August 2010 4for4 Player News Articles

Ravens get the CB they've been seeking: Baltimore traded a conditional fifth-round pick to Seattle for former Seahawks CB Josh Wilson.

There has been "speculation" that the St. louis Rams will call the Chargers about obtaining disgruntled receiver Vincent Jackson. This is just speculation rather than a report but the speculation came from an NFL source and the Chargers have acknowledged that "more than Seattle has called."

With Donnie Avery on IR and little depth or experience in the wide receiver corps, no team needs Jackson more than the Rams. A big target like Jackson would speed the development of Sam Bradford. In the wide open NFC West, the Rams could actually take a big jump with an improved passing attack and V-Jax would help Steven Jackson as one of the league's top run-blocking wideouts.

There's no doubt that the Rams need a WR to match with their multi-million dollar QB. This "speculation" makes sense but there's no confirmed report.

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno practiced today for the first time since hurting his eight hamstring on the first day of training camp August 1. This is the first time all preseason that all three of the Broncos top tailbacks were on the field together.

Moreno, who remains No. 1 on the team's depth chart, pronounced himself "80-some percent" healed from the injury. It's unlikely he'll play in the Broncos' preseason finale at Minnesota on Thursday, however.

Coach Josh McDaniels said he isn't worried about Moreno being OK for the regular season without a training camp because he went through something similar last season as a rookie, when he held out at the start of camp and then sprained a knee in his first preseason game.

The Patriots have placed Josh Barrett, Leigh Bodden, Brett Lockett & Darryl Richard on IR and released Terrence Johnson.

The Cardinals have been contacting teams today shopping QB Matt Leinart, according to several sources. Its unclear what compensation they are looking for.

Leinart has not progressed at the pace the Cardinals have hoped for. On top of that, he has lost the confidence of his teammates. His fantasy value is next to nothing at present but everybody loves a comeback story.

The Vikings transferred Sidney Rice from the active/physically unable to perform list Tuesday to the inactive/PUP, meaing the Pro Bowl wide receiver will miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season and possibly more after having surgery on his hip last week in Vail, Colo.

The move did not come as a surprise as Rice is expected to be out for the first half of the season. The difference in how the designations work is that by being on the active/PUP Rice counted against the 80-man roster and could have been activated at any time. Being on the reserve/PUP means Rice has to sit out the first six weeks.

Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said he expects starting quarterback Donovan McNabb to return to workouts next week, when the team will be preparing to open the season against Dallas. McNabb hasn't practiced since spraining his left ankle Aug. 21 against Baltimore.

"I expect him to be able to practice next week," Shanahan said following Tuesday's practice. "I think he does too. You never know. We'll see how the injury goes. We know he's hurting right now, but we think he'll be good to go next week."

Good news for McNabb owners. Shanahan is back to his "mind games" with the injury reports.

49ers Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree return to 11-on-11 work today.

Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress has lost a bid for work release from his two-year prison sentence in a New York gun case.

The state Department of Correctional Services said Tuesday that it had turned down the former New York Giants wide receiver's request. It's his second since he started serving his sentence last September. He can appeal the decision but otherwise can't reapply for a work furlough until next June.

There goes that deep sleeper option!

Shocking news from Rams practice today: WR Keenan Burton was shut down after experiencing swelling in his knee.

Burton has promise but this is yet another blow to the Rams air game.

Bucs defensive back Aqib Talib has been suspended "for one game for punching a cab driver last year."

Instead of having Quarterback Mark Sanchez just stand on the sidelines during the Jets' last preseason game against the Eagles, , coach Rex Ryan is going to let his second-year quarterback call some plays via the walkie-talkie, a la Brian Schottenheimer.

The idea is to expose Sanchez to the coaches' perspective of the game, learning why and how certain plays are called. Ryan said he used to do it in Baltimore on defense, letting LB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed call plays in the preseason. They gave it up, he said, when they realized it's not as easy as it looks.

This really isn't fantasy news but just an interesting NFL tidbit.

Ken Whisenhunt told Scott Van Pelt Show that the plan is for Derek Anderson to start final exhibition game.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said the team will place injury-plagued wide receiver Malcolm Kelly on injured reserve Tuesday, ending the third-year player's season because of a recurring hamstring problem.

Bills running back Fred Jackson has had the cast removed from his broken hand. It's unclear if he will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.

The Jets waived quarterback Kevin O'Connell, the team announced today.

O'Connell, a former third-round pick of the Patriots, was the fourth quarterback on the roster behind Mark Sanchez, Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens.

Monday, coach Rex Ryan said Clemens had a "pretty strong chance" of making the team.

Today, Clemens solidified his spot on the roster by taking a pay cut, signing a one-year deal for less money than the $1.176-million tender he signed this offseason.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut RB Derrick Ward, just 18 months after making him a big free-agent acquisition.

Ward rushed for just 419 yards last season in Tampa, one year after collecting 1,025 yards for New York.

Bucs head coach Raheem Morris had expressed displeasure with Ward earlier this month when he said the running back's poor performance was the result of bad conditioning.

RB Kareem Huggins will back up Cadillac Williams and will be moving up in the next rankings update.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno will try to practice today, Coach McDaniels said. "We'll see how it goes," he said.

Browns DT Shaun Rogers will not be not suspended but he will be fined due to an offseason arrest for carrying a gun through an airport.

A tumultuous offseason for Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill has proved costly in more ways than one.

The former franchise player, already facing a one-game NFL suspension to open the regular season, recently agreed to a salary reduction from $6 million to $2.125 million as part of a deal wiping out the remaining years of his previous contract, according to a source.

The career of wide receiver Antonio Bryant could be in jeopardy because of recurring knee problems that date to the 2009 season, two NFL sources say.

In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Bengals released Bryant on Sunday, a strong indication that Bryant is unlikely to be healthy anytime soon.

”He barely practiced in training camp and now this happens,” said a league source with knowledge of Bryant’s knee problems. ”The guy can’t stay healthy at this point. He gets to the point that he’s feeling good, then it swells on him again. When that keeps happening, that’s a very strong indication that there are structural problems.”

Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman, who had the soft cast removed from his fractured right thumb in anticipation of resuming practice next week.

Freeman fractured the tip of his right thumb in a preseason game against Kansas City 10 days ago and the Bucs expect him to return in time for the Sept. 12 regular-season opener against Cleveland.

"Definitely, I'm making progress," said Freeman, who watched Monday afternoon's workout from the practice field. "I'm in just a splint now and everything's right on schedule. We've got it immobilized and it's definitely healing. I'd like to be back on the practice field starting with our preparations for the Cleveland game next Monday."

Coach Raheem Morris continues to be optimistic Freeman will be ready when the games count.

"I trust him enough to let him go out on the field this week," Morris said. "Everything's going the right way for him … everything's on schedule. I'm not supposed to say this, but Josh was out there gripping a ball the other day."

Browns Coach Eric Mangini also said rookie running back Montario Hardesty, ''should play against Chicago, so [we'll] be able to take a look at him. All those things come into play, so those are the tough decisions. It's a good part of having the fourth preseason game.''

Montario Hardesty could be a real surprise in terms of production this season. He's worth a roster spot.

Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice Monday, but weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs didn't practice and was ruled out for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

''[Briggs] won't play this week,'' coach Lovie Smith said, ''but he should be ready to go next week [for the season opener against the Detroit Lions].''

Running back Marshawn Lynch looks ready to return from the ankle injury that's kept him out since the preseason opener Aug. 13 at Washington.

Lynch was able to take part in conditioning drills following Monday's walk-through practice, and coach Chan Gailey said he planned on using him against the Lions.

"He did running afterwards and kept up with everybody else, which is important, but we'll know a lot more [today] when we have a real practice," the coach said.

Lynch will attempt to keep the RB competition competitive but C.J. Spiller is turning in dazzling performances.

So with Matt Leinart once again on the verge of losing the starting job that he was supposed to carry into the regular season, there have been rumors and speculation that the Cardinals could trade the 2004 Heisman winner who was the 10th pick in the 2006 draft.

As a league source explained to us on Monday, Leinart's current contract isn't conducive to a trade. He's due to earn a base salary of $2.485 million in 2010, which is simply too much money for a guy who won't waltz right in and take over another team's starting job. More importantly, Leinart's salary spikes to $7.36 million in 2011.

Thus, the Cardinals' options will be to keep him or to cut him.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Matt Leinart met Monday afternoon to talk out their recent differences. Derek Anderson still likely to start opener.

There’s no question that Bills top pick C.J. Spiller has been impressive in the preseason, but in the eyes of the coaching staff a big move up the depth chart is a bit premature.

“We’ve got a long way to go yet,” said head coach Chan Gailey. “We don’t know how that’s going to shake out yet. We’ve got the luxury of three pretty good backs. We’ll make that decision when we get closer there. They may all be in there at the same time you never know on the first play of the game.”

When asked if Spiller’s play has changed Gailey’s initial plans for him, the Bills sideline boss indicated he kind of expected the kind of play from Spiller that we’ve seen thus far.

“To be honest with you I think we had a pretty good idea of what he could do and to say all he’s done is verify that would be sort of an understatement,” said Gailey. “I think we understood and I’m excited about his year.”

Spiller is still a guy to target in the later rounds, whether his status on the depth chart changes before the season begins or not. He's shown enough potential to make himself a nice RB2 or flex option.

Rookie Toby Gerhart received far more work with the first-team offense on Saturday than Albert Young, but the No. 2 halfback job behind Adrian Peterson apparently is headed for a timeshare.

"I think it'll be by week and who we're facing and what exactly we need out of a second running back," Childress said. "If you remember last year, there were numbers of games where we didn't have a third running back up, and from time to time, that'll happen when we need maybe another tight end up or need another rush guy. ... Those guys are (numbers) 2 and 2A."

Gerhart injured his right knee on Saturday and was missing when practice resumed on Monday morning, but his status isn't believed to be in doubt for the opener.

The Cards just had their first practice back after coming home from Chicago. No, coach Ken Whisenhunt did not announce a starting quarterback yet.

He said both will play in the preseason finale against Washington “unless something changes” (and no, that isn’t some hint to a trade or something). Whiz has no timeline on his announcement and said that a few times. Whiz also reiterated that the offense wasn’t playing well in the first two games of the preseason and he changed things up to see what would happen. Obviously, something worked.

Matt Leinart said after practice “I really want an explanation” for the situation, but acknowledged he has yet to approach Whiz to discuss the subject.Leinart also said he has “outplayed the competition” in camp. Derek Anderson, meanwhile, continues to be low-key in talking about the situation.

Quarterback Josh Freeman was able to grip the football and threw passes briefly with a trainer Sunday, according to coach Raheem Morris.

Freeman broke the tip of his thumb on his throwing hand against the Chiefs nine days ago and has been receiving treatment ever since.

On Monday, he rejoined his teammates on the field for practice but did not participate.

"He's on or maybe ahead of schedule,'' Morris said Monday.

The Bucs expect Freeman to practice sometime next week and play in the Sept. 12 season opener against Cleveland.

Pats TE Aaron Hernandez didn't take part in full-pads practice, but still spent some 1-on-1 time with Tom Brady afterward, working end zone routes.

Despite Dez Bryant's tweet, no decision has been made on whether the rookie receiver will play in the preseason finale.

"Back in action Thursday night!!!!!" Bryant tweeted Sunday evening.

Coach Wade Phillips, aka @sonofbum, joked that he hadn't read his tweets yet. But Phillips was serious when he said that the Cowboys have yet to determine whether it's worth it for the first-round pick to play against the Miami Dolphins.

"We don’t know yet," Phillips said. "We have to practice this week and see. I want to see how they practice this week also."

Vikings coach Brad Childress said Tarvaris Jackson remains the unquestioned No. 2 QB, ahead of Sage Rosenfels.

"It’d probably be hard for it to change."

Talent-wise, Leon Washington and Justin Forsett are the top two backs. Unless he asks to be released, Julius Jones’ salary ($2.45M) isn’t prohibitive enough in an uncapped year to justify his release, and he adds depth behind
Washington, who is coming off a serious injury, and Forsett, who has never handled a large workload in the NFL.

As scary as Jason Campbell's injury appeared following the blind-side sack by Travis LaBoy – Campbell lay prone with a sensation-losing and strength-weakening "stinger" for up to five minutes with trainers keeping his head immobilized – the day after provided a modicum of relief.

Turns out the stinger is the least of Campbell's worries.

The new Raiders quarterback is also nursing a sore right (passing) wrist, which was hurt the series before Campbell was knocked out of Saturday night's exhibition game against the 49ers. Presumably, it happened on a sack by Patrick Willis, who came up the middle untouched while flying by rookie center Jared Veldheer.

"After the X-rays, (the stinger) does not appear to be too serious," Raiders coach Tom Cable said late Sunday afternoon in a conference call with Bay Area writers.

"We just need to rehab it and make sure he is ready to go."

Eric Mangini's endorsement was not exactly definitive for QB Colt McCoy. With Jake Delhomme penciled in as the starter and Seneca Wallace having a good preseason, McCoy is locked in a battle for the No. 3 spot with Brett Ratliff.

It seems highly unlikely the Browns would actually pull the trigger on cutting a third-round draft pick like McCoy, who is younger than Ratliff and could develop slowly. Still, there's a sense the Browns feel McCoy is in over his head and not the physical talent they believed him to be.

Derek Anderson is listed No. 1 QB on the depth chart this week.

Donovan McNabb's left ankle is visibly swollen but teammates fully expect him to start Sept. 12 against Dallas. Be stunned if he doesn't.

Jags are holding out RB Maurice Jones-Drew for the week. Head coach Jack Del Rio reiterated he didn't have surgery on the knee and no surgery is necessary.

This could hurt Jones-Drew's value a bit, especially for those looking at taking him at 1.3. Ray Rice certainly seems a little safer right now.

Eagles trade FB Charles Scott to Arizona for CB Jorrick Calvin, a 6th round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2010 from Troy.

Beat write John McClain's look at the Texans

• The red zone is still a problem, but remember, they've had two touchdowns called back in the last two games. I think Arian Foster, at 6-1, 227, is going to be good inside the 5. I've been telling people to take him in your fantasy league because they're going to get in the red zone a lot, and they're going to get inside the 5 a lot. I think Foster will score 10 to 15 touchdowns if he stays healthy.

Foster is very disciplined and follows the blocks well. He's always playing with a chip on his shoulder about being bypassed in the draft. That's good for the Texans and bad for opponents.

• Steve Slaton is a good change-of-pace back because he's an outstanding receiver. I'm excited to watch Jeremiah Johnson run against the Buccaneers. Because Slaton is out with a toe injury, Johnson's going to get the ball a lot. He's averaging 5.4 yards a carry to Foster's 6.1.

By• the way, we'll have to wait until the Colts game, but it's going to be fun to see Owen Daniels back on the field making up for lost time. Gary Kubiak said getting 15 to 20 plays from him against Indianapolis would be ideal.

• I don't know about you, but I'm glad to see Jacoby Jones returning punts again. I want the Texans to get him the ball as much as possible. Before he can overtake Kevin Walter, Jones has to become as consistent as a route runner and blocker as Walter. Jones also has to make fewer mistakes. Still, there's no doubting his big-play capability, and when they have three and four wideouts in the game, they're hard to stop.

• This running game is going nowhere fast. Julius Jones started the exhibition opener and gained 13 yards on five carries in the first quarter. Justin Forsett started the second game and ran for 4 yards on four carries in the opening period. Leon Washington began the game at running back Saturday and gained 16 yards on six carries in the first quarter.

What's that tell you? Doesn't matter who's running the ball for Seattle, it's going to be slow going.

