Last weekend was cut down Saturday when all the NFL teams trimmed their rosters to the prescribed 53 man limit. The Colts made their cuts and there were few real surprises. Nose tackles Josh Chapman and Montori Hughes who shared the position the last couple of seasons were both released. The play of rookie nose tackle David Perry, a 5th round pick from Stanford, made them expendable. The Horseshoe traded a 6th round 2016 draft pick to the Raiders for outside linebacker Sio Moore which led to the release of rookie 5th round pick Amarlo Harris. Wideout Duron Carter was waived clear and was added to the practice squad. Running back Daniel “Boom” Herron was released. Herron suffered a shoulder injury, but the strong play of rookie running backs Josh Robinson and Tyler Varga in preseason gave the Colts healthier options. Offensive tackle Ulrich John, linebacker Daniel Adongo, and defensive lineman Jeris Pendleton were among the players added to the Colts’ practice squad.
The Big Blue added defensive Tackle T.Y. McGill and guard Robert Myers to the roster from the waiver wire. McGill had been waived from Seattle and Myers had been waived by Baltimore.
Vic Ballard and Griff Whalen both made the roster. They are fan favorites and Whalen is a valuable special teams player. Speaking of special teams, place kicker Adam Vinatieri is the senior member of active NFL players at age 42. He boomed a 55 yard field goal against the St. Louis Rams in preseason. Punter Pat McAfee is second only to Andrew Luck in fan popularity. He is also on the NLF’s best punters list and a smooth holder for Vinatieri.
Reggie Leaves the Patriots
Reggie Wayne’s bid to play another NFL season ended last Saturday when he asked for and got his release from the New England Patriots. At age 36 and coming off injuries, he may have found trying to make the team a bit more of a challenge than it was worth. He also reportedly missed his friends and the more positive attitude of the Colts camp. Anyway Reggie is back home and we’re glad to have him. Look for Reggie to be behind a microphone providing some game expertise sometime during the season.
Other Notable Cuts
The biggest name cut was Tim Tebow from the Eagles. The former Heisman trophy winner had an improved preseason but it was not enough to keep him on the roster. His rabid fans are once again screaming foul and that there is a massive conspiracy against Christians in the NFL, but we don’t even want to go there. Career relief quarterback Matt Cassel was released by the Buffalo Bills. Former number one pick, quarterback Christian Pounder was released by the Oakland Raiders. Cassel and Pounder will most likely be signed by other teams. Reserve running back Robert Turbin was cut by Seattle. He will by picked up by a team soon. Former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was released by the 49ers. Dockett made his name with the Cardinals, but age and injury finally caught up with the 34-year-old Florida State grad. Former Ohio State and Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrell Pryor made the Cleveland Browns roster as a wide receiver, so the position switch paid off for him.
Fever Sets Playoff Berth Record
Congratulations to the Indiana Fever WNBA team. They have set a WNBA record with their eleventh straight playoff appearance. Congratulations to first year Head Coach Stephanie White and the entire Fever organization for once again bringing championship quality to the city.
snicewanger@yahoo.com