The team announced Wednesday it released inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton, who joined the team in May. The announcement only had that information.

There was no other corresponding move announced.

Of course, with the release of an inside linebacker and no other move announced, speculation immediately began about how Daryl Washington could be ready to be reinstated and the team was simply making room for him.

While that is possible, since the situation has taken as long as it has and there is really no information out there, until that move actually is made, it is hard for me to think it will happen.

One thing for sure is once we know something about Washington's situation, readers and fans will be advised.


(revengeofthebirds.com)

The Cardinals met with veteran linebacker Darryl Sharpton last week, but signing him at that point would have hurt the team when it came time for the NFL to hand out compensatory draft picks next year.

That penalty disappeared on Tuesday, leaving teams free to sign unrestricted free agents without any penalty in the draft pick equation. It’s probably not a coincidence, then, that the Cardinals went ahead and signed Sharpton on Wednesday.

Sharpton signed with the Redskins before last season, but wound up on injured reserve at the end of training camp. He was eventually released and signed with the Bears, for whom he made five appearances and two starts. Sharpton’s first four NFL seasons were spent with the Texans, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2010 draft.

Arizona signed Sean Weatherspoon as a free agent early in the offseason and he sits atop the depth chart at inside linebacker along with Kevin Minter. The Cardinals also signed several undrafted free agents with college experience at the position and could get Daryl Washington, who was suspended for the entire 2014 season, back at some point in 2015, although the team’s said that they aren’t planning on his presence.


(profootballtalk.com)

A lot has happened in the last 48 hours in the NFL as far as Free Agent signings and our proCanes have been at the center of it all with several proCane stars joining new teams. See a recap of all the action below:

Former 49ers RB Frank Gore signed a 3-year $12 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Former Texans WR Andre Johnson signed a 3-year $21 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

TE Jimmy Graham was traded from the New Orleans Saints to Seattle Seahawks.

Former Giants S Antrel Rolle signed a 3-year $11.25 million contract with the Chicago Bears.

Former Redskins WR Leonard Hankerson signed a 1-year $1 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

OT Eric Winston re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Former Broncos OL Orlando Franklin signed a 5-year $36 million contract with the San Diego Chargers.

OT Jason Fox re-signed with the Miami Dolphins.

MLB Jon Beason re-signed with the NY Giants.

Notable proCane Free Agents still available: Chris Myers, Brandon Meriweather, Santana Moss, Colin McCarthy, Reggie Wayne, Vince Wilfork, DJ Williams, Darryl Sharpton.

Free agency kicks off in a little more than two weeks, so let’s count down the top 10 Chicago Bears players set to hit the open market March 10:

We’ll go in reverse order.

Here’s No. 10:

Darryl Sharpton, linebacker

2014 pay: $730,000

By the numbers: Played in just 9.9 percent of the team’s defensive snaps last season, making his debut in Chicago’s starting lineup in an Oct. 12 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Sharpton posted 15 tackles and broke up one pass.

The case for keeping him: The Bears need inside and outside linebackers in the switch to a 3-4 front, and while Sharpton likely wouldn’t challenge for a starting job, he’s proved more than capable as a backup and special-teams contributor. Sharpton opened eyes in the team’s win over Atlanta, with some pondering whether he deserved a more significant role on defense. Sharpton filled in for Brian Cushing in Houston’s 3-4 scheme back in 2013, racking up 87 tackles in 15 games. Sharpton certainly won’t break the bank in a new deal, so it’s worth it to bring him back because he’s a quality backup with experience working in a 3-4 front.

The case for letting him walk: Although Sharpton has proved to be a solid performer, he’s been injury prone throughout his NFL career. Prior to coming to Chicago, Sharpton started the 2012 season on the physically unable to perform list and finished it on the injured reserve. Sharpton played in just eight games in 2011, a year removed from playing 12 games in 2010 and starting in six of them. The Bears placed Sharpton on the injured reserve in December due to a hamstring injury. Prior to the club ending Sharpton’s season, he hadn’t played for the Bears since Week 8.

Prediction: Although injuries remain a concern regarding Sharpton, it’s worth it for the Bears to bring him back on a one-year veteran minimum type of deal if he doesn’t sign with another team because of his experience in 3-4 schemes. A deal for Sharpton likely won’t come until the back end of free agency.


(espn.com)

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears have placed linebacker Darryl Sharpton on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury and elevated quarterback David Fales from the practice squad to the active roster.

Sharpton has appeared in 47 games with Houston (2010-13) and Chicago (2014). He had 27 tackles in five games for the Bears.

