Making business moves like many other teams prior to the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association, the Green Bay Packers today released LB A. J. Hawk, TE Donald Lee and S Derrick Martin. Lee and Martin will not be back. Hawk likely will be.
It's clear the Packers want Hawk on the team going forward. He had arguably his best season this past year. After effectively being benched for the opening game against the Eagles, Hawk played an increasingly important role as the season went on. After fellow linebacker Nick Barnett was lost to season-ending injury for the second time in the last three years, Hawk became the defensive play caller, relaying the calls from defensive coordinator Dom Capers to the rest of the squad; when those calls came in late or were cut off (via a system similar to that in the quarterback's helmet), Hawk had to make the call himself. He also came up big in the playoffs and Super Bowl. Head coach Mike McCarthy has praised Hawk's consistency and calm presence both on the field and in the locker room.
So why release him when he still had a year left on his contract? There are 10 million reasons, as in dollars. Hawk was scheduled to be due $10 million this coming season. As one commentator noted, that's beginning to approach starting quarterback money. There was no way the Packers were going to pay it, and that came as no surprise to Hawk. The team and his representatives have apparently been trying to get a deal worked out ahead of the deadline but the sides were apparently too far apart. Hawk may test free agency, whenever that kicks in given the current circumstances. But he wants to be in Green Bay and the Packers want him there, too. Expect a deal to be worked out. Sometime.
You can read more about all this here.
Showing posts with label Derrick Martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Derrick Martin. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Packers' Finley likely out for season
This is not the kind of news Green Bay Packers fans wanted to hear: TE Jermichael Finley may be done for the season.
Oh man. After initial reports indicated Finley might be out 3-6 weeks, Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting in her blog that fellow reporter Greg Bedard "has learned from a source that the surgery revealed more damage than initially thought and Finley is likely done for 2010." Reported recovery time is 8-10 weeks so team management is deciding what to do.
Oh man. Oh man...
By the way, S Derrick Martin is also done for the season.
Oh man. After initial reports indicated Finley might be out 3-6 weeks, Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting in her blog that fellow reporter Greg Bedard "has learned from a source that the surgery revealed more damage than initially thought and Finley is likely done for 2010." Reported recovery time is 8-10 weeks so team management is deciding what to do.
Oh man. Oh man...
By the way, S Derrick Martin is also done for the season.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
What now for the Packers?
Both local and national sports talk shows have been abuzz since Sunday discussing the injury woes of the Green Bay Packers. Expect that to continue for quite some time.
This morning, starting TE and emerging NFL star, Jermichael Finley -- a huge part of the Packers' offensive game plans -- is undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He'll be out 3 to 6 weeks, not the 2 to 3 initially speculated here and elsewhere. Ouch. In more ways than one. TE Donald Lee is likely also out a couple weeks with a chest sprain. So we'll be seeing a lot more of the young tight ends, Andrew Quarless and Tom Crabtree.
Starting LB Nick Barnett will undergo surgery on his wrist tomorrow, after which they will be able to determine whether it's a season-ending situation (the second in three years for Barnett) or whether he can make it back. Some reports are indicating that it might be 8 weeks before Barnett could return. Given that leaves only about 2 regular season games and playoffs (assuming the Pack could actually make it given their current situation), the question then becomes whether or not GM Ted Thompson would hold that roster spot for Barnett. Given the hits nearly across the board with injuries of varying kinds, Thompson might be hard pressed to do so. It seems unlikely.
QB Aaron Rodgers will be held out of practice at least some of this week due to the concussion he suffered on Sunday. It's possible he could miss the game against Miami if he is not cleared by a third-party neurologist. Backup Matt Flynn will be preparing, as he must, as if he'll get the start.
S Derrick Martin is also out at least several weeks with a knee injury. Again, it might be a numbers game here with Thompson: hold the roster spot or put Martin on injured reserve to get a body? My guess is the latter.
The news on LB Clay Matthews was good, all things considered: his hamstring strain is not as serious as it's been in the past. Having said that, however, it's possible Matthews could still be held out of the Miami game so he's ready to go against the ViQueens (who, by the way, lost to the Jets last night in New York...or wherever that new stadium is...oh, and did I mention the 'Queens fate was sealed on -- what else? -- an interception in the closing minutes off a pass by Ol' #4? Say it with me: awwwwwwww...).
DE Ryan Pickett has an ankle sprain with no apparent timetable for playing. He could be ready to go this weekend.
