We got a little former Panther-on-former Panther action in the UFL this weekend.
Matt Corral isn’t the only former Carolina Panther who’s made an early impression in the UFL.
On Sunday afternoon, the Houston Roughnecks met up with the DC Defenders as part of the league’s second week of action. Currently sitting in Houston’s secondary is a familiar name in cornerback Corn Elder, who sat on this pass from Defenders quarterback (and another ex-Panther) Jordan Ta’amu:
Now 29 years old, Elder was selected by the Panthers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. The Murfreesboro, Tenn. native came into the league as a first-team All-ACC selection from the University of Miami (Fla.), where he stayed for four seasons.
He ultimately racked up three stints with the Panthers up until 2021. Elder appeared in 30 games for Carolina, totaling 43 combined tackles, a forced fumble and three passes defensed.
Former Lions to watch in Memphis Showboats vs. Houston Roughnecks in the UFL’s opening weekend
The final game of the UFL’s opening weekend will be loaded with former Detroit Lions players.
The Memphis Showboats will play the Houston Roughnecks, and a total of 12 players who once sported the Honolulu Blue are slated to make an appearance.
Jonathan Adams – Wide Receiver, Memphis Showboats
Detroit Lions receivers Jonathan Adams (82) and Javon McKinley (83) during organized team activities at Lions headquarters in Allen Park, Thursday, May 27, 2021.
A two-sport athlete at Arkansas State, Adams went on to sign with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He was cut by Detroit in the middle of the preseason that year and did not return to the team. His NFL career appeared to be over after being served a six-game suspension not long after his release.
Adams is now primed to be the number one receiver for the Showboats.
Sage Surratt and Wes Saxton – Tight Ends, Memphis Showboats
Lions receiver Sage Surratt catches a pass during training camp at the Allen Park facility on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Lions
Originally a wide receiver for Detroit, Surratt is now the starting tight end for Memphis.
Surratt was an undrafted rookie in 2021 who spent the entirety of the preseason with the team. Despite not contributing a reception on three targets, he was brought back to the practice squad for the first two weeks of the season.
Saxton’s time in Detroit was just ten days long during June of 2018. The former South Alabama player is now Surratt’s backup in Memphis.
Jarron Jones, Darrin Paulo, and Salesi Uhatafe – Offensive Linemen, Memphis Showboats
Detroit Lions tackle Darrin Paulo (66) during organized team activity at Lions headquarters in Allen Park, Thursday, May 27, 2021.
Two former Lions – Paulo and Jones – have been named starting offensive linemen for the Memphis Showboats.
Paulo, who had an on-and-off relationship with the Lions between 2021 and 2023, never appeared in a game for the team. The former undrafted player out of Utah has been signed and released by Detroit nine times over that span. He is now the starting left guard for Memphis.
Jarron Jones signed to Detroit’s practice squad near the end of the 2018 season and was re-signed to a reserve/futures deal soon after. He was released in May of 2019. Jones will get the start at right tackle for the Showboats.
Salesi Uhatafe spent about two weeks on Detroit’s practice squad in 2018 and is now a backup to Paulo at the guard position.
John Atkins and Daylon Mack – Defensive Linemen, Memphis Showboats
Lions defensive tackle John Atkins rushes Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the second half of the Lions’ 35-27 loss on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, at Ford Field.
Lions Vs Dallas
Two former Detroit Lions will be playing nose tackle on Memphis’ defensive line this season, with one having a more memorable career in Detroit than the other.
Atkins was with the Lions from 2018 to 2021, but missed the 2020 season after opting out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally on the practice squad, he was elevated late in the 2018 season and provided some solid depth at nose tackle for Detroit.
Atkins logged 22 tackles as a Lion over 14 games and six starts. He will now start for Memphis.
Mack was picked up on waivers by the Lions in 2022 but was released not long later due to a failed physical.
Mark Thompson – Running Back, Houston Roughnecks
Detroit Lions’ Mark Thompson scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 at Ford Field.
Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson had an impressive preseason for the Lions back in 2019. On 28 carries, he ran for 115 yards and found the endzone twice. He also contributed 31 receiving yards during that time. Instead of returning to Detroit after being released, he signed to Baltimore’s practice squad.
Olive Sagapolu and Toby Johnson – Defensive Linemen, Houston Roughnecks
Defensive linemen Danny Shelton, left, and Olive Sagapolu go through drills during Detroit Lions training camp Sunday, August 23, 2020 in Allen Park.
Lions
Olive Sagapolu will start for Houston after once being a Detroit Lion from 2019 to 2020.
Despite being with the team for two seasons, he never appeared in a preseason or regular season game as a Lion.
Toby Johnson signed to Detroit’s practice squad at the end of the 2017 season. He returned with the team in 2018 and was waived with an injury designation after appearing in two preseason games.
Corn Elder – Cornerback, Houston Roughnecks
Detroit Lions cornerback Corn Elder (29) warms up during training camp at the team’s practice facility in Allen Park, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021.
Elder was signed during free agency in 2021 and was expected to compete for the starting nickel cornerback role.
Despite coming away with an interception in the preseason, Elder failed to make the final roster and was waived.
Naturally, the first thought that comes to mind is the size of Falcons receiver Drake London. St-Juste certainly has the most size and best range of any of the Commanders defensive backs. The loss of St-Juste against the Falcons should not be minimized.
Of note, the team elevated corner Danny Johnson from the practice squad on Oct. 24 and Johnson has seen action in each game from Weeks 8-11. Johnson only played two defensive snaps against the Colts and none against the Eagles. However, he was in on 50 defensive snaps against the Vikings and 11 last week in Houston. So, Johnson is the likely candidate to see more action against the Falcons.
Corner Rachad Wildgoose has not seen action on defense since the Colts game and rookie corner Christian Holmes has seen only special teams action this year, with the lone exception being six snaps on defense against the Eagles in Week 3.
Washington does have three other defensive backs on their practice squad, were they to determine to elevate one up to the roster this week. Corn Elder has seen regular season action with the Panthers (2018-20) and last season with Washington. Texas Tech rookie Damarcus Fields saw action for the Saints on special teams in two games earlier this season and was signed to the Commanders’ practice squad on Oct. 26.
Troy Apke was released from the practice squad, but brought back to the squad this season and has the most regular-season game experience of those available to be elevated to the roster.
With Milne being out Sunday, possibly rookie Jahan Dotson will be called upon to return punts. Dotson started out quite well, with four receiving touchdowns in the first four games, but pulled a hamstring and missed the next five consecutive games.
The Commanders did receive some good news Friday. Defensive end James Smith-Williams who is producing his finest year thus far in 2022, had been out of practice with an illness, but he returned Friday and is expected to play against the Falcons.
St-Juste was added to the injury list on Thursday which, at the time, was described as an illness. On Friday, it was revealed that St-Juste was in concussion protocol and would miss Week 10. The rookie from Minnesota had been playing well as of late.
Gandy-Golden has spent the season between the practice squad and the active roster. Elder was signed off Carolina’s practice squad on Oct. 13 to provide cornerback depth after injuries to Torry McTyer and Darryl Roberts.
Washington made a couple of roster moves on Wednesday.
The Washington Football Team placed cornerback Darryl Roberts on injured reserve Tuesday. In a corresponding move, Washington signed cornerback Corn Elder off the Carolina Panthers practice squad.
Roberts is battling a quad injury after being active on game day for the first time this season in the Week 5 loss to the Saints. His injury comes one week after Washington lost Torry McTyer for the season with a knee injury.
Elder is a familiar face for Washington coach Ron Rivera. Elder was a fifth-round pick by the Panthers in 2017 when Rivera was the head coach and current personnel executive Marty Hurney was the general manager. He spent two seasons with the Panthers before he was released in 2019.
The Giants signed Elder to their practice squad, but the Panthers signed him back to their active roster. He spent the remainder of 2019 and all of 2020 with the Panthers. He signed with the Lions in April but was released this summer during final cuts.
