Archive: August 2006
Volek Bound for Chargers or Browns?
There is talk around the league that Tennessee Titans quarterback Billy Volek could be traded to the San Diego Chargers or Cleveland Browns. The Titans drafted Vince Young in April and just signed veteran Kerry Collins. Volek is the starter, for now, but Collins might take over as soon...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 2:59 PM ET | Comments (5)
Final Hours on Job for Tagliabue
It's down to the final hours in office for outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Today is Tagliabue's last day on the job. Elected successor Roger Goodell officially takes over at 6 a.m. Friday....
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 12:08 PM ET | Comments (1)
C. Rogers, M. Williams on Roster Bubble in Detroit
The final roster cuts for NFL teams are looming this weekend, and wide receivers Charles Rogers and Mike Williams could be in some trouble in Detroit. The two former first-round draft picks don't seem to have impressed new Lions coach Rod Marinelli or offensive coordinator Mike Martz, and there...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 12:03 PM ET | Comments (8)
Palmer to Play in Bengals' Preseason Finale
Carson Palmer's surgically repaired knee is said to have responded well in the aftermath of the quarterback making his exhibition-season debut Monday night. Palmer is scheduled to play in the Cincinnati Bengals' preseason finale Friday at Indianapolis and is on course to be in the lineup for the regular...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (0)
Chargers RT Olivea Gets Extension
The San Diego Chargers signed right tackle Shane Olivea to a contract extension running through the 2011 season. The deal will pay Olivea, a starter in each of his two NFL seasons, about $20 million over six years, including approximately $7.5 million in bonus money. He would have been...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 10:54 AM ET | Comments (0)
T.O. Could Play if He Chooses
Wide receiver Terrell Owens practiced for a second day in a row Wednesday. He could be in uniform for the Dallas Cowboys' preseason finale tonight against the Minnesota Vikings, and Coach Bill Parcells said it's possible that Owens could play in the game if the wideout wants to do...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 10:51 AM ET | Comments (0)
Steelers Sign W. Parker to Extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Willie Parker, the former undrafted free agent who became their starting tailback last year in their Super Bowl-winning season, to a four-year contract extension Wednesday. The deal is worth about $13.5 million, including a signing bonus of $3.75 million, and keeps Parker from being a...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
Fiedler Released But Could Return to Bucs When He's Healthy
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released quarterback Jay Fiedler on Wednesday. The former Miami Dolphins starter is working his way back from shoulder surgery but has been unable to practice. Fiedler signed with the Buccaneers in June after being released by the New York Jets in February. He missed most...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (0)
Vanderjagt Scheduled to Kick Tonight
The Dallas Cowboys are hopeful that Mike Vanderjagt will handle at least some of the kicking duties in tonight's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Vanderjagt has been sidelined by a sore groin muscle, which has caused Coach Bill Parcells almost as much consternation as wide receiver Terrell Owens's...
By Mark Maske | August 31, 2006; 10:44 AM ET | Comments (0)
Texans to Open Season with Rookie RB
When the Houston Texans passed over USC tailback Reggie Bush to take North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams with the top overall selection in the NFL draft in April, they figured they'd have Domanick Davis to line up as their starting tailback this season. But Davis is sidelined...
By Mark Maske | August 30, 2006; 2:25 PM ET | Comments (1)
Eagles Cut Pinkston and Detmer, Sign Feeley
The Philadelphia Eagles today released wide receiver Todd Pinkston and signed one reserve quarterback, A.J. Feeley, to replace another, Koy Detmer. Pinkston was released on the heels of the Eagles' acquisition of wideout Donte Stallworth in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. The former starter is trying to...
By Mark Maske | August 30, 2006; 12:15 PM ET | Comments (11)
Navies Cut Because of Bengals' Abundance of Young LBs
The Cincinnati Bengals went with youth at linebacker and released veteran Hannibal Navies. The Bengals drafted rookies A.J. Nicholson and Ahmad Brooks to join Landon Johnson and Caleb Miller as reserves behind starting linebackers David Pollack, Odell Thurman and Brian Simmons. That created a logjam at the position and...
By Mark Maske | August 30, 2006; 9:39 AM ET | Comments (0)
Bloom Placed on IR
The world's most famous fifth-round draft choice will spend his rookie season on the injured reserve list. Jeremy Bloom, the two-time Olympic skier who was trying to make the Philadelphia Eagles' roster as a wide receiver and kick returner, was plagued by hamstring problems throughout training camp and the...
By Mark Maske | August 30, 2006; 8:37 AM ET | Comments (0)
Owens Practices
For the first time in 10 days, wide receiver Terrell Owens practiced. He participated in the Dallas Cowboys' afternoon practice Tuesday. Owens has been sidelined for much of the preseason by a sore hamstring muscle. He has missed all three of the team's exhibition games. It still seems to...
By Mark Maske | August 30, 2006; 8:31 AM ET | Comments (0)
Losman Gets Starting Nod in Buffalo
Dick Jauron, the Buffalo Bills' first-year coach, named J.P. Losman the club's starting quarterback Tuesday. Jauron chose Losman over Kelly Holcomb and free-agent addition Craig Nall. Losman, a former first-round draft choice, entered last season as the Bills' starter as a second-year pro. Former coach Mike Mularkey and former...
By Mark Maske | August 30, 2006; 8:04 AM ET | Comments (0)
Falcons LB Hartwell Might Be Sidelined Early in Season
The Atlanta Falcons could be without linebacker Ed Hartwell at the outset of the regular season. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees Monday and is to be sidelined two to four weeks....
