Tag: John Hightower

10 former Ravens are signed to UFL teams

With the NFL season now in the rearview and the UFL set to debut, we’re looking at 10 former Baltimore Ravens who are participating in the spring league

With the NFL season now complete and the offseason underway, Baltimore has one of the most extended lists of players who are getting another shot in the new eight-team UFL, which kicks off season kicks off on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with the battle of the 2023 champions: Arlington Renegades vs Birmingham Stallions.

A combination agreement (the “UFL”) is the premier spring football league that resulted from the merger of the XFL and USFL.

Russ Brandon, former President and CEO of the XFL, will lead the UFL as President and CEO. Former USFL President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston will lead football operations.

Founded in 2001, the XFL was a collaboration between NBC and WWF (WWE), spearheaded by Vince McMahon. After a hot start, poor ratings ultimately led to the league’s lasting just one season. The league returned in 2020, with McMahon again leading the reboot, but it had to close its doors again after COVID-19 shut things down after just five weeks.

The league filed for bankruptcy and was forced to sell.

A group headed by Dany Garcia, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, bought the league out of bankruptcy for $15 million, eyeing 2023 as its return season.

The UFL has eight teams in Arlington (TX), Birmingham (AL), Detroit (MI), Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Memphis (TN), St. Louis (MO), and Washington D.C.

With action to begin this weekend, we’re looking at 10 former Ravens on UFLrosters.

15 former Eagles are signed to United Football League teams

With the NFL season now in the rearview and the UFL set to debut, we’re looking at 15 former Philadelphia Eagles who are participating in the spring league

With the NFL season now complete and the offseason underway, Philadelphia has one of the most extended lists of players who are getting another shot in the new eight-team UFL, which kicks off season kicks off on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with the battle of the 2023 champions: Arlington Renegades vs Birmingham Stallions.

A combination agreement (the “UFL”) is the premier spring football league that resulted from the merger of the XFL and USFL.

Russ Brandon, former President and CEO of the XFL, will lead the UFL as President and CEO. Former USFL President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston will lead football operations.

Founded in 2001, the XFL was a collaboration between NBC and WWF (WWE), spearheaded by Vince McMahon. After a hot start, poor ratings ultimately led to the league’s lasting just one season. The league returned in 2020, with McMahon again leading the reboot, but it had to close its doors again after COVID-19 shut things down after just five weeks.

The league filed for bankruptcy and was forced to sell.

A group headed by Dany Garcia, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, bought the league out of bankruptcy for $15 million, eyeing 2023 as its return season.

The UFL has eight teams in Arlington (TX), Birmingham (AL), Detroit (MI), Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Memphis (TN), St. Louis (MO), and Washington D.C.

With action to begin this weekend, we’re looking at 15 former Eagles on UFL rosters.

Predicting 33 Chargers players who will be cut (or traded) ahead of Tuesday’s deadline

Here’s our prediction for which 33 Chargers players will be cut this week ahead of the trade deadline.

The Chargers’ training camp and preseason are over and now the real work begins as they trim their roster to 53 players by 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday.

Here’s our prediction for which 33 players will be cut (or traded) this week ahead of the trade deadline:

Note: EDGE Carlo Kemp, CB Cam Brown and OL Matt Kaskey have been released as of Sunday.

Studs and duds from Chargers’ 23-12 win over 49ers

The Chargers concluded their preseason with a 23-12 win over the Niners. Most of the 90-man roster made their last impressions.

The Chargers concluded their preseason with a 23-12 win over the Niners. Most of the 90-man roster got to make their last impressions for roster spots, with cutdowns on Tuesday.

Here are the guys who stood out (positively and negatively) in the preseason finale.

Stud: CB Deane Leonard

Deane Leonard had been pretty solid in the first two preseason games but stood out more against San Francisco. Leonard was active in making pass break-up attempts and was sticky without being grabby in coverage. It also felt like an excellent tackling night for him outside of the first big Brandon Aiyuk play.

