The Oakland Raiders signed wide receiver Seth Roberts to a two-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Roberts will earn $12 million over the three total years with $6.45 million guaranteed.Roberts caught 38 passes for 397 yards and five touchdowns last season, playing in all 16 games.The Raiders have used Roberts to great effect in the red zone and he figures to be a key component of the team's passing game with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree receiving the majority of targets.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the 2017 season just around the corner, theScore's team of football editors casts their votes for each of the league's major awards.NFL Awards Predictions

Retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zach Orr will rejoin his former team as part of its coaching staff and personnel department, the Ravens announced Wednesday.Orr retired in January due to a spinal condition, but attempted a brief comeback before hanging up his cleats again in mid-August."Zach will be getting exposure to both the coaching and personnel departments with the Ravens," general manager Ozzie Newsome said."He'll spend time learning about coaching at this level, and he'll learn the ropes with our scouts. We look forward to working with him as he makes the transition from being an active player."Orr will work with the linebackers and sit in on special-teams meetings during the season. After the 2017 campaign finishes, the 25-year-old will transition to the personnel departed to help scout players."I lit up. I was like, 'Of course!'" Orr said when asked about owner Steve Bisciotti's invite to rejoin the team in a non-player role. "I still want to be around this game, especially an opportunity to work with some of the best coaches and some of the best front-office personnel in the league. It's a great opportunity for me to learn and grow.”Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Haden may not be a free agent for long, as the former Cleveland Browns cornerback is meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday night, sources told Ian Rapoport and Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network.Haden, cut by the Browns earlier Wednesday, is not subject to waivers and is able to sign with any team after 4:00 p.m ET.The two-time Pro Bowler is familiar with the Steelers organization, having spent his entire career in the AFC North alongside the storied franchise.Whether it's the Steelers who sign him, it seems the 28-year-old wion't be a free agent for long, as ESPN is reporting the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs are also interested in Haden.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.J. Watt continues to soar past his fundraising targets in his efforts to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey.The Houston Texan reached his latest goal of $6 million Wednesday, and now has his sights set on a new target of $10 million, according to a video posted on Twitter:

The Cleveland Browns' rebuild continues in earnest.After releasing long-time corner Joe Haden on Wednesday, the Browns announced the trade of offensive lineman Cameron Erving - a 2015 first-round pick - to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2018 fifth-round draft pick.The Browns were rumored to be shopping Erving, who'd been reduced to a backup role after the offseason addition of JC Tretter at center.Cleveland has turned over a roster that last year struggled to finish 1-15.For the Chiefs, Erving likely slides right into the starting lineup, flanked by guards Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Byran Witzmann, and tackles Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher.The Browns are now stocked with an array of picks for next year's draft:

The Green Bay Packers are signing free-agent linebacker Ahmad Brooks to a one-year contract that could be worth up to $5 million, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The 49ers released the veteran pass-rusher last week after 10 seasons in San Francisco.It's a rare dip into the free-agent market for Green Bay, but a necessary one considering the team's lack of depth at the position.Starters Clay Matthews and Nick Perry are dealing with injuries and rookie Vince Biegel is expected to start the year on the physically unable to perform list.Brooks is an edge-setting linebacker whose best pass-rushing days are likely beyond him. However, he's produced a solid 18.5 sacks in his last 43 games and should fill the role left by the departed Julius Peppers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leonard Fournette is doing his part to help a gridiron adversary.The Jacksonville Jaguars running back will donate $50,000 to J.J. Watt's Hurricane Harvey relief fund, according to Mike Kaye of First Coast News.Fournette announced Wednesday on Twitter that he would donate the money:

Test results have confirmed that Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware has torn his PCL and LCL and will be out for the season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Ware sustained the injury in the Chiefs' third preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.Set to be the Chiefs' lead running back this season, Ware posted 921 yards and three touchdowns on 14 starts last year.Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has already declared rookie Kareem Hunt the starter for the 2017 season.As Ware prepares for surgery, he can find solace in the fact he appears to have avoided any significant injuries to his ACL and MCL.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The concussion and CTE issues affecting football has been brought to the forefront in recent years, and one broadcaster has seen enough.ESPN analyst Ed Cunningham, who played collegiately at Washington and for five seasons in the NFL, has resigned from the network due to concerns over the damage inflicted on players on a weekly basis."In its current state, there are real dangers; broken limbs, wear, and tear," Cunningham told John Branch of the New York Times. "But the real crux of this is that I just don't think the game is safe for the brain. To me, it's unacceptable."Cunningham admitted to growing tired of watching players removed from the field due to injury on a regular basis, and that it's changed his viewing experience. Unfortunately for the 48-year-old, the long-term affects of CTE hit close to home through a former teammate."I know a lot of people who say: "I just can't cheer for the big hits anymore. I used to go nuts, and now I'm like, I hope he gets up," Cunningham said. "I don't currently think the game is safe for the brain. And, oh, by the way, I've had teammates who have killed themselves. Dave Duerson put a shotgun to his chest so we could study his brain."Cunningham made it clear he's not in favor of abolishing football, just making some changes to make it safer. Those include a play limit for players, no contact before high school, and changes to football helmets to soften impact.Whether the future brings any of those changes remains to be seen, but it's clear Cunningham won't be the voice you hear describing the action on a football field any time soon.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ezekiel Elliott's appeal of his six-game suspension was originally scheduled to take two days, but is now expected to extend into Thursday as the NFL has agreed to make a witness available by phone, ESPN's Dan Graziano reports.The league initially denied the union's request to have the witness testify.The Dallas Cowboys running back was allowed to be away from the team to attend his appeal hearing, which is being overseen by arbitrator Harold Henderson. Elliott's ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Thompson, is not attending the hearing.Elliott was suspended six games after a year-long NFL investigation determined there was evidence the second-year pro engaged in physical violence. The criminal case was dropped by Ohio prosecutors.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints announced Wednesday that their preseason game Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens will go ahead as scheduled following a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter that said the NFL was discussing whether to go ahead with the contest in Louisiana.The league has already canceled the preseason game between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys due to Hurricane Harvey.Flooding from the storm is expected to continue from Houston into southwestern Louisiana, according to the National Weather Service.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

