NFL news and notes: Dolphins make coaching moves; Ezekiel Elliott still a no-show

Kirstie Chiappelli
and others
• 4 min read
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Teams around the NFL are settling into training camp this week, with a number of squads pulling out the pads for the first time during Monday's workouts.

But not everyone was present, as some players remained absent amid contract holdouts, while an AFC East team opted not to have one coach come back to work.

Three things that matter

Dolphins shake things up with coaching changes

In a surprise move, the Dolphins fired offensive line coach Pat Flaherty and promoted analyst Dave DeGuglielmo to offensive line coach. NFL Media reported Flaherty "struggled to implement the new system" and has since spring, which led the Dolphins to determine they didn't want to wait any longer before making the change.

DeGuglielmo previously served as a line coach in Miami in 2017 and spent last season with the Colts before rejoining the Dolphins as an analyst this year.

Ravens secure backup for their backup

With Robert Griffin III sidelined with a broken thumb, the Ravens plan to sign Joe Callahan once he passes his physical to fill the void. According to NFL Media, Callahan will reunite with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who coached him in high school.

Griffin is expected to be out four to eight weeks but will eventually resume his role behind second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson, who took over the starting position from Joe Flaccos last season before the veteran was dealt to Denver in March.

Le'Veon Bell is sorry for screwing up your fantasy team

But don't worry, the Jets running back promised to make up for lost time after he ended up sitting out all last season.

And judging by his performance at practice Monday, Bell should have no trouble keeping his word. He swiftly ran routes without missing a beat.

Two things that don't matter

Ezekiel Elliott headed to Mexico for training

The Cowboys running back will reportedly be training in Cabo San Lucas as he continues to hold out from preseason activities. He has two years and $12.9 million left on his rookie contract but remains intent on securing a new deal sooner rather than later.

"We feel optimistic that things usually work themselves out," Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said Monday. "We've been doing this for 30 years, so we're not surprised. It's a business."

Cameron Meredith released by Saints

New Orleans coach Sean Payton confirmed the fifth-year receiver was cut Monday after one season with the team, citing a numbers issue at the position as the reason. Meredith was on the comeback campaign after tearing his ACL and other ligaments during the 2017 preseason, though he still appeared in six games for the Saints last season after signing a two-year deal in April 2018. Despite the setback, he should have no trouble finding a new team before the start of the regular season.

"The injury he had set him back, and then some of these younger guys now have just been doing a good enough job. And it's hard with the numbers," Payton told reporters. "It's unfortunate because he's someone that has worked hard, he's worked his tail off. And yet it was gonna be hard for him to catch this group of younger guys that are competing."

One video you have to see

There apparently was no love lost for Tyreek Hill during his controversial absence, as the wide receiver returned to the football field Saturday to a roar of cheers from the Kansas City crowd. He even danced across the field to show how excited he was to be welcomed back with such enthusiasm.

Monday tweet of the day

The Saints had some extra star power at their training facility Monday as Pelicans rookie and first-overall draft pick Zion Williamson stopped by to compete in the team's daily quarterback challenge.

But first, Williamson warmed up by playing catch with Drew Brees.

 

Author(s)
Kirstie Chiappelli