On the good news front -- yes, there is at least one silver lining -- LB Brandon Chillar will practice this week and could also see action against the Dolphins.
Keep in mind, also, that S Atari Bigby, CB Al Harris and RB James Starks will technically be available to rejoin the team after this next game. But if in fact they will be activated and ready to make contributions of the kind needed right now, that's anyone's guess.
Guess it's that time, Packer fans...let us pray...
This morning, starting TE and emerging NFL star, Jermichael Finley -- a huge part of the Packers' offensive game plans -- is undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He'll be out 3 to 6 weeks, not the 2 to 3 initially speculated here and elsewhere. Ouch. In more ways than one. TE Donald Lee is likely also out a couple weeks with a chest sprain. So we'll be seeing a lot more of the young tight ends, Andrew Quarless and Tom Crabtree.
Starting LB Nick Barnett will undergo surgery on his wrist tomorrow, after which they will be able to determine whether it's a season-ending situation (the second in three years for Barnett) or whether he can make it back. Some reports are indicating that it might be 8 weeks before Barnett could return. Given that leaves only about 2 regular season games and playoffs (assuming the Pack could actually make it given their current situation), the question then becomes whether or not GM Ted Thompson would hold that roster spot for Barnett. Given the hits nearly across the board with injuries of varying kinds, Thompson might be hard pressed to do so. It seems unlikely.
QB Aaron Rodgers will be held out of practice at least some of this week due to the concussion he suffered on Sunday. It's possible he could miss the game against Miami if he is not cleared by a third-party neurologist. Backup Matt Flynn will be preparing, as he must, as if he'll get the start.
S Derrick Martin is also out at least several weeks with a knee injury. Again, it might be a numbers game here with Thompson: hold the roster spot or put Martin on injured reserve to get a body? My guess is the latter.
The news on LB Clay Matthews was good, all things considered: his hamstring strain is not as serious as it's been in the past. Having said that, however, it's possible Matthews could still be held out of the Miami game so he's ready to go against the ViQueens (who, by the way, lost to the Jets last night in New York...or wherever that new stadium is...oh, and did I mention the 'Queens fate was sealed on -- what else? -- an interception in the closing minutes off a pass by Ol' #4? Say it with me: awwwwwwww...).
DE Ryan Pickett has an ankle sprain with no apparent timetable for playing. He could be ready to go this weekend.
On the good news front -- yes, there is at least one silver lining -- LB Brandon Chillar will practice this week and could also see action against the Dolphins.
Keep in mind, also, that S Atari Bigby, CB Al Harris and RB James Starks will technically be available to rejoin the team after this next game. But if in fact they will be activated and ready to make contributions of the kind needed right now, that's anyone's guess.
Guess it's that time, Packer fans...let us pray...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Hard week ahead for decimated Packers
Coming off a heartbreaking -- and injury-riddled -- loss in overtime to the Washington Redskins, the Green Bay Packers this week are probably going to be spending as much time getting medical evaluations as practicing.
The Pack limped into the game already having a couple starters lost for the season, namely RB Ryan Grant and S Morgan Burnett, while a decision about season-ending wrist surgery is still in the air concerning LB Nick Burnett (and just for good measure, let's remember Justin Harrell, as well, while we're on the subject). A few other players were out for the game, including RT Mark Tauscher, LB Brandon Chillar, S Sam Shields, and FB Quinn Johnson.
By the end of the game, they had lost TE Jermichael Finley (possibly for 2-3 weeks...and that's the optimistic view!), TE Donald Lee, DE Ryan Pickett, LB Clay Matthews, CB and special teams demon Derrick Martin (may be the most serious with an ankle injury), and LB Frank Zombo.
Oh yes, let's not forget the concussion which QB Aaron Rodgers sustained supposedly on his last throw (intercepted) where he clearly had head-to-head contact from the defender (with no flag at all, of course...just like the blow to the head no-call in the playoff game loss at Arizona). So in order for Rodgers to be available for the upcoming game against Miami, he's going to have to clear a number of tests before he gets the OK to play.
Ryan Pickett was quoted as saying, "I've not been part of anything like this that so many guys are injured...It's never been this bad. I've never experienced it in my 10 years."
The bottom line right now is that a team which many picked to go not only to but to win the Super Bowl based upon its talented roster now seems like it's on life support. The injuries are everywhere. Not what you want as you head into one of the toughest stretches of the schedule: Dolphins, ViQueens, Jets, and Cowgirls. It's a month before the Packers get their bye week. And, even without any other players going down, the Pack might be hard pressed to win another game before that bye week.
