The NFL has announced that they have had to scrap their plans for a game in China in 2018, but they still have plans to play in the Middle Kingdom. Linebacker Zachary Orr has come out of retirement, and is now meeting with interested teams. Finally, the Baltimore Ravens' devastated tight end corps has taken yet another hit as Darren Waller has been suspended.
The NFL and China
The NFL announced that they are delaying plans to hold a game in China in 2018. However, this decision had nothing to do with scheduling or money, but historical timing. The league will be targeting 2019 to hold a game in China because it would correspond with the 100th anniversary of the NFL.
As Mark Waller, the NFL's executive vice president of international put it, the international setting of the game would give the league a chance to reflect on the past century, while also looking toward the future.
The NFL can afford to move the game back a year, thanks to the delayed opening of the Los Angeles Rams' new stadium. The Rams are going to be the home team for the China game, as they had to give up a home game to play an international contest in 2019 due to their move.
Zachary Orr's short retirement
Zachary Orr announced his retirement back in January after it was discovered that he had a congenital back condition. However, Orr said this week that he was exploring a comeback after getting additional medical opinions on his condition.
Eight different teams have reached out to Orr since and he has already met with the Detriot Lions and a second, unknown team. He will be meeting with the New York Jets this weekend.
Orr signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of North Texas. In his first two seasons, he was a backup, having made 30 tackles and 1 sack.
However, Orr won the starting job last season and had a breakout year. He recorded 132 tackles, had 3 interceptions, and was named a second-team All-Pro by the AP.
Waller is only the latest tight end problem for Ravens
Baltimore Ravens tight end Darren Waller has been suspended for one-year without pay for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Waller was suspended for the first four games of last season for violating the same policy. Last year he had 10 receptions for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Ravens already had to release starting tight end Dennis Pitta after a hip injury that may be career-ending. Their other three tight ends, Benjamin Watson, Crockett Gilmore and Maxx Williams, have all missed part of the offseason with injuries. Williams may be put on the PUP list, but the other two should be ready by training camp at the end of the month.