On one of the drives in the second quarter, Leonard got beat by Conley after the Niners’ receiver pushed off for a big diving catch. A few plays later, Leonard rebounded and drew an offensive pass interference call that eventually ended the drive for the Niners.

Leonard had been a top defender for the Chargers in the preseason, but seeing him execute while being tested more often was nice.

Dud: QB Max Duggan

Perhaps it was nerves for the rookie, but Max Duggan looked like he was seeing ghosts when throwing the football tonight. He ran some zone-read concepts pretty well, which saved the Chargers’ offense at points. But the erratic, delayed processing on display probably didn’t do much to solidify a QB3 spot.

Duggan should’ve been intercepted on the play above, but it wasn’t the only miscue. Several short to intermediate passes nearly hit the ground for his receivers, and the first drive was a mess. Two dangerous screen passes that were almost picked and a high toss to Elijah Dotson almost ruined his night from the start.

He saved himself with his legs, but I’m just struggling to see what value Duggan brings to the roster besides being the team’s seventh-round pick.

Stud: RB Joshua Kelley

Joshua Kelley had the play of the night with a 75-yard scamper to the house:

It’s been a good training camp and preseason for Kelley. That play felt like his declarative stamp on the RB2 job behind Austin Ekeler. Isaiah Spiller will still get his touches, but Kelley has shown a more refined approach with good balance and speed.

Dud: WR John Hightower

John Hightower was the star of training camp, but he didn’t stand out in a meaningful way in the preseason. Keelan Doss has outplayed him in the last two games, and it felt like Hightower was too easily washed out of routes. On his one target of the game, he got blanketed in coverage after Duggan released the throw.

He’ll still have a role on the practice squad, and his dominance in camp can’t be undersold. The coaching staff certainly values it. But the path towards a 53-man roster spot seems much less feasible than before.

Stud: TE Stone Smartt

Stone Smart has had back-to-back great weeks as a blocker. Last week, it was letting Easton Stick run outside for the score. Against the Niners, he made a block that created the hole for Joshua Kelley’s 75-yard score. On a separate play, he also sprung Max Duggan free on the outside for a 3rd down conversion.

Box score watchers will see one reception for six yards, but Smartt’s impact on the blocking game and the flow of the offense was evident. In a preseason where Tre’ McKitty and Donald Parham have struggled in that capacity, Smartt has strung together some good performances.

5 matchups to watch in Chargers’ preseason finale vs. 49ers

With one final chance to prove themselves, the majority of the roster will be playing as if there’s no tomorrow.

The Chargers head to San Francisco for their lone preseason outside the confines of SoFi Stadium. With one final chance to prove themselves, most of the roster will be playing as if there’s no tomorrow.

With that in mind, here are a few matchups to watch against the 49ers.

7 Chargers players to watch vs. the 49ers in preseason finale

The final Chargers’ preseason game takes place on Friday. Four days after, LA will announce their final 53-man roster.

The final Chargers’ preseason game takes place on Friday in San Francisco as they take on the 49ers. Just four days later on the 29th, Los Angeles will announce their final 53-man roster after final cuts.

For a lot of roster bubble Chargers, this will be their last chance to make an impression on the coaching staff with training camp wrapped up.

Here are seven players to watch:

RB Elijah Dotson

Dotson burst onto the scene in Week 1 of the preseason with nearly 100 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. Against the Saints, he didn’t manage to keep that momentum. The physicality in his runs still showed, but Dotson finished the game with just 21 yards on six carries. On the final drive, Dotson also had two critical drops on passes from Easton Stick.

I’d maintain that Dotson still has a shot at the final 53-man roster, but the outlook isn’t quite as rosy as it was after Week 1. The question for the Niners game is if the North Colorado product can put a performance that makes the Chargers keep a fourth running back as opposed to placing him on the practice squad.

QB Max Duggan

According to Brandon Staley, “the flow of the game” was what kept Easton Stick on the field for all four quarters last week. Duggan did not get a chance to play against the Saints.

Considering that the tradition of the third preseason game tends to be playing fewer of the second-string starters than in the first two games, Duggan should get some significant run in this one. My guess is that the Chargers will stick with what they did in the first preseason game and play both quarterbacks in separate halves.