• Of the three running backs who have started for Seattle, Jones has been the least impressive. Through three exhibition games, he hasn't gained more than 6 yards on any rush. And outside of a 10-yard reception in which he hurdled a defender in the red zone against Green Bay, he hasn't made a memorable play.

• Mike X. Williams might be this team's most dangerous split end. In three exhibition games, Seattle has four receptions that gained more than 40 yards. Williams has been responsible for two of them. His 42-yard reception in the third quarter in Minnesota showed what a threat he is to run after the catch, and his size and strength make him a unique threat among Seattle's wide receivers.

• Is tight end John Carlson becoming the invisible man, or is Seattle just playing possum? He caught one pass for 6 yards Saturday, bringing his exhibition totals to two catches in three games for 12 yards. Not exactly what everyone expected after all the talk about how often Seattle would use a two-tight-end set.

Steven Jackson's early work on the practice field and in the preseason has been impressive. There's no doubt it's a different Rams team, and a more confident offense, with him in the backfield.

Jackson is a hard worker, and hasn't seemed to let the team's struggles in the won-loss column affect his play. Jackson basically doubled his weight training regimen in the summer following April surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. The idea was to strengthen the muscles around the back. So far, so good.

But there's simply no way to know if Jackson's back — or the rest of his body for that matter — will hold up over the course of a 16-game season. All the more reason to have a solid No. 2 running back. You get the feeling the No. 2 back isn't on the roster yet, meaning it won't be Chris Ogbonnaya, Kenneth Darby, or Keith Toston.

Around the 1.7 point in drafts, Jackson isn't a popular option - among the 4for4 draft board community anyway. But, this is at least a bit of good news to maybe make you more comfortable with the pick - if your draft is coming up or even if you made the pick. He's also been slipping in some drafts to the end of the first or even early second, which makes him more attractive.

Saturday won't be too late for the Chargers and Vincent Jackson to both get what they want. But it will be close.

Jackson is not going to play for the Chargers again. That is almost certain.

The Chargers need to let the guy go.

Of course, despite protestations to the contrary , until recently it was Jackson and his agents who were holding the Pro Bowl receiver hostage with their high contract demand. Maybe it will ultimately be A.J. Smith who keeps Jackson in bondage, but we won't know until the Jackson camp becomes reasonable.

Expect the asking price to come down, perhaps way down, from $50 million over five years.

It was only one play in a preseason game, and the Redskins have not announced their roster plans.

That aside, however, it seemed telling that wide receiver Anthony Armstrong was on the field with starting wideouts Santana Moss and Joey Galloway early in Friday night's 16-11 victory over the New York Jets.

"I feel good," said Armstrong, whose only reception in the game resulted in a first down. "I feel good because they're putting me in there, so they must believe in me in some way."

Washington's star on offense during training camp and the preseason, Armstrong lined up with Galloway and Moss in a three-receiver shotgun set on the Redskins' first third-down attempt. From left to right, it went Galloway, Moss, who was in the slot, and then Armstrong split right.

QBs
Jake Delhomme’s preseason passer rating is 110.5. He is fourth in the NFL behind Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Kyle Orton.

Seneca Wallace’s passer rating is high, 103.0, even though he has completed just half of his 26 passes. He benefits from averaging 8.8 yards per passing attempt (Delhomme is at 7.2) and a 3-to-1 touchdowns-to-interceptions ratio.

Through three games, the Browns lead their opponents 703-542 in passing yards. In the 2010 regular season, opponents led the Browns 3,915-2,076.

Delhomme was sharp in preseason game No. 3, going 20-of-25 for 152 yards, a touchdown and a 105.3 rating. That encouraging work is tempered by this bit of recent history: In his third preseason game last year, Brady Quinn went 11-of-15 for 128 yards, a touchdown and a 121.0 rating in a win over Tennessee.

RBs
Jerome Harrison has rushed 23 times for 72 yards. He is not concerned about his 3.1 per-carry average.

“I’m where I want to be,” he said, “besides the fumble.”

He was talking about a fumble that was recovered and returned for a touchdown Saturday. He also lost a fumble in the previous game.

Peyton Hillis leads the Browns in carries with 21. He is averaging 3.8 yards. James Davis has averaged 3.4 yards on 11 carries.

The Browns are looking for a back who can average closer to 4.5. That is one reason they are eager to get rookie Round 2 pick Montario Hardesty in a preseason game. He has missed the first three games but has not been ruled out of Thursday’s game against Chicago.

Sheil Kapadia is the Online Sports Editor at philly.com.

Who says coaches keep everything vanilla in the preseason? The Chiefs blitzed Eagles QB Kevin Kolb on 11 of his 25 pass attempts. On those plays, Kolb was 5-for-11 for 57 yards and an interception. On the rest of his throws, Kolb was 6-for-14 for 46 yards.

In the first two preseason games, we saw Kolb make quite a few accurate throws while on the run. That didn't happen here. Kolb was 0-for-4 on attempts outside the pocket and 11-for-21 on throws in the pocket. Perhaps he was making a concerted effort to stay in the pocket until the last possible moment, after he admitted to leaving a little early at times against the Bengals.

Kolb did not have a lot of success in the shotgun. He was 4-for-12 for 44 yards on those attempts and 7-for-13 for 59 yards under center.

The Eagles had no success on play-action passes, as Kolb was 1-for-6 for 8 yards on those throws.

THIRD DOWN, RED ZONE

Perhaps no stat tells the story better than third down. Kolb was 0-for-7 on third-down attempts. On three of those throws, he targeted Maclin. On the other four, he looked for Avant, Washington, Bell and McCoy.

Kolb attempted three red-zone passes, and they were all incomplete.

Posted by Darren Urban at azcardinals.com

– I don’t know exactly what Ken Whisenhunt was aiming for when he decided to start Derek Anderson this week over Matt Leinart, but whatever his intention, it worked. Both played well, and frankly, I don’t envy Whisenhunt’s decision going forward. Nothing was made easier Saturday night in the Chicago win, although Whiz was clearly feeling better about life than in the Tennessee game.

“I take my hat off to (the QBs),” running back Tim Hightower said. “A lot of people they can say whatever they want to about Matt, but he showed a lot. D.A., he played well, and when he had opportunities, he capitalized. But Matt came in and did his thing and he handled himself well.”

It was interesting that twice, Whisenhunt noted the quarterback choice will come down to chemistry with the team and how the QB handles things when he is in the fray – and that it won’t necessarily be about stats. Given that Leinart has completed 19-of-23 preseason passes and not turned it over, Whiz’s comments seem to pump the brakes on the idea Leinart could be the favorite. One of the issues swirling around Leinart for a while has been whether he is able to inspire the team.

“I don’t know what the decision will be made on,” Leinart said, smiling. “I feel like I have a great relationship with my guys, my team for four, five years now. Like I said, I can only control what I control, and that’s playing good football and being a leader. I have a great relationship with all my teammates and I don’t think it should be based on that because I feel like I am doing a good job in that department.”

– Arguably, the guy with the biggest stake in the quarterback position is Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. His thoughts on the QB controversy/competition? Fitz told this to ace beat man Kent Somers: “I’m just a hired hand, man. I’m just a pawn on the chess board.”

Something tells me Fitz has his opinions.

– Hightower ran the ball well (62 yards on eight carries). Beanie Wells didn’t have the greatest night. He gained 14 yards on eight carries, dropped a pass and, most crucial, fumbled the ball late in the second quarter inside the Bears’ 10-yard line when it looked like the Cards were going to drive for a TD. Replays seemed to show Beanie might have been down a split-second before losing control, but it wasn’t overturned, and Whisenhunt wasn’t happy considering Beanie’s fumbling issues as a rookie.

“That is something with Beanie we have made progress with and he obviously was criticized for not paying more attention to the ball there,” Whisenhunt said.

– Awesome play to score your touchdown, Steve Breaston. Oh, don’t ever leap like that in a preseason game again. Your legs looked like they were going to snap as you went up and over the goal line.

Billy Cundiff already has booked a flight home to Phoenix, Ariz., for Saturday, the day the Ravens make final cuts to reach their final 53-man roster. His return flight to Baltimore on Sunday is less certain.

"They'll let me know whether I'm coming back," the Ravens' incumbent kicker said after another strong effort to preserve his place on that roster Saturday night.

Like everyone else, Cundiff isn't sure what to make of his preseason battle with Shayne Graham. Preseason and training camp numbers give a slight edge to Cundiff, who might also have an edge in leg strength.

But Graham, 32, is a proven commodity, the fourth-most accurate kicker in NFL history (85.2 percent) after nine seasons, all with the Cincinnati Bengals.

With running back Michael Bush having thumb surgery Monday, the Raiders may have to turn to Darren McFadden more. In his first preseason action Saturday after coming back from a tight hamstring, McFadden had seven carries for nine yards against the 49ers.

Coach Tom Cable used the word "explosive."

"I saw explosive play, I saw a guy run hard and in between the tackles," Cable said. "You know, it's nice to get him back. You know it's good for him to get his first action. I've said all along that when he's healthy, I think he's very important to what we're trying to do."

McFadden had two catches for 16 yard and another for 24 yards called back because of an illegal formation penalty.

Gradkowski No. 2: Bruce Gradkowski's performance (14-for-22 for 202 yards and two touchdowns) was good enough to hold off any challenge from Kyle Boller for the backup quarterback job.

"He definitely showed himself well and strengthened our football team at the quarterback position," Cable said. "I think he is (the backup). I never said he wasn't."

Josh McDaniels said there is a chance Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter play Thursday at Minnesota. Tuesday's practice will decide if either is ready.

Brett Favre: He's already taking injections in his wounded ankle.

After his so-so eight series Saturday night on the hard floor of Mall of America Field (I prefer to call it the Metrodome, because that's what we know it to be), Favre went into the trainers' room in the Vikes' locker room and got an injection of lubricant in the left ankle that has three times been operated on to remove loose bodies. "Like a grease fitting,'' he said.

Noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews did the most recent surgery May 22, with an interested party in the operating theater: Deanna Favre. "They took out a cup full of stuff -- bone and all these other loose bodies,'' Brett Favre said Saturday night. "Deanna watched and told me, 'If you don't feel a lot better, I'll be shocked.''

Favre feels better, but not really that good. He explained the arthroscopic procedure that happened in May and what's happened since. He said Dr. Andrews made two incisions on the top of his left ankle, where the ankle flexes above the foot, and sucked out the loose bodies. He said Dr. Andrews wasn't surprised a significant spur returned when Favre went for a re-exam a month ago -- but he was surprised it happened so fast. The Vikings will attempt to manage the pain the spur brings on, but Favre said he didn't think he'd take any painkillers stronger than Motrin.

"It's catching up with me, all this stuff,'' said Favre, who turns 41 in October.

McDaniels has always believed QB Tim Tebow would be ready sooner than most in the NFL

He did not run, or even scramble. He stood and threw 10 passes, completing five, for 72 yards.

Call Tebow ahead of schedule, with a ways to go. On his first attempt in the fourth quarter, Tebow telegraphed a pass that was intercepted on the run by Crezdon Butler, who nearly returned it for a touchdown.

"I did some good things and bad things," Tebow said. "I've got a lot to work on."

But after his pick that led to a Steelers touchdown, Tebow displayed a wonderful bout of memory loss. He came back on the next drive to throw a 3-yard touchdown pass to rookie Eric Decker, Tebow's first scoring throw as a professional.

Tebow, it appears, is the Broncos' No. 2 quarterback.

Orton's toughness helped him stay at No. 1. After returning from his time on the sideline, Orton led the team on a long field-goal drive that was helped along by a Harrison unnecessary roughness penalty.

What do you mean nothing going on regarding Derrell Revis? They're not even talking? They don't even know where he is.

Another day passed, and Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe kept following the script, difficult as it might sometimes be.

Standing in the locker room Sunday afternoon, dressing and controlling the music on Tamba Hali’s stereo, Bowe shook his head and said that, no, he wouldn’t be speaking to reporters on this day. Maybe not the whole year.

“Well,” Bowe said with a smile, “I can’t say the whole year.”

Bowe has, through training camp and three preseason games, been one of the Chiefs’ most impressive players. He had four catches Friday night in an exhibition loss to Philadelphia, and one of those was a touchdown. The old problems that once haunted Bowe — the drops, the animated behavior that might have distracted him, the lack of focus — appeared to be in the past.

“He understands,” coach Todd Haley said. “The message was clear to him what he had to do, and he came into the offseason exactly the way he was asked. He worked through the offseason the way that good receivers, trying to become real good receivers, have to, and now he’s continued through training camp to be a dependable player for us.

Pittsburgh's QB Dennis Dixon finished 9 of 16 for 94 yards, two interceptions and a pair of sacks by Robert Ayers .

"He didn't play well," Tomlin said. "And a lot of guys didn't."

Rookie cornerback Perrish Cox picked off one of Dixon's passes in the end zone and Andre' Goodman returned Dixon's second interception 77 yards for a touchdown with 11 seconds left in the second quarter that gave Denver a 17-3 halftime lead.

Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton almost had his night shortened by a big hit from linebacker James Harrison .

After Harrison picked up a loose ball and rumbled toward the end zone in the second quarter, Orton tried to tackle him low but Harrison put his helmet down and hit Orton on the back of the head and his left shoulder.

While Orton was down, the officials huddled and ruled the play was an incomplete pass. Brady Quinn replaced Orton and was sacked on the next snap. Orton returned to the game on the Broncos' next series.

Orton finished 9-for-14 for 80 yards with one interception, by William Gay .

Rookie Tim Tebow made his home debut for Denver after missing last week's game with bruised ribs. He had mixed results, throwing an interception that set up Jonathan Dwyer 's 5-yard TD run and then driving Denver 74 yards in five plays, capped by a 3-yard scoring strike to Eric Decker .

Unlike in his pro debut at Cincinnati when he was hurt on a 7-yard dart into the end zone as time expired, Tebow was a pocket passer on this night with no designed runs or scrambles.

On Thursday night, the Steelers host the Panthers to finish the preseason. After the game, Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will return to New York for a meeting with Commissioner Roger Goodell regarding whether Roethlisberger's six-game suspension will be cut to four games, according to Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com.

The Steelers will be informed of the decision before the start of the regular season. Either way, Roethlisberger will miss the first four games of the year.

It's widely believed that the suspension will be reduced. The Commissioner apparently has waited as long as possible in order to provide Roethlisberger will the maximum incentive to stay out of trouble. If Roethlisberger were to have a hiccup, the Commissioner would merely have to shrug his shoulders and say, "It's six games."

Once the suspension is reduced, any further problems from Roethlisberger would require the Commissioner to start the process from square one as to any further possible punishment.

Dallas Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant has been cleared to play Thursday night against the Dolphins. He might play, too, since it sounds as if the Cowboys will play their first-team offense at least a series.

"I don’t know," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said when asked if Bryant would play Thursday. "He’ll be able to play. He’ll be ready to go. It’s a question of is it worth some of the risk. If we end up playing our regulars, then that might make a difference. We typically have not played a full set of our players, so that might be something we might consider since we’ve got a chance to have our starters out there."

Bryant ran routes before Saturday's game against Houston. He also ran full speed some Thursday. Bryant, who injured his right ankle in practice July 30 and has not practiced with the team since, said he feels great and eager to get back on the field.

"I'm very anxious to get back on the field," Bryant said. "At the same time, I know it's a work in progress. I have to do everything everybody asks me to do to get to 100 percent. I know how calm I am about the game of football. I just have to be smart. Hopefully, when the trainers give me that go call, I'll be ready to go."

The career of wide receiver Antonio Bryant could be in jeopardy because of recurring knee problems that date to the 2009 season, two NFL sources say.

In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Bengals released Bryant on Sunday, a strong indication that Bryant is unlikely to be healthy anytime soon.

