Manning has a sore backside

"Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning went through his second limited practice Thursday, but the team has no concern about his availability for Sunday's game at Houston.

The NFL's three-time MVP is dealing with a "glute'' injury. Coach Jim Caldwell wouldn't comment on the specifics or severity of the injury.

"Just a little soreness, so we're just kind of being careful with it,'' he said.

Asked how limited Manning was during Thursday's workout, Caldwell smiled.

"He was limited.''

Owner Jim Irsay isn't worried about Manning missing practice time.

"It's a long season and guys get nicks all the time,'' he said. "It's just that when it's Peyton, it gets a lot of attention.""

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Turner to be a game-time decision

"Running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood both practiced again on Thursday.

Norwood fully participated, while Turner was limited.

"Jerious is definitely ahead of Mike," Smith said. "Mike is probably going to down to the wire in terms of a game-time decision on if he's going to be able to play or not." "

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Larry Johnson inks deal to join the Cincinnati Bengals

"Larry Johnson is a Bengal after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the team this morning. The Bengals still have not made an official announcement since they still have to make a roster move to put Johnson on the 53-man roster.

Johnson arrived on Monday night in Cincinnati and met with the coach Marvin Lewis and his staff. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson had talked but the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. Lewis spoke with Johnson last Thursday about possibly coming to the team.

Lewis also said on Monday that Johnson would be the fourth running back and that the role of the three backs on the roster would not change.

“It would have zero affect on Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott or Brian Leonard,” Lewis said. “I’m very happy right now with what they’re doing and their roles and I want to see Bernard’s role continue to expand as it did yesterday.”

The rumors about Johnson coming to Cincinnati really intensified following Sunday’s 18-12 win over Pittsburgh when Benson left during the second quarter with a hip flexor strain.

But both Lewis and Benson said that the injury, which is officially an abductor strain, was not serious and that he could be available for this week’s game at Oakland. But Benson is expected to be limited in practices with the final decision being made close to game time.

“I had an opportunity to visit with Cedric, and it (Johnson’s signing) doesn’t affect him zero,” Lewis said. “Obviously this was already underway last week, so Ced in the game had no affect on this thing.”

Benson said this morning on Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Radio morning show that he is feeling pretty good, calling it “just a minor speed bump in the road” and also supported the signing."

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Chiefs' Bowe suspended four games by NFL

"Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

League spokesman Corry Rush announced the suspension in an e-mail, and the Chiefs have acknowledged Bowe's suspension.

In a news release, the Chiefs said Bowe’s suspension will begin immediately.

"As a result of the league suspension, the team will have no further comment," the Chiefs' news release said."

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Bills Fire Jauron After Dismal 3-6 Start

"The Buffalo Bills fired coach Dick Jauron today, team owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. told The News.

"It's the toughest thing I ever had to do personally because he's such a great guy," Wilson said. "But nothing ever seemed to go right."

The move comes in the wake of Sunday's 41-17 loss at Tennessee, which dropped the Bills to 3-6 on the season.

"He's just a great guy, and I feel very bad about it," Wilson said. "But I think it's best for the team and the fans and everybody."

It's expected that either defensive coordinator Perry Fewell or assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Bobby April will take over."

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Browns running back Jamal Lewis said team works too hard to win

"Browns running back Jamal Lewis said today the Browns work too hard during the week to be efficient on game days. They're 1-7 and he's tired of it.

He said the team works every day for 2 1/2 to three hours and has practiced in pads through a half-season more than he did with the Baltimore Ravens in three seasons.

"Hey, you want a W on Sunday when you work like that," he said.

"There's talent all over this room, young and old," Lewis continued. "At the same time, that talent's got to be able to be ready for Sunday and to be fresh for Sunday and be ready to go out and be efficient on Sunday.

"You can work hard as you want. You can work all day, seven days a week all the way up to Sunday in practice. But at the same time, if you're going to work like that, then maybe on Sunday you're probably not going to get what you want out of your players."

Lewis also said he doesn't fit in the Browns' offense because it's a "pass-type offense."

The comments stemmed from another conversation about Lewis' decision to retire after this season, which he first made out of frustration following the Browns' last game in Chicago before their bye week."

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Texans To Look At Ex-Chief Running Back Johnson

"The Texans' running game is so bad they are interested in signing former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.

The Texans, who are 5-4 and averaging only 90.8 yards rushing, are one of several teams showing interest in Johnson, who was placed on waivers Monday.

"We're going to do our homework on him just like we did our homework on Edgerrin James last week," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Obviously, I think when a name like that (Johnson) comes on the free-agent market like today, we'll take a look at him just like any other player.

"He's been a good player in this league, and I'm sure he'll get a lot of interest from a lot of people."

Johnson, who turns 30 on Nov. 16, will be an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers today as expected. The Chiefs released him on the day he returned from a two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Johnson, who was dogged by off-the-field issues at Kansas City, was suspended for making anti-gay remarks on his Twitter account and for repeating them to reporters who cover the Chiefs. He also was critical of coach Todd Haley on his Twitter account.

The NFL told the Kansas City Star on Monday that Johnson doesn't face a suspension from the league because the Chiefs suspended him for two games, costing him about $330,000, according to the newspaper."

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Freeman leads Bucs to first win

"It has to have a starting point. Every escape from the darkness does. Maybe that game-winning drive late Sunday against the Packers, which produced a 38-28 victory, was it.

It wasn't necessarily one for the ages. But coming as it did, with rookie quarterback Josh Freeman at the wheel and in a uniform that has come to symbolize a losing era, it was enough to make some believe better days are just ahead.

"You've got to think it's the start of something special," Bucs receiver Michael Clayton said of Freeman's work during the eight-play, 72-yard touchdown drive that completed Tampa Bay's comeback from an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit and ended an 11-game losing streak.

"That's why we brought him here to lead this franchise," said first-time winning Bucs coach Raheem Morris, a former Kansas State defensive coordinator who had as much to do with bringing the former K-State quarterback to Tampa as anyone. "It reminded me of his first college start.""

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D-Hall calls out Smith, plans to contact league office

"Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall was still steaming hot over a skirmish on the Falcons' sideline during the game Sunday.

After Washington safety LaRon Landry hit Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan out of bounds in the second quarter, Hall, a former Falcon, got into a jostling match with several Falcons, strength coach Jeff Fish and head coach Mike Smith.

"I ran over there to kind of pull my guy away," Hall said. "One of their strength and conditioning coaches put his hands on me and started grabbing me. Then it went to various other guys pulling at me and grabbing me. Through the whole time, I'm trying to get the guys' hands off of me."

Falcons coach Mike Smith said he didn't know who the player was from the Redskins who was involved in the incident."

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Chiefs release Larry Johnson

"The Chiefs released running back Larry Johnson on Monday, his first day back from a two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Johnson called out coach Todd Haley two weeks ago in a Twitter post before using a pair of gay slurs on his Twitter profile and, a day later, to a group of reporters. He missed Sunday’s game at Jacksonville, and the suspension cost him about $330,000. He also ended his Chiefs career 74 yards short of the franchise rushing record, set by Priest Holmes.

Johnson’s high point with the Chiefs was in 2006, when he established an NFL single-season record with 416 rushing attempts and a franchise single-season mark with 1,789 rushing yards. He was the Chiefs’ first-round selection at 27th overall in the 2003 NFL draft out of Penn State."

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Delhomme: Down and Out?

" Admitting his team's confidence in its passing game is in dire need of a boost, Carolina Panthers coach John Fox said Monday he's considering replacing Jake Delhomme as the team's starting quarterback.

Less than a month after expressing his support of Delhomme's status as the starter with a "capital Y" for yes, Fox is on the verge of changing that to a billboard-sized N-O.

"The reality is we're not operating very well there, and I don't know if status quo is necessarily the answer or not," said Fox.

"We definitely need to do whatever it takes to get better. If that entails a quarterback change, that's what it'll entail."

It's an unprecedented position for Fox, who never before in seven years has shown even the slightest inclination to go into a game with a quarterback other than Delhomme (when healthy).

But Delhomme has given Fox ample reason to make a switch for Sunday's game at Arizona. Delhomme ranks 32nd in the NFL in passing and leads the league with 13 interceptions, seven of which have resulted in opponents' touchdowns.

Fox's dilemma is that he doesn't have a palatable alternative. His best, most seasoned backup - Josh McCown (31 career starts) - is on injured reserve and unavailable.

That leaves Matt Moore, who's in his third season and has three starts, and journeyman A.J. Feeley, who has 15 starts in nine seasons with four teams."

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Childress Tells NFL He Doesn't Agree With Call

"A day later, Vikings coach Brad Childress still didn't agree with the critical tripping penalty called on fullback Jeff Dugan in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In fact, Childress voiced his displeasure Monday morning in a phone call with Mike Pereira, the NFL's vice president of officiating.

"I'm satisfied that I was able to tell my side of it, and he could see my side of it," Childress said.

The penalty negated a 10-yard touchdown catch by Sidney Rice in the fourth quarter. It proved to be a double whammy, because three plays later the Steelers got a 77-yard fumble return for a touchdown by LaMarr Woodley.

On the play, Dugan lined up in the backfield and cut block linebacker James Harrison. Dugan's right leg came up as he twisted to the ground, but it certainly looked like a questionable call.

Childress said he would not change a thing about how Dugan executed the block. "I know there are 32 other clubs in the league that coach the same way to block the end of the line of scrimmage," Childress said. "I thought it was a job well done."

Upon further review Childress didn't second guess the play-calling after his team failed to score a touchdown despite having a first down at the Pittsburgh 1-yard line in the third. The Steelers stopped Adrian Peterson on two runs (the first was negated by an offsides penalty). Brett Favre then threw two incomplete passes before the Vikings settled for an 18-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell."

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Cowboys Ware Gets $78 Million Contract

"The Dallas Cowboys signed DeMarcus Ware to a six-year, $78 million contract extension, through 2015, with $40 million guaranteed.

Ware received a $20 million signing bonus. He will earn $34 million in the first year of the new contract, $40 million in the first two years of the contract and $45 million in the first three years of the new contract. The overall deal averages $13 million per year.

The deal was announced at a news conference at Valley Ranch Tuesday. Ware, his wife Taniqua, and agent Pat Dye joined Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and vice-president Stephen Jones at the news conference.

"This is a Cowboy, for all practical purposes, for the rest of his days," Jerry Jones said.

Ware was in the final year of his rookie deal and would have become a restricted free agent in the off-season.

"I feel like I've gotten what I deserved," Ware said. "You can't ask for too much money. They (Cowboys) need room to work too."

The deal was agreed to before Sunday's game at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat Atlanta 37-21. Ware, who is playing with a stress fracture in his foot, had two sacks in the game.

"We shook hands with DeMarcus before the game," Jerry Jones said. "It's an honor to know he's going to lead us into the future."

Ware said he knew something was going on before the start of the game.

"Jerry usually doesn't come out on the field before the game. We talked. I'm usually zoned out. That should have been a red flag," Ware said. "We talked some more after the game.""

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Andre Johnson Day-to-day with Lung Contusion

"The Texans say they expect receiver Andre Johnson to be ready to play against Buffalo on Sunday, but after revising their postgame evaluation from chest contusion to lung contusion Monday, the truth is no one knows.

Coach Gary Kubiak doesn't know if Johnson, who has 38 catches for 634 yards and four touchdowns, will be able to practice this week when the Texans prepare for the game against the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Johnson, 28, doesn't have to practice to be able to play.

"He's going to be day-to-day as we go into this week," Kubiak said Monday. "They'll do some tests on him each day as we go through this week, but I think we're fortunate, and, hopefully, he'll be ready to go against Buffalo. They (doctors) feel good about it (and), it looks like he's going to be fine."

Johnson was initially injured on the first of his two catches in Sunday's 24-21 win over San Francisco that elevated the Texans' record to 4-3. It was an 18-yard gain on the first series of the second quarter. "

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Cooley Breaks Bone In Right Ankle, Out For Season

"As if suffering their fifth defeat in seven games wasn't painful enough, the Washington Redskins lost the most reliable component of an unreliable offense in Monday night's 27-17 loss to Philadelphia. Tight end Chris Cooley, a two-time Pro Bowler, broke a bone in his right ankle. Sources said he is likely to miss the remainder of the season.

"When it rains, it pours," center Casey Rabach said. "We lost a really good football player tonight, probably one of the best on our offense."

With a new play-caller running the show against the Eagles, Cooley figured to play a major role in the Redskins' offensive production Monday night. In fact, the team's first two offensive plays targeted Cooley -- first an 18-yard reception from quarterback Jason Campbell, followed immediately by a three-yard reception.