A sixth-round draft pick by the Bears out of San Jose State, Fales has spent the last 13 weeks on their practice squad.

The moves were announced on Saturday.


(thestate.com)

#Bears LB Darryl Sharpton (hamstring) also did not practice today.

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 3, 2014

Bears general manager Phil Emery said Monday linebacker Darryl Sharpton is week to week after suffering a hamstring injury Sunday against the Patriots. Emery added Sharpton will likely miss Chicago's next game in Week 10 against the Packers. The team is on a bye Week 9.




(cbssports.com)

Bears linebacker Darryl Sharpton has been ruled out Week 8 against the Patriots.

Sharpton is dealing with a hamstring injury. He had four tackles before leaving the contest. The Bears were already thin at linebacker prior to the injury.




(cbssports.com)

When Darryl Sharpton signed with the Bears Sept. 25, he didn’t expect to be starting at middle linebacker less than three weeks later. But that’s exactly what transpired last Sunday in Atlanta.

“It’s not something that I had on my calendar obviously,” Sharpton said. “But it’s what adversity brought and with the coaching, this organization prepared me for this adverse situation and I was able to step in.”

With the Bears’ top four linebackers all unable to play against the Falcons due to injuries, Sharpton stepped in and stepped up. He not only recorded 10 tackles and broke up a key third-down pass with a crushing hit on receiver Roddy White but called all the defensive signals.

So how did Sharpton know enough about the defense to get his teammates lined up and make all the checks?

“Just experience playing football, just being in the game for so long,” he said. “There’s some carryover from different systems and you try to gather all of your football knowledge and information and then take the new game plan and then just go out there and try to mesh the two and do your best.

“I didn’t play perfect. I made mistakes, which I have to correct, which is why we’re going to these meetings, so you can improve the next week.”

Sharpton was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Miami. He appeared in 42 games with 19 starts over four seasons, recording 166 tackles, one interception, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

After ending each of his first three seasons on injured reserve, Sharpton became a starter midway through last year after Brian Cushing suffered a season-ending injury. The experience helped Sharpton excel in the same type of scenario last week with the Bears.

“It was a similar situation when ‘Cush’ went down,” he said. “Last year I stepped in his spot and I think I did a good job there. So it wasn’t unfamiliar territory [last Sunday]. It was like déjà vu.”

Sharpton left the Texans to sign with the Redskins in March. But he sustained an ankle injury in training camp and was eventually waived/injured Sept. 22. The 26-year-old signed with the Bears four days later, joining his third team in a six-month span.

“It just speaks to the nature of life, the nature of the league,” Sharpton said. “You never know what’s in store for you in the future. You don’t know what’s going to be there. Sometimes you don’t know whether you’re going to be on a team or you’re going to be starting on a team. You never know in this league. The only thing you control is your effort and your intensity and your willingness to play, As long as you keep that, you’ve just got to put the rest in the Lord’s hand.”

Sharpton is excited to reunite with Bears linebackers coach Reggie Herring, his position coach with the Texans in 2011-12.

“He holds everybody to a high standard and he doesn’t keep it a secret what he wants from you,” Sharpton said. “He’s going to tell you exactly what he wants and if you’re not doing it the right way he’s going to correct you.

“Reggie’s very direct and to the point. He has a lot of memorable quotes. His general message is just stay focused, focus on your job at hand and take advantage of your opportunities. He’s a guy who coaches details and he’s very detailed-oriented and he demands that from his players, all players. It doesn’t matter who you are, he has a high standard for everyone.”

Sharpton is the second cousin of Reverend Al Sharpton. But that’s far from the most interesting thing about the linebacker given his journey to the Bears, which began with a tryout.

“When I first came here I only had the clothes on my back,” Sharpton said. “That same night I had to go to Walmart and get some underwear and socks and stay in a hotel, so it was pretty rough. It was the first time I did something like that, just living out of Walmart pretty much. My wife was able to ship my car and some clothes up to me now, so I’m a little bit more settled.”


(chicagobears.com)

Who’s #53 for the Bears?  Who the heck is Darryl Sharpton?  I heard those questions a lot on Sunday during the Bears’ surprising 27-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.  The Bears, who limped into the game with their top four linebackers sidelined with injuries, called upon a bunch of “no name” linebackers to lead the Bears defense against one of the top offenses in the league.  I have to admit, when I heard the names Christian Jones, Khaseem Greene and Darryl Sharpton as the Bears starting linebackers, I thought two things.  1) we’re screwed and 2) who is Darryl Sharpton?  After a strong showing on Sunday, I had to do a little research about Sharpton, who’s not just another random Phil Emery waiver wire claim.

