NFL news roundup: Cam Newton expects to play in Week 1, Titans extend Jurrell Casey
The Carolina quarterback said “there’s no doubt” that he’ll suit up for the opener and Casey earns a four-year extension after a double-digit sack season.
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Cam Newton says he'll play in Week 1
It was recently discovered that the Carolina Panthers quarterback suffered a hairline fracture in one of his ribs during last week's preseason game, but he doesn't expect that to keep him out of the regular season opener.
“There’s no doubt in my mind,” Newton told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer when asked whether he’ll be available. “I’m just going to worry about things that I can control. I’m going to continue to come in and get as much treatment as possible so my body will be 100 percent.”
That sentiment has been echoed by coach Ron Rivera all week, who said on Wednesday he doesn’t plan to limit the number of read options while Newton recovers.
Joe Mays out at least 6 weeks
Mays, who was slated to start alongside Derrick Johnson as one of the Kansas City Chiefs interior linebackers, is expected to miss at least the first four games of the 2014 season, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN. The six-year pro recently had wrist surgery and may not be able to return to action until after the team's Week 6 bye.
Dominique Easley won't play on Thursday
Easley won't suit up in the New England Patriots' final preseason game, but he's hopeful he'll be ready in time for Week 1, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. The first-round pick is still recovering from a torn ACL during his last collegiate season at Florida and has yet to play an exhibition game with the Pats.
Titans extend Jurrell Casey
The Tennessee Titans have reached a four-year agreement with defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, who piled up 10.5 sacks last season. Pro Football Talk reports the extension is worth up to $36 million with $20.5 million guaranteed. A 2011 third-round pick, Casey was heading into the final year of his rookie contract. He graded out as the fifth-best defensive tackle in the league last season at Pro Football Focus.
James Harrison visits Cardinals
Arizona needs help along its defensive front in the wake of Darnell Dockett's season-ending injury, and they're eying Harrison. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year visited Phoenix on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. Harrison is a linebacker by trade and wouldn't plug Dockett's hole at defensive tackle, but he'd be a depth-booster for a defense that's also lost Karlos Dansby to free agency and Daryl Washington to suspension.
Phillip Tanner re-signs in Dallas
Both of the Dallas Cowboys' reserve running backs are battling injuries, and the team would rather not play the two at the top of the depth chart. The answer? Bring back Tanner, who spent the summer with the Colts before being released earlier this month.
Joseph Randle and Ryan Williams are competing for the No. 3 spot but are both banged up. The team would rather not risk the health of DeMarco Murray and Lance Dunbar, so Tanner is essentially a warm body to get them through the final preseason game. It will take an exceptional performance against the Broncos for Tanner to make the 53-man roster.
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