Calling all HGL fans! This weekly column is your one stop shop to get in the know about everything going on around the league. From injury updates to news off the field, your football knowledge will surely grow week after week. Don’t believe me? Put your knowledge to the test with friends and that certain someone. You’ll surely be able to hold your own and then some in the conversation.
1. Greg Jennings to Undergo Surgery
Courtesy: nflpassers.com
After being sidelined for the majority of the season, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings told reporters that he will have surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle. The procedure is a 20 to 25 minute outpatient surgery. Jennings did not put a timetable on his return, but did say the surgery is not season-ending.
“Honestly, I’m over being bummed about it. That took place three, four weeks ago,” Jennings said Thursday. “It is what it is. I need to take care of it to 100 percent, and that’s the process I’m taking.”
A league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that doctors expect Jennings to miss another 3 weeks after the procedure. The Packers and Jennings are hopeful for a return this season, but given the depth at wide receiver, this year may be Jennings’ last as a Packer. Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and James Jones have all stepped up to fill the void Jennings left. He will enter free agency next year and before he got injured, there had not been any contract talks to bring him back. Right now, the only thing on the two-time Pro Bowler’s mind is getting healthy.
“Free agency will take care of itself,” Jennings said. “Hopefully, I’ve put on film certain plays that I’m able to make and showcase my talents. … Right now, I have to take care of myself and do what’s best for me.”
2. NFLPA Not Happy with Tagliabue
Courtesy: nola.com
The NFL Players Association and New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma issued a statement stating they will make a motion asking that former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue recuse himself from hearing the appeals of four players facing suspensions in bounty-gate. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recused himself from the hearings and elected Tagliabue to take his place. The motion also asks the U.S. District Court to appoint a neutral arbitrator for all the future appeal hearings. The appeals are set to start next Tuesday.
Vilma’s legal team has drawn up impressive reasons aiding their position that Tagliabue will not be an unbiased arbitrator. For instance, Tagliabue is a practicing lawyer at Covington & Burling which represents the NFL. Tagliabue is also still a paid NFL employee.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, said that there is no question that, “Commissioner Tagliabue is fully qualified to hear the appeals.” He added, “We have advised the union that we believe there is no basis on which Tagliabue should recuse himself. The NFL has until 5 p.m Friday to respond to the NFLPA on their decision.
3. NFL’s Worst Throwbacks
Let’s face it. No matter how smart the people are in the front office, their fashion sense has not always been on point. Take a look at some of the leagues most ugliest jerseys throughout the years. These fashion offenses will have you running to the fashion police.
Pittsburgh Steelers Courtesy: draftcountdown.com
4. Tim Tebow Voted Most Overrated Player
Courtesy: broncotalk.net
It doesn’t matter what New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow does or doesn’t do, everyone has an opinion about him. A poll conducted by Sports Illustrated released earlier this week resulted in Tim Tebow being voted the most overrated player in the league. The data was collected from 180 current players in the NFL. Tebow won by a landslide, gaining 34% of the votes. Funny enough, Jets starting qb Mark Sanchez tied with Dallas Cowboys qb Tony Romo for second place, both earning 8% of the votes.
Before the season started, Tebow was found on a very different list. NFL Network released its top 100 player poll. Tebow was ranked number 95. So far Tebow has not had the same success in New York as he did in Denver. He is still the backup quarterback (for now) and has played a more significant role on special teams. With Tebow in, the Jets are 3-for-3 on fake punts. A change in New York could happen very soon, placing the ball in Tebow’s hands. We’ll just have to wait and see if they NFL players got it right, or if there is some talent to go with Tebow’s luck.
5. Injury Tracker
Click here to find out about players on your favorite team or check the list before hitting save on your fantasy lineup. Data provided by rotowire.com.
RB Demarco Murray Courtesy: dallasnews.com