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 1:45 PM ET | Comments (0)
Pennington Named Jets' Starter
New York Jets Coach Eric Mangini today named Chad Pennington the team's starting quarterback. It had been clear for weeks that Pennington was leading the club's starting-quarterback derby, but Mangini declined to officially name a starter for the regular season until today's announcement. Pennington is coming off a second...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 1:32 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cutting Feeley Leaves Chargers with Rookie Backing Up Rivers
The San Diego Chargers released quarterback A.J. Feeley on Monday. That left rookie Charlie Whitehurst as the backup to Philip Rivers, the third-year pro who never has started an NFL game but is taking over for the departed Drew Brees. It's possible that Feeley could land in Minnesota, where...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 10:56 AM ET | Comments (0)
So Far, So Good for Palmer, Bengals
Things couldn't possibly have gone much better for Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals than they did Monday night. The quarterback, in his first appearance of this exhibition season, threw for three touchdowns and 140 yards in the first half as the Bengals built a 34-7 halftime lead over...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 10:52 AM ET | Comments (0)
Jags Lose RB Jones for Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost their starting fullback and backup tailback when they learned Sunday that Greg Jones would need season-ending surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Jones got hurt during a preseason game Saturday but the Jaguars had hoped initially that the injury wasn't...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 9:52 AM ET | Comments (0)
J. George Resurfaces in Oakland
Jeff George? JEFF GEORGE? Those words undoubtedly were repeated in front offices around the league Monday after the Oakland Raiders signed the journeyman quarterback with the golden arm but team-wrecking reputation. George last threw a regular-season pass in the NFL in 2001 for the Washington Redskins but has had...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 9:30 AM ET | Comments (3)
P. Holmes Placed on Chiefs' PUP List
Tailback Priest Holmes's football future became even more uncertain Monday when the Kansas City Chiefs placed him on their physically unable to perform list. That means that Holmes must miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season, after which the Chiefs will have a three-week window...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 9:11 AM ET | Comments (0)
Roster Deadlines Looming
NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 75 players apiece by 4 p.m. today. Clubs will have to be down to 53 players each by Saturday....
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 8:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
D. Branch Seems Likely to Stay Put
There doesn't appear to be much of a market for Deion Branch, the wide receiver who's holding out and has been granted permission by the New England Patriots to seek a trade until Friday. Interested teams seem convinced that the Patriots have little or no intention of actually dealing...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 8:32 AM ET | Comments (0)
Collins's Arrival Could Be Beginning of End for Volek in Tennessee
The signing of quarterback Kerry Collins by the Tennessee Titans probably doesn't bode well for the team's current starter, Billy Volek. Collins has been a starter throughout his NFL career and it's unlikely that he would have agreed to sign with the Titans to serve as Volek's backup while...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 8:16 AM ET | Comments (0)
Eagles Finally Bolster WR Corps
Ever since the Philadelphia Eagles released Terrell Owens in March, people inside as well as outside the league wondered when they'd add a prominent wide receiver. They were connected to offseason trade talks involving Eric Moulds and Javon Walker, and to more recent discussions concerning Ashley Lelie and Deion...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 7:51 AM ET | Comments (0)
All T.O., All the Time
Terrell Owens says he gets it. "Anything I do is going to attract attention," the wide receiver told reporters Monday in Irving, Tex., "and you guys are going to blow it out of proportion. I don't really worry about it. I get it. I know who I am. I...
By Mark Maske | August 29, 2006; 7:22 AM ET | Comments (0)
Collins, Titans Agree
Quarterback Kerry Collins and the Tennessee Titans have reached a tentative contract agreement, an NFL source said. If Collins passes a physical, the source said, he will join the club alongside starter Billy Volek and rookie Vince Young. The Titans will be Collins's fifth NFL team. He has started...
By Mark Maske | August 28, 2006; 4:19 PM ET | Comments (2)
Titans Close to Signing K. Collins
An NFL source this morning confirmed reports that the Tennessee Titans are close to signing free agent quarterback Kerry Collins. The Titans have had on-and-off conversations with Collins, who was released by the Oakland Raiders in the offseason. He likely will sign with the club within the next few...
By Mark Maske | August 28, 2006; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (1)
Another Embarrassment for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings had yet another embarrassing incident involving one of their players when safety Dwight Smith received a misdemeanor citation from police early Saturday for alleged indecent conduct with a 24-year-old woman in a stairwell near a downtown Minneapolis nightclub. Smith participated in the Vikings' practice today. First-year...
By Mark Maske | August 27, 2006; 9:54 PM ET | Comments (0)
Grievance Seems Possible in K. Robinson Case
The Koren Robinson case seemingly could be headed to a grievance procedure. The Minnesota Vikings released the wide receiver over the weekend on the heels of Robinson being arrested on drunk-driving and fleeing-from-police charges during training camp. Under the terms of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, however, players can...
By Mark Maske | August 27, 2006; 9:33 PM ET | Comments (0)
Seahawks, Patriots Reportedly Will Be Participants in Preseason Game in China
The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots reportedly will be the participants in the preseason game that the NFL plans to play in China next year. The Tacoma News Tribune reported today that league officials are discussing plans to have the Patriots spend a week in Seattle, perhaps even...
By Mark Maske | August 27, 2006; 9:30 PM ET | Comments (2)
This Is Owens's Best Behavior?
Dallas Cowboys Coach Bill Parcells has said regularly in recent weeks that if there was going to be a controversy involving his new wide receiver, Terrell Owens, it wasn't going to start with him. Parcells has done all he could, at least publicly, to strike an open-minded, conciliatory tone...
By Mark Maske | August 27, 2006; 9:16 PM ET | Comments (0)
Here A Manning, There A Manning
The Mannings are everywhere these days. The Sept. 10 meeting between Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts and younger brother Eli's New York Giants in the first Sunday night game of the regular season isn't the only family football gathering in the coming weeks. When the Colts face the New Orleans...
By Mark Maske | August 25, 2006; 3:50 PM ET | Comments (0)
Patriots Grant Branch Permission to Seek Trade
The New England Patriots announced today that they'd given holdout wide receiver Deion Branch permission to seek a trade and negotiate with other teams until Sept. 1. Branch has one season remaining on a contract that pays him a salary of just more than $1 million this season. He...
By Mark Maske | August 25, 2006; 3:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Titans CB Jones Arrested
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam (Pacman) Jones was arrested early today outside a Murfreesboro, Tenn., nightclub and charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. The Associated Press, citing a police report, reported that officers encountered Jones arguing with a woman outside a club where a rap concert had been held,...
By Mark Maske | August 25, 2006; 12:13 PM ET | Comments (2)
Eagles' Buckhalter, Pinkston Under Close Scrutiny Tonight
Correll Buckhalter is scheduled to start at tailback for the Philadelphia Eagles in tonight's exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Buckhalter is attempting to work his way back from a series of serious knee injuries and had a 48-yard catch and run in the club's last preseason game. His...
By Mark Maske | August 25, 2006; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (0)
Some in League Would Be Surprised if Gumbel is Fired
Several executives with NFL teams said in recent days they would be surprised if the league dismisses veteran broadcaster Bryant Gumbel. Gumbel is scheduled to handle the play-by-play duties in the eight games to be carried by the league-owned NFL Network this season. But outgoing commissioner Paul Tagliabue said...
By Mark Maske | August 25, 2006; 9:53 AM ET | Comments (2)
Panthers LB Diggs to Undergo MRI on Injured-Again Right Knee
Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam today on his right knee, which he hurt during Thursday night's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Diggs was hurt on a special-teams play. He had an injury to the same knee last season while with the...
By Mark Maske | August 25, 2006; 9:35 AM ET | Comments (0)
Bucs Are Latest to Take Look at L. Kennedy
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the latest team to host a workout by Lincoln Kennedy as the former Oakland Raiders offensive tackle attempts to revive his playing career. Kennedy retired after the 2003 season but has had a string of workouts with clubs in recent weeks. Buccaneers Coach Jon...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 10:55 PM ET | Comments (0)
V. Young Practices
Rookie quarterback Vince Young participated in the Tennessee Titans' practice today and is expected to play in Saturday's exhibition game against the Atlanta Falcons. Young injured his right hand during a practice Wednesday but X-rays showed no fractures....
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 10:48 PM ET | Comments (0)
Chargers Rookie Tackle McNeill Has Surgery for Broken Hand
Rookie Marcus McNeill had worked his way into the San Diego Chargers' starting lineup at left tackle but will miss Saturday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks after undergoing surgery today on his broken left hand. The Chargers expect McNeill to be able to resume practicing next week....
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 10:47 PM ET | Comments (0)
Henson Cut
The Dallas Cowboys released quarterback Drew Henson today. Coach Bill Parcells had announced Wednesday that Henson wouldn't be on the club's roster this season....
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 10:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
Grove's Injury Not As Bad As Feared
Oakland Raiders center Jake Grove was told by doctors today that his shoulder injury was only a strained muscle and he should be able to play within four weeks. Grove and the Raiders had feared that the injury would require surgery and months of rehabilitation. He was hurt during...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 10:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
Rice Retires As 49er
Jerry Rice signed a one-day contract with the San Francisco 49ers and retired today as a member of the team with which he played 16 of his 20 NFL seasons. He hasn't played since the 2004 season. The 49ers also plan to honor the league's career receiving leader during...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 4:32 PM ET | Comments (2)
Good Help (at Center) Is Hard to Find, But Browns Keep Trying
The Cleveland Browns keep trying to find help at center. Today they traded a conditional draft choice next year to the Chicago Bears for Lennie Friedman. Friedman has made 32 starts at center or guard in seven seasons for the Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins and Bears. The Browns lost...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 4:25 PM ET | Comments (0)
T. Jones Looks Like Front-Runner in Bears' RB Derby
Thomas Jones seems to have pulled ahead of Cedric Benson is the competition for the Chicago Bears' starting tailback job. Jones is back from a hamstring injury and is scheduled to start Friday's exhibition game against the Arizona Cardinals, while Benson remains sidelined by an ailing shoulder. Benson also...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 1:18 PM ET | Comments (0)
Edwards Could Make Return to Browns' Lineup Saturday
It's possible that wide receiver Braylon Edwards will get his first playing time of this exhibition season when the Cleveland Browns play Saturday at Buffalo. Edwards is working his way back from the torn knee ligament that cut short his rookie season last year....
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 1:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
Grove's Shoulder Injury Puts Further Strain on Raiders' O-Line
The Oakland Raiders are awaiting the results of a second MRI exam performed on the injured left shoulder of starting center Jake Grove. Grove was hurt during Tuesday's practice, and the initial indications were that the injury would require surgery before it was announced that a second MRI would...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 1:03 PM ET | Comments (0)
No Preseason Games for T.O.?
Terrell Owens's latest setback with his ailing hamstring muscle raises the distinct possibility that the wide receiver won't play in a game for the Dallas Cowboys until their Sept. 10 regular season opener at Jacksonville. Owens has missed the Cowboys' first two exhibition games and is highly unlikely to...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 10:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
V. Young's Hand Injury Not Serious
The Tennessee Titans got a scare during a practice Wednesday. Prized rookie quarterback Vince Young hurt his right (throwing) hand when it struck defensive end Adam Roberts's helmet on Young's follow-through after a pass. But X-rays showed no breaks and Young was said to be feeling well enough to...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 10:04 AM ET | Comments (0)
Niners Place Newberry on IR
The San Francisco 49ers placed center Jeremy Newberry on the injured reserve list Wednesday. The former Pro Bowler's persistent knee problems could force him into retirement....
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 9:57 AM ET | Comments (0)
Gramatica Should Find Work
Don't be surprised if Martin Gramatica resurfaces soon with a team dissatisfied with its place-kicking situation. The former Pro Bowler for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was released by the New England Patriots on Wednesday, losing that club's kicking competition to rookie Stephen Gostkowski. But Gramatica performed well. His problem...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 9:51 AM ET | Comments (0)
Vinatieri Should Be Canton-Bound
Just a thought in the aftermath of the New England Patriots choosing rookie Stephen Gostkowski as their kicker and the Hall of Fame seniors committee settling on its 2007 nominees... There's only one player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame solely for his kicking exploits--Jan Stenerud. But five...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 9:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
Seniors Committee Nominees for Hall of Fame Chosen
The Hall of Fame's seniors committee selected former Detroit Lions tight end Charlie Sanders and former Cleveland Browns guard Gene Hickerson as its nominees for induction next year. Sanders was selected to seven Pro Bowls in a 10-year career between 1968 and '77. He was the Lions' career leader...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 9:37 AM ET | Comments (0)
Rams Bidding for S. Davis
The St. Louis Rams made a contract offer to free agent tailback Stephen Davis when he visited the team Wednesday, an NFL source said. But Davis left town without signing with the club. The Rams were the second team visited by Davis this week as the former Pro Bowler...
By Mark Maske | August 24, 2006; 9:14 AM ET | Comments (0)
Pats Release Gramatica
The New England Patriots released Martin Gramatica, the former Pro Bowl kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who was attempting to revive his career. Unless the Patriots add a kicker before the season, their kicking job will go to rookie Stephen Gostkowski. The fourth-round draft pick out of Memphis...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 5:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
Barlow Apologizes to Nolan
New York Jets Coach Eric Mangini told reporters that tailback Kevan Barlow had called Mike Nolan to apologize for comments he made about the San Francisco 49ers coach in today's Contra Costa Times. Barlow, traded from the 49ers to the Jets over the weekend, was sharply critical of Nolan...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 4:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
T.O. Back On Shelf
Wide receiver Terrell Owens was not scheduled to participate in the Dallas Cowboys' practice this afternoon. He told reporters in Irving, Tex., that he aggravated his ailing left hamstring muscle when he practiced last week. Owens has not played in either of the Cowboys' two preseason games and probably...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 4:48 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cowboys Won't Keep Henson
Coach Bill Parcells announced today that quarterback Drew Henson will not be on the Dallas Cowboys' roster this season. The team has not yet made a roster move involving Henson, however. Henson once was a promising prospect who might have been a top overall draft choice out of the...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 4:30 PM ET | Comments (2)
Falcons Sign Veteran DT
The Atlanta Falcons signed free agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson. The nine-year NFL veteran played the last three seasons for the Green Bay Packers. The New York Giants also had expressed recent interest in him....
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 1:25 PM ET | Comments (0)
Benson Sanctioned for Leaving Bears' Sideline
Chicago Bears Coach Lovie Smith told reporters that he disciplined tailback Cedric Benson for leaving the team's sideline during Friday's exhibition game against the San Diego Chargers. Smith did not reveal the details of the punishment. Benson, who was not playing in the game because of a shoulder injury,...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 1:19 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cowboys Trade LB Shanle to Saints
The Dallas Cowboys today traded linebacker Scott Shanle to the New Orleans Saints for a 2007 draft choice. Shanle spent the last three seasons with the Cowboys....
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 1:11 PM ET | Comments (0)
Holdout Branch Hopeful of Resolution With Pats
Holdout wide receiver Deion Branch told a Boston television station that he expects to patch things up with the New England Patriots. "I'm pretty sure everything's going to work out," Branch said in an interview with WBZ-TV. "Yeah, everything's going to work out." Branch has one season remaining on...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 1:06 PM ET | Comments (0)
Traded RB Says Nolan Doesn't Know What He's Doing
Tailback Kevan Barlow, who was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the New York Jets over the weekend, assailed 49ers Coach Mike Nolan in a telephone interview with the Contra Costa Times. "Nolan just doesn't know what he's doing," Barlow told the newspaper. "He's a first-time head coach...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 12:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Big Spenders Might Have to Change Their Ways... At Least Slightly
The Washington Redskins and some of the NFL's other free-spending teams might have to change the way they operate now that the sport's new labor deal is in effect. One mostly overlooked aspect of the deal that was ratified in March by the league's franchise owners following negotiations with...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 11:56 AM ET | Comments (0)
Colts Reportedly Lose Mungro For Season
The Indianapolis Colts reportedly have lost reserve running back James Mungro for the entire season because of a knee injury. The Indianapolis Star reported that Mungro suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a preseason game over the weekend. Mungro was to provide depth behind...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 11:15 AM ET | Comments (0)
Packers Cut WR Boerigter
The Green Bay Packers released wide receiver Marc Boerigter on Tuesday after he had only one catch in two preseason games. The Packers signed Boerigter as a free agent in the offseason after he totaled 39 receptions in four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs....
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (0)
Eagles, Bears, Niners, Titans Also Were Lelie Bidders
According to an NFL source, the other bidders for Denver Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie--traded Tuesday to the Atlanta Falcons in a three-way deal involving the Washington Redskins, who got Atlanta tailback T.J. Duckett--were the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans. It was thought in...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 10:01 AM ET | Comments (0)
Holdout Could Cost Lelie $1 Million
Just-traded wide receiver Ashley Lelie is to have a $600,000 salary this year with his new team, the Atlanta Falcons. But he could owe his former team, the Denver Broncos, about $1 million from the fines that he accumulated for missing minicamp and training-camp practices, plus a portion of...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 9:40 AM ET | Comments (0)
Lelie Could Make A Difference In Atlanta's Offense
The team that may have benefited the most from Tuesday's three-way trade involving the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos is the Falcons. Yes, the Redskins addressed a short-term need, getting T.J. Duckett to fill in at tailback if Clinton Portis's partially dislocated shoulder keeps him sidelined in...
By Mark Maske | August 23, 2006; 9:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Goodell Might Meet With Players
NEW YORK--One of Roger Goodell's first acts as commissioner might be to conduct a series of meetings with NFL players. Paul Tagliabue met with players from the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers soon after becoming commissioner in 1989. He said Monday that he and his successor,...
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 3:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Tagliabue Still Defending Decision on Holmgren
NEW YORK--Paul Tagliabue continues to defend his decision not to fine Mike Holmgren for the Seattle Seahawks coach's criticism of the officiating during his team's Super Bowl loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tagliabue first said at the annual league meeting in March in Orlando, Fla., that he'd had a...
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 3:22 PM ET | Comments (0)
Excuses, Excuses
Cornerback Champ Bailey and linebacker Al Wilson said they overslept at their homes--they weren't together--when they missed the 11:15 p.m. deadline for the Denver Broncos' players to report to their team hotel in Denver on Friday. Both were suspended by Coach Mike Shanahan from Saturday's exhibition game. Buffalo Bills...
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 2:24 PM ET | Comments (0)
Arrington Still Having Knee Problems
Linebacker LaVar Arrington left a New York Giants' practice early Monday because of swelling in his knee. Arrington's surgically repaired right knee has continued to plague him at times this preseason....
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 2:03 PM ET | Comments (0)
S. Davis Visits Eagles But Doesn't Immediately Sign
Free agent tailback Stephen Davis visited the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday but didn't immediately sign with the club. The former Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers running back still is interested in playing after being released by the Panthers during the offseason....
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 1:55 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bledsoe Quiets Talk of Romo Becoming Starter
Drew Bledsoe probably has quieted the talk of Tony Romo winning the Dallas Cowboys' starting-quarterback job. Speculation was rampant over the last week or so that Coach Bill Parcells perhaps could make Romo the Cowboys' starter. But Bledsoe made his first appearance of the exhibition season Monday night in...
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 1:51 PM ET | Comments (0)
Upshaw Dismisses Gumbel Remarks
NFL Players Association chief Gene Upshaw says he won't be drawn into a public dispute with broadcaster Bryant Gumbel. Upshaw was asked for his reaction to Gumbel's highly critical comments last week on his HBO show. Said Upshaw: "I am not willing to discuss the irresponsible comments of Bryant...
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 1:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
Saints' Future "Still An Open Question"
NEW YORK--The Saints are back in New Orleans this season in the year after being displaced from their home city by Hurricane Katrina. Outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has been a strong advocate of giving New Orleans every chance possible to demonstrate that it can support its football team...
By Mark Maske | August 22, 2006; 10:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Gumbel Could Be Replaced on NFL Network
NEW YORK--League officials are discussing the possibility of replacing Bryant Gumbel as an announcer on the NFL Network because of critical comments that the veteran broadcaster made on HBO, outgoing commissioner Paul Tagliabue said here today. Tagliabue said that he, incoming commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Network President Steve...
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 1:43 PM ET | Comments (0)
Tagliabue Says He'll "Disappear" After Sept. 1 Changeover
NEW YORK--Outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said here today that he plans "to disappear" from league operations after being succeeded by Roger Goodell on Sept. 1. Tagliabue, who's winding up a nearly 17-year reign as commissioner, is to remain a senior adviser to the league under the terms of...
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 1:19 PM ET | Comments (0)
Tagliabue to Speak With Reporters Today
NEW YORK--Outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue is scheduled to meet with a group of reporters here this morning for an informal question-and-answer session as he prepares to leave office. The remarks that Tagliabue makes today probably will be among his final public comments before officially giving way to Roger...
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 7:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
Davis Reportedly to Meet Today With Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly are scheduled to meet today with free agent running back Stephen Davis. Davis, 32, has rushed for more than 7,800 yards in 10 seasons with the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers. A Philadelphia television station first reported that Davis could work out for the Eagles...
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 7:39 AM ET | Comments (0)
Shanahan Sits Bailey, A. Wilson for Curfew Violation
Cornerback Champ Bailey and linebacker Al Wilson are among the Denver Broncos' team captains, but Coach Mike Shanahan suspended them for Saturday night's preseason triumph over the Tennessee Titans in Denver for missing the club's curfew Friday. Bailey and Wilson weren't in uniform and weren't allowed on the sideline...
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 7:18 AM ET | Comments (0)
Palmer On Course to Play Next Monday Night
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer told reporters Sunday that he plans to play next Monday night against the Green Bay Packers. That would be Palmer's first appearance of this exhibition season as he works his way back from the severe knee injury that he suffered during last season's playoffs....
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 7:11 AM ET | Comments (0)
Giants Wondering About O'Hara, Emmons
The New York Giants aren't certain that center Shaun O'Hara will be available for their regular season opener. O'Hara suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee during Thursday's preseason triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Giants also are unsure about the status of linebacker Carlos...
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 6:55 AM ET | Comments (0)
Bledsoe Makes First Start While Some Clamor for Romo
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe is scheduled to make his first appearance of the exhibition season for the Dallas Cowboys tonight in Shreveport, La. Bledsoe is to start the Cowboys' game against the New Orleans Saints and perhaps play as much as an entire half. The start for Bledsoe comes amid...
By Mark Maske | August 21, 2006; 6:39 AM ET | Comments (0)
No QB Controversy in Chicago... At Least Not Yet
There are whispers about a quarterback controversy in Chicago, with Brian Griese having led three touchdown drives in the Bears' two preseason games while Rex Grossman has led none. But Bears Coach Lovie Smith is saying that Grossman remains his starter. The club signed Griese as a free agent...
By Mark Maske | August 20, 2006; 9:44 PM ET | Comments (0)
No T.O. for Cowboys Monday Night
Wide receiver Terrell Owens is not scheduled to play for the Dallas Cowboys in Monday night's exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints in Shreveport, La. Owens resumed practicing last week after missing 14 straight practices because of a sore hamstring muscle, but Coach Bill Parcells decided not to...
By Mark Maske | August 20, 2006; 9:39 PM ET | Comments (0)
Price Absent from Bills' Practice
Wide receiver Peerless Price, who doesn't have a catch in the Buffalo Bills' two preseason games, did not attend the team's practice today. The team described Price as absent, without further clarification. Price signed with the Bills as a free agent in the offseason. His career has been on...
By Mark Maske | August 20, 2006; 9:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Jets Trade for Niners' Barlow
The New York Jets today made their second attempt to complete a much-needed trade for a tailback. They sent a draft pick next year to the San Francisco 49ers for Kevan Barlow. Last week, the Jets traded for Cleveland's Lee Suggs but the deal was voided when Suggs failed...
By Mark Maske | August 20, 2006; 9:18 PM ET | Comments (0)
Pats Sign Seau
The New England Patriots, as expected, signed linebacker Junior Seau today. Seau's retirement lasted four days. He announced Monday in San Diego that he was retiring, but now joins a Patriots team needing help at linebacker because of a series of injuries....
By Mark Maske | August 18, 2006; 8:07 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cowboys' Trade for WR Adams Voided
The Dallas Cowboys' trade for wide receiver Charlie Adams was voided when Adams failed the Cowboys' physical today. He will be returned to the Denver Broncos. The Cowboys had sent a sixth-round draft pick to the Broncos for Adams on Thursday....
By Mark Maske | August 18, 2006; 8:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Buckhalter Comeback Gets Boost Against Ravens
Tailback Correll Buckhalter gave the Philadelphia Eagles a reason to be optimistic about his potential return during Thursday night's exhibition loss in Baltimore. Buckhalter, who has missed three of the past four seasons because of serious knee injuries, played two series with the Eagles' offensive starters and set up...
By Mark Maske | August 18, 2006; 10:17 AM ET | Comments (0)
L. White To Debut for Titans
Rookie tailback LenDale White is scheduled to make his exhibition-season debut for the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night in Denver, his hometown. The USC product was withheld from the Titans' preseason opener after starting a fight during a training-camp practice by allegedly spitting at a teammate, safety Donnie Nickey....
By Mark Maske | August 18, 2006; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (0)
Packers Cut Kicker Cundiff
The Green Bay Packers, in an unexpected move, released kicker Billy Cundiff on Thursday. That leaves Dave Rayner as the only kicker on the team's roster, at least for now. They Packers worked out Paul Edinger earlier in training camp but didn't sign him. Rayner had a stint last...
By Mark Maske | August 18, 2006; 9:53 AM ET | Comments (0)
Shell Throws His Players Out of Practice... All of Them
Art Shell remains an old-school coach in his second go-around with the Oakland Raiders. Shell ended a practice about 50 minutes early Thursday, lecturing his players and then sending them to the locker room because he was disgusted with how the session was going. "You've got to work when...
By Mark Maske | August 18, 2006; 9:37 AM ET | Comments (0)
Stevens To Miss Six Weeks After Knee Surgery Today
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens is scheduled to undergo surgery today on his left knee, which he re-injured during a practice Thursday. An MRI exam showed a tear of the meniscus, and Stevens is to be sidelined about six weeks. Stevens underwent surgery on the same knee in...
By Mark Maske | August 18, 2006; 9:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Kluwe Keeps Vikings' Punting Job
The Minnesota Vikings are confident that punter Chris Kluwe is healthy after he had his rookie season ended by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. They waived Kluwe's only training-camp competition, fellow punter John Torp, today. Kluwe averaged 44.1 yards per punt, sixth-best in the league,...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 10:34 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cowboys Trade for Broncos WR Adams
The Dallas Cowboys today traded a late-round draft pick next year to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Charlie Adams. Adams had 21 catches for Denver last season as a third-year pro. He gives the Cowboys a bit more depth at a position at which Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 10:25 PM ET | Comments (0)
Retirement? What Retirement? Seau Could Sign With Pats
Linebacker Junior Seau announced his retirement Monday in San Diego. But tonight he apparently is on the verge of signing with the New England Patriots. The San Diego Chargers, Seau's original NFL team who hosted his retirement announcement, issued a written statement saying that Seau informed team president Dean...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 10:02 PM ET | Comments (0)
Brady Says He Never Worked Out With Bonds's Trainer
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady told reporters today that he never worked out with Barry Bonds's personal trainer, Greg Anderson. Anderson reportedly told prosecutors in the Bonds case that he had one brief telephone conversation with Brady regarding a potential workout but the two never met or spoke...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 9:42 PM ET | Comments (1)
Seahawks TE Stevens Hurts Knee In Practice
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens hurt his left knee during a practice today. Stevens left the field on a cart and was to undergo an MRI exam later today. He underwent surgery on the same knee in April....
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 4:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
NFL Gets B+ In Racial Diversity Report
The NFL received a grade of B+ in an annual report on racial diversity in sports. Richard Lapchick, who authors the annual study for the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, raised the NFL's grade from the B that it received last year. The...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 2:13 PM ET | Comments (0)
Pennington Excused From Jets' Practice
Quarterback Chad Pennington missed the New York Jets' practice today, being excused because of what the team called a family illness. It was not clear whether Pennington would rejoin the Jets for Saturday's exhibition game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Pennington appears to be the front-runner in...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 2:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cowher Says Roethlisberger's Thumb Injury Not Serious
Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Bill Cowher said today that the thumb injury suffered Wednesday by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger isn't serious. Cowher called the injury a ligament strain and said during his news briefing that he will determine Friday whether Roethlisberger will play in the Steelers' exhibition game Saturday against the...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 1:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bonds's Trainer Reportedly Cites Single Conversation With Brady
The name of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has come up in the Barry Bonds investigation. Bonds's personal trainer, Greg Anderson, reportedly talked about a conversation that he had with the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback in a June statement that federal prosecutors submitted to a court. The Associated...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 1:37 PM ET | Comments (0)
Robinson's Arrest Is Another Embarrassment for Vikings
The arrest of wide receiver Koren Robinson on Tuesday night on drunk-driving and felony fleeing from police charges was another embarrassment for the Minnesota Vikings as the franchise attempts to restore its tarnished image in the aftermath of last fall's infamous boat cruise that produced allegations of lewd behavior...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 1:14 PM ET | Comments (0)
Romo Impressing Many Around League
Early in training camp, Dallas Cowboys Coach Bill Parcells said he would play backup quarterback Tony Romo plenty during the exhibition season. Parcells said he had to get a feel for where Romo was as a player, and he warned reporters not to read anything into his preseason approach...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 12:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bears Get Back T. Jones But Not Benson
The Chicago Bears have back one of their top tailbacks but remain without the other. Thomas Jones practiced Wednesday after being sidelined since the beginning of training camp by a strained hamstring muscle. Cedric Benson remains on the shelf because of a shoulder injury suffered early in camp....
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 12:40 PM ET | Comments (0)
Brooks Doesn't Look Like He's the Answer for the Raiders
Quarterback Aaron Brooks has looked terrible in the Oakland Raiders' first two preseason games, completing only two of nine passes for 28 yards. The Raiders, after releasing Kerry Collins, signed Brooks in the offseason after the former New Orleans starter was cut by the Saints. But Raiders Coach Art...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bush To Comply With Logo Rule
Reggie Bush's representatives say that the rookie tailback will wear all-black Adidas cleats with no visible logos during future New Orleans Saints games. That will put Bush back in compliance with NFL rules after he was fined a reported $10,000 for wearing Adidas cleats with visible logos during the...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (0)
Mascot-Inflicted Injury Worse Than Originally Thought
The initial indication when New Orleans Saints reserve quarterback Adrian McPherson was hurt in a freak halftime collision last weekend in Tennessee was that McPherson would return to practice this week. Instead, McPherson's bruised knee could keep him sidelined as long as two weeks. McPherson was hurt when he...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 11:57 AM ET | Comments (0)
Baskett Is Unlikely Starter for Eagles
With Todd Pinkston still sidelined by soreness in his Achilles' tendons, the Philadelphia Eagles have been going with an undrafted rookie, Hank Baskett, as their starter at the wide receiver spot opposite Reggie Brown. Baskett was signed by the Minnesota Vikings after the draft but was traded to the...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 11:51 AM ET | Comments (0)
Former Olympian Bloom Set for Eagles Debut
The world's most famous fifth-round draft pick, Jeremy Bloom, likely will make his debut for the Philadelphia Eagles during tonight's exhibition game at Baltimore. Bloom probably will handle some kick-return duties against the Ravens. He's been sidelined by a hamstring injury, frustrating the former two-time Olympic skier as he...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 10:06 AM ET | Comments (0)
C. Palmer Won't Play Friday
The Cincinnati Bengals have decided for quarterback Carson Palmer to sit out their second preseason game Friday night at Buffalo. It's possible that Palmer, who's returning from a serious knee injury suffered during last season's playoffs, could play in the club's third exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 9:55 AM ET | Comments (1)
Jets Remain in RB Market
The New York Jets apparently remain interested in trading for a tailback. Their trade for Cleveland's Lee Suggs fell through when Suggs failed their physical, and Curtis Martin's uncertain football future all but necessitates that General Manager Mike Tannenbaum make another move to fortify the position. One intriguing possibility...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 8:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
Giants Still Looking for DT Help
The New York Giants have felt uncomfortable about their defensive tackle situation ever since losing Kendrick Clancy to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Now they're back to looking for free-agent help, studying the possibility of signing either Grady Jackson or Brentson Buckner. Jackson, a nine-year NFL veteran who...
By Mark Maske | August 17, 2006; 8:36 AM ET | Comments (0)
Leinart Scheduled to Play At Least A Quarter This Weekend
Rookie quarterback Matt Leinart only agreed to a contract with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday and joined the team Tuesday, but Coach Dennis Green announced today that Leinart is scheduled to play at least a quarter in Saturday's exhibition game against the New England Patriots. Starter Kurt Warner is...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 10:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
Roethlisberger Hurts Thumb
Throughout the Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp and in their first exhibition game, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has seemed unaffected by the injuries that he suffered in a motorcycle accident in June. But the Steelers had a new injury concern about their Super Bowl-winning quarterback today when Roethlisberger left a practice...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 9:26 PM ET | Comments (0)
T.O. Practices
Wide receiver Terrell Owens participated in the Dallas Cowboys' practice today in Oxnard, Calif. Owens had missed the Cowboys' previous 14 practices because of a sore hamstring muscle....
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 6:03 PM ET | Comments (0)
K. Robinson Charged With One Felony, Several Misdemeanors
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson was charged today in Nicollet County (Minn.) District Court with fleeing from police, a felony, along with two driving while intoxicated charges and three other misdemeanors. A criminal complaint said that Robinson's blood alcohol level was measured at 0.11 percent in a field...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 5:04 PM ET | Comments (2)
To Play or Not To Play?
Tailback Clinton Portis's complaint about playing in the Washington Redskins' exhibition opener, in which he suffered a partially dislocated shoulder, renewed the debate about the value of the NFL's preseason. Portis thought that he, as an established player, shouldn't have been on the field, being exposed to the risk...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 1:10 PM ET | Comments (21)
Colts Unsure if They'll Have Stokley at Start of Regular Season
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Brandon Stokley is nursing a sprained ankle and the team is uncertain if he'll be able to return for the Sept. 10 regular season opener in Giants Stadium against the New York Giants. The Colts also have some injury concerns about defensive tackle Corey Simon,...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 12:51 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cardinals' Offer, Not Green's Tirade, Got Leinart to Camp
There has been some speculation in the aftermath of the Arizona Cardinals' signing of Matt Leinart that Coach Dennis Green's public rebuke of the rookie quarterback and his representatives Monday might have prompted Leinart to agree to his six-year deal that night. Please. Leinart's agent, Tom Condon, is as...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bears Rookie Getting Look at Safety
An injury to veteran Mike Brown has moved rookie Danieal Manning into the Chicago Bears' starting lineup, at least temporarily, at safety. With Brown sidelined because of an ailing left Achilles' tendon, the Bears have moved Chris Harris from free safety to strong safety and Manning is taking over...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (0)
Timetable for Palmer's Return Remains Unclear
Cincinnati Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis said during his news conference Tuesday that he would leave it up to quarterback Carson Palmer to decide when to play in a game as Palmer works his way back from the severe knee injury that he suffered during last season's playoffs. Later Tuesday,...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 9:41 AM ET | Comments (0)
K. Robinson Reportedly Arrested
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson was arrested Tuesday night for driving while impaired, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported today. Robinson was arrested while returning to the Vikings' training camp in Mankato, Minn., on the day after a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, the newspaper reported. Robinson...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 8:56 AM ET | Comments (3)
Browns' Center Woes Worsen
If anyone can figure out a way to field an offense without a center, notify the Cleveland Browns. They probably would consider it at this point. The position wasn't supposed to be a headache for Coach Romeo Crennel after the Browns signed free agent LeCharles Bentley in March to...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 8:38 AM ET | Comments (0)
Giants Rookie Moss Falling Behind
The New York Giants were ecstatic when they were able to get University of Miami wide receiver Sinorice Moss in the second round of the NFL draft in April. They thought that Moss, the younger brother of Washington Redskins wideout Santana Moss, would bring some much-needed speed and shiftiness...
By Mark Maske | August 16, 2006; 8:20 AM ET | Comments (0)
Leinart Joins Cards, Set To Debut Saturday
Just-signed rookie quarterback Matt Leinart joined the Arizona Cardinals today. He is to make his exhibition-season debut Saturday against the New England Patriots. Leinart agreed to a six-year contract Monday worth as much as $51 million, becoming the final player drafted in April to agree to a deal....
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 10:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Chargers Kick Returner Sproles Out For Season
The San Diego Chargers lost reserve running back and kick returner Darren Sproles for the entire season because of a broken fibula suffered during Saturday's preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was hospitalized because of a bruised chest suffered during the game but...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 10:24 PM ET | Comments (0)
Vikings Lose Rookie LB Greenway For Season
The Minnesota Vikings, as they'd feared, lost rookie linebacker Chad Greenway for the entire season because of the knee injury that he suffered during Monday night's exhibition game against the Oakland Raiders. Greenway hurt his left knee during a first-quarter kickoff Monday night and underwent an MRI exam today....
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 5:56 PM ET | Comments (0)
R. Moss Has Upsetting Evening
NFL coaches can't win when it comes to the preseason. Tailback Clinton Portis questioned why he was playing a preseason game when he hurt his shoulder during the Washington Redskins' exhibition opener. Wide receiver Randy Moss, by contrast, threw a sideline tantrum when he was pulled from the Oakland...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 1:56 PM ET | Comments (4)
Bush Fined for Shoe Brand
New Orleans Saints rookie tailback Reggie Bush was fined by the league for wearing an unauthorized brand of cleats with visible logos during the team's preseason opener. Bush wore Adidas cleats. NFL players are allowed to wear only Nike, Reebok or Under Armour cleats with visible logos during games...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 1:45 PM ET | Comments (8)
Cowboys Shorthanded at WR
The Dallas Cowboys practiced Monday without their top three wide receivers. Terrell Owens remains sidelined by a sore hamstring muscle. Terry Glenn was on the shelf because of blisters on his feet, and Patrick Crayton has a sprained ankle. Coach Bill Parcells continues to take a low-key approach with...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 1:45 PM ET | Comments (1)
Losman Leads Bills' QB Derby
J.P. Losman has pulled ahead of Kelly Holcomb and Craig Nall in the Buffalo Bills' starting-quarterback competition. Coach Dick Jauron told reporters late Monday that Losman had the lead based on his play in the club's opening preseason game....
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 1:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
Jets' Trade For Suggs Voided
The trade sending tailback Lee Suggs from the Cleveland Browns to the New York Jets was voided today when Suggs failed his physical with the Jets. The Browns had dealt Suggs to the Jets for safety Derrick Strait on Monday. Strait is to be returned to the Jets. The...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 1:27 PM ET | Comments (0)
Panthers' Smith Returns to Practice
Wide receiver Steve Smith resumed practicing with the Carolina Panthers today. He'd been sidelined for 2-1/2 weeks by a strained hamstring muscle....
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 1:25 PM ET | Comments (0)
Steelers, Cowher Put Extension Negotiations On Hold
The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed their negotiations with their coach, Bill Cowher, about a contract extension on hold until after the upcoming season, the team announced today. "I remain optimistic and hopeful that we will be able to conclude a contract extension which will keep Bill coaching the Pittsburgh...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 1:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bengals Release DT Askew
The Cincinnati Bengals released defensive tackle Matthias Askew today. He was one of five Bengals players to be arrested since December. Police reportedly used a stun gun to subdue him last month after he was approached about a parking ticket. He was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest. Askew...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (0)
Greenway Could Be Done for Season
The rookie season of Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway, a first-round draft pick in April, might be over before it even started. Greenway is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam today after injuring his left knee during the Vikings' exhibition game Monday night against the Oakland Raiders. It's feared...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 8:49 AM ET | Comments (0)
Cards, Leinart Agree
The Arizona Cardinals agreed late Monday night to a six-year contract with quarterback Matt Leinart, the 10th overall choice in the NFL draft in April. The deal has a maximum overall value of just less than $51 million, including incentives and escalators, and contains about $14 million in guaranteed...
By Mark Maske | August 15, 2006; 12:15 AM ET | Comments (0)
D. Green Impatient With Leinart Negotiations
Arizona Cardinals Coach Dennis Green sounded off today about rookie quarterback Matt Leinart's absence from training camp because of a contract dispute. "It would be a shame if Matt Leinart is still sitting out there as the only player in the National Football League who is not in the...
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 9:59 PM ET | Comments (0)
Cowher Says Bettis Off Base
Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Bill Cowher said today he spoke to Jerome Bettis about the comments that the former Steelers tailback made during halftime of an NBC broadcast Sunday night. Bettis said he thought this would be Cowher's final season with the Steelers. Cowher said during his news briefing today...
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 9:49 PM ET | Comments (0)
McNabb Calls Eagles "A Super Bowl Team"
BETHLEHEM, Pa.--The Philadelphia Eagles, according to quarterback Donovan McNabb, are back to being one of the NFC's top teams. With wide receiver Terrell Owens gone, McNabb said today he's getting a feeling that the Eagles have returned to being the same sort of balanced, cohesive club that they were...
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 9:33 PM ET | Comments (0)
Eagles' Westbrook Might Sit for Remainder of Preseason
BETHLEHEM, Pa.--Philadelphia Eagles tailback Brian Westbrook might miss the remainder of the exhibition season because of a sprained foot, Coach Andy Reid said today. Westbrook played in the Hall of Fame game to open the preseason but missed the second of the Eagles' five exhibition games. He definitely will...
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 5:22 PM ET | Comments (1)
Casserly Lands With CBS
Charley Casserly, the former general manager of the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins, has joined the CBS studio pregame show. Casserly resigned as the Texans' GM after the NFL draft. He was passed over last week for a job in the league office that went to Atlanta Falcons executive...
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 5:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Jets Trade For Browns' Suggs
The tailback-needy New York Jets obtained Lee Suggs in a trade today with the Cleveland Browns. The Jets sent safety Derrick Strait to the Browns for Suggs, a fourth-year pro out of Virginia Tech. Suggs rushed for 1,048 yards in three seasons in Cleveland, 744 of them in his...
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 4:54 PM ET | Comments (0)
Dolphins Sign Wilkinson
The Miami Dolphins signed defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson to a three-year contract today. Wilkinson, 33, was released by the Detroit Lions in May. Negotiations with the Dolphins intensified in recent days after the sides had spoken, off and on, for months. Wilkinson was the top overall selection in the...
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 4:46 PM ET | Comments (0)
Leinart, Cards Nearing Deal?
The Arizona Cardinals and agent Tom Condon are negotiating again about rookie quarterback Matt Leinart, hoping to complete a deal within the next day or two. Leinart is the last unsigned first-round draft pick league-wide....
By Mark Maske | August 14, 2006; 8:25 AM ET | Comments (4)