Yes, injuries played a big part in yesterday's loss by the Packers. You can't lose two of your top playmakers -- Finley and Matthews -- and not have it affect the outcome. But the Packers just left too many opportunities on the field. Failing to push it into the endzone when you have 1st and goal from the 2-yard line, with a chance to go up 14-0 early, just left the door open for the 'skins to hang around. It never should have come down to K Mason Crosby needing to hit a 53-yarder at the close of regulation to win that game. Never. Yes, he was 2 of 4 on the day and needs to make those kicks. But the Pack also needs to convert 3rd downs -- they didn't -- and not give their opponent multiple 1st downs through penalties.
And when, oh when, will the Packers ever get their special teams together?!
The consistent pattern we see emerging in and across games is not the pattern we want to see: fast start, followed by tailing off in the second half, little to no commitment to the running game by head coach Mike McCarthy, and continued penalties and lapses at critical junctures of a game.
Yes, as the players say, they feel they should be 5-0 right now instead of 3-2. But truth be told, they could also just as easily be 1-4 right now. The Buffalo game was the only game that has been a complete, or nearly complete, game by this team. By the time you hit game #5 of the schedule you should know who you are and what you can do and do it in a consistent way. The Packers just aren't.
Granted, the injuries started taking their toll early and often this season on the Pack. And now, it's gotten even worse. The prognosis for the immediate future is not a good one. There are still 11 games remaining. But it's possible, given the injuries let alone other problems which seem to be plaguing this team, that the Packers could go into their bye week at 3-6. They would likely have to win out in order to have a shot at the playoffs. And that's not a position in which you wish to find yourself.
The mettle of this team, coaching staff and management is going to be tested this week and over the coming month. The Packers' season could very well be riding on what happens in these next four games.
The Pack limped into the game already having a couple starters lost for the season, namely RB Ryan Grant and S Morgan Burnett, while a decision about season-ending wrist surgery is still in the air concerning LB Nick Burnett (and just for good measure, let's remember Justin Harrell, as well, while we're on the subject). A few other players were out for the game, including RT Mark Tauscher, LB Brandon Chillar, S Sam Shields, and FB Quinn Johnson.
By the end of the game, they had lost TE Jermichael Finley (possibly for 2-3 weeks...and that's the optimistic view!), TE Donald Lee, DE Ryan Pickett, LB Clay Matthews, CB and special teams demon Derrick Martin (may be the most serious with an ankle injury), and LB Frank Zombo.
Oh yes, let's not forget the concussion which QB Aaron Rodgers sustained supposedly on his last throw (intercepted) where he clearly had head-to-head contact from the defender (with no flag at all, of course...just like the blow to the head no-call in the playoff game loss at Arizona). So in order for Rodgers to be available for the upcoming game against Miami, he's going to have to clear a number of tests before he gets the OK to play.
Ryan Pickett was quoted as saying, "I've not been part of anything like this that so many guys are injured...It's never been this bad. I've never experienced it in my 10 years."
The bottom line right now is that a team which many picked to go not only to but to win the Super Bowl based upon its talented roster now seems like it's on life support. The injuries are everywhere. Not what you want as you head into one of the toughest stretches of the schedule: Dolphins, ViQueens, Jets, and Cowgirls. It's a month before the Packers get their bye week. And, even without any other players going down, the Pack might be hard pressed to win another game before that bye week.
Yes, injuries played a big part in yesterday's loss by the Packers. You can't lose two of your top playmakers -- Finley and Matthews -- and not have it affect the outcome. But the Packers just left too many opportunities on the field. Failing to push it into the endzone when you have 1st and goal from the 2-yard line, with a chance to go up 14-0 early, just left the door open for the 'skins to hang around. It never should have come down to K Mason Crosby needing to hit a 53-yarder at the close of regulation to win that game. Never. Yes, he was 2 of 4 on the day and needs to make those kicks. But the Pack also needs to convert 3rd downs -- they didn't -- and not give their opponent multiple 1st downs through penalties.
And when, oh when, will the Packers ever get their special teams together?!
The consistent pattern we see emerging in and across games is not the pattern we want to see: fast start, followed by tailing off in the second half, little to no commitment to the running game by head coach Mike McCarthy, and continued penalties and lapses at critical junctures of a game.