At 0-8 on the season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are looking everywhere for solutions, and that apparently included former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel.According to TSN's Dave Naylor and Farhan Lalji, the last-place club worked out the 24-year-old in Buffalo last week, but are not interested in signing the former Heisman Trophy winner at this time.Sources told Naylor and Lalji that the team wasn't convinced Manziel "is in game shape or that his off-field regimen is consistent with that of someone dedicated to professional football.""Too many red flags," one source added.Manziel was drafted 22nd overall in 2014 after a storied collegiate career at Texas A&M. He was released by the Browns after just two seasons that were full of distractions due to partying and drinking. Manziel would eventually spend time in rehab and has been out of football since the end of the 2015 season.The Texas native is on the Tiger-Cats' negotiation list, and new head coach June Jones' history with Manziel was likely the reason for the workout. Jones recruited the prolific high-school quarterback while at SMU and has been fascinated with his CFL potential since joining the club at the beginning of August.Jones recently named backup Jeremiah Masoli as the starter for the Tiger-Cats' game against the Toronto Argonauts in the Labour Day Classic, and with the club sitting last in almost every offensive category in the league, it appears it's looking everywhere for answers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Thursday's preseason game between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys has been canceled.On Monday, the game was moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington from Houston due to weather caused by Hurricane Harvey.The decision to cancel was due to players wanting to get back to Houston to be with their families and help relief efforts."The Houston Texans have made the decision to travel back to Houston after local authorities have now found a safe route for the team to drive home today," the Texans stated in a press release. "At this time, the priority for our organization is getting our players, coaches and staff back home to be reunited with their families, many of whom have been evacuated from their homes and are currently sheltered."The team feels it is imperative to get back home to help the Houston community recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey."Proceeds from the contest were set to be donated to the United Way of Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund. Instead, Texans owner Bob McNair will make a donation equal to the money that would have been generated from the game, according to the Houston's Chronicle's Aaron Wilson.Related: Hopkins, Miller among Texans stars stuck in HoustonThe Texans are still hopeful of hosting their season opener on Sept. 10.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Steelers reportedly emerged as a possible landing spot for Joe Haden following his release Wednesday by the Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh is now the favorite to land the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.The Steelers will reportedly face competition for Haden's services from the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.Related: 5 teams that should sign Joe HadenHaden, 28, has struggled over the past two seasons, but he was one of the better corners in the league over his first five years, and would likely still be an upgrade over Ross Cockrell and Coty Sensabaugh for Pittsburgh.The Steelers would probably pair Haden with fellow former first-round pick Artie Burns, giving them a more solid starting duo while allowing Cockrell and Sensabaugh to take on more suitable depth roles.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers is speaking up.Entering his 13th NFL season, the former Super Bowl MVP and two-time league MVP is feeling a greater need to weigh in on social issues.In a revealing interview with ESPN's Mina Kimes, the Green Bay Packers quarterback expressed an interest in joining the players' union and spoke out about some current player issues.Among the topics discussed was Colin Kaepernick's continued unemployment. The quarterback kneeled during the national anthem last season, and since opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers, has yet to be signed by another team."I think he should be on a roster right now. I think because of his protests, he's not," said Rodgers, who played against Kaepernick in a 2012 divisional playoff game.In regard to the lack of NFL players speaking freely on social issues, Rodgers pointed to the lack of guaranteed contracts and the reality that most players can be dropped at any point and time."(In the NFL), if you're on the street, you're not getting paid unless you have some sort of bonus that goes into another year. So there's less incentive to keep a guy, which gives you less job security. Less job security means you've got to play the game within the game a little tighter to the vest," Rodgers said."There's a fear of job security. If you have a differing opinion, differing sexual orientation, they can get rid of you. So is it better just to be quiet and not ever say anything? And not risk getting cut, with people saying, 'Well, it's because you can't play'?"Protests during the national anthem have continued into this year's preseason, as a number of players have sat, raised a fist, or kneeled in prayer.Rodgers has spoken with teammate Martellus Bennett on the subject and expressed his support for his peers."I'm going to stand because that's the way I feel about the flag - but I'm also 100 percent supportive of my teammates or any fellow players who are choosing not to," Rodgers said. "They have a battle for racial equality. That's what they're trying to get a conversation started around."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Steps are being taken to ensure the futures of ex-NFL players by the building of a retirement home in the vicinity of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, according to Jenny Vrentas of the MMQB.The facility will have 143 beds and will include units built specifically for senior care, assisted living, and will include a separate wing for memory care relating to cognitive diseases.While it's slightly unsettling that such a provision may be necessary for football players, it's reassuring that steps are being taken to address some of the issues that are being found in former players.The retirement unit is being coined "Legends Landing," and is just one part of Canton's roughly $800-million plan to transform the Hall of Fame into a must-see attraction for fans across the country.The retirement community unveiling comes just weeks after the most recent class of Hall of Fame inductees expressed uncertainty about the future."I can't lie," former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis said during his induction speech, "we're all scared ... we don't know what the future holds.""Legends Landing" should be constructed by 2020.