NFL News

As we settle into the first week of the NFL preseason, teams are evaluating rosters in preparation for the first game of the regular season. With the preseason shortened to just three weeks, those efforts are only intensified.

While most of the focus is around the excitement of NFL games being played again on the field, there is plenty of news around the league off the field, too. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from the last week.

Steelers Make Trade For Linebacker

According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire linebacker Joe Schobert.

With the recent retirement of Vince Williams, the Steelers were in need of an inside linebacker, and Schobert fits the bill.

Last season, with the Jaguars, Schobert had 141 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three interceptions (including one for a touchdown). He is no stranger to high tackle amounts as he led the NFL in tackles back in 2017 with 144.

The 2016 fourth-round pick is in the midst of a five-year deal worth just under $54 million. Still, Schobert helps bring stability to the middle linebacker position of a team that ranked fifth last year in points per game at 21.2.
Pittsburgh is currently +440 to win the AFC North (third-best odds) and +4400 to win the Super Bowl this year.

Colts Receive Good News On Injury Front

It appears that the Indianapolis Colts are getting some good luck on the injury front early on this season. Despite having both quarterback Carson Wentz and All-Pro guard Quenten Nelson undergo foot surgeries, it appears that they both are possibilities to play in Week 1, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Both would be huge additions for the Colts’ offense, a unit that last season ranked eighth in scoring, averaging 27.9 points per game.

For Wentz, he was acquired over the offseason to replace the retired Philip Rivers. Last season, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz threw for 2,620 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 12 games. If Wentz were unable to go, the burden would fall on either Jacob Eason or Sam Ehlinger, who are both competing for the backup position.

For Nelson, his return would help to solidify an offensive line that is a little banged up. In addition to Nelson, center Ryan Kelly (elbow) and tackle Eric Fisher (torn Achilles) are both on the mend.

Indianapolis currently has the second-best odds of winning the AFC South (+140) and are +3000 to win the Super Bowl.

Ravens Lose First-Rounder To Surgery

Taken 27th overall in this year’s draft, wide receiver Rashod Bateman was expected to make an immediate impact this season for the Baltimore Ravens. While he still may make an impact this season, it won’t be immediately.

According to head coach John Harbaugh, Bateman is expected to have surgery on his injured groin and won’t be back until September. While the exact timetable is not known, there is at least an above-average chance he misses the first couple weeks of the season.

Last season, at Minnesota, Bateman only played in five games for the Golden Gophers, hauling in 36 catches for 472 yards and two touchdowns. His best season was as a sophomore in 2019, when he had 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 scores.

Baltimore currently has the fifth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl at +1400.