"He barely practiced in training camp and now this happens," said a league source with knowledge of Bryant’s knee problems. "The guy can’t stay healthy at this point. He gets to the point that he’s feeling good, then it swells on him again. When that keeps happening, that’s a very strong indication that there are structural problems."

Bryant had offseason surgery on the knee and signed a four-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals in March. He practiced on the opening day of training camp, but didn’t practice again before being let go. Bryant got a $7.85 million signing bonus and would have made another $3 million in base salary had he made the team.

He told reporters during camp that the muscles around the knee weren’t strong enough to support the surgically-repaired joint. This happened after the Bengals’ medical staff saw Bryant before training camp and pronounced him in good enough shape to practice.

Peter Schaffer, Bryant’s agent, said Bryant was not expected to have further surgery and expected Bryant to play again this season.

Schaffer didn’t indicate if he planned to file a grievance against the Bengals for releasing Bryant while he was injured. Such grievances are considered standard in cases like this and both NFL sources said they expect one to be filed.

The St. Louis Rams placed WR Donnie Avery on injured reserve.

New York Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss will undergo a second opinion on his groin injury Monday after continued soreness has sidelined the four-year veteran. Coach Tom Coughlin did not know whether the injury will last long-term, but the setback is a troubling sign for Moss.

Rookie Victor Cruz has ascended on the depth chart with an impressive preseason, and Moss, who has played four seasons with the Giants, is in a roster battle to make it a fifth season.

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable says quarterback Jason Campbell has a right wrist injury that's more significant than the stinger he suffered Saturday night against San Francisco. At this point, Campbell is not expected to miss the season opener at Tennessee.

Saturday was a rough night for Campbell, and a reminder that Oakland's offensive line has issues. He projects to be a decent fantasy backup, but fantasy owners need to monitor his recovery and keep in mind that the Raiders, while better, still have flaws.

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush will undergo surgery on his broken left thumb Monday and could be back in time for the season opener.

Bush broke the thumb when he was hit on the hand by a helmet on his final carry Saturday night against San Francisco. Coach Tom Cable said Sunday there was a "good chance" Bush would be ready to play Sept. 12 in Tennessee and that he would likely not need a cast on the finger.

Bush led the team with 589 yards rushing last season and was expected to do even more this season now that Justin Fargas has been released. Bush and Darren McFadden will share the bulk of the running load this season, although both have now been hampered by injuries in the preseason.

If you still have a draft, Bush is relatively safe to take. Even if he's not available for the opener, this doesn't sound like an injury that will derail him for a long period of time.

The knee issue that Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens is dealing with is a "three to six week issue'' Oakland head coach Tom Cable said he's questionable for the opener at Tennessee, but in reality, he's more likely to be doubtful.

Schilens isn't worth drafting.

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said the best-case scenario with TE Owen Daniels is probably that he plays 15-20 snaps versus the Indianapolis Colts in week one.

Daniels is a very high-risk, high-reward draft pick this year. Unfortunately, the risks just got even higher. There are safer tight end options on the board, but if Daniels drops in your draft he's still worth a flyer as long as you have the roster space to carry him and another adequate tight end you can use regularly.

Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton left Saturday's exhibition victory over the Dallas Cowboys early with turf toe. He had only three carries for six yards and did not return any kickoffs. Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said that Slaton is unlikely to play on Thursday in the preseason finale against the Buccaneers, but he could be ready for the regular season opener against the Colts on Sept. 12.

"My rookie year, the same thing happened against the Cowboys and I missed the last preseason game, so I guess it's a little bad luck with them," Slaton said. "But it'll get better. It's not too, too bad. I'll be ready… It'll heal with treatment. (I've got) plenty of time."

According to Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, DeSean Jackson will be his punt returner this year.

Jackson's already a top-notch fantasy option, but this enhances his stock in return yardage leagues, as he's always a threat to take it the distance.

While news regarding Donovan McNabb is not the best, there was some positive news from Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan concerning running back Clinton Portis, who sprained his right ankle against the Jets Friday night.

"I don’t think it’s too serious. It’s not a big setback," Shanahan said. "I would anticipate him being able to practice in a couple of days."

It's hard to get excited about Portis as a fantasy player, but he should carry the load for Washington and might be useful if he's got a favorable matchup.

Donovan McNabb’s ankle is too sore for him to play in the Washington Redskins’ last preseason game, and coach Mike Shanahan isn’t saying for certain whether the quarterback will be ready in time for the regular-season opener against Dallas.

McNabb sprained his left ankle in the second preseason game against Baltimore and sat out Friday’s game against the New York Jets.

Shanahan said Sunday that McNabb is day to day. The coach doesn’t "know for sure" whether McNabb will be ready to face the Cowboys on Sept. 12.

McNabb likely wouldn’t have played this week anyway because Shanahan prefers to rest his starter in the final exhibition game to avoid injury. No. 2 quarterback Rex Grossman has said he won’t play this week either.

If Rex Grossman lines up under center on opening night for Washington, those who have the Dallas defense should be happy. McNabb isn't the sure-fire fantasy player he used to be, but at his current ADP, he was projected to be a nice bargain. This injury is something to watch, but at this point there is not a huge risk in drafting McNabb. Just make sure you get a second quarterback you can count on if needed.

Washington fullback Mike Sellers said he ran some sprints on his injured knee and will "definitely" be ready for week one when the Redskins host the Dallas Cowboys.

New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace will undergo foot surgery on Monday in North Carolina that could sideline him four to six weeks, according to league sources.

Noted foot doctor Robert Anderson will perform the surgery on Pace, who was injured Friday night. The Jets will not want to make any final determinations on Pace's availability until after the surgery. But the preliminary prognosis of Pace's injury is that he will miss four to six weeks.

Jets coach Rex Ryan had said Pace could miss a few weeks and a New York Daily News report said Pace would miss six weeks with a broken foot.

But the Jets want to wait to see what Anderson thinks before making any definitive declarations on Pace's status.

Ryan has said Jason Taylor - signed as a free agent this offseason to be a situational player -will take Pace's outside linebacker spot in the starting lineup.

The Cincinnati Bengals have released wide receiver Antonio Bryant.

Originally signed to be Chad Ochocinco's tag team partner, Bryant's bad health did him in. Cincinnati is happy with the duo of Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, and most fantasy owners had scrapped plans to draft Bryant.

The Jets have released Laveranues Coles, a move that likely signals the end of the popular wide receiver’s career.

The 32-year-old Coles, signed to his third tour with the Jets last month, had four catches for 19 yards in three preseason games. New York brought him back after one season with Cincinnati as insurance while Santonio Holmes sits out a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Coles insisted throughout training camp that this would be his last stop. He has 674 career catches for 8,609 yards and 49 touchdowns

The Jets also have waived wide receivers Aundrae Allison and Marcus Henry, and defensive lineman Rodrique Wright, putting them at 75 players ahead of Tuesday’s mandatory league-wide cutdown.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark returned to practice Saturday after sitting out the last two weeks with a leg injury.

The Colts have been playing it safe with their star tight end, and fantasy owners never had any major cause for concern. Clark is 4for4's number one tight end.

Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian said Saturday that middle linebacker Gary Brackett suffered a bruised right hand in the first quarter of Thursday night’s preseason loss to the Packers and should be okay.

Brackett took part in Saturday’s short practice but wore a wrap on his hand. He was hurt when he was inadvertently hit by strong-side linebacker Philip Wheeler during a tackle pileup.

Initial reports concerning the injury were ominous, but it appears the defensive team captain may be ready to play when the Colts begin the regular season Sept. 12 at Houston.

San Francisco’s first defense allowed three touchdowns and the team committed 10 penalties but the Niners still managed to squeak out their third straight preseason win.

They beat the Oakland Raiders 28-24 as backup quarterback David Carr led a late touchdown drive that gave the Niners the victory.

The Niners put together a 16-play, 80-yard drive to win it. Rookie running back Anthony Dixon scored on third-and-goal from the 1 to give San Francisco the lead with 1:44 remaining.

Frank Gore ran for 58 yards on two carries in his first action of the preseason for the Niners, Alex Smith threw a touchdown pass to Josh Morgan and rookie Phillip Adams scored on an 83-yard punt return as San Francisco remained undefeated in the preseason.

Linebacker Patrick Willis had two tackles behind the line of scrimmage against Darren McFadden and an 11-yard sack against Jason Campbell.

Niners LT Joe Staley (sprained knee) and running back Brian Westbrook (hamstring) are day to day. Niners WR Michael Crabtree did not play because of a stiff neck.

Bruce Gradkowski solidified his backup quarterback spot for the Oakland Raiders with a steady showing as the Raiders lost 28-24 to their Bay Area rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.

Gradkowski threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns after Jason Campbell left with an injury. He did not play in the first two exhibition games because of a groin injury and was in danger of falling behind Kyle Boller on the depth chart. But he completed 14 of 22 passes and led Oakland to scores on his first three drives. He threw touchdown passes to Louis Murphy and Zach Miller and set up a 57-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski.

Before leaving Campbell got off to another strong start, completing four passes for 67 yards on an 81-yard touchdown drive. Darrius Heyward-Beyhad two of his three catches on the drive, fullback Marcel Reece had a 34-yard reception and Michael Bush scored on a 1-yard run.

Bush also left the game with a broken left thumb and does not know how serious it is. DT Desmond Bryant had an elbow injury.

For the Chicago Bears, it was simply a poor performance.

The Bears lost 14-9 to the Arizona Cardinals and it was a loss devoid of style points.

It was a rough night for Jay Cutler, who was sacked four more times after being taken down five times the previous week. He simply fell down on one of them and got intercepted twice, while completing just 10 of 20 passes for 129 yards.

Cutler acknowledged he might have been a bit gunshy after the line broke down against Oakland.

It was also a bad night for Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs, who sustained a sprained ankle early in the second quarter and sat out the rest of the game, another blow to a linebacking corps already missing Brian Urlacher because of a strained left calf.

Hunter Hillenmeyer started at middle linebacker in Urlacher’s place.

The way Matt Leinart sees it, he’s done all he can. Now, it’s simply up to his coach, and Ken Whisenhunt wasn’t giving any clues.

He’ll let this competition between Leinart and Derek Anderson play out a little longer after watching each throw for a touchdown while delivering solid if not spectacular performances for the Arizona Cardinals in a 14-9 preseason victory over the Chicago Bears on Saturday night.

Anderson started after the first-team offense struggled with Leinart, and he responded by completing 7 of 12 passes for 94 yards for Arizona (2-1).

Leinart came in late in the second quarter and was 9 of 10 for 84 yards, with a touchdown pass early in the third that made it 14-0 and sent Chicago (0-3) to another loss.

Anderson led the Cardinals to their first touchdown after Calais Campbell blocked Robbie Gould’s 38-yard field goal with 36 seconds left in the first quarter. He converted three third-down passes on a 72-yard drive, and Stephen Williams turned a slant underneath into a 27-yard touchdown.

Leinart came on after Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler’s second interception with just over two minutes left in the first half near midfield. And he had the Cardinals in position to score after going three-and-out on all three series in a loss to Tennessee on Monday night.

They were on the 15 when Beanie Wells lost a fumble at the 6 after being stripped by Danieal Manning with 52 seconds left, stopping what could have been their first scoring drive of the preseason for Leinart. Leinart finally broke through at the halfway mark of the third when Steve Breaston caught a 13-yard pass, flying over Chris Harris at the goal line to make it 14-0.

Arizona WR Early Doucet was back after missing a game with an abdominal strain and caught a 2-yard pass.

The biggest bright spot for the Seattle Seahawks Saturday night during a 24-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was Earl Thomas.

It was a big night for the heavy-hitting safety from Texas, who delivered Seattle’s lone touchdown of the game on an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown. He also leveled Percy Harvin on a slant over the middle.

Matt Hasselbeck completed nine of 17 passes for 126 yards, 42 coming on a completion to Mike Williams in the third quarter. More importantly, he left after two series in the third quarter without a scratch on him.

That was no small feat for Seattle’s patchwork offensive line against a defensive line that led the NFL in sacks last year. Sixth overall draft choice Russell Okung is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain, forcing the Seahawks to move backup left guard Mike Wrotto out to left tackle.

Hasselbeck was sacked twice and hit two other times, but came away unscathed.

The Cowboys planned to sit the starters during Thursday’s preseason finale.

The coaching staff is reconsidering after watching the first team stink up Reliant Stadium in Saturday’s 23-7 loss to the Houston Texans. If this was the dress rehearsal, the play is destined to be a dud.

"We’ll look at it and see," Wade Phillips said regarding whether the starters would play Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins. "They were some individuals who did some good things, but we’ll have to evaluate that. I’m not ruling out that we won’t play our guys more next week."

It might be easier to shrug off this poor performance as meaningless if it was a continuation of what we saw last week in San Diego.

The Cowboys’ starters played four full quarters against the Chargers and Houston. They were outscored by a 20-7 margin, but that doesn’t indicate how badly they were outplayed. Total yardage in those two halves: Opponents 434, Cowboys 145.

"It’s important to have a good feeling," offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said.

That clearly isn’t the case for the Cowboys after four preseason games.

Opening night is less than two weeks away and Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are still trying to figure out exactly what they have in a banged-up receiving corps and a rotating offensive line.

They took some steps in the right direction Saturday night during the team's 24-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Favre’s two newest targets made pretty good impressions just days after arriving in Minnesota.

Greg Camarillo had four catches for 47 yards and Javon Walker made a great catch over Walter Thurmond for a 25-yard TD from Sage Rosenfels in the fourth quarter.

Favre, who was coaxed back for a 20th NFL season on Aug. 18, played eight series on Saturday night. He led the Vikings to one field goal and a touchdown, a 24-yard run by Adrian Peterson that was set up by a 73-yard kickoff return by Darius Reynaud.

Peterson finished with 37 yards on 11 carries.

The Vikings also had to be encouraged by Percy Harvin’s return. The reigning offensive rookie of the year has only practiced six times this preseason because of recurring migraine headaches, including a bout that caused trainers to call an ambulance to practice just over a week ago.

Harvin had two catches for 30 yards.

Carolina’s overhauled defense hardly looked like it missed Julius Peppers during their 15-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans Saturday night in Charlotte, sacking Titans quarterback Vince Young four times, keeping star runner Chris Johnson in check and holding Tennessee to 50 yards in the first half.

Charles Johnson, who took over for Peppers when he signed with Chicago in the offseason, had his way with Titans right tackle David Stewart and notched two of Carolina’s seven sacks.

The Carolina offense, though, is another story.

Quarterback Matt Moore, given the starting job when Jake Delhomme was released in the offseason, had his third straight uninspiring performance. He completed 18 of 33 passes for 190 yards and no interceptions. DeAngelo Williams rushed for just 13 yards on nine carries, and there is still no clear No. 2 receiver opposite Steve Smith.

The Tennessee Titans looked very shaky on offense and managed only seven points against Carolina's defense Saturday night in Charlotte.

Chris Johnson, the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2009, managed just 10 yards on eight carries with little room to roam in his most extensive work of the preseason. He has 39 yards on 19 carries in three games after rushing for 2,006 yards last season.

Quarterback Vince Young, playing the entire first half, completed just 6 of 9 passes for 48 yards under constant pressure. He was sacked four times.

Defensive end Derrick Morgan, the Titans’ first-round pick, had one tackle in his NFL debut as he returned from injury.

The Titans didn’t dress 11 players, including TE Bo Scaife (back), CB Cortland Finnegan (groin) and WR Nate Washington (wrist).

It was a rough Saturday night for the Dallas Cowboys, as they lost 23-7 to the Houston Texans.

The Cowboys’ first-team offense continued to sputter. Tony Romo was sacked twice and fumbled, and Dallas (2-2) mustered only 7 yards rushing before the reserves took over late in the third quarter.