Phil Emery has been churning the bottom of the Bears roster so much every week, that it’s easy to overlook who he’s bringing in.  Most of the guys coming in are undrafted free agents or late round roster cuts who couldn’t cut it elsewhere.  That’s not the case with Darryl Sharpton.  He’s an experienced veteran with a nice linebacking resume.

The 5-11 linebacker was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans out of Miami (FL).  Coming out of “The U” is a pretty good pedigree to begin with and was named 2nd team All-ACC in his senior season.  Sharpton appeared in 12 games as a rookie and recorded 34 tackles.  He played a reserve role for the Texans for the first three years with the Texans until he was pressed into action to fill in for Brian Cushing, who went out with a broken leg in 2013.  Sharpton had a terrific season including 87 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended and 6 stuffs in 15 games.

Sharpton was targeted by the Redskins in the offseason, signing a 1-year deal in March of 2014 worth up to $2 million.  It didn’t get that far as a preseason high ankle sprain led to his contract getting terminated on September 22nd.  Phil Emery scooped him up on September 24th.


(beargoggles.com)

Tom Thayer breaks down LB Darryl Sharpton's performance in Sunday's win in Atlanta. WATCH: http://t.co/Z1rPN6rqzN pic.twitter.com/imAf9B8hcc

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 14, 2014

Being without the top four linebackers on the depth chart adds a difficulty factor for the Bears’ or any defense. The NFL doesn’t grade on a curve, unfortunately, but then, the Bears didn’t need special consideration, turning in one of the better group performances of the season against an offense that was No. 3 in the NFL in scoring and yardage.

With Lance Briggs, Jonathan Bostic, Shea McClellin and D.J. Williams all out, Darryl Sharpton started at MLB, Christian Jones at SLB and Khaseem Greene at WLB. Sharpton drew the responsibility of relaying defensive signals, and he and Greene were tasked with duty in nickel situations, the normal domain of Bostic and Briggs.

“These guys did great,” coach Marc Trestman said. “It starts with Mel [Tucker, defensive coordinator] and our staff with getting these guys ready. The guys on the defensive line really came back and wrapped their arms around these young linebackers. They played hard; they were in the right places.

“We asked them ‘just do your job and not do anything more than that. They played exceptionally hard and our entire defense and staff deserve a lot of credit.”

Coaches disdained conservatism and boldly committed their inexperienced ‘backers to blitzing into gaps in ways that stacked up the Atlanta run game. The Falcons managed just 3.2 yards per carry on 13 rushes, with the only serious damage coming on a well-executed and well-blocked screen pass for 41 yards and a touchdown by running back Antone Smith.

The Bears blitzed Sharpton on the third play but were victimized for a 15-yard completion. But Sharpton’s soft blitz and drop-back in the second quarter flummoxed Falcons center Peter Konz and allowed Stephen Paea to get in for a sack with Greene bringing a weak-side blitz as well. Greene and Jones were each credited with three tackles in the first half.

“We just went out there and played,” said Greene, who started four games when Briggs was injured last season and had less-than-stellar results. “We know that we can’t control nothin’ but what we do and that’s what we did. Every time we were on the field we played with maximum effort.”

Greene led the Bears with eight tackles, six of them solo. Sharpton had five, plus a quarterback hit and pass defensed. Jones, in fewer snaps because of Atlanta’s use of nickel packages, added four.


(csnchicago.com)

The Chicago Bears continued overhauling the roster on the go Wednesday, signing linebacker Darryl Sharpton to a one-year contract.

Sharpton played the last three seasons under linebackers coach Reggie Herring with the Houston Texans, so he’s a known quantity for a unit that will be without Shea McClellin again this week when the Green Bay Packers come to Soldier Field on Sunday.

Sharpton, 26, appeared in 42 games with 19 starts over the previous four years with the Texans. He made 87 tackles and had one forced fumble last season. The Texans drafted Sharpton in the fourth round out of Miami in 2010.

The Washington Redskins terminated the contract of Sharpton on Monday. He had been on the team’s injured reserve list after suffering a high ankle sprain in the second week of August.


(chicagotribune.com)

The Redskins have ruled running back Chris Thompson and linebacker Darryl Sharpton out for Monday’s game against Cleveland because of ankle sprains. Defensive end Jason Hatcher, who is still working his way back from arthroscopic knee surgery, also will not play.

Sharpton, competing for a backup inside linebacker position and a role on special teams, missed time earlier this week with a high ankle sprain. He returned to practice on Tuesday, but returned to the sideline for Thursday and Friday’s practices.

