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Pittsburgh Steelers TE Darnell Washington revealed he was hit with a $6,000 fine for an illegal crackback block during Week 3’s win versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Washington announced the fine while speaking with the media in the Steelers locker room this week. He said he intends to appeal the fine.
An illegal crackback block is when any player, most often an offensive player lined up more than two yards outside the offensive tackle, cuts into the middle of the field and initiates blindside contact with a defender. Crackback blocks are a 15-yard penalty during games. Washington’s illegal block went unpenalized during last Sunday’s game.
Steelers fans are familiar with illegal crackbacks, as former Steelers great Hines Ward was long considered a master of these blind-side blocks. Ward left many defenders bleary-eyed and woozy, smashing them with his shoulder and forearm.
After Ward broke the jaw of Cincinnati Bengals LB Keith Rivers in 2008, the NFL instituted what is known as the “Hines Ward Rule.” The rule made contact with the head or neck of the blind-sided player with the forearm, shoulder, or helmet illegal.
The Steelers organization voted against the rule.
In the years since, the NFL made more modifications to the rules regarding crackback blocks. In 2012, the NFL expanded the list of “defenseless players” to include defenders in crackback block scenarios. The NFL went further in 2017, prohibiting these blocks from offensive players in motion, even if they’re within two yards of the tackle when the ball is snapped.
During the 2024 offseason, the NFL considered penalizing any offensive player in a backfield position or in motion who initiates contact at or below the knee beyond the position where the ball was snapped. Though Washington’s illegal block didn’t receive a penalty during Week 3, the Steelers are tied for the eight-most penalties per game, averaging 7.3. His fine was the first of the season for the Steelers, who were among the most-fined teams in the NFL in 2023.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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Commanders' Terry McLaurin reportedly wants more money than previously thought
Previous reports indicated that unsettled Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was looking to land "parts" of the five-year, $150M contract that the Pittsburgh Steelers gave DK Metcalf earlier this year. For an article published on Wednesday morning, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic offered an update regarding why McLaurin and the Commanders haven't come to terms on an extension after the 29-year-old requested a trade on July 31. "One person with knowledge of McLaurin’s contract negotiations said the veteran receiver has asked for more than DK Metcalf," Jhabvala revealed. McLaurin is in the final year of his current deal and will turn 30 years old in September. To compare, Metcalf will turn 28 in December. That said, McLaurin emerged last season as the favorite target for quarterback Jayden Daniels as Daniels guided the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. "McLaurin believes he’s one of the best receivers in the NFL," Jhabvala added. "He’s been the Commanders' leading receiver every season since he entered the league (in 2019), and last year had the second-most receiving TDs in the league behind Ja’Marr Chase’s 17. He also ranked third in (expected points added) on targets and seventh in catch rate among receivers with at least 100 targets last year, but among that same group, McLaurin’s total receiving yards (1,096) ranked 12th and his average yards after the catch ranked 25th." Daniels seemed optimistic while speaking about the ongoing contract standoff during the ESPN broadcast of Monday's preseason game between the Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals when he said he knew McLaurin would "be coming through the door soon." However, Jhabvala noted that "it wouldn’t be a surprise if the [Commanders have] set a maximum range of $27M to $28M a year in average annual value for McLaurin." That seems to suggest the two sides aren't all that close to coming to terms on an agreement. It's unclear if McLaurin is willing to forfeit money by sitting out Washington's Week 1 game against the New York Giants on Sept. 7 amid his desire for a pay raise. If he isn't, he may have to soon accept the offer that's on the table to guarantee himself future earnings beyond the upcoming season.
Browns' Shedeur Sanders addresses controversial Dillon Gabriel comment
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel raised eyebrows when he spoke with well-known NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala during Cleveland's preseason game at the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 16 and said that "there’s entertainers and there’s competitors...and my job is to compete and that’s what I’m focused on doing." Gabriel later insisted his comments weren't some type of shot at teammate and fellow rookie signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Sanders revealed that he and Gabriel have addressed the matter behind the scenes. Sanders also teased that a reporter was "trying to start something" by asking if he believed that Gabriel wasn't referencing the former Colorado star this past weekend: For an article published on Thursday, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic wrote that it was "nonsensical" to think Kinkhabwala set Gabriel up "to take a swipe at a teammate" during what otherwise would've been a rather forgettable on-the-sideline conversation: Gabriel spoke with Kinkhabwala after the 24-year-old completed 13-of-18 pass attempts for 143 yards with a pick-six and a lost fumble against the Eagles. Sanders didn't play in that contest because of an oblique injury, but he will be third in the rotation for Cleveland's preseason finale versus the Los Angeles Rams this coming Saturday as long as he's deemed healthy. Week 1 QB1 Joe Flacco will start against the Rams and will take part in about "20 to 25 plays." Gabriel will then replace Flacco, followed by Sanders. Both Sanders and Gabriel will make their unofficial home debuts on the afternoon of Aug. 23. Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8. There continues to be no indication that the Browns will part ways with one of their four main active quarterbacks before Week 1, even though presumed backup Kenny Pickett won't participate in any preseason games because of the hamstring injury he suffered on July 26. That said, Pickett could potentially begin the campaign on injured reserve. Depending on Pickett's health, Saturday's contest at Cleveland's Huntington Bank Field could determine who serves as Flacco's primary backup for the Browns' regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.