The Cowboys’ starting offense drove inside the Texans’ 20-yard line twice, but coughed up sloppy turnovers both times. Those miscues came after the unit lost yardage on five of its first nine plays.

The Cowboys gained only 96 yards in the half — 30 on a meaningless long pass from Romo to Miles Austin in the final seconds. Dallas couldn’t get off another snap before time expired.

The Dallas starters haven’t put together a legitimate touchdown drive in four preseason games. Their only TD came on a possession that started at the 8-yard line against San Diego last week.

The Houston Texans may have finally found a dependable running back.

Arian Foster rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown, Matt Schaub threw a TD pass to Jacoby Jones and the Texans routed the Dallas Cowboys 23-7 on Saturday night.

Foster averaged 6.1 yards on 18 carries against the Cowboys and became the first Texan to go over 100 yards rushing in a preseason game. The Texans finished with 173 yards on the ground, an encouraging sign for coach Gary Kubiak, whose team ranked 30th in rushing (92 yards per game) last season.

Foster found a huge hole and ran 18 yards on the Texans’ second series. Three plays later, Schaub fooled the Dallas defenders with a play-action fake and found Jones open in the end zone for an easy 24-yard touchdown.

Neil Rackers hit a 23-yard field goal with 9:22 left in the first half for a 10-0 lead. Rackers and Kris Brown are locked in a tight competition for the kicking job.

Brown kicked a 22-yard field goal in the final minute before halftime to make it 13-0.

According to sources, New York Jets LB Calvin Pace is out for six weeks with a broken right foot.

Already without holdout Darrelle Revis, now the Jets are without their best pass rusher. They are currently number one in our team defense rankings, but if you were planning on selecting the Jets early and starting a run on defenses in your league, you might want to give that strategy a second thought.

Close encounters with the Baltimore Ravens defense can lead to frustration, and the New York Giants felt plenty of it after the Ravens handily beat them 24-10 Saturday night in Baltimore.

Returning after a one-week absence, New York quarterback Eli Manning went 9 for 18 for 63 yards and an interception in 30 minutes of play.

Manning received little support from the running game: New York rushed for 58 yards in the first half, half of them on a 29-yarder by Brandon Jacobs.

The Giants’ lone first-half score was a field goal by Lawrence Tynes after Corey Webster returned an interception 37 yards to the Baltimore 32.

Rhett Bomar threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz with 1:18 left for New York's only touchdown.

The Baltimore Ravens’ objective on offense this season appears to be eradicating all forms of predicability.

Joe Flacco threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns for the pass-happy Ravens, whose no-huddle offense befuddled the New York Giants in a 24-10 preseason victory Saturday night.

Flacco completed 21 of 34 passes before leaving after one series in the third quarter. Last year, he threw as many as 34 passes only seven times for a team that relied heavily on the run.

The third-year quarterback connected with five different receivers — throwing touchdowns to newcomer Anquan Boldin and old hand Todd Heap — and ran for a team-high 16 yards.

The Ravens passed 32 times in the first half, ran only 11 times and amassed 17 first downs and 243 yards.

Baltimore's wide receivers didn't leave the game unscathed however. Donte’ Stallworth broke his foot and will likely be lost for two months, while Mark Clayton sustained a mild concussion.

Jacksonville backup quarterback Luke McCown showed his team the way to the end zone and a 19-13 preseason victory over Tampa Bay Saturday night.

Jacksonville moved the ball consistently with starter David Garrard at quarterback. But it settled for field goals on three promising drives and had its best possession of the night turned back by a goal-line interception that linebacker Barrett Ruud returned 80 yards to set up Tampa Bay’s only touchdown.

Garrard played into the third quarter and completed 24 of 31 passes for 211 yards and one interception. He completed 15 of his first 17 passes for 134 yards and was 4 of 4 in marching the Jaguars into scoring position.

McCown gave the Jaguars some relief from their frustration, throwing a 27-yard TD pass to John Matthews on his first attempt of the night to put Jacksonville up 16-13 late in the third quarter. Josh Scobee’s fourth field goal provided the final margin of victory.

The Jaguars played without running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who sat out three days of practice last week and did not make the trip to Tampa. The Pro Bowler’s agent said the fifth-year pro is not injured and that the Jaguars were holding him out of the final two preseason games for "precautionary reasons."

Jacksonville was also without all three starting linebackers — Daryl Smith, Kirk Morrison and Justin Durant. Tight end Marcedes Lewis left in the first half with a sprained ankle and did not return.

Although they lost 19-13 to Jacksonville, Josh Johnson gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the reassurance they sought with starting quarterback Josh Freeman sidelined by a broken thumb.

Filling in for Freeman, who the Bucs expect to return in time for their regular season opener, Johnson completed 9 of 14 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown to build a 13-6 lead before leaving the game in the third quarter. He also threw a 2-yard TD pass to running back Earnest Graham.

The third-year pro started four games last season, going 0-4 but showing enough progress that Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris insists he’s comfortable with the idea of the 24-year-old leading the offense in the opener if Freeman doesn’t recover as quickly as expected.

The Bucs lost backup safety Sabby Piscitelli to a mild concussion in the fourth quarter.

The Browns lost a 35-27 decision to Detroit on Saturday, but quarterback Jake Delhomme had another good performance. Delhomme was 20 of 25 for 152 yards and a TD for the Browns, whose quick-strike, no-huddle offense found a lot of holes in Detroit’s defense.

One player Delhomme utilized was Josh Cribbs, who had a leaping, 30-yard catch along the sideline that set up a TD toward the end of the first half.

Cleveland rookie quarterback Colt McCoy fumbled on his first drive midway through the fourth quarter to set up a lead-padding touchdown for the Lions. Overall McCoy was 10 of 14 for 76 yards.

Cleveland led 24-14 at halftime after Phil Dawson made his first of two field goals, Eric Wright returned Kevin Smith’s fumble 44 yards for a score, Delhomme tossed a short pass to Lawrence Vickers and Peyton Hillis had a 1-yard TD with 24 seconds left in the half.

Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass, rookie Jahvid Best had a 51-yard run and Aaron Brown scored twice in the fourth quarter to lift the Lions to a 35-27 win over Cleveland in a preseason game Saturday night.

Stafford was 13 of 17 for 141 yards and threw a touchdown pass to Bryant Johnson on Detroit’s first drive, connecting with a receiver on a high pass in the end zone for the second straight week.

Stafford handed off to Best for a 51-yard run on Detroit’s first play, threw a short pass to the first-round pick that he turned into a 10-yard gain with a juke on the second and lofted a 7-yard TD to Johnson on the third.

Lions LB DeAndre Levy, who was slowed by a back injury during training camp, left the game with a groin injury on the game’s first drive.

This was not what the franchise or its franchise quarterback had in mind for a third preseason game. Not by any means.

In a 14-9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Jay Cutler had the kind of game that too often defined his 2009 season and might be starting to show some signs similar to ones that surfaced as pressure on him grew through the year.

Cutler was sacked on two of the Bears’ first three possessions, three times total in the first half plus once on the opening series of the second. He threw two interceptions, both to backup cornerback Greg Toler, although one appeared to be the result of receiver Devin Aromashodu not breaking toward the inside where Cutler delivered the ball.

And Cutler, taking four sacks and six quarterback hits, may already be starting to react to pressure or the expectation of pressure. Combined with the difficulties against the Oakland Raiders, Cutler was sacked nine times in barely more than two halves.

Cutler finished with 10 completions in 20 attempts for 129 yards. He was intercepted twice and sacked four times to finish with a passer rating of 31.0, his worst of the preseason.

Cutler had performed well in Chicago's earlier exhibition games, but line issues definitely could be a concern, especially as often as he'll be throwing in Mike Martz's offense. Fantasy owners that draft him can expect a roller coaster ride, but more often than not, he'll be an asset for your team.

Although the Bengals didn't leave Orchard Park, New York with a victory on Saturday, losing 35-20 to the Buffalo Bills, they have further reason to be optimistic about their chances of success in 2010.

That's because Quarterback Carson Palmer showed he’s starting to gain chemistry with his revamped receivers.

In only three series, Palmer went 9-for-11 for 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns, his first of the preseason. The starting offense finally finished after managing two touchdowns on 10 drives in its previous three games.

Just as important, Palmer distributed the ball to all three of his top receivers. He hit rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham for a 9-yard touchdown, Chad Ochocinco for a 6-yard score and Terrell Owens three times for 35 yards.

Cedric Benson had eight carries for 50 yards, but was stuffed by safety Donte Whitner in attempting to convert a fourth-and-1.

Two things really stood out in Buffalo's 35-20 win over Cincinnati.

Quarterback Trent Edwards solidified his hold on the starting job. In six series, he finished 13 of 17 for 153 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to Roscoe Parrish.

And rookie RB C.J. Spiller finished with 52 yards rushing and had two catches for 33 yards.

After scoring on a 1-yard run to tie the game at 14 midway through the second quarter, Spiller showed his dynamic speed on a 20-yard scamper up the left sideline to produce the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the half. Beating safety Marvin White to the corner, Spiller outran cornerback Adam Jones to the end zone.

It was his third touchdown in two preseason starts. Spiller also took one snap out of a wildcat formation.

Cleveland running back Jerome Harrison promised Saturday that he'll get his fumbling issue fixed - and soon.

"It's definitely not a part of my game," the Browns' starting running back said. "I definitely don't want it. I just have to be more conscious of it and get back to [protecting the ball]. But I'm not worried about it. It's something I've never been big on doing and I'll definitely get it fixed before [the opener] comes around."

Harrison put the ball on the ground twice in the driving rain last week against St. Louis and then fumbled Sunday in Detroit with 3:40 left in the first half. Chris Houston recovered and scored on a 14-yard return to pull Detroit to within 17-14.

Browns coach Eric Mangini talked to Harrison about the fumble at halftime. The Browns' three errors in the game all led to TDs.

"It's got to get better," said Mangini. "When you have the ball in your hands, you have the whole team in your hands and there's no statistic that determines the outcome of games more than turnovers."

Harrison gained 34 yards on 11 carries. It was consistent with his preseason totals: 23 carries for 72 yards for a 3.1 average. He hasn't yet produced like the Harrison who ran for 561 yards over the final three games of last season.

Just another reminder that Montario Hardesty has an excellent chance to be the number one back in Cleveland when he gets on the field.

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable said the stinger that caused quarterback Jason Campbell to leave Oakland's third preseason game shouldn’t prevent him from playing in the season opener.

It turns out Jason Campbell wasn’t the only injury of concern in Saturday night’s 28-24 loss to the 49ers at the Coliseum.

Coach Tom Cable said running back Michael Bush sustained a thumb fracture and his status would not be determined until he saw a hand specialist Sunday.

As he was getting dressed, Bush needed teammate Michael Bennett to tie his shoes. He echoed Cable’s statements that he didn’t know if or how long he’d be out and he would know more Sunday.

Bush is projected to be Oakland's starting running back. We'll have more news as it becomes available.

Percy Harvin is back on the football field, and he thinks doctors finally have found the root of the problem that's kept him off of it, too.

"I did a test (Friday) night," Harvin said after the Minnesota Vikings' 24-13 exhibition win over the Seattle Seahawks.

"They found some things that we think is the main cause of it. We're all feeling really confident. I know we said that a couple times, but I think this time we found what the main cause was. I'm not saying I won't ever get a headache again, but hopefully, we can slow it down a little bit."

That would be good news for the Vikings and Harvin, who hadn't done much of anything on the field since his Aug. 19 collapse and hadn't been cleared to resume football activities as of Thursday afternoon.

But there was Harvin in Saturday night's 24-13 preseason win against the Seattle Seahawks, lining up in the slot on the Vikings' first play and catching a Brett Favre pass for a 34-yard gain.

"It was tough, but that's part of life," Harvin said. "We've got a great plan coming up here, so I think everything should be behind me."

Harvin declined to say what doctors discovered or where he underwent the final test, saying only, "We did find something. It's not life-threatening, but it's something that we need to work on, and we will."

For a player who missed most of training camp and the first two preseason games because of migraine headaches - including the Aug. 19 episode that sent him to the hospital - Harvin's mere presence on the field was rather startling.

In addition to the migraines, there were concerns about whether Harvin was in game shape after all the practice he'd missed. The need to get in some work with the starting offense apparently outweighed those concerns, though, leading to Harvin getting around a dozen snaps.

It's a good sign that Harvin returned to action Saturday night. He's not without risk, but if you can get him at the right spot in a fantasy draft, he could offer good value.

The Cleveland Browns were relieved safety Nick Sorensen seemed to make a quick recovery from a scary situation.

Sorensen was sprinting down the field after a kickoff when he was blocked simultaneously by Caleb Campbell and Andre Fluellen of the Detroit Lions in a preseason game.

That hit sent him to his back and led to him being carted off the field and taken to a hospital.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said tests were negative and he was on his way back from the hospital soon after Detroit’s 35-27 preseason victory.

Sorensen’s teammates on the kickoff team dropped to a knee, grabbed hands and bowed their heads when he was being evaluated on the field by both team’s medical personnel. Cleveland’s entire team and coaching staff later walked across the field to get closer to him.

"It’s horrible whenever you see somebody laying down on the field," Mangini said. "It’s a reminder of how tough this game is, how things can change so dramatically."

Cincinnati Bengals rookie cornerback Brandon Ghee was scheduled to travel home with the team after being knocked cold following a violent helmet-to-helmet collision with Bills running back Chad Simpson in a preseason game Saturday night.

Coach Marvin Lewis provided few details except to say Ghee got "dinged" and was not taken to the hospital.

Ghee lay motionless for several minutes before being able to sit up along the Bills sideline after he was hurt six minutes into the third quarter. Though groggy, he took a few steps as he was loaded onto the cart before being driven off the field.

The injury occurred when the third-round draft pick out of Wake Forest lowered his helmet in a bid to stop Simpson on a 2-yard run on fourth-and-1. Ghee dropped to the ground and lay there face-down as Bills trainers immediately attended to him.

Joined by Bengals trainers, medical officials were eventually able to turn Ghee over on his back and then have him sit up on his own. It was at that point an ambulance began driving onto the field, before making a U-turn back up the stadium tunnel.

Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell departed Oakland's exhibition game with the San Francisco 49ers after being injured on a sack.

Campbell landed hard on his right shoulder after being sacked by San Francisco linebacker Travis LaBoy on Saturday night. He was diagnosed with a stinger.

Campbell was down on the ground for about five minutes before being carted off the field.

We'll keep an eye on this and have further updates as they become available. If it's just a stinger, it's probably not going to be a long-term injury.

Tampa Bay S Sabby Piscitelli sustained a mild concussion during Tampa's 19-13 loss to Jacksonville and did not return to the game.

Ravens wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth broke his foot in Saturday night’s preseason game against the New York Giants and will miss at least two months, according to coach John Harbaugh.

"That’s really disappointing for him and our football team, obviously," Harbaugh said. "We’ll step up and the next guy will play well."

Stallworth will get a screw inserted in his foot right away. Harbaugh said it’s not a season-ending injury and hopes to get Stallworth back "right around the bye week." The Ravens’ bye comes at the end of October.

According to Harbaugh, Stallworth played on the broken foot for one play before leaving the game. Stallworth wasn't made available to reporters after the game.

Stallworth had been running as the No. 4 receiver behind Mark Clayton.

Stallworth wasn't going to be a viable fantasy player, but this does take a weapon away from Joe Flacco.

Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart was fully dressed for warm-ups, but did not participate in the team's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.

Stewart is fully expected to be ready for the regular season opener, and we believe he will be a top-15 back.

