Tag: Jared Cook

Watch: Antoine Winfield Jr. forces Saints fumble to set up Bucs’ score

A fumble by the Saints’ Jared Cook set up Tom Brady and he turned it into a Tampa Bay TD pass to Leonard Fournette

Turnovers are helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round game with the  New Orleans Saints.

Rookie DB Antoine Winfield Jr punched out the ball from the grasp of Jared Cook and Bucs LB Devin White picked it up and made a nice return to set up Tampa Bay.

The Bucs now have 14 points off turnovers — they led the league in the category during the season — after Tom Brady found Leonard Fournette for a 6-yard touchdown pass.

The PAT made it 20-20 deep in the third quarter.

A spot against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Jan. 24 hangs in the balance for the winner.

PFF predicts Colts sign Bud Dupree, Jameis Winston in free agency

PFF has a big offseason in store for the Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts have a lot of decisions to make at some very crucial positions this offseason. Whether through the 2021 NFL draft or free agency, Indy has the opportunity to be an active participant.

When it comes to free agency, general manager Chris Ballard typically lays low through the first wave of signings. He feels it’s best to not overpay or get into a bidding war for the top players—most of the time.

But Pro Football Focus is predicting a pretty big offseason and free agency for the Colts. Among those additions include edge rusher Bud Dupree, quarterback Jameis Winston and tight end Jared Cook. That is to go along with re-signing quarterback Philip Rivers, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

Here are the predicted contracts for each player from PFF:

  • QB Philip Rivers: one year, $25 million (fully guaranteed)
  • QB Jameis Winston: one year, $5 million
  • WR T.Y. Hilton: three years, $28.5 million ($18 million guaranteed)
  • DE Bud Dupree: one year, $10 million ($7.5 million guaranteed)
  • CB Xavier Rhodes: three years, $24 million ($14.5 million guaranteed)
  • TE Jared Cook: one year, $5 million

That would be an awfully busy offseason and one that would come with some surprises. The Colts had their chance to sign Winston during the 2020 offseason but decided against it and went with Rivers.

The signing of Dupree would be an interesting one. Though he’s coming off a torn ACL, the Colts need help on the edge and he would be a nice addition to the unit assuming his health is in order.

It is a bit interesting to see three-year extensions for both Hilton and Rhodes, both of which should have competitive markets. It isn’t clear if Hilton will sign on with another team while Rhodes should be expected to test the market unless the Colts give him an offer like the one above.

The new league year doesn’t start until March, but it should be a fun offseason leading up to it debating on who the Colts might go after.

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Stay or go? Looking ahead to Saints’ pending 2021 free agents

Trey Hendrickson has seized his opportunity with the New Orleans Saints, but other pending 2021 free agents must step up to get re-signed.

Which free agents should the New Orleans Saints re-sign in 2021? There are a number of hurdles ahead of them before it’s time to make those decisions, like finishing out the 2020 season and navigating the lowered 2021 salary cap. It could result in some cap casualties, which muddies the situation for players whose contracts are expiring.

Still, here’s our take on who should stay or go at this point in the season:

Studs and Duds, Week 9: Saints standouts from Bucs’ sweep

The New Orleans Saints swept the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9 with standout performances from Trey Hendrickson and Marshon Lattimore.

Some members of the New Orleans Saints impressed more than others in Week 9’s victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it was very much a team effort in their 38-3 landslide win. The Saints finally put together a complete game with big plays on offense and defense, plus some help from the special teams units, to put this one away early.

Here are our picks for Week 9’s studs and duds:

Adam Trautman’s rookie year looks a lot like Jimmy Graham’s 2010 debut

New Orleans Saints rookie tight end Adam Trautman might be following the same blueprint the team used to introduce Jimmy Graham to the NFL.

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Jimmy Graham was one of the most electrifying players in the NFL in his heyday, but he didn’t hit the ground running for the New Orleans Saints. As a rookie third-round pick (95th overall) way back in 2010, he was slotted behind veterans Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas on the depth chart. He didn’t even dress out for the season opener.

