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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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

DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #19 07/24/2009

Luke McCown
The Bucs' starting quarterback job is "Luke McCown's to lose," according to ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas.

Most reports indicate a two-horse race with McCown and Byron Leftwich. If this report is true, Leftwich will have to leave no doubt in preseason action that he's the better quarterback.

Source: ESPN.com



Drew Bennett
Ravens agreed to terms with WR Drew Bennett on a one-year contract for the veteran minimum.

Bennett stood out among D.J. Hackett, Chris Hannon and Justin Brown during Friday morning's workout. The Ravens didn't hear the answer they wanted from Derrick Mason, so they're forced to cover themselves with a veteran receiver. Right now, Bennett is likely second behind Mark Clayton for fantasy potential among Baltimore receivers. That would obviously change if Mason reconsiders his retirement.

Source: Profootballtalk at NBCSports.com



Harry Douglas
ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas believes Harry Douglas will push Michael Jenkins for a starting job.

We're skeptical on this one. Jenkins is one of the best blocking receivers in the league, which comes in handy in a run-heavy offense. He's also coming off a career year and a contract extension. Douglas was fantastic in OTAs, but he's likely ticketed for slot duties again.

Source: ESPN.com



Dexter Jackson
Last year's second-round WR/KR Dexter Jackson will need to have a "heck of a training camp" to even make the Bucs roster, according to ESPN.som's Pat Yasinskas. Jackson failed to record a catch last season, and his calling card -- kick returning -- has fallen into the hands of Clifton Smith. Even if he manages to stay on the roster, he'd likely be inactive on game days.
Source: ESPN.com



DeAngelo Smith
Cowboys agreed to terms with fifth-round S DeAngelo Smith on a four-year contract.

Smith was strictly a cornerback at Cincinnati, but the Cowboys envision both him and Alan Ball as a versatile enough to also handle safety. An option to return punts, he'll concentrate mostly on special teams as a rookie.

Source: Dallas Morning News



Deon Butler
Seahawks signed third-round WR Deon Butler to a four-year contract.

Butler stood out as the team's most impressive rookie in May minicamp action, and his 4.3 speed adds much-needed homerun hitting ability to the receiving corps. Due to backup at split end this season, he could spell the end of Deion Branch if he continues to impress.

Source: Seattle Times



Matt Wilhelm
Chargers released ILB Matt Wilhelm.

The Chargers have been unhappy with Wilhelm's work against the run, and he was benched for Tim Dobbins and Carlos Polk while dealing with a calf injury at mid-season last year. Dobbins will be the favorite to step in opposite Stephen Cooper, with Kevin Burnett likely handling nickel duties. The Patriots, hurting for depth inside, may be interested in Wilhelm

Source: chargers.com



Ben Roethlisberger
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on his Twitter account that what he's hearing about Ben Roethlisberger's sexual assault allegations "look very good" for the quarterback.

"Let's just say that sometimes there are things you hear and know, and the things I'm hearing and knowing look very good for Ben," wrote Schefter. Our favorite league insider added that ESPN's handling of the Big Ben story "will be proven 100% correct."

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter



James Casey
Texans agreed to terms with fifth-round TE James Casey on a four-year contract.

The Texans have talked about using Casey at several positions, but he's likely to be limited to special teams as a rookie. He's fourth on the depth chart at tight end and will need to work on his blocking to move up. Ultra-productive at Rice, Casey could be Owen Daniels' successor if contract problems can't be ironed out with the Pro Bowler.

Source: Houston Chronicle



Nate Davis
49ers signed fifth-round QB Nate Davis to a four-year contract, including a $150,300 signing bonus.

Davis, a developmental project for the Niners, is going to have to make an impression this summer if the Niners are going to carry him over third quarterback Damon Huard. The practice squad is a more likely scenario.

Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter



Vonta Leach
Texans FB Vonta Leach was arrested earlier this week in Lumberton, North Carolina and charged with a misdemeanor simple assault.

He allegedly hit another man in the face with a beer bottle and kicked him during a fight. Leach claims, however, that he was accosted and simply defended himself. He was jailed in Robeson County and released on a "written promise." His court date is scheduled for August 18.

Source: The Robesonian

Winfield Signs Contract Extension

Antoine Winfield has signed a contract extension. Judd is on the phone with Winfield as I type. He signed a five-year extension (they basically ripped up his final season).

Here’s the contract details from Judd: It’s a five-year contract worth $36 million, including $16.1 in guarantees and a few likely to be earned incentives that will push up the value the first few seasons. He is scheduled to make $6.1 million this season but with likely incentives he should make around $7.5 million.

“It actually happened at the perfect time,” Winfield said. “I was telling [agent] Ashanti Webb, ‘Let’s try and get something done before camp.’ I’m definitely glad to get it done and now will go in and play like I’ve been playing — 100 miles per hour and not have to worry.”

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DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #5 06/29/2009

Chiefs- Tank Tyler
Tank Tyler is projected to start at nose tackle in the Chiefs' new 3-4 defense.

At 6'2/306, he's small for the position. It's hard to imagine Tyler commanding any double teams, or the Chiefs' run defense being remotely stout in 2009.

Source: Kansas City Star

Raiders- Darrius Heyward-Bey
Raiders first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey says his balky hamstring is still only at "80 percent."

The injury cost him nearly all of OTA season. Heyward-Bey predicts he'll be ready for the start of training camp in a month, but he's going to be behind Chaz Schilens and Johnnie Lee Higgins in their competition to start.

Source: NFL.com

Jaguars- Zach Miller
Jaguars signed sixth-round TE Zach Miller to a four-year contract.

Miller impressed onlookers during minicamp season, but he's still a pretty long shot as an undersized (6'4/233) converted quarterback coming from Nebraska-Omaha. The Jags will try to mold Miller into a pass-catching backup for Marcedes Lewis, who's never taken the next step as a receiver.

Giants- Tarvis Beckum
Giants signed third-round TE Travis Beckum to a four-year contract.

A Kellen Winslow clone, Beckum exhibited dominant pass-catching skills in Wisconsin's pro-style offense before a fractured fibula cut his career short. We would've been higher on Beckum for this year had he not missed most of spring practice with a balky hamstring. His role is currently uncertain.

Chiefs- Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen now says he's satisfied with being the Chiefs' backup quarterback behind Matt Cassel.

Thigpen was the fantasy QB2 overall behind only Drew Brees from Week 8 on last season, but he realizes that Cassel is the Chiefs' guy now. "They've got a lot of money invested in (Cassel)," Thigpen said. "I'm going to support him and do anything that I can to make him better. I'm a team player." Thigpen will be an immediate waiver wire pickup if Cassel goes down.

Source: Spartanburg Herald-Journal

Steelers- William Gay
According to The Football Scientist K.C. Joyner, William Gay of the Steelers gave up the fewest yards-per-attempt of any CB in the league last year.

Gay's 3.4 YPA was one of the primary reasons Pittsburgh was comfortable letting free agent Bryant McFadden walk. Gay will be the team's starting left corner this year. He'll likely still be tested often playing opposite Ike Taylor.

Source: New York Times

Lions- Bryant Johnson
Even though the Lions traded for WR Dennis Northcutt, Bryant Johnson is expected to remain the No. 2 wideout.

Johnson has never lived up to his first-round pick status, failing to crack 800 receiving yards in any of his six seasons. It's clear the Lions need to upgrade the spot opposite Calvin Johnson, but it doesn't look like Northcutt, Ronald Curry, or Derrick Williams will take that job away from Bryant Johnson.

Source: ESPN.com

Giants- Bears, Jets all but rule out Plaxico Burress
The Bears have "pretty much ruled out" free agent Plaxico Burress, reports ESPN.com's John Clayton.

Clayton added that the Jets are "almost in that same boat," and the Bucs GM expressed a similar sentiment over the weekend. No team is expected to sign Plax before the beginning of training camp. Potentially interested teams are in a holding pattern until commissioner Roger Goodell hands down his ruling on a suspension.

Source: ESPN.com

Jaguars- Trade Dennis Northcutt for Gerald Alexander
Jaguars agreed to trade WR Dennis Northcutt to the Lions in exchange for S Gerald Alexander. The deal is contingent on both players passing physicals and will not be official until Monday.

