The Baltimore Ravens have claimed quarterback Jimmy Clausen after he was cut by the Chicago Bears, according Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times. Clausen wasn't the only big name picked up off waivers this week, as former Jets pass rusher Quinton Coples acquired by the Miami Dolphins, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Coples was a first round draft pick by the Jets in 2012 but has struggled to produce this season. The new Dolphins linebacker had 16.5 sacks in his first three seasons in the league but has yet to get a sack this season. Coples has eight combined tackles this season and a fumble recovery. The Dolphins defense has not looked the same since losing defensive end Cameron Wake for the season with a torn Achilles. It's unknown how heavily the Dolphins will use Coples this season, but he likely will be motivated after being cut by the Jets.
The Ravens have claimed Clausen of waivers from the Bears, reuniting him with former head coach and now Ravens offensive coordinator Marc Trestman. The Ravens lost franchise quarterback Joe Flacco for the season with a torn ACL, and while Matt Schaub will look to start the Ravens' next game, Baltimore likely wanted an insurance plan. Baltimore plays AFC North rival the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football, and while Schaub is expected to start, Clausen could see time if things fall apart quickly. At 3-7, the Ravens' postseason chances are slim at best, and the claiming of Clausen could be an insurance move or to find a permanent backup for Flacco in the future.
While Coples and Clausen's waiver pickups were positive news for two teams on Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers received bad news that defensive end Frank Alexander will be suspended for a year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, according to Rapoport.
This is Alexander's third suspension, and he has admitted in the past that marijuana was the reason for his two previous offenses, according to ESPN's David Newton. The Panthers defensive end has not played this season after tearing his Achilles in a preseason game and is set to become a restricted free agent in March.