49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree is not playing tonight against the Raiders. He did not suit even though San Francisco head coach Mike Singletary had said Crabtree would play.

Crabtree, who has been dealing with a neck strain, probably would be playing if this were a regular season game. He's safe to target in all drafts.

Dallas WR Dez Bryant targeted this trip to Reliant Stadium for his preseason debut. He settled for running routes full speed for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain July 30.

Bryant ran routes and caught passes from Stephen McGee under the supervision of receivers coach Ray Sherman for at least 15 minutes before other players started warming up.

A similar session, in which Bryant ran three-quarters speed, was halted Thursday by associate athletic trainer Britt Brown. Bryant jogged through the rest of his routes that afternoon.

There were no signs that Bryant's right ankle gave him any trouble Saturday afternoon. He made several sharp cuts off his right foot without problems.

Bryant plans to push to play in the preseason finale Thursday against the Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys' training staff is likely to exercise caution with the first-round pick, but there's no question he'll be ready for the Sept. 12 season opener against the Washington Redskins.

Bryant is someone you draft as a backup, but he could easily start for your fantasy team before 2010 is over.

Despite missing a considerable amount of practice time with migraine issues, Minnesota wide receiver Percy Harvin says he'll play later tonight when the Vikings battle the Seahawks.

Harvin's headaches have made plenty of headlines, so it's good to see him taking the field.

On the same day he announced that Dennis Dixon would finally get some snaps with the first-team offense, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he probably won't name his starting quarterback until right before the Sept. 12 season opener.

Coincidence? Or does that mean the competition to temporarily replace Ben Roethlisberger is heating up in the final days of August?

Tomlin isn't betraying much when it comes to his quarterback situation these days. He said Friday that the Steelers' "intention" is to play Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Dixon with the first-team offense Sunday night against the Broncos.

Roethlisberger, who practiced with the first-team offense yesterday, likely will open under center in the 8 p.m. game.

Since the starters figure to be on the field for at least a half -- they could play into the third quarter, as well - Tomlin said there are enough snaps to spread around among the three quarterbacks.

But the extended action the first-teamers will get in the Steelers' third preseason game isn't the only reason why Dixon will work with the starters.

"It's based on merit," Tomlin said. "Dennis has done great with the opportunities we have provided him to this point."

Fantasy owners would be best served by not relying on Dixon or Leftwich while Roethlisberger is out. Expect a heavy dose of Rashard Mendenhall early in the season.

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that defensive end Trent Cole suffered a mild ankle sprain, and his status is day-to-day.

Good news for Philadelphia, as Cole is a top-notch pass rusher. He's a big reason why the Eagles have a highly-regarded fantasy defense.

Standout San Francisco nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin has signed his one-year, $7.003M deal as the 49ers franchise player.

There was never any doubt that Franklin was going to sign, and his arrival helps ensure that the 49ers will have a good fantasy defense.

Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles had suffered an injury during Friday night's exhibition clash with Philadelphia, but it appears that he just landed awkwardly on his funny bone. Charles will be fine.

We didn't think this was anything major, but if you already have Charles on your roster, this is good news. If you still have a draft or drafts on the horizon, he remains a good player to target.

Miami Dophins wide receiver Davone Bess will be the team's top punt returner.

Bess is not a big fantasy contributor, but if you are in a league that is PPR and awards points for return yardage, Bess can be a decent contributor.

The wait is over for middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu.

After suffering a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery in October and forced him to miss the last 11 games of the season, the veteran Seattle Seahawks linebacker watched impatiently from the sidelines in 2009, unable to help halt the string of losses his team suffered during a 5-11 campaign.

"It was tough being around and not being able to contribute," he said. "But as far as the record, we were not pleased with that. It’s tough to sit there and think that I could have at least impacted two or three of those games. And while 7-9 or 8-8 is not what you shoot for, it’s a better record."

Tatupu promises this year will be different. And it begins tonight, when he gets his first start of the season against Minnesota in Seattle’s third exhibition game.

Tatupu has been saddled with a string of nagging injuries that have hampered his production recently, including a broken thumb and a balky knee two years ago.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection has had lingering hamstring issues during this year’s training camp, so even though he practiced, trainers decided to hold him out against Green Bay last week. But Tatupu received the go-ahead for tonight’s game, and he will start with the first unit on defense.

When healthy, Tatupu is a nice IDP player. Seattle's team defense doesn't have much to offer to fantasy owners.

Kansas City Chiefs rookie linebacker Cameron Sheffield has been released from the hospital after being carted off the field with a neck injury Friday night, according to an NFL source with knowledge of the situation.

Per the source, "He's doing fine."

The fifth-round draft pick from Troy was injured during a helmet-to-helmet collision with Philadelphia Eagles running back Mike Bell.

The Washington Redskins spread the ball around Friday night against the Jets; 12 different players caught passes. One name noticeably absent from the stat sheet, though, was third-year receiver Devin Thomas.

In fact, Thomas, thought to have a shot at starting opposite Santana Moss not long ago, didn't even enter the game as a receiver. The only action he saw against the Jets was on special teams.

Coach Mike Shanahan said after the game that keeping Thomas out of the offense was part of his game plan.

"Had to make some decisions today about who we're going to play," Shanahan said. "It's really hard to get receivers in the mix unless you play them, get them running a little bit."

But Shanahan said Thomas will get "a lot" of action next week at Arizona. The fourth preseason game is typically one in which the starters play for only a series or two.

Thomas, currently listed with the third-stringers on the depth chart, apparently has not done nearly enough to convince coaches that he's among the team's top two receivers.

Thomas seemed to be in good spirits after the Jets' game. He said he's looking forward to facing the Cardinals next week. "That's my opportunity to shine," he said.

Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, and Fred Davis are the only Washington pass catchers that belong on fantasy rosters at this point.

It looks like Patriots DL Ron Brace will be able to continue the immense progress he showed in Thursday night’s game against the Rams. The 2009 second-round pick from Boston College hasn’t suffered a major injury.

After undergoing an MRI yesterday, the word is that Brace’s ankle injury is just a sprain.

Brace will have some treatment today, then see how the ankle responds to some running as a little bit of a test. It’s possible he may not require more than a couple days off.

Denver running back Knowshon Moreno, sidelined with a hamstring injury, is not expected to play until the opener at Jacksonville at the earliest.

With so many drafts going on between now and opening day, it would have been nice to see Moreno back on the field. Moreno still projects to be a good fantasy back, but his hamstring issue could linger and he's a bit of a risky draft pick.

Though details remain sketchy and the team is taking a guarded approach to drawing conclusions or supplying information regarding the condition of Chiefs linebacker Cameron Sheffield, we're hearing that Sheffield's condition has improved dramatically following a scary incident on Friday night that left him motionless on the field.

Early indications weren't good at all, with Sheffield showing all the signs of someone who had suffered a potentially severe spinal cord injury.

Though more tests need to be conducted, the indication for now is that Sheffield will be fine.

The good news for the Philadelphia Eagles Friday night in Kansas City is that wide receiver DeSean Jackson is believed to have suffered on a minor neck strain.

The Eagles’ top playmaker on offense was sidelined early in the game with what some originally believed was a back injury. Jackson missed time earlier this summer with a stiff back, but coach Andy Reid cleared up the matter after the game, a 20-17 victory at Arrowhead Stadium, according to Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Chris Ivory's college career was a bust.

The Saints gave him a chance anyway, and it is beginning to look like New Orleans may have plucked another exciting running back from the ranks of the undrafted.

Ivory turned a swing pass into a tackle-breaking, zigzagging, 76-yard score, and finished as both the game-high rusher and receiver in New Orleans' 36-21 preseason victory over the San Diego Chargers on Friday night.

"I know I've got to come out and work hard, open some eyes and just prove that I want to be here," Ivory said. "I'm trying to go hard every play so I can keep (coaches') minds open and make this team."

The rookie rushed for 45 yards on 11 carries, with a long run of 16 yards. He turned his only catch into the longest reception in the game by bowling over defenders, making others miss and carrying one on his back across the goal line.

Essentially, he played like Pierre Thomas , who joined the Saints as an undrafted rookie in 2007.
Ivory, who is a broad-shouldered 6 feet and 222 pounds, never rushed for more than 313 yards at Washington State, where he spent three years before being dismissed for violations such as being late to meetings and missing a practice. He finished his college career last year with an injury-plagued season at Division II Tiffin and wound up with a grand total of 757 yards rushing in four college seasons.

With his performance against San Diego coming after solid outings in the Saints' first two preseason games - he had a TD run at New England and rushed for 66 yards against Houston - he appears likely to make the regular season roster, particularly after season-ending injuries to running backs Lynell Hamilton and P.J. Hill.

"He made a heck of a play on the catch for the touchdown," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "He just consistently has been able to get positive yards, but there's some things we've got to get corrected. That's somewhat to be expected. Certainly coming where he's coming from is a big step up."

Sure it was only preseason, but to date Ivory has looked much better than recently signed journeyman Ladell Betts. Ivory has more upside as a late round flyer than Betts, but ultimately Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas should see the majority of snaps when the games count.

Clinton Portis, the Redskins' top running back, saw limited action in Friday's 16-11 win over New York and returns to Washington with an ankle sprain. It's indicative of an offensive unit that has hobbled its way through the preseason schedule, revealing as many problems as it has strengths.

By the end of Friday's win, Portis limped along the sideline, a bum right ankle slowing his gait. Donovan McNabb's ankle kept him out of the game altogether. He wore street clothes and a protective sleeve on the lower half of his left leg.

We are unsure of the severity, although it sounds likely that Portis will be fine for week 1. We don't think Portis will be able to handle a full workload in Washington, but the opportunity is certainly there with Larry Johnson and Willie Parker both looking poor.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles limped away near the end of the first half of Friday night's preseason game after being forced out of bounds by Philadelphia's Nate Allen.

Charles, who rushed for 1,120 yards last season, took a short pass from Matt Cassel and was just going out of bounds when Allen pushed him out with a hit around the ankles. He seemed to be holding his right arm but it was not immediately clear where Charles was hurt.

The injury doesn't appear to be serious, but we will continue to monitor this situation.

New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace injured his foot against the Washington Redskins and could miss a few weeks.

Coach Rex Ryan says Pace has “something with his foot,” an injury suffered in the Jets’ 16-11 loss Friday night. Pace, who led the team with eight sacks last season, left the game in the third quarter.

The severity of the injury was not immediately known after the game.

Ryan says he’s not sure how long Pace will be sidelined, but expects it will be “a few weeks.”

Ryan also says the Jets are fortunate to have depth at the position, and veteran Jason Taylor will step into Pace’s spot in the lineup.

Philadelphia defensive end Trent Cole will have an MRI on his injured ankle on Saturday morning when the Eagles return to Philadelphia, Eagles coach Andy Reid said after the 20-17 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cole was injured in the second quarter when he was stepped on. He was carted back to the locker room and X-rays taken at the stadium were negative.

Donnie Avery is out for the season. Avery suffered a torn ligament in his right knee Thursday night in the Rams' 36-35 preseason victory at New England.

"They'll let it calm down, and then at some point he will have surgery," coach Steve Spagnuolo said Friday. "He was having a terrific game. Donnie's a quality guy and a character guy, and we'll miss him."

In addition to deciding on the five or six wideouts among the nine who are vying for spots on the final roster, the coaches now have to find a replacement opposite the other starter, Laurent Robinson.

"Probably between Danny (Amendola) and Mardy Gilyard, and a couple of the guys we could flip over there (such as) Keenan Burton," Spagnuolo said. "We're going to wait a little bit before we declare any of that, but certainly somebody's going to have to step up there."

Spagnuolo didn't rule out finding wide receiver help outside the organization.

Spagnuolo interestingly didn't mention WR Brandon Gibson, who seems to be the logical payer to fill in for Avery. It looks like Gibson's stay in the WR rankings was a short one. We will be keeping an eye on Gilyard, and bumping up Danny Amendola.

The Lions say the competition for the starting running back position remains an open one.

But to anyone who's watched the team's two exhibitions, it appears rookie Jahvid Best has a stranglehold on the spot.

According to incumbent Kevin Smith, however, a lot can happen in two weeks.

"I've seen it, I'm not blind, I know what the people say - 'Kevin Smith's done.' " Smith said this month. "I'm not the type of player that gets down because I'm here, lacking support or people jumped off my bandwagon. When you're doing good, you're riding high. When you're doing bad, they're looking for the next thing."

The "next thing" he's referring to is Best, who has shown the speed and big-play abilities that have eluded Smith his first two seasons in Detroit.

"We have to push each other and be the best players we can be so we can put the best product out on the field," Best said. "We are competing and it's going to make the best of both of us, and it has to be like that."

Asked if it was as apparent to him as it is everyone else that he's got the edge for the starting job, Best said: "It's too early to call. We still have two more weeks to go."

That may not necessarily be true.

The Lions plan to play their starters into the third quarter of today's exhibition against the Browns at Ford Field, which means Best and Smith will get ample opportunities with the first team.

Still, it seems a forgone conclusion Best will start the season as "the guy."

The Lions are giving the veteran some respect by saying the competition remains open, but Best will carry the load.

Drew Brees set the tone for New Orleans (2-1) with 240 yards passing, including touchdowns to Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem.

Philip Rivers led two touchdown drives for the Chargers (1-2). His 167 yards passing included a 9-yard TD toss to Malcom Floyd. Antonio Gates caught five passes for 66 yards.

The Saints had a scare when starting middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma went down with a right groin injury early in the third quarter. He jogged off the field on his own and Vilma wrote "I'll be fine" on his Twitter account.

Brees was 18 of 27 and looked sharp for the most part, though his longest completion, a 46-yard touchdown to Henderson, looked like and ill-advised throw into coverage that was nearly intercepted.

Cornerback Antoine Cason saw the pass all the way, got inside position and went up for the interception near the goal line, but Henderson swiped from behind to break up the play and wound up tipping the ball to himself in the end zone.

The Chargers are hoping Cason, a 2008 first-round draft pick, can help fill the void left when the Chargers traded Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets . Cason had a rough night against Brees and the Saints' high-powered offense, though.

He was victimized on New Orleans' second score when he anticipated a throw to the corner of the end zone, only to have Meachem cut underneath for an easy 15-yard catch to make it 14-7.

Brees' highlights including a 21-yard pass down the middle to Jeremy Shockey and a heady backhanded flip to Reggie Bush in the flat for a 38-yard gain that set up Garrett Hartley 's 40-yard field goal in the last minute of the first half. Bush wound up with seven receptions for 70 yards. Marques Colston had 55 yards on four catches.

San Diego's first-team offense put together two scoring drives in the first half. The Chargers opened the game with a balanced, 12-play, 82-yard touchdown drive. Jacob Hester capped it with a powerful 6-yard run on which he stretched across the goal line. Rivers was 5 of 6 for 44 yards on the drive, while first-round draft choice Ryan Mathews gained 32 yards on five carries, highlighted by a 16-yard run.

Journeyman Billy Volek replaced Rivers in the third quarter and was intercepted by Usama Young on a deep pass. He was later intercepted by Leigh Torrence, who went the other way for an 87-yard score in the final seconds.

Former Tulane quarterback Patrick Ramsey backed up Brees and was 10 of 18 for 191 yards and one TD.

The Saints, who have led the NFL in offense in three of the past four seasons, finished with 552 yards.

Saints reserve offensive tackle Zach Strief hurt his right knee, but the severity was not immediately known.

Hartley was perfect on field goal attempts of 40, 27 and 35 yards.

Volek was 9 of 21 for 97 yards. Mathews finished with 43 yards on 13 carries.

This was one of those preseason games that sent both teams home with plenty to work on.