It appears the Saints are taking a similar approach with Adam Trautman, a third-round rookie (selected 105th overall) ranked below Jared Cook and Josh Hill. He was a healthy scratch for their Week 5 contest with the Los Angeles Chargers, with the Saints opting to promote practice squad veteran Garrett Griffin in his place. Trautman’s first six games in 2020: 6 receptions on 7 targets for 73 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Now compare that to Graham’s first six games back in 2010: 5 receptions on 7 targets for 49 receiving yards. He was eased into the offense much like Trautman has been, before getting a late-season promotion in Week 9. Graham caught 3 passes for 49 yards and a score that day before averaging 3.3 receptions for 38.8 receiving yards per game down the stretch.

Sure, the comparison looks flimsy from an athletic standpoint. Graham was an inch taller and five pounds heavier than Trautman, while timing a blazing 4.53-second 40-yard dash (Trautman’s 4.80-flat was more pedestrian). Graham was a little better in the vertical and broad jumps, but Trautman pulled away in the agility drills, which you’d expect of a slightly smaller athlete.

Still, the similarities are there. And it at least appears the Saints are following the same blueprint to work a former basketball player-turned-tight end into the lineup. If so, it’s working well after Trautman caught his first career touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night.

Maybe the long-term vision is for Trautman to keep picking up more responsibilities as the year continues. Veteran starter Jared Cook is still their best option as a receiving threat, but he’s a free agent in the spring and had a couple of low moments against Tampa Bay, including a fumble at the Bucs’ 2-yard line on a would-be scoring play. The sooner Trautman can earn that role, the better off the Saints should be.

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Report: Saints expect Jared Cook, Sheldon Rankins back in the lineup vs. Chargers

The New Orleans Saints will play the Los Angeles Chargers with Jared Cook and Sheldon Rankins returning from injuries but not Michael Thomas

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The New Orleans Saints will have some extra help when they host the Los Angeles Chargers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday night. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that starting tight end Jared Cook and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins will both be suiting up to play after being listed as questionable on the injury report.

Saturday’s report included a first-time mention of Rankins’ thumb injury, which caused him to practice on a limited basis to close out the week. Cook missed Week 4’s game with the Detroit Lions due to a groin issue. The Saints tight ends combined for just one catch (a 7-yard gain by Josh Hill) in his absence against a weak Lions defense, so getting Cook back versus a stronger Chargers unit should be helpful.

However, the Saints will not be playing alongside wide receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas was expected to return from his Week 1 ankle injury, but he’s been suspended for Week 5’s game after fighting with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson during practice over the weekend. He had been officially questionable to play but was trending towards a return from injury.

Other Saints players who are questionable for Monday night with injuries: defensive end Marcus Davenport (elbow, toe), cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), and left guard Andrus Peat (ankle). Check back often for updates on their status.

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Saints vs. Chargers injury report: Michael Thomas, Marcus Davenport questionable

The New Orleans Saints had starters like Michael Thomas, Marcus Davenport, and Marshon Lattimore on the Los Angeles Chargers injury report.

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The New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers published their final injury reports ahead of Week 5’s kickoff on “Monday Night Football,” and the black and gold could be returning several injured starters after a week of practice.

Wide receiver Michael Thomas, defensive end Marcus Davenport, tight end Jared Cook, guard Andrus Peat, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore are all questionable to play after being limited in practice. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is also questionable after landing on Saturday’s injury report with a thumb issue.

