|
|
| Updating an earlier report, it appears the stories of a contract offer were a bit premature. Patriots spokesman Stacey James would not confirm reports by The Denver Post and The Boston Globe that the team has worked out former Denver Broncos safety John Lynch . James said the team had not signed Lynch, according to NFL.com. |
|
|
|
| Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, has a mild ankle sprain and he should be able to play in the team's preseason game on Saturday, according to ProFootballTalk.com. |
|
|
|
| Falcons center Todd Mcclure made his way back to the practice field after recovering from a back injury he suffered while stretching, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. |
|
|
|
| Reports out of Tennessee suggest the team is beyond happy with the progress safety Michael Griffin , giving the Titans reason to think their secondary will be better in its second year with the current base personnel, according to ESPN. He and strong safety Chris Hope are developing communication and trust that will be crucial to the Titans' secondary play. |
|
| Troy Smith, QB, Baltimore Ravens | Wednesday 8/13, 11:28 PM CT |
|
| Via telecast, Sal Paolantonio has filed a report from Baltimore Ravens training camp stating the coaching staff is no closer to selecting a starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season, but (a) the veteran players on the team are quietly supporting Troy Smith, (b) offensive coordinator Cam Cameron appears to lean Kyle Boller, and (c) an unnamed source from the organization suggests rookie Joe Flacco will not be receiving consideration for the job, according to ESPN. |
|
| A.J. Hawk, LB, Green Bay Packers | Wednesday 8/13, 11:26 PM CT |
|
| Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk has an injury to his chest and he will not play in the Packers preseason game against the 49ers, according to Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy at Packers.com. The injury occurred during last week's preseason game. |
|
|
|
| Reports from the Steel City indicate the team is enjoyin the position battle being waged at linebacker, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. The combatants: up and coming youngster Lawrence Timmons and incumbent starter Larry Foote. |
|
|
|
| X-Rays taken on the injured foot of Oakland Raiders corner Nnamdi Asomugha were negative, according to the Oakland Tribune. "Right now it hurts when I walk," Asomugha commented. "It definitely hurts breaking on the football. I?ll continue to be limited in whatever I?m doing but I don?t think it?s a big issue."
|
|
|
|
| While the fans in New York are slobbering to get in line for jerseys and the rest of the world seems happy to have Brett Favre with the Jets, it appears top wideout Laveranues Coles doesn't share the sentiment, according to Pro Football Talk. Sources indicate the two veterans got off on the wrong foot, believing Coles was close to Pennington and felt Favre had manipulated his way into the new digs. The two met to talk behind closed doors and, when asked, Coles refused comment, prefering to deal with it internally. Apparently Favre didn't agreed and aired the full context of the discussion and his perception of the situation to the press, and now PFT reports team sources believe this decision will make things worse. |
|
|
|
| Bears GM Jerry Angelo might not agree, but John Clayton is reporting rookie tackle Chris Williams is, for all intents and purposes, done for the season, according to ESPN.com. |
|
|
|
| The interest in veteran safety John Lynch has become a contract offer, and now the Patriots report they are simply awaiting the results of a physical to sign Lynch on the dotted line, according to John Clayton of ESPN.com. |
|
| Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers | Wednesday 8/13, 8:11 PM CT |
|
| Unfortunately, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith's best friend committed suicide over the weekend, according to the Sacramento Bee. Smith will miss practice on Friday to attend services, which will be held in the backyard of Smith's parents home. |
|
| Ryan Fowler, LB, Tennessee Titans | Wednesday 8/13, 7:59 PM CT |
|
| Tennessee linebacker Ryan Fowler considers his steroids case with the NFL closed, according to the Associated Press. Fowler said Wednesday he hasn't heard from the league since requesting a meeting to address allegations that he bought performance-enhancing drugs from a Texas-based steroids dealer in 2006. The NFL sent him a letter in June stating he faced an investigation and possible suspension. Fowler said he assumes the probe has ended with no punishment planned. |
|
|
|
| It is not unexpected, but Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is making a great showing in training camp so far, according to ESPN.com. The report details how impressive the size and speed of Johnson is after an offseason of working out. |
|
|
|
| Philadelphia defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was robbed of five guns and electronic equipment when his home was broken into over the weekend, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. The paper listed the stolen items as three game consoles, a camcorder, an Armalite rifle, a custom made .223-caliber rifle, a .45-caliber Glock handgun and two Desert Eagle .50-caliber handguns. |