Hatcher wasn’t expected to play on Monday. He opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list after having his left knee scoped on June 20. He practiced for the first time last Saturday, but has continued to only take part in individual drills. The plan is to increase his workload next week. Gruden has said the third or fourth preseason games are more realistic target dates for Hatcher’s return.

Starting strong safety Brandon Meriweather is questionable for Monday’s game because of a toe injury. He missed the last two practices, but has not been ruled out for Monday. Second-year pro Bacarri Rambo played strong safety in place of Meriweather when the first team defense was on the field Thursday and Friday.


(washingtonpost.com)

NEWS UPDATE
Sharpton is currently nursing a high ankle sprain, the Redskins' official Twitter account reports.

ROTOWIRE FANTASY ANALYSIS
Sharpton is expected to be sidelined for a couple weeks while he recovers. Following 87 tackles for Houston last season, Sharpton signed with the Redskins to help fill the void at inside linebacker, left in wake of London Fletcher's retirement. However, with Keenan Robinson now healthy, Sharpton may be more of a rotational player next to Perry Riley this season.


(rotowire.com)

Each week I'll feature a different Washington Redskins player, asking them a handful of questions that, hopefully, gives you more insight into who they are away from the field.

Player: Darryl Sharpton
Age: 26
Position: Linebacker
College: University of Miami
Year in NFL: 5th

Best season: 2013. He started eight games and recorded a career-best 55 tackles with two forced fumbles.

Person you most admire: "I'm a big boxing fan so I always admired Muhammed Ali for his competitive nature and the way he works, his attitude, the way he approached things. His confidence. I always admired him."

Biggest obstacle you've overcome: "The injury when I tore my quad tendon (in 2011). You have a major injury, there's a chance maybe you can't come back from that and rehabbing from that and staying positive and not going into the tank and coming back and being a productive player afterward…That's one thing that sticks out in my mind."

Favorite football moment: "It was probably the game where I came back from the injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars and I had probably one of my best NFL games. I think I was second on the team in tackles. They were going to ease me in but they needed me and we ended up winning in overtime and I made some really big hits all over the field. It was a great game. Very memorable."

Most overrated part of pro sports: "I guess when you get so used to being in the big arenas, the crowd and the number of people around you doesn't affect you as much as you think. Once you lock into the game you can play against a team with no crowd or a big crowd. So the effect of the crowd is a little overrated."

Most underrated part: "Never thought about this. I guess just the stress and the pressure. You can't take anything for granted. You have to come out every day and prove you belong on a team no matter if it's midseason or training camp. It's just a lot of the pressure and stress that people go through, every individual is under an enormous amount of stress. It's a year-round thing. You have to watch what you eat year-round. It's really non-stop working and non-stop under the microscope. That's something people don't realize."

What did you dream of being when you were a kid: "With my dad being 5-6, I didn't necessarily think I was being bred to be an NFL linebacker. I was going to follow my dad's footsteps. My family has a financial background. I got a degree in finance so I was looking to be an accountant or in wealth management. That's something I found interesting and always saw myself doing."

What's something people don't realize about you: "I speak Spanish and I speak it well. I started learning it in first grade; I was in a language program in Miami."

What topic riles you up: "I'm really into politics. If I hear people talking about politics and I feel they don't know what they're talking about it might rile me up. But as far as football is concerned it's who's a hard hitter. I might be, ‘Oh, man I want to be in that discussion.' If someone tries to challenge me on the physicality of the game, that will light a fire into me to let you know I'm here."


(espn.com)

23.  Darryl Sharpton – inside linebacker

Age 26, 5-11, 235 pounds

Analysis: Darryl Sharpton has started 19 games at inside linebacker over his four seasons with the Houston Texans.  With his most extensive action coming last season where he tallied 87 tackles on the year.  This experience will give him an edge when it comes to competing for a starting spot with the Redskins.  But even if he doesn’t start, Sharpton should give a huge boost to the Redskins coverage on special teams.


(riggosrag.com)

Penn State is known as “Linebacker U”  for producing players like Jack Ham, Shane Conlan and LaVar Arrington, but in the past decade another program has vied for the title.

The University of Miami has a proud linebacker history with Ray Lewis, Dan Morgan, D.J. Williams, Rocky McIntosh,  and Jon Beason all becoming productive pros.

On Friday, the Redskins signed  free agent Darryl Sharpton, another member of the Miami linebacker fraternity. Sharpton told Larry Michael he looks to carry on the proud tradition of  Hurricanes in Washington, including his old college teammate Leonard Hankerson.