But with the offense still searching for its rhythm, Cooley was hurt on the Redskins' first play of the second quarter, a play in which Campbell was stripped of the ball and the Redskins lost possession. "

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Bengals Win For 'Coach Zim'

"Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers called Mike Zimmer "amazing."

Safety Chris Crocker said it was unbelievable how much his defensive coordinator showed he cared about the team just by showing up for Sunday's game.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis also carried a heavy heart and said there were no words to describe the emotion of what his team had just overcome.

It was yet another intriguing Sunday in "Bengaldom" as Cincinnati took sole possession of first place in the AFC North with a 17-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The game marked the fifth consecutive thriller for the Bengals (4-1). But the big win was only a backdrop for the heartbreaking situation involving Zimmer, whose wife, Vikki, passed away late Thursday.

Zimmer certainly didn't have to be in Baltimore Sunday.

According to Lewis, Zimmer went back and forth before choosing to travel with the team. The decision worked out well as Zimmer called a terrific game and the Bengals picked up their biggest win of the season.

"Man, it just lifted guys up," Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph said of Zimmer's presence. "Once we saw him in practice Saturday morning and knew that he was going with us, it was unbelievable the feeling I had in my stomach."

An emotional Zimmer, who declined to be interviewed Sunday, brought three members of his family to Baltimore to help console him. Zimmer also told the team afterward how much Vikki cared about the Bengals and that, "She's up there now in heaven smiling at you."

The Bengals certainly played as if they were inspired.

Zimmer's defense held Baltimore's high-powered offense scoreless for three-and-a-half quarters. Cincinnati's offense also contributed 403 total yards, which included an 80-yard drive in the final 2:15 to win the game. Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer connected with receiver Andre Caldwell for a 20-yard touchdown with 22 seconds left, which completely took the air out M&T Bank Stadium.

Cincinnati wasn't perfect -- it had two turnovers and seven penalties. But you had the sense early the underdog Bengals weren't intimidated by the hostile environment and, eventually, wouldn't be denied. "

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Broncos Down Patriots In OT

"As often happens when Bill Belichick coaches against one of his former assistants, the showdown between teacher and student got heated.

Only Belichick was an innocent nonbystander on the opposite sideline, nowhere near the tongue-lashing and glare Broncos coach Josh McDaniels gave his special-teams assistant, Mike Priefer.

"I deserved it," Priefer said. "It was a field position game and those were costly mistakes. I should have coached them better. But that's OK. We'll learn from it and keep getting better."

Everything's OK, because a long day of frustration erupted into another week of jubilation after Matt Prater kicked a 41-yard field goal in overtime to give McDaniels' Broncos a come-from-behind, 20-17 victory over Belichick's New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High."

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Titans' Harper Suffers Broken Forearm

"Titans cornerback Nick Harper suffered a broken forearm on the opening series of the third quarter, forcing Tennessee to play two rookies in its secondary for the duration of Sunday night's game against Indianapolis.

Harper was in street clothes and wearing a cast on his right arm, giving way to Ryan Mouton at left cornerback. Cortland Finnegan was already out with a hamstring injury, forcing rookie Jason McCourty to start for a second straight week."

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CB Griffn Pleades guilty to DWI

"Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin pleaded guilty to drunken driving on Wednesday morning at Hennepin County's Ridgedale court facility.

Griffin, who was arrested on Aug. 30 for the violation, paid a $300 fine and must put in two days of community service on a work squad. Griffin has 120 days in which to complete the sentence.

The incident occurred when Griffin pulled his car over to the side of Hwy. 5 in Eden Prairie because he didn't feel it was safe for him to continue on the road. Police saw Griffin's car and made the arrest after finding him inside.

Griffin, who was at practice on Wednesday afternoon at Winter Park, was arrested just before the Vikings left for their third preseason game in Houston. Griffin played in that game on Aug. 31. He has started all four games for the Vikings this season and is tied for the team lead with two interceptions.

"He wanted to get this situation behind him and takes full responsibility for it," said David Valentini, Griffin's lawyer. "He apologizes to his teammates, the coaching staff, the owners and to the fans."

Hands-off approach

Having gone against the aggressive man-to-man defense played by Green Bay cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson in recent seasons, Bernard Berrian noticed a major difference when he watched film of the Packers last week.

Green Bay's switch to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Dom Capers also changed how Harris and Woodson approached receivers. The corners were no longer getting their hands on receivers coming off the line of scrimmage.

Berrian took advantage of this in the Vikings' 30-23 victory Monday, catching six passes for 75 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown that was his first of the season. Berrian's third-quarter TD came on a perfectly thrown ball from Brett Favre."

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Miami Dolphins acquire Kansas Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen

"The Miami Dolphins added to their thin stable of quarterbacks Tuesday by trading for Kansas City quarterback Tyler Thigpen, a day after learning that Chad Pennington suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

The Dolphins have sent a 2010 undisclosed draft pick to Kansas City to land the third-string quarterback, who started most of last season, and ran a spread offense for the Chiefs.

To make room on the roster for Thigpen, the Dolphins placed Pennington on injured reserve, meaning he will be unable to return this season.

Thigpen instantly becomes the most experienced quarterback on the Dolphins' roster, considering he's thrown 426 passes in his three-year NFL career.

His mobility and improvisation make him a tough quarterback to plan for, which could make him an asset running the Wildcat offense.

Chad Henne, who is expected to start in place of Pennington, has thrown just 31 passes in his brief NFL career.

However, Henne, the team's 2008 second-round pick, knows the offense after spending all of last season as Pennington's understudy. As Pennington's replacement in last Sunday's loss to San Diego, he completed 10 of 19 passes for 92 yards, but one of his fourth-quarter passes was returned for a touchdown by safety Eric Weddle.

The Dolphins also have rookie quarterback Pat White, who ran a spread offense at West Virginia and is learning to run a pro-style offense. White has played sparingly in the Dolphins' first two games, and hasn't completed a pass."

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Pennington Out for 2009 Season

"Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington has been initially diagnosed with a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder and the Dolphins expect him to miss the rest of the season, sources familiar with the injury he suffered Sunday told ESPN Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen.

Pennington will seek a second opinion from orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews, who has performed two shoulder surgeries on the quarterback.

Pennington underwent tests Monday on his right shoulder, which he hurt early in the third quarter of Sunday's 23-13 loss at San Diego. He missed the rest of the game, and coach Tony Sparano said he didn't know how long Pennington will be sidelined.

Pennington has already had surgery on the same shoulder in 2004 and 2005.

Chad Henne, who went 10 for 19 for 92 yards with an interception, will likely make his first NFL start Sunday when the winless Dolphins play host to Buffalo.

"We're going to have to go out there with Henne, who is a lot less experienced," tight end Anthony Fasano said. "There is definitely going to be a learning curve for Henne. He can learn as much as he wants in a classroom, but until he's out on the field, in-game experience he's not going to learn.

"But we have a lot of faith in Chad. He's a smart guy, a great leader and fun to play with. We're just going to have to move on."

A second-round draft choice in 2008, Henne has been considered Pennington's heir apparent for more than a year. The challenge for the offense will be to develop a chemistry with Henne, receiver Greg Camarillo said."

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Reception streak of Bills' Owens halted at 185 games

"The last time Terrell Owens finished an NFL game without a catch was Week Seven of his rookie year ? in 1996.

A streak that started 185 games ago didn't reach 186 as the veteran wide receiver was shut out during the Buffalo Bills' 27-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

After blowing off the media after the first two games, Owens came to the lectern to discuss the game. He didn't have much to say about his performance, which perhaps was fitting since there wasn't much of a performance to talk about.

"It's over," was his response when asked about his consecutive games streak coming to an end.

Owens was a nonfactor against a Gregg Williams-coached Saints defense that shut down the Bills' passing game. Quarterback Trent Edwards' longest completion was 18 yards. The Bills' biggest pass play came on special teams when punter Brian Moorman threw a 25-yard touchdown to defensive end Ryan Denney on a fake field goal.

"We tried to mix up our coverages and give the Bills different looks," said Saints cornerback and former Bill Jabari Greer, who covered Owens much of the afternoon and broke up a third-quarter pass intended for Owens that was intercepted by defensive end Will Smith. "It was a total team effort. Coach Williams put a great game plan together and put us in position to make plays up front and on the back end."

"It's always a victory for us when we can take away one of their top receivers," added Saints cornerback Tracy Porter. "We didn't let [Owens] get any catches, and that had a lot to do with getting pressure on the QB. They were forced to check down a lot. That was a victory for us.""

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Vikings get their first good taste of Brett Favre's legend

"You'll have to forgive the Vikings for being so animated afterwards. They aren't used to this.

'Incredible, incredible!' linebacker Ben Leber kept saying. 'I still feel the chills. Awesome!'

'We hoped he was going to do something great, and he did,' said linebacker Chad Greenway.

"The legend continues to grow," said kicker Ryan Longwell.

Well, those who have been following closely know that this is what Brett Favre does. He pulls off something improbable to win the game in the final seconds. On Sunday, he took the Vikings 80 yards in 1:29 against a stout San Francisco defense. He did it with no timeouts. The winning score came on a 32-yard laser to Greg Lewis in the back of the end zone with two seconds left.

Just when everyone thought the Vikings were finished, just when Packer fans were set to gloat in advance of next week's Monday night matchup — boom — Minnesota remains undefeated. Just like that, 63,000-plus were celebrating wildly. And the final holdouts from the "I can't root for that ex-Packer" camp crossed over into the light.

Favre, soon to be 40, was asked how he felt after yet another late comeback victory in a career filled with them.

"I'm worn out," he said with a smile. "Believe me, I could fall right now."

It was a very physical afternoon, and Favre took a pretty good beating. His performance up to that final pass was distinctly mediocre. He missed some receivers, and he got banged around by 49ers. On that last play, he was smashed from behind just as he released the ball and never even saw the completion. Instead, he heard the stadium erupt.

"I heard the roar, and I thought that was a good thing," he said.

The Vikings signed Favre to do exactly what he did Sunday. As uneven as the game had been up to that last score, people left the Dome all smiles. They had fun.

Meanwhile, the Vikings players jumped around like grade-schoolers on a playground while the 49ers stood in shock.

"Oh, it was incredible," said cornerback Cedric Griffin. "I was on the sideline thinking, 'Brett Favre is known for his comebacks. Brett Favre is known for his comebacks.' And look what we got!" "

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Too Much Crunch Time For Favre

"Brett Favre has been sacked seven times in two games. That's four more wallops than an entire family of Mannings have suffered so far this season.

"Yeah, we need to do a better job of protecting Brett," center John Sullivan said Monday, the day after the Vikings beat the Lions 27-13 in Detroit. "I'm happy we're 2-0, but Brett doesn't need to take this many big hits."

Favre has been sacked four more times than Tarvaris Jackson was through two games last season. At this pace, Favre would be sacked 56 times in 16 games, assuming he survived, of course. That would be 16 more than his career high, which, ironically, came in 1996 when he led the Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XXXI.

"Protecting Brett is something we have to continue working on, across the board," left tackle Bryant McKinnie said. "Everybody always assumes it's just the offensive line. But it's all of us working to avoid sacks."

As coach Brad Childress explained Monday, that includes linemen blocking, running backs picking up blitzes, receivers getting open and Favre getting rid of the ball on time. Childress said the Lions' three sacks Sunday were the result of three breakdowns:

• With 4 minutes, 12 seconds left in the first quarter and the Vikings facing second-and-9 from their 32-yard line, the tackles were pushed back too far. Jason Hunter, a backup left end playing for the injured Cliff Avril, simply beat rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt."

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Jets accused of tampering with Crabtree

"As if the Michael Crabtree negotiations weren't acrimonious enough, the 49ers reportedly are accusing the New York Jets of meddling.

The New York Daily News reported in Monday's editions that the 49ers have filed tampering charges with the NFL. Citing sources, the paper said the Jets might have contacted agent Eugene Parker about the No. 10 pick out of Texas Tech.

Asked about the report, 49ers coach Mike Singletary declined to confirm or deny that tampering charges had been filed. Singletary said only: "That's something that the league is going to handle internally. And I'm not going to handle that. We'll let that play out, the process, we'll see what happens."

Crabtree, who turned 22 last Monday, has missed all of training camp and the first two victories of the 49ers' season because of a contract impasse.

Jets coach Rex Ryan, addressing the tampering charges to reporters in New York on Monday, said:

"My understanding is (the 49ers) filed charges with the league. I'm saying my response is it's not true. I mean, it's not accurate. It's not true, but, hey, we'll let the league figure this out."

Earlier, on the ESPN radio show "Mike

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Patriots WR Randy Moss refuses to credit Darrelle Revis for shutdown

"Randy Moss was a nonfactor in the Patriots' 16-9 loss Sunday to the Jets, but he refused to give many props to the man who covered him, CB Darrelle Revis.

"All week he was talking about being a shutdown corner, but there really are no shutdown corners in the league because they have help most of the game," Moss said. "I probably could be a shutdown corner if I had (Patriots S Brandon) Meriweather over the top for the whole game. I think I could be a corner."

Moss gave credit to the Jets' entire defense, saying they "did a hell of a job."

The Jets offered a different view, saying Revis neutralized Moss.

"I just covered him any way I could," said Revis, joking that he followed Moss to the bathroom. "When he went to the sidelines and he sat down, I saw right across from him wherever he was sitting on the bench.""

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Jaguars' Troy Williamson Out For Season

"A day after the Jaguars lost their home opener to Arizona, the team learned that veteran receiver Troy Williamson will be out for the season with a torn labrum, and released wide receiver Nate Hughes, who dropped a key pass in the game.

A source close to Williamson revealed the severity of the receiver's injury to the Times-Union.

Williamson suffered the injury after catching an 11-yard pass in the second quarter. Williamson fumbled on the play and in the scramble for the loose ball, an Arizona player fell on the receiver's shoulder."

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Favre's 271 Consecutive Starts Sets Record

"Somehow it seems fitting that in the game in which Brett Favre established an NFL record for durability, the veteran quarterback came away hurting.

Favre, who broke former Viking Jim Marshall's record with his 271st consecutive start Sunday, hurt his throwing hand in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard pass to wide receiver Bernard Berrian deep in Lions territory.

Favre appeared to hit his hand on either linebacker Larry Foote or defensive tackle Sammie Hill as they applied pressure. Favre remained on the Ford Field turf for a moment but got up and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to rookie Percy Harvin on the next play.

Tarvaris Jackson replaced Favre on the next possession, but that didn't come as a surprise with the Vikings leading by 14 points.

"It's all right," Favre said afterward when asked about his hand. Coach Brad Childress also dismissed the notion that Favre might have done some damage.

One thing that wasn't dismissed was Favre's consecutive-starts streak -- a mark that dates to the third game of the 1992 season.

"It's hard to put into perspective," Childress said. "I had a discussion with Jim Marshall this week. Jim was going to try to travel with us to this game. However this happens to be a first wedding anniversary for him and he kind of thought that maybe that would not be a good idea. ... [But] perspective is hard to have. When you go back to whatever it is, 1992. All you guys in this room think about what you were doing in 1992. That's a long time.""

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Giants Win At Last Second, Spoiling Stadium Debut

"This game had a little bit of everything and a lot of people to see it. The crowd of 105,121 was a regular-season record for the N.F.L. on a night of celebration for Texas football culture.

It was the first official game in the new Cowboys Stadium, a sports palace showy even by 21st-century standards. Among the witnesses for America's team were former president George W. Bush and various entertainment celebrities. There was music, dancing, boasting, and also fireworks, appropriate for the action that followed. "

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Seahawks' Hasselbeck With Rib Fracture

"Medical tests have determined that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who took a hard hit in the first half of Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, has a fractured rib, a league source said Monday.

It is not clear whether the injury will sideline Hasselbeck for Seattle's Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears, but the Seahawks are encouraged that the injury was not more severe, the source said.

Hasselbeck rejoined his teammates for the two-hour flight home shortly after Seattle's 23-10 loss in San Francisco.

Doctors tested him for lung, liver and kidney damage and did not find any, according to the source, but they did discover the rib fracture, making Hasselbeck the second quarterback in two weeks to fracture a rib. Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb suffered the same fate in the Eagles' opener and sat out his team's game against New Orleans on Sunday."

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Bills Feels Fans' Wrath

"It wasn't quite the public wrath lashed out at Scott Norwood after his famous wide right miss at the end of Super Bowl XXV.

But bitter Buffalo Bills fans did go too far Monday night when they spraypainted an obscenity on the lawn of kick returner Leodis McKelvin in the town of Hamburg, just outside Buffalo.

It was McKelvin's fumble with about two minutes remaining that led to the New England Patriots' winning score in the Bills heartbreaking 25-24 loss in front of a national TV audience on Monday Night Football.

VANDALISM

That score also was spraypainted on the grass by the vandals, who were warned by Bills linebacker Kawika Mitchell to stay away from the players' residences. "

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Tom Brady, Patriots Win Stunner

"They missed him. For most of the past year, while attempting to move forward, they missed him.

Patriots players can admit it now.

Tom Brady sat out most of last season with torn knee ligaments, a surreal experience that left players with no choice but to blindly move forward. The blinders came off in last night's opener, allowing them to see what a nation did and realize what they temporarily lost.

Brady is back, a fact he punctuated in the Patriots' dramatic 25-24 win against the Bills in front of a delirious crowd of 68,756 at Gillette Stadium. All the quarterback did was lead an 11-point comeback with 5:32 left.

"It's a great feeling to have that rhythm, that aspect of the game back," left tackle Matt Light said. "He was out there making all the right plays, delivering the ball downfield, those guys were all making huge catches, and we were able to hang in there and get the job done."

With 50 seconds left, Brady found tight end Benjamin Watson in the back of the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown to seal the comeback - Brady's and the team's. The defense made it stand with two sacks of Bills quarterback Trent Edwards on Buffalo's final attempt.

Despite an uneven, often-sloppy performance, it was the Pats' 12th straight win against the Bills.

"I'm glad it's over," said Brady, who turned in his 29th career comeback. "I'm glad we're moving on, and I'm glad we got the win."

Perhaps the only negative was that star linebacker Jerod Mayo suffered a right knee injury in the first quarter, hobbling off the field and not returning.

Brady tied a career high in completions, going 39-of-53 for 378 yards with two touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. None of it would have been possible without a huge special teams play.

After Brady led an 81-yard drive that also ended with the ball in Watson's hands for an 18-yard score, Pierre Woods stripped Bills returner Leodis McKelvin with the Pats down 24-19. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski dove in and recovered it.

"Can't say more about the kicker, man," Woods said. "He was all awkwardly bent like a pretzel. One of the guys from Buffalo tried to get it, but I pulled him off him. It was chaos."

Even with the large deficit, there was no panic. Certainly not from Brady.

"There's 5:32 left in the game," receiver Randy Moss said, "and you see Tom coming off the sideline. He comes in the huddle talking about, 'We're going to win this game.' "

Moss had 141 receiving yards, and Wes Welker had 93 - both on 12 catches. It all ended with heartbreak for Buffalo.