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Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Will Howard, Beanie Bishop Out
The preseason is officially over, and the Pittsburgh Steelers now have decisions to make. It's been months of sifting through their roster, reorganizing players, adding to their group and making splash move after splash move. But they're finally at the last few days before roster cuts, and there are still some tough decisions to be made. With an abundance of names at cornerbacks, defensive tackle and even quarterback, this isn't going to be an easy 53-man roster for the Steelers. They've shown their hand for a few players and positions, though. When it's all said and done, here's how the Steelers' Week 1 squad will likely look like. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, Will Howard (IR) The Steelers have a tough decision to make at quarterback. Will Howard missed the entire preseason with a hand injury. It's unknown when he'll be ready but after the preseason performances of Skylar Thompson, it's hard to deny him a roster spot. Pittsburgh's best, and likely scenario at the position is to keep Thompson at the start of the season and have Howard start the year on Injured Reserve. He'll be eligable to return after four weeks, but if the team is comfortable with the group they have, they can keep the rookie on IR all season, keeping Thompson as their No. 3. Running Back Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson The Steelers running back has some serious concerns. They haven't looked good most of training camp or at all during the preseason. But they know the three they're going to bring into the regular season, and that hasn't changed since the release of Cordarrelle Patterson. Tight End Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward No one knows what the status of Jonnu Smith is right now, but the Steelers appear to be ready for him to be back in Week 1 and alongside Pat Freiermuth. He's been dealing with knee soreness since training camp. Darnell Washington has looked like a cheat code this summer, and Connor Heyward has the stamp of approval from Aaron Rodgers for "doing everything right." The group has been set in place since the trade for Smith, and they'll be a key piece of the offense right from the jump. Wide Receiver DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Other Scotty Miller has earned himself a roster spot. He's been the most reliable wide receiver in Pittsburgh, outside of DK Metcalf, since the start of training camp. He carried that into the preseason, and confirmed his spot with a 53-yard pass to end the first half against the Carolina Panthers. But the team still needs another addition, and they've shown their hand that they're thinking the same thing. They've called the Washington Commanders asking about Terry McLaurin, and brought in Gabe Davis for two visits. Both players may still be available. With roster moves coming over the next few days, expect the Steelers to be active in the wide receiver market, and while it's unknown who shows up, it's likely someone does. Offensive Line (Interior) Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Isaac Seumalo, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum There aren't many surprises with the Steelers interior offensive line. The team knew Spencer Anderson and Ryan McCollum were their backups coming into the year, and they remained those guys throughout the summer. Now, it's about how healthy Isaac Seumalo is, who missed a lot of time during training camp with an unknown injury. But there doesn't seem to be much panic from Pittsburgh about it. Offensive Tackle Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dylan Cook Dylan Cook versus Calvin Anderson would've been a lot more fun to watch if they were both healthy, but Anderson got hurt just before Friday Night Lights and hasn't returned. The team could still make him part of their 53-man team, keeping two swing tackles. Chances are, though, Cook has earned his place, and Spencer Anderson's position flexibility allows the team to just keep one. Defensive Tackle Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee Derrick Harmon's injury is going to play a significant in how the Steelers' defensive tackle room looks this season. While they may not go out and add another full-time starter, they would certainly add to their room. Loudermilk would be in line to start without a bigger name joining the group, but Yahya Black has made a name for himself quickly this summer and could get an opportunity to compete for the job as well, if Harmon is set to miss time. Outside Linebacker T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer No surprises here, the Steelers are keeping four outside linebackers and they've been known all summer. DeMarvin Leal could end up being traded before final roster cuts. If not, he's a candidate for the practice squad, but isn't going to crack the 53-man roster. Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig will be the backups this season. Inside Linebacker Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson The Steelers' inside linebacker competition came down to the final preseason game. Mark Robinson and Carson Bruener were competing for the final spot on the roster, and while Bruener had the upper-hand coming into the summer, the rookie couldn't keep it. Robinson was clearly the better option during training camp, and even if his two snaps at fullback didn't turn into anything more, he's capable on special teams and that's going to keep him around. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, James Pierre, Cory Trice The Steelers have some tough decisions to make at cornerback, but things are pretty clear at the end of the preseason. Brandin Echols has become the backup nickelback and outside cornerback. James Pierre has made play-after-play throughout the summer and preseason, earning his place on the team. Cory Trice is injured, but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin made it known how high the team is on him. "We obviously really like Cory, and where he was trending both years, but they got basically cut short. Obviously, the knee and then the hamstring last year cut him for two and a half months, or whatever it was. We like Corey, you like his development, you just don't see him enough. So, I'm hopeful he gets back soon so we get an opportunity tosee him do something," Austin said. "He is an NFL corner, that guy can play in this league. I don't think there's any doubt of that. It's just a matter of him being available." The odd man out is Beanie Bishop. The breakout star a year ago took a backseat to Echols in the preseason and there just isn't room to keep both him and Trice. Unfortunately, even with Trice's injury, the Steelers are higher on him than Bishop. Unless something drastic happens in the final days of practice, Bishop isn't on the final roster. Safety DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew The Steelers' first three safeties will be DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, and Chuck Clark. Miles Killebrew remains a special teams ace and likely captain. Sebastion Castro gave himself a fighting chance coming into the preseason, but didn't have much of a splash in the three exhibition matchups. He's a prime practice squad candidate. Special Teams Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Jake McQuaide (LS) The Steelers are going to lose Christian Kuntz for several weeks after a sternum injury. In the meantime, McQuaide will take over. The 37-year-old has plenty of NFL experience and is the replacement for Pittsburgh until Kuntz is healthy. As for the punter battle, Johnston won it. It was close. Very close. And Corliss Waitman did everything he could to keep himself in line to make the team right up until the final preseason game. But one 40-yard punt probably put him on the outside looking in.
2 Ravens who could be trade chips as roster cuts approach
The NFL is nearing roster cutdown day, which will see many talented players hit the waiver wire. It also presents a key opportunity to make trades in the coming days, capitalizing on value from players who would have likely been cut. The Baltimore Ravens are one team expected to have a talented group of players get cut following their Week 3 game against the Washington Commanders. General Manager Eric DeCosta could have his hands full with trade offers. While the team hopes to keep many young players on the practice squad, that will ultimately not be the result for everyone. In those cases, the Ravens could opt to make one or two trades. Here are two players who could meet an end in Baltimore via trade. 2 Ravens trade candidates ahead of roster cutdown day Chandler Martin When it comes to linebackers this preseason, undrafted rookie Jay Higgins has taken up all the spotlight. He is making play after play, forcing turnovers, and showcasing elite instincts in the middle of the field. Trenton Simpson and Teddye Buchanan have also been focal points, as the Ravens are looking for a quality starting linebacker next to Roquan Smith. That has left Chandler Martin’s play unrecognized. Through two preseason games, Martin has been a top player on Baltimore’s defense. He kicked it off on the right foot, posting an 86.7 overall grade against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, per Pro Football Focus. In Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, he earned a strong 77.7 grade. Both performances were in the top five on defense. Unfortunately, there is no room for Martin. He is a player the Ravens would love to have on the practice squad, but he is likely sixth in line on the depth chart. With so much depth, he could be a trade candidate. The encouraging performances from the undrafted rookie out of Memphis could build a competitive market. Beau Brade Someone in the safety room is on their way out. There are three players vying for two spots, with all likely being too valuable to pass through waivers and be scooped back up on the practice squad. Between Reuben Lowery, Sanoussi Kane, and Beau Brade, Brade could be the most likely trade piece. Kane and Brade have produced nearly identically throughout camp and the preseason. The two have been impressing the coaching staff, but Kane seems to have a slight edge. He has gotten the starts over Brade in both preseason games, getting more snaps, as well. That could mean Brade is the odd man out, potentially putting him on the trade block. Brade offers the ability as a deep safety and can also play down in the box. While the NFL is finding increasingly more value in two-high safety looks, the running game is taking over, which could shift the focus to a versatile player like Brade. The Ravens could luck out and bring Martin and Brade back on the practice squad, but it is not guaranteed. If they fear they could lose players like those two for nothing, the front office could listen to trade offers. More Balti
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