“It’s definitely very comforting knowing that I have former teammates on this team,” Sharpton said. “Former great Miami Hurricanes have come through here, Clinton Portis and Rocky McIntosh and some other guys.  It’s a real honor to kind of continue some of the great things they did for this organization, and I look forward to it.”

Other Miami alumni of note to play for the Redskins include wide receiver Santana Moss and safety Sean Taylor.

“Uncle”
Al Sharpton is Darryl Sharpton’s second cousin, but the linebacker said he calls him uncle.

Sharpton told Michael he was indeed related to the activist and that he visits with him about once a year. He said he remains close with Sharpton’s daughters, who have already congratulated him on signing with Washington.


(redskins.com)

WASHINGTON — A person familiar with the deal says the Washington Redskins have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent linebacker Darryl Sharpton.

The person confirmed the deal on Thursday on condition of anonymity because the contract had not yet been signed.

Sharpton would help the Redskins’ special teams and could be another candidate to replace London Fletcher, who is expected to retire.

Sharpton has started 19 games over four seasons with the Texans, including eight starts last year after Brian Cushing went down with a knee injury.

The Redskins also signed defensive end Clifton Geathers, who has been a backup for four teams over four NFL seasons. He spent last year with the Philadelphia Eagles.


(chron.com)

HOUSTON -- When Darryl Sharpton is healthy, he's a very solid inside linebacker.

That's the issue, though. When Sharpton is healthy.

He's been through a slew of injuries in his NFL career which have led to limited action in his previous three seasons. He played in seven games, starting six last year, but began the 2012 season on the physically unable to perform list and ended it on injured reserve. He played in eight games and started none in 2011; he played 12 games and started six in 2010.

Last season Sharpton started next to Bradie James when Brian Cushing went out with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This season, he'll start alongside Joe Mays as Cushing recovers from a torn LCL and broken fibula. Cushing will have surgery this week.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak indicated a decision hadn't been reached yet when asked if it would be Sharpton or Mays who took over as the three-down inside linebacker.

Coming into this season, Sharpton felt confident that his body would cooperate. He also worried about jinxing himself. The tough luck struck again and he was inactive at the start of the season in San Diego.

Since then, Sharpton's been active each week, but he hasn't been injury free.

"The thing about Sharpton is Sharpton hasn’t practiced in two weeks," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "He’s played in both games, but he has not practiced. He’s been bothered by a foot, so we have to continue to work to get him healthy."

There will be a dropoff without Cushing. He's one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL and one of the best players period in run defense. His emotional impact on the Texans' defense is immeasurable.

But if Sharpton can get healthy during this bye week and then stay healthy, it would help dull the sting just a little bit.


(espn.com)

Darryl Sharpton will replace Brian Cushing at inside linebacker in the Texans’ starting lineup.

Sharpton will start next to Joe Mays.

Cushing will have surgery later this week and is done for the season. He suffered a broken fibula and torn LCL in his left leg in Sunday’s 17-16 loss to the Chiefs.

The Texans will look for veteran depth on the inside. They have veteran Tim Dobbins, but he’s missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, and they don’t know when he’ll be ready. They also have Mike Mohamed, another undrafted rookie, providing depth.

General manager Rick Smith and pro personnel director Brian Gardner will be looking at veteran free agents to play on the inside.

Sharpton, who has always played well when he’s healthy, hasn’t practiced for the last two weeks because of injuries. He spends a lot of time nicked up, as coach Gary Kubiak likes to say.

Because rookie Willie Jefferson was placed on waivers, the coaches have moved another undrafted rookie free agent, Justin Tuggle, to the strong side to back up Brooks Reed. Tuggle played outside and inside linebacker in camp and developed well enough to convince the coaches to keep him.

Veteran Bryan Braman plays behind starter Whitney Mercilus on the weak side.


(chron.com)

Linebacker Darryl Sharpton was fined by the NFL for a horse-collar tackle during an overtime home loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, Texans coach Gary Kubiak said.

Sharpton was penalized during Seattle’s first OT possession, after tackling Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch following a 13-yard pass from quarterback Russell Wilson.

“Usually if you get an unnecessary roughness play, there’s like an immediate fine that you have to appeal, unless they think it’s a missed call,” Kubiak said.
The Texans are still waiting to hear whether cornerback Kareem Jackson will be fined for an unnecessary roughness penalty in overtime that set up Seattle’s game-winning field goal.

“I don’t know what that means yet. We usually hear from (the NFL) pretty quick, so we will see,” Kubiak said. “But we put in our submission of questions and all that.”


