Trade rumors involving Tony Gonzalez have ramped up with each Atlanta Falcons loss this season, but the future Hall of Famer won't even entertain the thought of leaving Atlanta. Presumably Gonzalez wants to win a Super Bowl before his career finally comes to a close but he discussed his loyalty to the Falcons, which apparently trumps his desire for a championship:
NFL roundup: Tony Gonzalez wants to stay in Atlanta, Jags interested in bringing back MJD
Tony Gonzalez doesn’t want to leave Atlanta, even for a shot at a Super Bowl, and the Jags may still bring back Maurice Jones-Drew despite a disappointing season. Those stories, plus injury updates on Jake Locker, Aqib Talib and David Amerson.
Kevin C. Cox
“I’m still happy as I can be to be a Falcon. I know there were trade rumors out there. I didn’t ask for a trade. That wasn’t me. I signed up, and this is the team that ... I came back to play with these guys on the team. And I’m enjoying myself, win, lose or draw.”
Gonzalez’s professed loyalty may not stem would-be contenders from calling into the Falcons’ front office, but at the moment it appears that neither the player nor the organization have any intention of letting the tight end leave despite the Falcons’ 1-4 start.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are interested in re-signing Maurice Jones-Drew for 2014, but they'll need to hear the right price. The 28-year-old running back is averaging a career-low 3.0 yards per carry this season, and doesn't have much leverage to demand a big contract like he did before the 2012 season before being forced to rejoin the team.
Jones-Drew will be an unrestricted free agent in 2014 if he doesn’t agree to a new contract with the Jags in the next offseason. He may have to take a big paycut whether or not he stays in Jacksonville.
Jake Locker has been cleared for contact after sitting out since Week 4 with hip and knee injuries. The Tennessee Titans quarterback may still sit out Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, however. Locker was only able to return to practice Thursday, and he still sported a noticeable limp and a knee brace. Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to be the Titans' starter Sunday, which would give Locker two more weeks to rest since the Titans have a bye in Week 8.
The New England Patriots just can't catch a break on defense, health-wise. Aqib Talib is expected to miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a strained hip flexor. Earlier this week, the Pats lost Jerod Mayo to injured reserve, and earlier this season Vince Wilfork was lost for the year with a torn Achilles.
Talib’s injury isn’t nearly as serious, he may miss just one game, but on Sunday the Pats will arguably be without their three best defenders against an increasingly confident Jets offense.
Rookie cornerback David Amerson has passed all concussion testing this week and is on target to suit up Sunday for the Washington Redskins against the Chicago Bears. A decision about Amerson's status will likely be made following Friday's practice. It'll be a good sign if he is able to practice fully. Amerson suffered the injury after taking helmet-to-helmet contact during a kickoff return during last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
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