Post by John on Jun 1, 2006 10:22:26 GMT -4
6/4 Updates
Texans to introduce Smith as new GM
Source: Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans will introduce Broncos assistant Rick Smith as their new general manager Monday.
Smith replaces Charley Casserly, who resigned in May. Employed by the Broncos since he was 26, Smith, now 36, will be reunited with former Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, now head coach of the Texans. Jun. 4 - 4:56 pm et
Source: Houston Chronicle
Bengals WR Henry arrested, again
Sirius NFL Radio reports Bengals WR Chris Henry has been arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence.
Henry reportedly failed a series of field sobriety tests and was subsequently charged with OVI. Already going on trial for a felony gun charge August 21 and recovering from a knee injury, the second-year wideout is doing his best Lawrence Phillips impression. Oh, Henry also pled guilty to marijuana possession in March too. The Bengals should discipline Henry before the league does. With a lesser player, Henry would probably be cut.
DE Ellis: ''I probably shouldn't be here''
Source: dallascowboys.com
DE Greg Ellis feels the Cowboys should show him more commitment.
Ellis, who has four years left on his contract, won't be a starter this season but wants the Cowboys to frontload his deal with guaranteed money. "If we can't get anything done, I think it's best for me to be gone," he said. "They can trade me or do whatever. Not in a hostile way. I understand the business. I'm just saying I probably shouldn't be here." If Ellis really "understands the business," he knows it's bad business to guarantee an aging sub millions of dollars.
Priest planning on return
Source: The Monitor
Priest Holmes told "The Monitor" in McAllen, Texas that he has every intention of playing in 2006.
"Absolutely. That’s the plan," Holmes said. "Unless I hear otherwise, and the docs say, ‘You know what, we’re canceling your card, you can’t go back and play." Perhaps more interesting, Holmes was planning to take a physical for the Chiefs this weekend. His return would slow down the Larry Johnson bandwagon a tad.
Report: Pats talking terms with CB Ty Law
Source: Boston Herald
The Patriots have reportedly had substantive contract talks with the agent for Ty Law.
New England brought Law in for a physical May 12 and have taken contract discussions to a new level. The Pats have $15 million in remaining cap space, so they should be able to afford him. Law had ten interceptions last season, the Patriots combined total on the year.
6/3 Updates
Lions discipline WR Mike Williams
Source: Detroit News
WR Mike Williams was held out of practice Friday for disciplinary reasons.
"I excused him on a team issue," head coach Rod Marinelli said. "That's how I'm going to leave it." Williams was disciplined as a rookie by then-head coach Steve Mariucci for showing up late to team meetings. Williams hasn't been running among the top three receivers in Detroit so far this offseason.
Coach Payton holds WR Stallworth out of practice
Coach Sean Payton told the Saints website he didn't want WR Donte' Stallworth to practice with the team Saturday.
"We'll see him out here tomorrow. There's certain things that we're going to do the right way. There's certain ways we're going to be on time...I don't want anybody to get sloppy. I wasn't happy with a few things and we'll leave it at that." Stallworth was the subject of trade rumors earlier in the offseason.
Brunell out with broken finger
Mark Brunell will miss 2-3 weeks of offseason works for a broken left index finger.
The Redskins are downplaying the injury, saying it's possible Brunell could return in time for a June 16th minicamp. Returning in time for training camp is more likely. This will give Jason Campbell a chance to impress coach Joe Gibbs while Brunell is hurt.
Colts may have interest in Michael Bennett
Source: ESPN Insider
ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the Colts could have interest in Michael Bennett.
It's just speculation on the part of Pasquarelli, but if it's true, the Colts may not have faith that rookie Joseph Addai and pedestrian vet Dominic Rhodes could carry the load this season. With Deuce McAllister not likely to be 100 percent and a possible looming holdout by Reggie Bush, the Saints might serve themselves best by sticking with Bennett.
Nicholson being held on $16,000 bond
A.J. Nicholson was detained by Leon County, FL police Saturday and is being held on $16,000 bond.