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's not often that a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback hits the open market just over a week before the regular season begins.But that's the case right now, after the Cleveland Browns were unable to find a trade partner for Joe Haden - likely because he was paid like a top-10 player at his position - and cut the veteran on Wednesday.Cleveland's move should lead to a flurry of interest and competition for the former first-round pick's services. While Haden isn't the player he once was, here are five teams that would be wise to bring him into the fold:Indianapolis ColtsThe Colts' secondary looked weak even before their best defensive player, Vontae Davis, was lost for multiple weeks due to a "significant" groin injury.Davis, like Haden, is a physically talented corner who gives up too many big plays due to his lack of composure. It wouldn't be ideal, but Haden could fit fairly easily into Davis' role - and Indy's man-coverage scheme - while the latter is sidelined.On the other hand, whether the rebuilding Colts want to spend money on an aging corner who's past his prime, especially with second-round pick Quincy Wilson waiting in the wings after an impressive preseason, remains to be seen.New Orleans SaintsThe Saints' pass defense has been a problem for what seems like forever. New Orleans drafted Marshon Lattimore in the first round, but was unable to swing a trade for Malcolm Butler so reinforcements are still needed - especially after an injury to Delvin Breaux.Money may be an issue, however. The Saints have around $8 million in cap space, according to overthecap.com. It's likely enough to squeeze in a mid-level contract for Haden, but if the corner's market is strong, New Orleans could be priced out of contention.Pittsburgh SteelersCould Haden stay in the AFC North?If he's looking to join a contender, there aren't many better options than the Steelers. Pittsburgh needs as many solid corners as it can get in order to stop New England's arsenal of weapons, and after playing against Haden twice a year for the past seven seasons, the Steelers should know how to deploy him.There's little doubt that even a declining Haden would be an upgrade over Ross Cockrell and Coty Sensabaugh. Pairing the former Brown with Artie Burns might finally give the Steelers a secondary that can do its part and keep up with the team's high-flying offense.Miami DolphinsSecond-year cornerback Xavien Howard is a lock for one of the Dolphins' starting jobs, but who will play opposite him is much more uncertain. Byron Maxwell and Alterraun Verner have been competing in camp, and while Maxwell is probably the better option, he's definitely upgradable.The Dolphins could have written this campaign off after Ryan Tannehill's season-ending injury; instead, they coaxed Jay Cutler out of retirement.Therefore, Haden ending up with the Dolphins, who have a history of paying over-the-hill veterans, makes sense if they believe he could be the difference between a .500 finish and a wild-card spot.Philadelphia EaglesThe Eagles already made a splash to boost their cornerback group this offseason, trading with the Buffalo Bills for Ronald Darby. However, with legitimate playoff aspirations, Philadelphia should at least kick the tires on Haden.Darby and Jalen Mills - both 23 years old - are the projected starters. After that, it's second-rounder Sidney Jones, third-rounder Rasul Douglas, and underwhelming vet Patrick Robinson. Both rookies are talented, but the Eagles need more veteran options, especially with Jones set to miss at least the start of the season due to an Achilles injury.The Eagles don't necessarily need to gamble on a declining Haden, but if the price is right, he could be a good stopgap option while the team's younger players grow.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.The NFL’s silly season is nearly behind us with one more day of preseason snaps to go. We’ll be just six days away from the kickoff of the 2017 campaign after Thursday’s action.There are things bettors can learn from the games in August and there are definitely things that need to be ignored. Here’s a look at four things we saw in the preseason.Cleveland Browns winning gamesThe Browns are 3-0 straight up and against the spread and join the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks as the only perfect teams in the preseason. The Browns are still the biggest longshot to win the Super Bowl at 125/1 and for good reason.Rookie DeShone Kizer is the club’s Week 1 starter under center making him the ninth different Week 1 starting quarterback in the last 10 years in Cleveland. Kizer isn’t going to jump start an offense that finished second last in the league in points scored a season ago.Getting three wins in the preseason is easy to do when there’s a coaching staff thirsty for Ws it knows won’t be coming when the real games start.The Browns open the regular season as 9-point home pups against the Pittsburgh Steelers.New England Patriots’ defense is still goodThe Pats are allowing an average of 28.7 points per game in the preseason, good for the second highest mark in the league. Don’t see this as a sign New England’s defense will take a step back this season.The defending champs finished in the league’s top 10 in defensive yards allowed in each of the last two seasons and last year they finished first in points allowed at just 15.6 per game.Bill Belichick may confuse a GIF with his favorite peanut butter brand, but when it comes to defensive schemes, he’s still on top of his game.Andrew Luck’s health isn't as hunky dory as the Colts would have you believeThe Indianapolis Colts still haven’t ruled Andrew Luck out for their Week 1 game, even though he’s still on the PUP list because of offseason surgery on his shoulder. Head coach Chuck Pagano won’t even say who will start at quarterback in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams if Luck is still on the injured reserve list.This is a big deal. The Colts are an average team with Luck in the lineup. They would be one of the league’s worst teams if he missed a significant portion of the regular season.The Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas opened with the Colts as 3.5-point favorites Week 1 against the Rams but the book has flipped its stance and now has Los Angeles as 2.5-point favorites.Most books have this line off the board but if you can find Rams getting points at your book, it’d be a good idea to snap up that price.New Orleans defense isn’t this goodAfter three preseason games, the under is 3-0 and the Saints have allowed the second fewest points in the league. The Saints have finished 23rd or worse in defensive yards allowed per game in eight of the 11 years since Sean Payton became the head coach in the Big Easy in 2006.The Saints dedicated much of their 2017 draft to reinvigorating their defense by picking up two defensive backs, a linebacker, and a defensive end all in the first three rounds. That’s not enough for us to believe New Orleans’ preseason defensive performance is the real deal.Payton is talking about running the ball more this season and keeping his defense off the field. That hasn’t been his method of operation, though, as a head coach and play caller. The over is 96-78-2 in the Saints regular-season games with Payton calling the shots on the sidelines.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's commonplace for injured NFL players to remain at home instead of traveling with their team during the preseason. It's no different for the Houston Texans, who left behind a number of their stars to manage injuries.However, with Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath wreaking havoc over the fourth-most populated city in America, receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Braxton Miller, and Will Fuller are among a group of 10 Texans stuck in Houston, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.The city has seen more than 51 inches of rain and 10,000 people have had to be rescued. The tropical storm made a second landfall on Wednesday and has shown no signs of relenting."Some guys are in areas that have been hit harder than other areas. Some guys, we were able to move to the Holiday Inn across from the stadium," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said on Tuesday. "Some other guys are in tough areas, relative to the flood. We're doing the best we can to stay in touch and do what we can to help them."O'Brien didn't want to specify who didn't travel with the team for its upcoming preseason contest with the Dallas Cowboys - which has been moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas - but Wilson reports that running backs D'Onta Foreman and Akeem Hunt are also part of the group still in Houston.The Texans still hope to host their season opener in Houston on Sept. 10.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs are both expected to have strong interest in signing cornerback Joe Haden, who was released Wednesday by the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Pittsburgh Steelers have also emerged as a possible landing spot for Haden, NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwal reports.None of the three teams are flushed with cap space - the Saints have around $8.2 million, the Steelers have roughly $10.5 million, and the Chiefs have close to $9 million, according to overthecap.com - so trading for the two-time Pro Bowler had been unlikely due to his enormous salary.Now that Haden is a free agent, however, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City are apparently among the teams that will look to add him to strengthen their questionable cornerback groups.Moving forward, Haden is unlikely to be asked to shadow the opponent's top wideout like he was in Cleveland, but would instead compete for the No. 2 cornerback position on interested teams - a role his declining skill set is far better suited for.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.J. Watt's fundraising effort for the victims of Hurricane Harvey continues to likely exceed even his wildest expectations.Over Tuesday night, the Houston Texans defensive end's cause surpassed $5.1 million, with more than 50,000 people donating money:

theScore's Jack Browne and Mitch Sanderson take a deep dive into the ratings from the newly released Madden 18 video game.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | K/P

theScore's Jack Browne and Mitch Sanderson take a deep dive into the ratings from the newly-released Madden 18 video game.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | K/P

The Cleveland Browns cut veteran corner and former top-10 draft pick Joe Haden, the team announced Wednesday morning."We want to thank Joe for all he has done for this organization both on and off the field," Sashi Brown, the team's executive vice president of football operations, said in a statement. "He has been a great teammate and a true asset to the Cleveland community. These are very difficult decisions, we have the utmost respect for Joe and in my eyes, he will always be a Cleveland Brown."Haden was the seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft, and he quickly established himself as a top-flight corner. By 2014, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with a second-team All-Pro nomination.However, his play declined over the past two seasons, due in part to injuries. He suited up for just five games in 2015 and played through a number of ailments in 2016.Haden signed a five-year, $67.5-million extension ahead of the 2014 season, and his release just weeks before the 2017 campaign clears $6.7 million in salary cap space.The Browns were rumored to be "aggressively" seeking a trade of Haden due to his price tag, his diminishing returns, and the team's overall efforts to rebuild a roster that won only one game in 2016.Haden may not be a free agent for very long. He can sign with a new club after 4 p.m. on Wednesday and that appears to be his intention."Tons of interest in him. He will have a new deal with another team by tomorrow afternoon," said Haden's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant accepted a challenge from teammate Ezekiel Elliott to donate $21,000 to the Salvation Army in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.Bryant one-upped Elliott, posting a receipt of his $50,000 donation:

With the Los Angeles Rams stuck in a contract stalemate with defensive tackle Aaron Donald, general manager Les Snead is setting a timeline on the All-Pro's availability for Week 1.Snead said it would "probably be a safe assumption" Donald won't be available for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts if he doesn't report to the team by the end of the week, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.The club won't rush Donald back for Week 1 at the risk of not having him later in the season."If you get him in this week, the goal would be for him to play a lot over the course of a 16-game season," Snead said. "So if you figure out that it's best to play a lot less Week 1, then that's the best thing to do."Donald has spent the summer training at his alma mater of Pittsburgh, and was seen there Tuesday by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Todd Gurley, his Rams teammate, admits Donald's personal workouts are no match for team practices."I work out three times a day during the offseason. You come back, that first day of practice, it is what it is. That's just football for you. It takes some time. I'm pretty sure he's grinding, but it's definitely different," said Gurley.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Amid one of the most horrific natural disasters in recent American history, the Houston Texans' resolve will not be broken.Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said his team plans to host its regular-season opener on Sept. 10 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars as scheduled, despite Hurricane Harvey wreaking havoc on the area."If our stadium's ready to go, it's important to have that game at home," O'Brien told John McClain of the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday. "Maybe it gives our fans a chance, for three hours at least, to cheer and kind of forget about the trials and tribulations of what would be the last two weeks."I think we have the best fans, anyway, so just imagine what NRG Stadium will be like for that first home game. Football's big in Texas, anyway, but when you put it in Houston and take into consideration such a catastrophic event, football becomes even bigger. It gives our fans a chance to cheer and let off some steam."Related: Proceeds from Texans-Cowboys to be donated to Hurricane Harvey reliefThe Texans have been resilient in trying to organize relief efforts for the inhabitants of Houston. J.J. Watt has raised over $4 million to be donated to the victims of the hurricane, while Texans owner Bob McNair pledged $1 million on behalf of the organization."It's incredible. There really aren't a lot of words on what he has done ... We are lucky to have him," O'Brien said of Watt.The Texans moved their final preseason game to Arlington, Texas due to the effects of the storm.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is following the charitable lead of his team and plans to use Thursday's preseason game as a means to provide relief from the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area.Related: Proceeds from Texans-Cowboys to be donated to Hurricane Harvey reliefWitten will auction off his 12-seat Hall of Fame suite for the team's final preseason contest and will donate the proceeds to the Houston Area Women's Center.It's another charitable effort from the Cowboys family after the team offered to host the game originally scheduled to be played at Houston's NRG Center. They had previously agreed to match the $1 million donation from Houston Texans owner Bob McNair to the United Way of Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As fundraising efforts for Hurricane Harvey flood relief continue to roll in, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt keeps motivating the masses with increased goals.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer appeared to be optimistic about Teddy Bridgewater's recovery, as the quarterback works his way back from a devastating knee injury that held him out of the entire 2016 season.Bridgewater tore his ACL on a non-contact play last August and is gradually recovering with the 2017 season on the horizon. The quarterback will almost certainly be unable to begin the season, but is working out in the team facilities, much to Zimmer's satisfaction."I don't watch him every single day because he's over there off to the side while we're practicing," Zimmer said to ESPN. "But the reports I get are all positive. And he knows where he's at and where he's got to get to. I think he's progressing well."Zimmer added that Bridgewater would only come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list once he shows the ability to protect himself and range of motion requisite for a starting quarterback.In an attempt to salvage their season in 2016, the Vikings traded for Sam Bradford after Bridgewater suffered his knee injury - a move that Zimmer harbors no regrets about."I still think the trade was the right trade for us," Zimmer said. "Obviously, it was a freak thing that happened with Teddy, but I don't know, I guess you always handle it the best way you can and try to figure it out."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson has carved a new role with the Los Angeles Rams.Dickerson was named vice president of business development after signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Rams on Tuesday."It's a really good feeling - it really is - to be back with the Rams in an executive position,” Dickerson said via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "For me, my thing is I’m all about the fans."Dickerson starred for the Rams from 1983-1987, setting the single-season rushing yards record with 2,105 in 1984.The 56-year-old publicly criticized former head coach Jeff Fisher for his ineffectiveness last season. Fisher was fired on December 12, and the Rams hired Sean McVay a month later.