Staley also inferred that keeping three quarterbacks is not set in stone with his “every year is a new year” comment. While I’m not sure that there’s much of a chance of Duggan actually being left off the roster given the new quarterback rule, a standout performance from the TCU product wouldn’t hurt him.

TE Stone Smartt

The Chargers had three tight ends in the bottom five of their PFF offensive grades last week. Stone Smartt was not one of them. While Tre’ McKitty and Donald Parham have both underperformed in the preseason, Smartt has played fairly well.

Smartt did get significant enough playing time last year to infer that the coaching staff could give him a look for one of their final roster spots if he impresses on Friday. The Chargers certainly need all the help they can get behind Gerald Everett as it currently stands. How safe McKitty’s seat is and how much they want to test the tight end market will be pivotal questions for Smartt.

WR John Hightower

Hightower had a rather disappointing preseason debut last week. Hightower had just one reception for ten yards and came up short on some of the routes that Stick intended to throw. Some of the deep shots weren’t there because of the pass protection with the offensive line, but it was still a far-from-ideal performance even with that consideration.

Hightower will probably remain a favorite for the practice squad regardless of his performance simply because he’s been in the system. He does have irreplaceable speed. But it feels like his chances of making the roster are dwindling with a rough preseason game and Jalen Guyton getting ready to return. Let’s see what he does in San Francisco.

S Raheem Layne

JT Woods took advantage of his “prove it” game as lead safety last week with a good effort. Against San Francisco, I’d figure we see less of him and more of Layne in a starting role. So far, Layne has been an improved tackler on both defense and special teams.

In particular, I’d like to see Layne get some reps where he gets tested in coverage a few times.

RT Zack Bailey

Bailey has shown up with good performances for multiple weeks in the preseason now at right guard. The question for the final preseason matchup at San Francisco is whether the Chargers could kick him back outside for some reps at right tackle.

Foster Sarell has been up and down at points and Austen Pleasants has been largely unplayable when it comes to the tackle spots. Perhaps the Chargers believe Bailey’s long-term NFL future is inside, but I’d like to see some semblance of good competition for the swing tackle spot.

DT CJ Okoye

Friday will probably represent the last chance for Chargers fans to see CJ Okoye in 2023 given the nature of the International Player Program. He’ll likely be stashed on the practice squad as an extra body for the purposes of the regular season.

Every time Okoye has played this preseason, it’s just hard to believe it’s his first time playing professional football. Okoye followed up the sack against the Rams with another pressure, two tackles, and a run stop vs. New Orleans. He seems to only be gaining more confidence in himself as a football player and he’ll get quality playing time vs. the Niners.

6 storylines to follow in Chargers’ preseason finale vs. 49ers

Be sure to keep an eye on these six storylines as the Chargers square off with the 49ers on Friday night.

The Chargers face off against the 49ers on Friday night before head coach Brandon Staley and company begin their trimming of the roster to 53 players next week.

Here are six storylines to watch for during Los Angeles’ final preseason matchup against San Francisco:

PFF: Chargers’ worst offensive players in preseason loss vs. Saints

Here are the worst-graded players on the offensive side of the ball, per Pro Football Focus.

The Chargers lost to the Saints in the second preseason game of 2023, 22-17.

Along the way, they had some key contributors on offense, but there were some who did not help as much. Here are the worst-graded players on that side of the ball, per Pro Football Focus.

7 Chargers players to watch vs. Saints in preseason Week 2

Players who flashed in Week 1 will be looking to continue their momentum on Sunday.

The Chargers are still currently scheduled to play their second preseason game against the Saints on Sunday despite potential concerns with Hurricane Hilary.

Joint practices seem to have gone well for both teams. Players who flashed in preseason Week 1 will be looking to continue their momentum on Sunday while others will be looking to get their first quality reps up on the scorecard.

S JT Woods

Woods had a good week during joint practices with the Saints. Woods recorded multiple PBUs and even got an interception in the two-day meet between the squads.