The Bengals fifth-round pick was charged with grand theft and vandalism. Along with former teammate Fred Rouse, Nicholson allegedly burglarized the apartment of running back Lorenzo Booker at Florida State in May.
Titans may redo McNair's deal
Source: Baltimore Sun
The Titans are expected to try to re-work Steve McNair's contract.
Baltimore has agreed in principle with McNair on an $11 million signing bonus and have a fourth-round pick that could escalate to a third-rounder on the table. The Titans will wait on dealing McNair, whose current cap number is $23.46 million, in hopes that they can restructure his deal. Because of a lack of cap space, it's unlikely Tennessee will be able to match the Ravens offer.
Jags FB Wimbush breaks bone in left arm
Source: Florida Times Union
FB Derrick Wimbush will need surgery for a broken bone in his left arm.
A key contributor on specials and a backup fullback, Wimbush could miss training camp and the preseason while recovering from the injury. Wimbush led the Jaguars in special teams tackles in 2005 and set a team record for single-season kick return yardage.
6/2 Updates
Bradley already back on field for Bears
Mark Bradley, less than eight months removed from ACL surgery, was practicing without limitations at Bears minicamp Friday.
Considering he suffered the injury after Javon Walker and Deuce McAllister, it's pretty remarkable Bradley is playing again. We'll keep an eye on him in training camp and inch him up our draft boards if he's reported to have his speed back.
Thomas Jones and Lance Briggs get ''demoted''
Thomas Jones and Lance Briggs were demoted to Chicago's second team during Bears minicamp Friday for skipping team's voluntary workouts.
"We have a starting rotation and that's how it is," coach Lovie Smith said. "In order to be at the top of the starting rotation, you have to be here. So that's how it is." We'd be more concerned about this "demotion" for Jones if Briggs wasn't also being sat down for ... Leon Joe. Smith is making a point and while Jones isn't helping his case vs. Cedric Benson, it's June and the battle for the team's starting job hasn't really started.
Broncos waive TE Wesley Duke
Broncos waived TE Wesley Duke.
The Rocky Mountain News reported in May that the former college slam dunk contest competitor would be competing for a starting job this season. Guess not. Duke was one of three tight end starters in the 2005 AFC Championship but was a little-used reserve in NFL Europe this spring.
Along came Polley to New Orleans
Saints signed LB Tommy Polley.
Polley has been very productive the last few years, but the Rams and Ravens gave up on him after questions about his toughness. Polley has a good chance to start in New Orleans, where players like Anthony Simmons and Scott Fujita are slated for big roles. The team also picked up veteran Jay Foreman.
6/1 Updates
Thomas Jones won't hold out
NFL Network's Adam Shefter reports that Thomas Jones showed up for Chicago's minicamp this weekend.
There were concerns that Jones would "hold out" of minicamp and possibly training camp. Showing up is a great sign for his fantasy value. He'll have enough problems holding off Cedric Benson without skipping any mandatory work.
Charles Rogers buried on depth chart
Despite Mike Williams and Scottie Vines missing practice Wednesday, Charles Rogers was running with the No. 3 team at Lions minicamp.
Really, what is the point in keeping him this long? Glenn Martinez and Mike Furrey were running with the No. 2 team, which shows where Rogers stands with the new Lions coaching staff.
Sean Taylor reaches deal to avoid jail
Source: Washington Post
Sean Taylor will accept a plea deal that will ensure he avoid jail time. Felony charges will be dismissed in his assault/firearm case.
Taylor will plead no contest contest to one misdemeanor battery charge and one misdemeanor assault charge. He's certain to get a fine from the league, and a league suspension appears possible, although no one is commenting at this time. Taylor will be at training camp.
Packers rookie undergoes surgery on foot
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Packers rookie CB Will Blackmon underwent surgery on a broken foot.
Blackmon played receiver and cornerback in college, so this won't help his transition to the pros. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is hopeful he'll be ready for training camp.
Texans to introduce Smith as new GM
Source: Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans will introduce Broncos assistant Rick Smith as their new general manager Monday.
Smith replaces Charley Casserly, who resigned in May. Employed by the Broncos since he was 26, Smith, now 36, will be reunited with former Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, now head coach of the Texans. Jun. 4 - 4:56 pm et
Source: Houston Chronicle
Bengals WR Henry arrested, again
Sirius NFL Radio reports Bengals WR Chris Henry has been arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence.
Henry reportedly failed a series of field sobriety tests and was subsequently charged with OVI. Already going on trial for a felony gun charge August 21 and recovering from a knee injury, the second-year wideout is doing his best Lawrence Phillips impression. Oh, Henry also pled guilty to marijuana possession in March too. The Bengals should discipline Henry before the league does. With a lesser player, Henry would probably be cut.
DE Ellis: ''I probably shouldn't be here''
Source: dallascowboys.com
DE Greg Ellis feels the Cowboys should show him more commitment.
Ellis, who has four years left on his contract, won't be a starter this season but wants the Cowboys to frontload his deal with guaranteed money. "If we can't get anything done, I think it's best for me to be gone," he said. "They can trade me or do whatever. Not in a hostile way. I understand the business. I'm just saying I probably shouldn't be here." If Ellis really "understands the business," he knows it's bad business to guarantee an aging sub millions of dollars.
Priest planning on return
Source: The Monitor
Priest Holmes told "The Monitor" in McAllen, Texas that he has every intention of playing in 2006.
"Absolutely. That’s the plan," Holmes said. "Unless I hear otherwise, and the docs say, ‘You know what, we’re canceling your card, you can’t go back and play." Perhaps more interesting, Holmes was planning to take a physical for the Chiefs this weekend. His return would slow down the Larry Johnson bandwagon a tad.
Report: Pats talking terms with CB Ty Law
Source: Boston Herald
The Patriots have reportedly had substantive contract talks with the agent for Ty Law.
New England brought Law in for a physical May 12 and have taken contract discussions to a new level. The Pats have $15 million in remaining cap space, so they should be able to afford him. Law had ten interceptions last season, the Patriots combined total on the year.
6/3 Updates
Lions discipline WR Mike Williams
Source: Detroit News
WR Mike Williams was held out of practice Friday for disciplinary reasons.
"I excused him on a team issue," head coach Rod Marinelli said. "That's how I'm going to leave it." Williams was disciplined as a rookie by then-head coach Steve Mariucci for showing up late to team meetings. Williams hasn't been running among the top three receivers in Detroit so far this offseason.
Coach Payton holds WR Stallworth out of practice
Coach Sean Payton told the Saints website he didn't want WR Donte' Stallworth to practice with the team Saturday.
"We'll see him out here tomorrow. There's certain things that we're going to do the right way. There's certain ways we're going to be on time...I don't want anybody to get sloppy. I wasn't happy with a few things and we'll leave it at that." Stallworth was the subject of trade rumors earlier in the offseason.
Brunell out with broken finger
Mark Brunell will miss 2-3 weeks of offseason works for a broken left index finger.
The Redskins are downplaying the injury, saying it's possible Brunell could return in time for a June 16th minicamp. Returning in time for training camp is more likely. This will give Jason Campbell a chance to impress coach Joe Gibbs while Brunell is hurt.
Colts may have interest in Michael Bennett
Source: ESPN Insider
ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the Colts could have interest in Michael Bennett.
It's just speculation on the part of Pasquarelli, but if it's true, the Colts may not have faith that rookie Joseph Addai and pedestrian vet Dominic Rhodes could carry the load this season. With Deuce McAllister not likely to be 100 percent and a possible looming holdout by Reggie Bush, the Saints might serve themselves best by sticking with Bennett.
Nicholson being held on $16,000 bond
A.J. Nicholson was detained by Leon County, FL police Saturday and is being held on $16,000 bond.