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys will donate proceeds from Thursday's preseason game to United Way to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, the Texans announced in a press release.Texans owner Bob McNair asserted Monday his club will donate $1 million to the United Way of Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund, with both the Cowboys and the NFL Foundation matching their pledge.Tickets will cost $25 and will go on sale Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. ET.The Texans were originally scheduled to host the contest, but the Cowboys stepped in to hold the game at AT&T Stadium, with the NFL citing public safety concerns.Texans superstar J.J. Watt has raised over $3.25 million in relief efforts and set a new target of $4 million to go toward victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Count Drew Brees among Matthew Stafford's supporters, after the Detroit Lions quarterback signed a record five-year, $135-million extension on Monday.Stafford will earn $27 million per year, surpassing the previous record of $25 million per annum earned by Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who also signed his extension this summer.Brees said he congratulated Stafford on his extension, obviously impressed with the sum he accumulated."I just sent him a text that just said, 'Wow,'" Brees said via ESPN's Mike Triplett. "That was it."Brees was also markedly impressed by Stafford's 2016 campaign after steering the Lions to the playoffs with a 9-7 record."The guy’s played great, you know? Last year was as impressive I think a run as a quarterback’s had in regards to finding ways to win games," Brees said. "That whole team won a ton of games at the end of the year and got themselves into the playoffs after being pretty banged up along the way. And so he was the next guy up, and he got a huge contract."Brees has an opt-out clause in his contract which can be exercised before the 2018 season and he will likely be looking to Stafford as inspiration during his next series of negotiations.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2017 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.Trying to analyze the entire NFL schedule in hopes of gaining an edge in fantasy before the season can often be a foolish endeavor, as injuries and unexpected performances end up altering the landscape throughout the year.However, taking a look at the first month of the schedule can often reveal which teams/players are set up to start hot and those likely to struggle out of the gate.Schedules to ExploitArizona CardinalsWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4@DET@INDDALSFThe Cardinals have been gifted one of the easiest schedules over the season's first month. Since David Johnson is matchup proof, the biggest beneficiary might be Carson Palmer, who should cruise through September. The veteran quarterback is the perfect late-round target for fantasy owners selecting Andrew Luck, as Palmer will get off to a hot start while Luck works his way back from injury.Atlanta FalconsWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4@CHIGB@DETBUFThe Falcons have a tough act to follow after they set the entire league ablaze during Matt Ryan's MVP season. They open the year with three straight against the NFC North, fortunately avoiding the Vikings in that span. A Super Bowl hangover is possible, but this schedule should allow them to pick up where they left off a year ago.Denver BroncosWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4LACDAL@BUFOAKAfter a disappointing quarterback competition that Trevor Siemian appeared to win by default, the Broncos early-season slate should help them find their groove on offense. Los Angeles represent a tough divisional matchup to open the year, but the Broncos have scored 27 points or more in their last three regular-season home games against the Chargers. After that it's smooth sailing until their Week 5 bye.Los Angeles RamsWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4INDWAS@SF@DALIf Todd Gurley wants to redeem himself in the eyes of fantasy owners, there's no better way than by coming out of the gate strong against a cupcake schedule. Starting off the season against a banged-up Colts' defense is an excellent opportunity for offensive-minded head coach Sean McVay to showcase the Rams' new attack. Gurley owners might want to consider moving him after this stretch though, as his schedule gets significantly more difficult the rest of the way.Schedules to AvoidDallas CowboysWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4NYG@DEN@ARILARWhether Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension is upheld or not, life for the Cowboys' offense is going to miserable in the opening month. Dak Prescott will do battle with three of the leagues best secondaries before having to face a new Wade Phillips-led Rams unit. The good news is the schedule eases up after that, but be prepared to hear about Prescott's sophomore slump throughout September.Detroit LionsWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4ARI@NYGATL@MINMatthew Stafford will need to earn very dollar of his new contract while confronting a murderer's row through the first four games. Stafford has been up for the challenge in the past, airing it out in the fourth quarter to keep his fantasy stat lines high. The real effects of this schedule will be felt by Ameer Abdullah and the Lions' unproven rushing attack. It could lead to a buy-low window for Detroit's skill position stars, like Abdullah, Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Eric Ebron.New Orleans SaintsWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4@MINNE@CAR@MIAWe're not actually worried about Drew Brees and the Saints' offense, but the schedule-makers didn't do them any favors in 2017. The Vikings, Patriots, and Panthers are all projected to be top-10 units this season, while the Dolphins game is on the road in London. If Brees and company can't force the issue and turn these games into shootouts, it might result in a slower start than most would expect from Sean Payton's offense.San Francisco 49ersWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4CAR@SEALAR@ARISo you probably weren't planning on investing heavily in the 49ers roster, but Carlos Hyde and Pierre Garcon are locked in fantasy starters who might suffer through some adversity early in the year. Kyle Shanahan has proven he can manufacture offensive production, however, the degree of difficultly will be turned way up with a new team, featuring a less talented cast, going up against a fierce quartet of defenses in his debut month in San Francisco.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ezekiel Elliott's arbitration hearing regarding his appeal of a six-game suspension is heading into a second day, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, though he adds there is "no end in sight."The hearing began Tuesday afternoon, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reports it is scheduled to last through Thursday.Cowboys owner Jerry Jones publicly expressed his thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys running back's suspension for the first time Tuesday, saying the NFL has "no evidence" to support the suspension.Related: Cowboys' Jones calls arbitrator Henderson 'a really great friend of mine'The NFL levied the six-game ban following an extensive investigation into domestic violence allegations against Elliott. The star rusher wasn't charged on either one of two reported incidents involving a woman believed to be an ex-girlfriend.Elliott remains away from practice during the hearing process. His accuser, Tiffany Thompson, has not been permitted to attend the hearings.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans have helped J.J. Watt raise his bar for helping the victims of Hurricane Harvey.Watt had begun with a goal of raising $200,000 on Sunday, but after that was met in less than two hours, he decided to continue raising the target amount as donations arrived in a hurry. He had announced a goal of $3 million Tuesday afternoon, and had that pleasantly achieved thanks to a $1-million donation by Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk.

