Vick Reinstated, Can Participate Immediately

"Michael Vick has been conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who will then decide on the quarterback's full reinstatement for Week 6 of the regular season.

Vick can participate without delay in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games -- if he can find a team that will sign him.

Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities other than games, but could play as soon as October.

Goodell called a news conference for late Monday afternoon."

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Owens Weighs in on Vick's Return

"Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens is disappointed in the way NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is considering Michael Vick's reinstatement now that the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback has served a 23-month prison sentence for his role in an illegal dogfighting ring.

Owens called the possibility of an additional Vick suspension to start the season, possibly for four games, "ridiculous" while meeting with reporters after Sunday morning's training camp session at St. John Fisher College.

"The Michael Vick situation, I think, is unfortunate," Owens said. "I think the way the commissioner is handling it is unfair to Michael Vick. I think he's done the time for what he's done. I don't think it's really fair for him to be suspended four more games. It's almost like kicking a dead horse in the ground.

"A lot of the guys around the league need to speak up. I think the players' union needs to step in because the guy's already suffered so much, and to add a four-game suspension onto a two-year prison sentence, I mean, that's ridiculous."

League sources told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio and Chris Mortensen on Thursday that Goodell is expected to announce details of Vick's conditional reinstatement, allowing the three-time Pro Bowler to sign with an NFL team.

Owens wouldn't speculate whether Vick will be signed by another NFL team, but claimed Vick deserved the opportunity.

"Why shouldn't he?" Owens said. "There's a number of guys around the league that have done far more worse things than that and gotten a second chance. So I don't see why he shouldn't.""

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DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #21 07/26/2009

Vonnie Holliday
The Dolphins reportedly haven't ruled out re-signing free agent Vonnie Holliday, despite releasing him in March.

Holliday drew some interest from Denver and Detroit immediately after he was cut, but it's been quiet since. Holliday, 33, would obviously be a short-term solution for anyone, but he's coming off a very productive season.

Source: Palm Beach Post


Cadillac Williams
Cadillac Williams' recovery from a torn patellar tendon is reportedly ahead of schedule.

We're still not sure he's going to be on the Week 1 roster. The Bucs have three backs ahead of Williams (Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham, Clifton Smith) they consider capable of contributing in a variety of ways, and we doubt they would've paid Ward substantial money if there were plans to rely on Cadillac.

Source: National Football Post



Yamon Figurs
The Baltimore Sun suggests that third-year return man Yamon Figurs could be on the roster bubble in Ravens camp.

The Ravens made Figurs the 74th overall pick after he ran the fastest forty time at the 2007 Combine, but he adds little on offense and is in danger of losing his return duties. If Baltimore doesn't want him, perhaps Al Davis will.

Source: Baltimore Sun


Derrick Burgess
Beat writer Jerry McDonald indicates in his blog that the Raiders are serious about not starting DE Derrick Burgess this year.

McDonald expects Burgess, who barely practices anyway due to constant nagging injuries, to only see about "12-15 snaps" a game behind Greg Ellis and whoever wins Oakland's other starting defensive end job. This is going to hurt Burgess' IDP value immensely. His tackle numbers will be way down.

Source: Oakland Tribune



Alphonso Smith
Broncos agreed to terms with rookie CB Alphonso Smith, the No. 37 overall pick, on a four-year contract.

Mike Nolan's staff envisions Smith as a playmaking nickel back behind aging Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman, with the potential to eventually take over one of the starting positions. Smith is small (5'9") and has below average speed, however. Covering the slot may prove his niche long term.

Source: Drew Rosenhaus on Twitter



Jeff George
Free agent Jeff George reiterated that he still wants back in the NFL.

"I feel like I can still play, and if there's someone out there to give me a shot, that would be wonderful," he said. "Age is only a number. It's about how you feel and how you feel when you keep throwing." George has gotten next to no interest because he's 41 and wasn't even very good when he was young.

Source: Illinois Sports Headquarters



Hollis Thomas
Free agent DT Hollis Thomas is reportedly considering signing with four teams, and plans to make a decision this week.

We know the Eagles are one. Other suitors could be the Lions, Falcons, Rams, and Vikings (who may be without starting DTs Pat and Kevin Williams for the first four games). Thomas, 35, can add depth at the nose tackle spot.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports



Michael Crabtree
According to beat writer Matt Maiocco, "there are indications that it will be a challenge for the 49ers to get (Michael Crabtree) signed before the start of training camp."

The sides are still far apart in contract negotiations and Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, is known for holdouts. Crabtree wants to be paid like a top-five player because that's where he "should have" gone. Crabtree is already far behind the 49ers' other receivers as he missed the entire offseason program (foot). This could be more trouble.

Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat

DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #20 07/25/2009

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

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

Source: Profootballweekly.com


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

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

Source: buffalobills.com



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

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

Source: The Globe and Mail



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

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

Source: Akron Beacon-Journal



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

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

Source: Scout.com



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

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

Source: Profootballtalk at NBCSports.com

Super Bowl Would cap off Bailey's Career

"Champ Bailey is going on decade No. 2 in the NFL. In Bailey's first 10 seasons, 15 different teams have played in the Super Bowl. None of whom have been any of Bailey's teams. "The older I get, the more it bothers me," Bailey said. After five seasons with the Redskins and now in his sixth season with the Broncos, Bailey has become recognized as one of the league's top defensive backs despite his absence from the league's greatest stage. Bailey had a streak of eight consecutive Pro Bowl seasons snapped last year because of a groin injury suffered in Game 7 against Josh McDaniels' Patriots. Does coming off his injury-plagued, non-Pro Bowl season heighten Bailey's anticipation for 2009?"

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Goodell to allow Vick To Sign With A Team

"Michael Vick could be on his way back to the NFL if a team signs him before, during or following a four-game suspension levied by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

ESPN.com reported Thursday that Goodell issued a conditional reinstatement for the suspended former Falcons quarterback that will allow Vick to attend training camp if he signs with a team, but will still suspend Vick for the first four games of the 2009 season.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, however, told The Associated Press on Thursday no decisions on Vick's future have been made.

"This is a serious matter," Aiello said in an e-mail. "We are engaging in a careful and thoughtful process."

Vick, fresh from serving 23-months in federal prison for dogfighting, met with Goodell Wednesday, hoping to restart his NFL career, according to published reports.

The two met Wednesday afternoon in Allendale, N.J., ESPN.com reported, citing a unnamed league source.

Sport Illustrated reported on its Web site that Vick and Goodell were seen departing from Buckley Petersen Global Inc. around 4 p.m.

Vick left in a Cadillac Escalade; Goodell in a BMW 10 minutes later, according to SI.com. Eyewitnesses described the two as having "somber" looks on their faces.

Aiello declined to confirm the meeting when contacted by The AP.

On Tuesday, Vick met one-on-one with NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith.

That same day Goodell, who suspended Vick indefinitely, said he'll make a decision "in the near future" on reinstating him.

In order for Goodell to reinstate Vick, he must show remorse and convince him and the public that he is reformed.

The animal rights group PETA issued a statement Thursday reiterating its resistance to Vick rejoining the NFL unless he first undergoes a psychological evaluation."

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Favre anguished over whether to play again

"And on the 87th day he was anguished.

Two-plus months after the Brett Favre-to-the-Vikings soap opera began, and days before a decision was expected to be announced, ESPN reported Thursday that the 39-year-old quarterback "remains anguished about whether he should come out of retirement and join the team."

Did anyone really think the saga would end today?

ESPN's latest report suggests that any decision by Favre probably won't come until next week and it even raises doubt about whether he will meet his self-imposed deadline of July 30. That is the drop-dead day for Vikings players to report to training camp in Mankato, with the first practice scheduled for the following day.

Citing a source, ESPN's Ed Werder reported that Favre is conflicted about returning for his 19th season in large part because of phone calls and text messages he has received from Vikings players urging him to be their QB. The report mentioned Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen and Steve Hutchinson.

Several Vikings have been in some form of contact with Favre in recent months, and ESPN reported Favre is beginning to feel a sense of obligation to Vikings players and the coaching staff because of their involvement in trying to get him to play.

"If it weren't for the involvement of the Vikings players directly telling Brett they want him on their team, I think he might have already decided against playing again," the source told Werder."

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