Post by John on May 25, 2006 10:07:34 GMT -4
5/24 Updates
CHI - RB T.Jones Expressed Desire For Trade
Source: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
The Bears' first mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall is June 2-4. That camp marks the first mandatory off-season commitment for veterans. Whether RB Thomas Jones reports will be the most closely monitored story line. Jones left the team's voluntary off-season program and expressed a desire to be traded when he finally grew tired of making less money than backup RB Cedric Benson. Agent Drew Rosenhaus represents Jones, and has had high-profile clients who have held out in the past.
IND - Addai Being Groomed To Replace James?
Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
Joseph Addai, the former LSU standout and 30th prospect chosen overall last month hasn't been anointed formally -- at least not yet -- as James' successor. The official party line at last weekend's full-squad minicamp here was that Addai will split the position, for the time being, with five-year veteran Dominic Rhodes. But here's an indication as to how the Colts' brass views the potential of their new running back: Addai didn't get James' former uniform, No. 32, but instead was issued No. 29 by the equipment staff.
That's a number which used to belong to one of the other most memorable tailbacks in the Indianapolis era of Colts' franchise history, Pro Football Hall of Fame runner Eric Dickerson.
MIA - HC Saban Weighs In On Culpepper
Source: David J. Neal, Miami Herald
"Daunte has done more than we ever thought he could at this time in terms of his physical ability," Saban said. "He's been cleared to do things at his position as the next part of his rehab. To start taking three-step, five-step, seven-step drops, hand the ball off on some of the zone plays, drop back and throw it and do what he does with his position.
"He's got stability, he's got the girth he needs, the strength he needs to be cleared to do that and he's actually done it for all of these practices. We're pleased with his progress."
Asked if that means Culpepper will be under center in September, Saban said, "I'm not going to speculate and make predictions. Hopefully, if he continues to progress, he'll have some opportunity to do that. I'm not going to put that pressure on him. These are things that go day-to-day and week-to-week. And we're going to see how he progresses."
MIA - QB Culpepper Confident He'll Be Ready
Source: Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
People who have spoken to Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper say he continues to express confidence he will be ready for the Sept. 7 opener.
KC - New OC Says Offense Won't Change Much
Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"We'll make a few changes, but when I say a few changes, I truly believe you won't notice it," Mike Solari, who was promoted from offensive line coach, told reporters. "This is the Kansas City Chiefs offense, and we're going to do what we do."
He was asked if offensive line coaches tended to lean more on the run than the pass. "It's not an issue; I've been in this league (17) years," Solari said. "I believe offensive-line coaches know the protections. I believe offensive-line coaches know the run game. I believe offensive-line coaches that have a history in the league know the passing game.
ARZ - QB Leinart Continues To Impress
Source: Darren Urban, East Valley Tribune
HC Dennis Green said QB Matt Leinart has been throwing better as the practices pass, and said he is pleasantly impressed with Leinart's mobility. "He is a much better athlete than I think people gave him credit for," Green said.
NE - #2 WR Spot Wide Open
Source: Michael Felger, Boston Herald
No job is more wide open than the No. 2 receiver spot opposite WR Deion Branch. The top two candidates for the position, veteran WR Reche Caldwell and second-round pick WR Chad Jackson, have already paired up in the team's conditioning program. They train together and work on routes together, building off their common background as University of Florida alums. Jackson may represent the future, but the pressure is greater on Caldwell to produce immediately. Branch is the first to admit that when defenses devote double-teams to his side of the field, he can be neutralized.
TB - Bucs sign WR Boston
Source: Buccaneers.com
A week after bringing in former Arizona, San Diego and Miami wide receiver David Boston for a tryout, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed the eighth-year free agent.
KC - Chiefs May Place Holmes On PUP List
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
A high-ranking Chiefs official said Holmes would undergo more neurological tests in late June and early July to help determine whether the running back can continue playing football. But even if those tests do not yield the answers that Holmes or the Chiefs want, Kansas City already has developed a contingency plan.
The Chiefs are considering the idea of placing Holmes on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means the running back and the team could delay any decision on the player's future until the fall. If Holmes were able to return, the Chiefs would be thrilled to get back a player of his caliber. If not, they would have exhausted every option possible, giving Holmes as much time as he needed to return.
