Injuries and surprising preseason performances can alter an NFL team’s best-laid plans. Here’s a look at some developments of the preseason that could have ramifications on the 2015 season -- and beyond.
Increasing Matt Forte's workload
Kevin White’s possible season-ending shin injury could make the Bears a more run-oriented team. The 2015 first-round pick was expected to help fill the void created by five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall’s trade to the Jets.
An increased emphasis on the running game could be a double-edged sword for Matt Forte. As an older running back in a contract year, an extremely productive high-mileage year will be used against him after the season. Forte, who turns 30 in December, already has an NFL leading 1,023 touches (combined carries and receptions) over the last three seasons (2012-2014). He should surpass the 2,000 career carries mark this season. A mediocre year or wearing down late in the season could be regarded as evidence that he is declining.
Forte signed a four-year, $30.4 million contract (worth up to $31.4 million with salary escalators) in 2012 as Chicago’s franchise player. Given Forte’s age and mileage, he should expect to take a pay cut on his next deal.
The return of Tebowmania
Round 1 went to third-year quarterback Matt Barkley as he tries to thwart Tim Tebow’s comeback attempt. Barkley was the Eagles’ most productive quarterback against the Colts. Tebow’s throwing mechanics are improved but he still isn’t comfortable in the pocket. It would be interesting to see whether Seahawks coach Pete Carroll would throw Barkley an NFL lifeline if Eagles boss Chip Kelly finds Tebow’s potential on gadget plays and two-point conversions too alluring. Carroll started Barkley in 2009 when he was a true freshman at USC.
Brock Osweiler's audition
Brock Osweiler’s preseason is essentially an audition for his next contract. The 2012 second-round pick will be an unrestricted free agent in 2016 without much of a track record if Peyton Manning stays healthy. Osweiler has attempted 30 passes during regular season games in his three NFL seasons.
The Broncos scored points on all of Osweiler’s five drives against the Seahawks. Osweiler completed 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. More performances like this one should help convince the Broncos that he could be the team’s quarterback of the future. Or another team could be sold that Osweiler is a potential starting quarterback if Manning returns for the final year of his contract in 2016.
Phil Loadholt's future
The Vikings’ offensive line suffered a major loss when Phil Loadholt tore his left Achilles in the opening series against the Buccaneers. T.J. Clemmings, this year’s fourth-round pick, is getting the first shot at replacing him. Clemmings' emergence could put Loadholt’s future with the Vikings in jeopardy. Loadholt is scheduled to make $6 million on a $7.75 million salary cap number in 2016, which is the final year of his four-year, $25 million contract. An early decision will probably be made on Loadholt, who turns 30 in January, because of his $500,000 third day of the 2016 league year roster bonus that’s payable on March 17.
Replacing Arian Foster
The Texans tried to sign Pierre Thomas because Arian Foster is expected to miss the early part of the regular season with a groin injury. Thomas rejected a one-year deal for his $870,000 league minimum salary. Houston’s running game appeared to be in capable hands with Alfred Blue, Chris Polk and Kenny Hilliard during the preseason opener against the 49ers. Whether another run is made at Thomas will depend on Houston’s comfort level with Foster’s replacements. Houston will likely feel their initial offer was sufficient after three-time Pro Bowler Chris Johnson signed with the Cardinals for $870,000 (worth a maximum of $2 million with 1,300 rushing yards and a Pro Bowl selection).
Who is the Dallas Cowboys' running back?
Darren McFadden’s hamstring injury has put him behind Joseph Randle in the search for DeMarco Murray’s replacement. He finally came off of the physical unable to perform list over the weekend. A setback to the injury-plagued McFadden could prompt Dallas to sign one of the available veteran running backs, which include Ahmad Bradshaw, Shonn Greene, Steven Jackson, Ray Rice, Ben Tate and Pierre Thomas.
EJ Manuel's swan song
The three-way battle for the Bills’ starting quarterback job was expected to quickly become a two-man competition. The surprise is EJ Manuel seems to be the odd man out instead of Tyrod Taylor. It may make sense for Buffalo to explore unloading Manuel to a quarterback-deficient team. The Bills would be lucky to get more than a late-round pick in the 2016 draft for him. The 2013 first-round pick may not be assured of a roster spot without improved play despite his fully guaranteed $1,616,632 2016 base salary accelerating onto the 2015 salary cap upon release.
Upgrading the Dolphins' offensive line
Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner exceeded expectations at offensive guard against the Bears. The guards need more good showings to keep Miami from increasing their offer to Evan Mathis, which is believed to be in the neighborhood of the one-year, $2 million deals Samson Satele and Daryn Colledge had with the team last year. The 33-year-old is looking for a deal comparable to the $5.5 million he was scheduled to make this year before the Eagles released him in June.
Jarryd Hayne’s transition from rugby
San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Tomsula attempted to temper fan enthusiasm over Jarryd Hayne’s first game in his transition from rugby. Hayne had a 53-yard run and a 33-yard kickoff return in his NFL debut against the Texans. He must continue to make his mark on special teams because the 49ers have a crowded backfield. Keeping Hayne, Kendall Hunter and Mike Davis, a fourth-round pick this year, seems unlikely. Although Hayne is practice-squad eligible, exposing him to waivers could be a risky proposition because some other team might find him intriguing.
Kirk Cousins’ redemption
Kirk Cousins was relegated to third string, behind Colt McCoy, after a few lackluster outings in place of an injured Robert Griffin III last season. He took a step in the right direction by completing 12 of 14 passes for 154 yards versus the Browns. It’s vital for Cousins to be the backup. He is in a contract year and Griffin isn’t firmly entrenched as the starter. Early season struggles by Griffin would give Cousins an opportunity to showcase himself.
Joel Corry is a former sports agent who helped found Premier Sports & Entertainment, a sports management firm that represents professional athletes and coaches. Before his tenure at Premier, Joel worked for Management Plus Enterprises, which represented Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Ronnie Lott.
