miller, Michael Robinson (added Anthony Dixon, Brian Westbrook)
Special teams: Shane Andrus, Ricky Schmitt
Wide receiver: Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones (added Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams, Dominique Zeigler)
The first chart shows how many players are back -- at least for now -- from Week 17 rosters and injured reserve lists. Seattle has the fewest number back with 26.
The second chart shows how many players each team has shed since Week 17 last season. This counts players who were on injured reserve. Teams with lots of players on injured reserve had more players to lose.
I've addressed the subject in depth across the division -- first May 26 and again July 30 -- and it's worth another look now that teams have reduced to 53 players for the regular season.
This time, I'm going to break down the changes by position, listing players no longer on the active roster at each main position group (with new players in parenthesis). Departures outnumber replacements because some players finished last season on injured reserve, meaning they were not part of the 53-man roster.
Some players no longer on the active roster remain with the team (they could be suspended, deemed physically unable to perform or part of the practice squad).
St. Louis Rams (34 off roster)
Defensive back: Eric Bassey, Quincy Butler, Danny Gorrer, Clinton Hart, Cordelius Parks, David Roach, Jonathan Wade (added Kevin Dockery, Jerome Murphy, Darian Stewart)
Defensive line: Victor Adeyanju, Adam Carriker, Leger Douzable, Leonard Little, LaJuan Ramsey, James Wyche (added Jermelle Cudjo, Fred Robbins, George Selvie, Eugene Sims)
Linebacker: K.C. Asiodu, Paris Lenon (added Na'il Diggs, Josh Hull)
Offensive line: Roger Allen, Alex Barron, Ryan McKee, Mark Setterstrom, Phillip Trautwein, Eric Young (added Renardo Foster, Hank Fraley, Rodger Saffold)
Quarterback: Kyle Boller, Marc Bulger, Keith Null, Mike Reilly (added Sam Bradford, A.J. Feeley, Thaddeus Lewis)
Running back: Samkon Gado, Chris Ogbonnaya (added Keith Toston)
Special teams: Ryan Neill
Tight end: Randy McMichael (added Mike Hoomanawanui, Fendi Onobun)
Wide receiver: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Brooks Foster, Jordan Kent, Ruvell Martin (added Mark Clayton, Dominique Curry, Mardy Gilyard)
Seattle Seahawks (33 off roster)
Defensive back: Jamar Adams, Deon Grant, Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson (added Kam Chancellor, Kennard Cox, Nate Ness, Earl Thomas, Walter Thurmond)
Defensive line: Lawrence Jackson, Patrick Kerney, Cory Redding, Nick Reed, Darryl Tapp, Craig Terrill (added Kentwan Balmer, Raheem Brock, Chris Clemons, Dexter Davis, Junior Siavii, E.J. Wilson)
Linebacker: Leroy Hill, Lance Laury, D.D. Lewis (added Matt McCoy; note that Hill is suspended for the first regular-season game)
Offensive line: Trevor Canfield, Brandon Frye, Walter Jones, Damion McIntosh, Rob Sims, Steve Vallos, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto (added Stacy Andrews, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Ben Hamilton, Russell Okung, Chester Pitts, Tyler Polumbus)
Quarterback: Mike Teel, Seneca Wallace (added Charlie Whitehurst)
Running back: Justin Griffith, Louis Rankin, Tyler Roehl, Owen Schmitt (added Quinton Ganther, Michael Robinson, Leon Washington)
Special teams: Kevin Houser, Jeff Robinson (added Clint Gresham)
Tight end: John Owens (added Chris Baker, Anthony McCoy)
Wide receiver: Nate Burleson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh (added Golden Tate, Mike Williams)
Arizona Cardinals (24 off roster)
Defensive backs: Ralph Brown, Bryant McFadden, Antrel Rolle (added A.J. Jefferson, Trumaine McBride, Brandon McDonald, Kerry Rhodes)
Defensive line: Jason Banks (added Dan Williams)
Linebacker: Monty Beisel, Bertrand Berry, Cody Brown, Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, Chike Okeafor, Pago Togafau (added Paris Lenon, Cyril Obiozor, Joey Porter, Daryl Washington; Hayes can return from the physically unable to perform list after six games)
Offensive line: Mike Gandy, Herman Johnson, Reggie Wells (added Alan Faneca, Rex Hadnot)
Quarterback: Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre, Kurt Warner (added Derek Anderson, Max Hall, John Skelton)
Running back: Justin Green, Dan Kreider (added Jerome Johnson)
Special teams: Neil Rackers (added Jay Feely)
Tight end: Anthony Becht (added Jim Dray)
Wide receiver: Anquan Boldin, Sean Morey, Jerheme Urban (added Andre Roberts, Stephen Williams)
San Francisco 49ers (24 off roster)
Defensive backs: Dre' Bly, Walt Harris, Marcus Hudson, Mark Roman (added Phillip Adams, Tramaine Brock, William James, Taylor Mays)
Defensive line: Kentwan Balmer, Derek Walker
Linebacker: Scott McKillop, Jeff Ulbrich, Matt Wilhelm (added NaVorro Bowman, Travis LaBoy)
Offensive line: Tony Pashos, Chris Patrick, Cody Wallace (added Alex Boone, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati)
Quarterback: Nate Davis, Shaun Hill (added David Carr, Troy Smith)
Running back: Thomas Clayton, Glen Coffee, Brit Miller, Michael Robinson (added Anthony Dixon, Brian Westbrook)
Special teams: Shane Andrus, Ricky Schmitt
Wide receiver: Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce, Jason Hill, Brandon Jones (added Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams, Dominique Zeigler)
The first chart shows how many players are back -- at least for now -- from Week 17 rosters and injured reserve lists. Seattle has the fewest number back with 26.
