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Dalvin Cook agrees to sign with Ravens

Dalvin Cook is heading to Baltimore.

Cook, the veteran running back who was waived by the Jets this week, has agreed to terms with the Ravens, according to multiple reports.

The move came very quickly after Cook cleared waivers, and indicates that both the team and the player were eager to get together.

With the Ravens having earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC and first-round playoff bye, Cook will have a couple of weeks to get accustomed to the Ravens’ offense before the divisional round. It’s not a sure thing that Cook will be active for that game, but generally playoff teams don’t sign veteran players at this time of year unless they’re expecting them to be postseason contributors.

Cook was a disappointment with the Jets this season after signing a one-year contract, but the Ravens could use another ball carrier after putting Keaton Mitchell on injured reserve. Baltimore will hope Cook can prove he has something left in the playoffs. And Cook will hope to earn his first Super Bowl ring.

NBC

 

STEELERS @ RAVENS

1. Steelers hope Rudolph has more magic left. Hardly a week can go by without Steelers drama, with the decision to start Mason Rudolph over a now-healthy-and-practicing Kenny Pickett the latest turn. But head coach Mike Tomlin has regained control of his team, winning two games with Rudolph after all hope appeared to be lost, and you can bet Rudolph is relishing his career revival after idling for a few years. In the past two games, he has looked poised, controlled and confident. He has completed nearly 70% of his passes, not turned the ball over and consistently has put the ball in the hands of the Steelers’ playmakers -- namely George Pickens -- in the Steelers’ two best offensive performances of the season. In two full games with Rudolph, Pickens has 326 yards receiving and two touchdowns. In his other 14 combined games, he has 814 yards and three scores. The Ravens’ defensive numbers are elite. They rank ninth in passing yards allowed but are first in sacks (57) and have allowed the fewest TD passes this season (17). But how many of those players will play? Among the Baltimore defenders who are ruled out are linebacker Malik Harrison and Marlon Humphrey and Daryl Worley, with others such as safety Kyle Hamilton questionable. As badly as John Harbaugh might want to beat the Steelers, his own team’s long-term goals are bigger.
2. Huntley hopes to knock off Steelers in his first start of the season. Saturday will be Tyler Huntley’s first start in nearly a year when he lost the wild-card game at Cincinnati despite playing pretty well outside of two turnovers. The Ravens likely won’t ask Huntley to do anything too wild in this game, but his starting experience -- with three of those games against the Steelers the past two seasons -- will help give them confidence in attacking Pittsburgh. Huntley’s numbers aren’t great against the Steelers, completing fewer than 60% of his passes, turning the ball over four times (three picks, one lost fumble) and averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. But he’s also a quality scrambler, having run for 127 yards in those past three meetings. With Minkah Fitzpatrick and Elandon Roberts (both questionable) potentially back, Pittsburgh could be in better shape defensively than they’ve been the past few weeks, needing to start the unretired Myles Jack at linebacker and shifting Eric Rowe and Patrick Peterson to safety without Fitzpatrick and Roberts available. In the first meeting against the Ravens this season, the Steelers shut the Ravens out for the final 42-plus minutes of the game, as Fitzpatrick tied for a team-high nine tackles, Roberts made a key third-down stop in the fourth quarter, and T.J. Watt (two sacks) and Alex Highsmith (one sack) led a tenacious pass rush against the Jackson-led Ravens.

NFL.com

 

TEXANS @ COLTS

1. C.J. Stroud returned just in time for the Texans. Stroud missed two games with a concussion but returned last week to turn in a solid, clean showing against the Titans, completing 24 of 32 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, with zero turnovers. He was much more prolific against the Colts in Week 2, however, throwing for 392 yards (190 in the fourth quarter alone) despite losing, 31-20. Stroud won’t have Tank Dell, who was a Colts irritant in that game, but he will have Nico Collins and Robert Woods, who combined to catch 13 balls for 220 yards and a score between them. The Colts racked up six sacks (by six players) in the first meeting, including three in the fourth quarter, and a whopping 28 total pressures, which is the most by the Colts in a game since 2018. Laremy Tunsil, who is questionable, left the game early for the Texans, which can explain some of the protection issues, although they clearly need to be sharper in this one. The Colts are not a big blitz team, but they’ve generated pressure on 42.5% of opposing dropbacks since Week 9, which is the second-highest rate in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats. Defensive back Kenny Moore (questionable) could also return, which would give the secondary a big boost. Stroud mostly attacked the Titans underneath in Week 17, but in this game, the Texans likely will want him to open things up more. He has thrown past the sticks on a league-high 47.1% of his pass attempts this season and has 959 yards on deep passes this season, the most by a rookie in the NGS era.
2. Colts offense hoping to end recent inconsistencies. The Colts offense has been a curious thing this season, especially lately. It has ping-ponged back and forth between good and bad performances the past four games versus similar-caliber teams to Houston, so it’s hard to know what to expect from Indy weekly. Keeping Jonathan Taylor healthy is one big factor, but so is the offensive line, which features three starters on the current injury list. Taylor looked far better in Week 17 against the Raiders (104 scrimmage yards) than he had in his first game back from a thumb injury, and they’ll need him with Zack Moss’ status up in the air. But running the ball against the Texans is difficult, which means that Gardner Minshew and his receivers will be counted on extensively. Minshew played very well in the first meeting between these two teams, coming off the bench to complete 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards. Incredibly, the Texans have forced one or more turnovers in every game except one: Week 2 against the Colts. That game might have been the Texans’ all-around worse defensive performance of the season, although they weren’t much better (if at all) a few weeks back against the Browns. Houston was excellent defensively last week against the Titans, with six sacks, and that pass rush will be key Saturday. The Texans want to pressure Minshew but want to keep him pinned in the pocket, where he’s a less effective operator. Houston also was unable to sack either Minshew or Anthony Richardson in the first meeting and both QBs had success extending plays.