HOU - GB - Packers McKenzie Says He's The Man For Texans GM Job
Source: Associated Press, via ESPN.com
Green Bay Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said during his interview and evaluation process with the Houston Texans on Wednesday that he should be the Texans' choice as their next general manager. "I'm the man for the job," McKenzie said. "I can lead this team. I can work with all the powers that be and try to put a championship team together. And if the route we want to go is to win, I'm their guy."
BAL - TE Heap Feeling Much Better This Year
Source: Mike Duffy, Balitmoreravens.com
"My body feels like night and day to where I was last year at this time," said the Arizona State product. "Last year, I was healing from ankle surgery and shoulder surgery, and in fact, I had just come off the shoulder surgery. I'm way ahead of there at this point.
"My flexibility and strength are all back, so I'm just ready to go," he continued. "I'm really looking forward to this year."
STL - Rookie WR Smith Accepts Move From QB
Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"It is humbling ... very different," Smith acknowledged after the three-day session last weekend at the Jets' training facility in Hempstead, N.Y. "I'm just trying to learn as much as I can."
Smith, a fourth-round draft pick, apparently is resolved - for now, anyway - to the switch in positions. Earlier, he resisted that notion and spent his time leading up to the draft working exclusively on his quarterback skills.
"I just want to come in and help the team," he said. Quarterback "was what I was working on before, but now that I'm here, this is what I'm working on to be the best I can be at it."
5/23 Updates
CIN - QB Palmer Speaks Out In SI
Source: Bill Koch, The Inquirer
QB Carson Palmer is on the cover of Sports Illustrated today. Not for winning anything though, for being hurt. He talks about his injury, his rehabilitation, and his hatred for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "It's definitely flattering to be on the cover of any magazine," Palmer said Tuesday, "especially a magazine like that, but it's not like I'm on it for winning a big game. I'm on it for being dinged up. When you're on it because you're injured and not able to practice, it's not as good. But it's still a huge honor."
Dr. Lonnie Paulos, the surgeon that originally diagnosed Palmer's injury as "devastating and potentially career-ending". Palmer said of Paulos, "That's a doctor who likes to hear himself talk and see his name in the newspaper."
HOU - RB Davis Preparing For Big Season
Source: AP, ESPN.com
RB Domanick Davis was preparing for RB Reggie Bush a month ago, but now he's looking for a big season. He has a new stable of big offensive linemen and an offensive minded coach to go with them. "I'm really excited," he said. "I'm looking forward to it. This might be the takeoff season." The addition of WR Eric Moulds should help stretch the field and lessen the attention on Davis.
DEN - Broncos Looking For A TE To Replace Putzier
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
The Denver Broncos will try and replace TE Jeb Putzier who led their TEs last year with 37 receptions and 481 yards. Favorites include TE Stephen Alexander and TE Wesley Duke. Converted wide receiver TE Nate Jackson, second-year player TE Landon Trusty and rookie TE Tony Scheffler also could contribute.
DEN - Rookie WR Marshall Impresses Veteran Bailey
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
Champ Bailey was asked Monday which of the team's young receivers had most impressed him.
He didn't have to forage through his brain long to provide an answer.
"(Brandon) Marshall," he said without hesitation. "He's big, strong, can run and catch, looks real smooth to be a rookie in his first few days of camp. That's impressive."
TEN - BAL - QB McNair's Value Key To Trade Talks
Source: Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
Trade talks involving the Titans and Ravens for S.McNair are likely to resume after the quarterbacks' NFL grievance has been heard on June 1st. They key to discussions may be in determining the quarterbacks' worth. The consensus among former NFL executives is McNair only merits a second-day draft pick, a selection ranging from a fourth- to a sixth-round selection.
Former Dallas Cowboys executive summed it up this way: "If [the Titans] get more than a fourth-round pick, they ought to give Reese a big raise," said Brandt. "People are smart enough to know that he is going to be released unless they can redo his contract. There's no purpose to trade and give up the store for that guy." Some people think the situation might end up like Joey Harrington's move to Miami. It's a dangerous waiting game for Tennessee as they could be forced to release him for nothing or accept any offer.
JAX - HC Del Rio Explains Receiver Signings
Source: Bart Hubbuch, Jacksonville Times-Union
HC Jack Del Rio said moments after the sudden retirement of WR Jimmy Smith on May 11 that the Team would not sign a veteran receiver, but the Jags reversed course last week and added WR Randy Hymes and former Jaguar WR Troy Edwards. Del Rio said Monday that "there was no attempt to deceive anyone". "We are not looking at these guys to replace Jimmy Smith," Del Rio said. "We don't see these guys as being our No. 1 option. We feel good about our young receivers. We can't go to camp with nine wideouts. We added a 10th and 11th guy. They'll be given a chance to earn a roster spot."
DEN - Broncos' TE Scheffler Adjusting
Source: Kyle Sonneman, DenverBroncos.com, CBS4 Denver
Like most rookies the eve of their first pro camp, TE Tony Scheffler's head was spinning. He didn't know what to expect. What he did know was that the NFL competition was superior to what he saw at Western Michigan. If the intimidation wasn't enough to worry about, there was the fact that Scheffler didn't have his own playbook before camp started. His only peek at the Webster's Dictionary-sized book came from his roommate and fellow rookie, QB Jay Cutler. But once he got over the intimidation and uneasiness, Scheffler showed why the Broncos chose him in the second round.
NO - Reggie Bush Won't Be Wearing #5
Source: AP
Reggie Bush won't get to wear the No. 5 he made famous at USC for the New Orleans Saints. Not this season and perhaps not ever.
Atlanta general manager Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee, said Tuesday that the committee had recommended against Bush's request for his college number.
The decision was made by the committee after two conference calls. It was never discussed by the owners.
"Nobody is comfortable that an exception be made to the policy and no one is confident that there will ever be a change," McKay said at the NFL owners meetings, adding that it might come up again, but certainly not until after the 2006 season has started.
DEF - PIT - LB Porter To Have Knee Surgery
Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
Steelers LB Joey Porter will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday, and will likely miss the balance of the offseason conditioning program. The surgery will address a cartilage problem for the three-time Pro Bowl performer.
CHI - RB T.Jones Expressed Desire For Trade
Source: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
The Bears' first mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall is June 2-4. That camp marks the first mandatory off-season commitment for veterans. Whether RB Thomas Jones reports will be the most closely monitored story line. Jones left the team's voluntary off-season program and expressed a desire to be traded when he finally grew tired of making less money than backup RB Cedric Benson. Agent Drew Rosenhaus represents Jones, and has had high-profile clients who have held out in the past.
IND - Addai Being Groomed To Replace James?
Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
Joseph Addai, the former LSU standout and 30th prospect chosen overall last month hasn't been anointed formally -- at least not yet -- as James' successor. The official party line at last weekend's full-squad minicamp here was that Addai will split the position, for the time being, with five-year veteran Dominic Rhodes. But here's an indication as to how the Colts' brass views the potential of their new running back: Addai didn't get James' former uniform, No. 32, but instead was issued No. 29 by the equipment staff.
That's a number which used to belong to one of the other most memorable tailbacks in the Indianapolis era of Colts' franchise history, Pro Football Hall of Fame runner Eric Dickerson.
MIA - HC Saban Weighs In On Culpepper
Source: David J. Neal, Miami Herald
"Daunte has done more than we ever thought he could at this time in terms of his physical ability," Saban said. "He's been cleared to do things at his position as the next part of his rehab. To start taking three-step, five-step, seven-step drops, hand the ball off on some of the zone plays, drop back and throw it and do what he does with his position.
"He's got stability, he's got the girth he needs, the strength he needs to be cleared to do that and he's actually done it for all of these practices. We're pleased with his progress."
Asked if that means Culpepper will be under center in September, Saban said, "I'm not going to speculate and make predictions. Hopefully, if he continues to progress, he'll have some opportunity to do that. I'm not going to put that pressure on him. These are things that go day-to-day and week-to-week. And we're going to see how he progresses."
MIA - QB Culpepper Confident He'll Be Ready
Source: Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
People who have spoken to Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper say he continues to express confidence he will be ready for the Sept. 7 opener.
KC - New OC Says Offense Won't Change Much
Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"We'll make a few changes, but when I say a few changes, I truly believe you won't notice it," Mike Solari, who was promoted from offensive line coach, told reporters. "This is the Kansas City Chiefs offense, and we're going to do what we do."
He was asked if offensive line coaches tended to lean more on the run than the pass. "It's not an issue; I've been in this league (17) years," Solari said. "I believe offensive-line coaches know the protections. I believe offensive-line coaches know the run game. I believe offensive-line coaches that have a history in the league know the passing game.
ARZ - QB Leinart Continues To Impress
Source: Darren Urban, East Valley Tribune
HC Dennis Green said QB Matt Leinart has been throwing better as the practices pass, and said he is pleasantly impressed with Leinart's mobility. "He is a much better athlete than I think people gave him credit for," Green said.
NE - #2 WR Spot Wide Open
Source: Michael Felger, Boston Herald
No job is more wide open than the No. 2 receiver spot opposite WR Deion Branch. The top two candidates for the position, veteran WR Reche Caldwell and second-round pick WR Chad Jackson, have already paired up in the team's conditioning program. They train together and work on routes together, building off their common background as University of Florida alums. Jackson may represent the future, but the pressure is greater on Caldwell to produce immediately. Branch is the first to admit that when defenses devote double-teams to his side of the field, he can be neutralized.
TB - Bucs sign WR Boston
Source: Buccaneers.com
A week after bringing in former Arizona, San Diego and Miami wide receiver David Boston for a tryout, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed the eighth-year free agent.
KC - Chiefs May Place Holmes On PUP List
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
A high-ranking Chiefs official said Holmes would undergo more neurological tests in late June and early July to help determine whether the running back can continue playing football. But even if those tests do not yield the answers that Holmes or the Chiefs want, Kansas City already has developed a contingency plan.
The Chiefs are considering the idea of placing Holmes on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means the running back and the team could delay any decision on the player's future until the fall. If Holmes were able to return, the Chiefs would be thrilled to get back a player of his caliber. If not, they would have exhausted every option possible, giving Holmes as much time as he needed to return.
HOU - GB - Packers McKenzie Says He's The Man For Texans GM Job
Source: Associated Press, via ESPN.com
Green Bay Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said during his interview and evaluation process with the Houston Texans on Wednesday that he should be the Texans' choice as their next general manager. "I'm the man for the job," McKenzie said. "I can lead this team. I can work with all the powers that be and try to put a championship team together. And if the route we want to go is to win, I'm their guy."
BAL - TE Heap Feeling Much Better This Year
Source: Mike Duffy, Balitmoreravens.com
"My body feels like night and day to where I was last year at this time," said the Arizona State product. "Last year, I was healing from ankle surgery and shoulder surgery, and in fact, I had just come off the shoulder surgery. I'm way ahead of there at this point.
"My flexibility and strength are all back, so I'm just ready to go," he continued. "I'm really looking forward to this year."
STL - Rookie WR Smith Accepts Move From QB
Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"It is humbling ... very different," Smith acknowledged after the three-day session last weekend at the Jets' training facility in Hempstead, N.Y. "I'm just trying to learn as much as I can."
Smith, a fourth-round draft pick, apparently is resolved - for now, anyway - to the switch in positions. Earlier, he resisted that notion and spent his time leading up to the draft working exclusively on his quarterback skills.
"I just want to come in and help the team," he said. Quarterback "was what I was working on before, but now that I'm here, this is what I'm working on to be the best I can be at it."
5/23 Updates
CIN - QB Palmer Speaks Out In SI
Source: Bill Koch, The Inquirer
QB Carson Palmer is on the cover of Sports Illustrated today. Not for winning anything though, for being hurt. He talks about his injury, his rehabilitation, and his hatred for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "It's definitely flattering to be on the cover of any magazine," Palmer said Tuesday, "especially a magazine like that, but it's not like I'm on it for winning a big game. I'm on it for being dinged up. When you're on it because you're injured and not able to practice, it's not as good. But it's still a huge honor."