The second chart shows how many players each team has shed since Week 17 last season. This counts players who were on injured reserve. Teams with lots of players on injured reserve had more players to lose.
The San Francisco 49ers appeared mostly quiet Sunday, signing players to their practice squad while the rest of the division scrambled to rearrange 53-man rosters.
Among the confirmed moves in the NFC West to this point Sunday:
By "confirmed" moves, I'm talking about ones either announced by the teams, confirmed by the teams, processed by the NFL office, or all of the above. As noted before lawn-maintenance obligations intervened, rosters remain quite fluid.
Among the confirmed moves in the NFC West to this point Sunday:
- The Arizona Cardinals waived cornerback Marshay Green, fullback Reagan Maui'a and linebacker Pago Togafau. Arizona received fullback/linebacker Jerome Johnson (New York Giants), defensive back Brandon McDonald (Cleveland Browns) and linebacker Cyril Obiozor (Green Bay Packers) off waivers. Arizona’s Chris Johnson, Alfonso Smith and Mark Washington reverted to injured reserve after clearing waivers. It's not clear whether they'll stay there. Teams often reach injury settlements with waived/injured players.
- Speaking of injury settlements, the St. Louis Rams reached one with offensive lineman Phil Trautwein, meaning he is no longer on injured reserve.
- The Seattle Seahawks released safety Kevin Ellison, center/guard Steve Vallos and guard/tackle Mansfield Wrotto. The Seahawks added off waivers guard Evan Dietrich-Smith (Packers) and defensive back Nate Ness (Miami Dolphins). Seattle acquired offensive lineman Stacy Andrews from Philadelphia. The Seahawks also tried to claim running back Kregg Lumpkin, released by the Packers, but Tampa Bay’s waiver claim prevailed. Seattle tried to claim tight end/linebacker/special-teamer Spencer Havner, also released by the Packers, but Detroit’s waiver claim prevailed.
By "confirmed" moves, I'm talking about ones either announced by the teams, confirmed by the teams, processed by the NFL office, or all of the above. As noted before lawn-maintenance obligations intervened, rosters remain quite fluid.
Seahawks' shuffling continues in high gear
September, 5, 2010
9/05/10
6:41
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The Seattle Seahawks looked up long enough Sunday to announce a few roster moves, but not the ones reported previously.
The team said it has released offensive linemen Mansfield Wrotto and Steve Vallos, and safety Kevin Ellison. The team said it has claimed off waivers guard Evan Dietrich-Smith from the Green Bay Packers and defensive back Nate Ness from the Miami Dolphins. The team also announced offensive lineman Stacy Andrews' acquisition from Philadelphia.
The team made no mention of previously reported moves involving Julius Jones, Jordan Babineaux, Kevin Vickerson or Junior Siavii.
The roster appears in flux to such a degree that meaningful analysis should be postponed. My plan is to step outside for the next hour or so, mow the lawn, then come back inside and see if the pieces have come together any more clearly. The grass is getting high, anyway -- unless Pete Carroll and John Schneider cut that, too.
The team said it has released offensive linemen Mansfield Wrotto and Steve Vallos, and safety Kevin Ellison. The team said it has claimed off waivers guard Evan Dietrich-Smith from the Green Bay Packers and defensive back Nate Ness from the Miami Dolphins. The team also announced offensive lineman Stacy Andrews' acquisition from Philadelphia.