NFL.com

 

It seems every year someone comes out of nowhere to lead the league, then becomes a normal player the next...many times after cashing in on a new contract. It takes a special breed to get paid and still make the ultimate effort 365 days a year to stay at the top of your game.

TJ Watt is double teamed less than 15% of the time... he does hold the distinctive honor of being held on nearly every play though. I honestly don't understand the lack of attention he draws from opposing offensive coordinators. There are too many plays on film where he goes unblocked, a coordinator should be fired if they don't account for him.

 

This is absolutely a travesty!! This guy's contract is negligible and the Browns could have picked him up for the playoff push, more importantly, keep him off the Ravens roster. The Ravens have struggled rushing outside of Keaton Mitchell who is now on IR. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are both nice RBs, however, they both have injury histories. IF either or both succumbed to injuries early on, this team would be hurting for RB help, they just strengthened their roster for the playoffs... yes the #1 overall seed in the NFL just strengthened their roster.

Browns could use some help at RB and he was there for the taking on waivers... I don't get it. basically a $400,000 per game guy for your playoff push...Someone who was a 4 years in a row pro bowl running back prior to signing with the Jets. The Jets signed him for insurance purposes in case Breece Hall didn't come back from injury right away. He was barely used as the backup.. Now he goes to the Ravens.

 

Is this a situation where IF the Browns were interested, it would have been a 'bidding war'? And did Cleveland maybe not wanna go that route? Cook obviously held the upper hand in just deciding who he thinks has the most SB contender qualities, but is Cook also thinking future here and maybe a long term deal with the Ravens if he turns it up and burns it it up come Playoffs?

Just asking for a friend.

 

Dalvin Cook gave up $270,000 to gain his freedom, can earn it all back in playoff checks

For former Jets running back Dalvin Cook, freedom was not free.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, he waived $270,000 in guaranteed pay for Week 18 from the Jets, reducing his compensation to $60,000 for the final week of the season.

He’ll make it back in postseason pay with his new team, if the Ravens get to the Super Bowl. If they win it, he’ll come out ahead.

The CBA will result in Cook receiving $45,500 for next week’s bye. If the Ravens win in the divisional round, Cook gets $50,500. A win in the conference championship game results in another $73,000.

The losing team in the Super Bowl gets $89,000 per player. The members of the winning team receive $164,000.

So, if the Ravens get to the Super Bowl, Cook will make $258,000. If they win it, he’ll get $333,000.

Joining the best team in the league also creates potential marketing opportunities for Cook. It also gives him a chance to show he still can get it done, like he did for the Vikings in 2022.

That’s a useful development as free agency approaches, if Cook can indeed have an impact in the postseason for the Ravens.

PFT

 

He passed through waivers, all they had to do is put a claim in. He is cheap for the remainder of the year.

 

Eagles rule DeVonta Smith, Darius Slay out

The Eagles won’t have wide receiver DeVonta Smith for Week 18.

Smith hurt his ankle in last Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals and the Eagles ruled him out of their final regular season game on Friday. Smith did not take part in practice this week, so there was no surprise about that decision. The Eagles will be playing next week in the Wild Card round, so Smith’s condition will continue to be something to watch moving forward.

The Eagles don’t yet know if they’ll be at home or on the road for that playoff game. A win over the Giants and a Cowboys loss to the Commanders would make them the NFC East champions, but they would go on the road with any other combination of results.

