NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
The Chiefs avoided a major loss as Justin Houston’s knee injury is not considered major. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs pass rush is potentially facing a setback as star linebacker Justin Houston suffered a sprained PCL against the Bills. The injury is considered minor, but Houston could still miss some time, especially with the Chiefs facing a relatively weak schedule to close out the season. In less-hopeful news, veteran guard Ben Grubbs was placed on Injured Reserve. Trainer Rick Burkholder stated that Grubbs would need at least another month of rehab time. Also missing currently is rookie center Mitch Morse. Morse suffered a concussion against the Bills, and has not yet practiced. That means he may miss this week’s game against the Raiders. The Chiefs have stacked their practice squad with offensive linemen, so expect a roster call up for someone soon.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have fired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and promoted quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor. The Dolphins offense has been an incredible disappointment after the large investment placed on wide receivers in the offseason.
Author’s take
: I called the Fins out in the offseason for their idiotic moves. They didn’t address any of their actual needs (offensive line and secondary) but spent huge on Ndamukong Suh and wide receivers. For me, this is just icing on the cake. Firing coaches piece by piece is just ridiculous.
The Patriots dodged a bullet with Gronk’s injury. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots: Tight end Rob Gronkowski, and his family, report that he will be week to week with his bone bruise. Though the injury is not as serious as it first appeared, quarterback Tom Brady has still cited it as an example of why the league needs to protect receivers from low hits. Gronk has also used this week to call into question whether or not officials are targeting him for offensive pass interference calls. In better news, the Patriots may be getting back linebacker Dont’a Hightower and receiver Danny Amendola this week. The Pats need both healthy as they move towards the end of the season.
- Author’s take: Feel free to make your own judgments on the OPI calls in that article, but I personally don’t think Gronk has a leg to stand on there. In every single play referenced, there is a clear offensive pass interference violation by letter of the law. Rob Gronkowski either initiates contact with the defender, or extends his arms on each play. That will be called. Try something else.
New York Giants: The Giants have suffered a big blow to their offense, losing lineman Geoff Schwartz for the rest of the year with a broken leg. Schwartz has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and it has to be wondered how much longer he’ll be able to play.
Chiefs’ take
: A lot of fans were upset when John Dorsey allowed Schwartz to leave in Free Agency. However, it definitely looks as though Dorsey read the tea leaves based on the lineman’s history, and made the right call.
Next: Raiders already thinking about a coaching change?