Three Saints players ruled out because of injuries include cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Justin Hardee, plus wide receiver/returns specialist Deonte Harris. The Chargers also ruled out starting offensive linemen Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner, as well as quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

The full breakdown:

From the Saints

Player, injury Thursday Friday Saturday Game status
TE Jared Cook, groin Limited Limited Limited Questionable
DE Marcus Davenport, toe Limited Limited Limited Questionable
CB Justin Hardee, hamstring DNP DNP Out
WR Deonte Harris, hamstring DNP DNP Out
DE Trey Hendrickson, groin Limited Limited Limited
CB Janoris Jenkins, shoulder DNP DNP Out
S Malcolm Jenkins, knee Limited Limited Limited
CB Marshon Lattimore, hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable
G Andrus Peat, ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable
T Ryan Ramczyk, concussion Limited Limited Full
WR Michael Thomas, ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable
DT Sheldon Rankins, thumb DNP Questionable

From the Chargers

Player, injury Thursday Friday Saturday Game status
S Nasir Adderley, shoulder Full Full Full
DE Joey Bosa, triceps/knee DNP Limited Limited Questionable
T Brayn Bulaga, back DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Austin Ekeler, hamstring DNP DNP DNP
C/G Dan Feeney, elbow Full Full Full
S Rayshawn Jenkins, groin Full Full Full
LS Cole Mazza, ankle Full Full Full
LB Kenneth Murray Jr., ankle Full Full Full
T Storm Norton, knee Full Full Full
QB Tyron Taylor, ribs/chest Limited Limited Limited Out
DT Jerry Tillery, ankle Full Full Full
G Trai Turner, groin DNP DNP DNP Out
WR Mike Williams, hamstring DNP Limited Limited Questionable
G Ryan Groy, hip Limited

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NFL Week 5: Saints-Chargers injury report update

The New Orleans Saints had starters like Michael Thomas, Marcus Davenport, and Marshon Lattimore on the Los Angeles Chargers injury report.

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The New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers reported few changes on their Friday injury reports, with no changes listed for the Saints players and their participation in practice.

That means multiple starters are still on the mend for New Orleans. On offense, the group includes wide receiver Michael Thomas, tight end Jared Cook, tackle Ryan Ramczyk, and guard Andrus Peat on offense; on defense, defensive ends Marcus Davenport and Trey Hendrickson, safety Malcolm Jenkins, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were all limited again on Friday. Starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins did not practice again, as did special teamers Justin Hardee and Deonte Harris.

A couple of Chargers did report changed status, though: defensive end Joey Bosa and wide receiver Mike Williams were both upgraded to limited participation after they rested on Thursday.

The full breakdown:

From the Saints

Player, injury Thursday Friday Saturday Game status
TE Jared Cook, groin Limited Limited
DE Marcus Davenport, toe Limited Limited
CB Justin Hardee, hamstring DNP DNP
WR Deonte Harris, hamstring DNP DNP
DE Trey Hendrickson, groin Limited Limited
CB Janoris Jenkins, shoulder DNP DNP
S Malcolm Jenkins, knee Limited Limited
CB Marshon Lattimore, hamstring Limited Limited
G Andrus Peat, ankle Limited Limited
T Ryan Ramczyk, concussion Limited Limited
WR Michael Thomas, ankle Limited Limited

From the Chargers

Player, injury Thursday Friday Saturday Game status
S Nasir Adderley, shoulder Full Full
DE Joey Bosa, triceps/knee DNP Limited
T Brayn Bulaga, back DNP DNP
RB Austin Ekeler, hamstring DNP DNP
C/G Dan Feeney, elbow Full Full
S Rayshawn Jenkins, groin Full Full
LS Cole Mazza, ankle Full Full
LB Kenneth Murray Jr., ankle Full Full
T Storm Norton, knee Full Full
QB Tyron Taylor, ribs/chest Limited Limited
DT Jerry Tillery, ankle Full Full
G Trai Turner, groin DNP DNP
WR Mike Williams, hamstring DNP Limited

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NFL Week 5: Saints-Chargers injury report highlights Michael Thomas, Marcus Davenport

The New Orleans Saints had starters like Michael Thomas, Marcus Davenport, and Marshon Lattimore on the Los Angeles Chargers injury report.