Dr. Lonnie Paulos, the surgeon that originally diagnosed Palmer's injury as "devastating and potentially career-ending". Palmer said of Paulos, "That's a doctor who likes to hear himself talk and see his name in the newspaper."
HOU - RB Davis Preparing For Big Season
Source: AP, ESPN.com
RB Domanick Davis was preparing for RB Reggie Bush a month ago, but now he's looking for a big season. He has a new stable of big offensive linemen and an offensive minded coach to go with them. "I'm really excited," he said. "I'm looking forward to it. This might be the takeoff season." The addition of WR Eric Moulds should help stretch the field and lessen the attention on Davis.
DEN - Broncos Looking For A TE To Replace Putzier
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
The Denver Broncos will try and replace TE Jeb Putzier who led their TEs last year with 37 receptions and 481 yards. Favorites include TE Stephen Alexander and TE Wesley Duke. Converted wide receiver TE Nate Jackson, second-year player TE Landon Trusty and rookie TE Tony Scheffler also could contribute.
DEN - Rookie WR Marshall Impresses Veteran Bailey
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
Champ Bailey was asked Monday which of the team's young receivers had most impressed him.
He didn't have to forage through his brain long to provide an answer.
"(Brandon) Marshall," he said without hesitation. "He's big, strong, can run and catch, looks real smooth to be a rookie in his first few days of camp. That's impressive."
TEN - BAL - QB McNair's Value Key To Trade Talks
Source: Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
Trade talks involving the Titans and Ravens for S.McNair are likely to resume after the quarterbacks' NFL grievance has been heard on June 1st. They key to discussions may be in determining the quarterbacks' worth. The consensus among former NFL executives is McNair only merits a second-day draft pick, a selection ranging from a fourth- to a sixth-round selection.
Former Dallas Cowboys executive summed it up this way: "If [the Titans] get more than a fourth-round pick, they ought to give Reese a big raise," said Brandt. "People are smart enough to know that he is going to be released unless they can redo his contract. There's no purpose to trade and give up the store for that guy." Some people think the situation might end up like Joey Harrington's move to Miami. It's a dangerous waiting game for Tennessee as they could be forced to release him for nothing or accept any offer.
JAX - HC Del Rio Explains Receiver Signings
Source: Bart Hubbuch, Jacksonville Times-Union
HC Jack Del Rio said moments after the sudden retirement of WR Jimmy Smith on May 11 that the Team would not sign a veteran receiver, but the Jags reversed course last week and added WR Randy Hymes and former Jaguar WR Troy Edwards. Del Rio said Monday that "there was no attempt to deceive anyone". "We are not looking at these guys to replace Jimmy Smith," Del Rio said. "We don't see these guys as being our No. 1 option. We feel good about our young receivers. We can't go to camp with nine wideouts. We added a 10th and 11th guy. They'll be given a chance to earn a roster spot."
DEN - Broncos' TE Scheffler Adjusting
Source: Kyle Sonneman, DenverBroncos.com, CBS4 Denver
Like most rookies the eve of their first pro camp, TE Tony Scheffler's head was spinning. He didn't know what to expect. What he did know was that the NFL competition was superior to what he saw at Western Michigan. If the intimidation wasn't enough to worry about, there was the fact that Scheffler didn't have his own playbook before camp started. His only peek at the Webster's Dictionary-sized book came from his roommate and fellow rookie, QB Jay Cutler. But once he got over the intimidation and uneasiness, Scheffler showed why the Broncos chose him in the second round.
NO - Reggie Bush Won't Be Wearing #5
Source: AP
Reggie Bush won't get to wear the No. 5 he made famous at USC for the New Orleans Saints. Not this season and perhaps not ever.
Atlanta general manager Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee, said Tuesday that the committee had recommended against Bush's request for his college number.
The decision was made by the committee after two conference calls. It was never discussed by the owners.
"Nobody is comfortable that an exception be made to the policy and no one is confident that there will ever be a change," McKay said at the NFL owners meetings, adding that it might come up again, but certainly not until after the 2006 season has started.
DEF - PIT - LB Porter To Have Knee Surgery
Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
Steelers LB Joey Porter will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday, and will likely miss the balance of the offseason conditioning program. The surgery will address a cartilage problem for the three-time Pro Bowl performer.