DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #10 07/06/2009

Bengals- Brian Leonard
Brian Leonard "has to be a favorite" for the Bengals' backup tailback job behind Cedric Benson, according to the team's website.

Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson points out that Leonard is six years younger than incumbent backup Kenny Watson with a similarly versatile skill set. The Bengals will likely only keep two backs this year. Watson, rookie Bernard Scott, and oft-injured DeDe Dorsey are the favorites for the third slot.

Source: bengals.com

Colts- Clint Session
The Colts' website confirms that Clint Session will likely be the team's starting weak-side linebacker this season.

Indianapolis is moving away from the weak-side friendly Tampa 2 system, but Session is still a good bet for 100 tackles and should get more blitz opportunities. He's a solid late-round target in tackle-heavy IDP leagues.

Source: colts.com

Packers- James Jones
James Jones didn't miss a practice during minicamps or OTAs and "looked like he was back to his old self," according to the Packers' website.

Jones, who didn't need surgery for his 2008 knee troubles, declared himself 100 percent and will battle Jordy Nelson for the third receiver job in August. Nelson performed admirably in the role last year, but Jones' experience, red-zone skills, and ability to dominate in the slot may give him an edge.

Source: packers.com

Bengals- Andre Smith
A league source tells Profootballtalk.com that the Bengals will open contract talks this week with Andre Smith, the No. 6 overall pick.

Most teams will begin negotiations with their first-round picks this week. Smith is widely expected to hold out for at least part of training camp because of his draft status and the Bengals' history of holdouts. Smith's agent, Alvin Keels, will likely wait for fellow top-ten tackles Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe to sign before getting too serious about his client's contract.

Source: Profootballtalk.com

Cardinals- Edgerrin James
FOXSports' Alex Marvez writes that free agent Edgerrin James "would have to accept a backup spot" if he is to sign with the Saints.

This is likely why Edge won't go to New Orleans. The Saints would use him as a true backup for Pierre Thomas, basically replacing Reggie Bush. Bush is now a slot receiver with extra passing-down value, and essentially no longer a ball carrier. Marvez says the Saints are happy with starting Thomas, meaning they probably won't offer Edge more than the minimum.

Source: FOXSports.com

Jets- Brett Favre
Brett Favre and his wife put a $30,000 deposit on a condo in Edina, a suburb of Minneapolis.

This is clue number 7,987 that Favre will be a Viking this season. Expect the rumor to become official sometime before July 20, when the team puts its single-game tickets up for sale.

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

49ers- Allen Rossum
49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco thinks Allen Rossum is the favorite to return punts and kickoffs this season.

Rossum signed a one-year deal in February and is 33 years old. Other candidates to return kicks for the Niners include Delanie Walker, Michael Robinson and Micheal Spurlock - if he makes the team.

Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Chiefs- Monty Beisel
The Kansas City star projects Monty Beisel to open the season as the Chiefs' starting weak outside linebacker.

This would be quite an ugly sign for Tamba Hali as he transitions from 4-3 end. Beisel is a journeyman with just five career sacks in eight pro seasons.

Source: Kansas City Star

Jets- Nevin McCaskill
Jets signed OG Nevin McCaskill, formerly of the Packers.

He'll be a camp body for Kris Jenkins and company to tee off on.

Ravens- Steve McNair
The gun found at the scene of Steve McNair and Sahel Kazemi's deaths matches the semiautomatic pistol recently bought by Kazemi, Nashville police confirmed on Monday.

Kazemi's ex-boyfriend was questioned "in detail," but is not a suspect and no other suspects are being pursued. Police are now testing if gunshot residue was present on Kazemi's hands after her body was found. It's unclear how Kazemi, 20, got the gun. Anyone under 21 is prohibited from purchasing a handgun, and Tennessee requires a person to be 21 to have carry permit. Police are clearly leaning towards labeling the deaths a murder-suicide.

Source: Nashville Tennessean

Vikings- Antoine Winfield
The agent for Vikings contract-year CB Antoine Winfield indicated Monday that his client has no plans to hold out of training camp.

"There is way too much time for me or Antoine to even think of anything like that," the agent said. "As of right now that option has not been discussed at all. Antoine is not making any demands or threats or anything like that." The Winfield camp is clearly optimistic something will happen before camp.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Lions- Caleb Campbell
Former Lions draft pick Caleb Campbell will try out for the 2010 U.S. Olympic bobsled team.

The No. 218 pick overall last year, Campbell's NFL dreams were dashed last July when the U.S. Army forced him to serve his military service time. He isn't eligible for the NFL until 2010, but we're guessing he won't pursue it. The Army does have a policy allowing soldiers to pursue Olympic training.

Source: AOL NFL Fanhouse

Cardinals- Darnell Dockett
In a Twitter post Monday evening, Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett said he would not let his contract issues distract him or his team this season.

He won't hold out. Dockett wanted to be traded or get his contract upgraded, but it was never a realistic goal. Tonight's statement is essentially is Dockett admitting he's not getting more money this season. He's under contract through 2011, and perhaps the Cardinals will talk extension next offseason, but we doubt it.

Source: ESPN.com