With the NFL's Sept. 2 cut-down day fast approaching, teams have begun attempting to shrink their rosters while getting a return for their losses.The Cleveland Browns have reportedly added Joe Haden and Cameron Erving to their trade block while the Denver Broncos and New York Jets are shopping Pro Bowlers T.J. Ward and Matt Forte, respectively, and the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Vance McDonald.There are plenty of other potential trade targets out there. Some may be more surprising than others, but here's a look at nine candidates who could be on the move this week:John Brown, CardinalsCareer Stats: 46 games played, 152 receptions, 2,216 receiving yards, 14 TDsBrown could be tough to trade as he was diagnosed with a sickle-cell trait last season and it only allowed him to start six games. But the 27-year-old receiver is back to health this preseason, catching a pair of touchdowns in his only exhibition action.Burce Arians hasn't done much to drive up Brown's value, but he sounds ready to let the speedster go, recently stating that Larry Fitzgerald and Jaron Brown were the Cardinals' only quality receivers.Jeremy Hill, BengalsCareer Stats: 47 games played, 667 carries, 2,757 rushing yards, 468 receiving yards, 30 TDsHill knew his starting job was in doubt the moment the Bengals drafted Joe Mixon in the second round, especially with Giovani Bernard already on the roster to handle receiving-back duties.The fourth-year pro still has plenty to offer the Bengals, though only one man can carry the ball at a time and Hill would be more valuable doing so for a team without a crowded backfield.Carlos Hyde, 49ersCareer Stats: 34 games played, 415 carries, 1,791 rushing yards, 284 receiving yards, 16 TDsHyde has been in a bad spot since joining the NFL as the 49ers began their descent from contender to laughing stock, and now that a seemingly positive upswing has happened in San Francsico, he's not a fit for the system. Hyde's powerful style isn't what head coach Kyle Shanahan prefers in his back, and while he's trying his best to fit in, the Ohio State product could be a solid starter elsewhere.Mychal Kendricks, EaglesCareer Stats: 70 games played, 382 tackles, 12 sacks, 20 pass deflections, 3 INTsKendricks has been a steady force in Philadelphia since 2012, though the team's defense under Jim Schwartz only needs two linebackers for most plays. With Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham getting the heavy majority of snaps now, Kendricks asked the Eagles for a trade or his release following the 2016 season and could very well have his request granted.Star Lotulelei, PanthersCareer Stats: 60 games played, 116 tackles, 10 sacks, 4 pass deflectionsThis appears to be Lotulelei's last year with the Panthers as his contract is expiring and the team has already spent plenty of cash on the defensive line. The former 14th overall pick doesn't put up flashy numbers, but he gets the job done. However, with 2016 first-rounder Vernon Butler ready to take his starting spot, Lotulelei is expendable.Matt Jones, RedskinsCareer Stats: 20 games played, 243 carries, 950 rushing yards, 377 receiving yards, 7 TDsJones was adored by former GM Scot McCloughan and former offensive coordinator Sean McVay, but the remaining Redskins regime does not seem to be a fan of the player once dubbed the next Marshawn Lynch.The 24-year-old's production has not met the initial expectations, but he has shown the power and vision to be a solid backup runner on a team that actually wants him.Da'Norris Searcy, TitansCareer Stats: 91 games played, 304 tackles, 7 INTs, 24 pass deflections, 4.5 sacksSearcy was once a rare free-agent score by the Titans in 2015, but the roster has now become overloaded with talent including signee Jonathan Cyprien, who plays the same role as the 28-year-old. With two years left on his deal, carrying a cap hit of at least $4.46 million, it may be too much to pay for a backup.Richard Rodgers, PackersCareer Stats: 48 games played, 108 catches, 1,006 yards, 12 TDsThe 25-year-old tight end went from a default starter to a third stringer in record time as the Packers signed Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks this offseason. He knows plenty of the tricks of the trade from Aaron Rodgers that other teams and quarterbacks would be happy to add for a cheap price.Stephone Anthony, SaintsCareer Stats: 26 games played, 128 tackles, 5 pass deflections, 1 INTAnthony looked like a star as a rookie, making 112 tackles in his first season, but failed to find a role within the Saints' defense in 2016, dwindling his stats down to 16 tackles. The former first-round pick simply needs a change in scenery to get back on track.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Last season was arguably the most complete campaign of Matthew Stafford's career, although it wasn't as gaudy as 2011, when he threw for over 5,000 yards and 41 touchdowns.The Detroit Lions franchise player has transformed from a gunslinger into an efficient veteran over the past six seasons, accelerated by the arrival of Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator halfway through the 2015 season.In Cooter's offense, Stafford is more Alex Smith than Brett Favre; he focuses on the short-to-mid passing game, puts his receivers in positions to dominate after the catch, and avoids the turnovers that were so prevalent from 2011-13.As a result of changing his style, Stafford is performing up to the standard that was expected when the Lions selected him first overall in 2009, and they rewarded him Monday by making him the highest-paid player in NFL history with a $27-million annual average salary.Related: Lions, Stafford reach record 5-year extension worth $135 millionAnd they really had no other choice. Stafford will likely end up earning more money than any other player in NFL history over his career because he was the last No. 1 pick to earn a big-money contract before the new CBA kicked in.This means Stafford has always had the leverage to push the value of his contract extensions to the maximum. And after being mentioned in the MVP conversation last season before a finger issue derailed his play, the Lions had to give him a monster deal.However, while the decision was easy, the ramifications will be more difficult to handle.Though Stafford is a good quarterback, few would argue he's great. The 29-year-old proved he was talented early in his career, but lacks the composure or accuracy to consistently put a team on his back and lead it to victory.And that's OK. Only a handful of quarterbacks are capable of winning with a subpar defense, and you should still hold onto a solid pivot for dear life if you find one.The problem is that winning with a subpar defense is exactly what will be required of Stafford again in 2017. The Lions ranked dead last in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA (a ranking system that judges performance against league-average situational play) in 2016, and finished last in pass-defense DVOA, too.Aside from cornerback Darius Slay and defensive end Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah (who even had a down year in 2016, producing just two sacks), the Lions have no top-level difference-makers on defense, and their depth at pass-rusher is abysmal - especially after losing 2016 sack leader Kerry Hyder for the year with a torn Achilles.There's no reason to believe Detroit's defense will be any better in 2017 after making few significant additions to the unit this offseason. Yes, the Lions did use their first two draft picks on defensive players - linebacker Jarrad Davis and cornerback Teez Tabor - but expecting two rookies to radically improve a poor defense is beyond optimistic.And while the Lions' offense and Stafford were impressive last season, they mounted an NFL record eight fourth-quarter comebacks - a nearly impossible feat to replicate.Detroit is a prime candidate to regress in 2017, and while the franchise likely won't feel the effects of Stafford's deal for a few years, it will impact the team's ability to build him a playoff-caliber defense.This first major issue will be Ansah, who needs a new deal after this season and will likely command a huge extension if he regains his 14.5-sack form from 2015. Beyond that, the Lions could struggle to add some much-needed free-agent talent next offseason.Stafford was always going to get paid, and paid big. And the Lions, like every other team with a franchise quarterback, understand that the trade-off for having such a player is cutting back in other areas.But when half the roster is as devoid of talent as Detroit's defense, it isn't ideal for a good-but-not-great quarterback to carry cap hits of roughly $30 million from 2019-21. The Lions surely agree, but they didn't have much of a choice.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has fully cleared the concussion protocol and can resume practicing with the team, head coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Freeman suffered the injury during practice two weeks ago and didn't suit up for the team's last two preseason games.The Falcons will hope Freeman can stay healthy from here on out after signing him to a lucrative five-year deal reportedly worth $41.25 million earlier this offseason.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.In Week 3 of the preseason, some teams lost key players to season-ending injuries. Among them: the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be without running back Spencer Ware until next year after he tore his PCL. Unlike other teams that lost key contributors, though, the Chiefs are in good shape to overcome this setback.That's not just because they drafted Kareem Hunt, but also because of Ware's limitations, which the Chiefs recognized in time to trade up and select the Toledo product. And now the Chiefs will give Hunt an excellent shot at becoming Offensive Rookie of the Year.Ware isn't a poor player; he's a quality running back that does everything well. But he also lacks a truly distinguishing or special trait. For some teams, he would be a high-end backup, and overall, he's a below-average (but not bad) starting NFL running back.In 2016, Ware's first season as a true lead back, he wore down as the season went on. During the first seven weeks, Ware touched the ball a little over 18 times per game and averaged nearly 130 yards per contest. He suffered a concussion in Week 8 and then missed the following game as well.After his return, Ware still touched the ball about the same amount, but his production fell drastically to under 80 yards per contest. That left the Chiefs looking to improve this position in the draft, and wisely seeming to view Ware as more of a committee runner (it helped his cause that he contributes in any down-and-distance situation).In the first round, the Chiefs were apparently more focused on the future than this season with their huge trade up to nab Patrick Mahomes, which cost them next year's first-round pick. Trading up for Hunt in the third round, however, was all about the present. Ware's injury just means that present has arrived a little sooner.(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Hunt was drafted to play right away and quite possibly to supplant Ware as the top dog in Kansas City's backfield. Like Ware, he appears to be a jack of all trades, but master of none. He's impressed in the preseason so far, and though he will have a learning curve, it probably won't be steep.While Hunt lacks home-run speed or overpowering strength, he's a compact runner that is difficult to bring down and is more than able in the passing game. He breaks a lot of tackles for his size, has a pinballing style, and adopts a never-say-die attitude with the ball in his hands. His balance is excellent too.Hunt fumbled only once in his four-year college career and not at all during his final season at Toledo. He also scored 45 touchdowns in college. Given his situation in Kansas City, there's no reason to think he can't continue being highly productive at the next level.Under Andy Reid, the Chiefs employ a heavy West Coast offense and want running backs with receiving skills. With Alex Smith as the quarterback and a typically strong defense, Reid has Kansas City playing rather slowly and at a methodical pace on offense.The Chiefs' attack is pretty much always on the low end in terms of passing attempts, and when Smith does throw, it is often in a short and controlled manner. That means an awful lot of opportunity for Hunt. Don't be shocked if this young man is very much in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation thanks to his work in Ware's absence.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets are shopping veteran running back Matt Forte, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.However, due to his $4-million guaranteed salary, there's "not a lot of optimism" that a deal to trade Forte will happen, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.It makes little sense for the Jets to keep Forte, 31, in what's all but certain to be a rebuilding year, especially as Bilal Powell is set to be the starter.Forte appeared in 14 games in his first campaign with the Jets in 2016, producing the worst statistical season of his nine-year career.However, he remains an excellent receiver out of the backfield and likely could produce as a change-of-pace back for a contender - though likely at a much-reduced price.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis will be out multiple weeks with a groin injury, head coach Chuck Pagano announced Tuesday, according to the Indy Star's Stephen Holder.Pagano called the injury "significant," according to the Indy Star's Zak Keefer.Davis enjoyed a standout camp after finally getting healthy. He's now in danger of missing at least the Colts' season opener on Sept. 10.Despite a down year in 2016, the 29-year-old remains the standout player of Indy's secondary - and with little depth at the position, the Colts could struggle to perform in his absence.Rookie Quincy Wilson will likely take over the starting role if Davis does miss time, though the young corner is dealing with a knee injury.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos have discussed trades regarding Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.A second report states the Broncos are initiating the calls regarding Ward, not receiving, per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.Ward has one year remaining on his contract, carrying a $5.75-million cap hit. The 30-year-old has been a starter on the Broncos' top-ranked defense since joining the team in 2014 from the Cleveland Browns. He made the Pro Bowl in 2013, 2014, and 2015.Second-year defensive back Justin Simmons started two games in Ward's place last season and would presumably take his spot in the first-team defense if the veteran was traded.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers have traded tight end Vance McDonald and a fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a fourth-round pick, the team announced Tuesday.The Steelers have been searching for help at tight end since Heath Miller retired after the 2015 season. Jesse James started at tight end last season in Pittsburgh, but produced just 338 yards on 39 catches with three touchdowns.McDonald signed a three-year, $19.65-million contract with the 49ers last December after putting up a career-high 391 yards on 24 catches with four touchdowns through 11 games in 2016. He led the 49ers in touchdown catches last season."We would like to thank Vance for his contributions to this organization on the field and in the community over the last four seasons," said 49ers general manager John Lynch. "Although I have only known Vance for a short time, I quickly learned that he and his wife, Kendi, have been tremendous representatives for the team in the community and their service to others is quite commendable. We wish the McDonald family all the best as they move on to a new opportunity in Pittsburgh."For the 49ers, the move signals that rookie George Kittle is most likely to open the season as the starting tight end.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Flacco has resumed throwing and is "moving toward" a return to practice after missing the first three preseason games with a back injury, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh announced Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley.Harbaugh once again said he's confident Flacco will be ready for the Ravens' Sept. 10 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.Related: Ravens' Harbaugh promises Flacco will be ready for Week 1"He's moving toward practice," Harbaugh said. "Just when the docs clear - which we don't know that date (and) when that's going to happen right now. We believe it's going to be real soon and in time to prepare for Cincinnati. And then he'll be out there."Harbaugh added he's "very optimistic" receiver Breshad Perriman will also be ready for Week 1 after being sidelined for the past month with a hamstring injury, according to Hensley.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns are attempting to trade 2015 first-round pick Cameron Erving, reports Mark Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, citing a source.The offensive lineman has spent time at both center and tackle throughout his career, but hasn't lived up to his first-round pedigree.The news comes on the heels of a report earlier Tuesday that suggested the team was "aggressively shopping" another former first-round pick, star cornerback Joe Haden.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sage Rosenfels is a former 12-year NFL quarterback who writes, does radio, and podcasts about the NFL and college football. Find him on Twitter @SageRosenfels18.Throughout the summer, the No. 1 story around the Houston Texans' camp has been the quarterback competition between four-year veteran Tom Savage and rookie Deshaun Watson.Savage is still young and fairly inexperienced, but knows the ins and outs of head coach Bill O’Brien’s offense much better than Watson. After the first preseason game - in which Watson looked like he was further along in the maturation process needed to earn the starting job - his play has come back down to earth.Playing quarterback is much more than the statistics fans and analysts use to make evaluations. Leadership, game management, and understanding how to win football games are aspects of the position that those in the organization have a much better handle on than even the best football experts.Savage has outplayed Watson during the three preseason games to earn the starting job. He's completed 75 percent of his passes with one touchdown and no interceptions, good enough for a 102 QB rating. Watson has played like the talented, but raw, rookie that he is. His completion percentage is a tad over 50 percent and has yet to throw a preseason touchdown.His athletic ability and arm strength are two very exciting attributes for Texans fans to look forward to. His two touchdown runs don’t show up in his passing stats, but are an example of other value he brings to the table.Since O’Brien’s arrival, the Texans have built one of the NFL's best defenses. Since 2014, they've finished 16th, third, and first in the league in fewest yards allowed. They have also ended the seasons ranked seventh, seventh, and 11th in fewest points surrendered. However you slice it, defense has not been the problem during O’Brien’s tenure.The issue has been at quarterback. If Watson starts at some point during the 2017 season, he will be the ninth quarterback to start for the Texans in the last four years. That is a stat that no franchise prefers. Somehow, the Texans have found a way to win the last two division titles.When I watch NFL franchises consistently have a lack of production, and turnover, at quarterback, I point the finger more at the offensive coaching rather than the quarterbacks themselves. Maybe this is just the ex-player mentality in me, or maybe it comes from my history of living through various offenses that were far more challenging than others.The Texans’ lack of quarterback consistency and production is a sure sign that O’Brien’s offense is not an easy one for a quarterback to excel in.This is the part of the post where I get to blame Tom Brady for the Texans’ quarterback struggles. Yes, Brady is to blame - and here is why.O’Brien was hired by the Patriots in 2007 and eventually became offensive coordinator in 2011, despite being the quarterbacks coach and play caller since 2008. When O’Brien arrived in Foxboro, New England’s offense, led by Brady, was seven years in the making. The longer an NFL offense is together, the more complicated it becomes.Add in the fact that Bill Belichick has one of the most brilliant minds in the NFL history, and the Pats' attack became much more advanced - and complex - than the majority of NFL offenses.After graduating from Brown University, O’Brien spent the first 14 years of his coaching career at the college level. Once he arrived in New England, he was smart enough to quickly pick up the Patriots’ system.The version of the New England offense that O’Brien stepped into was historically one of the best in NFL history. Brady was on his way to becoming the greatest quarterback of all time. The Patriots had one of the best offensive line coaches in the league with Dante Scarnecchia. They also had Randy Moss and Wes Welker as wide receivers.Coaching life is good when you have that type of talent to work with.Since arriving in Houston, O’Brien hasn’t been able copy the success he had in New England. The quarterback room has had non-stop turnover. Ryan Fitzpatrick had one year as a starter in 2014. Brian Hoyer took the reigns in 2015. Then Brock Osweiler made the majority of starts last year.The Texans have been searching long and hard for their next franchise quarterback - and have yet to find him.Through it all, Savage has been on the Texans’ roster. This may be the most important part of the entire equation. As I noted above, this Texans' offense is complex. Mastering any NFL offense, especially this scheme, can take years. The quarterbacks who failed in Houston haven’t had the necessary time to learn all that O’Brien knows.It also takes time for the key players around the quarterback to master a new system. Savage has had time to watch, learn, compete, and grow during his time in Houston, as have many of his offensive teammates. Savage isn’t flashy, but his consistent play last year and this preseason has me believing he will compete at a high level for the Texans in 2017.The quarterbacks in Houston will have a challenging start to the season. They are without Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown, a hold out. Their top three receivers are injured, and didn’t play in the third preseason game. And to top it off, the entire city of Houston is in crisis following Hurricane Harvey and the havoc it has wrought over southeast Texas. The 2007 Patriots faced none of these challenges.The Texans’ quarterback situation is one of a few around the league to keep an eye on this season. If Savage plays solid football, and the Texans are in the playoff mix, Watson will be spending his rookie season on the sidelines. With the recent history of quarterbacks who have struggled in their first year of O’Brien’s system, this is where he and Texans fans should want him.Side note: I spent three amazing years playing for the Texans. I had more success there than anywhere else I played in the NFL. But playing football in Houston isn't what I remember most. My fondest memories of playing for the Texans was living in the city of Houston. Previously, I'd never spent time in Houston, other than an occasional layover.The people of Houston were some of the warmest, most sincere, and caring people I've ever been around. Despite a population of over seven million, the good folks of Houston see themselves as a large town, not a big city.The recent rain and flooding has been hard for a former resident to watch on television. I can't imagine how challenging it is to be living there right now. My heart goes out to those who have been, or will be, negatively affected by this storm. I have no doubt the people of Houston will band together to rebuild once the waters have subsided. That "large town" mentality will undoubtedly help get Houston back on its feet quickly. I look forward to visiting again soon.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.