Free agent running back picks NFL team after being pursued by Broncos
The Denver Broncos attempted to shore up their backfield depth over the weekend.
The Broncos were "in strong" on free agent running back Dameon Pierce after he was cut by the Houston Texans, according to a report from KUSA-TV's Mike Klis. The 25-year-old running back was officially cut last Thursday and he cleared waivers on Friday, making him a free agent.
Denver attempted to sign Pierce, but the former fourth-round draft pick out of Florida opted to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs instead, initially on the practice squad. KC leaned on Kareem Hunt in Week 12 as Isiah Pacheco is dealing with an MCL injury.
Pierce (5-10, 215 pounds) totaled 1,104 yards from scrimmage and scored five touchdowns in his rookie season in 2022, but his production has slipped each season since then, due in part to injuries.
Houston moves forward with Woody Marks and Nick Chubb leading the backfield. The Broncos, meanwhile, are entering Week 13 with RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie as their top three running backs after previously placing J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve with a foot injury.
Browns’ Myles Garrett Makes Feelings Clear on Shedeur Sanders Remaining Starter
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Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett was impressed by Shedeur Sanders.
The Cleveland Browns have not officially named Shedeur Sanders the starter after he led the team to a 24-10 victory in Week 12. But the rookie passer has the support of superstar defender Myles Garrett after his strong starting debut.
Sanders finished with 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception against the Raiders, but his highlight came early. In the first quarter, he rolled out to escape pressure and uncorked a 52-yard strike to Isaiah Bond down the sideline. The play drew a stunned reaction from Myles Garrett, whose look of disbelief was caught on the broadcast.
“I was just like ‘wow,'” Garrett said of the play. “There’s not many guys in the league that can make that throw. That was a hell of a throw. I hope he can continue to grow and develop from making plays like that and take it from there.”
“There’s not many guys in the league that can make that throw. That was a hell of a throw. I hope he can continue to grow and develop from making plays like that and take it from there.” #Browns DE Myles Garrett on Shedeur Sanders’ 52-yard completion to Isaiah Bond
Browns Avoid Naming Shedeur Sanders Starting QB
The Browns have said that Dillon Gabriel will regain the starting job once he’s cleared from concussion protocol. He exited at halftime of the team’s Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens and wasn’t cleared to play this week. However, Gabriel didn’t provide the spark the offense needed before the injury. Cleveland went just 1-5 in his starts, and he struggled to deliver the kind of dynamic plays that could jump-start the unit.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski declined to address who would be the starter moving forward after Sunday’s win.
“I’m not going to get into that,” Stefanski said. “Obviously proud of him and proud of this offense. But I’m just going to worry about today,” Stefanski said. “I’m always going to take my time and do what’s best for the football team.”
Sanders’ first start was far from flawless, but the offense clearly had a different pulse with the former Colorado star running the show. And he’s certainly not speaking like a quarterback preparing to hand the job back next week.
“The fact that I got an opportunity and I was able to show the organization, show everybody who I really am, then now it’s truly exciting,” Sanders said. “I was off balance for a little bit, but I’m thankful to be back where I am.”
Browns DE Myles Garrett Makes History Against Raiders
Lost in the Shedeur-mania was the Garrett continuing his tear as he eyes the NFL single-season sack record. Garrett racked up three more sacks against the Raiders, bringing his total this season to 18. The single-season NFL sack record is jointly held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, who both recorded 22.5 sacks in their respective seasons in 2001 and 2021.
Garrett has racked up 14 sacks over the Browns’ last five games — the most by any player in NFL history during that span. His takedowns of the Raiders also pushed him past his own single-season franchise record of 16 sacks.
“That’s a hell of a month, hell of a last four games. I don’t even think about it. I’m just thinking about the next one,” Garrett said. “I can’t tell you how much I’m really proud of this team, how we responded.”
The Browns will look to string together wins for the first time this season next week as they host the San Francisco 49ers.