Cornerback Darius Slay (knee) practiced a couple of days this week, but he has been ruled out for the fourth straight game. Running back D’Andre Swift (illness) was added to the injury report as a limited participant on Friday and he’s been listed as questionable.

PFT

 

Tee Higgins doubtful for Week 18, Ja’Marr Chase set to play

Tee Higgins has perhaps played his last game in a Bengals uniform.

With the club eliminated from postseason contention, Cincinnati has listed Higgins as doubtful for Sunday’s season finale against the Browns. He did not participate in practice all week.

Via Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, head coach Zac Taylor said Higgins just did rehab work on Friday and the team will “see where he’s at tomorrow.” But by listing Higgins as doubtful, Cincinnati has acknowledged it’s highly unlikely Higgins will be ready to play on Sunday.

A second-round pick in the 2020 draft, Higgins is in the last year of his rookie contract. He’s battled injuries throughout the season, appearing in 12 games with 11 starts. That’s largely why he’s registered career lows in receptions (42), yards (656), and touchdowns (five).

There were various trade rumors about Higgins last offseason, but Cincinnati shut those down before keeping Higgins for 2023. With Ja’Marr Chase also eligible for a contract extension in the coming offseason, it remains to be seen if the Bengals will have room for both players.

Chase (shoulder) is set to play in the season finale as he’s off the injury report. He said this week that he intended to play.

Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (shoulder) and cornerback Jalen Davis (groin) are both questionable.

Quarterback Jake Browning (foot), running back Joe Mixon (illness), and receiver Trenton Irwin (hamstring) all have no game status and are expected to play.

PFT

 

Wide receiver Rashee Rice and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed will be joining quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the sideline for the Chiefs’ regular season finale.

The Chiefs ruled Rice (hamstring) and Sneed (calf) out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers. Neither player participated in practice this week.

Mahomes is officially listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, but head coach Andy Reid announced earlier this week that Blaine Gabbert will be starting against Los Angeles. Tight end Travis Kelce (neck) has no injury designation after three limited practices this week.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hip, ankle) and left tackle Donovan Smith (neck) remain out for the Chiefs. Running back Isiah Pacheco (quad, shoulder), linebacker Nick Bolton (wrist, abdomen), cornerback Trent McDuffie (shoulder), defensive end George Karlaftis (not injury related - coaching), and defensive end Mike Danna (not injury related - coaching) are considered questionable.

PFT

 

Could be some very interesting weather in Baltimore today.

 

Texans and Colts playing win and in, lose and out. Tie will eliminate the Texans and it will eliminate the Colts from the wildcard, and clinch the playoffs for the Bills and Steelers. Colts will need the Jaguars to lose to the Titans to win the division.

 

Do the Steelers still need help or are they in now? Im still confused.

 

Bills and Jags have to lose, or the Colts and Texans need to tie.

they lose tie breakers due to head to head with both the Colts and Texans.

 

Steelers need, Bills loss, or Jags loss, or Colts/Texans tie.

Colts out of the WC with a tie as you said

 

Feels like a travesty for the Bills to miss because the are playing the a good team on the road that is playing for something, while the Steelers got a resting Ravens team. Jags could also choke but if Colts vs Texans tie would be hilarious.
Steelers already snuck in 2 years ago after they got their help.

 

Terrible news.

 

Robert Woods won’t play, but Will Anderson, Laremy Tunsil officially active for Texans

The inactive list favors the Colts for tonight’s AFC South play-in showdown. The winner will earn at least a wild-card berth.

The Texans already had ruled out defensive end Jonathan Greenard (ankle) and receiver Noah Brown (back). Receiver Robert Woods (hip) also won’t play.

Woods has 40 receptions for 426 yards and a touchdown this season.

That means C.J. Stroud won’t have his third (Tank Dell), fourth (Woods) or fifth (Brown) leading receivers this season. Dell is on season-ending injured reserve.

Receiver Nico Collins and tight Dalton Schultz are leading the team in receptions with 71 and 54 respectively.

The Texans’ other inactives are cornerback Kris Boyd, offensive guard Nick Broeker and quarterback Case Keenum, who will serve as the emergency, third quarterback.

Defensive end Will Anderson (ankle), fullback Andrew Beck (calf), defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (ankle), and left tackle Laremy Tunsil (groin) are dressed. They were questionable to play.

The Colts’ inactives are defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, offensive guard Jack Anderson, strong safety Henry Black, cornerback Chris Lammons (ankle) and running back Trey Sermon.

Center Ryan Kelly (ankle), left guard Quenton Nelson (ankle), right tackle Braden Smith (knee), cornerback Kenny Moore II (back) and running back Zack Moss (forearm) are active.

 

@LAOJoe ,

What happens if the Jags win, the Bills lose and the Colts/Titans don't tie ?