Just one game into the Week 11 schedule and already there’s season-altering news in the NFL this week. Let’s catch up on that and everything else that has happened this week.
Big Brawl
If you went to bed before the last few plays of Thursday’s Browns-Steelers game, you missed one of the ugliest moments in NFL history. Myles Garrett was one of three players who was ejected after taking Mason Rudolph to the ground long after he threw the ball, ripping his helmet off, and then hitting him in the head with it.
A pair of Steelers got Garrett on the ground, hitting and kicking him, including Maurkice Pouncey, who was also ejected. That led to the benches on both sides clearing until things got under control. The game between the two rivals was chippy, but there’s no excuse for what took place.
It didn’t take long for the NFL to respond with suspensions, with Garrett being suspended indefinitely, Pouncey for three games and Cleveland defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi one game for pushing Rudolph to the ground during the fracas.
One Team’s Trash
After getting benched last week against the Cardinals, Vernon Hargreaves found himself unemployed on Tuesday after the Buccaneers decided to release the former first-round pick. Tampa Bay had already picked up his option for the 2020 season, although that money is only guaranteed in case of injury.
Given his poor performance this season, the Bucs decided to move on from him. However, he wasn’t unemployed for long. A day later, the Texans claimed Hargreaves off waivers, as Houston looks for answers in a banged-up secondary.
Sticking With Him
The calls from Jets fans for head coach Adam Gase to be fired have been heard loud and clear. However, team CEO Christopher Johnson isn’t going along with what the fanbase is saying. Johnson gave Gase a vote of confidence this week, saying “there will be no changes in coaches.” He then confirmed that his statement included the end of the season, meaning Gase will be back with the Jets in 2020.
Double Trouble
Wide receiver Antonio Callaway is facing plenty of trouble, as he was waived by the Browns on Thursday as he faces a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Callaway showed up late for Sunday’s game, and so the Browns made him a healthy scratch.
To add insult to injury, Rashard Higgins, who replaced Callaway, caught the game-winning touchdown.
More Bad News
As if Kansas City’s defense didn’t have enough problems, the Chiefs have now lost defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah for the rest of the season because of a torn pectoral. Ogbah is currently the team’s leader in sacks.
Kap is Back
Colin Kaepernick is trying perhaps one last effort to get back in the league by holding a private workout for NFL teams on Saturday in Atlanta. Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, but he’s been working out and still believes that he can play in the league.
The NFL has confirmed that at least 11 teams will have representatives in attendance, while reports indicate at least two other teams will also have a presence. Video of the workout will also be sent to all 32 teams.
Whether this will help Kaepernick land a job in the NFL remains to be seen, but he is at least getting a chance to show that he can still play.