(chron.com)

Texans linebacker Darryl Sharpton had a successful practice Thursday and is expected to pass the final stage of the NFL’s concussion protocol test this evening.

Sharpton will be active against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Reliant Stadium and is set to make his 2013 debut.

“He’s fine. … He should be cleared (Thursday) afternoon and ready to go,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said.


(chron.com)

The Texans ran through a light workout Wednesday. But it was another day of practice for Darryl Sharpton, and coach Gary Kubiak said the fourth-year linebacker could be cleared to return Sunday against the Tennessee Titans if he runs through a successful session Thursday.

Sharpton is toward the end of the NFL’s concussion protocol. He didn’t travel with the team to San Diego for a Week 1 road-opener.

“He did take a step forward,” Kubiak said. “So practicing is another step in the protocol. He puts his pads on (Thursday). … That’s the last step. So he could be cleared as of (Thursday).”


(chron.com)

Darryl Sharpton won’t travel with the Texans to San Diego and is still dealing with concussion symptoms.

The third-year linebacker played in seven games last year, starting five. He’ll join starting defensive end Antonio Smith as Texans who are officially out for a season-opener Monday against the Chargers. Safety Ed Reed is a game-time decision but won’t start.

“It’s disappointing for Darryl because he’s had a really good camp and everything was going fine and he has this issue,” coach Gary Kubiak said Saturday at Reliant Stadium. “But we trust Darryl. He’s found a way when he’s healthy to really help this team. He’s a good football player and I don’t see this year being any different. I wish he was going to be there Monday night but hopefully this is a minor setback and he’s there for the next 15 (games).”


(chron.com)

Oft-injured inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton, one of the team’s biggest hitters, is out again while he completes the NFL-mandated concussion protocol. Kubiak said it remains “unknown” whether Sharpton will play against the Chargers. Kubiak said Sharpton was diagnosed with a concussion before the New Orleans game, which wasn’t previously known.

Tight end Garrett Graham, who has been bothered by a hip pointer suffered against the Saints, will definitely play. Two guys who obviously won’t are rookie offensive linemen David Quessenberry and Brennan Williams. Both are on injured reserve and underwent surgery Wednesday, Quessenberry for a broken bone in his foot and Williams for a microfracture in the same knee he had scoped in May.

Quessenberry, a sixth-round pick, was hurt in practice Monday without being hit, Kubiak explained. “We were in a drill. He just comes off the ball. He didn’t even get touched. He stuck his foot in the ground and broke it. He had surgery yesterday.”

Kubiak admitted what the third-round choice Williams had done was “much more extensive” than the original procedure but said, “They’re both doing fine.”


(chron.com)

By the end of the conversation, Darryl Sharpton was a little bit cautious.

On one hand, he was confident that he’ll stay healthy this season and play 16 games for the first time in his NFL career.

On the other hand, he didn’t want to jinx himself.

Sharpton spoke with me about his journey, the doubt that sometimes crept into his mind and ultimately the confidence he found in his own body, finally healthy this offseason. You can read about some of the proactive steps Sharpton took to help his body stay healthy there.

I asked Sharpton what he’s most looking forward to about being healthy.

“Honestly, the true answer from my heart is I’m just looking forward to hitting somebody,” Sharpton said. “That’s my favorite part of the game, that element of it. that’s pretty much the main thing I’m looking forward to. I’m looking forward to a huge season and our No. 1 goal this year is obviously to win the Super Bowl. That’s like the big picture thing. More immediate goal, I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field and playing football. Offseason’s long, just getting that itch.”

Sharpton’s health will be a big key for the Texans’ defense. They’ve played Brooks Reed at inside linebacker instead of outside linebacker quite a bit this offseason, but that appears to be a safety net to give the Texans a little bit more depth inside with both starting inside linebackers coming off injuries.
Reed talked last month about the progress of the Texans’ rookie outside linebackers impacting whether or not he’d move inside. Right now, they’re still learning, and the Texans’ strongest linebacker lineup is Brian Cushing  and Sharpton inside with Reed and Whitney Mercilus outside. If Cushing doesn’t have any setbacks in his ACL recovery, and Sharpton does indeed stay healthy, they’d likely not need Reed to move inside.


(chron.com)

For the first time since his days in Coral Gables, Florida, Darryl Sharpton is calling plays and running a defense.

The inside linebacker spent the first week of organized team activities (OTA’s) getting his teammates aligned and into the right position prior to the snap. And it’s a familiar task, according to the former Miami Hurricane.

“It’s kind of like riding a bicycle,” Sharpton said. “My first two or three years here I was used to just getting the calls, listening and lining up. Now I’m the one making the calls.”

