LITTLE ROCK — JAGUARS Babin claimed off waivers
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - With a league-low 13 sacks, the Jacksonville Jaguars were looking for more production from their pass rush.
Jason Babin could be the solution.
The Jaguars claimed the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end off waivers from Philadelphia on Wednesday. To make room on the roster, Jacksonville placed defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith (concussion/neck) on injured reserve.
The Jaguars (2-9) will pay the remaining $1.69 million of Babin’s 2012 salary, essentially taking a low-risk look at someone who could significantly upgrade one of the league’s worst pass rushes.
“It’s a good pickup,” Coach Mike Mularkey said. “He’s had a lot of success over the last three years and we could use some help in that area. He’ll fit what we’re doing. [Defensive line coach] Joe Cullen and he have a relentless type of mindset. I just think it’s going to be good forus, really good for us.”
Jacksonville’s pass rush, or lack thereof, is the most glaring weakness on a team filled with holes.
The Jaguars gave Jeremy Mincey a four-year contract worth $20 million in March, but he has just two sacks. They also drafted former Clemson standout Andre Branch in the second round, but he has played sparingly the last two months.
Babin, meanwhile, has 5 1/2 sacks after recording 18 last year. Hesigned a five-year, $28 million deal last summer after going to his first Pro Bowl with Tennessee following the 2010 season.
He will play Sunday at Buffalo, Mularkey said.
RAIDERS McFadden returns
ALAMEDA, Calif. - The slumping Oakland Raiders got a jolt Wednesday when running backs Darren McFadden (Pulaski Oak Grove, Arkansas Razorbacks) and Mike Goodson returned to practice for the first time since missing three games with sprained right ankles.
Both backs got hurt in Oakland’s 42-32 loss to Tampa Bay on Nov. 4 and were finally cleared to return to practice this week. That loss started the Raiders (3-8) on a four-game losing streak that is the team’s longest in four years.
“It’s great just to see them in the huddle,” quarterback Carson Palmer said. “It feels like it’s been a lot longer than it actually has. But just good to see them in the huddle and see them get reps and see Darren smiling and hitting the hole hard,and same thing with Goody. Good for the team but also good for the offense to have those guys back.”
Coach Dennis Allen said both backs took snaps with the first team at practice and would be evaluated as the week goes on before a decision is made on whether they will play Sunday against Cleveland (3-8).
Sports, Pages 26 on 11/29/2012