Tag: Kalen Ballage

2 key pieces to Pittsburgh Steelers offense return to camp

Though it’s too early to know how the roster will play out, it is crucial to have a solid stable of RBs behind Najee Harris.

At nearly every NFL position, depth is nearly as important as who is starting. Though it’s too early to know how the roster will play itself out, it is crucial to have a solid stable of running backs behind Pittsburgh Steelers’ Najee Harris.

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor tweeted from training camp on Saturday that Benny Snell and Kalen Ballage took part in individual drills.

Snell, now in his third year with the Steelers, has been dealing with an undisclosed injury. Ballage, who joined the Steelers this offseason, was injured during Pittsburgh’s Hall of Fame game versus the Dallas Cowboys.

[vertical-gallery id=492908]

It could be some time before Snell and Ballage fully participate in team drills, but it’s a good sign that they’re working their way back.

 

[listicle id=494318]

 

Steelers RB situation following Hall of Fame Game

Good news and bad news for the Pittsburgh Steelers RB room following the HoF Game.

There’s good news and bad news on the Pittsburgh Steelers running back front.

According to reporters tweeting live from Steelers training camp, Benny Snell is back at practice.

Though he didn’t state specifics of the injury, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a post-practice press conference last week that trainers were evaluating Snell. Until that point, the third-year running back had participated fully in practices with the second team.

Newbie Kalen Ballage, who had a good outing during the Steelers-Cowboys Hall of Fame Game, was not at practice today. Tomlin indicated post-game that Ballage was dealing with a lower leg injury. The former Miami Dolphins running back averaged 3.8 yards per carry for 19 yards and one touchdown.

Ballage has been out-shining the reserve running backs thus far at Steelers training camp. Since he entered the league, his forte has been in short-yardage situations. Pittsburgh, however, is Ballage’s third stop in as many seasons.

There’s plenty of time before the start of the Pittsburgh Steelers regular season — when on-field production starts to really count — but the health of the Steelers’ depth at running back is paramount.

The Steelers’ next exhibition matchup is Thursday, Aug. 12, versus the Eagles in Philadelphia.

[vertical-gallery id=492437]

[listicle id=492763]

8 free agents the Eagles should target regardless of position

Tyrod Taylor is among 8 free agents the Philadelphia Eagles should target

With the Eagles projected to be almost $50 million over the salary cap at the start of the new league year, there will need to be several notables restructures, releases, and possible trades involving some big names.

Howie Roseman is a cap specialist and he’ll likely have no problem clear the necessary cap space in order for the Eagles to begin their rebuild.

The Eagles will need to acquire free agents in 2021 regardless of their cap outlook and we’ve presented 8 players regardless of position who could help the Birds on the cheap.

Chargers activate RB Justin Jackson from injured reserve

The Chargers currently have five running backs on the active roster.

The Chargers have activated running back Justin Jackson from the injured reserve ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Falcons.

Jackson missed the past four games due to a knee injury. The third-year back has rushed for 185 yards this season and is averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

To make room for Jackson, Los Angeles waived linebacker Asmar Bilal. The team also promoted LB B.J. Bello from the practice squad.

L.A. will go into Sunday’s contest with four other running backs, Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Troymaine Pope and Kalen Ballage.

Chargers final injury report vs. Patriots: LB Denzel Perryman doubtful

The Los Angeles Chargers could be thin at the linebacker position.

The Los Angeles Chargers released their final injury report ahead of the Week 13 battle with the New England Patriots.

Here is a look at the report:

DOUBTFUL

Denzel Perryman

QUESTIONABLE

Kalen Ballage

Casey Hayward

Uchenna Nwosu

Joe Reed

The Chargers may very well be without linebacker Denzel Perryman, who suffered a back injury in last weekend’s loss to the Bills. The team could also be missing Kyzir White, who still remains on the COVID-19 list.

If Perryman and White can’t play, Nick Vigil and Cole Christiansen will split snaps at linebacker, according to coach Anthony Lynn.

If cornerback Casey Hayward has to miss the second consecutive game, Lynn hinted that Brandon Facyson would start over Tevaughn Campbell on the outside opposite of Michael Davis.

