NFL Notes: Buccaneers, Cowboys, Patriots, & Raiders

Buccaneers

• NFL Draft Diamonds reports that Bloomsburg LB Justin Shirk has been invited to the Buccaneers’ minicamp as a fullback.

Cowboys

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones mentioned during an interview with 105.3 The Fan that they won’t place second-round LB Jaylon Smith on the injured reserve for the season.

“I will not IR him,” Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News. “We will take the chance that he could get back in the latter part of the season, maybe into the playoffs. He will not be IR’d. That obviously means that we think he’s got possibly some playing time.

“We have a rule that this year’s [second round pick] should be next year’s [first round pick]. If you were trading and somebody wanted your two, they had to give you next year’s one, if you were in the mood to trade. Well, he would certainly warrant any place up and down the board a one pick if he were healthy, in this draft or in next year’s draft. So we’re proud of him.”

• Jones also mentioned that there is a chance that DE DeMarcus Lawrence’s appeal could get his suspension reduced to two games. (Charean Williams)
• Jones made it clear that Kellen Moore will open as their backup quarterback. (Dallas Morning News)

Patriots

• Doug Kyed reports that Patriots sixth-round pick LB/S Kamu Grugier-Hill is expected to sign his rookie contract today.

Raiders

Raiders owner Mark Davis made it clear that if the funding comes through from the city, they will be the Las Vegas Raiders.

“We have made a commitment to Las Vegas at this point in time, and that’s where it stands,” Davis said, via ESPN.com. “If Las Vegas can come through with what we’ve been talking about, and we can come to do a deal here, then we’re going to be the Las Vegas Raiders.”