Tennessee claims LB cut by Texans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans claimed inside linebacker Zach Cunningham off waivers from the Houston Texans on Thursday, a move they hope will bolster their injury-riddled group.

Cunningham, 27, was released by the Texans (2-10) on Wednesday after being late to and missing meetings this season.

Cunningham, who played at Vanderbilt in Nashville, has familiarity with the Titans’ defense, having played for coach Mike Vrabel when he was Texans linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator. Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was also on the Texans staff before joining the Tennessee.

Starting inside linebackers David Long and Rashaan Evans have missed multiple weeks with injuries, though Evans has practiced the past two days. The team also placed rookie inside linebacker Monty Rice on injured reserve last week with an ankle injury.

Cunningham, the NFL’S leading tackler last season, signed a four-year extension worth $58 million with the Texans that runs through 2024. By claiming the contract, the Titans are responsible for $275,000 in base salary this year. Beginning next season, there is a $10 million base guaranteed against injury in the contract. Cunningham is set to make $11 million in base salary in 2023 and $12.5 million in 2024.

Prescott, Cooks up for award

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks are among the players nominated for the NFL’S sportsmanship award.

Each NFL team nominated one of its players for the award, which recognizes players who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field.

The award was created in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney.

Cobb sidelined with core injury

Green Bay’s Randall Cobb has a core injury that will prevent the former Cowboys and Texans wide receiver from playing Sunday and could keep him out for much longer.

“Cobby’s going to be out for a while,” Packers coach Matt Lafleur said Thursday. “He had a pretty significant injury.”

Newton takes blame in firing

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said he feels partly responsible for the firing of Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady earlier this week.

Newton is 0-2 since taking over as the Panthers starting quarterback, and he’s lost his past 10 starts with Carolina going back to the 2018 season.