Brian Cushing is still rehabbing his knee injury, so Sharpton has filled the void while the defensive captain has been out. Sharpton injured his hip in the regular season finale at Indianapolis. Head coach Gary Kubiak said he’d keep the fourth-year veteran out of special teams work to “be protective”.

“It feels good to be back out there, and doing what I do best,” Sharpton said. “And that’s play football.”

Brooks Reed, who lined up alongside Sharpton at the other inside linebacker spot frequently during the first three OTA’s, said Sharpton’s a natural fit for the position.

“He knows what to do, he’s a smart guy, and obviously physical,” Reed said. “He’ll do a great job.”

Safety Danieal Manning likes what he’s seen from Sharpton during the first few days of practice, and believes 2013 will be a year to remember.

“He’s getting comfortable with the defense, comfortable with the guys,” Manning said. “I think this season will be a breakout season for him. He’s flying around in all those drills. He’s flying around on the field.”

Sharpton’s 2011 and 2012 campaigns were truncated to just eight and seven games, respectively, because of injuries. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is excited to see Sharpton back, and also thinks his presence will be a major plus for the defense.

“Obviously he can help us,” Joseph said. “He can come in and play the run and the pass. Just getting a guy back like that is just tremendous for this defense.”
While he’s played in each of the last three seasons, he hasn’t been in as much of a leadership role. Being there now has conjured up some memories from his collegiate days.

“It’s something I haven’t done in a while,” Sharpton said. “Not since I was at the University of Miami. But being put in this role, it feels good. I know a whole lot more about the defense. I’m having to call more plays and line guys up. So it’s extra responsibility, but I look forward to it.”

Sharpton and the Texans resume work at the Methodist Training Center on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday following Memorial Day.


(houstontexans.com)

Darryl Sharpton is getting back to work after being placed on injured reserve in Week 17 against Indianapolis.  The Texans will remain cautious with him, according to Kubiak:

“Sharpton’s good. He’s getting  back to work today.  We’re kind of going to be a little protective with him.  Keep him out of some special teams drills and stuff but he’s back to work.”

Brian Cushing, still undergoing rehab after his ACL surgery last season, is eager to get back on the field but will be out until at least training camp.

“I’m doing all my on the field stuff. There are no restrictions so I think if anything, we’re just being patient right now,” Cushing said.


(cbslocal.com)

Texans DC Wade Phillips says ILB Darryl Sharpton is still not recovered from his late-season hip injury.

"Darryl's not healthy enough right now to do our offseason stuff," Phillips said. "He's still not been cleared by the doctors." This contradicts earlier comments from Sharpton himself, who claimed in February he was 100 percent healed. We'll find out for sure when the Texans begin OTAs on Monday.


(rotoworld.com)

Texans linebacker Brooks Reed had an offseason operation to address an injury suffered during the season, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said during a radio appearance on 610 AM on Thursday.

Phillips did not indicate the surgery would be a problem for Reed heading into the Texans’ organized team activities, which begin May 20.
He addressed Reed when asked about his level of concern over safety Ed Reed, who had arthroscopic hip surgery recently.

“I’m concerned like I am with anybody that’s coming off an injury, is coming off an operation,” Phillips said. “I believe in our people and they say, hey, he’s going to be fine, (Brian) Cushing’s going to be fine. Even Brooks Reed had an injury last year and was operated (on) in the offseason. You’re always concerned about it. I don’t want to blow it up to say I don’t think they will be back because I think they will.”

Brooks Reed missed four games late last season with a torn groin.

Phillips said inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton was still recovering from the hip injury that landed him on injured reserve in January.

“Darryl’s not healthy enough right now to do our offseason stuff,” Phillips said. “He’s still not been cleared by the doctors from his injury at the end of the season.”


(chron.com)

HOUSTON (CBS Houston) - The Texans are precariously thin at the inside linebacker position, still dealing with injuries from last season.  Darryl Sharpton, who said he was “100% healed up” in February via the Houston Texans website, is unable to participate in offseason training. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips broke the news on SportsRadio 610′s MaD Radio Thursday.

“Some guys just have some injury problems. Darryl is not healthy enough to right now to do our offseason stuff. He still hasn’t been cleared by the doctors from his injuries at the end of the season,” said Phillips.

Sharpton, 25, has yet to play a complete season.  In 2012, the linebacker began Week 1 on the physically unable to perform list, returned in Week 11 for seven games, but then suffered a hip injury in Week 17 that placed him on the injured reserve list.  Phillips still remained optimistic about the fourth-year veteran’s return.

