NFL Preseason: Is it Worth a Players While?

In recent years the NFL has discussed various different changes for the preseason. Do we get rid of it all together? Shorten it? In 2008, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell attempted to change the preseason’s format from 4 to 2 games but add 2 additional regular season games. It ultimately was rejected and the NFL continues to stand with 4 preseason games. Year after year, we see many great players in this league lost for the season or a portion of the season due to a preseason game. Here’s a few important players to their team who were recently injured in a preseason game that will affect their regular season.

Jordy Nelson – WR Green Bay Packers

Jordy Nelson injured during a preseason game against the Steelers

Jordy Nelson injured during a preseason game against the Steelers

Nelson has been one of the best wide receivers in the league since bursting on the season in 2011. He has been Aaron Rodgers favorite target in recent years accumulating over 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns over the last 2 seasons. Nelson tore his ACL during the August 23rd preseason matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nelson will now miss the entire 2015 season.

Maurkice Pouncey – C Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey suffered a broken ankle in the same preseason game that Jordy Nelson was lost for the season and will require surgery. Pouncey may not be lost for the season. He was placed on the short term IR. Under league rules, Pouncey can not practice for six regular season weeks and can not appear in a game for eight weeks. Pouncey is a Pro Bowl center that has anchored the Steeler offensive line since joining the league in 2010.

Brandon Gibson – WR New England Patriots

After spending sometime with the Miami Dolphins, Gibson signed on with the Patriots and had been playing great football this preseason. That progress was derailed when he tore his ACL in a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. To replace Gibson, the Patriots have signed WR Reggie Wayne.

AFC East Loading Up

Since the NFL’s 2015 free agency begun, no division has been more active than the AFC East. Between the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins they’ve all been incredibly active trying to propel their team to the top of the division. Let’s take a look at all the moves that have taken place so far.

Will Selva - Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall was traded to the Jets for a 5th round draft pick

New York Jets:

CB Darrelle Revis
CB Antonio Cromartie
CB Buster Skrine
S Marcus Gilchrist
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (traded for)
RB Bilal Powell (resigned)
LB David Harris (resigned)
WR Brandon Marshall (traded for)
G James Carpenter
G Willie Colon (resigned)
DL Stephen Bowen
OL Corey Hilliard
DL Kevin Vickerson

New England Patriots:

DL Jabaal Sheard
LB Jonathan Freeny
WR Brandon Gibson
DL Alan Branch (resigned)
TE Scott Chandler
S Devin McCourty (resigned)
LB Chris White (resigned)

Buffalo Bills:

WR Percy Harvin
DE Jarius Wynn (resigned)
QB Tyrod Taylor
WR Marcus Easley (resigned)
FB Jerome Felton
LB Keith Rivers
QB Matt Cassel (traded for)
RB Lesean McCoy (traded for)
TE Charles Clay

Will Selva - Suh

Suh lands a mega deal with the Dolphins

Miami Dolphins:

WR Kenny Stills (traded for)
DT Ndamukong Suh
TE Jordan Cameron
CB Brice McCain