The team made no mention of previously reported moves involving Julius Jones, Jordan Babineaux, Kevin Vickerson or Junior Siavii.
The roster appears in flux to such a degree that meaningful analysis should be postponed. My plan is to step outside for the next hour or so, mow the lawn, then come back inside and see if the pieces have come together any more clearly. The grass is getting high, anyway -- unless Pete Carroll and John Schneider cut that, too.
Catching up with the Seahawks' cut list
September, 10, 2009
9/10/09
11:12
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
|
The tough decisions teams face in reducing their rosters to 53 players sometimes aren't so tough.
They were arguably tougher for the Seahawks than for other teams in the division.
Three of the players Seattle released on its initial cutdown to 53 players have joined active rosters elsewhere in the league. Aaron Francisco, cut by the Cardinals, and Phil Trautwein, cut by the Rams, are the only other initial NFC West castoffs to join active rosters for other teams.
Seattle's Brian Russell (Jaguars), Marquis Floyd (Browns) and Kevin Hobbs (Lions) currently reside on active rosters. The Seahawks re-signed to their practice squad running back Devin Moore, safety Jamar Adams, receiver Mike Hass and receiver Logan Payne.
The apparent drama at receiver left Jordan Kent and Courtney Taylor on the outside. Kent reached an injury settlement following his release. Taylor remains available. Neither player has eligibility for the practice squad.
Defensive lineman Baraka Atkins and kicker Brandon Coutu appeared close to earning roster spots. The Seahawks once thought Coutu might have trade value. That wasn't the case in the end.
Ex-Seahawks with practice-squad eligibility
September, 6, 2009
9/06/09
11:21
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
|
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
NFL teams can begin forming eight-man practice squads once released players clear waivers this afternoon.
The Seahawks faced tougher decisions on the reduction to 53 players because some of their young prospects, notably receivers Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent, had no remaining eligibility for the practice squad following an injury-plagued 2008 season.
Defensive end Baraka Atkins, cornerback Kevin Hobbs and fullback David Kirtman are also among the recently released Seattle players without eligibility for the practice squad. Receiver Mike Hass also caught some fans' attention.
The chart shows recently released Seattle players who remain eligible. Safety Jamar Adams, kicker Brandon Coutu, safety Courtney Greene, receiver Logan Payne and tight end Joe Newton could be among the candidates.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Biggest surprise: Starting free safety Brian Russell, signed in 2007 after the Seahawks grew tired of assignment errors in the secondary, seemed to fend off a challenge from versatile backup Jordan Babineaux. That made Russell's release a surprise even though coach Jim Mora had said Babineaux would compete for the job in camp. The team went with Ben Obomanu as its fifth and final receiver, releasing Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent. Rookie defensive linemen Nick Reed and Michael Bennett joined preseason surprise Derek Walker among 11 defensive linemen, prevailing at Baraka Atkins' expense -- a big surprise. Rookie seventh-rounder Cameron Morrah beat out Joe Newton as the third tight end. Veteran kicker Olindo Mare beat out second-year pro and 2008 draft choice Brandon Coutu in a close battle. The team cleared another spot by placing starting corner Marcus Trufant on the physically unable to perform list, helping corner Travis Fisher earn a spot among the initial roster. Keeping 11 defensive linemen meant keeping only six linebacker, costing versatile veteran D.D. Lewis a job.
No-brainers: The Seahawks also released safety Jamar Adams, guard Brian De La Puente, cornerback Marquis Floyd, tackle Na'Shan Goddard, safety Courtney Greene, receiver Mike Hass, cornerback Kevin Hobbs, fullback David Kirtman, running back Devin Moore, cornerback Nate Ness, tight end Joe Newton, receiver Logan Payne, linebacker Dave Philistin, tackle Andre Ramsey, tackle William Robinson, quarterback Jeff Rowe.
What's next: The Seahawks reduced to 52 players with these moves, but the team was expected to add veteran safety Lawyer Milloy for depth and experience.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Seahawks placed center Cory Withrow on injured reserve and signed rookie free-agent safety Nate Ness, formerly of the Jets.
Adam Caplan of Scout.com has the report. He refers to the Seahawks' lack of depth on the interior of their offensive line, but I think that's a relative thing. The depth becomes less of a problem as rosters shrink from 80 to 75 to eventually 53 players.
Chris Spencer is injured, but Max Unger, Steve Vallos, Rob Sims, Mansfield Wrotto and Brian De La Puente are all interior players. Tackles Sean Locklear and Ray Willis have experience at guard, although moving them there would leave the team without tackles -- which points to the more serious depth concern for Seattle until Walter Jones returns.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