While the trade shows the Jags' high regard for their three late-round receivers, it also may signal a lack of faith in Lions third-round pick Derrick Williams, who recently came down with a hamstring injury. Northcutt is a candidate to return punts for the Lions and will likely battle Williams and Ronald Curry for slot receiver duties. Jags GM Gene Smith did well to get a young safety for Northcutt, who is grossly overpaid and turning 32. It's a shock that anybody wanted him for more than the minimum salary, but these are the Lions.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Giants- Plaxico Burress
Yahoo Sports reports that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is "leaning toward" indefinitely suspending free agent Plaxico Burress.

Yahoo's Jason Cole also says it looks like free agent Michael Vick's indefinite suspension will be continued. A similar stance to the one Goodell took with Donte' Stallworth is expected in both cases. Cole says there's a "reasonable" chance that Vick won't play at all in 2009, and that Plax's suspension could be levied even before his legal issues play out. Burress wouldn't be worth a flier pick in fantasy leagues if he receives an indefinite ban.

Source: Yahoo Sports

Falcons- Michael Vick
Suspended free agent Michael Vick is in danger of missing the entire 2009 season, according to Yahoo Sports' Jason Cole.

"(Vick) is not just walking out one day and playing again," a source close to Vick said. "Yeah, he served his time, but he has to prove himself. When the commissioner talks about wanting to see remorse, he’s not kidding." Vick is currently on indefinite suspension. He has yet to present a bankruptcy plan in federal court that any judge has deemed doable.

Source: Yahoo Sports

Bills- Shawn Nelson
Rookie Shawn Nelson is not likely to claim the Bills' starting tight end job, according to the team's official website.

Nelson is practicing as a wide receiver and probably won't see much action on early downs in his first season. He could lead all Bills tight ends in receptions, but won't approach TE1 value as a mere third-down option.

Source: buffalobills.com

Eagles- LeSean McCoy
Eagles agreed to terms with RB LeSean McCoy, the No. 53 overall pick, on a four-year contract.

The first second-rounder to sign, McCoy will get a deal just north of last year's 53rd pick, Limas Sweed ($3.27M/4 years). McCoy has work to do with his blitz protections and inside running, but he's a ready-made receiving back with extremely quick feet and nifty open-field moves. Brian Westbrook's re-draft owners will want to reach into the middle rounds for McCoy as Philadelphia's starter recovers from more knee surgery and an ankle procedure.

Source: Drew Rosenhaus on Twitter

DAILY PLAYER UPDATE #2 06/26/2009

Giants- Plaxico Burress
Agent Drew Rosenhaus now says five teams are interested in Plaxico Burress.

"I expect more teams to enter the mix over the next few weeks as well," Rosenhaus all too predictably tweeted. Rosenhaus' announcement came just minutes after an ESPN report that Commissioner Goodell is beginning a probe of Burress. Coincidence? We think not.

Source: Rosenhaus Sports on Twitter

Packers- Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings' three-year, $26.35 million extension comes with an $11.25 million signing bonus.

Including his $5 million salary, Jennings stands to make $16.25 million in 2009. The upfront money plus the ability to hit free agency in 2013 makes Jennings' deal more player-friendly than previous reports would indicate.

Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Titans- Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson defended himself from criticism that he's a "me first" player after attempting to separate from LenDale White and change his nickname to "Every Coach's Dream."

"I know people are saying I want to be an individual, that I’m not a team guy," Johnson said. "All I want is a new nickname, and it’s in fun. I am an entertaining guy." Johnson, a coaching staff and teammate favorite, remains on great terms with White (and is now dubbing LenDale "Every Coach's Nightmare"). Fantasy owners shouldn't worry about Johnson blossoming into a full-blown diva.

Source: Nashville Tennessean

Redskins- Brian Orakpo
Brian Orakpo remains penciled in as the starting SAM linebacker for the Redskins, according to beat writer Paul Tenorio.

There had been doubts about the decision to have a college end transfer to linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but the 'Skins are following through with the plan. Orakpo will stay at linebacker on early downs and move to defensive end in obvious passing situations.

Source: Washington Post

Texans- Chester Pitts
Texans LG Chester Pitts (elbow surgery) expects to be healthy for training camp.

Pitts said his elbows are feeling good after undergoing a scope on each of them this offseason. The Texans will bring their offensive line back intact from last season.

Source: houstontexans.com

Jags- Dennis Northcutt to Lions
According to ESPN.com's John Clayton, the Lions have acquired WR Dennis Northcutt from the Jaguars.