Mike Kafka's 18-yard pass to Riley Cooper in the closing seconds boosted the Philadelphia Eagles past Kansas City 20-17 on Friday night, making Todd Haley 0-7 in preseason games as the Chiefs' head coach.

But the quarterback picked to replace Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb sputtered much of the night. And the Chiefs' first five possessions produced a lost fumble, an interception, two three-and-outs and one first down.

Kevin Kolb was 11 for 25 for 103 yards. He got sacked four times and threw an interception and had a rating of just 39.2 - not exactly reminiscent of McNabb, the departed six-time Pro Bowler.

Chiefs rookie linebacker Cameron Sheffield was immobilized and had to be taken away on a cart after a helmet-to-helmet tackle on Mike Bell left him motionless on the field. Kansas City head coach Todd Haley declined to discuss Sheffield's status but one player said he was moving.

It's the second straight week the Chiefs have had a player removed like that on a cart. Last week it was cornerback Maurice Leggett, whose injuries are now said not to be career-threatening.

Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid said wide receiver DeSean Jackson had a neck strain and was taken out "for precautionary measures."

In addition, Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles did not come back onto the field after seeming to hurt his shoulder or arm near the half. The Chiefs had no comment on him.

Kafka, a rookie out of Northwestern, led the Philadelphia reserves on an 8-play, 80-yard drive against the Chiefs backups to pull out the win. Cooper, a rookie receiver out of Florida, made a nice catch of the perfectly thrown pass into the end zone.

The Chiefs got two sacks apiece from linebackers Demorrio Williams and Andy Studebaker, who's been battling veteran Mike Vrabel for a chance to start.

Charles fumbled on the Chiefs' first play and Cole recovered on the Chiefs' 22. On the second play, LeSean McCoy went up the middle for the touchdown. That would be the Eagles' last TD until the final minutes of the game.

The Eagles (2-1) and Chiefs (0-3) both played most of their starters well into the third quarter. The Chiefs will have one more chance, against Green Bay next week, to give Haley a preseason victory before heading into a regular season.

KC appeared to be stopped on its sixth possession but a delay-of-game penalty kept the offense on the field and Matt Cassel wound up hitting Dwayne Bowe with a 4-yard scoring pass. Thomas Jones scored on an 11-yard run in the third period. Cassel was 14 for 23 for 85 yards.

Kolb, pressured out of the pocket, made an off-balance and ill-advised throw down the field in the third quarter. The ball hung up and rookie safety Kendrick Lewis made a leaping interception and returned the ball 26 yards to the 26, setting up Jones' TD.

Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets' offense started slow and sputtered often.

Again.

Washington's Albert Haynesworth hasn't been happy with his situation, either. But it appeared the big defensive lineman was calling a bit of a truce with coach Mike Shanahan after the Redskins' 16-11 victory over Jets in a snoozer Friday night.

"I'm going over for dinner to his house, probably tonight," Haynesworth said. "We'll sit, have a cigar and talk. What I said last week is behind me. I don't even remember what I said."

Haynesworth, who missed numerous practices because of a failed conditioning test, a sore knee and then an illness, said Shanahan underplayed his medical condition.

Reports said Haynesworth was suffering from a muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis, but Shanahan told AOL Fanhouse last Sunday he was "not aware of that." Shanahan had given various reasons for Haynesworth's inability to practice, eventually attributing it to a headache.

Haynesworth complained about being out with the backups in the third quarter of Washington's 23-3 loss to Baltimore last week. He was on the field with the starters late in the opening quarter of this one.

"That's what they wanted to do this week, so I practiced a lot at end to get a feel for it," said Haynesworth, who entered the game with about 2 minutes left in the first quarter and finished with one tackle. "I still got a lot of work to do."

So do the Jets, whose late touchdown was only their second in three preseason games.

Far from the explosive offense many of the Jets predict they'll be, New York struggled until Sanchez connected with Dustin Keller for a 10-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Larry Johnson, competing with Clinton Portis and Willie Parker for a spot in the backfield for the Redskins (2-1), caught a screen pass from Richard Bartel and rumbled 15 yards for the winning score with 2:13 left.

Looking to rebound from a poor performance against Carolina last weekend, the Jets (1-2) were hurt by four turnovers and missed opportunities.

Sanchez finished 13 of 21 for 139 yards and an interception in just over three quarters for the Jets.

Rex Grossman started for the injured Donovan McNabb for Washington, and went 8 of 16 for 111 yards. Without McNabb, who missed the game with a sprained left ankle, the Redskins' first-team offense couldn't do much against the Jets' starters on defense, but Washington still led in the fourth quarter.

After Graham Gano's third field goal of the game gave Washington a 9-5 lead with 6:46 left in the third quarter, Sanchez and the offense were given one more chance to get something going.

This time, they delivered. Finally.

Sanchez completed three third-down passes - a situation the Jets were only 1 of 7 until that point. On third-and-9 from the 20, running back LaDanian Tomlinson caught a 9-yard pass for a first down to end the third quarter.

After Shonn Greene's 1-yard run, Sanchez found tight end Dustin Keller over the middle, and Keller stretched the ball over the goal line to give New York the 11-9 lead with 14:18 left - but Nick Folk clunked the extra point attempt off the left upright.

Sanchez got the Jets down to the Redskins 13 midway through the second quarter, but made a bad throw intended for Keller that was intercepted by DeAngelo Hall.

Washington took advantage, converting the turnover into points with Gano's 42-yard field goal with 5:10 left that made it 6-3.

Right after the 2-minute warning, Grossman couldn't handle a shotgun snap that tipped off his hands and bounced into the end zone. The Redskins quarterback kicked the ball out of the back of the end zone for a safety - making it a 6-5.

Jets LB Calvin Pace suffered a foot injury and Ryan said he will likely miss a few weeks. Larry Johnson had 42 yards on nine carries, while Willie Parker got the start and had eight rushes for 16 yards.

The Atlanta Falcons were stout against the run, dug in on third down and came up with a big interception. Coach Mike Smith will take more of the same in the regular season.

Atlanta gave up only a field goal while Miami starting quarterback Chad Henne was in the game and beat the Dolphins 16-6 on Friday night.

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton led the Falcons' defensive charge with 11 tackles, two for losses. Erik Coleman intercepted a pass in the end zone, and the Dolphins converted only one of nine third- and fourth-down situations with Henne, who played one series into the third quarter.
Lawrence Sidbury had a sack, two quarterback hits and a tackle for a loss.

Atlanta's Matt Ryan threw his first touchdown pass of the exhibition season. He led scoring drives of 60 and 54 yards, the second of which took more than seven minutes.

Ryan played one series into the third quarter and finished 13 of 26 for 103 yards, with one interception. He helped the Falcons convert eight of 14 third-down situations against Miami (2-1).

Michael Turner was a workhorse for Atlanta in the first half, rushing 47 yards in 16 carries. He lost a fumble.

Henne went 10 of 22 for 123 yards with one interception, and at least three of his passes were dropped.

Henne and Brandon Marshall hooked up for completions of 26 and 20 yards in the final 45 seconds of the first half, giving the Dolphins a first down at the 7. But linebacker Mike Peterson tipped a second-down pass, and Coleman intercepted it in the end zone.

Miami's Ronnie Brown ran for only 9 yards in eight carries, two out of the wildcat. Ricky Williams carried four times for 5 yards.

The Falcons converted three third-down situations on their second possession before Ryan hit Roddy White for an 18-yard score. White later beat Sean Smith on a deep route, but Ryan overthrew him near the goal line.

Smith did not start because he violated a team rule, Sparano said.

Atlanta's first-teamers had two turnovers, both in the first half. Cornerback Vontae Davis forced Turner's fumble, and Dolphins newcomer Karlos Dansby recovered, while Ryan was intercepted by Yeremiah Bell.

Davis made seven tackles, one for a loss, and three passes defended.

Dan Carpenter kicked a 53-yard field goal on Miami's first possession, and hit a 35-yarder in the second half. Matt Bryant made a 26-yarder for the Falcons.

Cornerback Dunta Robinson, the Falcons' major offseason acquisition, did not play because of a lingering hamstring injury. Defensive tackle Peria Jerry , the 2008 first-round draft pick who missed most of his rookie season with a knee injury, made his 2010 debut and had a quarterback hit.

Miami third-string tight end Joey Haynos left the game with a foot injury, and receiver Brian Hartline hurt his left hip.

For the third game in a row, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin declined to reveal his quarterback rotation for Saturday night's third preseason game in Denver.

However, he did say each of his three top quarterbacks would play against the Broncos, meaning Ben Roethlisberger is likely to start.

Tomlin did confirm that Dennis Dixon will play with the first team, an opportunity he has earned "based on merit."

"Dennis Dixon has done a great job," Tomlin said. "We thought he was deserving of some first-team snaps with our people."

Jonathan Vilma injured his groin against the Chargers on Friday.

Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson suffered an upper back injury in the first quarter of Friday night's preseason game and will not return.

There is a real chance Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart will be released at final cuts.

Maurice Jones-Drew did not make the trip to Tampa, but his agent said the report he had surgery was "absolutely false."

Recent interview with Chargers WR Vincent Jackson....He was at ease and had plenty to say. Says he will sit out the entire season if necessary and, above all else wants to remain a Charger. Has never asked for a trade and hopes he stays in San Diego. He guaranteed he will never have another DUI.

Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Maurice Jones-Drew is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason due to a minor knee injury, according to several NFL sources with knowledge of the situation.

We're told that Jones-Drew recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure to clean out his knee from wear and tear.

Per one source, Jones-Drew had been dealing with lingering meniscus issues.

According to one source, Jones-Drew would be able to play as soon as this weekend's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if it were a regular-season game.

However, the Jaguars are proceeding with caution with their featured back.

Jones hasn't practiced all week and has insisted to reporters that he's not hurt.

The 2010 season will hinge largely on the kind of production the 49ers get from their quarterback, Alex Smith. At times, he was outstanding on the practice field. One day, he threw four consecutive perfect strikes on passes of 40 yards or more. He also completed 16 passes in a row during one afternoon session. But there were also times -- arm weary or not -- in which the offense had difficulty just completing a pass.

Smith looks the part more than ever. His understanding and confidence in the offense is obvious. And he is certainly taking on more of a leadership role. After practice Thursday, there was an interesting scene on the field. Smith led a confab that included Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn. There were a lot of smiles and a few laughs. The 10-minute meeting concluded with their hands together, like a basketball team breaking a huddle.

Will Walker help the Vikings?
Of course not, Javon Walker had no explosion in his lower body before he signed the big contract with the Oakland Raiders, and that was three years ago.

Not much can be expected of him now. At this point of the season, what choices are available to the injury-riddle receiving group of the Vikings? Trading for Greg Camarillo will help when the Vikings play teams that feature more zone coverage than tight man-to-man, but the problems that will arise for the Vikings without Sidney Rice, or maybe even Percy Harvin, is when teams press the wide outs and force Brett Favre to hold onto the ball a little longer than he wants. The Vikings need both Rice and Harvin back and healthy to be the explosive offense of a year ago.

Darrius Heyward-Bey has improved in some ways and drawn the raves of coach Tom Cable and his teammates, but there has been little on the field to suggest he is anything approximating the No. 7 pick in the 2009 draft. Four practices off for fatigue? Or just the Raiders not wanting to disclose an injury? Neither scenario is all that promising. Heyward-Bey appeared to hit a wall of some kind when he was making progress.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is barely worth a roster spot in 10-12 team fantasy leagues.

Quarterback Matt Leinart just talked about getting demoted behind Derek Anderson. Not surprisingly, he isn’t happy, but he said he still planning on starting the regular-season opener:
– “It is disappointing and a little bit frustrating,” Leinart said. “I can’t sit up here and say I’m happy and all smiles. It is frustrating. I am not sure the expectation put on me. I have high expectations on myself, and I think, based on my body of work in the preseason, I have been accurate and not turned the ball over. I think the preseason is about gelling together as an offense. We have a lot of new faces on the offense.

Could Wisenhunt be playing head games with his QBs? None of this bodes well for WR Larry Fitzgerald.

The 5-foot-10, 244-pound Michael Turner is a rare commodity, a big man who can run like a guy 30 or 40 pounds lighter. Before he got to Atlanta, he had compiled three runs of 70 yards or longer in only 228 carries. But such talent comes with thoroughbred qualities. Unlike big backs such as Jerome Bettis, Turner’s game is dependent on his ability to break away, not simply break tackles.

“I had no burst,” said Turner, one of a declining number of workhorse backs. Over the past three years, there have been an average of fewer than six backs to get at least 300 carries each season as more and more teams go to the two-back system. From 2000 to 2006, the average was nearly 10 backs a year with at least 300 carries, if not a few with 400.

“When you start talking about 400 carries, that’s probably too much,” Falcons coach Mike Smith(notes) said. “But we definitely want to see Michael getting the big share of the carries. That’s what works for him.”

A hamstring injury that sidelined Darren McFadden for 16 days has left unanswered whether he or Michael Bush will be the featured back. McFadden is back from the injury and is ready to rejoin the fray. Cable has two more games to decide which player is the better option.

McFadden is "full go" for Saturday, Cable said, and is expected to start.

The former #1 draft pick is being given a chance to prove his value. Michael Bush is still the favorite for 1st and 2nd down play.

The Packers rested WR Greg Jennings in Thursday's preseason game due to back spasms.

No need for alarm. Spasms come and go. This is nothing serious for Jennings.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet returned to practice yesterday after missing almost two weeks with an abdominal strain.

Kris Brown and Neil Rackers have connected on every field goal and extra point in two preseason games.

"They're as even as they can be," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Both kicked off poorly (at New Orleans), and I think that's the thing that would end up separating one of the two. That's the way I look at it. They've got two more games to do it."

Titans Training Camp:

MOST IMPRESSIVE DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Glennon: LB Stephen Tulloch. His motivation and intensity levels never seem to dip.
Wyatt: LB Stephen Tulloch. The fifth-year pro seems faster and more determined than ever.

LB Stephen Tulloch should definitely be on your IDP radar.

Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew sent fantasy football drafters into a tizzy with his absence from three consecutive practices this week. Jones-Drew missed practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

But the running back said Thursday that he does not have an injury, he is being held out as a precautionary measure.

"It's like Allen Iverson said, it's practice," Jones-Drew said. "In the preseason. ... There's no worries."

Early in his career, training camp was for winning a roster spot, but now it's more about staying healthy.

As Jets LB Bart Scott said on HBO HardKnocks, "training camp is fun for the first four days," after that, players want to knock off every day two practices and get back to reality. MJD is probably just fatigued. It happens.

Determined to prove he is still among the NFL's elite, running back Clinton Portis has displayed a renewed commitment to the team since Coach Mike Shanahan arrived in Ashburn. Portis's teammates have noticed.

"He's a totally different player as far as practicing and preparing for practice," outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. "I think a lot of that has to do with bringing in guys like Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, who can perform as well.

Be advised.....you have been warned. There are plenty are articles each season on a player being "reborn." In most cases, they end producing the same end result.

The return of Colts safety Bob Sanders has been an off-season storyline, and if anyone forgot why his status always is a major issue, they were reminded on Thursday night. Sanders finished the night with five tackles and a forced fumble, but it wasn't as much his tackle numbers as the dynamic nature of his play that stood out. The 2007 NFL Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year had a stretch midway through the first half on which he not only made three direction-changing tackles, but also forced a fumble. Yes, it was still preseason, but Sanders showed the energy, speed and aggressiveness that made him one of the Colts' most important defensive players of the last half-decade. That's a more positive sign than many expected entering the preseason, and more and more, Sanders is showing he could have a huge impact this season.

Sanders remains a very risky IDP pick due to his injury history.

Indianapolis Colts starting running back Joseph Addai sustained a concussion midway through the third quarter of Thursday night's exhibition game with the Green Bay Packers.

"It's nothing," Addai said after the game. "I was fine. I just got a little dizzy, but I was cool."

Addai was hurt making a tackle of Robert Francois after Francois scooped up a fumble by Peyton Manning when the quarterback was hit stepping up in the pocket.

Addai ran down Francois, but came down hard making the tackle at the Colts 2. He described his injury more of just getting the wind knocked out of him.

"I just had to catch my breath. I was fine," Addai said. "If I needed to go back in, I could've, I was straight."

Addai is in a contract year. Rest assured, he will bounce back just fine.

Aaron Rodgers extended his sizzling start to the preseason, throwing three touchdowns before halftime.
The points just kept coming after that for the Green Bay Packers (2-1), who scored six offensive touchdowns and twice on special teams on their way to a 59-24 preseason rout of the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.

Expectations are high in Green Bay this season, and Rodgers has shown every indication that he is ready to lead a deep playoff run.

"When we get into a rhythm like we have this preseason on offense, we're going to be tough to stop," Rodgers said. "It's fun."

Poised and precise, Sam Bradford made an impressive debut as a starting NFL quarterback. It may have earned him the No. 1 job in the regular-season opener.

The top pick in the NFL draft zipped passes between and over defenders, threw for two touchdowns then watched the second half from the sidelines as the St. Louis Rams beat the New England Patriots 36-35 on Josh Brown 's 37-yard field goal on the last play Thursday night.
But will Bradford be back under center for the Rams first snap Sept. 12 against the Arizona Cardinals?

"We've got to look at the film," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "I want to see how he handled things when there was pressure."

From a chat with ESPN"s Bill Williamson:

Q: Is Todd Haley the worst coach in the NFL? His hijinks regarding Jamaal Charles this offseason have been astounding. He has clearly outplayed T. Jones and is electrifying when on the field. What gives, Bill? Is Charles a locker room headache or something?

A: I think this is the most overblown "controversy" of camp. It's no biggie. Charles is the guy. Now, if this continues in the regular season, we'll talk. But I don't see it happening.

This is essentially what we have been saying since day one, but it's nice read some positive press on the Charles situation, even though the negative press ultimately helps us get value on draft day. Williamson goes on to predict a 60-40 work-share in favor of Charles. We have it closer to 50-50 with Charles getting far more receptions and doing more with his carries.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery left Thursday night's preseason game against New England with a right knee injury.

Avery, who led Rams wide receivers with 47 catches last season, was hurt with 1:32 left in the first half. He jumped for Sam Bradford's long pass down the right sideline, fell and clutched his right knee as the ball dropped incomplete.

Before Avery was carted off the field, NE wide receiver Wesley Welker went over and extended his hand. Welker is playing again after having surgery for a torn ligament in his left knee in February.

Avery, a second-round draft pick out of Houston in 2008, had 53 receptions as a rookie and started 28 games in his first two seasons. He caught two passes for 48 yards Thursday before being injured.

We had Avery rated 57th with a 16th round ADP. He had some late-round sleeper value, but this is an injury to monitor if you were targeting him in your draft. It looked serious on the field, and Avery quite likely could be out for some time, maybe even the season. If so, Laurent Robinson would likely be joined by Brandon Gibson in the starting lineup, with Danny Amendola working out of the slot. More on this tomorrow as it develops.

The Arizona Cardinals like collecting former New York Jets. They traded for Kerry Rhodes, signed Jay Feely as an unrestricted free agent and signed Alan Faneca after he was released. Even the Cards' head coach, Ken Whisenhunt, is a former Jets assistant.

Might they add another to the list by pursuing Kellen Clemens?

The Cards have quarterback issues. They benched the disappointing Matt Leinart this week, deciding to go with Derek Anderson for their game against the Chicago Bears. Some folks are reporting that it's a permanent move, with speculation that Leinart could be dumped.

In that case, the Cards would be looking for a veteran. Enter, Clemens, whose roster spot is anything but secure. Clemens has played well in the preseason, but the No. 2 job belongs to Mark Brunell and it's hard to imagine them paying Clemens $1.1 million to be third string. The other candidate for No. 3, Kevin O'Connell, makes $470,000.

As ESPNNewYork.com reported two weeks ago, the Jets are open to trading Clemens. Obviously, GM Mike Tannenbaum likes doing business with Arizona. Could be something to keep an eye on.

The Patriots are planning to start veteran Sammy Morris at running back -- not Laurence Maroney as was expected -- "The Sports Hub" 98.5 reported on its pregame show tonight.

In terms of Maroney's place on the depth chart, this could be viewed as a bad sign for him, as he didn't play last week and was on the field for 12 snaps in the preseason opener.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis started in the opener and Fred Taylor got the bulk of the early work last week.

Seattle RB Leon Washington will start Saturday night in Seattle's third exhibition game, at Minnesota. It's essentially the final dress rehearsal before the regular season starts Sept. 12. Seattle ends the preseason five days later with a throwaway exhibition at Oakland.

Washington is ahead of most estimates on his recovery. And he's at the front of the race to become coach Pete Carroll's No. 1 rusher this season.

Carroll had cautioned Washington would be limited in training camp, yet he's been going all out since almost Day One. His only limitation: A cautious Carroll won't let him return kickoffs yet.

"I'm just really pleased with the way my body's been recovering. Not missing a practice has really been a bonus for me," Washington said.

Very interesting news as we at 4for4.com had Forsett rated a bit higher. It still could end up that way as Washington isn't really designed to be an every-down back. But for now, it's a situation to keep an eye on.

Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels cut sharply, caught a short pass and sprinted 20 yards down the middle of an empty practice field.

The 6-foot-3 Daniels, who made the Pro Bowl after the 2008 season, said Thursday he hopes to be ready for the regular season opener against Indianapolis after getting medical clearance to play again.

Daniels tore his right anterior cruciate ligament midway through last season and underwent surgery last November. He visited Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday, and the renowned orthopedist finally declared Daniels' knee fully healed.

Daniels is expected to practice with his team on Monday, ending an arduous 10-month recovery.

"It's going to be interesting, it's going to be strange, but I can't wait," Daniels said. "I don't know if I'll sleep Sunday night. It'll be like my first day of football, back when I was like in third grade."

From what I hear, it's very likely the Cards give up on Leinart now. Been reporting for weeks Derek Anderson could be the starter, but dealing Leinart now ...

WR Emmanuel Sanders switching position to flanker this week (from split end), team wants to see if he can handle two positions.

Running backs Fred Jackson (hand) and Marshawn Lynch (ankle) did not participate in practice along with safety Jairus Byrd (groin) and tight end Derek Schouman (knee).

Rookie receiver Donald Jones was excused for a third consecutive day for personal reasons but Gailey said he should play this weekend against the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty is practicing for the first time since injuring his right knee during a pre-training camp workout.

Hardesty sustained a bone bruise to his knee during a 1-on-1 tackling drill before Cleveland's veterans reported to camp. Hardesty said he hurt his leg while making a cut.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said Hardesty, who has had a history of knee problems, will be limited in practice Thursday as the team prepares for Saturday's third exhibition game in Detroit. Mangini said Hardesty is questionable against the Lions "with the arrow pointed down."

Dez Bryant was playing catch with secondary coach Dave Campo before this morning's practice when he saw head coach Wade Phillips out of the corner of his eye.

His mouth creased into a smile, his eyes got big and he happily yelled to Phillips, "Coach, I'm running routes today!"

For the first time since injuring his ankle in July, Bryant will run routes. He's expected to sprint, cut, turn on a dime and catch passes from quarterbacks in Thursday's afternoon practice. It won't be full participation in practice - that could come as early as next week.

"I'm excited," Bryant said. "I am ready for it. I know I can (cut on the ankle)."

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt revealed the plans for Derek Anderson to start vs. Bears; not naming him permanent starter - yet.

This is an interesting turn of events. You have to believe that if Anderson can do anything offensively there's a chance he's named the starter for week 1. We keep waiting for Leinart to produce but this could be an indication he's running out of chances.

Josh McDaniels said he doesn't expect WR Demaryius Thomas, who sat out yesterday's practice, to be "out very long."

Running back Jerious Norwood will be on the field for the first time this exhibition season after sitting out the first two games and most of training camp with a hip flexor.

He's listed second on the depth chart behind Michael Turner and ahead of Jason Snelling, so he should see a significant number of snaps if he's able to go at full speed.

The hip flexor is a problem Norwood has repeatedly faced during his NFL career, and his lack of durability was a factor in some questioning whether the Falcons would bring him back this season.

The Rams are still looking for a No. 2 running back to emerge behind Steven Jackson

Chris Ogbonnaya has averaged 1.2 yards per carry, rookie Keith Toston has averaged 2.3 yards per carry and Kenneth Darby has averaged 3.1 yards per carry in the preseason.

"I think Kenny Darby played a little bit better last week," head coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "Oby' has done some good things, a good third-down back, but somebody has to surface there so in the -- knock on wood -- event that we need a running back we'll have somebody to go (in)."

Mark Sanchez will be wearing familiar body armor for 2010. The Jets quarterback admitted Tuesday that he will have a brace over his surgically repaired left knee this season and "probably forever" after he got a scare during Saturday's preseason game at Carolina.

Sanchez, who had arthroscopic surgery in the offseason, practiced without a brace during training camp. He occasionally wore a knee sleeve, but Rex Ryan instructed his quarterback to wear the brace after a close call against the Panthers. Carolina defensive tackle Derek Landri nearly got to Sanchez's left knee after beating left guard Matt Slauson on an outside pass rush.

"(Sanchez) couldn't step up (because) the guy's helmet was there," Ryan said. "I was like, 'That's enough.' That's why he's putting it on."

Antonio Bryant talked for 15 minutes in the locker room today about his progress from coming back from a knee injury.

On progress so far: “You have to be able to play through some things. I know what I’m able to play through and what I don’t need to play through. It’s a matter of stabilizing things and feeling more comfortable. Coming back so you can be more comfortable and stringing things together instead of being sporadic like last year – play here, take off 2 or 3 there. I don’t want to do that.”

Timetable for return: “I’ve been on the field doing a couple things here and there. It’s just a matter of timing. We’re getting there, we’re getting close. I can run a little bit. I always could run. It’s just a matter of doing things fluidly. I’ve always been able to run.”

Chiefs coach Todd Haley has spent plenty of time in recent weeks defending the decision to have Thomas Jones starting at running back instead of Jamaal Charles, particularly given their differing levels of success so far in the preseason.

Charles had a spectacular last half of the 2009 season, rushing for 953 yards over the final eight games. He rushed for a team-record 259 yards in the season’s final game at Denver.

“What he did last year … it was an eight-game window or an eight-game sample that we saw,” Haley said. “What we’re pushing Jamaal to do is show that he can do that throughout a 16-game and hopefully-plus schedule. That’s something that Thomas has proven through time.

“Everybody can have an opinion on who the best player is. I’m not going to get into that right now. I’m for trying to get these guys ready to go and us to understand how we need to use them to be the best we can be.”

While we still love Charles and his dynamic play, the best thing to do would be to plan to draft Thomas Jones as a handcuff. His ADP is still pretty late, the 11th round, and in a lot of PC Drafter mocks you can get him in round 8-10. If you draft Charles, or protect him, it's well worth in that time frame to secure Jones.

Looks like Maurice Jones Drew won't play Saturday night because he's missed practice 3 days in a row. Injuries plaguing Jags.

In yet another position battle, Jacoby Jones has been going head-to-head with Kevin Walter for the Texans’ No. 2 wide receiver spot opposite Pro Bowler Andre Johnson.

Kubiak considers Jones to be the team’s No. 3 receiver at this point, with an important qualifier.

“He’s been competing with Kevin and has been very competitive, but they’ve both done their job, and I think we have three starters, in my opinion,” Kubiak said. “They’re going to be on the field plenty. It’s been a good competition.”

Here at 4for4, we like Jones much better. He's rated 48th with an ADP of the 16th round. Meanwhile, Walter is rated 60th with an ADP of the 19th. We're thinking even if Jones doesn't get the job to start the season, it's only a matter of time before he's the WR2. He's a great, late-round value on the highly-rated passing offense of Houston and gives Matt Schaub a nice red zone target.

Raiders head coach Tom Cable said receiver Chaz Schilens could be out only a couple of weeks after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee and wouldn't rule him out for the season opener at Tennessee.

"We'll have to re-evaluate it and see where it's at" next week, Cable said. "Doesn't appear to be real major or anything like that. It's just a matter of how fast he can get back." Cable said the variable is how soon the swelling subsides.

Cornelius ingram had surgery to remove cyst. Not sure how long he's out. Won't travel to Kansas City.

Dennis Northcutt is at that crossroad with the Lions.

"Whatever happens, trust me, I'm going to be OK because I have prepared myself for life," said Northcutt, who is beginning his 11th season very much on the bubble in a crowded, talented wide receiver corps. "I am prepared. I've taken care of my money in this league. I am going to be OK. But I enjoy football and I am going to play until God says it's time not to play."

Northcutt, 33, caught 35 passes for 357 yards his first season with Detroit last year. During the offseason, the Lions signed two free-agent receivers, Nate Burleson and Brian Clark. It was roundly assumed those signings signaled the end of Northcutt's days with the Lions.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said rookie RB Montario Hardesty will practice Thursday.

The Carolina Panthers have only completed 42 percent of their passes so far this preseason and their quarterbacks have been sacked a combined 11 times, but offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson isn’t fretting over the team’s passing game.

“No,” said Davidson. “I’m not concerned with it. I think we have a good focus on it. We have time before I start getting concerned about it here.

“But I want to make sure that we all understand that there is a sense of urgency in getting better at it. And I do think we need to do that.”

Davidson said the team has installed about 70 percent of its offensive playbook, which he said is more than enough to give the players a chance to make plays in the preseason.

Now, he said it’s a matter of going out and doing it.

“We have plays in. There’s no excuse for it, quite honestly,” Davidson said. “There are plays that we have in -- and we have to be able to make plays. That’s something where part of it is coaching and part of it is playing. We have to make sure we get out there and get better.

The Cardinals didn't gain a first down in Matt Leinart's three possessions Monday night against Tennessee. Leinart didn't have much time to throw because of poor protection and the Titans' blitzes.

But he also missed badly on a deep pass to receiver Stephen Williams, who had a step on a defender.

Leinart apparently is getting a reputation for checking off to other options if someone isn't open immediately downfield.

At one point in the practice, a Titans cornerback watched Leinart come to scrimmage and said to teammates on the sideline, "I got a buffalo nickel that says he checks down."

The Cardinals had a running play called, but the comment is a hint about what others in the NFL might be thinking of Leinart.

It looks as though Roethlisberger might make his second start of the preseason at quarterback and Dennis Dixon will get his first chance to run the first team after him.

"I intend to give Dennis Dixon some looks with the first group against some good people," Tomlin said. "I think he's earned that likewise. And that's what this preseason is all about."

Normally, Roethlisberger starting a third preseason game would be no revelation, but he cannot start in the regular season until at least the fifth game Oct. 17 and the Steelers are trying to prepare Byron Leftwich and Dixon to play in his absence.

We don't have Dixon very high right now, 41st among QBs, but if he's named the starter he could have some limited value for a couple weeks. They start the season with Atlanta, Tennessee and Tampa Bay which are all decent matchups. But it's commonly known the Steelers would like to run the ball better, at least while Big Ben is suspended.

Mike Martz did what's counterintuitive to him: He went on the defensive.

Two weeks ago, in front of the dining hall at Olivet Nazarene University, the Bears offensive coordinator was asked about the alarmingly high number of times his quarterbacks were sacked, on average, during a season.