Yes, as the players say, they feel they should be 5-0 right now instead of 3-2. But truth be told, they could also just as easily be 1-4 right now. The Buffalo game was the only game that has been a complete, or nearly complete, game by this team. By the time you hit game #5 of the schedule you should know who you are and what you can do and do it in a consistent way. The Packers just aren't.
Granted, the injuries started taking their toll early and often this season on the Pack. And now, it's gotten even worse. The prognosis for the immediate future is not a good one. There are still 11 games remaining. But it's possible, given the injuries let alone other problems which seem to be plaguing this team, that the Packers could go into their bye week at 3-6. They would likely have to win out in order to have a shot at the playoffs. And that's not a position in which you wish to find yourself.
The mettle of this team, coaching staff and management is going to be tested this week and over the coming month. The Packers' season could very well be riding on what happens in these next four games.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Williams accepts Pack's offer
Cornerback Tramon Williams, according to reports, had verbally agreed to the Packers' restricted free agent tender offer prior to the Monday deadline. But apparently because the required paperwork wasn't yet in place, his "signing" wasn't showing up on the NFL's transaction wire either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Safety Atari Bigby, however, has yet to sign and it is being reported that sources say he is prepared to have a training camp hold out to get a new contract. Perhaps sensing this situation with Bigby, the Packers moved up into the third round of the NFL Draft to select Morgan Burnett. With Bigby absent from the voluntary workouts, Burnett has been getting a lot of work in and has impressed the head coach. "I see Burnett as a very natural, instinctive football player," coach Mike McCarthy is quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as having stated recently. "Things come very easy for him. He's a good communicator. He's a very fluid player in space. His athletic ability and the instincts, he picks up coaching very well."
McCarthy also told reporters that the team is as deep at safety as it's been since he's been at the helm. The Packers are also waiting for (the seemingly always-injured) Will Blackmon and Derrick Martin to return from their injuries of last season and get back in the mix. Depth is good. Considering how little leverage Bigby has you have to wonder why he feels it's to his advantage to not sign his tender and/or holdout. Ah...right...agent Drew Rosenhaus. That might explain it.
You can read a bit more about all these bits and pieces here.
Safety Atari Bigby, however, has yet to sign and it is being reported that sources say he is prepared to have a training camp hold out to get a new contract. Perhaps sensing this situation with Bigby, the Packers moved up into the third round of the NFL Draft to select Morgan Burnett. With Bigby absent from the voluntary workouts, Burnett has been getting a lot of work in and has impressed the head coach. "I see Burnett as a very natural, instinctive football player," coach Mike McCarthy is quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as having stated recently. "Things come very easy for him. He's a good communicator. He's a very fluid player in space. His athletic ability and the instincts, he picks up coaching very well."
McCarthy also told reporters that the team is as deep at safety as it's been since he's been at the helm. The Packers are also waiting for (the seemingly always-injured) Will Blackmon and Derrick Martin to return from their injuries of last season and get back in the mix. Depth is good. Considering how little leverage Bigby has you have to wonder why he feels it's to his advantage to not sign his tender and/or holdout. Ah...right...agent Drew Rosenhaus. That might explain it.
You can read a bit more about all these bits and pieces here.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Packers to Pickett: tag -- you're it!
As alluded to here yesterday, and as finally done in fact, the Pack decided not to risk losing NT Ryan Pickett in free agency because they couldn't get a contract deal done. Instead, they placed the franchise tag on Pickett. That in effect keeps him off the free agent market. With the tag, the Packers can meet any other offer Pickett might receive and if they decide they don't want to match an offer they'll receive two first round draft picks as compensation.
The cost to the Packers for this tag, assuming that Pickett signs the tender, is just over $7 million for the season, more than double what Pickett received this last season. But clearly, the Packers value him and what he did to bolster the heart of the Packers' #1 run defense. GM Ted Thompson said in a statement: "Ryan has been a good teammate and productive player for us on the field and also a good representative of the Packers in the community. We look forward to having him be a part of our future."
You can read more about the Pickett tag here.
The Packers also signed S Derrick Martin to a two-year contract reportedly worth $1.9 million. While not so great in coverage this last year, Martin earned his stripes -- if not this contract renewal -- on special teams where he became one of the top performers.
The cost to the Packers for this tag, assuming that Pickett signs the tender, is just over $7 million for the season, more than double what Pickett received this last season. But clearly, the Packers value him and what he did to bolster the heart of the Packers' #1 run defense. GM Ted Thompson said in a statement: "Ryan has been a good teammate and productive player for us on the field and also a good representative of the Packers in the community. We look forward to having him be a part of our future."
