Sore Knee Keeps Jackson Off The Field

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said Sunday there is "a chance" that Tarvaris Jackson could return to the practice field today, but judging from the looks of things it wouldn't be a surprise if the injured quarterback remains on the sideline.

Jackson, who will compete with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job, suffered a Grade 1 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the morning practice Saturday.

After receiving treatment inside the Vikings' training room during the team's lone practice Sunday, Jackson emerged from the locker area following the session wearing a brace on his knee.

He declined to comment after getting into a golf cart that took him back to the dormitory in which the Vikings stay.

"The first 24 hours are a big time to treat those things," Childress said. "He spent some time with all the modalities they do in the swimming pool. There are several things they can do for him. He is better staying inside than he is out here. He gets a chance to look at the tapes tonight."

A decision on whether Jackson practices today will be made this morning.

"We will see how he feels when he wakes up and see what he has got going," Childress said.

Jackson sprained the MCL in his right knee in a preseason game at Baltimore last year and missed the final two exhibitions before returning for the regular-season opener."

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Lighter, Faster Beanie Hurt At Camp

"Ken Whisenhunt wasn't crazy about Beanie Wells' decision to arrive at training camp at about 3 a.m. Saturday, but he sure liked the way the rookie running back looked when he got there.

Wells, who signed a five-year contract Friday night, checked in at 224 pounds, 22 fewer than he weighed when the Cardinals drafted him with the 31st pick in April. It was 14 pounds lighter than he played last year as a junior at Ohio State.

"I definitely want to stay at this weight," Wells said. "I feel a lot faster and quicker. And I don't get tired as much."

But the lighter weight doesn't guarantee against injury, as Wells found out in his first practice. He suffered a left ankle injury during a simple run drill about halfway through practice and left the field on a cart with about 15 minutes remaining. Wells was able to walk after the injury and was to undergo X-rays Saturday night.

Whisenhunt was not available for comment after practice and an update on Wells condition was not available.

Wells lost weight at the Cardinals suggestion, agreeing that less of him might result in more playing time. He blamed his weight gain on a predraft travel schedule that had him meeting, and eating, with several NFL teams.

Now the only thing hefty about Wells is his wallet. Wells' contract is worth $11.8 million, including $6.3 million guaranteed, and one of Wells' agents, Adam Heller, said the fifth year of the contract is a team option.

The player taken behind Wells, Steelers defensive tackle Evander Hood, recently signed a five-year deal worth $11.1 million, including $6.1 million guaranteed.

Wells spent the past few days in Phoenix, nervously awaiting the completion of the deal, which reportedly had been close for a few days. Wells was driven to Flagstaff in the wee hours Saturday, although Whisenhunt tried to talk him into coming later in the morning.

Wells insisted on leaving right away, however, passed a conditioning test a few hours later and participated in his first practice that afternoon.

He ended up missing just two practices.

"He won't be far behind," running backs coach Curtis Modkins said. "

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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

Brett Favre To Stay Retired

Brett Favre has decided to stay retired and not join the Minnesota Vikings this season, the quarterback told NFL Network's Rich Eisen in a text message.

Vikings coach Brad Childress told The Star Tribune in Minneapolis that Favre didn't want to put himself through the grind of a 19th NFL season.

"I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division (with the Green Bay Packers)," Childress told The Star Tribune. "He knows our system inside out ... This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team."

Favre retired for a second time after playing for the New York Jets last season. He had surgery in May to alleviate a torn biceps tendon in hopes of extending his career with the Vikings.

The Vikings begin training camp on Thursday with a quarterback competition between Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson.

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DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #22 07/27/2009

Josh Freeman(QB)
The Bucs reportedly feel "very good" about their chances of getting first-round pick Josh Freeman signed before the start of camp Friday.

Discussions to this point have been "productive and amicable." Freeman would benefit from getting to training camp on time as he vies for snaps with vets Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich. He's the clear underdog in the battle.

Source: NFL.com



D.J Hackett (WR)
The Lions will try out free agent wideout D.J. Hackett on Friday, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

They must have not been blown away by Keary Colbert and John Standeford at OTAs. Hackett could put pressure on starting split end Bryant Johnson.

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter



Quinn Sypniewski (TE)
Despite waiving him Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh says free agent TE Quinn Sypniewski is "still very much in our plans down the road."

He'd better hope Sypniewski isn't claimed off waivers, then. A 27-year-old with dominant blocking skills, Sypniewski will generate interest if he's healthy.

Source: Jamison Hensley on Twitter


Hollis Thomas (DT)
The Lions have reportedly been in discussions with free agent DT Hollis Thomas.

Thomas is expected to decide between four teams this week. We knew the Eagles were one, and the Lions look like another. Detroit has to protect itself with starting NT Grady Jackson at risk of a four-game StarCaps suspension.

Source: Detroit News



Michael Vick (QB)
After learning of his conditional reinstatement to the NFL Monday, free agent Michael Vick issued a statement expressing "gratitude" and "appreciation" for the commissioner's decision. Vick admitted his "terrible mistakes" and said he understands playing football "is a privilege, not a right, and I am fully thankful." "Finally, I want to sincerely thank Coach (Tony) Dungy for being in my corner," Vick added. "And I look forward to him being a mentor for me." ESPN's John Clayton reports that Vick's phone is "already ringing." Time will tell if anything is serious.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports



Josh Cribbs (KR)
Despite Browns KR Josh Cribbs' pledge to report to training camp on time, he is reportedly "adamant" that he will sit out regular season games if the club doesn't upgrade his contract.

Cribbs reportedly at least needs "significant progress" to be willing to suit up for Week 1. The Browns haven't shown much urgency, but that could change after they get their draft class signed. They have well over a month to appease Cribbs, who is severely underpaid at just $620,000 in 2009 salary.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer



Brandon Marshall (WR)
Brandon Marshall reported to Broncos training camp on time Monday, and his agent is in Dove Valley.

The Broncos asked Marshall to be at camp three days early because of his hip injury, and he didn't want to risk $15,888 in daily fines. This is a good sign that Marshall is willing to do what the organization asks even though he wants to be traded. We'll see how long the good faith lasts.

Source: FOX31 KDVR



Leon Washington (RB)
Sports Illustrated's Peter King predicts that Jets RB Leon Washington will approach 300 combined touches this season.

Explained coach Rex Ryan: "He had six touchdowns on 73 carries last year. That number has to go up -- drastically. And it will." Washington will have to add about 100 touches from scrimmage to reach that total. While we agree that he'll have a larger role, King's prediction is on the optimistic side. Thomas Jones is coming off an All-Pro season, and rookie Shonn Greene will be added to the mix.

Source: Sports Illustrated




Marvin Harrison (WR)
A second man is now alleging that free agent receiver Marvin Harrison shot him during a shootout in Philadelphia last year.

Robert Nixon, 33, claims he was caught in the crossfire when Harrison shot at Dwight Dixon on April 29, 2008. The new suit alleges "assault, battery negligence, and reckless misconduct." The emerging accusations against Harrison may be affecting his market value. He's getting next to no interest.

Source: ESPN.com



Knowshon Moreno (RB)
First-round picks Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers remained unsigned and were no-shows for Denver's first training camp workout Monday.

The Broncos are believed to be close to a deal with Ayers, but would be helped if some other picks around his draft slot (18th overall) signed first. Moreno could use all the practice he can get to beat out Correll Buckhalter.

Source: Associated Press



Reggie Bush (RB)
Reggie Bush and girlfriend/actress Kim Kardashian have decided to split, according to People Magazine.

They dated for two years, but reportedly couldn't keep it going long distance. Bush can now focus on his recovery from microfracture surgery, while Kardashian can get back to making sex tapes with little-known R&B singers.

Source: People Magazine



Michael Crabtree (WR)
Profootballtalk.com is hearing that the 49ers "won't flinch" on Michael Crabtree's reportedly exorbitant contract demands.

The agents of players around Crabtree's draft slot (No. 10) are hoping San Francisco satisfies his top-three pick contract request so they'll get more for their clients. But that reportedly isn't going to happen. The 49ers have the receiver depth to withstand a Crabtree holdout, but Josh Morgan and Isaac Bruce will likely be starting on opening day if it extends long enough.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

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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