NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
Peyton Manning has been hit a lot this year, and it’s only likely to get worse with Sambrailo out and Mathis hobbled. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos: In the wake of another injury to an offensive lineman, Ty Sambrailo, the Broncos have signed veteran Tyler Polumbus. The Broncos offensive line has been injury plagued this year, with Sambrailo and Evan Mathis the most recent to be afflicted.
- Chiefs’ take: With another lineman going down, Peyton Manning will likely continue to take more and more hits. This is good news for the Chiefs as they were already extremely close to finally knocking off the Broncos for the first time since Peyton’s arrival in Denver.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers have lost tight end Andrew Quarless for at least a month with an MCL sprain. Quarless is another valuable weapon for Aaron Rodgers.
Houston Texans: The Texans have switched out kickers, releasing veteran Randy Bullock for former Charger Nick Novak.
Indianapolis Colts: Star quarterback Andrew Luck is dealing with a shoulder injury that has limited him in practice. The injury comes just a week after head coach Chuck Pagano stated that Luck should be used to dealing with poor pass blocking.
The Chiefs secondary has struggled this year. Losing Gaines doesn’t help that at all. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have lost second year defensive back Phillip Gaines for the remainder of the year. The Chiefs defensive secondary has been exploited in each of the past two weeks, so losing Gaines is a big blow, even with the return of Sean Smith.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings may be without cornerback Xavier Rhodes after he suffered a concussion in last week’s game. Rhodes is reportedly doing better, but has not yet been cleared.
New England Patriots: The Patriots managed to fleece the Saints in a trade that saw promising defensive lineman Akiem Hicks end up in New England for third string tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints have converted a portion of Drew Brees’s salary into signing bonus. While the move opens up some extra cap space for 2015, it makes the veteran quarterback a $30 million cap hit in 2016. It is interesting that this has happened a week after he missed a game with a shoulder injury, but is now expected to play in the upcoming game. On top of this, the Saints have traded away their first pick (though in the third round) from the 2012 draft for a backup tight end.
Chiefs’ take
: The Saints are trying to dig themselves out of a hole by building an even deeper one for next year. The Chiefs have already gotten the best of them once by getting veteran guard Ben Grubbs for a fifth round pick. John Dorsey should probably be calling the Saints about their other veteran guard Jahri Evans.
Next: The Giants lose another star