You can read more about the Pickett tag here.
The Packers also signed S Derrick Martin to a two-year contract reportedly worth $1.9 million. While not so great in coverage this last year, Martin earned his stripes -- if not this contract renewal -- on special teams where he became one of the top performers.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rouse cut, Giordano picked up
The Packers' defensive backfield situation, from the preseason on, has been getting dicier and dicier, particularly at safety. Atari Bigby is out for probably a month with the knee injury he sustained in the game versus Da Bearz. Nick Collins sustained an unspecified chest injury in the loss to the Bengals, but did practice today. Aaron Rouse, the third-year player whom the Packers kept over Anthony Smith and who started Sunday's game in place of Bigby, was cut by the Packers today. According to the Packers official website, "His roster spot was filled by free-agent safety Matt Giordano, who spent his first four seasons in the NFL (2005-08) with Indianapolis before being released just prior to the start of the regular season." The Packers had earlier this month picked up safety Derrick Martin in a trade with the Baltimore after cutting Anthony Smith in the last roster cutdown.
A portion of Packers-related talk radio late today was reiterating the fact that Ted Thompson took a chance on Rouse when he drafted him and the team seems to have been disappointed with his ongoing lack of development and consistency. The team was intrigued with his size and potential. Didn't pan out. According to coach Mike McCarthy, "In our conversation with (Aaron) I just felt that his ability to be consistent and the growth part of it is one of the reasons that we made the change," McCarthy said. "But there are other factors involved based on availability, without getting into all of that. That's really the landscape of personnel in the National Football League, timing and things like that, special teams. That was all part of our decision."
It's unclear whether Collins will play Sunday. According to the Packers website, "If Collins can't play, Martin and Bush are expected to get their first starts with the Packers at safety with Giordano as the backup. If Collins can go, either Martin or Bush would start next to him with the other as the top backup, and McCarthy said Wednesday that the week of practice will help the coaches make that decision."
It's not time to panic. Yet. But certainly there are beginning to be real areas of concern about this team. Injuries can sap a team's depth and potential. But also betting on the wrong players for too long can have long-lasting effects. Not saying we're there. Just...well...ya know...
Favre opens mouth, inserts foot...again
A report at ProFootballTalk.com says that Ol' #4 today defended the problems he created for the Jets recently talking about his injury status by now saying the same situation applied with the Packers. "I can't tell you how many times I probably should have been on the injury report and was not," Favre said.
As several readers of that story said in their online comments, doesn't Brett know when to just be quiet? Guess not. Bottom line seems to be that the NFL is expressing no interest in checking out the Pack on this allegation. Maybe the league, like most Packer fans, already figures Brett has stuck it to the Packers enough already.
Anyway, if you care to get more on this story, check out the article for yourself here.
A portion of Packers-related talk radio late today was reiterating the fact that Ted Thompson took a chance on Rouse when he drafted him and the team seems to have been disappointed with his ongoing lack of development and consistency. The team was intrigued with his size and potential. Didn't pan out. According to coach Mike McCarthy, "In our conversation with (Aaron) I just felt that his ability to be consistent and the growth part of it is one of the reasons that we made the change," McCarthy said. "But there are other factors involved based on availability, without getting into all of that. That's really the landscape of personnel in the National Football League, timing and things like that, special teams. That was all part of our decision."
It's unclear whether Collins will play Sunday. According to the Packers website, "If Collins can't play, Martin and Bush are expected to get their first starts with the Packers at safety with Giordano as the backup. If Collins can go, either Martin or Bush would start next to him with the other as the top backup, and McCarthy said Wednesday that the week of practice will help the coaches make that decision."
It's not time to panic. Yet. But certainly there are beginning to be real areas of concern about this team. Injuries can sap a team's depth and potential. But also betting on the wrong players for too long can have long-lasting effects. Not saying we're there. Just...well...ya know...
Favre opens mouth, inserts foot...again
A report at ProFootballTalk.com says that Ol' #4 today defended the problems he created for the Jets recently talking about his injury status by now saying the same situation applied with the Packers. "I can't tell you how many times I probably should have been on the injury report and was not," Favre said.
As several readers of that story said in their online comments, doesn't Brett know when to just be quiet? Guess not. Bottom line seems to be that the NFL is expressing no interest in checking out the Pack on this allegation. Maybe the league, like most Packer fans, already figures Brett has stuck it to the Packers enough already.
Anyway, if you care to get more on this story, check out the article for yourself here.
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