“Hopefully things change for him.  I think luck has a lot to do with it, unfortunately.  He’s just been banged up what, three or four years in a row now.  We hope he’ll get back.”

The Texans did not address the ILB position in the draft but did take two outside linebackers, Sam Montgomery (LSU) and Trevardo Williams (UConn), in the third and fourth-rounds, respectively.  Linebackers coach Reggie Herring said that Brooks Reed could potentially move to the inside if needed.  Phillips said that Reed will stay on the outside for now.

“I think everybody’s putting a lot into we drafted two outside backers but Jesse Nading and Connor Barwin aren’t on our team again.  That’s two outside backers we had. It’s not necessary that we move somebody just because had two outside backers because we lost two. But, Brooks Reed is versatile and right now, we’re playing him outside and going with what we got and see what the young guys can do.”

With Sharpton out and Brian Cushing still in rehabilitation after ACL surgery, the Texans may have to look to free agency to gain some depth at the position.  Phillips did not rule out signing a veteran ILB if needed.  In fact, the Texans did re-sign Tim Dobbins to a one-year deal on April 12. Phillips is hopeful that all three will be ready to play when the season begins.

“We re-signed Dobbins and he played a lot for us last year, started a lot of games.  We won a lot of games with him playing and we also had Sharpton in who played last year and we won games when he was in there. Both of them are very capable of starting and playing. Along with Cushing coming back, that makes us a lot stronger.”

The Texans begin OTAs (organized team activities) on May 20 and training camp on July 26.


(cbslocal.com)

This time last year, inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton was on the comeback trail. He had suffered a gruesome quadriceps injury in October of 2011 and was rehabbing and trying to regain his health. His 2012 season started in the Week 11 overtime win over Jacksonville but ended with a hip injury in the Week 17 loss at Indianapolis.

Now, Sharpton is healthy and has his sights set on the 2013 campaign.

“Everything’s good,” Sharpton said on Tuesday, before participating in a community event in Houston. “The injury’s 100 percent healed up. So right now I’ve just been focusing on training, staying in shape and getting ready to get back out on the field.”

Sharpton spent the first 10 weeks of the 2012 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before his return in November against the Jaguars. He started that game and each of the final six before exiting for good after the loss to the Colts. He’s excited to be able to focus on the offseason and 2013, and not on the day-to-day grind of coming back from injury.

“Right now, I feel really healthy, and it’s a good feeling to have right now,” Sharpton said. “I can just run, sprint, lift weights and just get in the best shape possible.”

That’s good news for a defense that never saw Sharpton paired up on the inside with captain Brian Cushing last season. A knee injury in the Week 5 road win at the New York Jets sent Cushing to injured reserve.

In a "Texans All Access" interview on Feb. 19, Cushing said his rehab from the torn anterior cruciate ligament was “going well." The prospect of being paired up with Cushing for the first time since October of 2011 is invigorating for Sharpton, a fourth-round draft pick out of Miami in 2010.

“I think it’ll be great,” Sharpton said. “I think me and Cush have great chemistry and we’ll be a forced to be reckoned with.”

A healthier inside linebacker corps, which also could get bolstered via the draft in late April, will greatly benefit the Texans’ defense.

Before offseason voluntary workouts get going in a month or so, Sharpton plans to return home to South Florida.

“I’m gonna go back home to Miami, visit with my parents, my family a little bit, train down there at the University of Miami and just get a little bit of home experience,” Sharpton said.


(houstontexans.com)

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton's 2013 base salary increased from $575,000 to $630,000 after he hit escalators in his rookie deal. Sharpton battled a hip issue all season long and ended the season on injured reserve after starting five games.



(fantasysp.com)

The Texans are down a linebacker for their playoff game against the Bengals.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that Darryl Sharpton is done for the season as a result of a hip injury. Sharpton was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Colts, an injury that coach Gary Kubiak said left him concerned after the game.

The Texans have a fair amount of practice at playing without Sharpton this season. He started the year on the PUP list because of a quad injury that ended his 2011 season and made his debut in Week 11 against the Jaguars. He started five of the final seven games at inside linebacker, providing the Texans with help they needed after Brian Cushing was lost for the season.

Tim Dobbins, the likeliest replacement next to Bradie James, hurt his shoulder against the Colts and the Texans have still more injury concerns at linebacker. Outside linebacker Brooks Reed is battling a groin injury and did not play against the Colts. Kubiak said if Reed can walk, “he’s going to play.”

McClain reports that the Texans have brought back linebacker Mister Alexander to take Sharpton’s spot on the roster. That’s Mr. Mister Alexander to you, though.


(profootballtalk.com)