The Panthers again signed Elder, this time to the practice squad. Elder has appeared in 30 career NFL games.
It’s not surprising Rivera uses his former connections to Carolina to add depth to Washington’s roster.
Washington also released kicker Chris Blewitt from its practice squad and re-signed safety Cole Luke to the practice squad. Luke, another former Panther, was with Washington last season and was released this summer.
We have made multiple roster moves: -Placed CB Darryl Roberts on the Reserve/Injured List -Signed CB Corn Elder -Released K Chris Blewitt from the practice squad -Signed S Cole Luke to the practice squad
The Carolina Panthers apparently didn’t have a scarecrow, or a practice squad protection, out to protect their Corn. Aw, shucks.
The Carolina Panthers apparently didn’t have a scarecrow, or a practice squad protection, out to protect their Corn.
As first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Washington Football Team signed cornerback Corn Elder off the Panthers’ practice squad on Wednesday. Elder now fills the spot for Washington left behind by an injured Darryl Roberts.
Veteran CB Corn Elder was signed to Washington Football team active roster off the #Panthers practice squad, per agent @agentbutler1 of @agency1amg.
The 2017 fifth-round pick will now reunite with his first NFL head coach Ron Rivera in the nation’s capital. He had also previously rejoined the man who drafted him into the league, general manager Dave Gettleman, in a two-month stint with the New York Giants back in 2019.
Elder, who went on his third go-around in Charlotte this season, was signed by the Panthers back on Sept. 14. He, most recently, saw regular season action in all 16 games of the 2020 campaign, recording 40 tackles, three pass deflections and a forced fumble for Carolina.
Unfortunately, this may be the end of any corn-related puns for our departed friend. Aw, shucks.
The Panthers seemingly can’t get enough of that Corn.
Corny jokes aside, the Carolina Panthers now need some secondary help with the impending surgery of Myles Hartsfield. So, it appears, they’ve called for the help of an old friend.
As reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the team has signed cornerback Corn Elder to its practice squad on Monday.
Former #Panthers CB Corn Elder, who has had a few stints with the team, is signing back to their practice squad, source said.
A product of the Dave Gettleman era, Elder was drafted by the organization back in 2017 out of the University of Miami. He’s played the last three seasons with the Panthers, totaling 43 tackles and three pass deflections over 30 games.
The now-26-year-old will now be taking up his third stint into Carolina, having been waived once in 2019 (and reuniting with Gettleman in New York for a cup of coffee) and hitting the free agent market after the 2020 campaign.
Elder, whose most recent stay came and ended with the Detroit Lions on Aug. 31, can provide somewhat of a presence in nickel coverage given his experience defending the slot.
The Panthers are losing a versatile piece in DB Myles Hartsfield for a good chunk of the season.
Confirming an earlier report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule told reporters on Monday that defensive back Myles Hartsfield will miss an extended period of time due to the wrist injury he sustained in the Week 1 victory over the New York Jets.
Hartsfield exited the game midway through the second half and did not return. The injury, according to Rhule, will likely be “a surgical matter.”
Any injury is unfortunate and of ill-timing. But the absence of Hartsfield, especially with A.J. Bouye still out due to suspension and the New Orleans Saints on deck for Week 2, will undoubtedly hamper the team’s secondary.
The second-year defensive back has been a versatile piece for Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow. Carolina will now have to pinpoint its next man up, particularly in nickel coverage, to help replace Hartsfield for what’ll be a huge chunk of the season.
With PFF’s grades released, here are the top performers for the Detroit Lions against the Colts as well as the preseasons top players
The Detroit Lions finished their preseason winless after dropping to the Indianapolis Colts 27-17. However, in a game where coach Dan Campbell decided to rest a fair amount of starters, it gave players fighting for a roster spot one last chance to make an impression.
Pro Football Focus has released grades for the top offensive and defensive performers for the Lions against the Colts. PFF gives you a general feel on how well some of the fringe roster players performed.
