DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #20 07/25/2009

Mike Thomas
Jaguars rookie WR Mike Thomas has reportedly been "penciled in" for the slot receiver job.

The fourth-round pick got his chance when Dennis Northcutt was traded to the Lions. Thomas is tiny but will catch some quick-hitters from David Garrard and impressed with his speed in the spring. He won't be much of a fantasy factor unless something happens to Torry Holt or Mike Walker.

Source: Profootballweekly.com


James Hardy
Bills placed WRs James Hardy and C.J. Hawthorne on active/PUP.

Hardy, last year's second-round pick, is recovering from January ACL surgery. Hawthorne had an undisclosed surgery on his leg during June minicamp action. Both players can re-join the active roster as soon as they pass a physical. Considering the Bills depth at wide receiver, we still expect Hardy to open the season on the PUP list.

Source: buffalobills.com



Vaughn Martin
Chargers signed fourth-round DE Vaughn Martin to a four-year contract.

Martin, out of the University of Western Ontario, was the first Canadian collegiate underclassman ever to declare himself eligible for the draft. Born in Jamaica, Martin didn't take up football until 10th grade. He's an interesting developmental project.

Source: The Globe and Mail



Josh Cribbs
Josh Cribbs will reportedly be in attendance for the start of Browns training camp Friday.

There have been conflicting reports about whether or not Cribbs would hold out, but he couldn't even bring himself to stay away from minicamp. Even if he does report on time, this situation has the potential to turn ugly if the Browns don't tear up his old contract.

Source: Akron Beacon-Journal



Everette Brown
Panthers signed second-round DE Everette Brown to a four-year, $4.3 million contract, according to Scout.com. The deal includes $2.7 million in guarantees.

The Panthers gave up their 2010 first-round pick to select the ACC sack leader. Brown will play a situational passing-rush role this season, and he's insurance in case the team can't re-sign Julius Peppers next offseason.

Source: Scout.com



Evander Hood
Steelers agreed to terms with first-round DT Evander "Ziggy" Hood on a five-year, $11.3 million contract. The deal comes with $6.1 million in guarantees and a base package of $8.7 million.

The Steelers now have all of their rookies locked up. The defending champs can afford to take it slowly with Hood since they have Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel as returning starters. Keisel is a free agent after the season, so Hood could step in next year.

Source: Profootballtalk at NBCSports.com