Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks with a broken collarbone, but his short-term outlook with the team is not the only thing that is in doubt. According to a report from NJ.com, Foles' long-term future as an Eagle was unclear even before the injury. Foles' inconsistent play in the first half of the season has disappointed some within the organization, including GM Howie Roseman:
Eagles have questions about Nick Foles, RGIII has ‘no doubt’ about starting role
The Steelers face major defensive injuries, and Washington welcomes a veteran receiver back to the team in Tuesday’s NFL round-up.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
“I think Howie is looking at quarterbacks,” a league source told NJ.com. “He’s kind of soured on Foles, and I don’t think he’s alone. The organization isn’t sold that he’s the guy going forward.”
Foles had a stellar 2013 campaign, completing 64 percent of his passes with 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He had a league-best passer rating of 119.4 last year, but this year his numbers have suffered a dramatic decline. He ranks 26th in quarterback rating (81.9) and his 10 interceptions are tied for the second-most in the NFL this season.
Keep in mind also that Foles was drafted by the Andy Reid regime and has one year left on the four-year rookie contract he signed in 2012.
RGIII: ‘This is my team’
Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III’s status as the face of the franchise may be less clear at the midpoint of his third season, but Griffin is adamant that he remains the unquestioned leader of the team. In response to comments by coach Jay Gruden, who said Monday that that the “jury is still out” on the quarterback position, Griffin maintained that this “is [his] team” and he’s “gonna lead it.”
He also reaffirmed on Tuesday that he has “no doubt” that he is the franchise quarterback and has the confidence to be the savior that fans and the organization expected when they took him second overall in the 2012 Draft.
Griffin made his first start on Sunday since suffering a dislocated ankle in Week 2, and had mixed results in the 29-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He threw for 251 yards on 18 of 28 passing, but also took five sacks and threw an interception just before halftime that the Vikings turned into touchdown.
Hankerson activated from PUP
Washington wide receiver Leonard Hankerson has been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, giving the team's receiver corps added depth and size. Hankerson can play multiple positions, with experience both on the outside and in the slot. Hankerson, a 2011 third-round draft pick, is coming off a torn ACL injury he suffered last November. He caught 30 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games last season before hurting his knee.
Polamalu, Shazier out for Week 10
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without two key pieces of their defense for Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Safety Troy Polamalu suffered a sprained knee in the first half of the Steelers' Week 9 win over the Baltimore Ravens, and will miss his first game since the 2012 season. Polamalu ranks second on the team with 51 tackles, but has yet to record a pick this season.
Rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier is also out with an ankle injury, the second time he'll miss action this season following an earlier knee injury that cost him three games. The Steelers first-round pick has made little impact this season, with just 19 tackles and three quarterback hurries in five games.
Ahmad Brooks trade rumors 'out of line'
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio on Tuesday refuted a weekend report that Ahmad Brooks was almost traded at the deadline, calling the rumors "way out of line." Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported a few days ago that a deal for Brooks was nearly complete before the 49ers pulled out at the last minute.
Brooks was an All-Pro in 2012 and 2013, during which he amassed 15 sacks and 108 tackles, but his production has lacked this season with just 17 tackles and three sacks in eight games.
Greg Little looks forward to TNF
Thursday night's matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns has extra meaning for Bengals wide receiver Greg Little, who was cut by the Browns this spring after spending his first three seasons in Cleveland. Little criticized coach Mike Pettine for ignoring him during early workouts, and admitted that he "didn't get along" with him at all before his release:
“I had a great relationship with them and the front office decided to go in another direction. Hopefully I’ll make them pay.”
Little has played sparingly during his first season in Cincy, with just four reception on seven targets for 55 yards.
See More:
