Post by John on May 28, 2006 13:22:54 GMT -4
5/26 Updates
Giants dig up Rob Johnson
Giants signed QB Rob Johnson.
Back from the dead. Johnson, who started his career under Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville, has been out of the league for two seasons because of an arm injury. The former Buffalo Bill will compete with Jared Lorenzen and Josh Harris for a roster spot.
Giants release CB Peterson
Giants released CB Will Peterson.
Peterson, thought of as one of the better young cornerbacks in the league a few years ago, is suffering from a career-threatening back injury. Sam Madison and Corey Webster are the favorites to start at cornerback for the Giants this season.
Holcomb leader in the clubhouse
BuffaloBills.com lists Kelly Holcomb first on their depth chart at quarterback.
For what it's worth, most teams don't even have an offseason depth chart, but the Bills update theirs frequently. J.P. Losman is listed as the backup, with Craig Nall a third-stringer. While we have a ways to go, that's the most likely order come September.
SEA - QB M.Hasselbeck On Crutches
Source: Associated Press, ESPN
Super Bowl and Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck reportedly was using crutches on his way into an airline promotional event at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Thursday. The Seahawks quarterback said the injury was a minor, bruised foot tendon, according to Don Wilson. A Seahawks official said Thursday the team had no knowledge of Hasselbeck being injured recently.
TEN - QB Young Plans To Work During Down Time
Source: Terry McCormick, NashvilleCityPaper.com
With the latest rounds of OTAs completed Thursday, the Titans staff will take some much needed time off. That won't be the case for rookie QB Vince Young, who said Thursday he would be collecting the telephone numbers of his receivers and tight ends to help him get his timing down. He hopes that when practices resume he will be that much farther ahead.
"They're throwing a lot at me right now, so they're trying to see if I can handle it," he said. "They want me to be up to par in case Billy [Volek] goes down or something like that. I've got to be ready just like [Matt] Mauck's got to be ready."
CHI - Q&A With HC Smith
Source: Larry Mayer, ChicagoBears.com
Bears HC Lovie Smith answers questions about LB Brian Urlacher, the #2 WR battle, RB Cedric Benson, and rookies TE Tim Day and CB/KR Devin Hester.
Q: What kind of impact are you expecting from Cedric Benson this season and how do you expect to get enough carries for him and Thomas Jones?
A: I think that will work itself out. Last year it really wasn't a competition because Cedric missed all of training camp. This year, Cedric has been here throughout (the offseason), the entire time. Everything starts over this year. We really like them both. I think there will be enough carries for three running backs through the course of a tough year.
DEN - QB Cutler Drawing Praise
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
Said WR Javon Walker of Jay Cutler : "God, he?' going to be a great quarterback. Obviously you can see all the potential that's there. I look forward to whatever happens in the future."
"Just like all young players coming, there's a learning curve that will take some time," coach Mike Shanahan added. "Usually for the first three or four days they feel really good about things and then all of a sudden everything starts coming together like learning a new language. But he's doing a very good job."
"He's got a rocket. He throws the ball hard," cornerback Darrent Williams said. "Once he learns the offense, he's going to be a good player too."
MIA - FB Beasley Understands Role
Source: Jeff Shain, Miami Herald
Miami Dolphins fullback Fred Beasley understands his role is to be Ronnie Brown's lead blocker. But, Beasley hopes that offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey doesn't forget his worth as a receiver. "I like blocking -- don't get me wrong, that's my M.O.,'' he said. ``But there's nothing wrong with a little bone every so often."
TEN - Several Titans Remain Out With Injuries
Source: Associated Press, Knoxville News Sentinel
Titans DT Albert Haynesworth and RB Travis Henry sat out Thursday's on-field practice. HC Jeff Fisher said Haynesworth was resting a sore left knee while Henry was bothered by a thigh bruise. Also, WR Courtney Roby cut short his practice due to a sore hamstring. Many remained out because of earlier injuries. Those include WR Drew Bennett (knee/quadriceps strain), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (shoulder), OT Daniel Loper (wrist), rookie RB LenDale White (hamstring), DT Marcus White (knee), RB Jarrett Payton (hamstring), WR David Givens (ankle), DE Travis LaBoy (shoulder) and WR Roydell Williams (wrist).
DEN - WR J.Walker Cleared For Sprints, Improving
Source: Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
The Broncos were going through their warm-up period when WR Javon Walker decided the time was right to catch a few passes. He hasn't begun to make cuts on his surgically repaired right knee. But because he already is doing straight-ahead running, Walker figured there was no harm. "I kind of snuck that in on my own," he said. "But, obviously, since I'm sprinting, I can do that." The team wants Walker to be fully recovered by the July 28 start of on-field workouts for training camp. Walker said he has full range of motion in the knee and isn't worried about getting his wind back for two-a-days.
TB - Driven WR Boston 90% Healed On All Fronts
Source: Stephen F. Holder, St. Petersburg Times
WR David Boston says he is driven to be the player he was once was. If you don't believe him, you should have seen him Thursday. Less than 24 hours after completing a deal with the Bucs, the free-agent receiver participated in the team's voluntary workout. "They're giving me the leeway to take things slowly here. They know I'm on my way back." QB Chris Simms can see the 6-foot-2 veteran's potential after just a handful of passes: "He's like a specimen. He's 230 pounds and can run a 4.4 (40 yards) and catch the ball with ease. He's just been a big-time player."
5/25 Updates
MIA - QB Culpepper Progressing, Cleared To Move Laterally
Source: Harvey Fialkov, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
QB Daunte Culpepper, on the mend from major knee reconstruction in November, is feeling so good he actually scrambled during a broken play at this past weekend's mini-camp. On Wednesday, HC Nick Saban said that Culpepper, "has done more than we ever thought he could do in terms of his physical ability," and that he has been given clearance to practice his 3-,5-, and 7-step drops, as well as move laterally. Saban stopped short of speculating on Culpepper's possible return by the first month of the regular season, but he didn't rule it out either.
CIN - WR Houshmandzadeh Seeks Improvement
Source: Geoff Hobson, www.bengals.com
Bengal WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh wants to go faster, stronger and calmer this year. In an interview with Bengals.com, the six-year WR expects to come close to 90 catches and 1,200 yards in 2006 and each season thereafter. Houshmandzadeh also intends on controlling his emotions better on the field, as he reflected on the energy he wasted screaming at the Steelers and riding the referees during last year's playoff loss.
TEN - RB White To Start If Healthy?
Source: Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports
If he's healthy, don't be surprised if LenDale White wins the Tennessee Titans' starting running back spot. The Titans think White can play tougher than either Chris Brown or Travis Henry and still stay healthy. As it stands, White is expected to be a big part of red-zone packages, but his role could increase exponentially if he fares well in training camp. The big concern is getting him onto the field in time to learn the pass-protection packages. Since rookie minicamp, White has been weighing around the high 230s consistently - a weight the team has deemed acceptable as long as he dedicates himself to the weight room.
TEN - GM Reese Leaves Room For QB McNair To Return
Source: Terry McCormick, Nashville City Paper
Titans GM Floyd Reese said, despite the ugliness of how the Steve McNair situation has devolved with the quarterback prohibited from working out at Baptist Sports Park for the past seven weeks, his preference would be to find a workable solution for QB McNair in Tennessee. Asked if there is a chance the two sides could work out a deal that would prevent McNair from being traded or released, Reese replied, "Absolutely."
The next step is for the grievance to be ruled on. Once that's done, we'll see how serious Reese really is about keeping McNair. McNair and his agent Bus Cook have said that they are unwilling to take a pay cut from the $9 million base. They also want some guaranteed money and assurance about playing time past 2006.
MIA - WR Chambers Excited About Opportunity With QB Culpepper
Source: AP / ESPN Wire
WR Chris Chambers is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, but what has the Miami Dolphins wide receiver most excited is the opportunity to catch passes from Daunte Culpepper in the upcoming season. "It's a great opportunity for us all," Chambers said Thursday.
Chambers is liking what he sees: "He throws a nice spiral, the best ball I've seen since I've been here," Chambers said of Culpepper. "I thought Gus threw a nice ball, too, but you do see a difference between an elite quarterback and everyone else." He spoke about understanding the difference an elite QB can make after having the opportunity to play with Peyton Manning and Trent Green in this year's Pro Bowl.
Backup RBs That Could Shine - Looking For The Next LJ?
Source: Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports
This is a nice article that takes a look at some RBs that could potentially move up to a starting spot. He lists, Chicago's Cedric Benson, Minnesota's Ciatrick Fason, Jacksonville's Greg Jones, Philadelphia's Ryan Moats, Cincinnati's Chris Perry and San Diego's Michael Turner as guys that could shine this year if given the opportunity.
DEF - DAL - DE Spears Bulks Up And Healthy
Dallas Cowboys DE Marcus Spears was carted off the practice field with an MCL sprain during the preseason of 2005. While Spears eventually played in all 16 games, even replacing Kenyon Coleman in the starting lineup by Week Six, the defensive end said he never regained full strength until after the season. Now Spears, in his 2nd season, is completely healthy and hitting the weights harder than ever.
Giants dig up Rob Johnson
Giants signed QB Rob Johnson.
Back from the dead. Johnson, who started his career under Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville, has been out of the league for two seasons because of an arm injury. The former Buffalo Bill will compete with Jared Lorenzen and Josh Harris for a roster spot.
Giants release CB Peterson
Giants released CB Will Peterson.
Peterson, thought of as one of the better young cornerbacks in the league a few years ago, is suffering from a career-threatening back injury. Sam Madison and Corey Webster are the favorites to start at cornerback for the Giants this season.
Holcomb leader in the clubhouse
BuffaloBills.com lists Kelly Holcomb first on their depth chart at quarterback.
For what it's worth, most teams don't even have an offseason depth chart, but the Bills update theirs frequently. J.P. Losman is listed as the backup, with Craig Nall a third-stringer. While we have a ways to go, that's the most likely order come September.
SEA - QB M.Hasselbeck On Crutches
Source: Associated Press, ESPN
Super Bowl and Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck reportedly was using crutches on his way into an airline promotional event at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Thursday. The Seahawks quarterback said the injury was a minor, bruised foot tendon, according to Don Wilson. A Seahawks official said Thursday the team had no knowledge of Hasselbeck being injured recently.
TEN - QB Young Plans To Work During Down Time
Source: Terry McCormick, NashvilleCityPaper.com
With the latest rounds of OTAs completed Thursday, the Titans staff will take some much needed time off. That won't be the case for rookie QB Vince Young, who said Thursday he would be collecting the telephone numbers of his receivers and tight ends to help him get his timing down. He hopes that when practices resume he will be that much farther ahead.
"They're throwing a lot at me right now, so they're trying to see if I can handle it," he said. "They want me to be up to par in case Billy [Volek] goes down or something like that. I've got to be ready just like [Matt] Mauck's got to be ready."
CHI - Q&A With HC Smith
Source: Larry Mayer, ChicagoBears.com
Bears HC Lovie Smith answers questions about LB Brian Urlacher, the #2 WR battle, RB Cedric Benson, and rookies TE Tim Day and CB/KR Devin Hester.
Q: What kind of impact are you expecting from Cedric Benson this season and how do you expect to get enough carries for him and Thomas Jones?
A: I think that will work itself out. Last year it really wasn't a competition because Cedric missed all of training camp. This year, Cedric has been here throughout (the offseason), the entire time. Everything starts over this year. We really like them both. I think there will be enough carries for three running backs through the course of a tough year.
DEN - QB Cutler Drawing Praise
Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
Said WR Javon Walker of Jay Cutler : "God, he?' going to be a great quarterback. Obviously you can see all the potential that's there. I look forward to whatever happens in the future."
"Just like all young players coming, there's a learning curve that will take some time," coach Mike Shanahan added. "Usually for the first three or four days they feel really good about things and then all of a sudden everything starts coming together like learning a new language. But he's doing a very good job."
"He's got a rocket. He throws the ball hard," cornerback Darrent Williams said. "Once he learns the offense, he's going to be a good player too."
MIA - FB Beasley Understands Role
Source: Jeff Shain, Miami Herald
Miami Dolphins fullback Fred Beasley understands his role is to be Ronnie Brown's lead blocker. But, Beasley hopes that offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey doesn't forget his worth as a receiver. "I like blocking -- don't get me wrong, that's my M.O.,'' he said. ``But there's nothing wrong with a little bone every so often."
TEN - Several Titans Remain Out With Injuries
Source: Associated Press, Knoxville News Sentinel
Titans DT Albert Haynesworth and RB Travis Henry sat out Thursday's on-field practice. HC Jeff Fisher said Haynesworth was resting a sore left knee while Henry was bothered by a thigh bruise. Also, WR Courtney Roby cut short his practice due to a sore hamstring. Many remained out because of earlier injuries. Those include WR Drew Bennett (knee/quadriceps strain), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (shoulder), OT Daniel Loper (wrist), rookie RB LenDale White (hamstring), DT Marcus White (knee), RB Jarrett Payton (hamstring), WR David Givens (ankle), DE Travis LaBoy (shoulder) and WR Roydell Williams (wrist).
DEN - WR J.Walker Cleared For Sprints, Improving
Source: Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
The Broncos were going through their warm-up period when WR Javon Walker decided the time was right to catch a few passes. He hasn't begun to make cuts on his surgically repaired right knee. But because he already is doing straight-ahead running, Walker figured there was no harm. "I kind of snuck that in on my own," he said. "But, obviously, since I'm sprinting, I can do that." The team wants Walker to be fully recovered by the July 28 start of on-field workouts for training camp. Walker said he has full range of motion in the knee and isn't worried about getting his wind back for two-a-days.
TB - Driven WR Boston 90% Healed On All Fronts
Source: Stephen F. Holder, St. Petersburg Times
WR David Boston says he is driven to be the player he was once was. If you don't believe him, you should have seen him Thursday. Less than 24 hours after completing a deal with the Bucs, the free-agent receiver participated in the team's voluntary workout. "They're giving me the leeway to take things slowly here. They know I'm on my way back." QB Chris Simms can see the 6-foot-2 veteran's potential after just a handful of passes: "He's like a specimen. He's 230 pounds and can run a 4.4 (40 yards) and catch the ball with ease. He's just been a big-time player."
5/25 Updates
MIA - QB Culpepper Progressing, Cleared To Move Laterally
Source: Harvey Fialkov, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
QB Daunte Culpepper, on the mend from major knee reconstruction in November, is feeling so good he actually scrambled during a broken play at this past weekend's mini-camp. On Wednesday, HC Nick Saban said that Culpepper, "has done more than we ever thought he could do in terms of his physical ability," and that he has been given clearance to practice his 3-,5-, and 7-step drops, as well as move laterally. Saban stopped short of speculating on Culpepper's possible return by the first month of the regular season, but he didn't rule it out either.
CIN - WR Houshmandzadeh Seeks Improvement
Source: Geoff Hobson, www.bengals.com
Bengal WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh wants to go faster, stronger and calmer this year. In an interview with Bengals.com, the six-year WR expects to come close to 90 catches and 1,200 yards in 2006 and each season thereafter. Houshmandzadeh also intends on controlling his emotions better on the field, as he reflected on the energy he wasted screaming at the Steelers and riding the referees during last year's playoff loss.
TEN - RB White To Start If Healthy?
Source: Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports
If he's healthy, don't be surprised if LenDale White wins the Tennessee Titans' starting running back spot. The Titans think White can play tougher than either Chris Brown or Travis Henry and still stay healthy. As it stands, White is expected to be a big part of red-zone packages, but his role could increase exponentially if he fares well in training camp. The big concern is getting him onto the field in time to learn the pass-protection packages. Since rookie minicamp, White has been weighing around the high 230s consistently - a weight the team has deemed acceptable as long as he dedicates himself to the weight room.
TEN - GM Reese Leaves Room For QB McNair To Return
Source: Terry McCormick, Nashville City Paper
Titans GM Floyd Reese said, despite the ugliness of how the Steve McNair situation has devolved with the quarterback prohibited from working out at Baptist Sports Park for the past seven weeks, his preference would be to find a workable solution for QB McNair in Tennessee. Asked if there is a chance the two sides could work out a deal that would prevent McNair from being traded or released, Reese replied, "Absolutely."
The next step is for the grievance to be ruled on. Once that's done, we'll see how serious Reese really is about keeping McNair. McNair and his agent Bus Cook have said that they are unwilling to take a pay cut from the $9 million base. They also want some guaranteed money and assurance about playing time past 2006.
MIA - WR Chambers Excited About Opportunity With QB Culpepper
Source: AP / ESPN Wire
WR Chris Chambers is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, but what has the Miami Dolphins wide receiver most excited is the opportunity to catch passes from Daunte Culpepper in the upcoming season. "It's a great opportunity for us all," Chambers said Thursday.
Chambers is liking what he sees: "He throws a nice spiral, the best ball I've seen since I've been here," Chambers said of Culpepper. "I thought Gus threw a nice ball, too, but you do see a difference between an elite quarterback and everyone else." He spoke about understanding the difference an elite QB can make after having the opportunity to play with Peyton Manning and Trent Green in this year's Pro Bowl.
Backup RBs That Could Shine - Looking For The Next LJ?
Source: Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports
This is a nice article that takes a look at some RBs that could potentially move up to a starting spot. He lists, Chicago's Cedric Benson, Minnesota's Ciatrick Fason, Jacksonville's Greg Jones, Philadelphia's Ryan Moats, Cincinnati's Chris Perry and San Diego's Michael Turner as guys that could shine this year if given the opportunity.
DEF - DAL - DE Spears Bulks Up And Healthy
Dallas Cowboys DE Marcus Spears was carted off the practice field with an MCL sprain during the preseason of 2005. While Spears eventually played in all 16 games, even replacing Kenyon Coleman in the starting lineup by Week Six, the defensive end said he never regained full strength until after the season. Now Spears, in his 2nd season, is completely healthy and hitting the weights harder than ever.