|
|
|
| While the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting phenom rusher Steven Jackson , in the midst of a 19-day holdout, and the Rams have had "low-key conversations" concerning a plan to resolve their differences, reports from sources inside the organization submit no such talks have taken place and that the Rams have in fact had no talks of any kind with Jackson or his representatives, according to Pro Football Talk. |
|
|
|
| Cowboys linebacker Kevin Burnett missed practice today and is suffering from a sprained left knee, according to the Dallas Morning News. |
|
| Tom Nalen, C, Denver Broncos | Wednesday 8/13, 6:52 PM CT |
|
| Injured center and perennial Pro Bowl invitee Tom Nalen is struggling to regain health, leading some to question if he will be able to return at all, according to Pro Football Weekly. |
|
| Lorenzo Neal, RB, Baltimore Ravens | Wednesday 8/13, 6:47 PM CT |
|
| Newly-acquired fullback (and future Hall of Fame candidate) Lorenzo Neal is making a strong impression in his first days with the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN.com. After being cut by the San Diego Chargers in February, the 37-year-old Neal was virtually ignored despite making it clear he had no desire to retire. The 5-foot-11, 255-pounder stayed in excellent shape, and finally began preparing his return to the NFL after taking a call from Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome about a week and a half ago. Reports today indicate he is up to his old tricks, opening tremendous rushing lanes for several of the Ravens' running backs in practices today (not including Willis McGahee, hampered by injury). |
|
|
|
| Darnell Dockett will be pushed for playing time by Arizona's rookie defensive ends, Calais Campbell and Kenny Iwebema, according to Pro Football Weekly. The two rookies have performed well, and Dockett is an undisciplined player who continually gets flagged for ill-timed penalties. |
|
| Matt Murphy, OT, Denver Broncos | Wednesday 8/13, 6:37 PM CT |
|
| Buffalo offensive tackle Matt Murphy has suffered a partial tear in his left rotator cuff, but a decision regarding season ending surgery may not be made for another two weeks, according to ESPN.com. |
|
|
|
| Cleveland rookie tight end Martin Rucker will miss 4 to 6 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery, according to the Associated Press. |
|
|
|
| Saints wide out Devery Henderson is in a battle for a roster spot because Robert Meachem has performed so well as the team's deep threat, according to Pro Football Weekly. |
|
|
|
| Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy would like a contract extension of at least one year from the team, according to Pro Football Weekly. |
|
| Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions | Wednesday 8/13, 6:05 PM CT |
|
| The Detroit Lions are excited about the progress of rookie running back Kevin Smith, and he is currently atop the depth chart, according to Pro Football Weekly. |
|
|
|
| The Dallas Cowboys may not utilize Brad Johnson as the back-up quarterback this season as he has not looked good so far, according to Pro Football Weekly. The team is currently exploring other options, such as Chris Simms, Josh McCown and John Beck. |
|
|
|
| With the signing of linebacker Brandon Moore, the Arizona Cardinals felt that David Holloway was expendable, and released him today, according to Pro Football Weekly. |
|
| Antrel Rolle, S, Arizona Cardinals | Wednesday 8/13, 5:30 PM CT |
|
| Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle will likely miss the team's preseason game against Chiefs as he is still recovering from a sore foot, according to the East Valley Tribune. |
|
|
|
| Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is still nursing a sore back, and he has sat out three practices in a row, making it highly unlikely he will play in the team's preseason game Saturday against the Bears, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. |
|
| Jeff Garcia, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Wednesday 8/13, 4:18 PM CT |
|
| It is doubtful that Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia will play in the team's preseason game Sunday against New England because he is still suffering from a strained calf, according to PewterReport.com. |
|
|
|
| Tampa running back Cadillac Williams is getting ever closer to returning to the team as he progresses from ACL surgery, according to PewterReport.com. "He's getting really close. I can't tell you how excited we are about how far he's come in such a short period of time," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. |
|
| Adam Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys | Wednesday 8/13, 4:07 PM CT |
|
| Pacman Jones has sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell asking for his reinstatement to the league, according to the Dallas Morning News. "It's just a letter why I feel I should be reinstated. It's my chance to respond and we'll see how it goes," he said. |
|
|
|
| Chad Pennington's two-year deal with the Dolphins is worth $7.9 million, according to ProFootballTalkc.com. He will make $4 million in 2008. It’s a $2 million reduction in what he was due to earn from the Jets.
|
|
|
|
| Asante Samuel believes he is fully recovered from the hamstring ailment that confined him to the sidelines for most of training camp, according to the Eagles.com. |
|
| Ade Jimoh, CB, New England Patriots | Wednesday 8/13, 2:27 PM CT |
|
| Ade Jimoh has signed with the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe. |
|
|
|
| Free agent safety John Lynch is visiting the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe. He was released by the Broncos August 1. |
|
|
|
| Justin Green has been claimed off waivers by the Jets, according to ESPN Insider. He was released by the Ravens. |
|
| Brett Favre, QB, New York Jets | Wednesday 8/13, 2:04 PM CT |
|
| Brett Favre admitted that his arm is feeling tired following Wednesday's practice, according to the NY Daily News. Favre said his "arm is kind of dragging a bit" and that he planned to ask coach Eric Mangini to limit his throws in the second practice session of the day. Favre went 3-for-4 in the 7-on-7 drill Wednesday, and was 9-for-16 in the 11-on-11, including one touchdown, which connected with Brad Smith for 53 yards. He also threw one interception.
|
|
| Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons | Wednesday 8/13, 1:55 PM CT |
|
| Sports Illustrated states that the Falcons are leaning toward naming rookie Matt Ryan their starting quarterback. He enjoyed a solid preseason debut against the Jaguars, as he completed 9-of-15 passes for 117 yards with a touchdown pass. |
|
| Joe Horn, WR, | Wednesday 8/13, 1:49 PM CT |
|
| Sports Illustrated reports that the Falcons plan to honor Joe Horn's wishes to he traded when he fully recovers from his nagging hamstring ailment. |
|
|
|
| Rudi Johnson, who is recovering from a sore hamstring, intends to practice Wednesday night, according to Bengals.com. He missed about two weeks due to the ailment. Johnson stated the hamstring tightened up on him after he went through the heavy running of the first two sets of two-a-day practices during the first week of training camp. He said he brought it back slow because he believes he came back too soon from the hamstring injury he suffered in the third game of the regular season last year. |
|
|
|
| Antonio Bryant is standing out in Buccaneers' camp, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Coach Jon Gruden said, "Antonio Bryant is the one guy I think from a talent standpoint, he's picking it up. We need more guys to do that." |
|
|
|
| Jamaal Charles is having issues with fumbling in training camp, according to the KC Star. He also slipped on grass still wet from a morning rain today when he had some open field ahead. |
|
| Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens | Wednesday 8/13, 12:34 PM CT |
|
| The Ravens have limited Joe Flacco's practice snaps, according to ESPN Insider. |
|
| Thomas Davis, LB, Carolina Panthers | Wednesday 8/13, 12:28 PM CT |
|
| Thomas Davis is predicting to have a career year following his move from the strongside to the weakside at linebacker, according to the Gaston Gazette. He said, "I definitely feel like this is going to be best year by far. So watch out." |
|
| Matt Birk, T, Minnesota Vikings | Wednesday 8/13, 12:00 PM CT |
|
| Center Matt Birk missed practice on Wednesday due to a stomach virus, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. |
|
|
|
| The Ravens have signed former Buccaneers' tight end Keith Heinrich, according to the Baltimore Sun. |
|
|
|
| Tony Scheffler, who is trying to bounce back from a foot injury, is practicing twice a day in training camp, according to the Denver Post. |
|
|
|
| Christian Morton has been released by the Broncos, according to The Sporting News. The team signed Tyrone Poole, and dropped Morton to make room on the roster. |
|
| Tyrone Poole, CB, Tennessee Titans | Wednesday 8/13, 10:49 AM CT |
|
| Tyrone Poole has signed with the Broncos, according to The Sporting News. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
|
| Brian Brohm, QB, Green Bay Packers | Wednesday 8/13, 10:44 AM CT |
|
| GM Ted Thompson likes rookie Brian Brohm, and is content with him as the No. 2 quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. But Thompson will still leave the door open for a veteran signal-caller. The current unemployed list includes Daunte Culpepper, Tim Rattay, Tim Hasselbeck, Jamie Martin, Kelly Holcomb, David Greene, and Craig Nall. Thompson added that a lot can happen between now and the regular season.
|
|
|
|
| Coach John Fox indicated that rookie Jonathan Stewart may see action in Thursday's preseason contest against Philadelphia, according to the Rock Hill Herald. Stewart was still experiencing some pain in his surgically repaired toe last week. |
|
|
|
| Rookie Tyrell Johnson could be an option to replace Madieu Williams at safety if the Vikings don't go outside the organization for help, according to the Star Tribune. As for potential free agents, Greg Wesley was released by Oakland this week. Johnson said he feels "well prepared" to assume a starting role. He added, "All I have to do is just learn a few things about the free safety and I'll jump right in there if they need me to."