Offense:
TE Darren Fells: 92.8
OT Dan Skipper: 76.1
WR Geronimo Allison: 74.4
RB Dedrick Mills: 72.0
OG Logan Stenberg: 69.2
It is nice to see a rebound from Fells after the debacle against the Steelers, considering how thin the Lions are at tight end with disappointing performances from Alize Mack and Brock Wright. It was unfortunate to see Skipper (wish him well) carted off because he had a solid game especially run blocking. It might be too late for Allison, but you can’t say he is not putting up a fight. Stenberg should slot in as a reserve guard, but his status is up in the air without knowing the severity of his injury.
Defense:
CB Corn Elder: 95.3
DT Bruce Hector: 90.3
EDGE Austin Bryant: 90.1
OLB Rashod Berry: 81.5
S Dean Marlowe: 80.1
Elder saw his roster chances diminish after getting pushed down the depth chart. Still, he made the most of his last opportunity to make an impression by securing the only Lions interception this preseason. Hector was thought of as nothing more than a camp body, but he has made a chances count and put his name into considering as a depth defensive tackle. Bryant has been a force on the edge, and if he can stay healthy, he will give the Lions good depth on the outside. Berry provided good pressure against the Colts, but it is hard to see him slotting out a role as a late addition. With the safety group questionable, it is good to see Marlowe performing well in hopes of providing a solid presence down the field.
Noteworthy players:
Penei Sewell is not having a preseason as he hoped for, finishing as the lowest graded offensive player vs. the Colts and near the bottom for the entire preseason. With the transition to right tackle and not having seen a lick of football in nearly two years, he is obviously still getting his feet under him.
Thankfully the Lions got ahold of Derrick Barnes or talked about how bad the inside linebacker corps is. Once again, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Jahlani Tavai finish as the two worst defensive players against the Colts. It’s hard to see Tavai making the team, and if it weren’t for Reeves-Maybin’s special team’s abilities, it could see that fate as well.
Also, for your viewing pleasure, here are the top performers over the entire preseason.
Offense:
RB Craig Reynolds: 86.0
RB Dedrick Mills: 81.7
QB Jared Goff: 80.1
TE Darren Fells: 79.5
WR Javon McKinley: 79.2
In one of the most heated battles this preseason, Reynold and Mills finish as the top two offensive performers. They have given the coaching staff plenty to think about in the roster construction. Goff finishing this high should tell you how well the Lions backup quarterback position has gone this preseason.
Fells did have a hiccup against the Steelers, but other than that, he has been solid as the second tight end behind T.J. Hockenson. McKinley has had a rollercoaster of a preseason, and he may fall short for a roster spot, but he should be destined for the practice squad.
Defense:
CB Corn Elder: 95.3
S Dean Marlowe: 84.7
DL Levi Onwuzurike: 84.5
LB Derrick Barnes: 83.8
DL Miles Brown: 82.4
Elder only played one game this preseason, but he did make it count and could provide a veteran presence behind A.J. Parker. Marlowe has been the lone bright spot in the safety group and should look on as a steady contributor meaning the deep part of the field.
Onwuzurike proved to be as advertised after returning from his injury as a powerful force on the defensive line and gave the offense a nice punch in the mouth. Barnes has been the single biggest breath of fresh air with the linebacker corps and should look to contribute immediately behind Jamie Collins and Alex Anzalone. With the hype surrounding Bruce Hector and Kevin Strong, Brown has flown under the radar providing a stable body up the middle. With the number of injuries surrounding a few players on the defensive line, he could be a sneaky addition.
With the final preseason game in the books, the Detroit Lions have tough decisions to make and these 5 players did not make it any easier
Even though the Detroit Lions failed to notch a preseason win after a 27-17 loss to Indianapolis Colts, you can tell this team will give you every ounce they got and fight till the very end.
On Friday night, with the majority of the starters sitting out, it gave roster bubble players a chance to give one final push to try to persuade the coaching staff they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. With one last opportunity, many players seized that chance to showcase what they can bring to the table.
With some tough decisions ahead for the coaching staff, some players did not make it easy for them. Here are five players who improved their odds after their preseason performance against the Colts.
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