First Call: Ex-Steeler looks to land with Jets; Bradenton preps for Paul Skenes’ debut; Browns and 49ers injury updates
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Tuesday’s “First Call” has news about a potential new home for a former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman. Bradenton is getting excited for the debut of Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. There’s injury news from Cleveland and San Francisco.
And the NFL mourns the loss of a former player who died far too young.
Keen on Skenes
The Bradenton Marauders are keyed up for Paul Skenes’ debut.
DON'T MISS OUT! Come watch Paul Skenes make his Single-A debut on Tuesday night at LECOM Park. Get your tickets NOW.
Get Tickets Now https://t.co/ULclLCZdJu #ItAllBeginsInBradenton pic.twitter.com/wFtYWaQB1r
— Bradenton Marauders (@The_Marauders) August 14, 2023
The Pirates’ 2023 first-round draft choice is scheduled to take the mound Tuesday night for his first appearance at the “full-season” minor league level. Last week, the former LSU Tiger threw one inning in the Florida Complex League. The big right-hander retired all three of the batters he faced, touching 101 miles per hour. The Minnesota Twins prospect and fifth overall pick, Walker Jenkins, was a strikeout victim on a 99 MPH fastball.
Paul Skenes strikes out Walker Jenkins with a 99 MPH fastball
He topped at 101 and retired all three batters he faced in his pro debut pic.twitter.com/5S9bs4AUJn
— Austin Oravec (@austinoravec) August 10, 2023
Skenes will face the Lakeland Flying Tigers from the Detroit organization.
New York bound?
Zach Banner is trying to find a way back into the NFL.
The former Steelers tackle had a tryout with the New York Jets on Monday. That’s according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston.
#Jets worked out Zach Banner, Quinton Bell, Jalyn Holmes, Ty Nsekhe
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 14, 2023
Banner was released by the Steelers in March 2022. Originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, Banner also had stops with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers before coming to Pittsburgh.
In May, Banner reiterated that he is not retired and was attempting to get his injured knee healthy.
More sports
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• Pitt left off Top 25 preseason poll, but no big deal … rankings have created talking points for 88 years
Sad NFL news
The NFL world is dealing with a tragic loss. Former Baltimore Raven and Seattle Seahawk Alex Collins died in a motorcycle accident Sunday night in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
Collins last played in the NFL in 2021. Most recently, he was with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL this spring. The NFL, USFL, Ravens and Seahawks all expressed condolences after news came out about Collins’ death.
The NFL family mourns the loss of Alex Collins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/rHqGL6bAmd
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2023
“Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly.”
Coach Harbaugh on Alex Collins. pic.twitter.com/X5u8va0VFA
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Absolutely heartbroken.
Prayers are with the Collins family. pic.twitter.com/ufOLkyT9f6
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 15, 2023
"Alex represented the best of our sport both on and off the field."
Daryl Johnston on Alex Collins. pic.twitter.com/oRYYxsQKKA
— USFL (@USFL) August 15, 2023
A running back out of Arkansas, Collins was drafted by Seattle, went to Baltimore for two years, then ended up back in Seattle for two more.
Collins was well known in Pittsburgh. His skills were frequently on display against the Steelers. In five games against the Steelers, Collins totaled 380 yards rushing, the most he accrued against any opponent.
Some of Collins’ teammates also expressed their sadness on social media.
Alex Collins was so special man. Amazing teammate and a guy everyone was down to kick it with. This man invited me and wifey out one time in Baltimore and I will never forget it. We show up to the spot and AC is no where to be found. We are looking around for him for 20 min and… pic.twitter.com/zNLjxk5vRh
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 15, 2023
To one of my favorite teammates.
You brought joy to every huddle.
Keep Dancin’ in Heaven.Love you AC. Forever missed. #RIP pic.twitter.com/X6dbhWzifH
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) August 15, 2023
AK, I’m heartbroken https://t.co/vPRo4kbRCU
— Rashaad Penny (@pennyhendrixx) August 15, 2023
Collins was 28.
Banged up Browns
The Cleveland Browns had a rough joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. Via ProFootballTalk, defensive end Myles Garrett, cornerback Denzel Ward and right tackle Jack Conklin all left drills at some point.
The Browns announced that Garrett has a foot injury. He didn’t seem too concerned.
I just asked Myles Garrett if he was okay. He smiled and said “silly stuff happens when you get old”
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 14, 2023
Garrett returned to the field (barefoot) Monday to sign autographs.
#Browns Myles Garrett came back and signed autographs for kids after leaving practice with a foot injury. He was smiling and looked fine pic.twitter.com/pTHVrj25u2
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 14, 2023
Meanwhile, Ward is said to have been ill, and Conklin was evaluated for a concussion. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is slated to speak to reporters Tuesday.
Cleveland lost linebacker Jacob Phillips to a torn pectoral muscle Saturday.
Niner news
As the Steelers prepare to play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 of the regular season, everyone continues to track quaterback Brock Purdy’s injury recovery.
The seventh-round pick turned rookie starter is now officially free of throwing restrictions. Via the team’s website, Purdy has been cleared to practice three straight days. Previously, Purdy had been on a limit of sorts throughout camp, not being allowed to throw more than two consecutive days.
Meanwhile, coach Kyle Shanahan named six players that are likely to return over the course of the next week. Those players are RB Elijah Mitchell, DL Drake Jackson, DL Kalia Davis, LB Dre Greenlaw, DL Robert Beal Jr., WR Danny Gray.
However, Shanahan said star tight end George Kittle is going to need at least another week after suffering an adductor injury.