NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
Bell is finally healthy, but it may be too late to hold off rookie Ameer Abdullah. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions: The Lions have granted wide receiver Ryan Broyles a release after he publicly demanded it. That thins out the Detroit wide receiver corps some. The Lions made an interesting move in trading for Bucs tight end Tim Wright. The move puts Joseph Fauria’s standing with the team into question. The Lions have also finally activated Joique Bell off of the PUP list. Many believe Bell has been losing ground to rookie Ameer Abdullah.
- Chiefs’ take: The Chiefs definitely have a need at tight end. While I’d be fine with the Chiefs getting Fauria, proposing a trade for Brandon Pettigrew may be an even better option.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers may have suffered another blow to their offense this week as wide receiver Randall Cobb suffered an AC joint sprain against the Eagles. The injury is not considered serious, but it is unknown if he’ll be available for Week 1.
- Chiefs’ take: It appears the Chiefs may end up facing a beat up Packers squad in Week 3. Even if Cobb is back in time, they will have missed some key practice time and may not be fully ready to go.
Houston Texans: The Texans have released safety Stevie Brown. The move comes on the heels of the team signing Quinten Demps last week.
Donald Thomas is a decent player, but has been very injury prone the last few years. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have released guard Donald Thomas. Thomas is considered a decent player, but simply has not been able to stay healthy. He was supposed to anchor the Colts offensive line along with Godser Cherilus. Both were signed in 2013, and both released this offseason. The Colts will also be without defensive lineman Arthur Jones who is likely to go on Injured Reserve after having ankle surgery.
- Chiefs’ take: Another Colts lineman is available. Brace yourselves. Some fans will clamor for Thomas. This is foolish. Thomas has played just two games in the past two seasons and was taken off the PUP list just long enough for the Colts to cut him. There was little confidence in when he was going to be able to start playing this year. There is no point in signing a guy to sit in our training room.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags had a very rough week. Tight end Julius Thomas will miss four to five weeks after having surgery on his finger. On the defensive side of the ball, lineman Andre Branch is going to be out for a while with an MCL sprain.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have activated tight end Demetrius Harris from the PUP list. The Chiefs appear to be very thin at tight end, so the move could not have come at a better time. The Chiefs also signed backup quarterback Tyler Bray to a two-year extension.
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