The Bengals fifth-round pick was charged with grand theft and vandalism. Along with former teammate Fred Rouse, Nicholson allegedly burglarized the apartment of running back Lorenzo Booker at Florida State in May.
Titans may redo McNair's deal
Source: Baltimore Sun
The Titans are expected to try to re-work Steve McNair's contract.
Baltimore has agreed in principle with McNair on an $11 million signing bonus and have a fourth-round pick that could escalate to a third-rounder on the table. The Titans will wait on dealing McNair, whose current cap number is $23.46 million, in hopes that they can restructure his deal. Because of a lack of cap space, it's unlikely Tennessee will be able to match the Ravens offer.
Jags FB Wimbush breaks bone in left arm
Source: Florida Times Union
FB Derrick Wimbush will need surgery for a broken bone in his left arm.
A key contributor on specials and a backup fullback, Wimbush could miss training camp and the preseason while recovering from the injury. Wimbush led the Jaguars in special teams tackles in 2005 and set a team record for single-season kick return yardage.
6/2 Updates
Bradley already back on field for Bears
Mark Bradley, less than eight months removed from ACL surgery, was practicing without limitations at Bears minicamp Friday.
Considering he suffered the injury after Javon Walker and Deuce McAllister, it's pretty remarkable Bradley is playing again. We'll keep an eye on him in training camp and inch him up our draft boards if he's reported to have his speed back.
Thomas Jones and Lance Briggs get ''demoted''
Thomas Jones and Lance Briggs were demoted to Chicago's second team during Bears minicamp Friday for skipping team's voluntary workouts.
"We have a starting rotation and that's how it is," coach Lovie Smith said. "In order to be at the top of the starting rotation, you have to be here. So that's how it is." We'd be more concerned about this "demotion" for Jones if Briggs wasn't also being sat down for ... Leon Joe. Smith is making a point and while Jones isn't helping his case vs. Cedric Benson, it's June and the battle for the team's starting job hasn't really started.
Broncos waive TE Wesley Duke
Broncos waived TE Wesley Duke.
The Rocky Mountain News reported in May that the former college slam dunk contest competitor would be competing for a starting job this season. Guess not. Duke was one of three tight end starters in the 2005 AFC Championship but was a little-used reserve in NFL Europe this spring.
Along came Polley to New Orleans
Saints signed LB Tommy Polley.
Polley has been very productive the last few years, but the Rams and Ravens gave up on him after questions about his toughness. Polley has a good chance to start in New Orleans, where players like Anthony Simmons and Scott Fujita are slated for big roles. The team also picked up veteran Jay Foreman.
6/1 Updates
Thomas Jones won't hold out
NFL Network's Adam Shefter reports that Thomas Jones showed up for Chicago's minicamp this weekend.
There were concerns that Jones would "hold out" of minicamp and possibly training camp. Showing up is a great sign for his fantasy value. He'll have enough problems holding off Cedric Benson without skipping any mandatory work.
Charles Rogers buried on depth chart
Despite Mike Williams and Scottie Vines missing practice Wednesday, Charles Rogers was running with the No. 3 team at Lions minicamp.
Really, what is the point in keeping him this long? Glenn Martinez and Mike Furrey were running with the No. 2 team, which shows where Rogers stands with the new Lions coaching staff.
Sean Taylor reaches deal to avoid jail
Source: Washington Post
Sean Taylor will accept a plea deal that will ensure he avoid jail time. Felony charges will be dismissed in his assault/firearm case.
Taylor will plead no contest contest to one misdemeanor battery charge and one misdemeanor assault charge. He's certain to get a fine from the league, and a league suspension appears possible, although no one is commenting at this time. Taylor will be at training camp.
Packers rookie undergoes surgery on foot
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Packers rookie CB Will Blackmon underwent surgery on a broken foot.
Blackmon played receiver and cornerback in college, so this won't help his transition to the pros. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is hopeful he'll be ready for training camp.