Falcons’ Freeman to IR after surgery
Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is going on injured reserve, another major setback for a team that already has lost several key players.
Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Freeman’s groin injury was more serious than initially thought, forcing him to undergo a surgical procedure.
In another move, the Falcons (2-4) signed kicker Giorgio Tavecchio. He will fill in at least one game for Matt Bryant, who strained his right hamstring making a 57yard field goal in Sunday’s 34-29 victory over the Buccaneers.
One of the NFL’s highest-paid running backs, Freeman is the fifth Falcons player to go on injured reserve this season.
Freeman follows safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen, linebacker Deion Jones and offensive guard Andy Levitre.
Mara counsels Beckham: The co-owner of the Giants is embarrassed by the team’s second straight 1-5 start and he wants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to make his highlights on the field instead of getting recognition from off-the-field comments.
Speaking before the fall meeting of the NFL owners in New York, John Mara was clearly miffed by the disappointments of a season he had hoped would make fans forget the 3-13 campaign a year ago that led to the firings of coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese.
“(Beckham) needs to do a little more playing and a little less talking,” Mara said. “I wish he would create the headlines by his play on the field.”
New general manager Dave Gettleman and coach Pat Shurmur turned over more than half the roster, spent almost $80 million rebuilding the offense line, made Beckham the highest-paid receiver in the league with a $95 million deal and had high hopes heading into the season.
Beckham leads the Giants with 45 catches for 506 yards, but he only has one touchdown catch.
In roster news, the Giants signed former Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler and placed linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong and wide receiver Cody Latimer on injured reserve.
Extra points: Bills rookie QB Josh Allen has a sprained right elbow and isn’t expected to play against the Colt on Sunday in Indianapolis . ... The Chiefs waived S Leon McQuay and signed OL Jeff Allen, giving them some additional depth up front after recent injuries to Laurent DuvernayTardif and Mitch Morse . ... The Redskins released veteran DL Ziggy Hood, 31. Hood started 27 games and appeared in 31 for the Redskins in the last two seasons . ... The Raiders are planning to release LB Derrick Johnson. LB Jason Cabinda will be promoted from the practice squad to take Johnson’s spot on the roster, the team announced . ... The Vikings placed CB Mike Hughes on IR, following an ACL injury to the rookie’s left knee that will keep him out for the rest of the season. The Vikings re-signed DT David Parry to take the open roster spot. Parry played in the first two games and had a sack against the Packers. He was cut in favor of DT Tom Johnson on Sept. 19.