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The New Orleans Saints listed multiple starters including wide receiver Michael Thomas, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore as limited on the injury report ahead of Monday’s upcoming game with the Los Angeles Chargers. Tight end Jared Cook and offensive linemen Andrus Peat and Ryan Ramczyk were also limited, as was defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

Three other players did not participate at all in Thursday’s practice session: cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Justin Hardee, and wide receiver Deonte Harris. Lengthy as all that is, the Chargers had even more injuries reported on their own list, which we’ve embedded below:

From the Saints

Player, injury Thursday Friday Saturday Game status
TE Jared Cook, groin Limited
DE Marcus Davenport, toe Limited
CB Justin Hardee, hamstring DNP
WR Deonte Harris, hamstring DNP
DE Trey Hendrickson, groin Limited
CB Janoris Jenkins, shoulder DNP
S Malcolm Jenkins, knee Limited
CB Marshon Lattimore, hamstring Limited
G Andrus Peat, ankle Limited
T Ryan Ramczyk, concussion Limited
WR Michael Thomas, ankle Limited

From the Chargers

Player, injury Thursday Friday Saturday Game status
S Nasir Adderley, shoulder Full
DE Joey Bosa, triceps/knee DNP
T Brayn Bulaga, back DNP
RB Austin Ekeler, hamstring DNP
C/G Dan Feeney, elbow Full
S Rayshawn Jenkins, groin Full
LS Cole Mazza, ankle Full
LB Kenneth Murray Jr., ankle Full
T Storm Norton, knee Full
QB Tyron Taylor, ribs/chest Limited
DT Jerry Tillery, ankle Full
G Trai Turner, groin DNP
WR Mike Williams, hamstring DNP

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New Orleans Saints Week 4 injury designations: 6 starters ruled OUT, including WR Michael Thomas

The Detroit Lions Week 4 opponent, the New Orleans Saints, have declared their injury designations ahead of this weekend’s matchup.

The Detroit Lions Week 4 opponent, the New Orleans Saints, have declared their injury designations ahead of this weekend’s matchup and they will be without six (!) starters, including five Pro Bowlers.

Here’s a look at the Saints’ full injury designations list.

Ruled OUT

Player Position Injury Designation
Michael Thomas WR Ankle OUT
Jared Cook TE Groin OUT
Andrus Peat Left Guard Ankle OUT
Marcus Davenport EDGE Elbow/Toe OUT
Marshon Lattimore CB Hamstring OUT
Janoris Jenkins CB Shoulder OUT

Thomas has missed the previous two weeks and the Saints offense has suffered because of it. They still have talent, by being down their top wide receiver — and top tight end in Cook — is a big break for the Lions. Thomas was able to get in limited practices all week, but it appears the Saints are still concerned and playing the long game with his injury.

“The fact that (Thomas) is trending well does not necessarily mean he’s gonna play on Sunday,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Friday morning. “The Saints have been cautious. They know it’s a long season. Obviously, they’d like a win, but they’re gonna make sure that there is not a risk of reinjury before they put him back on the field.”

Peat will be replaced in the starting lineup by Nick Easton — who will be shifting from right to left guard — and first-round pick Cesar Ruiz will likely get the start at right guard.

Lattimore and Jenkins are the Saints’ top two cornerbacks, and despite them both having a rough start to 2020, their presence will be massive losses. Patrick Robinson and PJ Williams are next in line on the depth chart but expect to see a lot of three-safety sets with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson manning the slot.

Davenport — yet another first-round pick on defense that won’t be playing on Sunday — has not played this season. The Saints were optimistic he could make his return this week, but after a limited practice on Wednesday, he was shutdown the rest of the week and will not be available.

Questionable

Player Position Injury Designation
Chase Hansen LB Hip Questionable

No injury designation

Player Position Injury Designation
David Onyemata DT Calf No Designation

Onyemata saw a limited practice on Wednesday but worked in full the rest of the week and will start at defensive tackle on Sunday.