Chargers inactives: See who’s in and who’s out for Week 12 vs. Bills

Austin Ekeler is in while Casey Hayward is out.

The Los Angeles Chargers are on the road to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 12 of the regular season.

Here is a look at their inactives today:

Easton Stick

Casey Hayward Jr.

Kalen Ballage

Uchenna Nwosu

Tyree St. Louis

Storm Norton

Cortez Broughton

Jets vs. Chargers: 4 predictions for New York’s Week 11 matchup

Four predictions for New York’s Week 11 showdown with Los Angeles.

Is Week 11 going to be the week the Jets break into the win column?

New York’s Sunday afternoon matchup with the Chargers is its best chance to notch a victory in 2020. Don’t be fooled by Los Angeles’ 2-7 record, though. The Chargers have been competitive on a weekly basis this season — a concept the Jets have yet to master.

RELATED: Jets vs. Chargers: Justin Herbert vs. New York’s struggling secondary among pregame storylines

So, what could be in store for New York against Los Angeles? Here are four predictions for Week 11.

Keys to a Chargers’ victory over Jets in Week 11

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out how Los Angeles can get back to their winning ways when they face New York on Sunday.

The Chargers are set to host the Jets, desperately trying to pick up a win after dropping their third straight. There are a few things that Los Angeles will need to do in order to a secure a victory.

The Jets pass defense is among the league’s worst. They’re allowing 281.8 yards per game, making it a favorable matchup for quarterback Justin Herbert. New York fares a little bit better against the run, but they have been susceptible to missed tackles, ranking worst in the NFL with 91. Running back Kalen Ballage could exploit that with his physical style of running to take some pressure off the passing game to create all of the energy.

Defensively, Los Angeles needs to start strong and finish strong. The Bolts have had no issue of slowing opposing offenses, but it’s exclusively been in the first half. If L.A. can avoid missed tackles, busted coverages and blown assignments, along with forcing QB Joe Flacco into a couple of turnovers, it could be a long day for the Jets offense, which ranks dead last in points per game.

Staying disciplined on special teams is just as important as winning on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The Chargers have been woeful on special teams, where they rank last in the league. Los Angeles will have to avoid unnecessary penalties, keep punt protection intact and rally to the football to avoid the Jets starting at a favorable field position off of returns.

Anthony Lynn glad to have ex-Jets running back with Chargers

Anthony Lynn is very happy to have ex-Jets running back Kalen Ballage on Chargers.

Kalen Ballage didn’t make much of his time with the Jets, but he’s taking full advantage of his opportunity with the Chargers.

Ballage has played in two games for the Chargers since he was released by the Jets after Week 4. Through Ballage’s first two games as a Charger, he’s rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown to go along with 49 receiving yards.

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has been impressed with Ballage so far and sees him as a valuable part of their team as Los Angeles prepares to host New York.

“He’s answered the call,” Lynn said, per the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “He’s stepped up. He’s made some tough yards. And he’s definitely helped that rushing attack. He’s a very important part of our offense right now. We’re glad we have him.”

Ballage had 13 total rushing yards and 67 receiving yards in three games with the Jets. New York tried to use Ballage in pass protection as well, but that backfired. He blew a couple of assignments in his final game as a Jet against the Broncos and was cut soon after.

Ballage came to the Jets as an Adam Gase favorite. He was with Gase for two years in Miami and had 326 rushing yards, 119 receiving yards and four total touchdowns there. New York tried to trade for Ballage before the start of the season, but that fell through when he failed his physical. The Jets then signed him as a free agent shortly after that.

Now Ballage will get his chance to showcase what the Jets are missing out on when his new team and his old team face off Sunday in Los Angeles.

9 waiver wire targets for fantasy football in Week 11

Waiver-wire targets for Week 11.

With the fantasy football playoffs right around the corner, it is an all-out blitz to make sure your team has all the right pieces to win a championship. Even this late in the season, there is still a lot of value out on the waiver wire.

Who knows, the player you add this week could be your saving grace when it comes to the postseason. Here are nine waiver wire pickups for Week 11: