Ex-Ohio State QB Pryor postpones pro day for second time

Terrelle Pryor's uncertain road to the NFL supplemental draft has led to a second postponement of his pro day.

The former Ohio State star pushed back his showcase event because the NFL still had not ruled on his eligibility for the supplemental draft, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported on Wednesday.

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.

The Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys all reportedly planned to attend the event, which was to be held at a high school in Greensburg, Pa.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Wednesday that more players were declared eligible for the Aug. 17 draft, according to league sources, but Pryor was not on the list. A league source said a final decision on Pryor's status has not yet been made. Pryor was also missing from the previous list of eligible players the league included in a previous memo sent to all 32 teams.

Determining eligibility for the supplemental draft is done on a "rolling basis," according to the league, so Pryor could be added to the list later. Pryor's situation is still under consideration, a league source told La Canfora.

Pryor announced in June that he was leaving Ohio State amid claims that he accepted improper benefits from a tattoo parlor owner in Columbus, Ohio. He was suspended for five games of the 2011 season by the NCAA, but could have regained eligibility for the rest of the Buckeye season.

Because of that, Pryor's status is muddled. NFL rules state the supplemental draft is open to "any player who is ineligible."

View the original article here

Pack's Matthews: I played second half of 2010 with broken leg

Packers Pro Bowl linebacker Clay Matthews played the second half of the 2010 season and all of the playoffs with a broken leg, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported.

Matthews, who had 13.5 sacks during the season and 3.5 more during the Packers' run to the Super Bowl title, mentioned the injury while answering a question about how much the Packers will miss departed defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I don't make a big deal of it," Matthews said Tuesday. "(It happened) some time in the middle of the season. You can't do anything about it. I was just taking practices off and showing up on game day and giving it my all."

Matthews was listed on the injury report every week from Week 9 through the NFC Championship Game as probable with a shin injury, which in fact was a lower-leg stress fracture.

Jenkins' presence last season seemingly helped Matthews, who had 14 of his 17 sacks during the 15 games in which the lineman played. In the five games Jenkins missed because of injury, Matthews had just three sacks.

"I also had a stress fracture in four of those games," Matthews said. "But nobody knows that. I had a stress fracture in my leg. A sore shin as you guys call it, but that's all right. Obviously, I'm not making excuses. Cullen is a terrific athlete, and we're definitely going to take a hit in our defensive line, but at the same time, I think they have confidence in the guys coming up."

Matthews, who also has struggled with hamstring issues during each of his first two NFL seasons (both of which resulted in Pro Bowl berths), took a different approach to his offseason training this year, including much more cardiovascular work. As a result, he arrived at Packers camp weighing six pounds less than he did in 2010.

"This offseason, I put an emphasis on really coming in here in great cardio shape and make sure I had done everything that I possibly could to say, 'Hey, this is how we’re going to prevent injuries,' " Matthews said. "That's the nature of the beast. You're going to get injured in this game, but I feel good. I feel good about where I'm at headed into my third year and feel like I can definitely outdo what I've put on paper and on film the last two years."

View the original article here

Chargers LB English hopes second surgery fixes foot issues

View the original article here

Broncos' Tebow earns second start of season against Texans

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos don't care if everyone knows it, including the Houston Texans: Tim Tebow will start again Sunday.

Rather than keep everybody guessing, interim coach Eric Studesville made the unusual move Monday of announcing that Tebow would be under center when the Broncos (3-11) play host to the Texans (5-9).

Studesville said Kyle Orton is still bothered by bruised ribs and that Tebow did a good job managing the game plan, the team and the crowd in his first NFL start Sunday despite Denver's 39-23 loss at Oakland.

"Well, the reason right now was that we felt that Tim played well yesterday, ran our offense effectively," Studesville said. "Compounding that was the fact that Kyle still was rehabbing ... and we just felt like prolonging this later into the week wasn't the best thing for our preparation and practice."

So, now the Texans don't have to worry about preparing for two quarterbacks, one a right-handed prolific passer and the other a rookie southpaw.

Studesville thought the benefit to the Broncos outweighed any concerns about the Texans knowing it.

"I think they'll certainly have tape on him now to have a game plan," Studesville said. "What they'll do differently ... we're going to do some things differently because we'll have more information on him too, now. So, how that all plays out I'm not exactly sure."

Tebow, who was stunningly selected with the 25th overall pick in the April draft by former coach Josh McDaniels, had thrown just one NFL pass before Sunday and most of his two dozen snaps had come in specialty situations such as short-yardage and goal line packages.

His repertoire was limited Sunday because of bad weather and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy's conservative game calling but he showed enough to merit more playing time and perhaps more of a chance to throw the ball.

"We know more now about Tim and what he can do in a game, we can give him things," Studesville said. "But the entire game plan is still based on what we think gives us the best chance against the Houston Texans, and that's what's going to determine the volume of the playbook more than anything else."

Asked if team owner Pat Bowlen might have suggested the move to ensure there isn't a sea of empty seats at Invesco Field on Sunday, Studesville said he indeed met with the owner and chief operating officer Joe Ellis in the morning but that it was his decision alone. He said Bowlen and Ellis agreed with his call.

Although Studesville gave his team the day off Monday, both quarterbacks reported to Dove Valley, Orton for treatment on the ribs he bruised in a loss at Arizona on Dec. 12, and got the news.

Studesville said Orton didn't object.

"No, he's a professional," Studesville said.

Tebow had moments of greatness and moments of grief in his first career start.

By the time the first quarter ended, he had joined Kordell Stewart and Michael Vick as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to run for a 40-yard touchdown and throw for a 30-yard touchdown in the same game.

He was a bit lucky: his 40-yard scamper was supposed to be a hand-off and his 33-yard touchdown strike went through the hands of cornerback Stanford Routt before Brandon Lloyd caught it as he rolled out of bounds.

Tebow admitted after the game that on his touchdown run, he was supposed to hand off to tailback Correll Buckhalter on third-and-24.

"My reaction was it was seven points no matter how it happened," Studesville said Monday.

So, it's forgivable when a rookie goofs up?

"Forgivable? No," Studesville said. "But I'm happy it worked out in a good way."

The Raiders were impressed by the NFL's most intriguing pro prospect since Vick joined the Atlanta Falcons out of Virginia Tech in 2001.

Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha got a good hit on Tebow late in the game but Tebow, who weighs nearly 250 pounds, doled out a lot of punishment himself.

"A lot of guys will either slide or they'll try to take the path of least resistance. But he's going to go head-up with a guy, every time. He's a big guy, tough to bring down," Asomugha said.

That's the concern about Tebow: can he last in this league with that same style that helped him win two national titles and a Heisman Trophy at Florida?

"He's a tough runner. He runs like a back," Raiders safety Michael Huff said. "Once he gets more experience throwing the ball, he'll be a good quarterback."

He's definitely a work-in-progress quarterback who needs more polish in his footwork and throwing mechanics to go with his high energy and enthusiasm.

Tebow completed eight passes for 138 yards and ran eight times for 78 and wasn't picked off Sunday.

"People said he couldn't be an NFL quarterback but he made some good throws, he had some good runs," Oakland linebacker Quentin Groves said. "He does what suits him best and that's what it is."

And what best suits him right now is throwing occasionally and running -- he averaged 9.8 yards a carry.

"He earned a lot of respect from me today," defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said. "He's a lot better athlete than you think he is. You heard so much about him and then you play him. He made a couple moves out there today that surprised me. I think he's got a bright future."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

View the original article here

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.

Breer: Transition from 'The Tuna' Bill Parcell's rebuilding project in Miami will be put to the test as he takes a step back from the day-to-day workings of the Dolphins' organization, Albert Breer writes. More ...

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.

View the original article here

Jarrett released by Panthers after his second DWI arrest

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers released wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett on Tuesday, hours after his second arrest on a driving-while-impaired charge in less than three years.

The Panthers replaced him with David Clowney, who was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets to help a depleted receiving corps that Jarrett did little to boost before his latest legal trouble.

Jarrett managed just 35 catches and one touchdown in four seasons with Carolina, which has started two rookies ahead of him in the No. 2 receiver spot this season.

"I talked to Dwayne and told him the situation here is just not working out for either side," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement released by the team. "We had a chance to pick up off waivers a receiver we considered claiming when he became available four weeks ago. We wish Dwayne the best."

Jarrett was pulled over on Interstate 77 in Charlotte for speeding shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spokesman Bob Fey. He said Jarrett declined to take a breath test to determine his blood-alcohol content, and results of the ensuing blood test won't be known for several weeks.

Jarrett, 24, was released on $2,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, according to Mecklenburg County District Court spokesman Charles Keller.

It wasn't immediately clear if Jarrett had hired an attorney. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn't return messages seeking comment.

Jarrett's release ends a remarkably disappointing four-year stint with Carolina.

The Panthers chose the former USC star in the second round of the 2007 draft and released Keyshawn Johnson days later, convinced the 6-foot-4 Jarrett would become a starter opposite Steve Smith after setting a Pac-10 career record with 41 touchdown catches.

But Jarrett had trouble learning the playbook and adjusting to the NFL. After a rookie season spent mostly on the inactive list, Jarrett was arrested in March 2008 in a Charlotte suburb after police say he crossed the center line and ran a red light. The police report said Jarrett's blood-alcohol level was .12, above North Carolina's legal limit of .08.

Jarrett pleaded guilty to driving while impaired three months later, was fined $420 and ordered to perform community service. The plea put him in the NFL's substance-abuse program, and Jarrett could face a suspension if he's convicted on the latest charge.

Jarrett played in just nine games in 2008 and caught 10 passes. Last year, he had a career-best 17 catches and scored his first NFL touchdown in the season finale.

Jarrett came to training camp this year with a starting job his to lose after Carolina decided against re-signing Muhsin Muhammad. But Jarrett was beaten out by rookies Brandon LaFell and David Gettis.

NFL RedZone

Watching football on Sundays will be a whole new experience with NFL Network's new channel, NFL RedZone. Find out why.

Jarrett, who has two catches and 40 yards, was expected to play a role in Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears because Smith likely will be sidelined with a sprained left ankle. Now Clowney probably will play an immediate role for the Panthers on Sunday as the only healthy non-rookie receiver on the roster.

A fifth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2007, Clowney spent the last four seasons with the Jets, catching 16 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown.

The Jets waived Clowney on Monday to clear a roster spot for Santonio Holmes, who is returning from a suspension.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

View the original article here

White's heads-up strip gives Ryan, Falcons second chance to beat Niners

ATLANTA -- Roddy White's best play came on defense, and it allowed the Atlanta Falcons to come up with another close-call victory.

When 49ers cornerback Nate Clements intercepted Matt Ryan late in the fourth quarter and ran 39 yards down the left sideline, White had one goal in mind: Knock the ball out.

"Any time that you see defensive players carrying the ball," Atlanta's star receiver said, "they aren't used to it, so you've got a chance."

Falcons WR Roddy White's biggest play could have been his strip fumble of the 49ers' Nate Clements, but he also put up enough numbers offensively to be among the weekly leaders.

» More: NFL.com blogs

White's forced fumble kept the winning drive alive, and Matt Bryant kicked a 43-yarder with 2 seconds remaining to lift the fortunate Falcons to a 16-14 victory over the winless 49ers on Sunday.

"It wasn't the prettiest kick," said Bryant, who won last week's overtime game at New Orleans with a 46-yard field goal. "But the only thing that matters is we get that 'W' when the ball went through the uprights."

The Falcons (3-1) have won three straight.

San Francisco (0-4) blew a 14-0 first-quarter lead due in part to a pair of interceptions by Alex Smith.

"Those were critical errors," Smith said.

White caught seven passes for 104 yards -- including four for 60 yards on the winning drive -- but his biggest play was chasing Clements down and knocking the ball loose as he tackled him from behind at the Atlanta 7.

Falcons guard Harvey Dahl recovered the ball to preserve the 12-play winning drive. Clements picked off a pass over the middle that was intended for tight end Tony Gonzalez.

San Francisco went up 7-0 in the first quarter on Vernon Davis' 11-yard touchdown catch. The 10-play drive was aided by cornerback Dunta Robinson's 34-yard pass interference penalty against tight end Delanie Walker.

Four plays later, Falcons punter Michael Koenen was lined up to receive a snap in the end zone. A blown blocking assignment allowed Dominique Zeigler to run past long snapper Joe Zelenka and dive forward for the blocked punt.

Taylor Mays, seeing the ball arching down in his direction, turned toward the back of the end zone and kept both feet inbounds as he caught the loose ball for an unconventional touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

"I saw him block it, picked it up and tried to keep my feet in bounds," Mays said. "It was a trip, but I would have given it all up for a win."

Falcons running back Michael Turner ran 16 times for 50 yards, and Jason Snelling finished with 31 yards on seven carries.

Ryan, who completed 26 of 43 passes for 273 yards, connected with Gonzalez to convert Atlanta's final third down on a 5-yard pass to the San Francisco 26.

Late in the second quarter, Gonzalez caught a 9-yard pass to become the first NFL tight end with 12,000 yards receiving. Gonzalez, who spent his first 12 seasons in Kansas City before the Falcons traded for him last year, earlier this season became the first NFL tight with 1,000 career catches.

He seemed more proud of White and Dahl for extending the winning drive.

"We knew we just needed a field goal, so we had to get it 20 yards past the 30-yard line," Gonzalez said. "It's definitely all confidence when you are in the huddle at that point."

The 49ers failed to hold the one-point lead despite running 13 plays and using nearly seven minutes of the fourth quarter, but the drive ended with Smith getting sacked on William Moore's unblocked safety blitz.

"On that last drive, I thought we did a good job," Smith said. "We were moving the ball, but then we stalled. It was frustrating not to be able to get points."

Though the game ended with another loss, the Niners' early drive gave hope that coach Mike Singletary made the right choice in firing Jimmy Raye as offensive coordinator earlier this week and replacing him with Mike Johnson.

"As much as it hurts right now, I'm excited," Singletary said. "There were positives that came from this."

Frank Gore finished with 137 total yards, 77 rushing on 21 carries and 60 yards receiving on seven catches. Smith completed 21 of 32 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown.

Atlanta was 2 for 11 on third down plays before Ryan threw from his end zone to connect with Brian Finneran for a 17-yard gain down the left side.

White made four tough catches on the drive. His 19-yard reception against safety Dashon Goldson came in tight coverage on the left side before Ryan's second interception.

NFL RedZone

Watching football on Sundays will be a whole new experience with NFL Network's new channel, NFL RedZone. Find out why.

After he helped the Falcons regain possession, White ran a sideline route on the right side and beat cornerback Tarell Brown for a 20-yard gain.

"It was an incredible catch," Ryan said. "The ball had pace on it. It was high, and he went up and just made a played when we needed to. That's the kind of thing we've come to expect from Roddy."

Early in the second quarter, Harry Douglas caught Ryan's 8-yard pass in the right flats and dove for the front pylon to cut the lead to 14-7.

Douglas' 34-yard catch late in the second quarter helped set up a 37-yard field goal by Bryant that made it 14-10 at halftime. Bryant cut the 49ers lead to 14-13 with a 31-yard field goal at the 5:53 mark of the third quarter.

"We made lots of mistakes and we've got lots of things that we've got to correct," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "But we're 3-1 through the first quarter of the season."

Notes: 49ers S Michael Lewis didn't make the trip. He missed practice Friday because of personal reasons and reportedly has demanded a trade. Mays started in his place. ... Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) and OLB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) did not dress. ... X-rays of Walker's sprained ankle were negative. He didn't return after leaving in the second quarter.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

View the original article here