|
|
| Jerod Mayo, LB, New England Patriots | Wednesday 8/13, 10:01 AM CT |
|
| Coach Bill Belichick continues to praise rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo, according to the Boston Globe. Belichick said, "Jerod is a smart kid and has worked hard. From day one when we drafted him to rookie minicamp and spring camp, he has done a good job. He is a very mature kid and a hard worker. Football is important to him, and he spends a lot of time on it. He makes a lot of rookie mistakes, but he learns from them and doesn't repeat many of them." |
|
|
|
| James Sanders has returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since July 28, according to the Boston Globe. Brandon Meriwather said, "James is one of the leaders of the team, so of course any time you have a leader come back, it's a good thing." |
|
|
|
| Dexter Jackson has set lofty goals for 2008, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The veteran safety said, "I honestly feel like we can be a top-10 defense this year. We need to do the little things right. We had problems with tackling last year, and a great defense doesn't miss tackles."
|
|
| Bruce Davis, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers | Wednesday 8/13, 9:15 AM CT |
|
| Rookie Bruce Davis is off to a slow start with the Steelers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Coach Mike Tomlin said, "He was active, not to be confused with productive [against the Eagles]. He is a young guy with a lot of energy and desire. He's playing catch-up and he has to catch up in a hurry this week. I'm pleased with his approach, but I need to see some results."
|
|
|
|
| Deshea Townsend will not play in the Steelers' next preseason game against the Bills due to a groin injury, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. |
|
| Jay Feely, K, New York Jets | Wednesday 8/13, 9:00 AM CT |
|
| The KC Star indicates that the Chiefs are interested in kicker Jay Feely, who was recently released by the Dolphins. |
|
| Chris Brown, RB, Houston Texans | Wednesday 8/13, 8:37 AM CT |
|
| Chris Brown has returned to practice after dealing with a sore back, and he feels good and more than ready to participate in Saturday's preseason game against the Saints, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
|
|
|
| Owen Daniels has improved his production each of his last two seasons as the Texans' starting tight end, and he is looking to raise his numbers even higher in 2008, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "Hopefully, I can help more in the red zone receiving and blocking. We need to run the ball better in the red zone. If we can, it’ll open up the passing game more and, hopefully, open things for me working the middle of the field. I improved last season, but I want to be more consistent. I feel pretty comfortable with what we’re doing." Coach Gary Kubiak added, "He’s a much better player from the receiving end. The thing I’ve been impressed with is that he’s better along the line of scrimmage than he has been. That’s probably the thing that’s kept him from getting some of the respect some of these other tight ends get. If he continues to develop in that area, he can be even better than he already is."
|
|
|
|
| Oshiomogho Atogwe took part in his first practice since July 28 on Tuesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Atogwe was limited but he said, "It felt good to be back out there with pads on and hitting a couple of people. I'm just focused on getting all the way back healthy so that when the season-opener comes around, I'm ready to go full-steam." He missed most of training camp with a pulled hamstring.
|
|
|
|
| Steven Jackson's holdout has reached 19 days as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He has missed 22 practices, as well as the preseason opener against Tennessee. It marks the longest holdout in the 14-year history of the St. Louis Rams. |
|
| Early Doucet, WR, Arizona Cardinals | Wednesday 8/13, 8:02 AM CT |
|
| Early Doucet is doubtful for Saturday's preseason game against the Chiefs due to his hamstring ailment, according to the Arizona Republic. He suffered the injury a week ago, and is yet to return to practice. |
|
| Arnaz Battle, WR, San Francisco 49ers | Wednesday 8/13, 7:43 AM CT |
|
| Arnaz Battle strained his hamstring during practice Tuesday, according to the SF Chronicle. |
|
|
|
| DeAngelo Hall said he has a broken bone in his right hand and would like to give the injury time to heal, according to the SF Chronicle. But he added that decision isn't his to make, so Hall practiced with a thick cast on it for the second straight day. He remarked, "It affects everything. I've got a little broken bone in there. I don't even feel like I should even be out here practicing on it or even going into preseason. But it's something that no one else seems to feel like it's affecting everything, so I'm out there practicing and playing the game."
|
|
|
|
| Tyjuan Hagler, who is dealing with a torn pectoral muscle, isn't expected back until October at the earliest, according to the Indianapolis Star. |
|
|
|
