Rosters are churning. Teams cut down to 53 yesterday, but now comes the busy process of re-allocating some of those 1,100-plus released players with new teams. A rundown on the six most notable moves so far on Sunday.
Bills cut Jonathan Williams:
I thought it was odd when Williams played in the fourth preseason game, but I figured they were just getting him some much-needed experience. Not the case. Buffalo released the second-year back. Joe Banyard (at least for now) becomes the 2nd-string tailback in the Buffalo. They also kept Mike Tolbert, and he’s got some experience as a goal-line runner, with both the Chargers and Panthers.
Dolphins claim Cody Parkey:
Parkey’s season began last year with a nightmare debut. He missed 3 of 6 field goals, helping the Browns fritter away an overtime loss at Miami. Now he’s headed back to that city. The Dolphins claimed him on waivers, presumably to replace erratic Andrew Franks. Despite that poor game, Parkey is an NFL-caliber kicker. He hit 17 of his final 19 field goals last year. As a rookie with the Eagles, Parkey went 32 of 36 on field goals.
Bears claim Tre McBride:
McBride wouldn’t be a story on most rosters, but the Bears really need somebody who can start. McBride has been quietly working on his craft the last few years for the Titans, where he was buried behind other quality receiver. I saw him make a catch early in the Carolina game that certainly was of NFL quality. Kevin White will start. Kendall Wright will be their slot receiver, probably leading them in receptions. Won’t surprise me if McBride works his way into the starting lineup and then outperforms White.
Browns claim Kasen Williams:
Cleveland traded for Sammie Coates yesterday. I’m pretty sure now that Coates won’t be on the roster on opening day. Williams is better. Folks in Seattle here are livid that the Seahawks didn’t keep Williams. That includes Richard Sherman, who went on a Twitter rant calling out Pete Carroll. Williams isn’t quite fast enough, but he came up with a lot of contested catches downfield in the practice games. I saw him make an eye-opening grab on the sideline of the Minnesota game against Xavier Rhodes, who’s one of the best corners in the game. Later he caught a fade route for a touchdown in that game. Could become Cleveland’s third receiver.
Colts claim Matt Jones:
A year ago at this time, Jones was starting for Washington – and one of the first 15 running backs chosen in fantasy drafts. But he lost his job to Robert Kelley and completely fell out of favor – wasn’t even their backup at the end of last year and was never in the mix for a roster spot. Potentially could get his grove back with the Colts (but I doubt it).
Bears claim Taquan Mizzell:
I liked the way Mizzell played in the preseason for the Ravens. He led them in rushing and also caught 12 passes. I was thinking that at some point this year, 32-year-old Danny Woodhead would break down, and that they would then plug Mizzell into that role, making him a PPR-viable back. That’s off now. Mizzell should be lost in the shuffle as a deep reserve with the Bears.
—Ian Allan