"I'm frustrated, disappointed," said Edwards, who was 15-of-25 for 212 yards with two scores. "We put, I feel, all our eggs in one basket and to come up one point short is frustrating.""

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Chargers' Streak Continues, Barely

"Bloodied and walking gingerly, Philip Rivers made his way through a locker room in which relief hung like a fog.

"Whew!" he said.

He would say more, but that pretty much summed it up.

The Chargers limped from the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with a 24-20 victory, achieved with a patchwork offensive line helping Rivers and his receivers to a brisk and impressive 89-yard drive in the final 2½ minutes, culminating in Darren Sproles' 5-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds remaining. "

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Brian Urlacher Out For 2009 Season

"Brian Urlacher appears to be out for the season after dislocating his right wrist, the linebacker said Monday. The team has not given the official word, but Lovie Smith is expected to address the issue during his afternoon press conference.

Urlacher injured his wrist in the first quarter of Sunday's 21-15 loss to the Packers. He was ruled out after halftime.

When asked about his status Monday, Urlacher said in a text message that his ``season is over.''

He was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday morning upon the team's arrival back in Chicago from Green Bay. A dislocated bone had to be surgerically put back in. The surgery might have revealed more extensive damage.

The Bears defensive co-captain and team leader entered the season healthy again coming off back and neck injuries. He had three tackles before leaving Sunday's game. Hunter Hillenmeyer replaced Urlacher in the lineup Sunday. "

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Colts' Anthony Gonzalez Hurts Knee Out For 2-6 weeks

"The Indianapolis Colts lost the services of wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez late in the first quarter of today's game with Jacksonville in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Gonzalez went down to the turf without being touched while running back Donald Brown was running for a 1-yard gain. Gonzalez had to be helped off the field after injuring his right knee."

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McFadden Named Starter

"Raiders coach Tom Cable isn't playing secrets with his starting lineup. He did everything but stutter when asked to name a starting running back after practice Thursday.

"Our starting running back will be Darren McFadden," Cable said. "I just think for everything he is in terms of being multiple, running the football and catching the football.

"He certainly brings some explosiveness like we're trying to build with this offense."

With that, the Raiders continue to get younger at the skill positions.

McFadden will start Monday night's opener against the visiting Chargers along with third-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell, third-year tight end Zach Miller, and rookie wide receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy.

As for running backs Michael Bush and Justin Fargas, don't feel too bad for them. The way the Raiders run the ball, they'll get their shots, too. Just not as many as McFadden.

"It doesn't matter who starts the game or anything like that," said Fargas, who remains out with a strained hamstring. "The key for us, the strength of our backfield is our depth and the fact that we all complement each other and keep each other fresh."

The past two seasons, attrition forced the run-heavy Raiders to start three different running backs."

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Madden 2010 Curse 1/2 Way There. MCL Sprain Sidelines Polamalu

"Safety Troy Polamalu is expected to miss anywhere from three to six weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, which forced him from last night's game just before halftime and sent him, in street clothes, to a hospital for further tests.

"They are reading the scans and so forth," coach Mike Tomlin said early this morning. "Those things have a [recuperation] range of three to six [weeks]. It is speculation at this point. I'm sure there is a possibility, but I don't have any concrete evidence that there is anything more than that."

Polamalu ended an up-and-down first half -- a one-handed interception sandwiched between two 15-yard penalties -- by slowly coming off the field of a tie score that the Steelers ultimately won without him in overtime, 13-10. He apparently hurt the knee in a scrum while chasing a blocked Tennessee field goal. Soon after, he walked off the field, without assistance and without a detectable limp, and went into the Steelers' locker room with 1:15 left in the first half. Tyrone Carter replaced him at strong safety.

"Nobody on this team is Troy," safety Ryan Clark said. "For a guy of his caliber, more of his character, to go down is unfortunate. You just pray he's better soon."

While Polamalu finished with six first-half tackles -- enough to rank him third on the Steelers' final stats on the game -- Carter had an assist in relief."

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Vikings Kevin Williams, Pat Williams to play in season opener while team, NFL await federal court ruling

"The NFL said Tuesday that Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams could play Sunday in Cleveland while a federal appeals court decides whether the Pro Bowlers can sue the league in Minnesota to overturn their suspensions.

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals this week is expected to issue a pivotal ruling that either affirms the NFL's authority to discipline players under the collective bargaining agreement or allows the Williamses to use state law to challenge its drug-testing protocol.

However, with teams already preparing for opening weekend, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed the league postponed disciplining the Williamses and New Orleans Saints defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, who face the same four-game suspensions.

The Williamses claim the NFL, which suspended them last year after they tested positive for a banned substance, violated Minnesota statutes regulating how and when employers can test workers for alcohol and drugs. They aim to prove their case at trial next spring in Hennepin County. "

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Brady Quinn Wins Cleveland Browns QB Competition

"Brady Quinn has won the quarterback competition and will start Sunday's game against the Vikings, a league source told The Plain Dealer today.

Browns coach Eric Mangini told the quarterbacks Tuesday night and Quinn took the first-team reps in practice Wednesday afternoon.

Quinn acted Wednesday as though he didn't know. "We're just out there continuing to battle with one another to get everything better for our team,'' he said."

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Shawne Merriman Arrested

"A week before the Chargers are set to open what they hope is a Super Bowl season, the team faces an off-the-field distraction as one of its star players stands accused of domestic violence.

Sheriff's deputies arrested linebacker Shawne Merriman early Sunday morning for allegedly choking, restraining and throwing MTV star Tila Tequila to the ground as she tried to leave his Poway home.

The Sheriff's Department said Tila Nguyen, who is known professionally as Tila Tequila, signed a citizen's arrest complaint charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.

Merriman and his lawyer said the player was trying to keep Nguyen from driving while intoxicated. Merriman said in an interview Sunday night that he is confident he will cleared of any wrongdoing.

"I was trying to help her, not hurt her," Merriman said. "I'm still glad I did what I did." "

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Sorry Bout the Long Delay Nfl Followers.

My Lovely Pitbull ate up my laptop charger cord, so it took me awhile to get another one. I'm back in action before the regular season so come back more often things will be good now!

Vikings sign quarterback John David Booty to practice squad

"John David Booty cleared waivers Sunday and was signed to the Vikings' practice squad, providing some clarity to a muddled quarterback mess.

Booty, a fifth-round draft pick last year, was complicating the team's decisions at quarterback, with Brett Favre, Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels on the roster. But Booty struggled this preseason, completing just 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a touchdown in Friday night's exhibition finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

His preseason passer rating was 62.9.

All the other NFL teams had a chance to take over his contract but ultimately passed.

Booty headlines the Vikings' practice squad, which also includes rookie running back Ian Johnson.

"It's not the ideal way of going about it, but it's the next step," Johnson said. "I took care of all the business I had to take care of, and if this is how it has to happen, I'm a fighter, I'll keep fighting until I get my spot. When I do get that spot, I'm going to make the most of it."

After not being claimed on waivers, Johnson said he received offers to sign with practice squads of other teams, including the Washington Redskins, which seemed like a good fit for him. But he decided to remain in Minnesota.

"I felt I had done all my work here; I made relationships here," Johnson said. "I've got myself in a good position. If I just keep working hard, I know something good will happen. Hopefully, sometime soon I'll be on that field at the Metrodome." "

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Sore Knee Keeps Jackson Off The Field

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said Sunday there is "a chance" that Tarvaris Jackson could return to the practice field today, but judging from the looks of things it wouldn't be a surprise if the injured quarterback remains on the sideline.

Jackson, who will compete with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job, suffered a Grade 1 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the morning practice Saturday.

After receiving treatment inside the Vikings' training room during the team's lone practice Sunday, Jackson emerged from the locker area following the session wearing a brace on his knee.

He declined to comment after getting into a golf cart that took him back to the dormitory in which the Vikings stay.

"The first 24 hours are a big time to treat those things," Childress said. "He spent some time with all the modalities they do in the swimming pool. There are several things they can do for him. He is better staying inside than he is out here. He gets a chance to look at the tapes tonight."

A decision on whether Jackson practices today will be made this morning.

"We will see how he feels when he wakes up and see what he has got going," Childress said.

Jackson sprained the MCL in his right knee in a preseason game at Baltimore last year and missed the final two exhibitions before returning for the regular-season opener."

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Lighter, Faster Beanie Hurt At Camp

"Ken Whisenhunt wasn't crazy about Beanie Wells' decision to arrive at training camp at about 3 a.m. Saturday, but he sure liked the way the rookie running back looked when he got there.

Wells, who signed a five-year contract Friday night, checked in at 224 pounds, 22 fewer than he weighed when the Cardinals drafted him with the 31st pick in April. It was 14 pounds lighter than he played last year as a junior at Ohio State.

"I definitely want to stay at this weight," Wells said. "I feel a lot faster and quicker. And I don't get tired as much."

But the lighter weight doesn't guarantee against injury, as Wells found out in his first practice. He suffered a left ankle injury during a simple run drill about halfway through practice and left the field on a cart with about 15 minutes remaining. Wells was able to walk after the injury and was to undergo X-rays Saturday night.

Whisenhunt was not available for comment after practice and an update on Wells condition was not available.

Wells lost weight at the Cardinals suggestion, agreeing that less of him might result in more playing time. He blamed his weight gain on a predraft travel schedule that had him meeting, and eating, with several NFL teams.

Now the only thing hefty about Wells is his wallet. Wells' contract is worth $11.8 million, including $6.3 million guaranteed, and one of Wells' agents, Adam Heller, said the fifth year of the contract is a team option.

The player taken behind Wells, Steelers defensive tackle Evander Hood, recently signed a five-year deal worth $11.1 million, including $6.1 million guaranteed.

Wells spent the past few days in Phoenix, nervously awaiting the completion of the deal, which reportedly had been close for a few days. Wells was driven to Flagstaff in the wee hours Saturday, although Whisenhunt tried to talk him into coming later in the morning.

Wells insisted on leaving right away, however, passed a conditioning test a few hours later and participated in his first practice that afternoon.

He ended up missing just two practices.

"He won't be far behind," running backs coach Curtis Modkins said. "

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DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #23 07/29/2009

Jay Cutler (QB)
Bears spokesman Scott Hagel denied Wednesday that Brian Urlacher used an epithet to describe Jay Cutler to Bobby Wade in Las Vegas this past weekend.

"It's all nonsense," Hagel said. "I've talked to everybody [but Wade]. There is absolutely no truth to any of it." Hagel did admit that Urlacher and Wade spoke in Las Vegas, but he's convinced Jay Cutler wasn't discussed: "I don't know what they talked about other than what was not said."

Source: Chicago Sun Times



Jimmy Smith (WR)
Former Jaguars WR Jimmy Smith pleaded no contest to three charges stemming from his April DUI arrest.

Smith was charged with DUI, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed on 12 months probation ordered to complete 50 hours of community service while incurring fines and court costs.

Source: AP


Devin Thomas/Malcolm Kelly (WR)
Jason Campbell believes people are "going to be surprised, real surprised" about the development of second-year wideouts Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.

The Redskins desperately need at least one of the two to step and draw attention away from Santana Moss and Chris Cooley. Campbell said Thomas is "getting some things figured out" after a lost rookie season. With a strong summer, he'll have a chance to push Antwan Randle El into the slot.

Source: Washington Post



Michael Vick (QB)
Redskins coach Jim Zorn left open the possibility of revisiting the Michael Vick situation in the future.

Zorn said he wishes Vick the best and is sure he will return to the NFL. "I would just say it won't be with us, at least at this juncture," added Zorn. Redskins GM Vinny Cerrato has denied an interest in Vick, but many league insiders still see D.C. as Vick's prime landing spot.

Source: AP



Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR)
Darrius Heyward-Bey remained unsigned as of the start of Raiders training camp Wednesday.

DHB is in the Bay Area and hopes to have a deal in place in time to be at Thursday's practice.

Source: Oakland Tribune



Brett Favre (QB)
Brett Favre told SI's Peter King Tuesday night that he truly believes his career is over, but he's leaving the door open to a return in the future.

"I truly, truly believe it's over," said football's Hamlet. "But if someone calls Nov. 1, who knows?" Favre plans to keep practicing with Oak Grove High in Mississippi and will continue to work out, though he says it's not with intention of keeping in playing shape. He says he made his decision to jilt the Vikings because he knew he wouldn't enter the season at 100 percent, and that's no way to enter a 16-game grind.

Source: SI.com



Braylon Edwards (WR)
Braylon Edwards was reportedly placed on the NFI list because he failed to arrive to training camp four days earlier than non-injured veterans.

Coach Eric Mangini notified Edwards that he would have to report Monday because he missed practice during mandatory minicamp, reportedly due to an ankle injury incurred while playing basketball. When Edwards finally reported on Tuesday, he failed his physical. The Browns have the option to fine him for arriving late, but they're not commenting on the situation. There's been no update on Edwards' injury status.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer



Jim Johnson (Defensive Coordinator)
Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has passed away at age 68 after losing a battle with melanoma skin cancer.

