Around The NFL: Saints Healing, Ravens Don't Want Reed, Sam Hurd Sentenced
By Danny Cox
So many people think that making it to the NFL means you've got it made for the rest of your life. You get to play football for a living. Your paychecks are bigger than you ever could have imagined. The fame will get you treated well for as long as you're around. But that's not always the case.
In an instant, your NFL career could be taken away by an injury or a mistake or just having a down season. But then again, you could come bouncing back and make the most of every opportunity you've been given.
The New Orleans Saints are healing up and looking even better
It's hard to imagine that the New Orleans Saints are dealing with a number of injuries after the painful loss they put on the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, but they're actually getting healthier. Tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive end Cameron Jordan returned to practice this week and should be in for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Linebacker Curtis Watson and defensive end Akiem Hicks are dealing with hamstring/ankle and back problems respectively, but could very well be ready by game-time too.
Rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro and tight end Benjamin Watson are the big question marks for this week. Both suffered concussions against the Cowboys, and their status against the Niners is not yet determined.
Ed Reed won't be welcomed back in Baltimore
The Houston Texans just let safety Ed Reed go and he has now cleared waivers without being picked up. If he's going to play again in the NFL, it won't be with his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. It appears as if they are happy with their current secondary.
Reed spent 11 seasons with the Ravens before signing as a free agent with Houston this year. He had a mere 16 tackles in seven games for the Texans.
The Texans released Reed just days after he said the team had been "outplayed and outcoached" in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. That defeat had been the seventh loss in a row for a Houston team that was expected to contend for the AFC crown this year.
Former NFL WR Sam Hurd sentenced to 15 years in prison
Sam Hurd was once looking at a promising career as an NFL wide receiver. He spent time with both the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. Now, he'll be looking at the inside of a prison cell.
Hurd has been sentenced to 15 years for his role in a drug-distribution scheme after being arrested in December 2011, outside of a suburban Chicago steakhouse. He attempted to buy cocaine from someone and the whole thing ended up being a sting operation.
The former NFL wide-out pleaded guilty to one count of trying to buy and distribute cocaine and marijuana. It is a charge that carries a sentence of 10 years to life in prison. According to former teammates, Hurd was trying to become a drug kingpin.
For more NFL news and updates, visit NFL Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
