As we are quickly approaching both the halfway point of the season and the upcoming trade deadline (Nov. 3), teams are quickly trying to identify whether they are contenders or pretenders this season. While the NFL trade deadline may not be as action-packed as other sports, it still allows the opportunity for teams to bolster their rosters.
While a lot of the focus has been on the outcomes on the field, there has been plenty of news off the gridiron as well. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest news stories from around the NFL over the last week.
Tua Tagovailoa to Make Debut
In Miami, it is officially “Tua Time.” After an inconsistent start to the season, the Dolphins have decided to bench starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in favor of Tua Tagovailoa.
Fitzpatrick has led the Dolphins to a 3-3 record and has thrown for 1,535 yards and ten touchdowns. He has also thrown seven interceptions to this point.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Tagovailoa got his first game action this last week against the Jets. In the game, he went completed both passing attempts for nine yards. Despite the low production, it at least allowed him to get his feet wet. With a bye week to prepare, the future is now for the Dolphins with Tua under center.
Fitzpatrick will be an interesting name to follow over the next couple of weeks, as he certainly could be moved before the trade deadline. While he hasn’t formally requested a trade, he was said to have been frustrated by the demotion.
Teams Starting To Gauge Interest In Antonio Brown
It has been quite a disastrous couple of years for Antonio Brown, but it appears that he may be heading back to a football field sooner than later. After being suspended for the first eight games of the season, his suspension is approaching its conclusion, and teams are starting to show interest in Brown.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Seattle Seahawks seem poised to strike once Brown is officially available. If Brown can get back to an ounce of his former self, a combination of Russell Wilson and Brown could be dangerous (not to mention DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett).
While he only played one game last season, he is only two years removed from a stellar season. In 2018, Brown had 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns with the Steelers. The 32-year-old will look to put his troubled past behind him and get back to contributing on the football field.
Raheem Mostert To IR
It has been quite the frustrating season for San Francisco 49ers’ running back Raheem Mostert. When he has been on the field, he has been dominant. Unfortunately, he has struggled to stay on the field.
After returning in Week 6 from a knee injury, it appears that he will be headed to the injured reserve, this time with a high ankle sprain. The injury will put him out for at least a few weeks.
In four games this season, Mostert has rushed 51 times for 303 yards and a touchdown. He also has 11 receptions for 150 yards and another score.
Also heading to the injured list for the 49ers is center Ben Garland, who suffered a calf strain.
John Ross Requests Trade
One player who could see himself on the move before the trade deadline is Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver John Ross. It has been quite a disappointing season for Ross, who has been a healthy scratch for several games and, when he does play, has seen a significantly diminished role.
This season, Ross has just two catches for 17 yards in three games. Compare that to last season, where he had 56 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns in eight games, and it is obvious the lack of utilization is frustrating him.
Ross and his agent have formally requested a trade from the Bengals, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo. While he has dealt with injuries over the last couple of years, he has shown top-end talent when he is on the field. While he may have fallen out of grace with the Bengals, he could be a steal of a pickup for another team in need of receiver help.
