For Kyle Eckel fans - he's been discharged and is practicing with the Fins

[Box_O_Rocks]

My apologies if this wasn't a sore point for regulars over here - Eckel being swiped by Saban led a number of folks at Patsfans to suffer some severe diaper rash.

During the NFL Network afternoon press conference review show, Saban was asked about Eckel and reported he had been discharged by the Navy (I expect he's got an extended Reserve obligation to make up for his shortened Active Duty obligation) and is with the Dolphins practicing. The League granted the Fins a roster exemption that allows him to practice with the team without being on the Practice Squad or Active roster - if he is brought up they lose that exemption for good, basically the same thing Seattle was allowed to do with Branch. Saban indicated he was not in football shape after his Navy service and would need a full tune-up.

[Mr NFLfan]

Originally posted by Box_O_Rocks on 11-02-2006 at 09:33 PM
My apologies if this wasn't a sore point for regulars over here - Eckel being swiped by Saban led a number of folks at Patsfans to suffer some severe diaper rash.

During the NFL Network afternoon press conference review show, Saban was asked about Eckel and reported he had been discharged by the Navy (I expect he's got an extended Reserve obligation to make up for his shortened Active Duty obligation) and is with the Dolphins practicing. The League granted the Fins a roster exemption that allows him to practice with the team without being on the Practice Squad or Active roster - if he is brought up they lose that exemption for good, basically the same thing Seattle was allowed to do with Branch. Saban indicated he was not in football shape after his Navy service and would need a full tune-up.

Thanks for the Info B_O_R.

I can't say he will be able to help them out this late but the guy has to know something about being onboard a sinking ship! lol

[Box_O_Rocks]

Originally posted by Mr NFLfan on 11-02-2006 at 11:02 PM
Thanks for the Info B_O_R.

I can't say he will be able to help them out this late but the guy has to know something about being onboard a sinking ship! lol

[alamo]

Originally posted by Box_O_Rocks on 11-02-2006 at 09:33 PM
The League granted the Fins a roster exemption that allows him to practice with the team without being on the Practice Squad or Active roster - if he is brought up they lose that exemption for good, basically the same thing Seattle was allowed to do with Branch. Saban indicated he was not in football shape after his Navy service and would need a full tune-up.

Except that Branch's exemption was limited to 2 weeks, and Eckel's lasts until the end of the season. Too bad the Patriots didn't foresee him getting called up immediately after being cut, or they could have put him directly on the Reserve/Military list and been able to keep his rights. Would have been nice to have him competing for FB next training camp.

[Box_O_Rocks]

Originally posted by alamo on 11-03-2006 at 04:58 AM
Except that Branch's exemption was limited to 2 weeks, and Eckel's lasts until the end of the season. Too bad the Patriots didn't foresee him getting called up immediately after being cut, or they could have put him directly on the Reserve/Military list and been able to keep his rights. Would have been nice to have him competing for FB next training camp.

I believe Reiss' blog entry claimed BB had a deal in place with the Navy, if Eckel made the Pats' roster he was playing. Practice Squad couldn't trigger the deal is my guess. Miami grabbing him allowed them to use the Reserve/Military hold since they didn't have a ready deal in place. Tortured logic, but this is the Navy and the NFL working together...

[Hemi_1]

Originally posted by Mr NFLfan on 11-02-2006 at 11:02 PM
Thanks for the Info B_O_R.

I can't say he will be able to help them out this late but the guy has to know something about being onboard a sinking ship! lol

Thats hillarious.

[ctpatsfan77]

Count me in among the folks that wished the Pats had dumped either Pass or Klecko in favor of Eckel.

I, for one, am not happy that he might end up playing for the Fins. Then again, though, if there's anyone who would know how to stop him, it's Belichick and the Pats' run D.

[mikiemo83]

I think the thought was he would slide to the practice squad and then the military exception when called up - one of the very few player personel mistakes made by the Pats