Woods didn’t have a bad game against the Rams last week either. He had no missed tackles on the day and gave a clean performance on the field for the most part. There have been signs of improvement. But Woods committed an egregious penalty after he hit Ben Skowronek in the helmet after a 3rd down stop near the goal line. Stetson Bennett would go on to throw a touchdown to Puka Nacua just a few plays later.

Derwin James obviously won’t play in this game and Alohi Gilman is currently dealing with a knee contusion. This would be a great opportunity for the Baylor product to put an authoritative stamp on the 3rd safety role if he’s able to turn in a solid performance. He’s shown improvement in his tackling and in coverage so far.

K Dustin Hopkins

Hopkins has struggled to stay on the field during this preseason and training camp period. Before Hopkins returned to practice this week, Cameron Dicker handled all of the kicking duties in the Chargers’ Week 1 preseason win.

Hopkins returned to practice but wasn’t as efficient as Dicker by any stretch. He also missed a 48-yarder short. Clearly, his injury isn’t behind him and Staley seemed rather uncertain that he would even play on Sunday at yesterday’s presser.

If Hopkins wants any chance of making this team, preserving his trade value, or landing somewhere else after he’s waived, it’s now or never for 2023.

DT CJ Okoye

CJ Okoye’s sack was that was seen around the world. He’s been a star this week after his big play, appearing in a Chargers’ media availability session and “The Rich Eisen Show”.

Okoye is such a raw prospect in that he’s still learning techniques and football basics, but his development curve seems to be going well up to this point. He’ll be a free spot for the Chargers on the practice squad this year with the International Player Program.

Considering the Chargers’ need to keep their top defensive tackles healthy throughout the rest of the month, Okoye should get some decent mileage this week. He could see an even larger snap count next week as the Chargers wind down the preseason in San Francisco.

WR John Hightower

Hightower suffered a minor injury last week in practice that caused him to have to sit out the Rams’ game. Assuming the game is played Sunday, this will be Hightower’s first chance to do some damage this preseason.

Hightower burst onto the scene early in training camp with a number of touchdowns and big catches. Staley has talked quite a bit about his performances and the overall depth of the receiver room. When asked about keeping five or six wide receivers yesterday, the Chargers’ head coach did say that this wide receiver room is the deepest they’ve had since he’s been with the team.

Jalen Guyton is still on the PUP list and there wasn’t a non-53-man roster receiver who really made his presence felt last week. WR6 is still out there for the taking and Hightower will be able to play Sunday.

RB Elijah Dotson

Dotson finds himself in the driver’s seat for RB4 if the team does indeed decide to go in that direction on the roster. If not, he’ll likely at the very least have earned a practice squad spot when the time comes.

However, that’s contingent on Dotson staying healthy and finishing out the preseason strong. He doesn’t need to have nearly 100 yards and two touchdowns every week, but the team will still need him to back his Week 1 performance up.

The Chargers waived former 2021 draft pick Larry Rountree earlier in the week. The door is wide open if Dotson wants to run through it.

CB Cam Brown

Brown’s preseason debut did not include flashy highlight reel material, but he kept it simple and efficient. Brown had three tackles, two pass breakups and a run stop while also contributing on special teams.

Kemon Hall was waived earlier in the week with an injury designation after he had surgery. Hall contributed quite a bit on special teams as a practice squad member and rostered player over the years with the Chargers.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that Brown will be the next man up, but he’s certainly competing for a practice squad role. Of note, the Chargers signed Matt Hankins earlier this week at cornerback as well.

EDGE Carlo Kemp

Kemp flashed last week against the Rams with five quality pass rush pressures. His speed and bend on the outside were certainly more than most expected to see.

Another good effort from Kemp could earn him some more potential practice squad consideration.

8 Chargers players to watch vs. Rams in preseason Week 1

While most starters won’t play in the preseason, there are still Chargers players to watch on Saturday against the Rams.

We’re just two days out from the Chargers’ 2023 preseason debut against the Rams at SoFi.

While several high-profile starters won’t play considering how Brandon Staley normally operates in the preseason, there are still plenty of storylines and players to follow on Saturday.