49ers are holding their "state of the franchise" event tonight in San Jose only hours after domestic violence charges against LB Reuben Foster were dismissed a few miles down the road. Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, members of their staff and some players are scheduled to appear.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie: "I have always believed it is the responsibility of sports teams to be very proactive in our communities. In this great country of ours, there are so many people who are hurting and marginalized, which is why I am proud of our players for continuously working to influence positive change. Their words and actions have demonstrated not only that they have a great deal of respect for our country, but also that they are committed to finding productive ways to fight social injustice, poverty and other societal issues that are important to all of us. We must continue to work together in creative and dynamic ways to make our communities stronger and better with equal opportunities for all."
With domestic violence charges against him dismissed Wednesday afternoon, 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster can re-join the team on Thursday, according to a statement from GM John Lynch. "The organization is aware the domestic violence charges against Reuben Foster were dismissed earlier today," Lynch said. "As a result, he will have the opportunity to rejoin the team tomorrow. It has been made clear to Reuben that his place on this team is one that must continue to be earned. We will continue to monitor the remaining misdemeanor charge.”
Judge Nona L. Klippen cited insufficient cause to believe either charge related to domestic violence against Reuben Foster rose to the level of probable cause. Klippen made multiple references to a lack of evidence throughout her statement. Thus, both charges were dismissed.
The gun charge against Reuben Foster has been reduced to a misdemeanor. The pre-trial for that case is set for June 6 at 9 a.m.
Two felony charges related to domestic violence against 49ers LB Reuben Foster will not proceed to a jury trial, Santa Clara County Judge Nona L. Klippen announced Wednesday afternoon.
49ers safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Adrian Colbert are in attendance for Reuben Foster's hearing today.
Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel believes his players have the proper tacking technique instilled in them to avoid penalties, ejections possible from the NFL's crackdown on leading with the head.
New running backs coach Freddie Kitchens has some interesting challenges. Rookie Nick Chubb (twice, wearing 31), Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson show the quick footwork needed for a grueling and difficult drill.
Officially official as the Raiders announced on Wednesday the acquisition of QB Christian Hackenberg for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2019 draft. Oakland waived CB Senquez Golson in the corresponding move to make room for Hackenberg on the Raiders' 90-man offseason roster.
Antonio Brown believes young receivers will produce - but if not, "just throw me all the passes," he said.
Starting corner Joe Haden works on his pass-catching in Steelers OTAs. Haden said this is the first offseason in three years he's felt completely healthy.
Nashville mayor David Briley, Titans CRO Stuart Spears and Nashville convention & visitors corp. President/CEO Butch Spyridon sporting big smiles after 2019 Draft bid. A lot of praise for Amy Adams Strunk, who they called their "ace in the hole." Big for Titans brand and city.
Zack Martin is not taking part in the OTAs but there is no doubting how the Cowboys and Jason Garrett feel about him. Martin has taken over the locker that had been occupied by Jason Witten for two years at The Star. Garrett puts all of the team leaders in strategic spots in the room. DeMarcus Lawrence has moved to Dez Bryant's spot. Travis Frederick has moved to a corner spot occupied by Darren McFadden.
The Lions signed LB Trevor Bates on Wednesday, cutting TE DeAndre Goolsby. Bates was on the New England practice squad in 2016 and the New York Giants practice squad for most of the 2017 season. He was initially drafted by the Indianapolis Colts out of Maine as a seventh-round pick in 2016. The 24-year-old has played in one NFL game and did not record a tackle. He had 15 tackles for the Patriots last preseason before being cut.
Normally running backs will take almost all of their carries during practice to the end zone to work on conditioning. Ezekiel Elliott did more than that in the first OTA. On the final rep of team drills whether he got the ball or not he ran to the end zone, sometimes as much as 40 yards.
Christopher Johnson's pro-player comments on the NFL's new national-anthem policy might not be received well among fellow owners and CEOs, but they reinforced why he's so popular in the Jets' locker room. The players have a genuine respect for Johnson, who has devoted many hours of his time to listening and helping them in their fight for social justice. You may not agree with his stance, but the people under his employ — the players — believe he gets it. You wonder how older brother/owner Woody Johnson, who works for Donald Trump as the ambassador to the UK, would be handling this polarizing matter.
Running back Derrius Guice's vision and plant-and-cut ability were on display in drills Wednesday. He caught the ball well when they threw to him in group work vs. no defense. But it was Rob Kelley who opened with the starters.
Rookie Daron Payne worked a lot at nose tackle and also got reps in their nickel front. Payne did beat rookie Geron Christian on one rush, showing quick feet. Payne's true impact vs. the run won't be felt until the games begin.
Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis on what the Broncos will do in the wake of the NFL's new policy on the national anthem: "It's important that we discuss today's developments with our players, and I'm looking forward to speaking with them as soon as possible. As we've said publicly as well as in conversations with our team and other constituents, we want all members of our organization to stand for the National Anthem. At the same time, we need to listen to our players and support the issues and causes that matter to them."
Chargers GM Tom Telesco confirmed that TE Hunter Henry will miss the 2018 season with an ACL right knee injury. Telesco said Henry is taking the news hard, but he's strong mentally and the team will support him. Telesco said Henry suffered the injury while running a routine out route during practice that he has run hundreds of times, finishing the route 40 yards down the field running at half speed. The Chargers have not yet scheduled surgery for Henry. Asked if he's reached out to Antonio Gates' representation about the possibility of his return, Telesco had this to say: "I don't get into things that we have done, that we could do or that we will do," he said. "I wouldn't do that with anybody as far as transactions are concerned. Like I said, we'll look at all of the options that are out there and see where the road takes us."
The Bucs have re-signed wide receiver Bernard Reedy, who spent the later portion of last season with the Patriots, and waived Thomas Sperbeck.
Bears head coach Matt Nagy says the team will be united on how they handle the NFL's new national anthem policy.
Bears linebacker Sam Acho addresses the NFL's new national anthem policy.
Jets CEO Christopher Johnson on the NFL's new national-anthem policy: "I plan to sit in the very near future with coach Bowles and our players to discuss today's decision regarding the national anthem. As I have in the past, I will support our players wherever we land as a team. Our focus is not on imposing any club rules, fines or restrictions. Instead we will continue to work closely with our players to constructively advance social justice issues that are important to us. I remain extremely proud of how we demonstrated unity last season as well as our players' commitment to strengthening our communities."
