8.16.22: Watson, Rams, Chiefs, Waller, Pierce, Mariota

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Watson

Deshaun Watson camp does not expect a favorable appeal ruling

Details:?Albert Breer thinks the Watson camp may have come to the?realization?that arbitrator Peter C. Harvey isn’t going to rule in their favor and that the focus is now on avoiding a yearlong suspension.

• Which explains why Watson’s camp?leaked?last week that he is willing to accept an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine.

Interesting:?Breer revealed that in July, the NFL offered to settle at a 12 game suspension with a $10 million fine and a mandatory treatment program. He did not reveal whether or not the NFL is still offering such a deal.

Timing:?Breer thinks that Harvey is delaying a ruling to give both sides an opportunity to settle. It’s clear — based on Breer’s insight, the?negative?crowd reaction Watson got over the weekend, and Roger Goodell’s recent comments — that the league has all the leverage.

Jimmy:?If Watson is banned for a year, or even the majority of the season, Breer expects the Browns to consider adding a quarterback — one those options would obviously be Jimmy Garoppolo.

Image: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

Rams

Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson are both dealing with soft-tissue injuries

Details:?The Rams do not have a timeline for either player’s return. Though Jourdan Rodrigue (The Athletic) thinks both should be?ready?for the season opener in a few weeks.

• Sean McVay told reporters that he doesn’t want either to practice until they’re at full speed.

Injury Prone:?Akers missed nearly all of last season with an Achilles tear, while Henderson has a lengthy injury history himself.

Kyren:?Rookie Kyren Williams will see an increase in reps for the time being. The fifth-rounder made his training debut last week.

• Williams totaled 1,361 scrimmage yards (1,002 rushing, 359 receiving) and scored 17 touchdowns for Notre Dame last year.

Funk:?2021 seventh-rounder Jake Funk will also get more looks. Funk, who missed most of his rookie year with a hamstring injury, totaled 16 yards on 6 carries in the Rams’ preseason opener against the Chargers.

Damien:?While there are no reports indicating that the Rams are looking to trade for a running back — it’s worth noting that Damien Harris may be?available.

Image: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire

Chiefs

Peter King thinks the Chiefs’ passing game will be rejuvenated without Tyreek Hill

Details:?King made the statement after?observing?a Chiefs’ training camp practice. He came away with the impression that the new receiver group will present serious issues for opposing defensive coordinators.

Speed:?King thinks Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mecole Hardman — two of the fastest receivers in the NFL — can help replace the vertical element of Hill’s game. There’s internal optimism that Hardman, a 2019 second-rounder, has taken a step forward.

Underneath:?The underneath element will be replaced by JuJu Smith-Schuster, who in the single practice King watched, was used in the slot, split wide left, split wide right, and even in jet-motion.

Sure-Handed:?King also sees a role for “sure-handed” Justin Watson, who has been an offseason breakout.

• Watson caught 5 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs preseason game over the weekend.

Skyy:?Second-round pick Skyy Moore will be used “everywhere including the backfield.” The dynamic rookie caught 95 passes for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns at Western Michigan last season.

Image: Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire

Waller

Darren Waller (hamstring) could return to practice this week; expects to see an increase in red zone targets

Details:?Waller, who hasn't practiced since July 30, told ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez that he could?return?to practice this week.

• While some speculate that Waller’s absence is contract-related, Adam Schefter reported last Friday that the Pro Bowl tight end is dealing with a?hamstring?injury.

Red Zone:?Yesterday, Waller (appearing on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast) said new HC Josh McDaniels plans to?feature?him heavily in the red zone. This isn’t surprising, as McDaniels has a history of favoring tight ends in goal-line situations — think of Rob Gronkowski and even Hunter Henry (9 touchdowns) last season.

• Waller, who only scored 2 touchdowns in 2021, ranked ninth among tight ends in red zone targets — behind lesser-known players like Pat Freiermuth, Tyler Higbee, and Cam Brate.

Image: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire

Pierce

Lovie Smith: Dameon Pierce has 'definitely caught my eye'

Details:?Smith made the?statement?after the Texans’ preseason victory over the Saints.

• Pierce, a fourth-round rookie out of Florida, totaled 49 yards on just 5 carries (9.8 ypc).

Depth Chart:?Pierce worked behind Marlon Mack and Dare Ogunbowale, though many analysts expect the rookie to claim the starting job sooner rather than later. In addition to his rushing talent, he is strong in pass protection.

Miller:?After the game, ESPN draft expert Matt Miller?tweeted?that Pierce is a “legit RB1 caliber back.”

• The 5-foot-10, 218-pounder?earned?an elite 93.5 PFF rushing grade and broke 39 tackles on 100 attempts last season.

Image: 229irep_ on Instagram

Mariota

Marcus Mariota earned a 92.2 PFF grade vs. the Lions

Details:?Mariota only played one series — a twelve-play, 97-yard drive that he capped with a six-yard touchdown run.

• He completed 2-of-2 passes for 36 yards and rushed for 23 yards on 3 attempts.

Mobility:?It’s clear that HC Arthur Smith plans to make full use of Mariota’s signature athletic and rushing ability — something he was not able to do with Matt Ryan last season.

London:?Mariota’s first completion was a 24-yard pass to first-round rookie WR Drake London — who later left the game with a minor knee injury.

Ridder:?Third-round rookie QB Desmond Ridder entered after Mariota and earned a below-average?58.1?grade. Though he flashed significant upside and threw a clutch game-winning touchdown.

• Ridder completed 10-of-22 passes for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 59 yards on 6 attempts.

Image: motiv8foundation on Instagram

More News

• Patriots?CB Joejuan Williams (shoulder) is out for the season
• Broncos?RB Melvin Gordon (foot) returned to practice
• Buccaneers?signed DE Carl Nassib
• Eagles?traded WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside to the Seahawks for DB Ugo Amadi
• Ravens?activated CB Marcus Peters off the PUP list