Buffalo safety Donte Whitner, the 8th player taken at the 2006 draft and one of the top rookies in the league this fall, faces a harassment charge after an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend. Whitner was arraigned on the violation and released on his own recognizance last weekend after he was arrested when police went to his home in response to a fight with a woman.....
Detroit has placed RB Brian Calhoun, the Lions third round pick at the 2006 draft, on injured reserve with a knee injury. Calhoun had played sparingly to date in his rookie season totaling just 19 yards rushing on 7 carries. The Lions, who would have the second pick overall were the 2007 draft held today, also placed DE James Hall on IR.....
Week Ten Practice Reports
Friday November 10, 2006
Sunday
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-3) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-6) 1:00 PM EST
CHIEFS
Starting QB Trent Green (head-out) is just doing some limited throwing as he did last week but hasn't gotten cleared to practice yet. Backup QB Damon Huard will continue to start for him and could keep the job the rest of the way if they keep on winning.
Starting ORT Kevin Sampson (foot-questionable) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out with backup OT Kyle Turley starting for him again.
Starting G Brian Waters (knee) is expected to miss at least a few weeks with backup OL Chris Bober likely starting for him.
Starting DE Tamba Hali (hip-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting SLB Derrick Johnson (ankle-questionable) missed practice again Friday was downgraded to out with backup LB Keyaron Fox starting for him.
Starting FS Greg Wesley (shoulder-questionable) practiced again Friday but they want to see how he responds to practicing before giving him the green light to start on Sunday.
Starting SS Sammy Knight (ankle) was added to the injury report as probable Friday after getting hurt at the end of practice but he should be able to start.
DOLPHINS
QB Daunte Culpepper (knee-doubtful) still isn't practicing while he rehabs his surgically repaired knee. Head coach Nick Saban strongly denied a broadcast report about backup QB Cleo Lemon starting this week's game. Veteran QB Joey Harrington remains the starter. Lemon, who has a strong arm and is well thought of by some teams around the league, could get some playing time once the team is officially out of the playoff race.
Backup DEDavid Bowens (hamstring) didn't practice Friday and was added to the injury report as questionable.
HOUSTON TEXANS (2-6) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-3) 1:00 PM EST
TEXANS
The club released backup WR/KR Edell Shepherd and signed WR Derrick Lewis off of the practice squad to replace him.
Backup C Drew Hodgdon (back-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available for the game.
Starting OLT Ephraim Salaam (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting DE Mario Williams (foot-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Starting DE Anthony Weaver (knee) was added to the injury report as probable Friday but he practiced and is expected to start.
Backup DT Lional Dalton (ankle) missed practice again Thursday and remains questionable to play.
Backup MLB DaShon Polk (knee) is out.
JAGUARS
The Jaguars still include a season-high 18 players listed on their injury report, although most are expected to play.
Backup QB David Garrard keep the starting job for the foreseeable future. Former starter Byron Leftwich (left ankle-questionable) was downgraded from probable Friday when he was unable even to take any scout team reps.
#3 QB Quinn Gray has backed up Garrard the last two weeks. As we've noted a few times this week, we're told the only way Garrard won't start the rest of the season is if he puts a string of bad games together.
Starting DT Marcus Stroud (right ankle) was downgraded to out from doubtful on Friday. He injured the ankle originally before the season opener, and didn't practice this week, He'll miss his fifth straight game.
Veteran DL Rob Meier, who started the first four games at DE for Reggie Hayward (IR), is now back inside starting in Stroud's place, and backup DE Bobby McCray (hip-probable) starts for Meier. McCray is one of seven players listed as probable but practiced fully each day this week.
Listed as doubtful are starting FB Derrick Wimbush (ankle), backup OL Stockar McDougle (ankle), and backup LB Jorge Cordova (hamstring). None practiced this week.
Wimbush missed last Sunday's game, McDougle will likely miss his fourth straight game this Sunday vs. the Texans and Cordova pulled his hamstring last Sunday. The Jaguars activated FB Rich Alexis off the practice squad last week, but the team also went with a lot of one-back/two tight end formations.
Three starting defenders - SS Donovin Darius (knee), CB Rashean Mathis (hamstring), and DT John Henderson (hamstring) - plus dime back Terry Cousin (groin) and starting TE George Wrighster (back) - are questionable. Darius missed practice Wednesday and Thursday but returned for a full day on Friday. Backup S Gerald Sensabaugh is Darius' backup. Mathis and Henderson worked fully Thursday and Friday after sitting out the previous day's session and are expected to start, as is Darius. Mathis and Henderson both tweaked their respective hamstrings in last week's win and came out after the score became lopsided.
Cousin has missed the last two games but practiced each day this week, while Wrighster was downgraded from probable Friday despite practicing. He was added to the injury report as probable on Thursday when he sat out practice.
Rookie first-rounder Marcedes Lewis has been working his way more into the offense as the season has progressed and veteran Kyle Brady is still an above-average blocker.
Starters RB Fred Taylor (groin), MLB Daryl Smith (hip), rookie WLBClint Ingram (shoulder) and CB Brian Williams (thigh) are five of the six other players listed as probable. All practiced each day this week and Ingram, Smith, and Williams were all added to the injury report Thursday. All are expected to start.
Backup DE Marcellus Wiley (groin) is also listed as probable and he, too, practiced each day this week. He missed a month of action earlier in the season but has played the last two weeks.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-2) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-4) 1:00 PM EST
CHARGERS
Backup WR Vincent Jackson (leg-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.
Starting DE Igor Olshansky (personal) was removed from the injury report after practicing Friday. With starting DE Luis Castillo (ankle) being downgraded to out on Friday, look Olshansky to start opposite DE Jacques Cesaire on Sunday. Backup DE Derrick Robinson (foot-questionable) returned to practice Friday and should be able to play.
Starting OLB Shaun Phillips (calf-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting FS Marlon McCree (calf-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup S Bhawoh Jue (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.
BENGALS
Starting RB Rudi Johnson (thigh-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.
#1 WR Chad Johnson complained after last week’s game about not getting the ball enough but it’s not as if the Bengals aren’t trying. Starting QB Carson Palmer has thrown to Johnson 69 times, completing 40 passes and drawing four penalties. Johnson is eight catches behind his eight-game total last season but he’s got 234 fewer yards. Palmer and Johnson have connected on just three of 17 deep (plus-20 yards) pass attempts this season. Johnson had 16 catches of 20 or more yards last season, including 11 of 30 or more yards.
Starting TE Reggie Kelly (back-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting C Rich Braham (knee) remains out with backup C Eric Ghiaciuc starting again for him.
Starting OLT Levi Jones (knee) remains out with backup OL Andrew Whitworth starting again for him.
Starting ORT Willie Anderson (probable-shoulder) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.
Starting DT Sam Adams (probable-knee) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting MLB Brian Simmons (doubtful-neck) and backup S Kevin Kaesviharn (knee-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and aren't expected to play.
Rookie MLB Ahmad Brooks starts for Simmons again and could keep the job once Simmons is healthy.
Starting CB Tory James (knee-probable) practiced again Friday but the team may move first-round pick CB Johnathan Joseph into the starting lineup over him on Sunday.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-6) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (5-3) 1:00 PM EST
BROWNS
Starting QB Charlie Frye (thumb) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.
Starting WR Joe Jurevicius (back-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. #3 WR/PR Dennis Northcutt (back) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.
Starting TE Kellen Winslow (knee-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting ORT Ryan Tucker (illness-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup OT Kelly Butler (wrist) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available and was upgraded to probable.
Starting LG Joe Andruzzi (knee-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. He's on a limited practice schedule in order to get him ready to play. Starting LG Cosey Coleman (knee-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. Backup OL Lennie Friedman is still expected to see some snaps for either player in the game.
Starting DE Orpheus Roye (hamstring-questionable) was limited again Friday but the feeling is he'll be able to still start.
“I’ve felt pretty good. We’re going to give me one more day to go out there and just keep it warm. I’ll be ready to go," he said Friday.
Roye was inactive last week.
“I probably could have played, but I didn’t want to risk injury. This was just an extra week to get it stronger will let me go out there and play this weekend.”
Backup DL Nick Eason would start again for him if needed.
Starting OLB Willie McGinest (ankle-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. Backup OLB Matt Stewart (head-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to play.
Starting ILB D'Qwell Jackson (ankle) was limited on Friday and was added to the injury report as probable but he's still expected to start. Backup ILB Leon Williams (ankle-questionable) didn't practice Friday and likely won't be able to play.
Starting CB Daven Holly (illness-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Starting CB Leigh Bodden (ankle) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out. The team is expected to start backup CBRalph Brown for him. Rookie CB Jereme Perry (ankle-questionable) was limited again Friday but he should be able to play. He'll also in be the mix for playing time with Bodden out.
FALCONS
Their depleted secondary got some good news Friday as rookie CB Jimmy Williams (ankle) returned to practice after missing Thursday's session with a sprained ankle suffered earlier in the day in special teams drills. Williams will be called upon to start for CB Jason Webster (torn groin muscle-out), who will miss at least a month of action.
The other starting CB, DeAngelo Hall (hamstring-questionable) sat out practice Friday for the second straight day. If Hall can't play, backup CB Omare Lowe would likely start and backup CB/KR/PR Allen Rossum would assume the nickel role as he did last Sunday in Detroit with backup DB Kevin Mathis (IR-neck) having gone down on the opening kickoff. He also will continue in his roles as the team's punt and kickoff return man.
Besides Mathis, the team also placed starting RG Kynan Forney (right shoulder) on IR. His shoulder popped out of socket three times in the last month and his play was suffering too much to keep him on the field.
Backup OL Tyson Clabo, who has started two of the past three games, will move into Forney's slot. Backup OL P.J. Alexander, who has made his first two NFL starts the last two weeks, will start at LG Sunday for Matt Lehr, whose four-game suspension ends after Sunday's game.
To replace Forney and Mathis on the roster, the team signed veteran free agent SLance Schulters and signed RB Marlion Jackson from their practice squad. Jackson may even be active Sunday, with rookie RB Jerious Norwood (questionable) unable to practice this week due to a grade-1 MCL sprain suffered in Detroit. He'll likely be inactive Sunday since he didn't practice all week.
Six other players are listed as questionable, but all of them practiced Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday's session.
That group includes five starters - TE Alge Crumpler (ankle), DT Grady Jackson (knee), ORT Todd Weiner (knee), WR Ashley Lelie (groin) and MLB Ed Hartwell (knees) - in addition to backup FB Fred McCray (knee).
Hartwell is unlikely to play until he re-gains more effective lateral movement, stemming from late-August scopes on both knees. He played two games in a row but didn't show that he was completely healthy.
Crumpler is expected to start.
And with Hartwell out again, starting WLB Keith Brooking has moved back into the middle and backup LB Demorrio Williams starts at WLB
Jackson's knee is a chronic condition that isn't serious enough to force the veteran to miss any game-time. With his age and weight, Jackson is likely to continue to receive a day or two off from practice as the season wears on.
McCrary has also missed a day or two of practice in recent weeks but is available for game-action.
Starting RDE John Abraham remains out and is expected to miss least a few more weeks, but he is progressing in his recovery from surgery Oct. 24 to repair a tear in a lower abdominal muscle.
Abraham has played in only parts of two games this year and opted for surgery after the injury wasn't showing dramatic improvement.
In his absence, second-year DE Chauncey Davis continues to start and play predominantly on the left side on rushing downs. Starting DE Patrick Kerney has been moving to the right side when Davis in on the field and staying on the left in passing situations.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (2-6) 1:00 PM EST
RAVENS
Backup WR Clarence Moore (abdomen) was added to the injury report as questionable on Friday.
Starting TE Todd Heap (ankle-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.
Starting DT Kelly Gregg (wrist-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting MLB Ray Lewis (back-questionable) missed practice again Friday and his status now is considered a game-time decision. The team is preparing for backup MLB Mike Smith to start since Lewis didn't practice all week.
Starting SLB Adalius Thomas (neck-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting FS Ed Reed (neck-questionable) did limited work on Friday but the team believes he'll be able to start.
Backup CB Corey Ivy (abdomen-questionable) did limited work this week but probably will be held out of Sunday's game.
TITANS
Veteran DE Antwan Odom (right knee-out) had his knee scoped Thursday and will miss several more weeks. He was injured in the third quarter Oct. 29, but this injury isn't related to the one on the same knee that forced him to miss the first three games of the campaign.
The Titans believe this is the week starting WR David Givens (thumb-questionable) returns to action after missing the last four games. He's practiced for the last two weeks, but simply wasn't ready to catch the ball in game-action. Backup WR Brandon Jones has started for Givens.
Also questionable is starting SLB David Thornton (shoulder), who saw limited snaps vs. the Jaguars, only playing in nickel and dime situations. He rested Wednesday, but returned for full days of work Thursday and Friday, although Thornton has acknowledged that the injury, a torn tendon in his right rotator cuff, will likely bother him the rest of the season and may require surgery.
With Thornton out in the base defense last week, starting MLB Peter Sirmonmoved to Thornton's spot and rookie LB Stephen Tulloch went in at MLB, a shift that likely will occur at least part of the game this week as well.
#3 WR/KR Bobby Wade (separated left shoulder-questionable) is again listed this week. He was injured Oct. 29 but played in his usual roles last week despite getting minimal practice time leading up to the game. He did practice each day this week with the main issue with him being pain tolerance moving forward.
Starting RG Benji Olson (back-questionable) was added to the injury report on Thursday when he missed practice. The injury isn't expected to force him to miss any game-action, but he also rested Friday. Backup Eugene Amano took Olson's reps the last two days and would start for him if Olson is unable to go vs. the Ravens.
Recently signed free agents TE Ben Hartsock (hamstring-questionable) and DE DeQuincy Scott (foot-questionable) are again both listed as questionable, but Scott practiced with his new teammates for the first time each day this week and could be active Sunday. Hartsock still hasn't begun practicing.
Rounding out the injury report are backups FB/TE Casey Cramer (concussion-questionable) and LB Rob Reynolds (quadriceps-questionable). Neither practiced this week. Reynolds was inactive Sunday while Cramer suffered his concussion vs. the Jaguars.
Starting SS Chris Hope was slowed by a virus earlier in the week but is expected at full-strength Sunday and will start and isn't listed on the injury report.
BUFFALO BILLS (3-5) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-0) 1:00 PM EST
BILLS
Starting RB Willis McGahee (ribs) is out for several weeks (at least four and probably more) with backup RB Anthony Thomas starting for him. #3 RB Shaun Williams will back him up. The team doesn't have a third healthy back on their active roster.
Backup WR Josh Reed (kidney) is out with a bruised kidney. Head coach Dick Jauron said backup WRs Roscoe Parrish, Andre Davis, andSam Aiken (probable-hamstring) will all be factors in filling the void. Aiken is clearly the most physical of the three and is expected to take Reed's blocking role in the run game. Aiken practiced all week and is expected to play after missing last week's game.
Backup C Duke Preston (questionable-ankle) returned to practice Friday and is expected to be available for the game.
COLTS
Rookie RB Joseph Addai (wrist-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.
#3 WR Brandon Stokley (knee-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play.
Backup TE Ben Utecht (lower back) was upgraded to probable after practicing Friday expected to play.
Starting ORT Ryan Diem (calf-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Backup G Ryan Lilja (knee-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.
Starting DT Montae Reagor (head) is out for several more weeks with backup DT Anthony McFarland starting for him. Backup DT Darrell Reid (broken finger-questionable) practiced Friday and probably will be able to play.
Starting DE Robert Mathis (knee-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.
Starting MLB Gary Brackett (hamstring strain-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. Backup MLB Rob Morris (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start for Brackett.
"Rob will do fine. We've won a ton of games with Rob Morris playing and he'll do great. He's the least of our worries," head coach Tony Dungy said Friday.
Backup LB Keith O'Neil (ankle-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. He's mostly a special teams player. Backup LB Rocky Boiman (concussion) practiced again Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to play.
Starting FS Bob Sanders (knee) missed practice again Friday and remains questionable to play.
"What we've talked about is if he's feeling good and ready to go and running well and (secondary coach) Alan (Williams) is satisfied and (director of rehabilitation) Erin (Barill) is satisfied, then he'll go," Dungy said after Friday's practice. "He went through all the walkthroughs, he knows what he's doing. He hasn't had the practice time, but we'll see how he is."
Backup CB/S Marlin Jackson would likely start if he can't play. But if Sanders feels he can play, even without practicing, he'll play.
"That's what I told him. I said if you feel like you felt going to New England, then we want you to play. But I don't want you to play if you're just feeling good," Dungy added. "Hopefully he gets through it and plays and it's a little stronger every week. But we'd like to keep him out rather than having him doing this every week."
Sanders wants to play.
"We're just taking it a day at a time. Right now it's still kind of early to decide whether I'm going to play or not. I really don't know yet. I feel pretty good. I just don't want to beat myself up during the week right now and not be able to play on Sunday."
Backup DB Matt Giordano (calf-questionable) missed practice all week and isn't expected to play.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-5) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-4) 1:00 PM EST
REDSKINS
Starting WR Santana Moss (hamstring) practiced again Friday and was upgraded from questionable to probable. They'll want to make sure he doesn't have a setback before the game before giving him the green light.
"He will work out Sunday morning and make a decision then," head coach Joe Gibbs said following Friday's workout. "He looked good today. He has upped it every day. I talked to him for a while this morning. I think he feels good. I thought he looked fine.
"I felt like this week would not go as well as it did. He did gradually more every day. He upped it every day. We will see how he feels on game day."
Moss, who leads the offense with 28 receptions for 435 yards and three touchdowns, participated fully in Thursday's practice after being limited Wednesday. Moss did not play against Dallas last week. He strained his left hamstring in the Oct. 22 loss at Indianapolis.
#3 WR Antwaan Randle El would start again or would share time with him if needed.
Starting WR Brandon Lloyd (hamstring-probable) returned to practice Friday after sitting out Thursday's practice with a groin injury. He is expected to start.
Elsewhere on the injury front, backup WR David Patten (hamstring-probable) practiced again Friday and should be able to play. He was an inactive last week.
Backup TE Christian Fauria (ankle) practiced Friday and was upgraded to probable after missing the previous two days. Fauria was in a walking boot prior to Friday.
"He took pretty much full work. I was surprised that he was able to do that much. He said he wanted to get a good feel for it. He took most of his work. There were a few things in there that he didn't do, but he looked pretty good," Gibbs said.
Starting TE Chris Cooley (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting ORT Jon Jansen (calf-probable) practiced for a second straight day and is expected to start on Sunday.
Starting RCB Carlos Rogers (thumb-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting LCB Shawn Springs was given the day off, Gibbs said.
"We held Shawn today mainly just to give him a day's rest. There is nothing wrong," Gibbs said.
EAGLES
On the health front, the Eagles had full participation in practice this week of every player on their active roster, including starting WR Donte' Stallworth (hamstring) and nickel CB Rod Hood (heel), who missed significant time during the first half of the season.
"They've done a nice job and they look like they are healthy and ready to go," head coach Andy Reid said. "I think most of the guys that were nicked up a little bit, they are feeling better this week and they should be fine."
Stallworth should be back in the starting lineup alongside starting WR Reggie Brown. Stallworth missed four games with a hamstring injury.
The bye week allowed a number of players to heal a variety of bumps and bruises.
Starting RB Brian Westbrook (knee/ankle-probable) is expected to shoulder much of the load in the backfield. Westbrook suffered an ankle injury in the loss to Jacksonville right before the bye week, but it doesn't appear to be limiting him in anyway. He is expected to start. Meanwhile, his sore knee is feeling as good as it has since early in the season. Westbrook ranks 7th in NFL with 901 scrimmage yards (500 rush, 401 rec.).
Starting CB Lito Sheppard (hand/ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start alongside starting CB Sheldon Brown.
Up front, starting DT Mike Patterson (hand-probable) had surgery during the bye week to repair a broken hand he sustained in the Jaguar game.
Meanwhile, Reid would not say whether veteran CB William James (formerlyWill Peterson), added to the roster last week, will suit up Sunday.
"I'll just make that decision," Reid said. "You obviously don't want to put him in a bad situation where he is not comfortable with what is going on around him. He's done a nice job this week and I'll go evaluate the film that he had today and I'll meet with (defensive coordinator) Jim (Johnson) and we'll go from there."
One of five cornerbacks on the roster, James hasn't played in a game since the second week of the '05 season.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-5) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-4) 1:00 PM EST
PACKERS
Starting RB Ahman Green (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup RB Vernand Morency (back-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. #3 RB Noah Herron fills in for him again.
Starting FB Brandon Miree (elbow-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. Backup FB William Henderson starts again for him.
Starting WR Greg Jennings (questionable-ankle) participated in part of Friday's practice. His status will be decided after Sunday's pre-game warmup.
"I just felt it was smart (for Jennings to stop practicing)," head coach Mike McCarthy said after Friday's practice. "I saw what I needed to see. He felt better than when he started, so we're just being smart. He did team stuff; he just didn't do it all."
Starting TE Bubba Franks (wrist-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting OLT Chad Clifton (knee/elbow-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Backup DT Cullen Jenkins was added to the injury report on Friday as probable due to an ankle injury and missed practice but is expected to play.
"He was sore, so we rested him today," McCarthy said. "But I fully anticipate him going. It was clearly precautionary and came up last minute before practice."
Backup DT Johnny Jolly (ankle-probable) practiced Friday and is expected to be available for the game.
Starting CB Charles Woodson (questionable-knee) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.
Starting S Nick Collins (probable-kidney) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
VIKINGS
Starting RB Chester Taylor (calf) practiced some Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start.
Starting FB Tony Richardson (broken thumb) and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start.
#3 Marcus Robinson (lower back) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out.
Starting C Matt Birk (neck-probable) practiced some again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting DT Pat Williams (knee-questionable) practiced some again Friday and is expected to start. Starting DT Kevin Williams (ankle-probable) practiced some again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting DE Darrion Scott (ankle) was limited again Friday and remains questionable to play. Backup DE Ray Edwards would start if he can't play.
Starting MLB Napoleon Harris (wrist) was downgraded to out on Friday after not practicing with backup LB Dontarrious Thomas starting again for him again.
