Raiders Reunite With Former Promising UDFA, Cut Ties With Recent Signee
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Las Vegas Raiders OL McClendon Curtis.
The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off a key win over the Tennessee Titans, but they can’t get complacent right now with a big matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on deck. Though the team won, the offensive line struggled against the Titans.
Things won’t get any easier against the Chiefs. The Raiders aren’t going to find a quick fix on the offensive line, but they may have found a player who can eventually help. The team announced on Tuesday that they’ve signed offensive guard McClendon Curtis to the practice squad.
#RAIDERS ROSTER MOVES:
– Signed G McClendon Curtis to the practice squad
– Released P Brad Robbins from the practice squad
Curtis first came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent signing with the Raiders in 2023. He was considered one of the top undrafted free agent signings that year, but he narrowly missed making the roster after training camp. The team brought him back on the practice squad, but the Seattle Seahawks poached him.
He hasn’t been able to find a long-term home, but he’s still a young player with upside. Head coach Pete Carroll also knows Curtis, as he was the head coach of the Seahawks when they poached him from the Raiders in 2023.
The team’s offensive line interior could use some work, so perhaps Curtis could eventually make his way to the active roster. To make room for the offensive guard, the Raiders cut punter Brad Robbins, who was just recently signed amid concerns about AJ Cole’s health. This is a good sign that the All-Pro should be healthy going forward.
Carroll Addresses Offensive Line
The Raiders‘ offensive line is likely going to continue to struggle this season. Left tackle Kolton Miller could miss the rest of the year, and there hasn’t been a consistent player to emerge yet.
Carroll had a chance to discuss the group’s performance against the Titans.
“Stone’s [Forsythe] got a challenge,” Carroll told reporters on Monday. “He’s been a backup for a while. He started a handful of games, a dozen games or something like that, whatever it is. And so, he’s got to just keep going and keep battling. We got to keep helping him properly, and he really gives you everything he’s got preparation-wise, smarts-wise, technique-wise. He’s stepping and kicking the way you’re supposed to, and he’s got to survive.”
“It’s hard. And look, there was a portion in the game where the pass rush, really, all of a sudden, was a big deal, and then we put it to rest. In the second half, it wasn’t a factor much, but there was a spurt in there where they were really hot and we were struggling a little bit, and we didn’t give up a sack in the second half.”
Carroll Praises Jordan Meredith
One player who is still working out some kinks is center Jordan Meredith. This is his first season playing the position, but Carroll likes what he’s seen so far.
“He was really solid,” Caroll said. “He’s been solid throughout. There’s times he gets in situations with enormous guys, and sometimes he’s battling up against it. But most of that is we have to be right, to be really, really precise about the way we help each other and in our footwork and all that so we don’t create the little voids in there that can give guys penetration opportunities. But he’s doing really well. He’s a really solid player for us.”
Browns WR Announces Sudden Retirement Ahead of Week 7
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Browns receiver David Bell has announced his reitirement.
Cleveland Browns
wide receiver David Bell has announced his retirement in an extended statement on social media.
The Browns drafted Bell in the third round of the 2022 draft. The Purdue product was never able to get on track at the NFL level and has dealt with multiple injuries. He had season-ending hip surgery in 2024 and was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list at the start of this year.
Bell made his retirement official with a social media post on Tuesday.
“Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury that was beyond my control, which put my football future in jeopardy. After consulting with medical experts and praying, I accept that continuing to play football would literally risk life and limb. Although it is the last thing I would otherwise want to do, with a heavy heart I am announcing my retirement,” Bell wrote. “Football gave me memories I’ll cherish forever and taught me how through focus, selflessness, and determination, the whole can be greater than the collection of individuals. Thanks to God for guiding me every step of the way and for the strength to chase this dream.
Thank You Cleveland 🤞🏾🤎
“Thank you to the Browns—the Haslams, Andrew Berry, Chris Cooper, my coaches and the team docs/medical staff for providing me with great care.”
There have been no details available on the injury Bell has been dealing with. But he did thank his lawyer, Brad Sohn, in the post, “for making sure this never happens to anyone else again.”
Browns Wide Receivers Struggling Amid 1-5 Start
Bell finished his career with 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 32 career games. Prior to the injury, he was looking to earn a larger role for the Browns in what is a very thin receiver room.
That lack of depth has shown up this season. Cleveland has the worst scoring offense in the league, averaging less than 14 points per game during their 1-5 start. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. leads the Browns with 28 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown. Jerry Jeudy has been the team’s top wide receiver with 240 yards on just 20 receptions.
“For us the focus is on being better as an offense, and that goes into a bunch of different areas,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I know I can be better for this football team. I know I can certainly be better for this offense. But our focus is on making sure that we all do our part in getting this thing going.”
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy Doomed by Drops
With the lack of depth at receiver, a lot of pressure was placed on Jeudy to produce. He hasn’t been able to replicate his Pro Bowl season from a year ago and has been plagued by drops. He leads the NFL with eight drops.
“I think it’s just a bunch of guys just want to make plays before they catch the ball,” Jeudy said. “You know, we haven’t been scoring enough points, so I feel like guys just are itching to catch the ball and make a play. But you just gotta catch the ball first and make the play after that, you know. So I just think it’s a bunch of guys just ready to make a play for this team to help put up points.”
Jeudy and the Browns’ offense will look to get on track this week against the 1-5 Miami Dolphins.
