Yesterday we kicked off a new series that will cover news from around NFL training camps. Today's piece will feature the suspension and appeal of Von Miller, injury news from some second-year offensive players, and lots of other small injury tidbits. More training camps are in full swing every day. With more training camp means more news, so expect this article to grow bigger, day by day.
Von Miller Facing Four-Game Suspension, Appeal Process
The four-game suspension Miller is facing is for violating the league’s drug policy. According to Mike Klis of The Denver Post, the drugs are marijuana and amphetamines during his rookie season in 2011. A four-game suspension means it must be Miller’s second time violating the policy. If Miller loses his appeal, which is expected, it will be a big blow to the Denver Broncos defense. It’s expected that 32-year-old Shaun Phillips will assume Miller's outside pass-rush role, if the latter is suspended.
Robert Griffin III Receives Medical Clearance, Will Wear Brace
RG3 announced the news via his Twitter page, with this tweet on Monday morning: “Doctors cleared me to practice. Coach is going to each me in.” Six months removed from his ACL reconstruction, RGIII will participate in camp to some capacity. Griffin’s average draft position should take a solid jump leading up to his start in Week 1. Griffin will start training camp in seven-on-seven drills. Griffin III will be in a knee brace, but will not be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).
Trent Richardson a Full Participant in Camp
Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski said in an interview on Monday that Richardson reported last week with the rookies and has been practicing with those who are also returning from injury. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer, he’ll be a “full go” for camp. A right shin strain kept Richardson out of organized team activities and minicamp.
Eric Wright Fails Physical, Released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs were expecting to cut the cornerback before trading him, so this news doesn’t come as a surprise after he failed his physical with the San Francisco 49ers. It’s clear that the Bucs wanted nothing to do with him after he was arrested in Los Angeles last week on suspicion of driving under the influence. Wright was expected to be the Week 1 starter for the Bucs before being arrested, traded, and then cut.
Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones Placed on Active/Non-Football Injury List
Sounds like Jones showed up to camp out of football shape after his stint on Dancing with the Stars. Jones failed his conditioning test when he reported to camp on Monday, as he did not pass a series of timed interval runs, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Expect Jones to pass the test his second time around.
San Francisco 49ers Place WR Michael Crabtree on PUP
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said that Crabtree, who tore his Achilles in organized team activities, will be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Therefore, Crabtree will miss at least the first six games of the season, but Harbaugh still is optimistic that Crabtree will be able to play at some point in 2013. With Crabtree such a huge part of Colin Kaepernick’s game, if he can play at any point it will be huge for the offense.
Miami Dolphins Say Daniel Thomas in For Big Season, if Healthy
While Lamar Miller is getting the majority of first-team reps, Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald was told to “assume nothing”. Thomas is also getting first team reps behind Miller. As a club, the Dolphins believe Thomas is read for a big season, “if he can stay healthy”. Sounds like a big if to me. Thomas was nothing more than a No. 2 back throughout OTAs, and there’s no reason to think it won’t stay that way. Thomas is no more than a short-yardage and goal line runner.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Work Out Free Agent Running Back Peyton Hillis
The Green Bay Packers were set to work out Hillis in March, but that’s all that we have heard from Hillis all offseason long. Tampa Bay doesn’t seem like a viable landing spot. There is little room with Doug Martin with veteran Brian Leonard, along with rookies Mike James and Michael Smith. The Bucs are just fine at running back, don’t expect the downward spiral that is Hillis to stop here.
Dion Jordan Officially Signs Rookie Deal
According to USA Today's Tom Pelissero, Jordan's deal is worth $20.572 million over four years; all of which is fully guaranteed. He'll will also get $13.342 million in signing and roster bonuses in training camps prior to the start of the next three seasons.
DeAndre Hopkins Contract Numbers Released
Hopkins signed a four-year, $7.62 million deal, with a full guarantee in the first four years. The signing bonus adds another $3.92 million to the pot. Expect to see Hopkins on the field a lot as a rookie in 2013.