Starting CB Fred Smoot's (death in family) status remains up in the air. Head coach Brad Childress said he did not anticipate him returning in time for the team meeting Saturday, since
Smoot's brother's funeral is some time on Saturday. Still, if Smoot can get there some time before the game, they'd like him to start because rookie CB Cedric Griffin is untested. Griffin is an emerging play but I'm sure they'd like to have a veteran to contend with QB Brett Favre.
NEW YORK JETS (4-4) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (6-2) 1:00 PM EST
JETS
Starting QB Chad Pennington (calf-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup QB Patrick Ramsey (thigh-probable) practiced all week and is expected to be available for the game.
Starting FB B.J. Askew (questionable-foot) was limited again Friday but is still expected to start.
Veteran RB Kevan Barlow (calf-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play. Backup RB Cedric Houston (knee-questionable) was limited again Friday but the feeling is he'll be able to play.
Starting WR Laveranues Coles (questionable-calf) saw limited practice time again Friday but is expected to start. Backup WR Justin McCareins (questionable-foot) and backup WR/PR Tim Dwight (questionable-thigh) saw limited practice time again Friday. McCareins's status is considered a game-time decision. Dwight is expected to play.
Starting G Pete Kendall (knee-probable) practiced all week and is expected to start.
Backup C Trey Teague (broken ankle) was placed on IR earlier this week.
Backup OLB Matt Chatham (knee-probable) practiced all week and is expected to play.
Veteran CB David Barrett (questionable-hip) saw limited practice time this week and his status is considered a game-time decision. Starting CB Andre Dyson (ankle-probable) practiced all week and is expected to start.
PATRIOTS
Starting QB Tom Brady (right shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and will start.
Rookie RB Laurence Maroney (ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.
Starting TE Daniel Graham (ankle) practiced Friday but remains questionable to play.
Starting RG Steve Neal (shoulder) practiced Friday but remains questionable to play. Backup OL Billy Yates started the last two games in his place. Backup OL Russ Hochstein (knee) practiced again Friday but remains questionable to play.
Starting DEs Richard Seymour (elbow-questionable) Ty Warren (wrist-questionable) practiced again Friday and are expected to start.
Starting CB Ellis Hobbs (wrist-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.
Starting SS Rodney Harrison (shoulder-out) should miss at least the next four games. Backup CB Chad Scott replaced him during last week's. Starting FS Eugene Wilson (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday. If he can play, they can move backup S Artrell Hawkins into Harrison's spot.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-5) AT DETROIT LIONS (2-6) 1:00 PM EST
49ERS
Starting TE Vernon Davis (leg-doubtful) has been running but missed practice all week and isn't expected to play.. Look for backup TE Eric Johnson to start again for him.
On defense, backup S Chad Williams (quadriceps-probable) practiced again Friday and should be available this weekend after missing last week's game.
Starting CB Walt Harris (hip) practiced Friday and was upgraded from questionable to probable. Look for him to start Sunday. Harris suffered a hip contusion in the win over Minnesota. Nickel CB Sammy Davis would start if needed.
LIONS
Starting DT Shaun Cody (dislocated toe-questionable) didn't do any team drills this week, but got in some individual work, although it's still likely he'll miss at least another game. He's missed the last three contests and was projected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks at the time of his injury.
"We're going to wait until Sunday, see how he's doing," said head coach Rod Marinelli of Cody. "I think he's average right now, but we'll see."
Also up front, the other starting tackle, Shaun Rogers, remains under suspension until Thanksgiving. Backup DT Marcus Bell now starts alongside starting DE Cory Redding, who has moved inside. With Redding inside, backup DE Kalimba Edwards starts for Redding.
Edwards' production level (two sacks) has been questioned after he received a lucrative long-term contract in the off-season.
"I feel really good about him," said Marinelli. "I call him close, but no cigars. He's been draping off that guy a few times, so we need him to play big and I believe he's going to do that."
Rogers had his knee scoped after being suspended, so when he returns to the team on Nov. 20, he'll be evaluated. His status is unknown until then and the Lions play three days later on Thanksgiving Day.
Backups OL Blaine Saipaia (chest-questionable) and FB Sean McHugh (knee-questionable) both missed practice each day this week. McHugh made his first career start last week for starting FB Cory Schlesinger (hamstring), who is back practicing at full-speed this week and should be in the lineup Sunday.
Starting ORT Rex Tucker (knee) was removed from the injury report on Friday when he re-joined practice. He was added as probable Thursday when he rested his knee. He practiced fully Wednesday and had missed most of the season until returning to the starting lineup last week. Veteran OL Barry Stokes, who is now starting at RG for Damien Woody (foot-IR), started predominantly for Tucker while he was out.
DENVER BRONCOS (6-2) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-6) 4:05 PM EST
BRONCOS
Starting RB Tatum Bell (turf toes-probable) practiced again Friday and was upgraded to probable and the feeling is that he'll be able to play this week. He was listed as probable last week but didn't play but that actually helped him as his feet are feeling better this week. The plan is to work him out before Sunday's game to determine his final status. Rookie RB Mike Bell, whether Tatum Bell plays or not, should receive at least half of the carries. #3 RB Cedric Cobbs (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available for the game. If Tatum Bell is active for the game, they'll likely have Cobbs inactive with backup FB Cecil Sapp acting as the third RB.
Starting FB Kyle Johnson (ankle) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.
Starting WR Rod Smith (shoulder separation) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.
Starting DT Gerard Warren (toe-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Starting DE Ebenezer Ekuban (thigh) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to doubtful. Look for backup DE John Engleberger to start for him. DE Patrick Chukwurah (hamstring-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play.
Starting WLB Ian Gold (hamstring) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to doubtful and isn't expected to play. Backup LB Nate Webster will likely start for him.
Starting MLB Al Wilson (concussion) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.
Starting CB Darrent Williams (shoulder) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.
Starting FS John Lynch (concussion) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.
Starting SS Nick Ferguson (concussion) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.
Backup S Sam Brandon (knee) will miss the rest of the season.
RAIDERS
Starting QB Aaron Brooks (right shoulder-questionable) could dress for the game but backup QB Andrew Walter remains the starter.
Starting RB LaMont Jordan (back-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup RB Justin Fargas (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.
Starting FB Zack Crockett (knee-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.
Starting G Barry Sims (abdomen-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play with backup OL Corey Hulsey starting again for him.
Starting OLT Robert Gallery (groin) was added to the injury report as probable on Friday but is still expected to start.
Starting SS Michael Huff (concussion-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (4-4) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-3) 4:15 PM EST
RAMS
Starting WLB Pisa Tinoisamoa (hand-questionable) has missed two games with a broken hand but he practiced all week and will return to the starting lineup.
“Pisa looks fine,” said head coach Scott Linehan after Friday's practice. “I think there’ll be no reason he won’t start based on all week. We got everything in and he looks just fine. Unless something changes between now and then, or in pregame warm-up or something like that, he’ll probably start the game. (Backup RB) Kay-Jay Harris will probably be active this week just so we have a third back. So he’ll be active on teams. We haven’t made a decision between (backup DE Tony) Bryant and (backup DE Brandon) Green. We’ll make that decision as a staff prior to Sunday. We’re still evaluating some of our personnel groups defensively. Both of them had a good week in practice though. All the other guys on the injury report were fine today, so they won’t be an issue.”
Backup S Jerome Carter (elbow), backup LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (hip) and starting DE Leonard Little (knee) all practiced again Friday and are listed as probable and will be available in their normal roles.
SEAHAWKS
Starting QB Matt Hasselbeck (knee-doubtful) did some limited work Friday (7-on-7) but won't play but he's on target for playing next week.
"We're thinking he can play next week. So this is a good start. The test for him will be how he feels tomorrow," head coach Mike Holmgren said after Friday's practice.
Backup QB Seneca Wallace will continue to start for him.
Starting RB Shaun Alexander (foot-doubtful) did some light running and cutting on Thursday and rested on Friday. Holmgren said Alexander came out of Thursday's brief workout well. Backup RB Maurice Morris continues to fill in.
Backup FB Josh Parry (foot) is out.
#3 WR Bobby Engram (illness-questionable) practiced some Friday but will be held out of Sunday's game. While there was some optimism that he would be ready to play next week, Holmgren couldn't say for sure Friday when exactly Engram will be able to play. Backup WR D.J. Hackett is filling in. #5 WRNate Burleson (foot-questionable) practiced Friday but his status will be decided on Sunday.
Starting ORT Sean Locklear (ankle-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and won't be able to play with backup OL Tom Ashworth filling in again.
Starting C Robbie Tobeck (elbow-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Backup DT Marcus Tubbs (knee) is out.
Backup WLB D.D. Lewis (toe) is out.
Starting SS Jordan Babineaux (shoulder) was limited Friday and his status will be decided on Sunday. Former starting SS Michael Boulware would start if needed.
DALLAS COWBOYS (4-4) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-7) 4:15 PM EST
COWBOYS
Starting WR Terry Glenn (quadriceps) pulled himself out of practice on Friday. We're told Glenn is having problems with the lining of his knee not a bone on bone problem as others suggest. The team is calling his status a game-time decision. If Glenn can't play, rookie WR Sam Hurd would likely open up the game as the starter but look for #3 WR Patrick Crayton to rotate with him.
Hurd was signed as an undrafted free agent and has good size but questionable hands. Crayton, while known as a possession receiver, is excellent with running after the catch and is headed for career highs this season in catches, yards, and TDs.
CARDINALS
Starting WR Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. The coaching staff will monitor him through out the game to see how he feels but the don't want to over work him in his first game back. He still should see more than half of the offensive snaps though.
#4 WR/PR Troy Walters (hand/wrist-probable) was limited in practice the last two days but is expected to play. Backup WR Bryant Johnson backs him up as a punt returner.
Starting FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (fibula-doubtful) did limited work Friday but isn't expected to play. Backup FB A.J. Schable is expected to start for him.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-2) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-6) 4:15 PM EST
SAINTS
Rookie RB Reggie Bush (left ankle) is listed as probable, stemming from his aggravation of his sprained left ankle on Oct. 29. He practiced most of last week and was unhindered in the win over Tampa and also practiced fully this week.
Starting WR Joe Horn (groin) missed practice Wednesday, was able to practice Thursday, but was very limited on Friday and was downgraded to doubtful making it unlikely that he'll be able to play for the second straight week. Look for #3 WR Devery Henderson to fill in again for him with #3 WR Terrance Copper seeing a few snaps as well in Horn's place.
Starting OLT Jammal Brown (sprained left ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start..
Rookie OL Zach Strief (dislocated right ring finger-probable) made his first NFL appearance in starting for Brown. He dislocated his right ring finger two weeks ago but isn't listed this week.
Starting CB Fred Thomas (hamstring-questionable) missed practice all week. He spent two days last week listed as questionable as well but practiced each day last week. His status is considered a game day decision. Backup CB Jason Craft (concussion) is Thomas' backup. He sustained a concussion vs. Tampa Bay just before halftime and did not return but practiced fully this week and isn't listed on the injury report.
Backup TE Nate Lawrie (back-questionable) also missed practice each day this week and likely will miss his second straight game. He had moved up a place in the TE rotation since starting TE Ernie Conwell (right knee-out) was injured Oct. 15 vs. Philadelphia. Conwell underwent surgery three days later to repair a medial meniscus tear and was slated to miss 4-6 weeks. Backup TE Mark Campbell starts for him.
STEELERS
Starting ILB Larry Foote (ribs), backup RB Najeh Davenport (knee), starting OLB Clark Haggans (groin), backup WR Sean Morey (toe), starting SS Troy Polamalu (foot), starting CB Deshea Townsend (quadriceps) all are listed as probable and practiced again on Friday and are expected to be available in their normal roles for Sunday.
Starting C Jeff Hartings (knee) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out. Backup C Chukky Okobi starts for him again.
Starting ILB James Farrior (groin) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable. Backup ILB Rian Wallace would likely start if needed. Backup ILB Clint Kriewaldt (back) was downgraded to out from doubtful.
Backup OLB James Harrison (ankle) remains out.
CHICAGO BEARS (7-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (6-2) 8:15 PM EST
BEARS
The injury news has gotten more positive as the week progressed at Halas Hall. Starting MLB Brian Urlacher (sprained left big toe-questionable) practiced Friday for the first time this week and appears on track to start Sunday night if no additional setbacks occur. Head coach Lovie Smith remained as non-committal Friday as he's been throughout the week.
"Does that ensure he's a go. No, it just means he practiced today. So I can stay right in the middle of the pack, he was OK today."
If Urlacher can't play, or needs to be spelled, it's likely the team would move starting SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer into the middle and backup LB Rod Wilson could go in at strong-side.
Starting WR/KR Bernard Berrian (bruised ribs) was confined to mostly running on Friday, which he couldn't do at the beginning of the practice week, and he was upgraded from doubtful to questionable. Though Friday's session didn't include contact, it's a positive sign that Berrian was upgraded and that he has reported less pain and discomfort each day this week, but is still a long shot to be active.
"Improvement is being made, but it would take a lot for him to play," said Smith.
On Monday it was estimated that Berrian could miss up to a month, but his rapid recovery has made an earlier return seem possible.
His presence is a key to the Bears' vertical passing game that has been so successful this year.
If Berrian can't play, #3 WR Rashied Davis would see time in Berrian's spot along with backup WRs Mark Bradley and Justin Gage. There's been no indication yet who exactly would start if Berrian can't play.
Starting WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee) was listed as probable Wednesday, but was removed from the injury report Thursday after practicing for a second straight day and is expected to start. He also practiced fully Friday.
Dime back Dante Wesley (bruised left knee and thigh) didn't practice this week and officially remains questionable to play..
Backup FS Chris Harris (quadriceps) has missed the last five games, but should be available this week. He re-joined practice last Friday.
"It's been very frustrating not to get out there on the field, especially with the team having the success and not actually really being able to be a part of it," said Harris. "I have to try to stay within myself and try not to do too much. But I'm excited to get back on the field and hope that my play will show it."
GIANTS
Starting FB Jim Finn (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Backup WR Sinorice Moss (quadriceps-questionable) practiced again Friday.
"He’s working at it, he’s working at it (returning to playing). He practiced two days this week. He’s improved each time he’s practiced," head coach Tom Coughlin said after Friday's practice.
Starting WR Plaxico Burress (back spasms-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start unless he has a setback before the game. He was moving well during and after practice.
Starting WR Amani Toomer (knee) hasn't been placed on IR yet but will miss the rest of the season with #3 WR Tim Carter expected to start for him.
Defensively, starting DE Michael Strahan (foot) is out two to eight weeks although he's moving around well. Since backup DE Justin Tuck (foot-questionable) missed practice all week and likely won't play, it's likely that backup DE Adrian Awasom will make his first pro start. He was signed off of the practice squad recently. Starting DE Osi Umenyiora (hip flexor-doubtful) missed practice all week so rookie DE Mathias Kiwanuka makes his third start in place of Umenyiora.
Starting SLB Carlos Emmons (groin-questionable) returned to practice Friday and should be able to start. Backup SLB Reggie Torbor worked in his spot previously.
Starting WLB Brandon Short (quadriceps-questionable) missed his third straight practice on Friday and isn't expected to play. Rookie WLB Gerris Wilkinson should start again for him.
Starting CB Sam Madison (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.
Monday
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-6) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-4) 8:35 PM EST
BUCCANEERS
Backup RB/KR Michael Pittman (shoulder-questionable) returned to practice Friday after missing Thursday's workout.
"He's still a little bit questionable for the game," head coach Jon Gruden said after Friday's practice.
Starting DT Ellis Wyms (ankle-questionable), starting DE Simeon Rice (shoulder-questionable), starting MLB Shelton Quarles (knee-questionable), and starting LCB Juran Bolden (hip-questionable) all missed practice for a second straight day.
All four have been able to play through their injuries. Fortunately, the team still has one more practice left.
Said Gruden when asked about Rice's condition: "He's struggling with this injury, but he's finding a way to play. We hoped to get him on the practice field, but he's a sore man."
Backup DT Jon Bradley worked in place of Wyms in practice and is available if needed. Backup DE Dewayne White is an option at end. Backup LB Barrett Ruud is the backup to Quarles.
PANTHERS
Former starting C Justin Hartwig (groin-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play.
Backup DT Jordan Carstens (chest) is out for several weeks.
Starting CB Ken Lucas (groin-questionable) practiced again Friday and should be able to play but rookie CB Richard Marshall may start for him since Lucas isn't 100 percent.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Thursday, November 09, 2006
FOOTBALL NEWS AND NOTES
A trio of rookies showed up on the NFL transaction wire over the past day or so. Kansas City, for example, a 5th round pick at the 2006 draft off waivers from Chicago. Ironically, Maxie was originally chosen by the Chiefs, but was released in late September and claimed by Chicago where he appeared in one contest. Meanwhile, Minnesota has signed undrafted rookie free agent CB Charles Gordon off their practice squad. And San Francisco has placed DE Parys Haralson, a 5th round pick this year, on injured reserve after undergoing surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.....
Florida Times-Union: "Byron Leftwich, who lost his starting quarterback job to David Garrard earlier this week, said Wednesday he believes he can play on his sore ankle, but he doesn't want to create a distraction for the Jaguars... Leftwich also said he would like to stay in Jacksonville, but he hasn't had any contract talks with the Jaguars."
First Mike Patterson got a new contract. Then Trent Cole got a new contract. Then the deadline for NFL teams to count signing bonuses under this year's salary cap expired, and still L.J. Smith didn't have a new contract....
Florida Times-Union: "Byron Leftwich, who lost his starting quarterback job to David Garrard earlier this week, said Wednesday he believes he can play on his sore ankle, but he doesn't want to create a distraction for the Jaguars... Leftwich also said he would like to stay in Jacksonville, but he hasn't had any contract talks with the Jaguars."
First Mike Patterson got a new contract. Then Trent Cole got a new contract. Then the deadline for NFL teams to count signing bonuses under this year's salary cap expired, and still L.J. Smith didn't have a new contract....
Sunday, November 05, 2006
FINAL BYE WEEK
The final four NFL teams get their byes this weekend, meaning that as of Tuesday morning, all 32 teams will have played the same number of games. And that should bring the current selection order for the 2007 draft into clearer focus. In particular, there could be a new team sitting on the #1 pick in the hypothetical ‘if the draft were held today’ selection order for the upcoming draft. Arizona would currently would have the top pick, however, the 1-7 Cardinals are one of the teams with byes this weekend. And with Miami, which also has just one win but plays a weaker schedule than Arizona, in tough later today with a road game against unbeaten Chicago, the Dolphins could move ahead of the Cardinals barring a huge upset. In fact, there will have to be a big upset or two across the league for there to be much other movement among teams currently with top picks for this year’s draft. Detroit, the other remaining one-win team, for example, hosts 5-2 Atlanta. Same story for the nine 2-5 teams. Buffalo has a winnable home game with 3-4 Green Bay, but all the other two-win teams are scheduled against teams with winning records this weekend. San Francisco, which would have the 4th pick is home to Minnesota, Houston is at the Giants, Pittsburgh hosts Denver, Cleveland is at San Diego, Tennessee is at Jacksonville, Washington is home to Dallas and Tampa Bay is home to New Orleans. The other two-win team, Oakland, will be at Seattle on Monday night. The weekend’s feature game is the NBC Sunday nighter when Indianapolis puts its unbeaten record on the line against the Patriots in New England, while Cincinnati will be at Baltimore in a battle for the AFC North division lead.....
Agent Leigh Steinberg said Williams -- whose fiancée recently gave birth to his fourth child -- is teaching yoga classes in Toronto, eager to return to the Dolphins next season (he's due $670,000 in his contract's final year) and soon will co-author a book on his life.....
It's looking more and more like Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher won't be back with the Steelers next season. He wants to spend more time with his family. With the team struggling at 2-5, that opportunity to get away may come a lot sooner than most Steelers fans could have imagined.....
According to the Jacksonville Times-Union, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio reiterated on Friday that Byron Leftwich is the starter at quarterback when healthy. Backup David Garrard, for the second consecutive week, will start Sunday when the Jaguars host the Tennessee Titans at Alltel Stadium. But that doesn't mean Leftwich has lost his starting job for the season, Del Rio said. "Byron [Leftwich] continues to be our quarterback," Del Rio said. "I've said that for four years. If there's a change, I'll let everyone know. I've got my starting quarterback that's being told to heal."
The Jaguars waived receiver/kick returner Chad Owens on Friday, in addition to signing running back Rich Alexis from the practice squad to the active roster.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Florida has reportedly kicked DT Marcus Thomas, one of the top prospects at the position for the 2007 draft, prior to yesterday's game with Vanderbilt. No reason for the suspension was given other than he had not met his responsibilities to the team; Thomas, though, had been suspended indefinitely in September for a second violation of the school's substance-abuse policy, but was reinstated in October and played the past three weeks......
Agent Leigh Steinberg said Williams -- whose fiancée recently gave birth to his fourth child -- is teaching yoga classes in Toronto, eager to return to the Dolphins next season (he's due $670,000 in his contract's final year) and soon will co-author a book on his life.....
It's looking more and more like Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher won't be back with the Steelers next season. He wants to spend more time with his family. With the team struggling at 2-5, that opportunity to get away may come a lot sooner than most Steelers fans could have imagined.....
According to the Jacksonville Times-Union, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio reiterated on Friday that Byron Leftwich is the starter at quarterback when healthy. Backup David Garrard, for the second consecutive week, will start Sunday when the Jaguars host the Tennessee Titans at Alltel Stadium. But that doesn't mean Leftwich has lost his starting job for the season, Del Rio said. "Byron [Leftwich] continues to be our quarterback," Del Rio said. "I've said that for four years. If there's a change, I'll let everyone know. I've got my starting quarterback that's being told to heal."
The Jaguars waived receiver/kick returner Chad Owens on Friday, in addition to signing running back Rich Alexis from the practice squad to the active roster.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Florida has reportedly kicked DT Marcus Thomas, one of the top prospects at the position for the 2007 draft, prior to yesterday's game with Vanderbilt. No reason for the suspension was given other than he had not met his responsibilities to the team; Thomas, though, had been suspended indefinitely in September for a second violation of the school's substance-abuse policy, but was reinstated in October and played the past three weeks......
