Kolb trade to Cardinals could be consummated by Friday

A trade that would send quarterback Kevin Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Arizona Cardinals isn't done yet, but multiple league sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Wednesday that they believe it would occur within the next 48 hours.

The Cardinals appear to be the leading suitor for Kolb, with the Miami Dolphins the most likely destination for Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, who was placed on the trading block Tuesday.

The Kolb trade talks haven't advanced to the stage where his representatives are talking contract with the Cardinals, sources told La Canfora, but the sides were in contact before the NFL lockout started in March, and Arizona understands what the parameters of a new contract likely will entail. So completing a deal wouldn't be difficult.

Sources continue to say cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could head to Philadelphia in a swap for Kolb. The Eagles had interest in free-agent cornerback Ike Taylor, but he agreed to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.

A possible hitch could be a long-term deal that Kolb wants with a new team. He has a one-year contract with the Eagles. If Kolb signs a new contract as part of a trade with the Cardinals, he wouldn't be allowed to practice with the team until Aug. 4, the same day any incoming veteran free agents would first be allowed to work out.

NFL Network insider Albert Breer reported Tuesday that, according to team sources, the Eagles' plan all along was to be patient in exploring the Kolb trade market. That said, the four-year veteran passer didn't report to Eagles camp Wednesday. Technically, he wasn't required to arrive because of a one-day grace period, the result of the collective bargaining agreement being completed Monday.

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

That said, under the new CBA, a lengthy holdout by Kolb, or any player, could be costly. Breer reported Wednesday that the fine allowable by teams has almost doubled, going up to $30,000 per day, and if a player doesn't report 30 days before the regular season, he doesn't accrue the year toward free agency.

Kolb has openly talked about his desire to play for Arizona, saying it would be a good fit. The quarterback, who turns 27 next month, has appeared in 19 games, with seven starts in the last two seasons. He has completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,082 yards and 11 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.

Poor play at quarterback was a major component in Arizona's dropoff from two-time NFC West champion to a 5-11 season last year. The team is set to release quarterback Derek Anderson on Thursday, and coach Ken Whisenhunt has emphasized that the Cardinals are aggressively seeking a veteran at the position.

Kolb began last season as the heir apparent to Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia, but he went down with a concussion in the opener, losing his job to Vick in the process. Kolb did have a couple of strong performances after that when Vick was hurt. Against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6, Kolb completed 23 of 29 passes for 326 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jets receivers' salary grab could include some cash from their QB

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Mark Sanchez is willing to put his money where his mouth is.

The New York Jets quarterback said Tuesday he has already spoken to his agent about looking into possibly restructuring his contract to help the team re-sign players, such as wide receivers Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, as well as other free agents.

"Whatever we need to do to win, it's on," Sanchez said.

He is entering his third year and is due to make $14.75 million in base salary this season, but could make as much as $17.75 million with bonuses. Restructuring his deal could help relieve the Jets' salary cap with teams operating at a cap of $120 million this year.

"I think our whole team feels that way," Sanchez said, "(Darrelle) Revis, me, whoever, it doesn't matter."

Sanchez, who has helped lead Rex Ryan's Jets to the AFC championship game in each of his first two seasons, would love to have both Holmes and Edwards back after connecting with them on and off the field.

"It was such a luxury to have both of them last year," Sanchez said. "It's almost unrealistic to have that kind of a receiving corps again. Whichever guys we get back, it's going to be them playing really well, and me getting even better."

Holmes, who had 52 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns last season after being acquired from Pittsburgh, was the go-to guy he established himself to be while with the Steelers. He appears to be the Jets' top priority in free agency and has received an offer from the team, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. He's also likely to get plenty of interest from several others teams, including the Washington Redskins.

Edwards caught 53 passes for 904 yards and seven touchdowns, and has said he wants to stay in New York but he is also dealing with some legal issues. Edwards recently pleaded guilty to drunken driving in New York, and a hearing in Cleveland Municipal Court initially set for Aug. 8 was moved up to Wednesday. He will find out whether he'll face a probation violation or possible jail time in Cleveland.

"We love them both," owner Woody Johnson said of Holmes and Edwards as Jets players arrived at their facility Tuesday. "We're going to have good wide receivers. I can promise you that, and obviously we want our guys back if we can get them."

Sanchez said he has spoken to both Holmes and Edwards, but preferred to keep those conversations private.

"No doubt, they're not the only ones who want to be here," he said. "There's plenty of free agents who would love to play here, and are probably calling Rex right now."

Sanchez said letting the team know he's willing to renegotiate his deal could be used as a selling point to help entice other free agents.

"Absolutely," he said. "I'll tell the guys upstairs this, too. They know that. Whatever it takes to win. If it's throwing the ball left-handed, I'll throw left-handed. It doesn't matter. We need to win and we'll get the right players."

In a 40-second recorded voice message left for all Jets season ticket holders, Ryan told fans the team plans to have Sanchez let the football "fly a little more than we have in the past." That declaration comes despite the fact Sanchez doesn't really know who he'll be throwing to just yet, other than veterans such as Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller.

"We better," Sanchez said with a big grin. "No ... it could mean a million things, I have no idea. I think, for us to win, and take the next step, it's going to require me improving. That's a part of this whole learning process.

"That's Rex's deal: Just put a little more pressure on the quarterback."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Asomugha could be part of solution for Texans in free agency

The NFL lockout hasn't done the Houston Texans any favors.

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For all of the talk about how the labor strife has impacted rookie players and rookie head coaches, the Texans also are in bind as they look to switch to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Wade Phillips and, more to the point, change the entire culture on that side of the ball.

There is significant pressure on the franchise to finally break through and reach the playoffs, and that task is only compounded by all of the teaching, learning and bonding time lost because of the lockout. That's all the more reason for the Texans to be aggressive in free agency, and all the more reason for them to target specific areas of the defense.

The Texans indeed are prepared to be aggressive in free agency, according to league sources, and will be among the teams pursuing All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

While awaiting a collective bargaining agreement and new free-agency rules, it's very difficult to gauge the market and how high the price for a top cornerback will go. But look for the Texans to closely monitor that market and determine if the price point on Asomugha fits their budget.

The secondary is an area in need of upgrade, and the Texans routinely have been willing to spend under dedicated owner Bob McNair. So they will target that area in free agency.

A year ago, the Texans let cornerback Dunta Robinson go, a move that was understandable given concerns about his injury history and his salary spiraling on the open market (he signed a six-year, $57 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons). Houston made a concerted push to land free-agent cornerback Leigh Bodden but ultimately lost out as he remained in New England.

Asomugha, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Oakland Raiders, is far and away the premier cornerback available this year, but the Bengals' Jonathan Joseph is another option.

Houston also is looking for safety help, and Gerald Sensabaugh is a logical free-agent candidate. I expect the Texans to make a bid for him as well.

Sensabaugh has strong ties to Phillips through their time together in Dallas and knows the coach's system well. Sensabaugh could help teach it to others, with time of the essence after the lockout ends.

Adding a shutdown corner and a dependable safety will be imperative for a Houston team that has fallen prey to critical breakdowns at crucial times and a defense that has yielded shocking amounts of yardage and points far too often. Change is needed, and Phillips will look to shake up the make-up and attitude of that unit whenever the market finally opens.

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Possibility of holdouts could further stunt growth of rookies

One of the byproducts of the NFL's work stoppage has been additional challenges for rookies, who have no income or coaches to help ease them into the league. There is also the matter of signing contracts, which looms as a major issue once the lockout reaches its conclusion.

"If we go back to a system like we've had, there could definitely be holdouts," a general manager said.

That, in turn, could further dampen projections of No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton (Panthers) or Tennessee's Jake Locker (No. 8) or other key prospects expected to contribute from Day One. Although teams like Carolina, Minnesota, Tennessee and Cincinnati planned to add a veteran through trades or free agency to support their rookie quarterbacks, the importance of signing an experienced QB would be ratcheted up significantly if there are holdouts.

If Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green isn't signed early, that might improve the odds that Chad Ochocinco returns. Tackle Tyron Smith could leave Dallas in a pinch -- the Cowboys would owe veteran right tackle Marc Colombo a $2.6 million roster bonus on the 15th day of the league year and a base salary of $2 million if he makes the final roster -- if his contract talks stall.

What type of system emerges with a new labor agreement will determine the probability of possible holdouts. Team officials and agents were more inclined to think there will be some type of rookie wage scale that could come in exchange for more money being afforded veteran players and a return to unrestricted free agency after four seasons.

The players don't seem overly reluctant to compromise on the owners' wishes to reel in the massive guaranteed bonuses of rookie players, mainly those at the top end of the draft. Last season's No. 1 overall pick, Sam Bradford, was guaranteed $50 million -- more than many established players will make in their careers.

If a rookie system is implemented, then a slotting system could be formed and most of the negotiating and guesswork would be taken out of the process and rookies -- most notably the highly-paid top 10 draftees -- could be signed almost immediately.

"There might be a few loopholes with a system like that, but most of the negotiating would be taken out of contract talks," an agent for a top 10 draft pick said.

"If that type of deal is in place, it could be pretty simplistic," an NFC general manager said.

No one knows -- at least not those who work for the owners nor the agents who represent the players. One agent agreed with the general manager that if there is no rookie wage scale, contract talks could take weeks and keep players away from the coaching they've already missed.

Two general managers said their teams were eager to get deals done and assumed that agents were as well -- and not just with drafted rookies. One GM said that once football is back in business, the flurry to sign undrafted rookies is going to be intense and could be over as quickly as an hour or two for most teams.

One team has planned to enlist more people from its personnel department than usual to work the phones to acquire undrafted rookies so higher-ranking front office people can work on signing or arranging visits for veteran free agents. Signing draft picks would come after those priorities were exhausted, the GM said.

GMs and their coaches and personnel staffs feel like they're prepared for any and every situation.

"We've gone through what seems like thousands of scenarios," Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said, echoing remarks made by coaches and GMs throughout the NFL. "If there's a cap, no cap, pretty much whatever. We've been prepared for most of these scenarios for months."

Players, especially veterans, likely would be eager to get into the building as soon as possible since so many of them have workout bonuses, one GM said. Depending on when a deal gets done, that GM surmised that most of the players who have those bonuses would be in position to earn them.

Teams also want players to report as soon as possible so they can get physicals on players. Teams want to find out what type of shape players are in but also determine if any of them sustained new injuries during the offseason, several GMs said. Teams have not been able to have contact with players during the lockout, so if someone got hurt, teams could be in the dark. Gauging the status of players with prior injuries also has teams anxious.

"It will be a lot different than we've dealt with before," Spielman said. "Stuff we've done in a six-month period will be done in a week."

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Locked-out? Sites could lose revenue without training camps

MINNEAPOLIS -- Jake's Stadium Pizza has been a fast-food fixture on the Minnesota State University campus for nearly four decades. This summer, they're cooking that thin crust with crossed fingers in Mankato, Minn.

The NFL lockout, now headed toward its fourth month, is threatening a revenue-driving, profile-raising event for this small, family-owned business: Vikings training camp.

"We're hoping they get it done, because it's not just us. It's the whole state that will suffer," said Wally Boyer, the owner of the joint where players from Jim Marshall to John Randle have recuperated after many a draining workout. Fans, too, have long made that familiar walk down Stadium Road after watching practice to fill up and cool off.

If the work stoppage lingers long enough to keep teams holding traditional training camps, the hit would be felt far beyond Minnesota, and it wouldn't just be about losing money.

In upstate New York, the Jets have trained on the SUNY Cortland campus the last two years.

"Just their presence alone has stimulated people. It's just good for the mental health of the community," said Cortland State football coach Dan MacNeill. "For our people, it's been fun. It has impacted the football program. We don't have normal use of our facilities. But an NFL franchise, no matter where you go, there's a heck of a following."

Seventeen of the 32 NFL teams last year held training camp at their year-round facilities, reflecting a trend toward cost-and-time efficiency in an era in which chemistry is built and conditioning established well before the two-a-day grind in August.

But the other 15 teams still take their show on the road, many of them to slower-paced cities and small colleges where their presence is a big deal -- and a big financial boon.

Some people make a summer vacation out of watching their favorite team run drills and scrimmages. Day-trippers at least stop for a bite to eat on the way out of town.

The Cardinals have held camp at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff since 1988, and the school's Rural Policy Institute estimated it brought $7 million to the local economy last year, with an overall impact of $10 million. There were over 38,000 visitors, 81 percent of those from out of town, along with 122 jobs created by the camp.

In southern Minnesota, a 90-minute drive from the Twin Cities, Vikings training camp makes a $5 million impact on the region, said Anna Thill, president of the Greater Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau. Last year, it drew 60,000 visitors from at least 30 states, and a few foreign countries.

The university charges $7 for parking near the practice fields, but that's only part of the story. The school also receives tremendous exposure.

"They do bring people here, and young people are introduced to the campus. There's certainly a marketing value to the Vikings being here that is difficult to determine," said Michael Cooper, the university's media relations director.

Whether it's Westminster, Md., Anderson, Ind., or Spartanburg, S.C., the reflected glamour of having an NFL team in town for a few weeks can go a long way.

"You can't put a price on it, to be honest. Newspaper articles go out every day that have Georgetown, Ky., as the dateline. It puts the community on the map," said John Simpson, executive director of the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission. The Bengals train at Georgetown College, about 100 miles south of Cincinnati.

The Vikings' presence was enough to get Jake's Stadium Pizza a mention in Sports Illustrated once. Boyer said his business spikes about 20 percent during camp.

"It's a lot of frosting on the cake," he said.

Even some of the teams that don't train off site, like the Washington Redskins, make a mark on local economies. Visit Loudoun president Patrick Kaler said his group estimates a $600,000 impact to the Virginia county during camp alone.

"It brings in a lot of people who just drive in. They're staying in the hotels, they're going to restaurants, doing other things while they're here, so it's a big deal for us. That helps put us on the map," Kaler said. "How many people know where Loudoun County, Virginia, is?"

Start dates are staggered by team, but generally training camps begin the last week of July -- seven weeks or so from now. There is plenty of time for NFL owners and players to reach an agreement by then, but teams and their hosts need some lead time to make arrangements.

For the Jets, early July is essentially the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement in order to commit to Cortland for 2011. Team spokesman Bruce Speight said that's "an internal point of reference. There is some leeway, and it is subject to developments."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league "has set no such date" for an agreement to ensure the opening of normal training camps.

So, at SUNY Cortland and several points west and south, they wait.

"Everybody is anxious," MacNeill said.

According to a report from the university, Jets camp drew 41,000 visitors last year, from 32 states and four Canadian provinces. Though nearly 90 percent were from New York, 59 of the 62 counties were represented. The overall economic effect of camp has been pegged at $5.8 million, and spectators at last summer's camp accounted for 82 percent of that spending.

"We think it will be even bigger this year if they can get the collective bargaining agreement done," SUNY Cortland president Erik Bitterbaum said. "From an economic perspective, it's an economic engine, and from a morale standpoint it lifts the community. People spruce up their neighborhoods. It really was a point of pride."

Doug's Fish Fry is a half-mile down the road from the practice field, and it's become a destination for fans. Owner Mark Braun has the place spruced up just as one would expect from a Jets season ticket-holder the past 15 years.

There are Jets photos and autographs at every turn. Welcome banners are nailed to all corners above the main dining area, and a "Hard Knocks" T-shirt in honor of the popular HBO documentary series hangs between two burnt-orange neon fish signs.

"I'm just nervous if we miss a year they might not remember us as easily," Braun said. "I'll miss it as a business owner, but more as a fan."

Then there is Green Bay, Wis., home of the defending Super Bowl champions, where fans would miss preseason football as much as anyone. The Packers train at their team headquarters, but an estimate by AECOM Technical Services put the impact of their 2009 camp at $7.4 million, based on 34,000 attendees.

More than 80 percent of them come from outside of Brown County, and they stay an average of close to two days, giving a lift to local restaurants and hotels.

"It's going to be a fairly significant hit in terms of impact, because we have a number of people where that is their vacation," said Fred Monique, the president of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

"The Packers organization and the city of Green Bay did not get a chance to celebrate like it should. They won the championship, then they went straight to the lockout."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Police: Talib's mother says her son could have fired gun at man

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Packers have held off on paycuts, but they could still happen

The Green Bay Packers haven't been as affected by the NFL lockout as much as other teams, but Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said the team isn't ruling out paycuts for its staff and coaches if the labor stalemate drags on, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported on Friday.

“It’s based on when we’re going to start missing revenue,” Murphy said.

About 75 percent of NFL teams have imposed a pay reduction of some kind in reaction the lockout, which is approaching its third month. The Packers have been among the holdouts, citing strong revenue across the board.

The Packers have lost some sponsorship money, but Murphy said they can hold off on paycuts until other avenues of the business model falter.

The Packers are defending Super Bowl champions, a fact that no doubt helps keep business booming for the league's only publicly-owned franchise.

“Each team has to make their own decisions, and some teams have been affected already,” Murphy said. “We’re very fortunate, I think, with the type of fans we have and the success we had last year. We haven’t seen a drop-off in ticket revenue or premium seats, where some of the other teams in the league, they’ve already seen losses in revenue.”

Murphy told the Press-Gazette that if paycuts are imposed, the team would repay lost pay to employees if no regular-season games are missed.

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Polian: Colts could select Manning's successor in this draft

Peyton Manning has made 11 Pro Bowls, won the NFL's Most Valuable Player award a league-record four times and claimed one Super Bowl championship. He was the MVP in that game, too.

Manning also ranks third in NFL history in passing yards (54,828) and touchdowns (399). But he's 35 years old, meaning the Indianapolis Colts now must think about the previously unthinkable: life without their surefire Hall of Fame quarterback.

Colts vice chairman Bill Polian told The Indianapolis Star in a story in Saturday's editions that the team would consider taking a quarterback in this month's draft "in the right situation" because Manning is entering the twilight of his career.

Why are the Colts looking at young QBs? Steve Wyche explains why it's not premature to find and groom Peyton Manning's successor in Indianapolis. More...

"Quarterback's an issue, probably not a front-burner issue, but an issue nonetheless because while Peyton's not at the end of his career, it's approaching faster than it has in the past," Polian said.

Manning's future became a hot topic after Colts owner Jim Irsay last month expressed frustration over the quarterback not signing the team's league-high contract offer. The Colts also have worked out two quarterbacks, TCU's Andy Dalton and Nevada's Colin Kaepernick, while preparing for the draft.

The Colts own the 22nd overall pick, but Polian wouldn't fully commit to using it on a quarterback. That might be why the team looked at Dalton and Kaepernick, whom many consider to be second-round prospects at best.

"I don't know that you're going to find his eventual replacement drafting 22nd," said Polian, whose Colts have six total picks in the draft. "And whether or not you would use that choice on a quarterback in an unsettled labor situation, where you don't know what kind of contract that's going to be signed, is another issue. That said, I don't think you can dismiss it."

The Colts haven't used a first-round pick on a quarterback since taking Manning No. 1 overall in 1998. Their current backup, Curtis Painter, was a sixth-round selection in 2009, but if the Colts want to groom Manning's eventual successor, they might need to spend a higher draft pick to do it.

When to pull the trigger is the big question.

"You don't know," Polian said, "but you know it's sometime soon. You begin to think about it."

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Ravens TE Heap could shake hamstring issue to play against Browns

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ravens coach John Harbaugh says tight end Todd Heap could return for Sunday's road game against the Cleveland Browns after missing the past two games with a pulled right hamstring.

Heap was injured during a 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Harbaugh said he has spoken with trainer Bill Tessendorf, who's optimistic Heap will play Sunday.

Also on Monday, the Ravens cut offensive guard Bryan Mattison and promoted tight end Davon Drew to the active roster from the practice squad.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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McCoy works with Browns trainers, could return to practice

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy still isn't ready to practice because of an ankle injury that likely will keep him out for a third consecutive game.

McCoy hasn't played since sustaining a high left ankle sprain Nov. 21 at Jacksonville, his fifth start.

"We have a shot for him practicing this week," Browns coach Eric Mangini said Wednesday. "I wouldn't say it's a slam dunk, but I think it's a possibility."

Mangini said McCoy was able to work with trainers Tuesday.

"It's different when you're thinking about reading coverages, letting your body react," the coach said. "That's sort of the next step, and it remains to be seen."

Jake Delhomme started the past two games for the Browns (5-7), who will travel to Buffalo (2-10) on Sunday. McCoy said last week that he wants to play again this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Packers activate safety Bigby, who could play vs. Cowboys

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Packers announced Saturday that they have activated safety Atari Bigby from the physically unable to perform list, making him available to play in Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Bigby has been sidelined since having ankle surgery at the beginning of training camp. Cornerback Al Harris remains on the PUP list.

Bigby has played in 42 games with 33 starts in his first five years with the Packers and posted 10 interceptions over the past three seasons.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Packers guard Colledge could sit out vs. Cowboys with stiff back

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Continuity has been a key to the Packers offensive line's success this season.

But an important member of that line might miss Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Starting left guard Daryn Colledge has a stiff lower back, which could mean a rare change on Green Bay's line.

Colledge returned to practice on a full-time basis Friday after being out one day and believes he can play, but he said the decision is up to the Packers' medical staff and coach Mike McCarthy.

"I always feel like I can be out there and make it," Colledge said. "But they're not going to go off of a player's decision. Emotionally, I want to be there for my guys, and I want to be able to play, but for them, it's a real decision to make, and they've got to make that."

The Packers listed Colledge as probable for the game, but he split practice reps with backup Jason Spitz on Friday and isn't sure if his playing streak will continue.

"Spitz had more practice time this week and practiced well," Colledge said. "If they feel he's more prepared and physically ready for the game, then they'll make that decision. If they believe I'm ready to go, then I'll ride it till the wheels fall off."

Colledge has played in 75 consecutive games since his rookie season in 2006. The streak was in jeopardy earlier this season when Colledge suffered a knee injury during a collision with nose tackle B.J. Raji on the practice field. Colledge missed one day of practice, but he made a quick recovery and started in the Packers' 20-17 loss to the Chicago Bears.

"That's a tribute to him and the way he prepares and the way he takes care of his body," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Friday. "It's also just a lot about his mental toughness. He doesn't let little injuries affect him."

McCarthy said a determination on Colledge's playing status won't be made until Saturday.

"I think anytime you have an injury and a player comes off of not practicing and then practicing, it's really the next day is the true indication," McCarthy said. "Knowing Daryn's history, I anticipate that he will go."

The Packers have made only one change to the starting five on their offensive line with the season halfway complete. That happened after four games, when Bryan Bulaga, this year's first-round draft pick, took over at right tackle for veteran Mark Tauscher, who suffered a shoulder sprain and isn't fully recovered.

Rodgers has been sacked 16 times through eight games. At the same point last season, Rodgers had been sacked 37 times as the Packers were preparing to start a sixth different offensive line in their ninth game, also against the Cowboys.

"I think the biggest difference between this year and last year is we haven't had to move guys around too much, we're able to keep guys in the same spots," Rodgers said.

Notes: Rodgers (ankle), LB Clay Matthews (shin), DE Cullen Jenkins (calf) and LT Chad Clifton (hamstring/knee) also are probable to play Sunday, the Packers' last game before their bye week. Rodgers was a full participant in practice every day after he twisted his left ankle late during the shutout win over the New York Jets on Sunday. The team played it safe with Matthews, who has an NFL-high 9.5 sacks, and didn't have him practice much this week. "He'll be ready to go Sunday," McCarthy said. ... DE Ryan Pickett (ankle) is questionable, but he felt optimistic after going through all portions of Friday's practice that he will be able to play after missing the last game. ... McCarthy said rookie TE Andrew Quarless (shoulder) had a setback after trying to practice Thursday, and the team listed him as questionable. If Quarless can't play, the Packers will be down to Donald Lee and Tom Crabtree at tight end.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Cards QB Hall healing from 'Hawks beating, could play Sunday

Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Max Hall experienced "concussion-like symptoms" during Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but he is feeling better Monday, according to a league source.

The early prognosis is that Hall, who was named the Cardinals' starter in place of veteran Derek Anderson in Week 5, should be ready to go against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, barring any setbacks.

Hall still needs to pass the tests required by the NFL after a blindside sack knocked him out of Sunday's game in Seattle with a concussion.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said that if the rookie is cleared, he will be the starter against Tampa Bay, his poor performance in the 22-10 loss to the Seahawks notwithstanding.

"We can't make too much of what happened yesterday," Whisenhunt said at his Monday news conference. "He's a rookie quarterback. We can't lose sight of that. You know that you're going to have some things that you have to go through the first time. This is his first start on the road in a tough environment, and it didn't go very well. But what I've seen of Max, he'll bounce back and he'll improve."

Whisenhunt said he is looking to simplify Arizona's game plan in hopes that Hall can return to the freewheeling form that impressed the coaching staff during the preseason.

"We ran a bunch of plays that we ran in camp that we were familiar with and we executed them well," Whisenhunt said. "We're going to go back to a little bit of that. Hopefully that will help us be more efficient."

Hall was knocked out in the third quarter of last Sunday's game, the result of a hard but legal sack by Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons. Hall was blindsided, and he fumbled the ball at the Arizona 11-yard line, setting up one of Olindo Mare's five field goals.

Hall wasn't in the Cardinals' locker room when reporters were there Monday.

After the game, Hall said he was "a little woozy" and "a little nauseous" after the play.

"But I'll be OK," he said.

Hall struggled with his grip on the ball in the wet weather, leading Whisenhunt to suggest the quarterback might want to try gloves.

"It was tough. At times, it was really wet. But, it's no excuse," Hall said. "You still have to be able to execute. We were running the ball well. But we kept having turnovers and mistakes. It is hard to win when you do that."

Anderson, who started in Arizona's first four games, relieved Hall and directed the Cardinals to their only touchdown, but he was erratic, as is his custom. Anderson was 8-of-17 passing for 96 yards.

Wide receiver Steve Breaston was kept out of the game because of the wet conditions, Whisenhunt said. Breaston has missed three games while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. The Cardinals expect him back against the Bucs.

Arizona's offense has scored two touchdowns in the last three games, and one of those was a 2-yard return of Hall's fumble by offensive tackle Levi Brown. The team hasn't had a passing touchdown since Week 3.

There's no need to fret about missing any games. You can watch every contest again with Game Rewind. Get more information here.

Again, the Cardinals had trouble taking advantage of Larry Fitzgerald's talent. Arizona threw to him 10 times Sunday, but Fitzgerald caught just three for 30 yards.

"Really, the quarterback play has been inconsistent," Whisenhunt said. "We've missed opportunities, and that's what hurt us, and obviously when we do get something going we've turned the ball over."

The Cardinals had five turnovers, four of them fumbles. Tim Hightower, who lost two fumbles in the season opener, lost another one at the end of a 28-yard run that gave the Seahawks the ball at their 28-yard line. Hightower gained 59 yards in six attempts, but he didn't carry the ball again.

Whisenhunt praised his defense for keeping the Cardinals close despite the turnovers. Seattle's only touchdown in seven red-zone trips came after Andre Roberts' muffed punt gave the Seahawks the ball at the Arizona 2-yard line. The Cardinals sacked Matt Hasselbeck five times, two by Alan Branch.

But it wasn't enough to overcome Arizona's punchless offense and the many mistakes.

The Cardinals (3-3) weren't about to concede that the Seahawks (4-2) are the best team in the NFC West.

"A game like that, we killed ourselves," running back Beanie Wells said. "We've got to give them credit. They're a good team, but I definitely don't think they are better than us."

The teams have a rematch in Arizona on Nov. 14.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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Dolphins' Odrick could miss rest of season after second injury

Miami Dolphins rookie defensive end Jared Odrick is hurt again, and the latest injury might sideline him for the rest of the season.

"He's done for a long time," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Thursday of his first-round draft pick.

Odrick was on the verge of returning from a broken right leg when he hurt his left foot at the end of practice Wednesday.

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The Miami Herald reported Thursday that Odrick suffered a fractured leg, but the newspaper didn't specify which side.

The Dolphins haven't decided whether or not to put the rookie on injured reserve, which would end his season.

"We'll see," Sparano said. "Right now, we're going to sit tight for a little while."

Odrick worked with the first team from the start of training camp, but he has been sidelined since he sustained a slight leg fracture in the season opener. He also broke his right leg in 2007 and missed the rest of that season with Penn State.

Sparano declined to reveal details about the nature of Odrick's latest injury. The lineman, taken with the 28th overall pick in the April draft, has one tackle this season.

"He's a heck of a player," Sparano said. "He's a guy we certainly could have used. That being said, there are guys who have stepped up and done a nice job."

Odrick's absence has meant more playing time for Tony McDaniel and Paul Soliai in the defensive line. The Dolphins (3-2) play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Vinatieri could punt for Colts while McAfee is suspended

Colts punter Pat McAfee returned to practice Thursday, one day after being arrested for public intoxication and drawing a one-game team suspension.

McAfee, who missed practice Wednesday, wasn't available for comment after a short Thursday morning session.

Police say McAfee was found early Wednesday morning with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit for driving in Indiana. Police said McAfee swam in a city canal in the city's Broad Ripple neighborhood.

The team said McAfee will miss the Nov. 1 game against the Houston Texans. The NFL also might levy punishment.

"He's been suspended for the Houston game. And then he'll be back after that," Colts president Bill Polian said Thursday, according to WISH-TV. "He made a mistake, he has to pay the penalty for that. And after that, it's business as usual. He's a really good young guy. He just made a mistake and he recognizes it, and we'll move on."

Colts coach Jim Caldwell said the team is examining options to replace McAfee, who punts and kicks off. Caldwell said kicker Adam Vinatieri is capable of handling all kicking duties.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Vick full participant at Eagles practice, could back up Kolb

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was a full participant in practice Thursday for the first time since he fractured rib cartilage in Week 4.

Vick participated in all team activities Thursday, one day after Eagles coach Andy Reid announced that Kevin Kolb would start in the Week 7 game against the Tennessee Titans.

Vick practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

Vick's participation Thursday increased the likelihood that he will be Kolb's backup. Vick was listed as the team's emergency quarterback behind Kolb and Mike Kafka against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, but was given permission not to be on the sidelines.

Kolb was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week following the victory over Atlanta, completing 23 of 29 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns. He set career highs for completion percentage (79.3), passer rating (133.6) and TD passes, one a career-long 83-yarder to Jeremy Maclin.

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy also was a full participant in Thursday's practice. McCoy had been given the day off Wednesday as he continues to nurse a cracked rub.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (concussion), offensive tackle Jason Peters (knee) and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (elbow) didn't practice for the second consecutive day. They aren't expected to play Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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GM: Bills could make more changes in 'painful' rebuilding

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix all but called this season a rebuilding project Thursday, suggesting it was too much to expect the team's inherent problems to be fixed overnight.

In speaking to reporters for the first time since August, Nix expressed his frustrations over the team's 0-4 start and indicated this isn't where he envisioned the Bills to be when he was hired in December.

Referring to it as a "painful" process, Nix stressed that fans will require patience as he intends to sticks to his plan to retool the Bills through the draft.

"I'll tell you we didn't get into this situation overnight, and we're not going to get out overnight. We knew it wouldn't be easy," Nix said. "We're going to stay the course and do it the way we planned because we know it works."

Nix plans to spend the rest of the season continuing to evaluate players to determine who will be part of the team's future. And he didn't rule out more changes to come after the Bills released former starting quarterback Trent Edwards and traded a former first-round draft pick, running back Marshawn Lynch, to the Seattle Seahawks over the past two weeks.

"You don't like to use the word rebuild, but you've also got to evaluate everyday and try to do things to improve your team," Nix said. "We're putting seven days a week into trying to get it turned around. It'll be fun when it happens, and trust me, it'll happen."

Nix is the Bills' fourth GM since John Butler was fired during the 2000 season. The team also is on its fifth coach in 10 years after Nix hired Chan Gailey to take over in January.

The Bills, who play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) this weekend, are among the NFL's four winless teams. They already are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for an 11th consecutive season.

Buffalo's offense is sputtering, having failed to produce 230 yards in three of four games. And the defense has allowed 34 or more points in the past three games and a combined 473 rushing yards in the past two.

Part of the evaluation process already has began following the team's recent moves.

Nix defended the decision to trade Lynch this week, as opposed to before the draft when the 2007 first-round pick had initially requested to be dealt.

Nix noted how Lynch provided the Bills depth with a three-back rotation, especially after they lost both Lynch and Fred Jackson to injuries in their preseason opener. Making the trade now made sense because it freed up space in a crowded backfield that's rounded out by rookie C.J. Spiller, a first-round selection.

The decision to keep and then eventually release Edwards two weeks ago drew criticism because there were questions of whether or not the quarterback deserved to return as starter after losing the job midway through last season.

Nix said he and Gailey wanted to see if the fourth-year pro could prove himself in a new system. Nix said Edwards showed promise throughout the offseason and preseason, before he began to show familiar signs of struggling in losing his first two starts of the regular season.

"Buffalo has got people all over the league that have been here that are playing good for other people," Nix said. "I didn't want to come in here and cut guys that could help us win. So when we got into the regular season and it didn't work out ... we decided that wasn't the answer for us or for him. So we made the change."

Edwards has since signed with the Jaguars and will serve as the team's backup this weekend against the Bills.

Nix also defended the Bills' decision to sign veteran linebacker Chris Kelsay to a four-year contract extension potentially worth $24 million. The move was criticized as being overpriced, because Kelsay -- though a seven-year starter -- hasn't made a significant impact on defense since being selected by Buffalo in the second round of the 2003 draft.

Nix said the deal was struck partly because Kelsay was identified as a core leader.

"We decided that we've got four, five, six guys like that, maybe not great players, but good players, who set the tone," Nix said. "Chris Kelsay is a good player. He exemplifies what we want players to do and how we want them to be."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Delhomme's ankle better; QB could play Sunday for Browns

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme said Thursday that his right ankle has steadily improved and he could return for this weekend's meeting with the Atlanta Falcons after missing three games with the injury.

Delhomme sustained a high ankle sprain during the Sept. 12 season opener. He has been inactive the past three games, but he said he was able to move better during practice Wednesday, and as long as he doesn't have any setbacks, he's hoping to face the Falcons.

"(Jake) did more than he did last Wednesday and felt pretty good this morning, which is positive," Browns coach Eric Mangini said Thursday. "He'll do a little more today and then we'll just keep playing it by ear through the week."

Seneca Wallace has filled in for Delhomme the past three weeks, throwing for 554 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions.

Delhomme said it will be up to Cleveland's coaches if he plays, but the 35-year-old took snaps with the starting offense during the portion of practice open to reporters Thursday.

"Both guys will be prepared to play Sunday and (we'll) make sure Jake, if he can, is right to take advantage of that opportunity," Mangini said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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