Nightly News

1. Hunter Henry out for 2018 with ACL tear?

I always feel a sense of sadness when I hear news like this, especially when it happens in OTA’s. Imagine a player working all offseason to ensure he is on top form, and he attends the team’s first training sessions and his 2018 season comes to an end. The 2016 second-round pick has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the NFL, especially after last year when he replaced a declining Antonio Gates.

It comes as no surprise that Head Coach, Anthony Lynn downplayed the severity of Henry’s injury, but it would appear that Henry is out for the entire 2018 season, depending on how far they get. This comes as a real blow to the Chargers as they were quickly emerging as a top-five offense.

The Chargers did sign ex Broncos tight end, Virgil Green in the offseason, but in all his 7 seasons in the NFL, he hasn’t achieved higher than 25 receptions for 250 yards each year.

Could we see the Chargers on the phone to Antonio Gates, grovelling? Or could we see them giving away as much as they can for Gronkoswki. Probably not, but it’s fun to think about.

1. Paul Worrilow out for 2018 with ACL tear?

Again, a story like the above, and one that makes me feel for the player involved. This time its linebacker, Paul Worrilow. The Eagles depth chart at linebacker took a really big hit on the back of this loss.

Worrilow had been brought in to provide some insurance to starter Jordan Hicks whilst he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Worrilow was played in an air cast before being carted off the field, this indicates a serious knee injury and we await further news. But, it’s clear that like Henry, his 2018 season is over.

1. Browns offered 35th pick for QB Nick Foles

Overnight (in the UK) it emerged that the Cleveland Browns made a play for Eagles Superbowl winning quarterback, Nick Foles in the build up to the draft.

The Browns offered the Eagles the 35th pick in the 2018 NFL draft for Foles. Reportedly, Foles showed little interest in moving to Cleveland to take a starting job and wanted to remain with the Eagles as a back-up to Carson Wentz.

The offer was made for Foles one month after coming off a Superbowl MVP end of season. After his lack of interest, the Eagles rewarded Foles with a revised contract that included a $2 million bonus for the 2018 season, and the ability to earn up to $14 million in incentives.

There is still no clear evidence that Wentz will be 100% ready to go for the start of the 2018 season after tearing his ACL in December. By keeping Foles, the Eagles have the perfect back-up plan so they don’t have to rush Wentz. Who better to back-up a break out QB, then a Superbowl winning MVP QB?

1. Giants sign receiver, Russell Shepard

The Giants announced on Tuesday that they have signed free agent receiver Russell Shepard. Shepard had previously been with the Panthers before asking for his release at the end of the 2017 season after they asked him to take a pay cut.

No doubt this is the Giants making sure they have insurance. Last season saw Beckham go out early with a broken Ankle and Marshall head for the same fate. That left the Giants receiving corp in dire straits, which was evident throughout the season and only added to Manning’s plight.

Shepard heads into the Giants camp with some ready-made friends. He and Beckham were teammates at LSU.

This is a good signing for the Giants and adds depth at a position they seriously lacked last season.

1. Christian Hackenberg taking part in Jets OTAs one minute, traded to Oakland the next

This trade comes on the back of comments by Hackenberg about the coaching staff in the Jets facility. He made a comment to reporters on how he has not been given any direction on how to fix his mechanical issues since being at the Jets.

The Jets then seemingly made a point with the second-round pick, by trading him to the Raiders for a 2019 conditional seventh round pick.

There isn’t much to say on this topic apart from the Raiders are getting a good deal. It will be interesting to see how he is used, but I think he will end up on the practice squad if he can’t outperform EJ Manuel and Connor Cook.

To be taken in the 2nd round in 2016 to then be traded two years later for a 2019 7th round conditional pick, must really hurt his confidence.

1. Tony Romo to call Superbowl 53 for CBS

One of the most exciting stories to come out overnight is that Tony Romo will be calling Superbowl 53 for CBS.

Romo has been a standout announcer in 2017 and won the hearts of all NFL fans for his colourful play calling and his ability to read both offense and defensive plays.

Whoever will be playing in the Superbowl and however exciting that game will be, Romo will make it even more exciting and he finally gets to go to a Superbowl.