A Baltimore Ravens secondary that has struggled in recent weeks will be playing the rest of its season without its best player. Cornerback Jimmy Smith is done for 2014 after undergoing foot surgery this week.
Jimmy Smith out for 2014, Nike terminates Adrian Peterson deal
The Ravens are down their best corner, Nike has dropped its sponsorship of Peterson and Dr. Jerry Jones thinks Tony Romo has another five years of playing time.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Smith sprained his left foot two weeks ago and missed last week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team initially hoped he would be able to return after a Week 11 bye.
The loss doesn't bode well for last-place Baltimore. With Smith watching from the sideline against the Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger threw for 340 yards and six touchdown passes. Smith's replacement, Dominique Franks, played so poorly that he was released earlier this week. The recently added Danny Gorrer is expected to step in opposite of Lardarius Webb for now, at least until Asa Jackson comes off injured reserve.
Nike terminates deal with Adrian Peterson
Peterson is still waiting to hear back from the NFL on his 2014 playing status, but he knows one thing for sure: he won’t be getting a check from Nike anymore. According to Darren Rovell of ESPN, the company has officially ended its contract with the embattled running back.
Nike had previously suspended the contract on Sept. 17, shortly after news of Peterson’s indictment for child abuse became public. Castrol Oil dropped him earlier that same week.
Sammy Watkins misses practice
Thursday hasn't helped calm any nerves over the availability of the Buffalo Bills' star rookie. Watkins missed practice and head coach Doug Marrone brushed off reports that the wideout has been cleared to play against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Watkins was forced out of practice early on Wednesday with a groin injury. He had been playing through the injury for several weeks but apparently suffered a setback. John Wawrow of The Associated Press reported after Wednesday’s practice that Watkins was declared “fine and ready to go” for Sunday, but Marrone wouldn’t confirm that.
Jerry Jones thinks Tony Romo has 5 more years in him
Dr. Jones is once again lending his expert medical opinions. The outspoken Dallas Cowboys owner told ESPN's Jean-Jacques Taylor that he isn't concerned with Romo's back injury affecting his long-term future with the team.
“I think it’s realistic for him to play five more years,” Jones said. “I’m aware of his back. Only God knows what is in store for his back. I’ve seen backs out there that you wouldn’t believe how they look on the MRIs and how they look on X-rays...”
If anything, Jones said he’s concerned with his 34-year-old quarterback’s age.
“If you’re concerned about his future, then look at his age, and you might say, boy, you need to be thinking about a time when he doesn’t play. I don’t look at it much differently than that with his back, because there have been three very different types of injuries that have caused him to miss games with his back.”
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