Johnson began his career as Notre Dame's secondary coach after a brief playing career, and went on to coach for 31 years. He was most notable as the Eagles' defensive boss from 1999-2008. Known for relentless blitzing, Johnson's up-tempo defenses helped Philadelphia to five division titles. Between 2000 and 2008, Johnson's units ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390). He's survived by his wife Vicky, two children, and four grandchildren.

Plaxico Burress (WR)
The lawyer for ex-Giant Plaxico Burress confirmed that his client will testify on felony gun charges before a Manhattan grand jury Wednesday.

The New York City District Attorney is pushing for Plax to serve "at least" two years behind bars. Burress' lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, has all but admitted that the sides have been negotiating a plea deal that would result in prison time for Plax. Burress is trying to avoid that, but the odds of him doing so (much less play in the NFL this season) appear to be very slim. Burress' remaining hope is that the grand jury won't indict him after his Wednesday testimony.

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

Brett Favre To Stay Retired

Brett Favre has decided to stay retired and not join the Minnesota Vikings this season, the quarterback told NFL Network's Rich Eisen in a text message.

Vikings coach Brad Childress told The Star Tribune in Minneapolis that Favre didn't want to put himself through the grind of a 19th NFL season.

"I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division (with the Green Bay Packers)," Childress told The Star Tribune. "He knows our system inside out ... This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team."

Favre retired for a second time after playing for the New York Jets last season. He had surgery in May to alleviate a torn biceps tendon in hopes of extending his career with the Vikings.

The Vikings begin training camp on Thursday with a quarterback competition between Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson.

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DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #22 07/27/2009

Josh Freeman(QB)
The Bucs reportedly feel "very good" about their chances of getting first-round pick Josh Freeman signed before the start of camp Friday.

Discussions to this point have been "productive and amicable." Freeman would benefit from getting to training camp on time as he vies for snaps with vets Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich. He's the clear underdog in the battle.

Source: NFL.com



D.J Hackett (WR)
The Lions will try out free agent wideout D.J. Hackett on Friday, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

They must have not been blown away by Keary Colbert and John Standeford at OTAs. Hackett could put pressure on starting split end Bryant Johnson.

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter



Quinn Sypniewski (TE)
Despite waiving him Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh says free agent TE Quinn Sypniewski is "still very much in our plans down the road."

He'd better hope Sypniewski isn't claimed off waivers, then. A 27-year-old with dominant blocking skills, Sypniewski will generate interest if he's healthy.

Source: Jamison Hensley on Twitter


Hollis Thomas (DT)
The Lions have reportedly been in discussions with free agent DT Hollis Thomas.

Thomas is expected to decide between four teams this week. We knew the Eagles were one, and the Lions look like another. Detroit has to protect itself with starting NT Grady Jackson at risk of a four-game StarCaps suspension.

Source: Detroit News



Michael Vick (QB)
After learning of his conditional reinstatement to the NFL Monday, free agent Michael Vick issued a statement expressing "gratitude" and "appreciation" for the commissioner's decision. Vick admitted his "terrible mistakes" and said he understands playing football "is a privilege, not a right, and I am fully thankful." "Finally, I want to sincerely thank Coach (Tony) Dungy for being in my corner," Vick added. "And I look forward to him being a mentor for me." ESPN's John Clayton reports that Vick's phone is "already ringing." Time will tell if anything is serious.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports



Josh Cribbs (KR)
Despite Browns KR Josh Cribbs' pledge to report to training camp on time, he is reportedly "adamant" that he will sit out regular season games if the club doesn't upgrade his contract.

Cribbs reportedly at least needs "significant progress" to be willing to suit up for Week 1. The Browns haven't shown much urgency, but that could change after they get their draft class signed. They have well over a month to appease Cribbs, who is severely underpaid at just $620,000 in 2009 salary.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer



Brandon Marshall (WR)
Brandon Marshall reported to Broncos training camp on time Monday, and his agent is in Dove Valley.

The Broncos asked Marshall to be at camp three days early because of his hip injury, and he didn't want to risk $15,888 in daily fines. This is a good sign that Marshall is willing to do what the organization asks even though he wants to be traded. We'll see how long the good faith lasts.

Source: FOX31 KDVR



Leon Washington (RB)
Sports Illustrated's Peter King predicts that Jets RB Leon Washington will approach 300 combined touches this season.

Explained coach Rex Ryan: "He had six touchdowns on 73 carries last year. That number has to go up -- drastically. And it will." Washington will have to add about 100 touches from scrimmage to reach that total. While we agree that he'll have a larger role, King's prediction is on the optimistic side. Thomas Jones is coming off an All-Pro season, and rookie Shonn Greene will be added to the mix.

Source: Sports Illustrated




Marvin Harrison (WR)
A second man is now alleging that free agent receiver Marvin Harrison shot him during a shootout in Philadelphia last year.

Robert Nixon, 33, claims he was caught in the crossfire when Harrison shot at Dwight Dixon on April 29, 2008. The new suit alleges "assault, battery negligence, and reckless misconduct." The emerging accusations against Harrison may be affecting his market value. He's getting next to no interest.

Source: ESPN.com



Knowshon Moreno (RB)
First-round picks Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers remained unsigned and were no-shows for Denver's first training camp workout Monday.

The Broncos are believed to be close to a deal with Ayers, but would be helped if some other picks around his draft slot (18th overall) signed first. Moreno could use all the practice he can get to beat out Correll Buckhalter.

Source: Associated Press



Reggie Bush (RB)
Reggie Bush and girlfriend/actress Kim Kardashian have decided to split, according to People Magazine.

They dated for two years, but reportedly couldn't keep it going long distance. Bush can now focus on his recovery from microfracture surgery, while Kardashian can get back to making sex tapes with little-known R&B singers.

Source: People Magazine



Michael Crabtree (WR)
Profootballtalk.com is hearing that the 49ers "won't flinch" on Michael Crabtree's reportedly exorbitant contract demands.

The agents of players around Crabtree's draft slot (No. 10) are hoping San Francisco satisfies his top-three pick contract request so they'll get more for their clients. But that reportedly isn't going to happen. The 49ers have the receiver depth to withstand a Crabtree holdout, but Josh Morgan and Isaac Bruce will likely be starting on opening day if it extends long enough.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports