Post by John on May 23, 2006 9:40:15 GMT -4
5/21 Updates
NO - Bush Tells Saints "Time To Bargain"
Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
New Orleans Saints first-round draft choice and reigning Heisman Trophy winner RB Reggie Bush delivered a not-so-subtle message to Saints officials over the weekend: It's time for everyone to take the on-ramp to the bargaining table.
"I'm a competitor and a football player, and so, yeah, naturally, I want to be in camp on time," Bush told ESPN.com. "My goal is to be in there and to start doing my part to bring a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans. That's what I want. But I have an agent and I have faith in Joel [Segal] to handle that end of things for me. ... [And] he knows we have to have a fair offer, one that meets our expectations."
Last week, Bush said, "I don't want to get caught up in holdouts and things like that. I think it is important to start off on a good foot and a good note -- not only with the team, but with the city." He then said he'd instructed his agent to do "whatever it takes" to make that happen.
PHI - HC Reid: 'We Will Run More'
Source: Don Benevento, (Cherry Hill, N.J.) Courier-Post
The Eagles will run the ball more in 2006, according to head coach Andy Reid. Reid reiterated his point again last week as the Eagles closed their first minicamp. Reacting to a question about whether Brian Westbrook would get the ball more this season, Reid again said the Eagles would become more of a running team. "Last year, I will be honest with you, the numbers got a little skewed toward the pass," Reid said. "And we need to get back to what we have done here before and that is balance it up a bit more and give the running game an opportunity to work in there with the passing game."
Obviously, this is great news for Brian Westbrook. He only had 156 carries before ending his season after week 12 with an injury. Correll Buckhalter is a guy that could benefit as well. Ryan Moats and Reno Mahe will try to squeeze their way into the mix. But it looks like Westbrook is the main beneficiary.
Potential June 1 Salary Cap Victims
Source: Scout.com
Scout.com lists a few possible June 1 salary cut players for running backs:
Marcel Shipp / Arizona Cardinals / Base salary-$1.425 million (final year of his contract) - That's a lot of money for a player whose play as deteriorated in recent years and who isn't certain to win the No.2 job.
Lee Suggs / Cleveland Browns / Base salary-$950,000 - While there hasn't been an indication that his job is in jeopardy, RB William Green is ahead of Suggs on the depth chart and the team selected RB Jerome Harrison in April's draft. If Suggs isn't released, he could be dealt some time during training camp to a team that loses a back due to injury.
KC - HC Herm Edwards Shaking Things Up
Source: Elizabeth Merrill, Kansas City Star
The language was toned down, the pace was fast, and as the first veteran minicamp under HC Herm Edwards came to a close Sunday. Edwards made good on his plans to turn up the heat on the veterans and give rookies — even unknown, undrafted ones — a fair shot. That's what happened Sunday afternoon when DT Steve Williams took reps with the No. 1 defensive unit. Williams didn't even have a contract a week ago. "What I told guys is that everyone's going to get an opportunity, and if you do things correctly, you'll get a chance. If you don't, we'll get guys who can do it. It's that simple," Edwards said.
NE - WR B.Johnson Fighting For His Career
Source: Mike Reiss, Boston Globe
He's 27, and at the crossroads of his NFL career. When WR Bethel Johnson joined the Patriots as a second-round draft choice in 2003, expectations were high. Now he's fighting to keep his career alive. The Patriots are seeking a No. 2 receiver following the departure of WR David Givens, and the speedy Johnson would like to be considered for that role. If Johnson is to reverse his career course, it would be perfect timing for the Patriots. The team has WR Deion Branch atop the depth chart, with free agent WR Reche Caldwell, rookie WR Chad Jackson, and 14-year veteran WR Troy Brown among those fighting for playing time.
GB - RB Davenport To See Time At Fullback When He's Ready
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
According to Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski, running back Najeh Davenport will be training this pre-season at the fullback position. "Maybe both of them (running back Ahman Green and Davenport) will be in the backfield at the same time," Jagodzinski said. "We can do that. In this scheme, the fullback position has always been able to go back and play tailback because of what we do. I think he can do both. He's athletic enough to do it." The team also said that Davenport will not return to contact drills until late July or early August.
TEN - QB Volek The Front Runner For Starting Job
Source: Teresa M. Walker, Associated Press via KnoxNews.com
For now, QB Billy Volek, a six-year veteran who wasn't drafted out of college, is the best bet for starter when the Titans open the season Sept. 10 against the New York Jets. Volek has led the first-team offense through the first six of their 14 minicamp sessions, even when rookie QB Vince Young was on the field for the first time with the veterans.
Volek has the job to start the season. He sounds like he's ready: "With them bringing Vince in, I thought they made the right decision between him or Matt," Volek said. "For myself, this is an opportunity for me to go out there and show what I can do. When I've been given a chance to go out and perform, I've put up some yards."
IND - HC Dungy "Tweaks" Offseason Program
Source: John Oehser, Colts.com
HC Tony Dungy has stuck to basically the same offseason program since he was an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings. This year things are going to change for the Colts. Coach Dungy said because their training camp period is shorter than other teams in the league he wants to focus more on conditioning and individual instruction in this years' OTAs.
FOX Sports Czarnecki Ranks Potential QB Disasters
Source: John Czarnecki, FOX Sports
According to FOXSports.com columnist John Czarnecki the Saints, Dolphins and Bears upgraded at the QB position in the offseason.
On the other hand, he ranks the potential quarterback disasters like this: 1) San Diego; 2) Minnesota; 3) Detroit; 4) New York Jets; 5) Buffalo; 6) Houston and 7) Tennessee.
HOU - Texans Eye Packers' McKenzie For GM
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Houston Texans have sent a fax to Packers general manager Ted Thompson, formally requesting permission to interview Green Bay's director of pro personnel, Reggie McKenzie, for their vacant general manager's position. Texans owner Bob McNair is in Denver for the National Football League owners' meetings, so nothing is expected to be scheduled between the Texans and McKenzie before Wednesday.
McKenzie has a tie already to Houston as former Packer head coach Mike Sherman is on staff with the Texans. They have ties to the Green Bay area and moving their family with four school age children is also a factor.
5/20 Updates
IND - WR Harrison To Undergo Elbow Surgery
Source: AP
Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison will have elbow surgery Monday. The surgery is for an injury sustained during the 2005 season. It will be his second surgery in recent months, after having treatment done on a wrist injury that he had sustained midway through last season. Harrison isn't expected to be able to participate in Indianapolis' five-week voluntary organized team activity workouts, which are slated to begin Tuesday.
Harrison left Sunday's final minicamp workout early to catch a flight to Philadelphia where the surgery will be performed: "(The surgery) was planned, but we just couldn't get a late flight to get back him back there in time," coach Tony Dungy said. "But he's doing fine and made it through four practices really well."
CLE - TE Winslow Cutting, Running Routes
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Browns QB Charlie Frye is encouraged by the progress of TE Kellen Winslow Jr. "The last three or four weeks, he's been running routes with cleats on and looking good," Frye said Thursday night. "He's basically running every route, cutting, going deep, whatever. He's one of the fastest guys on the team. I'm really excited for him."
CLE - Browns Now Saying November For WR B.Edwards?
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
GM Phil Savage said WR Braylon Edwards is on track in his rehab from a torn ACL, but that he's not as far along as TE Kellen Winslow Jr. because he had surgery in January. He said Edwards is doing some running, but no cutting. He's expected back in October or November.
Edwards quietly seems to be backing up. October has been the word, (and it still may be) but now the team is talking about November for a return. This puts even more pressure on a guy like Kellen Winslow to produce.
PIT - WR Wilson Likes Depth At Position
Source: Joe Bendel, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
A supremely confident Cedrick Wilson insisted that he is not concerned with the Steelers' decision to draft speedy wideouts Santonio Holmes and Willie Reid in the NFL draft. The way he sees it, the new blood on the roster is only going to make the team better. "Competition is great," Wilson said. "Because the thing with competition is, it brings out the best in you -- or, it should, anyway. It's either going to bring out your best or you'll be destroyed. By competing, that's how you win games and how you win Super Bowls. So, it's great that Santonio and Willie are here. They're great guys, good kids willing to come in here and learn." Wilson had 26 receptions last year for 451 yards.
IND - WR Wayne Planning Big Things
Source: Mike Chappell, The Indianapolis Star
Reggie Wayne's place with the Indianapolis Colts is secure, but the veteran receiver isn't satisfied. Last season, he snapped Marvin Harrison's streak of six consecutive seasons leading the team in receptions. Wayne finished with a career-best 83, one more than Harrison. "What it means to me is Peyton (Manning) is starting to trust me more," Wayne said. "It motivates me to keep doing it." Intent on retaining their 2001 first-round draft pick, the Colts in February re-signed him to a six-year, $39 million contract that included a $12.5 million signing bonus. The financial commitment served as a type of vindication for Wayne.
NO - WR Stallworth Excited About New Offensive Philosophy
Source: Les East, The Advocate
Wide receiver Donte Stallworth says he is excited to be playing for new head coach Sean Payton whose expertise is in the passing game. "I think he's definitely what the doctor ordered for our offense," Stallworth said after a workout this week. "That's really what I've been waiting on, that kind of offensive mind to come through here and in the long run it's going to pay off because of the mismatches that he'll create with his offense."
GB - WR Gardner Impressive During Saturday Practice
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
WR Rod Gardner was the highlight of an otherwise poor morning practice by catching some passes from QB Aaron Rodgers. Gardner is in a fight for the No. 2 receiver job along with veteran Robert Ferguson and the Packer rookie receivers. "(Gardner) looked good today," McCarthy said. "He got deep a few times; he looks like he's in good shape. I thought he had two good practices."
Gardner is a guy that could grab the #2 spot. Or the team may use a committee. "Everybody has a role on this football team, so if it's a clear-cut No. 2, great," coach Mike McCarthy said. "If it's not, we'll use a combination of three people to play the No. 2 position."
CLE - QB Frye, TE Winslow Form Strong Bond
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
"What people really don't know about TE Kellen Winslow is how much he really wants to succeed," QB Charlie Frye said. "He's not going to let himself fail. I can't wait until that first game when he runs out of that tunnel. I might cry for him. That's how much I care about him." Frye said he's been with Winslow almost every day since the end of January. When they're not lifting at the Browns' facility, they're hanging out or going to Cavs games. "That's one of my brothers now," Frye said. "We do everything together, so I think that's going to be big come September".
NO - Saints Still Trying To Deal RB M.Bennett
Source: Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune
The Saints continue to talk with teams about trading RB Michael Bennett. The 27-year-old just came to New Orleans this year in free agency but was demoted when the team drafted RB Reggie Bush. Reportedly, the Texans are making the biggest push for Bennett (5-foot-9, 209 pounds), and the Saints have also talked with Miami and Kansas City. Bennett signed a two-year deal with a reported signing bonus near $1 million, but his salary is an affordable $700,000 this season and $1.2 million next season.
GB - Heavier RB Gado Working With Starters
Source: Rob Demovsky, PackersNews.com
RB Samkon Gado doesn't believe he's carrying too much weight, but he's not likely to stay at 230 pounds for long. The running back is about 5 pounds heavier than he was last season, but he said the team hasn't asked him to lose any weight. With RB Ahman Green and RB Najeh Davenport out with injuries, Gado has been the No. 1 halfback throughout the offseason.
GB - QB Rodgers Looking Like Future NFL Starter
Source: Dylan B. Tomlinson, PackersNews.com
QB Aaron Rodgers may not take over as the Packers' starting quarterback for another year or two, but with every day of practice, it is becoming easier to envision him in that role. The biggest difference from a year ago is Rodgers' comfort level with the offense. Packers OC Jeff Jagodzinski said the work Rodgers has done during the offseason is paying dividends. His teammates have taken notice of Rodgers' progress. "He looks good. He's very consistent right now," Packers WR Donald Driver said.
SEA - TE Stevens says 'My knee is fine'.
Source: Gail Wood, The Olympian
Stevens arrived on crutches after having arthroscopic surgery this offseason. He says the knee is fine but it's worth noting that he's still on crutches.
"My knee is fine," Stevens said. "I'm taking it day by day."
GB - CB A.Carroll Punches WR R.Martin At Practice
Source: Jason Wilde, Wisconsin State Journal
CB Ahmad Carroll got into one of the more violent minicamp scrums in recent memory toward the end of the morning practice with WR Ruvell Martin. Such fights usually happen in training camp, when the players are in pads and temperatures - and tempers - rise, but Carroll got so mad at Martin at the end of a play that he hit the receiver several times with a closed fist, first in the helmet and then in the midsection. "I don't think anybody minds a fight every once in a while, but fighting on a football field, I don't think is very smart," HC Mike McCarthy said.
NO - Bush Tells Saints "Time To Bargain"
Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
New Orleans Saints first-round draft choice and reigning Heisman Trophy winner RB Reggie Bush delivered a not-so-subtle message to Saints officials over the weekend: It's time for everyone to take the on-ramp to the bargaining table.
"I'm a competitor and a football player, and so, yeah, naturally, I want to be in camp on time," Bush told ESPN.com. "My goal is to be in there and to start doing my part to bring a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans. That's what I want. But I have an agent and I have faith in Joel [Segal] to handle that end of things for me. ... [And] he knows we have to have a fair offer, one that meets our expectations."
Last week, Bush said, "I don't want to get caught up in holdouts and things like that. I think it is important to start off on a good foot and a good note -- not only with the team, but with the city." He then said he'd instructed his agent to do "whatever it takes" to make that happen.
PHI - HC Reid: 'We Will Run More'
Source: Don Benevento, (Cherry Hill, N.J.) Courier-Post
The Eagles will run the ball more in 2006, according to head coach Andy Reid. Reid reiterated his point again last week as the Eagles closed their first minicamp. Reacting to a question about whether Brian Westbrook would get the ball more this season, Reid again said the Eagles would become more of a running team. "Last year, I will be honest with you, the numbers got a little skewed toward the pass," Reid said. "And we need to get back to what we have done here before and that is balance it up a bit more and give the running game an opportunity to work in there with the passing game."
Obviously, this is great news for Brian Westbrook. He only had 156 carries before ending his season after week 12 with an injury. Correll Buckhalter is a guy that could benefit as well. Ryan Moats and Reno Mahe will try to squeeze their way into the mix. But it looks like Westbrook is the main beneficiary.
Potential June 1 Salary Cap Victims
Source: Scout.com
Scout.com lists a few possible June 1 salary cut players for running backs:
Marcel Shipp / Arizona Cardinals / Base salary-$1.425 million (final year of his contract) - That's a lot of money for a player whose play as deteriorated in recent years and who isn't certain to win the No.2 job.
Lee Suggs / Cleveland Browns / Base salary-$950,000 - While there hasn't been an indication that his job is in jeopardy, RB William Green is ahead of Suggs on the depth chart and the team selected RB Jerome Harrison in April's draft. If Suggs isn't released, he could be dealt some time during training camp to a team that loses a back due to injury.
KC - HC Herm Edwards Shaking Things Up
Source: Elizabeth Merrill, Kansas City Star
The language was toned down, the pace was fast, and as the first veteran minicamp under HC Herm Edwards came to a close Sunday. Edwards made good on his plans to turn up the heat on the veterans and give rookies — even unknown, undrafted ones — a fair shot. That's what happened Sunday afternoon when DT Steve Williams took reps with the No. 1 defensive unit. Williams didn't even have a contract a week ago. "What I told guys is that everyone's going to get an opportunity, and if you do things correctly, you'll get a chance. If you don't, we'll get guys who can do it. It's that simple," Edwards said.
NE - WR B.Johnson Fighting For His Career
Source: Mike Reiss, Boston Globe
He's 27, and at the crossroads of his NFL career. When WR Bethel Johnson joined the Patriots as a second-round draft choice in 2003, expectations were high. Now he's fighting to keep his career alive. The Patriots are seeking a No. 2 receiver following the departure of WR David Givens, and the speedy Johnson would like to be considered for that role. If Johnson is to reverse his career course, it would be perfect timing for the Patriots. The team has WR Deion Branch atop the depth chart, with free agent WR Reche Caldwell, rookie WR Chad Jackson, and 14-year veteran WR Troy Brown among those fighting for playing time.
GB - RB Davenport To See Time At Fullback When He's Ready
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
According to Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski, running back Najeh Davenport will be training this pre-season at the fullback position. "Maybe both of them (running back Ahman Green and Davenport) will be in the backfield at the same time," Jagodzinski said. "We can do that. In this scheme, the fullback position has always been able to go back and play tailback because of what we do. I think he can do both. He's athletic enough to do it." The team also said that Davenport will not return to contact drills until late July or early August.
TEN - QB Volek The Front Runner For Starting Job
Source: Teresa M. Walker, Associated Press via KnoxNews.com
For now, QB Billy Volek, a six-year veteran who wasn't drafted out of college, is the best bet for starter when the Titans open the season Sept. 10 against the New York Jets. Volek has led the first-team offense through the first six of their 14 minicamp sessions, even when rookie QB Vince Young was on the field for the first time with the veterans.
Volek has the job to start the season. He sounds like he's ready: "With them bringing Vince in, I thought they made the right decision between him or Matt," Volek said. "For myself, this is an opportunity for me to go out there and show what I can do. When I've been given a chance to go out and perform, I've put up some yards."
IND - HC Dungy "Tweaks" Offseason Program
Source: John Oehser, Colts.com
HC Tony Dungy has stuck to basically the same offseason program since he was an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings. This year things are going to change for the Colts. Coach Dungy said because their training camp period is shorter than other teams in the league he wants to focus more on conditioning and individual instruction in this years' OTAs.
FOX Sports Czarnecki Ranks Potential QB Disasters
Source: John Czarnecki, FOX Sports
According to FOXSports.com columnist John Czarnecki the Saints, Dolphins and Bears upgraded at the QB position in the offseason.
On the other hand, he ranks the potential quarterback disasters like this: 1) San Diego; 2) Minnesota; 3) Detroit; 4) New York Jets; 5) Buffalo; 6) Houston and 7) Tennessee.
HOU - Texans Eye Packers' McKenzie For GM
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Houston Texans have sent a fax to Packers general manager Ted Thompson, formally requesting permission to interview Green Bay's director of pro personnel, Reggie McKenzie, for their vacant general manager's position. Texans owner Bob McNair is in Denver for the National Football League owners' meetings, so nothing is expected to be scheduled between the Texans and McKenzie before Wednesday.
McKenzie has a tie already to Houston as former Packer head coach Mike Sherman is on staff with the Texans. They have ties to the Green Bay area and moving their family with four school age children is also a factor.
5/20 Updates
IND - WR Harrison To Undergo Elbow Surgery
Source: AP
Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison will have elbow surgery Monday. The surgery is for an injury sustained during the 2005 season. It will be his second surgery in recent months, after having treatment done on a wrist injury that he had sustained midway through last season. Harrison isn't expected to be able to participate in Indianapolis' five-week voluntary organized team activity workouts, which are slated to begin Tuesday.
Harrison left Sunday's final minicamp workout early to catch a flight to Philadelphia where the surgery will be performed: "(The surgery) was planned, but we just couldn't get a late flight to get back him back there in time," coach Tony Dungy said. "But he's doing fine and made it through four practices really well."
CLE - TE Winslow Cutting, Running Routes
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Browns QB Charlie Frye is encouraged by the progress of TE Kellen Winslow Jr. "The last three or four weeks, he's been running routes with cleats on and looking good," Frye said Thursday night. "He's basically running every route, cutting, going deep, whatever. He's one of the fastest guys on the team. I'm really excited for him."
CLE - Browns Now Saying November For WR B.Edwards?
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
GM Phil Savage said WR Braylon Edwards is on track in his rehab from a torn ACL, but that he's not as far along as TE Kellen Winslow Jr. because he had surgery in January. He said Edwards is doing some running, but no cutting. He's expected back in October or November.
Edwards quietly seems to be backing up. October has been the word, (and it still may be) but now the team is talking about November for a return. This puts even more pressure on a guy like Kellen Winslow to produce.
PIT - WR Wilson Likes Depth At Position
Source: Joe Bendel, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
A supremely confident Cedrick Wilson insisted that he is not concerned with the Steelers' decision to draft speedy wideouts Santonio Holmes and Willie Reid in the NFL draft. The way he sees it, the new blood on the roster is only going to make the team better. "Competition is great," Wilson said. "Because the thing with competition is, it brings out the best in you -- or, it should, anyway. It's either going to bring out your best or you'll be destroyed. By competing, that's how you win games and how you win Super Bowls. So, it's great that Santonio and Willie are here. They're great guys, good kids willing to come in here and learn." Wilson had 26 receptions last year for 451 yards.
IND - WR Wayne Planning Big Things
Source: Mike Chappell, The Indianapolis Star
Reggie Wayne's place with the Indianapolis Colts is secure, but the veteran receiver isn't satisfied. Last season, he snapped Marvin Harrison's streak of six consecutive seasons leading the team in receptions. Wayne finished with a career-best 83, one more than Harrison. "What it means to me is Peyton (Manning) is starting to trust me more," Wayne said. "It motivates me to keep doing it." Intent on retaining their 2001 first-round draft pick, the Colts in February re-signed him to a six-year, $39 million contract that included a $12.5 million signing bonus. The financial commitment served as a type of vindication for Wayne.
NO - WR Stallworth Excited About New Offensive Philosophy
Source: Les East, The Advocate
Wide receiver Donte Stallworth says he is excited to be playing for new head coach Sean Payton whose expertise is in the passing game. "I think he's definitely what the doctor ordered for our offense," Stallworth said after a workout this week. "That's really what I've been waiting on, that kind of offensive mind to come through here and in the long run it's going to pay off because of the mismatches that he'll create with his offense."
GB - WR Gardner Impressive During Saturday Practice
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
WR Rod Gardner was the highlight of an otherwise poor morning practice by catching some passes from QB Aaron Rodgers. Gardner is in a fight for the No. 2 receiver job along with veteran Robert Ferguson and the Packer rookie receivers. "(Gardner) looked good today," McCarthy said. "He got deep a few times; he looks like he's in good shape. I thought he had two good practices."
Gardner is a guy that could grab the #2 spot. Or the team may use a committee. "Everybody has a role on this football team, so if it's a clear-cut No. 2, great," coach Mike McCarthy said. "If it's not, we'll use a combination of three people to play the No. 2 position."
CLE - QB Frye, TE Winslow Form Strong Bond
Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
"What people really don't know about TE Kellen Winslow is how much he really wants to succeed," QB Charlie Frye said. "He's not going to let himself fail. I can't wait until that first game when he runs out of that tunnel. I might cry for him. That's how much I care about him." Frye said he's been with Winslow almost every day since the end of January. When they're not lifting at the Browns' facility, they're hanging out or going to Cavs games. "That's one of my brothers now," Frye said. "We do everything together, so I think that's going to be big come September".
NO - Saints Still Trying To Deal RB M.Bennett
Source: Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune
The Saints continue to talk with teams about trading RB Michael Bennett. The 27-year-old just came to New Orleans this year in free agency but was demoted when the team drafted RB Reggie Bush. Reportedly, the Texans are making the biggest push for Bennett (5-foot-9, 209 pounds), and the Saints have also talked with Miami and Kansas City. Bennett signed a two-year deal with a reported signing bonus near $1 million, but his salary is an affordable $700,000 this season and $1.2 million next season.
GB - Heavier RB Gado Working With Starters
Source: Rob Demovsky, PackersNews.com
RB Samkon Gado doesn't believe he's carrying too much weight, but he's not likely to stay at 230 pounds for long. The running back is about 5 pounds heavier than he was last season, but he said the team hasn't asked him to lose any weight. With RB Ahman Green and RB Najeh Davenport out with injuries, Gado has been the No. 1 halfback throughout the offseason.
GB - QB Rodgers Looking Like Future NFL Starter
Source: Dylan B. Tomlinson, PackersNews.com
QB Aaron Rodgers may not take over as the Packers' starting quarterback for another year or two, but with every day of practice, it is becoming easier to envision him in that role. The biggest difference from a year ago is Rodgers' comfort level with the offense. Packers OC Jeff Jagodzinski said the work Rodgers has done during the offseason is paying dividends. His teammates have taken notice of Rodgers' progress. "He looks good. He's very consistent right now," Packers WR Donald Driver said.
SEA - TE Stevens says 'My knee is fine'.
Source: Gail Wood, The Olympian
Stevens arrived on crutches after having arthroscopic surgery this offseason. He says the knee is fine but it's worth noting that he's still on crutches.
"My knee is fine," Stevens said. "I'm taking it day by day."
GB - CB A.Carroll Punches WR R.Martin At Practice
Source: Jason Wilde, Wisconsin State Journal
CB Ahmad Carroll got into one of the more violent minicamp scrums in recent memory toward the end of the morning practice with WR Ruvell Martin. Such fights usually happen in training camp, when the players are in pads and temperatures - and tempers - rise, but Carroll got so mad at Martin at the end of a play that he hit the receiver several times with a closed fist, first in the helmet and then in the midsection. "I don't think anybody minds a fight every once in a while, but fighting on a football field, I don't think is very smart," HC Mike McCarthy said.