Saturday, November 04, 2006
QB Chris Simms
Tampa Bay has placed QB Chris Simms on the injured reserve list. Simms had his spleen removed after being injured in the Buccaneers' loss to Carolina in late September. To fill Simms' roster spot, the Buccaneers activated QB Luke McCown from the physically unable to perform list where he was rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered earlier this summer. McCown, though, is not expected to challenge rookie Bruce Gradkowski as the Buccaneers’ starter.....
A number of rookies have shown up on the NFL wire in the past couple of days. Cleveland, for example, has signed OG Fred Matua who was originally a 7th round pick by Detroit this past April, but was released prior to the season. Meanwhile, Green Bay has signed undrafted rookie free agent RB P.J. Pope off the Chicago practice. At the same time, the Giants have released undrafted rookie free agent OT Na’Shon Goddard in order to make room on the roster for veteran LB Chris Claiborne whom New York signed this past week, while Minnesota released undrafted rookie free agent WR Jason Carter......
Titans coach Jeff Fisher's name has been thrown around as a possible replacement to Joe Gibbs in Washington or Bill Parcells in Dallas if either quits after the season. But the Titans hold an option on Fisher for 2007.....
After proactively signing left tackle Bryant McKinnie to a long-term contract in September, the Vikings have been relatively hands-off with several other 2007 free agents, notably linebackers E.J. Henderson and Napoleon Harris. But if the Vikings want to make a move, they should act quickly.
A number of rookies have shown up on the NFL wire in the past couple of days. Cleveland, for example, has signed OG Fred Matua who was originally a 7th round pick by Detroit this past April, but was released prior to the season. Meanwhile, Green Bay has signed undrafted rookie free agent RB P.J. Pope off the Chicago practice. At the same time, the Giants have released undrafted rookie free agent OT Na’Shon Goddard in order to make room on the roster for veteran LB Chris Claiborne whom New York signed this past week, while Minnesota released undrafted rookie free agent WR Jason Carter......
Titans coach Jeff Fisher's name has been thrown around as a possible replacement to Joe Gibbs in Washington or Bill Parcells in Dallas if either quits after the season. But the Titans hold an option on Fisher for 2007.....
After proactively signing left tackle Bryant McKinnie to a long-term contract in September, the Vikings have been relatively hands-off with several other 2007 free agents, notably linebackers E.J. Henderson and Napoleon Harris. But if the Vikings want to make a move, they should act quickly.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
THIS IS NOT THE PAC-12
New Orleans RB Reggie Bush, the second player taken overall at the 2006 draft, left Sunday’s loss to Baltimore with a sprained ankle. Bush indicated, however, that he still expected to play next week in Tampa Bay. Before the injury had had his worst day as a pro, rushing for just 16 yards on five carries, while adding just 5 yards on four catches; for good measure, Bush also fumbled and threw an interception.....
Curtis Martin didn't retire, but he knows his bone-on-bone knee condition makes a comeback virtually impossible. Yesterday, the Jets' greatest running back of all-time announced he's done for the 2006 season, and he's almost certainly played his last NFL game.....
Tiki Barber's wife was the catalyst behind the Giants star's decision to hang up his helmet. A longtime friend of Barber says she made him afraid he'd suffer a catastrophic injury that would turn him into a lousy dad.....
The Packers brought in linebacker Mondoe Davis, guard Adam O'Connor and receiver Mark Simmons for workouts Tuesday.....
Despite practicing on Wednesday, starting QB Byron Leftwich (ankle) was downgraded to questionable on Thursday. Leftwich said he was told by head coach Jack Del Rio before Thursday's practice that he won't be starting Sunday's home game against the Titans.
Curtis Martin didn't retire, but he knows his bone-on-bone knee condition makes a comeback virtually impossible. Yesterday, the Jets' greatest running back of all-time announced he's done for the 2006 season, and he's almost certainly played his last NFL game.....
Tiki Barber's wife was the catalyst behind the Giants star's decision to hang up his helmet. A longtime friend of Barber says she made him afraid he'd suffer a catastrophic injury that would turn him into a lousy dad.....
The Packers brought in linebacker Mondoe Davis, guard Adam O'Connor and receiver Mark Simmons for workouts Tuesday.....
Despite practicing on Wednesday, starting QB Byron Leftwich (ankle) was downgraded to questionable on Thursday. Leftwich said he was told by head coach Jack Del Rio before Thursday's practice that he won't be starting Sunday's home game against the Titans.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
WEEK 7
According to the Florida Times-Union, with the recent news of Giants RB Tiki Barber's wanting to retire at season's end, Jaguars RB Fred Taylor is also thinking about hanging up his cleats. "I love what Tiki is doing," Taylor said on Friday. "He's getting out on top. He's a really intelligent guy and he's got lots of other avenues to pursue once he's done playing." Taylor has begun pondering his current situation with the Jaguars as he has about two years left on an incentive-laden contract. Taylor and agent Drew Rosenhaus approached the Jaguars before training camp to talk about a new contract and once again did so last week during the club's bye week. There has been no word on what took place or what was said during the most recent meeting.....
The Oakland Raiders activated running back Adimchinobe Echemandu from the practice squad on Saturday as insurance if LaMont Jordan or Justin Fargas can't play this week because of injuries. Jordan has been slowed during the week with a sore back, while Fargas dislocated his left shoulder last week against Denver. The two have combined for 478 of the Raiders' 559 rushing yards this season.....
Kansas City QB Trent Green, who was knocked unconscious in the Chiefs' season opener, has been cleared to practice. Green has missed nearly six weeks while recovering from a severe concussion he sustained Sept. 10 against Cincinnati. The veteran quarterback lay motionless on the field at Arrowhead Stadium for 11 minutes after the blow from Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers, before being carted away on a stretcher. "Based on what they've seen this week, they're going to let him start practicing and (doing) pretty much everything we do in practice during the week," Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson said Friday. "That does not mean he's been cleared yet to play, but it's a big step. Peterson said backup Damon Huard is expected to start his fifth game on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. He also is likely to start the following week against Seattle. "We're still anticipating Damon to be the starter for the next week (against Seattle)," Peterson said. "But we'll see how fast Trent comes along."
The Oakland Raiders activated running back Adimchinobe Echemandu from the practice squad on Saturday as insurance if LaMont Jordan or Justin Fargas can't play this week because of injuries. Jordan has been slowed during the week with a sore back, while Fargas dislocated his left shoulder last week against Denver. The two have combined for 478 of the Raiders' 559 rushing yards this season.....
Kansas City QB Trent Green, who was knocked unconscious in the Chiefs' season opener, has been cleared to practice. Green has missed nearly six weeks while recovering from a severe concussion he sustained Sept. 10 against Cincinnati. The veteran quarterback lay motionless on the field at Arrowhead Stadium for 11 minutes after the blow from Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers, before being carted away on a stretcher. "Based on what they've seen this week, they're going to let him start practicing and (doing) pretty much everything we do in practice during the week," Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson said Friday. "That does not mean he's been cleared yet to play, but it's a big step. Peterson said backup Damon Huard is expected to start his fifth game on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. He also is likely to start the following week against Seattle. "We're still anticipating Damon to be the starter for the next week (against Seattle)," Peterson said. "But we'll see how fast Trent comes along."
Saturday, October 21, 2006
10/21/06
Colorado expects to be without DB J.J. Billingsley for a third straight game when the Buffalos date at Oklahoma later today. Billingsley has already missed two games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee......
Miami junior TE Greg Olsen, one of the top 2-3 prospects at the position in the country, is questionable for this weekend’s game with Duke after he was forced to leave last wekend’s fight filled game with Florida International with a concussion. Olsen, a two-year starter who is second on the team with 18 receptions for 185 yards, has not been cleared by team doctors to play......
A day after Washington confirmed that Huskies’ QB Isaiah Stanback will miss the rest of the season with a broken foot, Stanford has confirmed that senior QB Trent Edwards will also miss the rest of the year, also with a broken foot.....
While the suspension of Miami FS Brandon Meriweather, a first-round prospect for the 2007 draft, has gotten most of the attention, there is some other drafted related fallout from last weekend’s ugly brawl involving the Hurricanes and Florida International. FIU has placed a number of players on indefinite suspension including three of their best prospects for the upcoming draft. Veteran TE Samuel Smith, who has 35 receptions already this fall, for example, is a strong second-tier prospect at the position, while WR Chandler Williams is the team’s leading receiver with 43 catches. The players are also expected to perform community service and undergoing training as part of their punishment. However because FIU has byes in two of the next three weeks, the players likely will only serve a one-game suspension when all is said and done. Meanwhile, FIU also kicked DB Chris Smith, the team’s second leading tackler, off the team for his part in the altercation......
North Carolina LB Larry Edwards, a decent second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has a broken left collarbone and likely will miss the rest of the season.....
Miami junior TE Greg Olsen, one of the top 2-3 prospects at the position in the country, is questionable for this weekend’s game with Duke after he was forced to leave last wekend’s fight filled game with Florida International with a concussion. Olsen, a two-year starter who is second on the team with 18 receptions for 185 yards, has not been cleared by team doctors to play......
A day after Washington confirmed that Huskies’ QB Isaiah Stanback will miss the rest of the season with a broken foot, Stanford has confirmed that senior QB Trent Edwards will also miss the rest of the year, also with a broken foot.....
While the suspension of Miami FS Brandon Meriweather, a first-round prospect for the 2007 draft, has gotten most of the attention, there is some other drafted related fallout from last weekend’s ugly brawl involving the Hurricanes and Florida International. FIU has placed a number of players on indefinite suspension including three of their best prospects for the upcoming draft. Veteran TE Samuel Smith, who has 35 receptions already this fall, for example, is a strong second-tier prospect at the position, while WR Chandler Williams is the team’s leading receiver with 43 catches. The players are also expected to perform community service and undergoing training as part of their punishment. However because FIU has byes in two of the next three weeks, the players likely will only serve a one-game suspension when all is said and done. Meanwhile, FIU also kicked DB Chris Smith, the team’s second leading tackler, off the team for his part in the altercation......
North Carolina LB Larry Edwards, a decent second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has a broken left collarbone and likely will miss the rest of the season.....
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Star Sooner RB out for year
Oklahoma junior RB Adrian Peterson, a potential top pick at the 2007 draft, broke his collarbone this afternoon and will miss the rest of the season.....
NFL coaching legends Don Shula and Dan Reeves have been named the coaches of the respective teams for this year’s East-West Shrine game. The announcement marks a significant change for the game. In years past, the coaching staffs were comprised of college coaches. Shula and Reeves will be aided by NFL assistant coaches.....
California junior RB Marshawn Lynch, a top 10 prospect for the 2007 draft, suffered a sprained ankle in the Bears’ big win over Oregon on the weekend. X-rays were negative and Lynch is being listed as day-to-day, although he may not really get back to 100% until after the season. In fact, it is believed that Lynch has been hampered by soreness in the same ankle all season. Despite not being totally healthy, Lynch had still run for at least 100 yards in four consecutive games and is averaging 7 yards per carry this season.....
If nothing else, this year’s inaugural go of the Texas versus the Nation post-season college all-star game isn’t going to be dull. Game organizers have named irascible former NFL coach Buddy Ryan as coach of the Nation squad, while the Texas team will be coached by UTEP head coach Mike Price. The new Texas versus the Nation game is scheduled for El Paso on February 2, 2007. The game will kick off at 9 PM ET that evening and will be telecast on CSTV
NFL coaching legends Don Shula and Dan Reeves have been named the coaches of the respective teams for this year’s East-West Shrine game. The announcement marks a significant change for the game. In years past, the coaching staffs were comprised of college coaches. Shula and Reeves will be aided by NFL assistant coaches.....
California junior RB Marshawn Lynch, a top 10 prospect for the 2007 draft, suffered a sprained ankle in the Bears’ big win over Oregon on the weekend. X-rays were negative and Lynch is being listed as day-to-day, although he may not really get back to 100% until after the season. In fact, it is believed that Lynch has been hampered by soreness in the same ankle all season. Despite not being totally healthy, Lynch had still run for at least 100 yards in four consecutive games and is averaging 7 yards per carry this season.....
If nothing else, this year’s inaugural go of the Texas versus the Nation post-season college all-star game isn’t going to be dull. Game organizers have named irascible former NFL coach Buddy Ryan as coach of the Nation squad, while the Texas team will be coached by UTEP head coach Mike Price. The new Texas versus the Nation game is scheduled for El Paso on February 2, 2007. The game will kick off at 9 PM ET that evening and will be telecast on CSTV
Friday, October 06, 2006
GETTING BACK IN THE GROVE
Florida DT Marcus Thomas, a solid first-day prospect for the 2007 draft if he passes NFL teams’ pre-draft character checks this winter, has been reinstated to the team and will play in the Gators big game with LSU tomorrow. Thomas missed the past two games after he was suspended indefinitely for a second violation of the school’s substance-abuse policy. Thomas was suspended after reportedly failing a second test for marijuana however he has appealed claiming the second test actually registered the marijuana use from the first test.....
Clemson Chansi Stuckey, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss up to five weeks after breaking his foot in practice. Stuckey will have surgery later today. The 6-0, 185-pound Stuckey has 116 career receptions for the Tigers including 25 this fall for 331 yards and three touchdowns.....
Mississippi State DT Deljuan Robinson will miss up to three games after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn MCL in his knee. The 6-3, 295-pound Robinson has 8 tackles for loss so far this fall.....
Michigan State QB Drew Stanton, one of the top 2-3 QB prospects for the 2007 draft, could be limited when the slumnping Spartans play cross state rival Michigan on Saturday. Stanton bruised his sternum late in last weekend’s dismal home loss to Illinois.....
Pittsburgh OG John Simonitis, a second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has been lost for the season because of a fractured right ankle.....
Southern California WR Chris McFoy, a sleeper type prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss 4-6 weeks after he fractured two bones in his shoulder area in last Saturday’s win against Washington State.....
Florida RB DeShawn Wynn is listed as questionable for Saturday’s big game at LSU with a twisted right knee.....
Clemson Chansi Stuckey, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss up to five weeks after breaking his foot in practice. Stuckey will have surgery later today. The 6-0, 185-pound Stuckey has 116 career receptions for the Tigers including 25 this fall for 331 yards and three touchdowns.....
Mississippi State DT Deljuan Robinson will miss up to three games after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn MCL in his knee. The 6-3, 295-pound Robinson has 8 tackles for loss so far this fall.....
Michigan State QB Drew Stanton, one of the top 2-3 QB prospects for the 2007 draft, could be limited when the slumnping Spartans play cross state rival Michigan on Saturday. Stanton bruised his sternum late in last weekend’s dismal home loss to Illinois.....
Pittsburgh OG John Simonitis, a second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has been lost for the season because of a fractured right ankle.....
Southern California WR Chris McFoy, a sleeper type prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss 4-6 weeks after he fractured two bones in his shoulder area in last Saturday’s win against Washington State.....
Florida RB DeShawn Wynn is listed as questionable for Saturday’s big game at LSU with a twisted right knee.....
Thursday, September 28, 2006
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Houston junior LT SirVincent Rogers will miss the rest of the season after tearing knee ligaments in the first quarter of Saturday's 34-25 victory over Oklahoma State.....
The excitement at Rutgers, where the 4-0 Scarlet Knights are ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 1976, was tempered slightly with news that veteran WR Shawn Tucker will be out indefinitely after breaking his ankle against Howard on Saturday. Tucker, a fifth-year senior caught 32 passes for 484 yards and a touchdown last season and six catches for 88 yards this fall.....
Southern California junior WR Dwayne Jarrett, a potential top 10-15 pick at the 2007 draft if he opts to leave school early this winter, will miss two to four weeks with a sprained shoulder.....
The excitement at Rutgers, where the 4-0 Scarlet Knights are ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 1976, was tempered slightly with news that veteran WR Shawn Tucker will be out indefinitely after breaking his ankle against Howard on Saturday. Tucker, a fifth-year senior caught 32 passes for 484 yards and a touchdown last season and six catches for 88 yards this fall.....
Southern California junior WR Dwayne Jarrett, a potential top 10-15 pick at the 2007 draft if he opts to leave school early this winter, will miss two to four weeks with a sprained shoulder.....
Sunday, September 17, 2006
SUNDAY WEEK 2
Parcells said this week he is committed to Bledsoe as the starter and is backing the 14-year veteran, but his endorsement was less than emphatic. Though he said Bledsoe will start tonight in Dallas' home opener against the Redskins, he wouldn't commit beyond that.....
Charles Rogers' Dolphins workout was unimpressive. . . . Kelly Campbell's agent said the Dolphins indicated they would consider re-signing him, but his injury settlement prohibits that until five or six games remain.....
The rumor going around in SoCal is Al Davis has sold 15 percent of the team to an L.A. businessman, and the Raiders will return there. But who knows what to believe, other than that the Raiders are 0-1 with 15 games remaining.....
The Bergen Record is reporting that the New York Giants are replacing Joel Goldberg as the team’s director of counseling services after the current season. Goldberg became a draft legend because of the 400-question personality test he developed and which the Giants gave to all prospect in order to evaluate their personalities as pro prospects. The Giants will reportedly use another personality profiling service for the 2007 NFL Draft.
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Stanford FB Nick Frank has a cervical spine condition that will force him to retire from football.....
Louisville junior QB Brian Brohm, another potential top 5 pick for this year’s draft if he were to opt to leave school early, strained ligaments in his throwing hand in the third quarter of the Cardinals' huge 31-78 win over Miami. Preliminary reports have Brohm, who is coming off an ACL injury suffered late last season, indicate that Brohm will be out 4 to 6 weeks.....
Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, ostensibly the consensus #1 prospect for the 2007 draft, lost a few chinks in the armor on Saturday after a less than sterling performance as the Irish were trampled 47-21 by Michigan in South Bend. Quinn did throw for 232 yards and 3 scores, but completed only 24 of 48 passes and had three passes picked off, one of which was returned for a TD and a second returned inside the Notre Dame 5-yard line. Quinn also lost a fumble which was returned for a second score.....
Charles Rogers' Dolphins workout was unimpressive. . . . Kelly Campbell's agent said the Dolphins indicated they would consider re-signing him, but his injury settlement prohibits that until five or six games remain.....
The rumor going around in SoCal is Al Davis has sold 15 percent of the team to an L.A. businessman, and the Raiders will return there. But who knows what to believe, other than that the Raiders are 0-1 with 15 games remaining.....
The Bergen Record is reporting that the New York Giants are replacing Joel Goldberg as the team’s director of counseling services after the current season. Goldberg became a draft legend because of the 400-question personality test he developed and which the Giants gave to all prospect in order to evaluate their personalities as pro prospects. The Giants will reportedly use another personality profiling service for the 2007 NFL Draft.
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Stanford FB Nick Frank has a cervical spine condition that will force him to retire from football.....
Louisville junior QB Brian Brohm, another potential top 5 pick for this year’s draft if he were to opt to leave school early, strained ligaments in his throwing hand in the third quarter of the Cardinals' huge 31-78 win over Miami. Preliminary reports have Brohm, who is coming off an ACL injury suffered late last season, indicate that Brohm will be out 4 to 6 weeks.....
Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, ostensibly the consensus #1 prospect for the 2007 draft, lost a few chinks in the armor on Saturday after a less than sterling performance as the Irish were trampled 47-21 by Michigan in South Bend. Quinn did throw for 232 yards and 3 scores, but completed only 24 of 48 passes and had three passes picked off, one of which was returned for a TD and a second returned inside the Notre Dame 5-yard line. Quinn also lost a fumble which was returned for a second score.....
Friday, September 15, 2006
Chiefs have called Tennessee inquiring about Volek
Nashville City Paper: "Both the San Diego Chargers, this Sunday’s opponent, and the Kansas City Chiefs have called Tennessee inquiring about Volek, who has fallen to No. 3 on the Titans’ depth chart behind starter Kerry Collins and rookie Vince Young......
Terry Porter stock is droping faster and faster... The asking price originally was a pair of first-round picks -- clearly Al Davis wasn't prepared to move his unhappy receiver. But latest reports say he's yours for a No. 1. Maybe less.....
New Orleans has released DE Michael Haynes, a first-round pick by Chicago in 2003; the Saints signed Haynes off waivers after the Bears released him prior to the start of the season.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
An NCAA review committee has upheld the denial of freshman eligibility to Mississippi freshman DT Jerrell Powe. The 6-3, 330-pound Powe was one of the top rated prep players in the country in 2004, but failed to meet academic requirements at Ole Miss last fall and enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia instead. Powe recommitted to Mississippi this winter but was denied eligibility last month by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Powe, who is not eligible for the NFL draft until 2008, could return to high school to complete requirements for college eligibility, an option available to students with learning disabilities, or enroll at a junior college.....
Bush and his family appear to have accepted improper benefits from prospective agents while at USC
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=Au8yb1WIWjpEaxtFXApB6Xc5nYcB?slug=ys-bushprobe&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Terry Porter stock is droping faster and faster... The asking price originally was a pair of first-round picks -- clearly Al Davis wasn't prepared to move his unhappy receiver. But latest reports say he's yours for a No. 1. Maybe less.....
New Orleans has released DE Michael Haynes, a first-round pick by Chicago in 2003; the Saints signed Haynes off waivers after the Bears released him prior to the start of the season.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
An NCAA review committee has upheld the denial of freshman eligibility to Mississippi freshman DT Jerrell Powe. The 6-3, 330-pound Powe was one of the top rated prep players in the country in 2004, but failed to meet academic requirements at Ole Miss last fall and enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia instead. Powe recommitted to Mississippi this winter but was denied eligibility last month by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Powe, who is not eligible for the NFL draft until 2008, could return to high school to complete requirements for college eligibility, an option available to students with learning disabilities, or enroll at a junior college.....
Bush and his family appear to have accepted improper benefits from prospective agents while at USC
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=Au8yb1WIWjpEaxtFXApB6Xc5nYcB?slug=ys-bushprobe&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Thursday, September 14, 2006
NEED TO SAY HI! TO THE JOCK 98.7
When Titans No. 3 quarterback Billy Volek travels to San Diego this weekend, he might be tempted to check out the real estate. Volek said the Chargers are one of the teams who contacted the Titans after he asked to be traded last month.....
The 49ers are not believed to have interest in trading for disgruntled Raiders receiver Jerry Porter....
Quincy Morgan, who finished eighth in the NFL last season by averaging 25.3 yards on kickoff returns for Pittsburgh, has drawn strong interest from the Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. 'We're probably going to Denver,' said Brian Overstreet, Morgan's agent.....
The Dolphins entertained wide receiver Charles Rogers for a workout Tuesday but didn't offer the ex-Lion a contract.
Former Dolphins OL Wade Smith worked out for the Jets yesterday and may be signed as early as today.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Steve Spurrier selected experience over youth Thursday night, choosing senior Syvelle Newton to start at quarterback over freshman Chris Smelley. Newton takes over for Blake Mitchell, who was arrested on simple assault and suspended from the team Wednesday.....
Miami left tackle Reggie Youngblood will not play against No. 12 Louisville on Saturday because of an ankle injury. Youngblood, who will not travel with the team to Louisville, sprained his ankle in Miami's season-opening loss to Florida State, but was hopeful of recovering in time for the Hurricanes' game the Cardinals. Freshman Jason Fox could start at left tackle; sophomore Chris Rutledge got the start there last weekend in Miami's 51-10 win over Florida A&M.....
Injured defensive tackle Justin Harrell will start and be a captain in his final game at Tennessee, coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday. The No. 13 Volunteers host seventh-ranked Florida on Saturday. Harrell surprised his coach and teammates on Wednesday by putting off season-ending surgery to play against the Gators.
Harrell was ruled out for the season after he ruptured a tendon in his left biceps in last week's game against Air Force. Doctors said he could not make the injury worse, but he will require surgery next week.
The 49ers are not believed to have interest in trading for disgruntled Raiders receiver Jerry Porter....
Quincy Morgan, who finished eighth in the NFL last season by averaging 25.3 yards on kickoff returns for Pittsburgh, has drawn strong interest from the Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. 'We're probably going to Denver,' said Brian Overstreet, Morgan's agent.....
The Dolphins entertained wide receiver Charles Rogers for a workout Tuesday but didn't offer the ex-Lion a contract.
Former Dolphins OL Wade Smith worked out for the Jets yesterday and may be signed as early as today.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Steve Spurrier selected experience over youth Thursday night, choosing senior Syvelle Newton to start at quarterback over freshman Chris Smelley. Newton takes over for Blake Mitchell, who was arrested on simple assault and suspended from the team Wednesday.....
Miami left tackle Reggie Youngblood will not play against No. 12 Louisville on Saturday because of an ankle injury. Youngblood, who will not travel with the team to Louisville, sprained his ankle in Miami's season-opening loss to Florida State, but was hopeful of recovering in time for the Hurricanes' game the Cardinals. Freshman Jason Fox could start at left tackle; sophomore Chris Rutledge got the start there last weekend in Miami's 51-10 win over Florida A&M.....
Injured defensive tackle Justin Harrell will start and be a captain in his final game at Tennessee, coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday. The No. 13 Volunteers host seventh-ranked Florida on Saturday. Harrell surprised his coach and teammates on Wednesday by putting off season-ending surgery to play against the Gators.
Harrell was ruled out for the season after he ruptured a tendon in his left biceps in last week's game against Air Force. Doctors said he could not make the injury worse, but he will require surgery next week.
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Tennessee DT Justin Harrell, one of the top senior DTs in the country, will play against Florida this Saturday after all. Harrell had been reported out for the season with a torn bicpes muscle, however, he has decided to play against the Gators and will delay his surgery until next week. Doctors have reportedly told Harrell that playing one more game wouldn’t do any further damage, as long as he could tolerate the pain. Because Harrell has already used his redshirt year he would have to apply to the NCAA for a medical hardship season; otherwise his college career would be over.....
Stanford WR Mark Bradford, a three-year starter who rates as a solid second-tier prospect for the NFL, is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing ligaments in his right foot. Bradford, who has 118 career receptions for 1,789 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career, sustained the injury on Stanford's second offensive play in Saturday’s stunning loss to San Jose State. Bradford could consider the possibility of a medical redshirt if he is unable to return this season.....
Indiana have suspended sophomore WR James Hardy for two games as a result of personal off-field issues. The current suspension was not related to Hardy's spring arrest in Fort Wayne on misdemeanor charges of domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of a crime. The 6-7 Hardy caught 67 passes, including 10 for TDs last fall.....
Utah State WR/KR Tony Pennyman was kicked off the team earlier this week after he was arrested for an altercation with his girlfriend. This was Perryman’s third off-field incident in the past couple of years. Pennyman averaged 29 yards per KO return last fall; he also caught 63 passes.....
Texas CB Tarell Brown, a solid second-tier type prospect for the 2007 draft, has been reinstated for Saturday's game against Rice after not playing last weekend in the Longhorns big lost to Ohio State. Brown was suspended after he and a teammate were charges with posession of marijuana and a weapons charge. The misdemeanor marijuana charges against Brown were dropped late last week, but the weapons possession charge still stands.
Stanford WR Mark Bradford, a three-year starter who rates as a solid second-tier prospect for the NFL, is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing ligaments in his right foot. Bradford, who has 118 career receptions for 1,789 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career, sustained the injury on Stanford's second offensive play in Saturday’s stunning loss to San Jose State. Bradford could consider the possibility of a medical redshirt if he is unable to return this season.....
Indiana have suspended sophomore WR James Hardy for two games as a result of personal off-field issues. The current suspension was not related to Hardy's spring arrest in Fort Wayne on misdemeanor charges of domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of a crime. The 6-7 Hardy caught 67 passes, including 10 for TDs last fall.....
Utah State WR/KR Tony Pennyman was kicked off the team earlier this week after he was arrested for an altercation with his girlfriend. This was Perryman’s third off-field incident in the past couple of years. Pennyman averaged 29 yards per KO return last fall; he also caught 63 passes.....
Texas CB Tarell Brown, a solid second-tier type prospect for the 2007 draft, has been reinstated for Saturday's game against Rice after not playing last weekend in the Longhorns big lost to Ohio State. Brown was suspended after he and a teammate were charges with posession of marijuana and a weapons charge. The misdemeanor marijuana charges against Brown were dropped late last week, but the weapons possession charge still stands.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
JUST HOURS AWAY
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Texas CB Tarell Brown, a solid second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will not play in Saturday’s big game with Ohio State after he was arrested and charged early Monday with misdemeanor drug and weapon charges.....
Star Louisville RB Michael Bush, ne of the top 2-3 RB prospects for the 2007 draft, will mis the rest of the season after breaking his right leg in the third quarter of the Cardinals' 59-28 victory over Kentucky last night. Before being injured, the 250-pound Bush had run for 124 yards and three TDs. Bush had thought seriously about entering the 2006 draft where he would have been one of the first backs off the board, but opted to return to school for his senior season. He is expected to undergo surgery later this morning. Bush, though, will have the opportunity to redshirt and return for another season if he chooses. If there was a positive for the Cardinals in the win it was the healthy return of junior QB Brian Brohm. Brohm, playing his first game since suffering a devastating knee injury last November, threw for 254 yards and a touchdown, in the process showing no ill effects from nine months of grueling rehab......
Texas CB Tarell Brown, a solid second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will not play in Saturday’s big game with Ohio State after he was arrested and charged early Monday with misdemeanor drug and weapon charges.....
Star Louisville RB Michael Bush, ne of the top 2-3 RB prospects for the 2007 draft, will mis the rest of the season after breaking his right leg in the third quarter of the Cardinals' 59-28 victory over Kentucky last night. Before being injured, the 250-pound Bush had run for 124 yards and three TDs. Bush had thought seriously about entering the 2006 draft where he would have been one of the first backs off the board, but opted to return to school for his senior season. He is expected to undergo surgery later this morning. Bush, though, will have the opportunity to redshirt and return for another season if he chooses. If there was a positive for the Cardinals in the win it was the healthy return of junior QB Brian Brohm. Brohm, playing his first game since suffering a devastating knee injury last November, threw for 254 yards and a touchdown, in the process showing no ill effects from nine months of grueling rehab......
Sunday, September 03, 2006
4 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
Undrafted rookie Marcus Vick was among 21 players who were released or had their contracts terminated by the Miami Dolphins, who kept journeyman Cliff Russell as a fifth receiver instead.....
The New Orleans Saints decided to go with youth on the offensive line, placing veteran guard Jermane Mayberry on injured reserve for the 2006 season....
The San Diego Chargers ' inexperienced quarterback corps was trimmed to two when rookie Brett Elliott was among the 21 players cut in order to set the 53-man roster.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Clemson LB Anthony Waters, a top prospect for the 2007 draft, was carried off the field with a sprained left knee late in the third quarter of the Tigers 54-6 romp over Florida Atlantic yesterday. Waters was to undergo an MRI later today' MRI were expected to be known Sunday, however, team officials fear that Waters, Linebacker Anthony Waters, who considered skipping his senior year for the NFL draft last winter, may have torn an ACL which would end his season. And because he has already used his redshirt year, Waters would have to appeal to the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility because of medical hardship to return to the Tigers next fall.....
There were some huge performances during the opening weekend of the college football season. The best story though may have been the return to action of Nebraska TE Matt Herian. Herian was an emerging star at the position but hadn’t played since fracturing his left leg late in the 2004 campaign, a career-threatening injury which required two surgeries and two years of rehab to repair. Herian was back on the field yesterday in Nebraska’s 49-10 win over Louisiana Tech where he had 3 receptions for 61 yards and a TD.
The New Orleans Saints decided to go with youth on the offensive line, placing veteran guard Jermane Mayberry on injured reserve for the 2006 season....
The San Diego Chargers ' inexperienced quarterback corps was trimmed to two when rookie Brett Elliott was among the 21 players cut in order to set the 53-man roster.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Clemson LB Anthony Waters, a top prospect for the 2007 draft, was carried off the field with a sprained left knee late in the third quarter of the Tigers 54-6 romp over Florida Atlantic yesterday. Waters was to undergo an MRI later today' MRI were expected to be known Sunday, however, team officials fear that Waters, Linebacker Anthony Waters, who considered skipping his senior year for the NFL draft last winter, may have torn an ACL which would end his season. And because he has already used his redshirt year, Waters would have to appeal to the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility because of medical hardship to return to the Tigers next fall.....
There were some huge performances during the opening weekend of the college football season. The best story though may have been the return to action of Nebraska TE Matt Herian. Herian was an emerging star at the position but hadn’t played since fracturing his left leg late in the 2004 campaign, a career-threatening injury which required two surgeries and two years of rehab to repair. Herian was back on the field yesterday in Nebraska’s 49-10 win over Louisiana Tech where he had 3 receptions for 61 yards and a TD.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
5 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
New England’s self-imposed deadline to trade disgruntled WR Deion Branch came and went Friday afternoon without any deals, however, sources indicate that the Patriots are still trying to jettison their #1 WR who has been holding out since the start of training camp. The Patriots gave Branch permission to try an d arrange a trade for himself last week and reportedly has received six-year contract offers from both the New York Jets and Seattle. Both offers were reportedly in the $36-39M range, with $13 million worth of guaranteed money. The problem is that neither team has yet offered the Patriots what they’d like in compensation. The Jets, for example, are believed to have offered a second round pick at the 2007 draft, however, New England reportedly wants at least a first rounder plus a middle rounder or a veteran player. Meanwhile, just to spice things up, the NFL Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of Branch alleging that the Patriots reneged on the agreement to trade Branch.....
While the Branch situation in New England will be the headliner this weekend, there are a number of other veterans around the NFL that could be moved or released as teams get down to their 53-man opening day rosters later today. Its not clear, for example, what Tennessee will do with long-time back QB Billy Volek now that the Titans have acquired veteran Kerry Collins to tutor Vince Young, the 3rd player selected overall at the 2006 draft. Meanwhile, Buffalo QB Kelly Holcombe could be available with J.P. Losman installed as the Bills’ starter, while Denver backup Bradlee Van Pelt, who has been displaced as the Broncos’ #2 QB by Jay Cutler, has already been told he will formally released later today. Going the other way, both Indianapolis and the New York Giants could be in the market for a proven backup QB for their respective Manning. A number of veteran RBs also could be available today including Tennessee’s Travis Henry, Duce Staley of Pittsburgh, either of William Green or Lee Suggs of Cleveland, and possibly Ron Dayne of Denver. Teams that could be in the market for at least a quality backup RB include Houston and Miami. There is also an interesting situation developing in Detroit where the Lions are expected to trade or release WR Charles Rogers, one of three WRs the team has selected in the draft’s opening round since 2002; indeed, there are no guarantees that the Lions will keep WR Mike Williams, their #1 pick in 2005, although it appears the former USC will get another year in Detroit. Philadelphia could make either or both of veteran receivers Darien McCants and Jabbar Gaffney available, On the other side of the ball, veteran San Diego LB Donnie Edwards could be had for a 3rd round pick.....
The New York Jets have acquired DE Bobby Hamilton from Oakland for an undisclosed draft pick.....
New England has acquired an undisclosed 2007 pick from Pittsburgh in exchange for undrafted rookie free agent RB. Meanwhile, DE/OLB Jeremy Mincey, a 6th round pick by the New England this past April, was one of ten players released by the Patriots.....
They are breathing a little easier in Arizona where an MRI revealed no structural damage to the non-throwing shoulder of QB Matt Leinart; Leinart sprained the shoulder in last night's pre-season loss to Denver.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Miami WR Ryan Moore has been suspended indefinitely for violation of an unspecified team policy. Moore, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, was suspended from the Hurricanes’ Peach Bowl appearance last season and then was suspended again for the first two games of this year because of previous violations of team rules.....
Prized Mississippi recruit Jerrell Powe, one of the top young DTs in college football, will not play be eligible to play for the Mississippi football team this season after again being denied eligibility by the NCAA Clearinghouse. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Powe originally signed with Ole Miss in 2005, but failed to meet academic requirements and enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy. He again committed to Ole Miss in February. Powe, who will not be eligible for the NFL draft until 2008, is expected to take the junior college route, although nothing has reportedly been finalized to date.....
Marshall WR Hiram Moore was suspended for Saturday's season opener at West Virginia following his arrest on drunken driving and other misdemeanor charges over the weekend. Moore, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft who had 53 receptions last fall, was charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, obstructing a police officer and driving on a suspended license.....
Former Oklahoma QB Rhett Bomar, a sophomore with three years of eligibility, has enrolled at Division I-AA Sam Houston State where he will be eligible immediately to play this fall if he gets clearance from the NCAA. Bomar and a teammate were kicked off the Oklahoma team this month for violating NCAA work rules by accepting payment for more work than they performed at a car dealership.....
Colorado State junior RB Kyle Bell, a top prospect for either the 2007 or 2008 drafts, will miss the entire season after tearing an ACL in practice. The 225-pound Bell rushed for 1,288 yards last season and scored 10 TDs.....
They are holding their collective breaths at Texas Tech while the school appeals an NCAA decision which denied a waiver to restore the academic eligibility of WR Jarrett Hicks, a top second-tier prospect for the 2006 draft. The 6-3, 210-pound Hicks led the Big 12 in catches per game last season when he posted 65 receptions.....
While the Branch situation in New England will be the headliner this weekend, there are a number of other veterans around the NFL that could be moved or released as teams get down to their 53-man opening day rosters later today. Its not clear, for example, what Tennessee will do with long-time back QB Billy Volek now that the Titans have acquired veteran Kerry Collins to tutor Vince Young, the 3rd player selected overall at the 2006 draft. Meanwhile, Buffalo QB Kelly Holcombe could be available with J.P. Losman installed as the Bills’ starter, while Denver backup Bradlee Van Pelt, who has been displaced as the Broncos’ #2 QB by Jay Cutler, has already been told he will formally released later today. Going the other way, both Indianapolis and the New York Giants could be in the market for a proven backup QB for their respective Manning. A number of veteran RBs also could be available today including Tennessee’s Travis Henry, Duce Staley of Pittsburgh, either of William Green or Lee Suggs of Cleveland, and possibly Ron Dayne of Denver. Teams that could be in the market for at least a quality backup RB include Houston and Miami. There is also an interesting situation developing in Detroit where the Lions are expected to trade or release WR Charles Rogers, one of three WRs the team has selected in the draft’s opening round since 2002; indeed, there are no guarantees that the Lions will keep WR Mike Williams, their #1 pick in 2005, although it appears the former USC will get another year in Detroit. Philadelphia could make either or both of veteran receivers Darien McCants and Jabbar Gaffney available, On the other side of the ball, veteran San Diego LB Donnie Edwards could be had for a 3rd round pick.....
The New York Jets have acquired DE Bobby Hamilton from Oakland for an undisclosed draft pick.....
New England has acquired an undisclosed 2007 pick from Pittsburgh in exchange for undrafted rookie free agent RB. Meanwhile, DE/OLB Jeremy Mincey, a 6th round pick by the New England this past April, was one of ten players released by the Patriots.....
They are breathing a little easier in Arizona where an MRI revealed no structural damage to the non-throwing shoulder of QB Matt Leinart; Leinart sprained the shoulder in last night's pre-season loss to Denver.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Miami WR Ryan Moore has been suspended indefinitely for violation of an unspecified team policy. Moore, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, was suspended from the Hurricanes’ Peach Bowl appearance last season and then was suspended again for the first two games of this year because of previous violations of team rules.....
Prized Mississippi recruit Jerrell Powe, one of the top young DTs in college football, will not play be eligible to play for the Mississippi football team this season after again being denied eligibility by the NCAA Clearinghouse. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Powe originally signed with Ole Miss in 2005, but failed to meet academic requirements and enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy. He again committed to Ole Miss in February. Powe, who will not be eligible for the NFL draft until 2008, is expected to take the junior college route, although nothing has reportedly been finalized to date.....
Marshall WR Hiram Moore was suspended for Saturday's season opener at West Virginia following his arrest on drunken driving and other misdemeanor charges over the weekend. Moore, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft who had 53 receptions last fall, was charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, obstructing a police officer and driving on a suspended license.....
Former Oklahoma QB Rhett Bomar, a sophomore with three years of eligibility, has enrolled at Division I-AA Sam Houston State where he will be eligible immediately to play this fall if he gets clearance from the NCAA. Bomar and a teammate were kicked off the Oklahoma team this month for violating NCAA work rules by accepting payment for more work than they performed at a car dealership.....
Colorado State junior RB Kyle Bell, a top prospect for either the 2007 or 2008 drafts, will miss the entire season after tearing an ACL in practice. The 225-pound Bell rushed for 1,288 yards last season and scored 10 TDs.....
They are holding their collective breaths at Texas Tech while the school appeals an NCAA decision which denied a waiver to restore the academic eligibility of WR Jarrett Hicks, a top second-tier prospect for the 2006 draft. The 6-3, 210-pound Hicks led the Big 12 in catches per game last season when he posted 65 receptions.....
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Cowboys fine Owens for absences
NFL.com wire reports
IRVING, Texas (Aug. 27, 2006) -- Terrell Owens has finally pushed the Dallas Cowboys too far, drawing a $9,500 fine for missing a team meeting and a rehabilitation session and being late to an offensive meeting, The Dallas Morning News reported.
"That's our club business. That's going to be accounted for," team owner Jerry Jones told the newspaper.
The incidents occurred Aug. 24, the team's final day preparing for a preseason game against San Francisco. The Cowboys beat the 49ers 17-7, making them 3-0 this preseason without Owens playing any of the games because of a hamstring injury that's also kept him out of 19 of 31 practices since the start of training camp.
Neither team officials nor Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, immediately returned calls to The Associated Press seeking comment.
During a postgame television interview, Jones did not mention the fine but answered several other questions about Owens. Jones said his only concern with the receiver is "injury, not all this other stuff you hear about."
Owens' past is filled with run-ins with quarterbacks, coaches and others in his own organization. San Francisco and Philadelphia got rid of him, but the Cowboys welcomed him with open arms and a lucrative contract in March, four days after the Eagles released him.
Owens vowed to be a better man and a better teammate in Dallas. While the fine is the most drastic, he already has done plenty to stand out.
He missed much of the offseason training program -- with permission -- and turned his hamstring injury into an attention-getter by flying in specialists to help him rehabilitate and wearing a cycling team outfit one day while pedaling a stationary bicycle.
After returning to practice for several days, coach Bill Parcells ruled him out of a Monday night game and Owens hasn't practiced since. He said he aggravated the injury because the club pushed him too hard. When Parcells said this week that he needs to see Owens on the field, T.O. responded that there's 10 years of tape to show what he can do.
Jones seemed to downplay the drama surrounding Owens' injury by noting that Carolina's Steve Smith and Pittsburgh's Hines Ward also have been slowed by hamstring injuries without drawing the same scrutiny as Owens. He also recalled Deion Sanders' ability to play well after flying in from baseball games and missing long stretches of practice.
"I know this -- when he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames," Jones said.
The Cowboys play their final preseason game Aug. 31 at home against Minnesota. The opener is Sept. 10 at Jacksonville.
IRVING, Texas (Aug. 27, 2006) -- Terrell Owens has finally pushed the Dallas Cowboys too far, drawing a $9,500 fine for missing a team meeting and a rehabilitation session and being late to an offensive meeting, The Dallas Morning News reported.
"That's our club business. That's going to be accounted for," team owner Jerry Jones told the newspaper.
The incidents occurred Aug. 24, the team's final day preparing for a preseason game against San Francisco. The Cowboys beat the 49ers 17-7, making them 3-0 this preseason without Owens playing any of the games because of a hamstring injury that's also kept him out of 19 of 31 practices since the start of training camp.
Neither team officials nor Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, immediately returned calls to The Associated Press seeking comment.
During a postgame television interview, Jones did not mention the fine but answered several other questions about Owens. Jones said his only concern with the receiver is "injury, not all this other stuff you hear about."
Owens' past is filled with run-ins with quarterbacks, coaches and others in his own organization. San Francisco and Philadelphia got rid of him, but the Cowboys welcomed him with open arms and a lucrative contract in March, four days after the Eagles released him.
Owens vowed to be a better man and a better teammate in Dallas. While the fine is the most drastic, he already has done plenty to stand out.
He missed much of the offseason training program -- with permission -- and turned his hamstring injury into an attention-getter by flying in specialists to help him rehabilitate and wearing a cycling team outfit one day while pedaling a stationary bicycle.
After returning to practice for several days, coach Bill Parcells ruled him out of a Monday night game and Owens hasn't practiced since. He said he aggravated the injury because the club pushed him too hard. When Parcells said this week that he needs to see Owens on the field, T.O. responded that there's 10 years of tape to show what he can do.
Jones seemed to downplay the drama surrounding Owens' injury by noting that Carolina's Steve Smith and Pittsburgh's Hines Ward also have been slowed by hamstring injuries without drawing the same scrutiny as Owens. He also recalled Deion Sanders' ability to play well after flying in from baseball games and missing long stretches of practice.
"I know this -- when he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames," Jones said.
The Cowboys play their final preseason game Aug. 31 at home against Minnesota. The opener is Sept. 10 at Jacksonville.
11 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
2006 NFL calendar
Aug. 29 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players.
Sept. 2 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.
Sept. 3 -- Clubs may establish practice squad of eight players.
Sept. 7-11 -- Kickoff 2006.
Oct. 17 -- Trading deadline.
Oct. 23-25 -- NFL Fall Meeting (New Orleans).
Dec. 30-31 -- Regular season ends.
2007
Jan. 6-7 -- Wild Card Playoffs.
Jan. 13-14 -- Divisional Playoffs.
Jan. 21 -- Conference Championships.
Feb. 4 -- Super Bowl XLI, South Florida (CBS).
Feb. 10 -- AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu (CBS).
Feb. 21-27 -- NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis.
March 25-28 -- NFL Annual Meeting, Phoenix.
April 28-29 -- NFL Draft, New York City.
Late May -- NFL Spring Meeting (Site TBD).
Reaction among Patriots players to the news that Deion Branch has been granted permission to seek a trade was predictably muted... According to various published reports, the Bears, Vikings, Seahawks, Eagles and Broncos should be among those interested.....
Jags lose Peterson, Jones to knee injuries
NFL.com wire reports
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 26, 2006) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars might have to start the season without leading tackler Mike Peterson and fullback Greg Jones.
Peterson, the team's middle linebacker and emotional leader, sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the 29-18 win against Tampa Bay and may not be ready for the season opener Sept. 10 against Dallas.
Jones, a starting fullback who also splits carries with running back Fred Taylor, sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. It was the opposite knee Jones injured during his final season at Florida State.
"Really good news considering what it could have been," coach Jack Del Rio said. "The thought is that they should be back sometime during the Dallas week, ready for the opener."
Peterson hurt his knee on Tampa Bay's opening drive. He left the game, went to the locker room for tests and did not return. He walked out of the stadium on crutches and was clearly disappointed.
"I don't know, man," Peterson said when asked about his return. "I don't know."
Peterson led the team in tackles during each of his first three seasons in Jacksonville. He had a career-high 190 tackles and six sacks last year. He also had three interceptions, including one for a touchdown.
Norwood, Falcons run past Titans 20-6
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20060826_ATL@TEN
Chiefs hold on to beat Rams 16-12http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20060826_STL@KC
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
The Bowl Championship Series agreed to a four-year contract extension with Harris Interactive, the company that coordinated the polls used last year to replace The Associated Press Top 25 in the BCS standings.
The Harris Interactive College Football Poll debuted last season after The Associated Press asked the BCS to no longer include its media poll in the formula used to determine which teams play for the national championship.
The Harris poll is voted on by a panel of former college football players, coaches and administrators, plus some media members.
The rest of the components of the BCS formula will be the USA Today coaches' poll and six computer standings - Jeff Sagarin, Anderson & Hester, Richard Billingsley, Colley Matrix, Kenneth Massey and Dr. Peter Wolfe.
"The BCS was pleased with how the Harris Interactive College Football Poll was structured and delivered last season," BCS coordinator and Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive said. "Harris Interactive's approach to the coordination of the poll and desire for integrity in the process warranted this extension.....
Miami WR Ryan Moore has been suspended indefinitely for violation of an unspecified team policy. Moore, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, was suspended from the Hurricanes’ Peach Bowl appearance last season and then was suspended again for the first two games of this year because of previous violations of team rules.
Aug. 29 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players.
Sept. 2 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.
Sept. 3 -- Clubs may establish practice squad of eight players.
Sept. 7-11 -- Kickoff 2006.
Oct. 17 -- Trading deadline.
Oct. 23-25 -- NFL Fall Meeting (New Orleans).
Dec. 30-31 -- Regular season ends.
2007
Jan. 6-7 -- Wild Card Playoffs.
Jan. 13-14 -- Divisional Playoffs.
Jan. 21 -- Conference Championships.
Feb. 4 -- Super Bowl XLI, South Florida (CBS).
Feb. 10 -- AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu (CBS).
Feb. 21-27 -- NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis.
March 25-28 -- NFL Annual Meeting, Phoenix.
April 28-29 -- NFL Draft, New York City.
Late May -- NFL Spring Meeting (Site TBD).
Reaction among Patriots players to the news that Deion Branch has been granted permission to seek a trade was predictably muted... According to various published reports, the Bears, Vikings, Seahawks, Eagles and Broncos should be among those interested.....
Jags lose Peterson, Jones to knee injuries
NFL.com wire reports
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 26, 2006) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars might have to start the season without leading tackler Mike Peterson and fullback Greg Jones.
Peterson, the team's middle linebacker and emotional leader, sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the 29-18 win against Tampa Bay and may not be ready for the season opener Sept. 10 against Dallas.
Jones, a starting fullback who also splits carries with running back Fred Taylor, sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. It was the opposite knee Jones injured during his final season at Florida State.
"Really good news considering what it could have been," coach Jack Del Rio said. "The thought is that they should be back sometime during the Dallas week, ready for the opener."
Peterson hurt his knee on Tampa Bay's opening drive. He left the game, went to the locker room for tests and did not return. He walked out of the stadium on crutches and was clearly disappointed.
"I don't know, man," Peterson said when asked about his return. "I don't know."
Peterson led the team in tackles during each of his first three seasons in Jacksonville. He had a career-high 190 tackles and six sacks last year. He also had three interceptions, including one for a touchdown.
Norwood, Falcons run past Titans 20-6
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20060826_ATL@TEN
Chiefs hold on to beat Rams 16-12http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20060826_STL@KC
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
The Bowl Championship Series agreed to a four-year contract extension with Harris Interactive, the company that coordinated the polls used last year to replace The Associated Press Top 25 in the BCS standings.
The Harris Interactive College Football Poll debuted last season after The Associated Press asked the BCS to no longer include its media poll in the formula used to determine which teams play for the national championship.
The Harris poll is voted on by a panel of former college football players, coaches and administrators, plus some media members.
The rest of the components of the BCS formula will be the USA Today coaches' poll and six computer standings - Jeff Sagarin, Anderson & Hester, Richard Billingsley, Colley Matrix, Kenneth Massey and Dr. Peter Wolfe.
"The BCS was pleased with how the Harris Interactive College Football Poll was structured and delivered last season," BCS coordinator and Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive said. "Harris Interactive's approach to the coordination of the poll and desire for integrity in the process warranted this extension.....
Miami WR Ryan Moore has been suspended indefinitely for violation of an unspecified team policy. Moore, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, was suspended from the Hurricanes’ Peach Bowl appearance last season and then was suspended again for the first two games of this year because of previous violations of team rules.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
12 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
Chicago will reportedly get a conditional 7th round pick in 2007 from Cleveland in exchange for veteran C Lenny Friedman whom the Bears sent to the Browns earlier this week. The compensation si conditional upon Friedman making the Browns' 53-man opening day roster. Friedman may even start for the Browns who have been riddled with injuries at the position this summer....
With receiver Koren Robinson possibly facing a yearlong suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, the Vikings could be among the teams that inquire about disgruntled New England receiver Deion Branch.....
Steelers running back Duce Staley returned to Lincoln Financial Field amid rumors he could be on his way back to the Eagles, as the team still is in search of a power running back to complement Brian Westbrook. However, the Steelers are not exactly deep at the position themselves behind starter Willie Parker since the retirement of Jerome Bettis, and Staley is not nearly as quick as he was with the Eagles.....
Henson, the former University of Michigan quarterback, is expected to be released by the Dallas Cowboys, but the Detroit Lions don't have any interest in signing him at this point. Several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, are expected to pursue him if he clears waivers.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Erickson Sees His Career Come Full
Circlehttp://sports.aol.com/ncaafb/story/_a/erickson-sees-his-career-come-full/20060825165809990001?cid=592
With receiver Koren Robinson possibly facing a yearlong suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, the Vikings could be among the teams that inquire about disgruntled New England receiver Deion Branch.....
Steelers running back Duce Staley returned to Lincoln Financial Field amid rumors he could be on his way back to the Eagles, as the team still is in search of a power running back to complement Brian Westbrook. However, the Steelers are not exactly deep at the position themselves behind starter Willie Parker since the retirement of Jerome Bettis, and Staley is not nearly as quick as he was with the Eagles.....
Henson, the former University of Michigan quarterback, is expected to be released by the Dallas Cowboys, but the Detroit Lions don't have any interest in signing him at this point. Several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, are expected to pursue him if he clears waivers.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Erickson Sees His Career Come Full
Circlehttp://sports.aol.com/ncaafb/story/_a/erickson-sees-his-career-come-full/20060825165809990001?cid=592
Friday, August 25, 2006
134 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
According to sources, Dallas will receive a 7th round pick at the 2007 draft from New Orleans as compensation for LB Scott Shanle whom the Cowboys sent to the Saints earlier this week.....
Chicago has acquired an undisclosed conditional pick at the 2007 draft from Cleveland in exchange for veteran C Lenny Friedman.....
Scouts from 16 NFL teams - the Dallas Cowboys sent two - were on hand to evaluate players from both teams. Several scouts watched the Dolphins wide receivers, along with DT Jeff Zgonina.....
Saban continually has said he is 'not displeased' with Miami's depth at running back behind Ronnie Brown, but it is clear the Dolphins intend to pursue players who might be cut by other teams when the first round of cuts are made Tuesday.....
Five tailbacks - first-stringer Mike Bell and Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne, Cedric Cobbs and Damien Nash - may have done enough to make the team. But with Cecil Sapp and Kyle Johnson likely filling fullback roles, one or two tailbacks will have to go.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Wisconsin receiver Marcus Randle El will miss the 2006 season after injuring his right knee. Randle El hurt his knee at practice Wednesday afternoon. An MRI exam Thursday showed he had damage to ligaments that would require surgery. No further details were provided.....
The newest college football all-star game will be played in El Paso. Bowl organizers announced Thursday the Texas vs. The Nation game, which will feature a team of top-rated seniors who played college or high school football in Texas against a squad of top-rated seniors from the rest of the country. The game will be played in either January or early February, the game's CEO Kenny Hansmire said. Hansmire said seniors rated in the top 15 at their position by the NFL will be eligible for the game. Texas-El Paso coach Mike Price will lead the Texas team. The coach of the other team has not been named.
Chicago has acquired an undisclosed conditional pick at the 2007 draft from Cleveland in exchange for veteran C Lenny Friedman.....
Scouts from 16 NFL teams - the Dallas Cowboys sent two - were on hand to evaluate players from both teams. Several scouts watched the Dolphins wide receivers, along with DT Jeff Zgonina.....
Saban continually has said he is 'not displeased' with Miami's depth at running back behind Ronnie Brown, but it is clear the Dolphins intend to pursue players who might be cut by other teams when the first round of cuts are made Tuesday.....
Five tailbacks - first-stringer Mike Bell and Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne, Cedric Cobbs and Damien Nash - may have done enough to make the team. But with Cecil Sapp and Kyle Johnson likely filling fullback roles, one or two tailbacks will have to go.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Wisconsin receiver Marcus Randle El will miss the 2006 season after injuring his right knee. Randle El hurt his knee at practice Wednesday afternoon. An MRI exam Thursday showed he had damage to ligaments that would require surgery. No further details were provided.....
The newest college football all-star game will be played in El Paso. Bowl organizers announced Thursday the Texas vs. The Nation game, which will feature a team of top-rated seniors who played college or high school football in Texas against a squad of top-rated seniors from the rest of the country. The game will be played in either January or early February, the game's CEO Kenny Hansmire said. Hansmire said seniors rated in the top 15 at their position by the NFL will be eligible for the game. Texas-El Paso coach Mike Price will lead the Texas team. The coach of the other team has not been named.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
14 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
Young gave the Titans -- and himself -- a scare Wednesday when the back of his throwing hand slammed against a helmet during practice. Young was examined on the field, then walked off for X-rays and did not return to practice.....
The Patriots released veteran Martin Gramatica, giving the place-kicking job to rookie Stephen Gostkowski. The fourth-round draft choice from Memphis won the competition to replace Adam Vinatieri, who signed with Indianapolis as a free agent in the offseason. On Aug. 19 in a 30-3 preseason victory against Arizona, Gostkowski was 3-for-3 on field goals -- two covering 37 yards and another 33 -- while Gramatica didn't play. In the Patriots preseason opener, a 26-23 loss at Atlanta, Gramatica was 2-for-2, and Gostkowski made his only attempt......
Davis' tour of the NFL continued Wednesday in St. Louis and the former Panthers running back soon could be joining the Rams. According to league sources, the Rams were in the process of putting together an offer for Davis on Wednesday night. Davis had previously visited the Eagles and, reportedly, passed a physical......
Dallas has acquired an undisclosed conditional pick from New Orleans in exchange for LB Scott Shanle.....
There is no trade in the works -- nor in their plans -- to send Staley back to the Eagles. Cowher did not say that, but Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations, said no one in the organization has had any talks with the Eagles about Staley.....
The Dolphins have been reaching out to other teams about trading for one of Miami's defensive linemen. Manny Wright is on the trade block and there's a possibility Zgonina or Kevin Vickerson may join him.....
Drew Henson called it a good day, which says about everything one needs to know about his previous days with the Cowboys. The Cowboys are seeking a trade but will likely have to release Henson. The Chiefs are interested in Drew so stay tuned.....
When the Jaguars make the first cut to 75 players next week, Del Rio indicated the team will place some players on the injured-reserve list. Guard Dan Connolly, who had surgery on a broken finger, and defensive lineman Tony Williams, who may undergo surgery for a ruptured bicep, are obvious candidates.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTESFormer Arizona State QB Sam Keller, who had been considered to be a top second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has reportedly enrolled at Nebraska according to a spokesperson in the registrar’s office at the school. Keller will be forced to redshirt at Nebraska this season and will be eligible to play his final season next year. Kellar opted to transfer after the Sun Devils announced that sophomore Rudy Carpenter would be the team's starter this fall.....
Iowa junior DE Kenny Iwebema was one of two Hawkeyes’ suspended for the team’s season opener on September 2nd against Montana for violating team policy. The 6-4, 270-pound Iwebema, who had 7 sacks in 2005, also missed the first week of fall practice for what were called personal issues.....
The NCAA won't penalize Notre Dame football and basketball players who participated in promotional spots for a sports talk show on a local television station. While the NCAA found that the athletes had made an improper "implied endorsement," there was no indication the violations were intentional, John Heisler, Notre Dame's senior associate athletic director, said Wednesday.....
Oklahoma has banned its athletes from working at a car dealership where two football players - including the team's starting quarterback - broke NCAA rules by accepting payment for more work than they performed. The university, in a report to the NCAA released Tuesday following an open records request by The Associated Press, said it banned athletes from working at Big Red Sports and Imports after Oklahoma's compliance staff received "poor and inappropriate treatment" from the dealership's previous management.
The Patriots released veteran Martin Gramatica, giving the place-kicking job to rookie Stephen Gostkowski. The fourth-round draft choice from Memphis won the competition to replace Adam Vinatieri, who signed with Indianapolis as a free agent in the offseason. On Aug. 19 in a 30-3 preseason victory against Arizona, Gostkowski was 3-for-3 on field goals -- two covering 37 yards and another 33 -- while Gramatica didn't play. In the Patriots preseason opener, a 26-23 loss at Atlanta, Gramatica was 2-for-2, and Gostkowski made his only attempt......
Davis' tour of the NFL continued Wednesday in St. Louis and the former Panthers running back soon could be joining the Rams. According to league sources, the Rams were in the process of putting together an offer for Davis on Wednesday night. Davis had previously visited the Eagles and, reportedly, passed a physical......
Dallas has acquired an undisclosed conditional pick from New Orleans in exchange for LB Scott Shanle.....
There is no trade in the works -- nor in their plans -- to send Staley back to the Eagles. Cowher did not say that, but Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations, said no one in the organization has had any talks with the Eagles about Staley.....
The Dolphins have been reaching out to other teams about trading for one of Miami's defensive linemen. Manny Wright is on the trade block and there's a possibility Zgonina or Kevin Vickerson may join him.....
Drew Henson called it a good day, which says about everything one needs to know about his previous days with the Cowboys. The Cowboys are seeking a trade but will likely have to release Henson. The Chiefs are interested in Drew so stay tuned.....
When the Jaguars make the first cut to 75 players next week, Del Rio indicated the team will place some players on the injured-reserve list. Guard Dan Connolly, who had surgery on a broken finger, and defensive lineman Tony Williams, who may undergo surgery for a ruptured bicep, are obvious candidates.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTESFormer Arizona State QB Sam Keller, who had been considered to be a top second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, has reportedly enrolled at Nebraska according to a spokesperson in the registrar’s office at the school. Keller will be forced to redshirt at Nebraska this season and will be eligible to play his final season next year. Kellar opted to transfer after the Sun Devils announced that sophomore Rudy Carpenter would be the team's starter this fall.....
Iowa junior DE Kenny Iwebema was one of two Hawkeyes’ suspended for the team’s season opener on September 2nd against Montana for violating team policy. The 6-4, 270-pound Iwebema, who had 7 sacks in 2005, also missed the first week of fall practice for what were called personal issues.....
The NCAA won't penalize Notre Dame football and basketball players who participated in promotional spots for a sports talk show on a local television station. While the NCAA found that the athletes had made an improper "implied endorsement," there was no indication the violations were intentional, John Heisler, Notre Dame's senior associate athletic director, said Wednesday.....
Oklahoma has banned its athletes from working at a car dealership where two football players - including the team's starting quarterback - broke NCAA rules by accepting payment for more work than they performed. The university, in a report to the NCAA released Tuesday following an open records request by The Associated Press, said it banned athletes from working at Big Red Sports and Imports after Oklahoma's compliance staff received "poor and inappropriate treatment" from the dealership's previous management.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
15 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
According to published reports, the exact compensation Denver will receive as their part of yesterday’s deal in which the Broncos sent WR Ashley Lelie to Atlanta and the Falcons dispatched RB T.J. Duckett to Washington will not be determined until after the season. According to the Denver Post, for example, depending on how the Broncos and Redskins finish in the final standings, there are four possibilities based on the draft-value chart NFL teams use. The two teams could exchange first-round picks outright if Denver has a significantly lower pick than the Redskins; the teams could flip-flop their first-rounders and the Broncos get a fourth-rounder in 2008; the teams flip-flop their first-rounders and the Broncos get a third- rounder next year; or the Broncos get a third-rounder in 2007 and a fourth-rounder in 2008. The trade, however, still has to be approved by the NFL and both Lelie and Duckett also must pass physicals with their respective new teams.....
Holdout wide receiver Deion Branch broke his silence in an interview with Ch. 4’s Steve Burton last night, saying he’s 'pretty sure everything will work out' between himself and the Patriots.....
Curtis Martin, according to a report, agreed to a pay cut recently... There are many things that can be read into this move, the first being that the Jets are taking care of their warrior workhorse knowing he likely won't play again for them.....
J. Duckett of the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans starter Chris Brown are the biggest names thought to be on trading block, although league sources said the Dolphins are not in discussions for either... Artose Pinner (Detroit Lions) and Cedric Cobbs (Denver Broncos) are among the other backs on the market.....
Owner Al Davis has said he would give Porter his wish and trade him if the offer was right, but so far nothing has transpired.....
Holdout wide receiver Deion Branch broke his silence in an interview with Ch. 4’s Steve Burton last night, saying he’s 'pretty sure everything will work out' between himself and the Patriots.....
Curtis Martin, according to a report, agreed to a pay cut recently... There are many things that can be read into this move, the first being that the Jets are taking care of their warrior workhorse knowing he likely won't play again for them.....
J. Duckett of the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans starter Chris Brown are the biggest names thought to be on trading block, although league sources said the Dolphins are not in discussions for either... Artose Pinner (Detroit Lions) and Cedric Cobbs (Denver Broncos) are among the other backs on the market.....
Owner Al Davis has said he would give Porter his wish and trade him if the offer was right, but so far nothing has transpired.....
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
16 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
San Francisco has released LB David Dixon, the former JC star whom the 49ers signed after he was not selected at this summer's supplemental draft. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has released QB Erik Meyer, another top undrafted free agent this year, while Chicago has signed former Miami FB Quadtrine Hill, who was one of the higher rated undrafted players at that position in the 2006 draft class.....
San Francisco has released LB David Dixon, the former JC star whom the 49ers signed after he was not selected at this summer's supplemental draft. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has released QB Erik Meyer, another top undrafted free agent this year, while Chicago has signed former Miami FB Quadtrine Hill, who was one of the higher rated undrafted players at that position in the 2006 draft class.....
Stephen Davis came and went. The Eagles poked and probed the free-agent veteran running back after he went through a morning workout in South Philadelphia... There's been talk for weeks that the Denver Broncos like Moats a lot, so it's not inconceivable that he could be dealt for wide receiver Ashley Lelie....
The Falcons remained in trade talks regarding tailback T.J. Duckett Monday, with the Washington Redskins being one of the potential trade partners, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
A University of Tennessee trustee collected cash from fans and some former athletes gathered at his house to give to assistant coach Trooper Taylor for speaking at their barbecue dinner, according to documents released Monday.
The donations totaled $3,000, an amount the university found to be too high and in violation of NCAA rules that do not permit outside sources from paying an athletic department staff member for an unspecified reason.Officials said last week they planned to report the violation, which is considered secondary, to the Southeastern Conference. On Monday, The Associated Press obtained the self-report, a letter from UT President John Petersen to trustee Karl Schledwitz dated Aug. 17 and a letter to Taylor from athletic director Mike Hamilton dated Monday.Secondary violations are fairly routine, and the conference usually accepts the punishments universities impose on themselves.....
Third-Generation Bulldog Named Starting QB... Joe Tereshinski
Coach Mark Richt made the decision after letting four quarterbacks battle it out during spring practice and through the first two weeks of preseason workouts. In the end, Tereshinski's experience, accuracy and knowledge of the offense put him ahead of sophomore Blake Barnes, redshirt freshman Joe Cox and true freshman Matthew Stafford.....
San Francisco has released LB David Dixon, the former JC star whom the 49ers signed after he was not selected at this summer's supplemental draft. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has released QB Erik Meyer, another top undrafted free agent this year, while Chicago has signed former Miami FB Quadtrine Hill, who was one of the higher rated undrafted players at that position in the 2006 draft class.....
Stephen Davis came and went. The Eagles poked and probed the free-agent veteran running back after he went through a morning workout in South Philadelphia... There's been talk for weeks that the Denver Broncos like Moats a lot, so it's not inconceivable that he could be dealt for wide receiver Ashley Lelie....
The Falcons remained in trade talks regarding tailback T.J. Duckett Monday, with the Washington Redskins being one of the potential trade partners, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
A University of Tennessee trustee collected cash from fans and some former athletes gathered at his house to give to assistant coach Trooper Taylor for speaking at their barbecue dinner, according to documents released Monday.
The donations totaled $3,000, an amount the university found to be too high and in violation of NCAA rules that do not permit outside sources from paying an athletic department staff member for an unspecified reason.Officials said last week they planned to report the violation, which is considered secondary, to the Southeastern Conference. On Monday, The Associated Press obtained the self-report, a letter from UT President John Petersen to trustee Karl Schledwitz dated Aug. 17 and a letter to Taylor from athletic director Mike Hamilton dated Monday.Secondary violations are fairly routine, and the conference usually accepts the punishments universities impose on themselves.....
Third-Generation Bulldog Named Starting QB... Joe Tereshinski
Coach Mark Richt made the decision after letting four quarterbacks battle it out during spring practice and through the first two weeks of preseason workouts. In the end, Tereshinski's experience, accuracy and knowledge of the offense put him ahead of sophomore Blake Barnes, redshirt freshman Joe Cox and true freshman Matthew Stafford.....
Monday, August 21, 2006
17 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
Bengals 11th-year offensive tackle Willie Anderson said Sunday that a report that his agent and the Bengals are trading contract proposals is false.....
Free-agent running back Stephen Davis arrived in Philadelphia late last night and will meet with Eagles officials today, a team source said... In the wake of the shoulder injury suffered by Clinton Portis, Davis apparently has been contacted by the Washington Redskins, for whom he played his first seven NFL seasons.....
The big question surrounding the Falcons since Friday is whether they will trade backup tailback T.J. Duckett to secure a player, or players, to address their concerns. Mora acknowledged there is interest in Duckett but said, 'he has real value to us as a player on the field and person/teammate off the field.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
California CB Tim Mixon, a solid second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss the regular season after tearing a ligament in his right knee during a scrimmage.....
Free-agent running back Stephen Davis arrived in Philadelphia late last night and will meet with Eagles officials today, a team source said... In the wake of the shoulder injury suffered by Clinton Portis, Davis apparently has been contacted by the Washington Redskins, for whom he played his first seven NFL seasons.....
The big question surrounding the Falcons since Friday is whether they will trade backup tailback T.J. Duckett to secure a player, or players, to address their concerns. Mora acknowledged there is interest in Duckett but said, 'he has real value to us as a player on the field and person/teammate off the field.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
California CB Tim Mixon, a solid second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss the regular season after tearing a ligament in his right knee during a scrimmage.....
Sunday, August 20, 2006
JETS GET A RB
The New York Jets acquired running back Kevan Barlow from the San Francisco 49ers today for an undisclosed draft pick in 2007, their second attempt in a week to shore up the position. The deal is contingent on Barlow passing a physical. "We have been impressed with Kevan's production in both the running and passing game," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "We feel Kevan will complement our running back group, and he will come in and compete for playing time." "The 6-foot-1, 234-pound Barlow has 3,614 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career. "This is a great opportunity for Kevan because of New York's need at running back," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "Kevan has been committed to our program and done well. With the depth at running back we felt we could make this move."
18 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
Despite Blaylock's performance, the Jets probably will continue to show interest in Falcons RB T.J. Duckett, who could be available in a trade. Talks likely will continue today.....
With the strong play of Cowboys backup QB Tony Romo this summer, some speculate that Drew Bledsoe could be in a fight for his starting job.....
Patriots defensive end Ty Warren says former teammate Roman Phifer, 38, whom the Patriots did not attempt to re-sign after the 2004 season, is still in great shape, living in Los Angeles and ready to play if he gets a call from an NFL team.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Kentucky suspended wide receiver John Logan and offensive lineman Micah Jones for the Wildcats' opening game against Louisville on Sept. 3.Coach Rich Brooks said the players were suspended for violating team rules, but did specify what they did.Logan, a junior, is a potential starter at wideout and Jones, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound sophomore is listed as a backup at right guard.....
With the strong play of Cowboys backup QB Tony Romo this summer, some speculate that Drew Bledsoe could be in a fight for his starting job.....
Patriots defensive end Ty Warren says former teammate Roman Phifer, 38, whom the Patriots did not attempt to re-sign after the 2004 season, is still in great shape, living in Los Angeles and ready to play if he gets a call from an NFL team.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Kentucky suspended wide receiver John Logan and offensive lineman Micah Jones for the Wildcats' opening game against Louisville on Sept. 3.Coach Rich Brooks said the players were suspended for violating team rules, but did specify what they did.Logan, a junior, is a potential starter at wideout and Jones, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound sophomore is listed as a backup at right guard.....
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Notre Dame Investigating Possible Violation
Appearances on Local TV May Be Against Rules
Notre Dame is looking into whether student-athletes, including football and basketball players, violated NCAA rules with comments promoting a local sports talk show on the CBS affiliate here.
John Heisler, Notre Dame's senior associate athletic director, said Saturday he became aware of possible violations when contacted Friday afternoon by a reporter for The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne. Heisler said the school has not seen the spots, promoting "Sports Dogz" on WSBT-TV, so it does not know if it violates NCAA rules."We're just trying to figure out what this is," he said. "I don't know if we know for sure it's an NCAA violation."Jennifer Kearns, associate director of public and media relations with the NCAA, said she could not comment on specific cases, or whether the Indianapolis-based organization was investigating the students.Kearns said that in past situations when a student-athlete did not know they were breaking an NCAA rule it had been deemed as a secondary violation."The NCAA is trying to get student athletes the benefit of the doubt," Kearns said. "If they say, 'I didn't know this was happening,' we try to work with them and do what's best for them."Heisler said school officials would ask WSBT-TV to provide copies of the promotions.Last year USC quarterback Matt Leinart had his eligibility temporarily revoked after appearing in a promotional segment on ESPN. Leinart was reinstated after Southern California petitioned the NCAA. The NCAA said Leinart's actions were "unintentional and inadvertent."Coach Charlie Weis said Saturday that the television spots by the Notre Dame players might be different because the comments weren't used as promotions outside of the program."This is something run during the show, so it's a totally different," he said.Weis said he is depending on Notre Dame's compliance officer to determine whether any rules were violated."I'll just let them go ahead and deal with it," he said. "But I feel it will be taken care of very quickly."
Notre Dame is looking into whether student-athletes, including football and basketball players, violated NCAA rules with comments promoting a local sports talk show on the CBS affiliate here.
John Heisler, Notre Dame's senior associate athletic director, said Saturday he became aware of possible violations when contacted Friday afternoon by a reporter for The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne. Heisler said the school has not seen the spots, promoting "Sports Dogz" on WSBT-TV, so it does not know if it violates NCAA rules."We're just trying to figure out what this is," he said. "I don't know if we know for sure it's an NCAA violation."Jennifer Kearns, associate director of public and media relations with the NCAA, said she could not comment on specific cases, or whether the Indianapolis-based organization was investigating the students.Kearns said that in past situations when a student-athlete did not know they were breaking an NCAA rule it had been deemed as a secondary violation."The NCAA is trying to get student athletes the benefit of the doubt," Kearns said. "If they say, 'I didn't know this was happening,' we try to work with them and do what's best for them."Heisler said school officials would ask WSBT-TV to provide copies of the promotions.Last year USC quarterback Matt Leinart had his eligibility temporarily revoked after appearing in a promotional segment on ESPN. Leinart was reinstated after Southern California petitioned the NCAA. The NCAA said Leinart's actions were "unintentional and inadvertent."Coach Charlie Weis said Saturday that the television spots by the Notre Dame players might be different because the comments weren't used as promotions outside of the program."This is something run during the show, so it's a totally different," he said.Weis said he is depending on Notre Dame's compliance officer to determine whether any rules were violated."I'll just let them go ahead and deal with it," he said. "But I feel it will be taken care of very quickly."
19 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
The trade in which Dallas acquired WR Charlie Adams from Denver for a 6th round pick at the 2007 draft has been voided after Adams failed his physical with the Cowboys.....
Tailback T.J. Duckett could be playing with the Falcons for the last time Saturday night. At least four teams have contacted Atlanta over the past few days about trading for the 2002 first-round pick, two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed. The New York Jets are the only team that both sources would confirm, with recently demoted wide receiver Justin McCareins possibly coming to the Falcons for Duckett.....
Grady Jackson, a key cog at nose tackle for 2 1/2 seasons, paid a visit Wednesday to the Jets and Giants but left New York without a contract.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
California CB Tim Mixon, a solid second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss the regular season after tearing a ligament in his right knee during a scrimmage.....
Marshall football coach Mark Snyder on Friday received a three-year contract extension through the 2013 season. Terms of the contract weren't disclosed......
Tailback T.J. Duckett could be playing with the Falcons for the last time Saturday night. At least four teams have contacted Atlanta over the past few days about trading for the 2002 first-round pick, two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed. The New York Jets are the only team that both sources would confirm, with recently demoted wide receiver Justin McCareins possibly coming to the Falcons for Duckett.....
Grady Jackson, a key cog at nose tackle for 2 1/2 seasons, paid a visit Wednesday to the Jets and Giants but left New York without a contract.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
California CB Tim Mixon, a solid second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss the regular season after tearing a ligament in his right knee during a scrimmage.....
Marshall football coach Mark Snyder on Friday received a three-year contract extension through the 2013 season. Terms of the contract weren't disclosed......
Friday, August 18, 2006
Minnesota has formally placed LB Chad Greenway, the Vikings' #1 pick at the 2006 draft, on injured reserve. Greenway, taken 17th overall this past April, tore an ACL during the Vikings' pre-season opener this past weekend.....
Dallas has acquired WR Charlie Adams from Denver for an undisclosed 2007 draft pick.....
Linebacker Junior Seau, who had announced his retirement from the NFL Monday after a 16-year career, was en route to New England last night and, assuming he passes a physical, could sign a contract as early as today, according to multiple league sources.....
Steelers linebacker Joey Porter told the NFL Network last night that he almost did not show up at camp this summer, and the main reason he did was because of his close relationship with coach Bill Cowher.....
Vikings coach Brad Childress said Thursday that the team is exploring possibilities at the position and considering the price tags of available receivers. Philadelphia and Chicago are also among the teams that may bite at giving up a No. 3 for Lelie......
49ers coach Mike Nolan confirmed talks with the Jets about the availability of RB Kevan Barlow, but he said the discussions weren't serious and he assured Barlow he wasn't going to be traded. Another player on the Jets' radar, Falcons backup RB T.J. Duckett, sounded as if he's lobbying for a trade.....
One problem facing the Browns as they survey the NFL for potential backup quarterbacks: the market is pretty bare. A quality backup such as Matt Schaub of Atlanta will cost a high-round pick, while lower-tier guys like John Navarre of Arizona likely aren't much better than the Browns' current reserve QBs.....
Free agent DT Grady Jackson did not sign a contract yesterday but will reportedly meet again with Giants officials today.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Utah junior QB Brian Johnson will take a redshirt season this fall to allow his knee to completely recover from surgery. Johnson tore an ACL and had surgery early in December. With Johnson sidelined, the #1 QB job with the Utes is down to a two-man battle between between senior Brett Ratliff, a top sleeper candidate for the 2007 draft, and Oklahoma transfer Tommy Grady, now a junior......
USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett and lineman Thomas Herring were briefly detained by police early Tuesday after they were picked up by a female driver in a car that officers were investigating, school officials said. Both players were walking to morning practice about 8 a.m. when a woman offered them a ride, said coach Pete Carroll. As the players were being dropped off, police swarmed the vehicle and handcuffed the woman, Jarrett and Herring.Saying there was an "investigation on the car," Carroll said the players were released after it was determined they weren't involved......
Dallas has acquired WR Charlie Adams from Denver for an undisclosed 2007 draft pick.....
Linebacker Junior Seau, who had announced his retirement from the NFL Monday after a 16-year career, was en route to New England last night and, assuming he passes a physical, could sign a contract as early as today, according to multiple league sources.....
Steelers linebacker Joey Porter told the NFL Network last night that he almost did not show up at camp this summer, and the main reason he did was because of his close relationship with coach Bill Cowher.....
Vikings coach Brad Childress said Thursday that the team is exploring possibilities at the position and considering the price tags of available receivers. Philadelphia and Chicago are also among the teams that may bite at giving up a No. 3 for Lelie......
49ers coach Mike Nolan confirmed talks with the Jets about the availability of RB Kevan Barlow, but he said the discussions weren't serious and he assured Barlow he wasn't going to be traded. Another player on the Jets' radar, Falcons backup RB T.J. Duckett, sounded as if he's lobbying for a trade.....
One problem facing the Browns as they survey the NFL for potential backup quarterbacks: the market is pretty bare. A quality backup such as Matt Schaub of Atlanta will cost a high-round pick, while lower-tier guys like John Navarre of Arizona likely aren't much better than the Browns' current reserve QBs.....
Free agent DT Grady Jackson did not sign a contract yesterday but will reportedly meet again with Giants officials today.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Utah junior QB Brian Johnson will take a redshirt season this fall to allow his knee to completely recover from surgery. Johnson tore an ACL and had surgery early in December. With Johnson sidelined, the #1 QB job with the Utes is down to a two-man battle between between senior Brett Ratliff, a top sleeper candidate for the 2007 draft, and Oklahoma transfer Tommy Grady, now a junior......
USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett and lineman Thomas Herring were briefly detained by police early Tuesday after they were picked up by a female driver in a car that officers were investigating, school officials said. Both players were walking to morning practice about 8 a.m. when a woman offered them a ride, said coach Pete Carroll. As the players were being dropped off, police swarmed the vehicle and handcuffed the woman, Jarrett and Herring.Saying there was an "investigation on the car," Carroll said the players were released after it was determined they weren't involved......
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Washington rookie offensive lineman Kili Lefotu, a 7th round pick at the 2006 draft, is back at practice. Lefotu missed six days of workouts after being found unconscious in his room late last week. The original cause of the problem, though, remains unknown.....
Ray Lewis 31-year-old linebacker said he will play beyond his current contract, which goes through the 2008 season. In fact, Lewis expects to play past the age of 35.....
The Jets' findings won't stop the Browns from trying to trade Suggs again. They've already been in contact with several teams about Suggs to acquire either a center or cornerback - and probably will try to make a deal by next week.....
On Wednesday morning, the Jets met with Grady Jackson, the former Green Bay Packers defensive tackle. They are looking to fill a hole at backup nose tackle.....
Willie Roaf squashed speculation he would return to the Chiefs this season by again saying he would not play football this season.....
Manny Wright's path back to the Dolphins is covered with obstacles, and that was apparent Wednesday when coach Nick Saban said as much, because the defensive tackle must resolve his emotional issues.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Air Force offensive line coach Pete Hurt has been suspended indefinitely after he allegedly struck a player during football practice last week.....
Robert Johnson is getting another chance to start at quarterback for Arkansas. Johnson, benched midway through last season when the Razorbacks needed a spark, was made the starter for 2006 on Wednesday night. Coach Houston Nutt's announcement ended - for now - a three-way competition between Johnson, Casey Dick and prized freshman Mitch Mustain.....
The Minnesota Gophers lost another running back on Wednesday when junior college transfer Brylee Callender was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.....
Ray Lewis 31-year-old linebacker said he will play beyond his current contract, which goes through the 2008 season. In fact, Lewis expects to play past the age of 35.....
The Jets' findings won't stop the Browns from trying to trade Suggs again. They've already been in contact with several teams about Suggs to acquire either a center or cornerback - and probably will try to make a deal by next week.....
On Wednesday morning, the Jets met with Grady Jackson, the former Green Bay Packers defensive tackle. They are looking to fill a hole at backup nose tackle.....
Willie Roaf squashed speculation he would return to the Chiefs this season by again saying he would not play football this season.....
Manny Wright's path back to the Dolphins is covered with obstacles, and that was apparent Wednesday when coach Nick Saban said as much, because the defensive tackle must resolve his emotional issues.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Air Force offensive line coach Pete Hurt has been suspended indefinitely after he allegedly struck a player during football practice last week.....
Robert Johnson is getting another chance to start at quarterback for Arkansas. Johnson, benched midway through last season when the Razorbacks needed a spark, was made the starter for 2006 on Wednesday night. Coach Houston Nutt's announcement ended - for now - a three-way competition between Johnson, Casey Dick and prized freshman Mitch Mustain.....
The Minnesota Gophers lost another running back on Wednesday when junior college transfer Brylee Callender was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.....
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Vikings: Robinson Arrested
Starting WR Koren Robinson was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of drunken driving. Sources say Robinson was also driving at a high speed. The talented but troubled player, who was suspended four games for substance abuse two years ago, could be suspended for a year by the league.
22 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
The deal earlier this week which saw the New York Jets acquire RB Lee Suggs from Cleveland in exchange for CB Strait has been voided after Sugs failed his physical with the Jets. And that leaves the still very thin at RB with the career of veteran back Curtis Martin, who is currently on the on the physically-unable-to-perform list because of a lingering knee injury.....
Tampa Bay has placed TE T.J. Williams, a 6th round pick at the 2006 draft, on injured reserve because of an achilles' injury suffered earlier this year.....
San Francisco has traded DB Mike Rumph, the 49ers' #1 pick in 2002, to Washington for WR Taylor Jacobs, the Redskins second round pick in 2003.....
Arizona QB Matt Leinart, the 10th player selected at the 2006 draft and the last remaining unsigned first round pick from this year’s draft, ended his two-week holdout and signed with the Cardinals. Leinart reportedly signed a six-year deal which could be worth as much as $51M, although only $14M is quaranteed.....
They are holding their collective breaths in Minnesota however it doesn't look good for LB Chad Greenway, the Vikings' #1 pick at the 2006 draft. Greenway, the 17th player selected this year, left last night's exhibition game with Oakland in the first quarter because of an injury to his left knee. Greenway will have an MRI this morning, but indications last night were that it could be a season-ending tear to his anterior cruciate ligament.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
According to the school, Montana RB Lex Hilliard has suffered a serious foot injury and will miss the season. The 228-pound Hilliard, who already has almost 3,000 career rushing yards, plans to redshirt and play again next fall at Montana.....
Southern California FB Brandon Hancock, a decent second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will have surgery for ligament damage in his left knee and won't be able to play this season. Hancock, who also had knee surgery in 2004, is out of eligibility and reportedly plans to train for the draft once he’s healthy.....
The NCAA has declared South Carolina FS Brandon Isaac ineligible to play in the Gamecocks' first three games because of problems with his academic transcripts from Georgia Military College, a two-year junior college he attended in 2003 and 2004. The 6-2, 190-pound Isaac is a marginal prospect for the 2007 draft.....
Arkansas CB Darius Vinnett, another marginal prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss about five weeks after undergoing knee surgery. As a result, Vinnett will miss at least Arkansas’ season opener against USC next month.....
Tampa Bay has placed TE T.J. Williams, a 6th round pick at the 2006 draft, on injured reserve because of an achilles' injury suffered earlier this year.....
San Francisco has traded DB Mike Rumph, the 49ers' #1 pick in 2002, to Washington for WR Taylor Jacobs, the Redskins second round pick in 2003.....
Arizona QB Matt Leinart, the 10th player selected at the 2006 draft and the last remaining unsigned first round pick from this year’s draft, ended his two-week holdout and signed with the Cardinals. Leinart reportedly signed a six-year deal which could be worth as much as $51M, although only $14M is quaranteed.....
They are holding their collective breaths in Minnesota however it doesn't look good for LB Chad Greenway, the Vikings' #1 pick at the 2006 draft. Greenway, the 17th player selected this year, left last night's exhibition game with Oakland in the first quarter because of an injury to his left knee. Greenway will have an MRI this morning, but indications last night were that it could be a season-ending tear to his anterior cruciate ligament.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
According to the school, Montana RB Lex Hilliard has suffered a serious foot injury and will miss the season. The 228-pound Hilliard, who already has almost 3,000 career rushing yards, plans to redshirt and play again next fall at Montana.....
Southern California FB Brandon Hancock, a decent second tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will have surgery for ligament damage in his left knee and won't be able to play this season. Hancock, who also had knee surgery in 2004, is out of eligibility and reportedly plans to train for the draft once he’s healthy.....
The NCAA has declared South Carolina FS Brandon Isaac ineligible to play in the Gamecocks' first three games because of problems with his academic transcripts from Georgia Military College, a two-year junior college he attended in 2003 and 2004. The 6-2, 190-pound Isaac is a marginal prospect for the 2007 draft.....
Arkansas CB Darius Vinnett, another marginal prospect for the 2007 draft, will miss about five weeks after undergoing knee surgery. As a result, Vinnett will miss at least Arkansas’ season opener against USC next month.....
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The New York Jets got some help at running back, acquiring RB Lee Suggs from Cleveland in exchange for CB Strait. The Jets are very thin at RB with the career of veteran back Curtis Martin, who is currently on the on the physically-unable-to-perform list because of a lingering knee injury. Suggs was a 4th round pick by the Browns in 2003, while Strait was a 3rd round pick by the Jets in 2004.....
With Clemons out a while, the Redskins were on the verge of signing outside linebacker Jeff Posey, who played for assistant coaches Gregg Williams, Jerry Gray and Danny Smith in Buffalo.....
Lelie was supposed to receive $800,000 this year - $700,000 in salary and $100,000 for an offseason workout bonus. Hoping to force a trade, Lelie did not participate in the team's offseason program, surrendering his bonus and leaving him with $700,000.....
Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells' patience with Terrell Owens' sore left hamstring appears to be wearing thin... Parcells said the team continues to search for a trade that would bring it a veteran receiver.....
With Clemons out a while, the Redskins were on the verge of signing outside linebacker Jeff Posey, who played for assistant coaches Gregg Williams, Jerry Gray and Danny Smith in Buffalo.....
Lelie was supposed to receive $800,000 this year - $700,000 in salary and $100,000 for an offseason workout bonus. Hoping to force a trade, Lelie did not participate in the team's offseason program, surrendering his bonus and leaving him with $700,000.....
Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells' patience with Terrell Owens' sore left hamstring appears to be wearing thin... Parcells said the team continues to search for a trade that would bring it a veteran receiver.....
Monday, August 14, 2006
It was one of the most anticipated pro debuts in a while, but New Orleans RB Reggie Bush, the second player taken at the 2006 draft, didn’t disappoint when he suited up for his first live NFL game action last night in the Saints’ 19-16 pre-season win over Tennessee. Bush carried 6 times for 59 yards, including a scintillating 44-yard run when he started off left tackle, changed direction when the point of attack was blocked, and outran the defense back around the right side. In fact, fans in Tennessee got a two-fer as Titans’ QB Vince Young, the third player taken this year, also made his debut. Young was okay, running for 28 yards on 4 carries, but completed just 4 of 11 passes, although one long bomb was outright dropped. Young got a scare on his last play when a Saint rolled over his ankle, but he is being reported as fine this morning. While Bush and Young made rather seamless pro debuts, there was also plenty of controversy in Houston. Bush’s former USC teammate and current Titan RB LenDale White was not dressed for Tennessee as punishment for an incident in practice last week when he allegedly spit at Titans’ DB Donnie Nickey. Then there was the Titans’ mascot who managed to run into New Orleans QB Adrian McPherson with his cart after half time. Meanwhile, Houston DE Mario Williams, the first player selected at this year’s draft, had a very quiet pro debut, posting just a ½ tackle in the Texans’ win over Kansas City, in what was described as a ‘tentative’ game for the former North Carolina State star.....
Media speculation has held that the Cleveland Browns are interested in Fraley, after losing LeCharles Bentley to knee surgery and seeing replacement Bob Hallen retire. Fraley said he doesn't think about situations around the league where teams might need starters - although in the Sports Illustrated article last week detailing Fraley's battle with Jackson, Fraley was quoted as being interested in going to Pittsburgh.....
While trade talks involving wide receiver Ashley Lelie continue, no deal appears imminent.....
Gruden scoffed at reports the team might have an interest in Jets quarterback Brooks Bollinger.....
The Lions might have to look for temporary help at tight end because of a broken left wrist that will keep starter Casey FitzSimmons out for the early part of the regular season.....
Media speculation has held that the Cleveland Browns are interested in Fraley, after losing LeCharles Bentley to knee surgery and seeing replacement Bob Hallen retire. Fraley said he doesn't think about situations around the league where teams might need starters - although in the Sports Illustrated article last week detailing Fraley's battle with Jackson, Fraley was quoted as being interested in going to Pittsburgh.....
While trade talks involving wide receiver Ashley Lelie continue, no deal appears imminent.....
Gruden scoffed at reports the team might have an interest in Jets quarterback Brooks Bollinger.....
The Lions might have to look for temporary help at tight end because of a broken left wrist that will keep starter Casey FitzSimmons out for the early part of the regular season.....
Saturday, August 12, 2006
A number of rookies had pretty good outings in last night’s pre-season action. Denver QB Jay Cutler, the 11th player selected overall at the 2006 draft, for example, completed 16 of 22 passes for 192 yards and a TD in his pro debut last night, although the Broncos lost to Detroit 20-13. It wasn’t quite as sterling a start for Broncos’ RB Mike Bell, the undrafted rookie free agent who was installed as the team’s starting back last week despite never having carried the ball in an NFL game, was held to 20 yards on 7 rushing attempts and also lost a fumble. Meanwhile, rookie QBs Bruce Gradkowski of Tampa Bay and the Jets’ QB Kellen Clemens staged their own mini-dual in the Buccaneers 16-3 win. Gradkowski, a 6th round pick this year, completed 11 of 13 passes, including two for scores, to key the win, while Clemens was also sharp, completing 10 of 14 passes for 92 yards. On the other hand, it was the backs turn to shine in Atlanta’s last minute win over New England as RB Laurence Maroney, the Patriots’ #1 pick this yaer ran for 66 yards on 9 carries, while undrafted rookie free agent RB Patrick Cobbs caught 3 passes for 80 yards including a 57-yard scoring strike. Falcons’ 3rd round RB Jerious Norwood also had a TD catch – a highlight reel 34-yarder – in the Falcons’ win. Patriots’ rookie TE Garrett Mills, a 5th round pick this past April, was also busy catching 5 passes for 75 yards. And Giants’ DE Mathias Kiwanuka, the final player taken in this year’s opening round, had 1.5 sacks to help the NFC New Yorkers rally to a 17-16 win in Baltimore. Meanwhile, this year’s top three picks will all make their pro debuts tonight. Indeed, New Orleans RB Reggie Bush, the 2nd player taken this year, and Tennessee QB Vince Young, selected 3rd overall, will reprise their Rose Bowl matchup in January when the Saints play the Titans this evening, while Houston DE Mario Williams, the first player taken at the 2006 draft, also sees his first action tonight when the Texans host Kansas City.....
Washington DT Kili Lefotu, the Redskins 7th round pick who was found unconscious in his training camp room earlier this week, was released from the hospital Friday, although doctors still do not know what caused him to lose consciousness. There is also no word on when Lefotu will be able to return to practice.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Wisconsin QB John Stocco, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, could miss extensive playing time this fall after undergoing knee surgery earlier today. Stocco reportedly aggravated an injury he sustained in 2003.
Washington DT Kili Lefotu, the Redskins 7th round pick who was found unconscious in his training camp room earlier this week, was released from the hospital Friday, although doctors still do not know what caused him to lose consciousness. There is also no word on when Lefotu will be able to return to practice.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Wisconsin QB John Stocco, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, could miss extensive playing time this fall after undergoing knee surgery earlier today. Stocco reportedly aggravated an injury he sustained in 2003.
Friday, August 11, 2006
27 DAYS
Tennessee rookie RB LenDale White, the 45th pick player selected at the 2006 draft, was front and center when a brawl broke out during Titans’ practice Thursday morning. White and safety Donnie Nickey Nickey collided at the end of a play, and after they were separated, Nickey accused White of spitting on him. Several other defensive players stood up for Nickey, claiming they witnessed the same thing. Minutes later, at the end of a play near the sideline, White was knocked out of bounds by Nickey after an incomplete pass. White elbowed safety Vincent Fuller, and several other defensive players jumped in, including Nickey again. Titans’ Coach Jeff Fisher sounded off to the players, and accused Nickey of a "cheap shot," but later called called the entire team to the middle of the field at the end of practice, and among other things, told the players to leave the incident on the field.....
Washington rookie Kili Lefotu, the 7th round pick at the 2006 draft who was found unconscious in his training camp room last evening, is reportedly showing signs of improvement although doctors apparently still do not know what caused him to to lose consciousness.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
South Carolina TE Andy Boyd has been granted a sixth season of eligibility by the NCAA. The 6-4, 270-pound Boyd might have been an interesting second-tier type pro prospect, however, he has played in only 12 games since 2003 because of injuries including serious knee injuries in 2003 and 2005.....
Washington rookie Kili Lefotu, the 7th round pick at the 2006 draft who was found unconscious in his training camp room last evening, is reportedly showing signs of improvement although doctors apparently still do not know what caused him to to lose consciousness.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
South Carolina TE Andy Boyd has been granted a sixth season of eligibility by the NCAA. The 6-4, 270-pound Boyd might have been an interesting second-tier type pro prospect, however, he has played in only 12 games since 2003 because of injuries including serious knee injuries in 2003 and 2005.....
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Washington OG Kili Lefotu, a 7th round pick at the 2006 draft, is currently undergoing tests in hospital after being found unconscious in his room earlier yesterday evening. Coaches became concerned when Lefotu failed to show up for the team's 7 p.m. Wednesday evening practice. Lefotu was found unresponsive in his room and emergency services were called to take him to hospital. Head Coach Joe Gibbs said Lefotu appeared to be doing better, but doctors had yet to diagnose what happened. Meanwhile, the Redskins released undrafted rookie free agent DT Manaia Brown who had been one of the higher rated UDFAs after the 2006 draft. The Redskins filled Brown's sopt on the roster by resigning Chris Mineo, another UDFA DT whom they had released earlier this month.....
A couple of items that we missed in yesterday’s rookie camp report. Houston DE Mario Williams, the surprise #1 pick this year, has returned to practice after missing a few days of work last week because of a toe injury. Meanwhile, Kansas City QB Brodie Croyle, a 3rd round pick this spring, has seen limited action this week because of a sore shoulder. For now, Croyle is being listed as day-to-day and could play in the Chiefs’ pre-season opener this weekend.....
An agent for Chris Brown visited training camp Wednesday in hopes of pushing the Titans closer to extending the running back's contract or trading him... Silberman also left open the possibility that Brown may be advised to leave training camp at some point.....
Defensive tackle Manny Wright said Wednesday night that he has asked the Dolphins for his release because he has battled emotional problems and wants a fresh start with another team.....
Dallas could enter the mix for Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie, a holdout. Cowboys coach Bill Parcells told reporters Wednesday his team is interested in acquiring a receiver.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Virginia WR Deyon Williams, an intriguing second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will undergo surgery Friday for a stress fracture in his foot and will be sidelined indefinitely. The 6-3, 185-pound Williams, who had 58 catches for 767 yards and seven touchdowns last year, tried to practice over the weekend, but complained about soreness in his foot before X-rays revealed the fracture.....
Southern California junior WR Dwayne Jarrett, a potential top 5-10 prospect for the 2007 draft if he opts to leave school this winter, will not miss any playing time this season after being reinstated to the program by the NCAA. Jarrett had been suspended for failing to pay full rent on an apartment he shared with former USC QB Matt Leinart. Jarrett was declared ineligible earlier this summer when the NCAA determined he received an extra benefit because Leinart's father paid the balance of the rent on an apartment that cost almost $4,000 a month.
A couple of items that we missed in yesterday’s rookie camp report. Houston DE Mario Williams, the surprise #1 pick this year, has returned to practice after missing a few days of work last week because of a toe injury. Meanwhile, Kansas City QB Brodie Croyle, a 3rd round pick this spring, has seen limited action this week because of a sore shoulder. For now, Croyle is being listed as day-to-day and could play in the Chiefs’ pre-season opener this weekend.....
An agent for Chris Brown visited training camp Wednesday in hopes of pushing the Titans closer to extending the running back's contract or trading him... Silberman also left open the possibility that Brown may be advised to leave training camp at some point.....
Defensive tackle Manny Wright said Wednesday night that he has asked the Dolphins for his release because he has battled emotional problems and wants a fresh start with another team.....
Dallas could enter the mix for Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie, a holdout. Cowboys coach Bill Parcells told reporters Wednesday his team is interested in acquiring a receiver.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Virginia WR Deyon Williams, an intriguing second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, will undergo surgery Friday for a stress fracture in his foot and will be sidelined indefinitely. The 6-3, 185-pound Williams, who had 58 catches for 767 yards and seven touchdowns last year, tried to practice over the weekend, but complained about soreness in his foot before X-rays revealed the fracture.....
Southern California junior WR Dwayne Jarrett, a potential top 5-10 prospect for the 2007 draft if he opts to leave school this winter, will not miss any playing time this season after being reinstated to the program by the NCAA. Jarrett had been suspended for failing to pay full rent on an apartment he shared with former USC QB Matt Leinart. Jarrett was declared ineligible earlier this summer when the NCAA determined he received an extra benefit because Leinart's father paid the balance of the rent on an apartment that cost almost $4,000 a month.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Miami has signed DB Jason Allen, the Dolphins' first-round pick at the 2006 draft and one of just two remaining unsigned first rounders. Allen, the 16th player selected this year, signed a six-year contract that reportedly includes up to $9 million in guaranteed money. Allen had held out for 10 days but was on the field with the team for this morning's scheduled workout. With Allen signed, the only unsigned first-round pick is Arizona QB Matt Leinart.....
Pittsburgh has released former Ohio State DE Mike Kudla, one of the top rated undrafted free agents in the 2006 draft class. Kudla, who excelled at the lifting phase of the combine last February, has not been able to practice of late because of a hamstring problem.....
Cleveland has acquired C Ross Tucker from New England for a conditional 2007 draft pick. The Browns are suddenly thin at the position after Bob Hallen was placed on the exempt-left squad list; Hallen, who was replacing LeCharles Bently who was lost for the season with a knee injury on the first day of training camp, left camp reportedly to get a second opinion on a balky back problem.....
Its day eight in the holdout of Arizona rookie QB Matt Leinart, the tenth player taken at the 2006 draft and the last unsigned first rounder. And there is reportedly still significant ground to cover before a deal is reached, although there are also reports that the two sides are creeping closer to an agreement. The sticking point is reportedly the guaranteed money in contract. There were published reports over the weekend that the Cardinals were offering Leinart less in guaranteed money than Denver signed QB Jay Cutler, selected one pick after Leinart.....
Before coming to New York for the start of training camp, Curtis Martin was so concerned about his lingering knee injury that he spoke with people close to him about the possibility of retiring, according to two people close to the Jets' running back.....
Disputing a rumor that originated from a local radio station, coach Brian Billick said offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden has not told the team that he is contemplating retirement.....
Michael Haynes missed Tuesday's night practice, fueling speculation he could be traded to Denver along with a fourth-round pick for receiver Ashley Lelie.....
Though Tennessee running back Chris Brown -- who has requested a trade -- has interest in Miami, Titans GM Floyd Reese said Tuesday the Dolphins haven't inquired about him and Tennessee doesn't intend to trade him.....
Pittsburgh has released former Ohio State DE Mike Kudla, one of the top rated undrafted free agents in the 2006 draft class. Kudla, who excelled at the lifting phase of the combine last February, has not been able to practice of late because of a hamstring problem.....
Cleveland has acquired C Ross Tucker from New England for a conditional 2007 draft pick. The Browns are suddenly thin at the position after Bob Hallen was placed on the exempt-left squad list; Hallen, who was replacing LeCharles Bently who was lost for the season with a knee injury on the first day of training camp, left camp reportedly to get a second opinion on a balky back problem.....
Its day eight in the holdout of Arizona rookie QB Matt Leinart, the tenth player taken at the 2006 draft and the last unsigned first rounder. And there is reportedly still significant ground to cover before a deal is reached, although there are also reports that the two sides are creeping closer to an agreement. The sticking point is reportedly the guaranteed money in contract. There were published reports over the weekend that the Cardinals were offering Leinart less in guaranteed money than Denver signed QB Jay Cutler, selected one pick after Leinart.....
Before coming to New York for the start of training camp, Curtis Martin was so concerned about his lingering knee injury that he spoke with people close to him about the possibility of retiring, according to two people close to the Jets' running back.....
Disputing a rumor that originated from a local radio station, coach Brian Billick said offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden has not told the team that he is contemplating retirement.....
Michael Haynes missed Tuesday's night practice, fueling speculation he could be traded to Denver along with a fourth-round pick for receiver Ashley Lelie.....
Though Tennessee running back Chris Brown -- who has requested a trade -- has interest in Miami, Titans GM Floyd Reese said Tuesday the Dolphins haven't inquired about him and Tennessee doesn't intend to trade him.....
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
30 DAYS TILL KICKOFF
According to several people familiar with the presentations, Roger Goodell, the league’s chief operating officer and the front-runner to get the job, made an impressive appearance.....
In something of a surprise, Denver has promoted undrafted rookie free agent RB Mike Bell into the Broncos’ starting lineup. Bell was leapfrogged over Ron Dayne, the former Giants’ #1 pick, and Tatum Bell. In fact, Dayne, the 11th player overall in 2000, has fallen all the way #3 on the Broncos’ depth chart.....
Left tackle Willie Roaf, who recently announced plans to retire, is out of the country. But Edwards said he 'kind of knows where he’s at,' and still hasn’t given up hope the 11-time Pro Bowler will be back.....
Tannenbaum has contacted Tennessee about Chris Brown, the starter in a crowded backfield... Chicago's Thomas Jones also may be available, but he's rehabbing a hamstring pull and starter Cedric Benson is out with a shoulder injury, so the Bears aren't likely to be dealing for at least a few weeks.....
With the chance that Ward could be out for a while, Accorsi admitted the Giants may look into acquiring another running back. Former Giant and Coughlin favorite Mike Cloud is a possibility.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Nebraska CB Zackary Bowman, a decent second-tier type prospect for the 2006 draft, will miss the season after an MRI revealed he had torn an ACL when he landed awkwardly at practice over the weekend. Bowman, who had 14 pass breakups last fall, still has a redshirt season and expects to be back with the Huskers next fall.....
Virginia has re-instated DB Tony Franklin after being dismissed from the team last spring for unspecified reasons. Franklin was suspended for a game late last season for violating team rules and did not make the trip to the Music City Bowl in December and then was kicked off the team on the eve of spring practice in March.....
In something of a surprise, Denver has promoted undrafted rookie free agent RB Mike Bell into the Broncos’ starting lineup. Bell was leapfrogged over Ron Dayne, the former Giants’ #1 pick, and Tatum Bell. In fact, Dayne, the 11th player overall in 2000, has fallen all the way #3 on the Broncos’ depth chart.....
Left tackle Willie Roaf, who recently announced plans to retire, is out of the country. But Edwards said he 'kind of knows where he’s at,' and still hasn’t given up hope the 11-time Pro Bowler will be back.....
Tannenbaum has contacted Tennessee about Chris Brown, the starter in a crowded backfield... Chicago's Thomas Jones also may be available, but he's rehabbing a hamstring pull and starter Cedric Benson is out with a shoulder injury, so the Bears aren't likely to be dealing for at least a few weeks.....
With the chance that Ward could be out for a while, Accorsi admitted the Giants may look into acquiring another running back. Former Giant and Coughlin favorite Mike Cloud is a possibility.....
CFB NEWS AND NOTES
Nebraska CB Zackary Bowman, a decent second-tier type prospect for the 2006 draft, will miss the season after an MRI revealed he had torn an ACL when he landed awkwardly at practice over the weekend. Bowman, who had 14 pass breakups last fall, still has a redshirt season and expects to be back with the Huskers next fall.....
Virginia has re-instated DB Tony Franklin after being dismissed from the team last spring for unspecified reasons. Franklin was suspended for a game late last season for violating team rules and did not make the trip to the Music City Bowl in December and then was kicked off the team on the eve of spring practice in March.....
Saturday, August 05, 2006
ON CANTON DAY
2006 NFL calendar
Aug. 6 -- Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio -- Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles (NBC).
Aug. 10-14 -- First full preseason weekend.
Aug. 29 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players.
Sept. 2 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.
Sept. 3 -- Clubs may establish practice squad of eight players.
Sept. 7-11 -- Kickoff 2006.
Oct. 17 -- Trading deadline.
Oct. 23-25 -- NFL Fall Meeting (New Orleans).
Dec. 30-31 -- Regular season ends.
2007
Jan. 6-7 -- Wild Card Playoffs.
Jan. 13-14 -- Divisional Playoffs.
Jan. 21 -- Conference Championships.
Feb. 4 -- Super Bowl XLI, South Florida (CBS).
Feb. 10 -- AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu (CBS).
Feb. 21-27 -- NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis.
March 25-28 -- NFL Annual Meeting, Phoenix.
April 28-29 -- NFL Draft, New York City.
Late May -- NFL Spring Meeting (Site TBD).
Indianapolis has placed two promising undrafted rookie free agents on the reserve-left camp list after both TE Corey Roberts and safety Antwan Marsh left training camp. Elsewhere, Chicago has signed former South Florida RB Andre Hall, one of the highest rated undrafted free agents this spring. Hall was not drafted this past April and signed with Tampa Bay right after the draft, but was released by the Buccaneers. To make room for Hall, the Bears released OG Troy Reddick, another well-regarded undrafted rookie free agent.....
Philadelphia has reportedly come to terms with DT Brodrick Bunkley, the Eagles' #1 pick at the 2006 draft, on a 6Y deal that could be worth as much as $25M. Bunkley had held out for 16 days. With Bunkley signed only three 2006 first rounders remain unsigned: Buffalo DB Donte Whitner, Arizona QB Matt Leinart and Miami DB Jason Allen.....
CFB
Virginia has re-instated DB Tony Franklin after being dismissed from the team last spring for unspecified reasons. Franklin was suspended for a game late last season for violating team rules and did not make the trip to the Music City Bowl in December and then was kicked off the team on the eve of spring practice in March.
Aug. 6 -- Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio -- Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles (NBC).
Aug. 10-14 -- First full preseason weekend.
Aug. 29 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players.
Sept. 2 -- Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.
Sept. 3 -- Clubs may establish practice squad of eight players.
Sept. 7-11 -- Kickoff 2006.
Oct. 17 -- Trading deadline.
Oct. 23-25 -- NFL Fall Meeting (New Orleans).
Dec. 30-31 -- Regular season ends.
2007
Jan. 6-7 -- Wild Card Playoffs.
Jan. 13-14 -- Divisional Playoffs.
Jan. 21 -- Conference Championships.
Feb. 4 -- Super Bowl XLI, South Florida (CBS).
Feb. 10 -- AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu (CBS).
Feb. 21-27 -- NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis.
March 25-28 -- NFL Annual Meeting, Phoenix.
April 28-29 -- NFL Draft, New York City.
Late May -- NFL Spring Meeting (Site TBD).
Indianapolis has placed two promising undrafted rookie free agents on the reserve-left camp list after both TE Corey Roberts and safety Antwan Marsh left training camp. Elsewhere, Chicago has signed former South Florida RB Andre Hall, one of the highest rated undrafted free agents this spring. Hall was not drafted this past April and signed with Tampa Bay right after the draft, but was released by the Buccaneers. To make room for Hall, the Bears released OG Troy Reddick, another well-regarded undrafted rookie free agent.....
Philadelphia has reportedly come to terms with DT Brodrick Bunkley, the Eagles' #1 pick at the 2006 draft, on a 6Y deal that could be worth as much as $25M. Bunkley had held out for 16 days. With Bunkley signed only three 2006 first rounders remain unsigned: Buffalo DB Donte Whitner, Arizona QB Matt Leinart and Miami DB Jason Allen.....
CFB
Virginia has re-instated DB Tony Franklin after being dismissed from the team last spring for unspecified reasons. Franklin was suspended for a game late last season for violating team rules and did not make the trip to the Music City Bowl in December and then was kicked off the team on the eve of spring practice in March.
Friday, August 04, 2006
According to the Times-Picayune, New Orleans will receive a 4th round pick from Kansas City in exchange for RB Michael Bennett. New Orleans had also reportedly been offered a 4th rounder by St. Louis, but the Saints preferred not to trade Bennett to an NFC team. With the Chiefs, Bennett will back up incumbent starter Larry Johnson with Priest Holmes out with a back injury......
The NFL Network has announced that it will be airing this year’s All-American Classic all-star game from Las Vegas. The network had earlier announced that it would be broadcasting this year’s Senior Bowl from Mobile. The Las Vegas game, featuring numerous second-tier pro prospects, is scheduled for 4 PM ET, Monday January 15th at Sam Boyd Stadium......
The New York Jets have announced the resignation of John Griffen, the team’s college scouting co-ordinator.....
Houston DE Mario Williams, the first player taken at the 2006 draft, missed practice yesterday because of an infection in one of his toes. In fact, it's the second time Williams has had issues with his toes since being drafted. Williams had the toenails on both of his big toes removed in June, although the current problem is not related to the earlier procedure and is on another toe....
CFB
Sources at Oklahoma are reporting that Sooners’ sophomore QB Rhett Bomar will not play this season aftr reportedly violating NCAA rules by working at a private business and taking payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked.....
Auburn has suspended LB Kevin Sears, an interesting second-tier type prospect for the 2006 draft, has been suspended from the for the Tigers' first three games this season. As a result of being arrested on alcohol-related charges last year. Sears was found guilty in early July on charges of driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and public intoxication stemming from an incident last November.....
Just to confirm a number of dates on the NFL calendar. The 2007 draft is scheduled for the weekend of April 28th and 29th this coming spring. Also, for the record, this winter’s scouting combine in Indianapolis runs from February 21st through the 27th. And this fall’s roster cut-down dates are set for August 29th and September 2nd. The latter, of course, is the date teams have to be down to their original 53-man opening season rosters. However, unlike recent years when teams had to be down to 65-man rosters, the limit on the first date has been raised to 75 men.....
The NFL Network has announced that it will be airing this year’s All-American Classic all-star game from Las Vegas. The network had earlier announced that it would be broadcasting this year’s Senior Bowl from Mobile. The Las Vegas game, featuring numerous second-tier pro prospects, is scheduled for 4 PM ET, Monday January 15th at Sam Boyd Stadium......
The New York Jets have announced the resignation of John Griffen, the team’s college scouting co-ordinator.....
Houston DE Mario Williams, the first player taken at the 2006 draft, missed practice yesterday because of an infection in one of his toes. In fact, it's the second time Williams has had issues with his toes since being drafted. Williams had the toenails on both of his big toes removed in June, although the current problem is not related to the earlier procedure and is on another toe....
CFB
Sources at Oklahoma are reporting that Sooners’ sophomore QB Rhett Bomar will not play this season aftr reportedly violating NCAA rules by working at a private business and taking payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked.....
Auburn has suspended LB Kevin Sears, an interesting second-tier type prospect for the 2006 draft, has been suspended from the for the Tigers' first three games this season. As a result of being arrested on alcohol-related charges last year. Sears was found guilty in early July on charges of driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and public intoxication stemming from an incident last November.....
Just to confirm a number of dates on the NFL calendar. The 2007 draft is scheduled for the weekend of April 28th and 29th this coming spring. Also, for the record, this winter’s scouting combine in Indianapolis runs from February 21st through the 27th. And this fall’s roster cut-down dates are set for August 29th and September 2nd. The latter, of course, is the date teams have to be down to their original 53-man opening season rosters. However, unlike recent years when teams had to be down to 65-man rosters, the limit on the first date has been raised to 75 men.....
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
San Diego has unceremoniously released WR Rashaun Woods, the former 49ers’ 1st rounder whom the Chargers obtained in a trade earlier this spring. Woods, whom the 49ers acquired with 31st pick overall at the 2004 draft, caught only a handful of passes for San Francisco in an injury-filled tenure. In fact, Woods had been slowed by a hamstring injury at the Chargers’ camp. The Chargers replaced Woods on the roster by claiming undrafted rookie free agent WR Gerran Walker off waivers from Indianapolis.....
There was a palpable buzz around New Orleans' camp on Tuesday as RB Reggie Bush, the second player selected overall at the 2006 draft, finally made his debut on the field with the Saints. Bush had actually agreed to terms late last week, but there were several particulars in his contarct which had to be worked out. Meanwhile, New England WR Chad Jackson, a second-round pick this year, has been cleared to practice after spending the first week of camp on the PUP list because of a tweaked hamstring.....
Chad Pennington has won the Jets' starting quarterback job, according to a team official with knowledge of the team's plans.....
Former Oakland Raiders tackle Lincoln Kennedy arrived at Cowboys training camp Tuesday in hopes of receiving a tryout. Kennedy, who has been out of football since 2003, did not pass the physical and was sent home.....
CFB
Miami RB Tyrone Moss and WR Ryan Moore, a pair of decent second-tier prospects for the 2007 draft, have been suspended for the Hurricanes’ season opener against Florida State for violating team policy. Moore's suspension will also include the second game of the season; he also was suspended for the Peach Bowl at the end of last season.....
There was a palpable buzz around New Orleans' camp on Tuesday as RB Reggie Bush, the second player selected overall at the 2006 draft, finally made his debut on the field with the Saints. Bush had actually agreed to terms late last week, but there were several particulars in his contarct which had to be worked out. Meanwhile, New England WR Chad Jackson, a second-round pick this year, has been cleared to practice after spending the first week of camp on the PUP list because of a tweaked hamstring.....
Chad Pennington has won the Jets' starting quarterback job, according to a team official with knowledge of the team's plans.....
Former Oakland Raiders tackle Lincoln Kennedy arrived at Cowboys training camp Tuesday in hopes of receiving a tryout. Kennedy, who has been out of football since 2003, did not pass the physical and was sent home.....
CFB
Miami RB Tyrone Moss and WR Ryan Moore, a pair of decent second-tier prospects for the 2007 draft, have been suspended for the Hurricanes’ season opener against Florida State for violating team policy. Moore's suspension will also include the second game of the season; he also was suspended for the Peach Bowl at the end of last season.....
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Patriots' Brady MIA
Arizona rookie quarterback Matt Leinart stayed out of the sun Monday, as did veteran counterpart Tom Brady, who was mysteriously absent from workouts with the New England Patriots.
Leinart missed the first day of practice while contract negotiations went on between the Cardinals and representatives of the first-round pick.
Brady, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, missed his third straight practice, but Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn't say why his quarterback wasn't on the field.
"Guys that aren't out here, it's either because of their practice routine or they are day to day," he said.
It was unclear which reason applied to Brady, who participated in all four practices on Friday and Saturday, the first two days of camp. He missed Sunday's single session and both of Monday's practices.
Arizona appeared close to a deal with Leinart when his agent, Tom Condon, came to Phoenix on Friday to meet with club officials. But Condon left after the sides didn't meet Sunday.
"We want to get Matt in as quickly as possible," Condon said. "We're anxious to see him on the field."
Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, Leinart's teammate at Southern California, showed up at the Saints' training camp in Jackson, Miss. He is expected to practice Tuesday after undergoing a conditioning test.
Bush didn't expect his contract to get done quite so soon.
"You never know when it's going to happen. It's like waiting to be called into the army," Bush said. "I'm just glad to finally be here. It's a business, but I knew we'd get it done soon. I'm ready to go."
As temperatures soared Monday during another sweltering heat wave around the country, some NFL teams were taking steps to make things easier on their players.
The Chicago Bears scheduled only one practice on Monday and Tuesday and moved the starting time to 7 p.m., thus avoiding mid-90s heat and sweltering humidity in Bourbonnais, Ill. The players might get a break on Wednesday, too, as that practice could be pushed back.
"I'm sure they probably were glad to get out of that heat a little bit," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "We would like to get a good practice no matter what, and the best way to do that is for the players not to have to deal with the heat."
Some have already suffered. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, rookie return man Devin Hester and rookie defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek missed time because of heat exhaustion symptoms in the last couple of days.
As a precaution, the Bears have also given a handful of veteran players such as Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown and Brian Griese one morning practice off.
"Night is great for us, I love it," Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz said. "I think we just canceled it just to be safe. There's been a lot of bad _ I wouldn't call them accidents _ but bad things that have happened in the heat. So we're not taking any chances."
The heat also caused some problems at the Indianapolis Colts' first practice.
Linebacker Keith O'Neil, a four-year veteran, spent about 25 minutes in a cooling tent, then left practice before the Colts finished their final drill. Colts coach Tony Dungy said O'Neil probably would have returned if the practice lasted longer.
With the heat index approaching triple digits, everyone was paying attention to the thermometer.
"I think players have taken it very seriously ever since, God rest his soul, the tragic death of Korey Stringer," two-time MVP Peyton Manning said. "So guys try to be smart about it."
Manning said the Colts chart weight loss in correlation to the amount of Gatorade they drink _ approximately two bottles of Gatorade for each pound lost.
"We had a lot of coaches out there sweating profusely, and that's when I know it's hot," Dungy said. "We took more breaks and longer breaks, that's really about all you can do."
The Titans pushed their afternoon practice back four hours so it could be held under the lights. A heat advisory issued for much of Tennessee was set to expire by then.
Florida native Travis Taylor is familiar with Sunshine State heat, but the warmth of Minnesota has already gotten to him.
"I thought this was supposed to be Minnesota?" the Vikings wide receiver said of the state's icy reputation.
After temperatures rose into the upper 90s on Sunday, the Vikings were bracing for 100-degree predictions for Monday's first full-squad practice.
"Heat is probably the story today," coach Brad Childress said. "You have to be mindful of the heat."
Pro Bowler Darren Sharper arrived at camp with a freshly shaven head, a new look for the image-conscious safety.
"Actually I'm just getting old," Sharper joked. "When I saw that it was going to be 100 degrees here, I thought I'd shave it off and it would maybe cool me off a little bit."
Falcons
Wide receiver Brian Finneran is out for the season after tearing up his left knee in practice.
Finneran, one of quarterback Michael Vick's favorite targets, went down during a workout Sunday night as he practiced a one-on-one drill with rookie cornerback Jimmy Williams. An MRI confirmed that Finneran tore the anterior cruciate ligament, in addition to sustaining cartilage damage and a slight displacement of the knee cap. He will undergo surgery later this week.
The loss of Finneran was a serious blow to the Falcons' hopes of bolstering an offense that ranked 27th in yards passing last season. As a backup, he led Atlanta wideouts with 60 catches for 611 yards.
The Falcons placed Finneran on injured reserve and signed long snapper Boone Stutz, who was cut by Tampa Bay a couple of weeks ago.
Browns
Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon and right offensive tackle Ryan Tucker, two of Cleveland's steadiest players the past few seasons, will both undergo knee surgery in hopes of being ready for the season opener.
McCutcheon, the only player left from the club's 1999 draft class, will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday. Tucker, too, will have a procedure to clean up torn cartilage in his left knee.
The operations come less than a week after center LeCharles Bentley suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice.
Giants
Three-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey was dazed after a collision with safety Will Demps late in the evening practice. Shockey was reaching for a pass by Eli Manning during a two-minute drill when Demps appeared to hit him in the helmet. A stunned Shockey fell to the grass and stayed down for about a minute. He returned to the huddle and ran the final two plays of the practice, but he slammed his helmet to the ground after the last play.
Shockey later walked off the field with trainer Byron Hansen. He held his head a couple of times on the way to the locker room and then gingerly walked down the stairs to the room.
Rams
A four-day training camp holdout earned Tye Hill extra scrutiny on his first day of practice. Instead of easing their first-round pick into the mix Monday, Hill was given plenty of action with the second unit at cornerback. He also saw time as a gunner on special teams, and tried, unsuccessfully, to cover Torry Holt.
"He got me a few times today. But hey, he's a Pro Bowler and he's going to be in the Hall of Fame," Hill said.
Hill said Holt, who tied for third in the NFL with 103 receptions last year and has been to five Pro Bowls, rubbed it in just a bit.
"He was like 'Welcome to the league, rookie,'" Hill said. "It's all good, I love playing against him. I've got to crawl before I walk and going up against him is going to make me better."
Bills
Rookie safety Donte Whitner believes he's close to signing with the Buffalo Bills. The team is not so sure.
"I was a little more encouraged a couple of days ago than I am now," Bills general manager Marv Levy said Monday.
Levy added there's been little progress in talks with Whitner's agent.
Whitner, selected eighth overall out of Ohio State, was more hopeful in an interview on the Ohio State campus Monday afternoon.
"It won't be long," Whitner told The Associated Press.
Through Monday, Whitner has missed six practices since the Bills opened camp on Friday. He was projected to be a starter this season.
Linebacker Takeo Spikes was back after a long absence, donning full pads for the first time since tearing his right Achilles' tendon in Week 3 last season.
Colts
Indianapolis put Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders on the physically unable to perform list. Sanders had offseason surgery to repair his left shoulder and said Sunday he didn't expect to practice for a couple of weeks.
The Colts also put their second-round pick, cornerback Tim Jennings, on the PUP list. He is still recovering from spring surgery on his ankle. Sanders and Jennings both ran Monday, and Sanders even caught a few passes.
Titans
Tennessee released running back Damien Nash, finally losing patience with their fifth-round draft pick of 2005. Nash reported to training camp expecting to compete with a large crop of running backs: Chris Brown, Travis Henry, rookie draft pick LenDale White and Jarrett Payton. But Titans coaches said he was out of shape and about 10 pounds over the weight they required for camp.
Jaguars
Defensive end Paul Spicer signed a new three-year contract. Terms were not announced.
Spicer had two years remaining on his original four-year contract, but opted for a deal that extended his contract through the 2008 season.
"I've been busting my hump since I've been here to become a starter," Spicer said. "Now I'm going to let my play get me paid."
Spicer earned a full-time starting role in 2005. He produced career- best numbers with 7 1/2 sacks, second on the team, along with 56 tackles and 24 quarterback pressures.
Leinart missed the first day of practice while contract negotiations went on between the Cardinals and representatives of the first-round pick.
Brady, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, missed his third straight practice, but Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn't say why his quarterback wasn't on the field.
"Guys that aren't out here, it's either because of their practice routine or they are day to day," he said.
It was unclear which reason applied to Brady, who participated in all four practices on Friday and Saturday, the first two days of camp. He missed Sunday's single session and both of Monday's practices.
Arizona appeared close to a deal with Leinart when his agent, Tom Condon, came to Phoenix on Friday to meet with club officials. But Condon left after the sides didn't meet Sunday.
"We want to get Matt in as quickly as possible," Condon said. "We're anxious to see him on the field."
Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, Leinart's teammate at Southern California, showed up at the Saints' training camp in Jackson, Miss. He is expected to practice Tuesday after undergoing a conditioning test.
Bush didn't expect his contract to get done quite so soon.
"You never know when it's going to happen. It's like waiting to be called into the army," Bush said. "I'm just glad to finally be here. It's a business, but I knew we'd get it done soon. I'm ready to go."
As temperatures soared Monday during another sweltering heat wave around the country, some NFL teams were taking steps to make things easier on their players.
The Chicago Bears scheduled only one practice on Monday and Tuesday and moved the starting time to 7 p.m., thus avoiding mid-90s heat and sweltering humidity in Bourbonnais, Ill. The players might get a break on Wednesday, too, as that practice could be pushed back.
"I'm sure they probably were glad to get out of that heat a little bit," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "We would like to get a good practice no matter what, and the best way to do that is for the players not to have to deal with the heat."
Some have already suffered. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, rookie return man Devin Hester and rookie defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek missed time because of heat exhaustion symptoms in the last couple of days.
As a precaution, the Bears have also given a handful of veteran players such as Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown and Brian Griese one morning practice off.
"Night is great for us, I love it," Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz said. "I think we just canceled it just to be safe. There's been a lot of bad _ I wouldn't call them accidents _ but bad things that have happened in the heat. So we're not taking any chances."
The heat also caused some problems at the Indianapolis Colts' first practice.
Linebacker Keith O'Neil, a four-year veteran, spent about 25 minutes in a cooling tent, then left practice before the Colts finished their final drill. Colts coach Tony Dungy said O'Neil probably would have returned if the practice lasted longer.
With the heat index approaching triple digits, everyone was paying attention to the thermometer.
"I think players have taken it very seriously ever since, God rest his soul, the tragic death of Korey Stringer," two-time MVP Peyton Manning said. "So guys try to be smart about it."
Manning said the Colts chart weight loss in correlation to the amount of Gatorade they drink _ approximately two bottles of Gatorade for each pound lost.
"We had a lot of coaches out there sweating profusely, and that's when I know it's hot," Dungy said. "We took more breaks and longer breaks, that's really about all you can do."
The Titans pushed their afternoon practice back four hours so it could be held under the lights. A heat advisory issued for much of Tennessee was set to expire by then.
Florida native Travis Taylor is familiar with Sunshine State heat, but the warmth of Minnesota has already gotten to him.
"I thought this was supposed to be Minnesota?" the Vikings wide receiver said of the state's icy reputation.
After temperatures rose into the upper 90s on Sunday, the Vikings were bracing for 100-degree predictions for Monday's first full-squad practice.
"Heat is probably the story today," coach Brad Childress said. "You have to be mindful of the heat."
Pro Bowler Darren Sharper arrived at camp with a freshly shaven head, a new look for the image-conscious safety.
"Actually I'm just getting old," Sharper joked. "When I saw that it was going to be 100 degrees here, I thought I'd shave it off and it would maybe cool me off a little bit."
Falcons
Wide receiver Brian Finneran is out for the season after tearing up his left knee in practice.
Finneran, one of quarterback Michael Vick's favorite targets, went down during a workout Sunday night as he practiced a one-on-one drill with rookie cornerback Jimmy Williams. An MRI confirmed that Finneran tore the anterior cruciate ligament, in addition to sustaining cartilage damage and a slight displacement of the knee cap. He will undergo surgery later this week.
The loss of Finneran was a serious blow to the Falcons' hopes of bolstering an offense that ranked 27th in yards passing last season. As a backup, he led Atlanta wideouts with 60 catches for 611 yards.
The Falcons placed Finneran on injured reserve and signed long snapper Boone Stutz, who was cut by Tampa Bay a couple of weeks ago.
Browns
Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon and right offensive tackle Ryan Tucker, two of Cleveland's steadiest players the past few seasons, will both undergo knee surgery in hopes of being ready for the season opener.
McCutcheon, the only player left from the club's 1999 draft class, will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday. Tucker, too, will have a procedure to clean up torn cartilage in his left knee.
The operations come less than a week after center LeCharles Bentley suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice.
Giants
Three-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey was dazed after a collision with safety Will Demps late in the evening practice. Shockey was reaching for a pass by Eli Manning during a two-minute drill when Demps appeared to hit him in the helmet. A stunned Shockey fell to the grass and stayed down for about a minute. He returned to the huddle and ran the final two plays of the practice, but he slammed his helmet to the ground after the last play.
Shockey later walked off the field with trainer Byron Hansen. He held his head a couple of times on the way to the locker room and then gingerly walked down the stairs to the room.
Rams
A four-day training camp holdout earned Tye Hill extra scrutiny on his first day of practice. Instead of easing their first-round pick into the mix Monday, Hill was given plenty of action with the second unit at cornerback. He also saw time as a gunner on special teams, and tried, unsuccessfully, to cover Torry Holt.
"He got me a few times today. But hey, he's a Pro Bowler and he's going to be in the Hall of Fame," Hill said.
Hill said Holt, who tied for third in the NFL with 103 receptions last year and has been to five Pro Bowls, rubbed it in just a bit.
"He was like 'Welcome to the league, rookie,'" Hill said. "It's all good, I love playing against him. I've got to crawl before I walk and going up against him is going to make me better."
Bills
Rookie safety Donte Whitner believes he's close to signing with the Buffalo Bills. The team is not so sure.
"I was a little more encouraged a couple of days ago than I am now," Bills general manager Marv Levy said Monday.
Levy added there's been little progress in talks with Whitner's agent.
Whitner, selected eighth overall out of Ohio State, was more hopeful in an interview on the Ohio State campus Monday afternoon.
"It won't be long," Whitner told The Associated Press.
Through Monday, Whitner has missed six practices since the Bills opened camp on Friday. He was projected to be a starter this season.
Linebacker Takeo Spikes was back after a long absence, donning full pads for the first time since tearing his right Achilles' tendon in Week 3 last season.
Colts
Indianapolis put Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders on the physically unable to perform list. Sanders had offseason surgery to repair his left shoulder and said Sunday he didn't expect to practice for a couple of weeks.
The Colts also put their second-round pick, cornerback Tim Jennings, on the PUP list. He is still recovering from spring surgery on his ankle. Sanders and Jennings both ran Monday, and Sanders even caught a few passes.
Titans
Tennessee released running back Damien Nash, finally losing patience with their fifth-round draft pick of 2005. Nash reported to training camp expecting to compete with a large crop of running backs: Chris Brown, Travis Henry, rookie draft pick LenDale White and Jarrett Payton. But Titans coaches said he was out of shape and about 10 pounds over the weight they required for camp.
Jaguars
Defensive end Paul Spicer signed a new three-year contract. Terms were not announced.
Spicer had two years remaining on his original four-year contract, but opted for a deal that extended his contract through the 2008 season.
"I've been busting my hump since I've been here to become a starter," Spicer said. "Now I'm going to let my play get me paid."
Spicer earned a full-time starting role in 2005. He produced career- best numbers with 7 1/2 sacks, second on the team, along with 56 tackles and 24 quarterback pressures.
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