''The biggest thing is, if you just look at St. Louis, those numbers aren't as high,'' Martz told the Sun-Times. ''Where we were high is in Detroit. In Detroit, in order to win games, we just had to play basketball, and you're going to get sacked.

''You're going to get sacked.''

Martz had a point. In the two seasons he was the offensive coordinator of the Lions, veteran quarterback Jon Kitna was sacked an astounding 117 times, 47 above the NFL average during that span. But from 1999 to 2005, when Martz was either the offensive coordinator or head coach, the Rams' quarterbacks were still sacked an average of 43 times per season.

Martz's high-risk, high-reward offensive approach historically yields impressive results.

For those eying up Cutler in the middle rounds to serve as your starting QB, this is a reminder to maybe take a quality backup sooner than you may want to.

Buccaneers fans trying to account for Derrick Ward's sluggish start in Tampa have a new factor to consider.

According to his head coach, Ward is out of shape.

Ward, who turns 30 on Monday, hasn't run effectively since the Bucs signed the ex-Giant to a lucrative free agent deal March 3, 2009.

"When you get a bit older in this league, especially as a running back, you have to realize that you need to come into camp at a lighter weight, not heavier," Coach Raheem Morris said. "I still have a lot of confidence in Derrick Ward that he'll be ready and in shape to help us this season."

The news continues to look bad for Ward and there have been rumors now for a few weeks that he won't even make the team. Couple that with the rising stock of Kareem Huggins and it all adds up. Ward was a guy to stay away from anyway, and those with bad tastes in their mouth from last year don't need the reminder...

It also could mean Carnell Williams becomes a little more attractive if your draft is coming up. Caddy has an ADP of the 10th round. Keep an eye on Huggins, too, who could be an injury away from being a starter. He might make a nice last-round pick...

A few post-practice notes as relayed by beat writer Steve Corkran:

• Coach Tom Cable said he’d have a better idea by next week of Chaz Schilens might be available for the season opener in Tennessee on Sept. 12.

• Cable said this year’s roster cut will be the most difficult since he arrived in 2007.

• It’s conceivable Richard Seymour, as well as RB Darren McFadden and Johnson, could all be held out of the 49ers game.

• Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski got some of his most extensive work in training camp, closing it out with a 40-yard post strike to Todd Watkins, who made a diving catch for a touchdown. Gradkowski ran the length of the field for a chest bump with Watkins after the play.

One of these days, receiver Nate Washington won’t have to worry about his injured left wrist.

But that day isn’t here yet.

Washington went down in pain again Wednesday after being hit on the wrist while attempting to make a catch. He eventually returned to action, but the wrist remained sore. He suffered the injury in June.

Matt Leinart continues to play with the starting unit and backup Derek Anderson got some work with the starters, too. Rookie Max Hall worked some with the second unit.

Leinart looked sharp in the two-minute drill, driving the team down the field. Anderson looked decent and Hall was in command, too.

The Cardinals QB situation continues to be as murky as swamp water. Regardless of who's under center, they are a #2 QB at best.

Barring an unforeseen circumstance, Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy will make the final roster, a league source said.

The Patriots and kicker Stephen Gostkowski reach agreement on a contract extension, according to NFL source.

San Diego wide receiver Vincent Jackson(notes) was denied permission by the Chargers to talk to other teams besides the Seattle Seahawks about a trade, says Jackson’s agents.

That has left agents Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod to conclude that the Chargers have no interest in trading Jackson, who is unwilling to play under the one-year tender the team extended to him as a restricted free agent.

Already out of Friday’s game against the New York Jets with a sprained left ankle, Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb is unlikely to play until the season opener against Dallas on Sept. 12.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday the chances of McNabb playing next week in Arizona are “very slim.” That would give McNabb 22 days of recovery time.

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas reinjured his foot according to Vic Lombardi of FOX31 in Denver.

The injury kept Thomas sidelined during OTAs and minicamps.

Eagles Tight end Cornelius Ingram did not practice and will undergo an MRI because of swelling in his left calf, arising from fluid drained from his twice-repaired knee Reid called the MRI “precautionary,” but the fact is, Ingram has not been able to run full speed and seems an excellent bet for injured reserve, which would make this his third year in a row without playing any real football.

Broncos Practice roll call: Ryan Clady, Tim Tebow and LenDale White are back, all in orange "no-contact" jerseys. Tebow looked tentative, not making all throws.

Bengals WR Antonio Bryant (knee) is part of a long list of players who yet to get back on the practice field.

Bucs Coach Raheem Morris said RB Derrick Ward, who left Saturday's game with a head injury, was cleared to play this week and is expected to against the Jaguars. Morris admitted Ward has "got to step up," especially considering how well his competition for the No. 2 running back spot, Kareem Huggins, has done.

"He's got to keep fighting," Morris said of Ward. "He's got to go out there and continue to play. We'll let those two go out there and battle again. … Kareem is really going out there and putting his best foot forward."

Given Carnell Williams (Cadillac) injury history, the #2 RB spot is very valuable in handcuff situations.

WR Chad Jackson: Taking a flier on this former New England second-round disappointment is looking like a good move. He didn't look like much in spring practice but was very impressive in camp, using his speed and big frame to separate from defenders and displaying excellent hands. He has a legitimate shot at one of the top-four receiver spots.

Multiple sources report WR Greg Camarillo is being traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

Greg Camarillo will likely step in as the 3rd WR behind Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin, that is if he can beat out Greg Lewis and the newly signed Javon Walker. Camarillo could offer a bit of real deep value in PPR leagues, but isn't much of a threat to stretch the field or score touchdowns.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher Cowher believes the sexual assault investigation that led to a four- to six-game suspension for Roethlisberger was a "slap in the face" that has led to some much-needed maturity.

In an interview on Tuesday, Cowher described how Ben Roethlisberger used to respond to advice about his off-field behavior. " 'But we're winning games. We're winning championships,' " Cowher recounted. " 'What do you mean? Isn't that what we're here to do?' "

"Yeah," Cowher said, "but there's more to it than that."

"It's the whole body of work. It's you as a person, what kind of legacy you want to leave," he added. "I really think he understands that now

Roethlisberger has said Cowher was one of the people he turned to for advice as he tried to get his life back on track, and that the two are now closer than ever before.

"Just like with your children, sometimes when you say things to them: 'Yeah, right.' They have all the answers," Cowher said. "All of a sudden, the older they get: 'Maybe he's right about that.'

"I think Ben has had a chance to reflect a lot. I think he's a good person. While it's unfortunate, I think it may be an eye-opener to him, kind of a slap in the face."

Jets coach Rex Ryan guaranteed that the Jets will keep fullbacks Tony Richardson and John Conner.

"I would be shocked if those two aren't on the opening day roster," Ryan said.

Ryan Mathews underwent a procedure to cauterize his nose on Tuesday that the Chargers believe will stop the recurring nose bleeds he has experienced for years.

The procedure comes after a short run near the goal line Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys in which Mathews was hit and had his helmet rise up and hit his nose. His nose began bleeding, and he left the game for that series and was out most of the next.

"I have always had a little problem with nose bleeds," Mathew said after missing Tuesday's practice. "(The procedure was) just to get rid of it, so it wouldn’t happen in a game, so I wouldn’t have to be taken out."

Mathews is expected back in practice Wednesday and to play Friday at New Orleans.

QUESTION: This may sound odd, but should Donald Brown be concerned about his job? Joseph Addai, Devin Moore and Javarris James have all looked good while Brown looks as if he is going through the motions. And when I watch him on blitz pickups, he looks afraid to stand in there and get hit. Initially I thought I was overreacting, and I hope I still am. But when the Colts signed Allen Parker, it made me wonder.

ANSWER: Relax. Brown's job isn't in jeopardy. I never pay much attention to the running game in the preseason. It's generally ineffective and the front-line running backs often aren't very productive. That's especially true for the No. 2 guy - that's Brown - because he's often working behind a mixture of starters and subs. This year, though, Brown has been running behind the starting line, but that group has been slammed with injuries. Although I don't worry about Brown's ability to run, I do have some concerns with his pass blocking. He did very little of that in college and struggled with it as a rookie. If a running back can't pass protect in this offense, he has a very difficult time getting on the field. As for the signing of Allen Parker, he was needed for the Green Bay game. I get the impression Moore and James are questionable for the game with the dreaded "undisclosed'' injury.

The Cowboys have three practices left in the next two days before breaking camp for Houston on Friday.

Cowboys Kicker David Buehler attempted field goals and went 6-for-7. He was wide right from 33 yards. Buehler went 3-for-7 last Thursday and didn't attempt any field goals in the San Diego game, but still worked on the side. Buehler unofficially made kicks from 20, 31 twice, 35, 38 and 39.

Several injured Titans players could be ready to play in Saturday's game at Carolina, Coach Jeff Fisher said.

They include defensive ends Derrick Morgan (calf) and Jacob Ford (hamstring), receiver Justin Gage (finger), cornerback Cortland Finnegan (groin/hip flexor) and linebacker Colin Allred (neck).

Tight ends Jared Cook, Bo Scaife, Craig Stevens and Steven Pfahler produced seven of the team's 20 receptions and 100 of the team's 227 passing yards against the Cardinals.

Fisher said the big night — the tight ends totaled three catches against Seattle last week — was just part of the passing progression, but he's pleased with the group's work.

"Craig's play speaks for itself," Fisher said. "His special-teams performance was very, very solid. That's a tough catch (Cook) made — the carry-through. He's playing to his speed now and catching the ball. I thought he blocked well. Overall, it's a pretty solid group."

Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring) and linebacker David Bowens (knee) returned to practice after missing practice time and sitting out against the Rams.

Raiders WR Chaz Schilens had his knee scoped, no timeline for return has been established yet. He is OUT indefinitely.

Kevin Boss was noticeably more explosive on the field Monday. Coming out of breaks, sprinting straight ahead and going up for passes, Boss looked like his old self. The Giants’ fourth-year tight end also felt like his old self.

“I was telling (tight ends coach Michael) Pope that’s the best I’ve felt since before I hurt my ankle last season,” Boss said Tuesday. “It’s definitely getting better and coming along.”

Boss is ranked #18 on the 4for4 Tight End Cheat Sheet.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree is full-go today for the first time since Aug. 11.

Houston Texans Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels received great news Tuesday from the team's doctors.

In a text message to FOX 26 Sports Daniels writes, "scan and MRI say I'm 100%.

"Going to Alabama to see Dr. Andrews (Wednesday)."

This is all part of a two-step process this week for Daniels to get clearance to begin working out full-speed.

He will meet with Dr. James Andrews Wednesday in Alabama. Dr. Andrews performed the surgery on the damaged anterior cruciate ligament in Daniels' right knee.

It's looking more as if Bucs tight end Kellen Winslow may not play this preseason.

Winslow did not make the trip to Miami two weeks ago and the Bucs said he would play last Saturday against the Chiefs.

While he was in uniform and warmed up before the game against Kansas City, Winslow was held out of action. After watching him lead the team in receiving last season, coach Raheem Morris shows no desire to play Winslow and allowed Tuesday that he may not be in the lineup until the regular season opener against Cleveland Sept. 12.

"I had no interest in playing Kellen Winslow last week,'' Morris said. "I just wanted him to go out there and get out there in front of his home crowd and get him all fired up and make him come in the locker room and beg me to play a couple snaps. I didn't let him. I just love to get Kellen going out there, I love for you guys to see Kellen run around. It's always great.

No cause for concern just yet. If you are Winslow owner, you should be fully aware of his lingering injuries.

For once, Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has some good news on the medical front.

He said All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady will practice Wednesday for the first time since blowing out his left knee in a pickup basketball game in the spring.

Correll Buckhalter practiced Tuesday for the first time since injuring his back on the first day of training camp and he was joined by co-captains Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams, top draft pick Demaryius Thomas and right guard Chris Kuper, all of whom missed the game against Detroit last weekend with injuries.

Tailback LenDale White (ankle) also will return to practice on Wednesday.

No word on when Tim Tebow (bruised ribs) or Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) will return to action.

In terms of Matt Leinart specifically, “It’s not just the quarterback,” Whisenhunt said. “I wish Matt had thrown the ball better on the post, I wish he would have thrown the ball better to Stephen. But once again, the blame is not all on the quarterbacks. A lot has to do how the line played, the way we didn’t do some things that we should have done that would have made his job easier. That’s the thing you have to be careful about, making a quick judgment on the quarterback when we haven’t been as successful as we would have liked to have been.”

I am still not convinced, regardless of what happened, that Derek Anderson has been able to pick up enough ground on Leinart to surpass him on the depth chart. Anderson is still new in the system and Leinart knows what he is supposed to do. Leinart still needs to show he can execute, but this staff — going back to Leinart’s struggles as a starter in 2007 — isn’t comfortable with guys who don’t know the system.

Although no better than a #2 QB in most fantasy formats, Matt Leinart is becoming more and more of a risky fantasy option.

Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan: QB Donovan McNabb (ankle) and Mike Sellers won't play vs NYJ.

The Packers RB door is slightly ajar for James Starks to still make the final 53-man roster. The Packers were hoping the sixth-round draft choice out of Buffalo, who missed his senior season due to a shoulder injury, would return to the gridiron with a vengeance. It hasn’t happened yet.
“It’s been a disappointment that James hasn’t been able to go,” said General Manager Ted Thompson this morning.

When asked whether Starks could still be ready for the start of the regular season, Thompson said: “I don’t know that. I don’t know where we are there.”

Giants LB Keith Bulluck is now an outside linebacker again. He was told Monday AM to forget about playing the middle.

With Sidney Rice sideline because of a hip injury and Percy Harvin having missed extended time during training camp and the preseason, the Vikings WR position has gone from one of the deeper spots on the team to a position in need of some depth for the time being.

To address that situation, the Vikings have signed WR Javon Walker, a 9-year veteran who’s been with the Green Bay Packers (2002-2005), Denver Broncos (2006-2007) and Oakland Raiders (2008-2009). With the Vikings, Walker is re-united with QB Brett Favre. The tandem was successful in Green Bay, hooking up for TDs 20 times.

To make room for Walker, the Vikings waived RB Ryan Moats.

Walker hasn't been an impact NFL player since 2006, and we aren't expecting him to suddenly produce now that he's with the Vikings. Walker will likely have less fantasy impact than Greg Lewis, which isn't saying much. Don't draft Walker based on his name. The stats wont follow.

With a brace on his right thumb and hand, quarterback A.J. Feeley won't be doing any arm-wrestling soon. Or throwing a football.

"He won't play on Thursday," coach Steve Spagnuolo said.

Which means quarterback Sam Bradford will make his first start in a Rams uniform Thursday night against, gulp, the New England Patriots.

"We're going to go against a really good football team on Thursday," Spagnuolo said. "Sam will be in with the starters because of the situation with A.J. And Steven (Jackson) will be in there with him. I'll be anxious to see how he reacts to that."

Browns players who appear to need good showings in the last two games to make the roster include linebacker David Veikune, tight ends Robert Royal and Alex Smith, running backs Chris Jennings and James Davis, quarterbacks Brett Ratliff and Colt McCoy, and receiver Carlton Mitchell.

The only way to look at it regarding Raiders WR Chaz Schilens is that anything they get out of him should be considered a bonus. Perhaps Schilens has a quick knee scope and returns to the field injury free forever, but that’s not the way to bet. You watch Schilens when he’s relatively healthy and wonder how he could have ever lasted until the seventh round. Then you look at his injury history dating back to San Diego State and wonder no more.

Good guy, good talent, bad body.

It may be time to completely remove Chaz Schilens from your draft board.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said early impression of rookie RB Montario Hardesty is that he won't need a ton of reps to be effective.

Dallas Clark's preseason has been reduced to "mental repetitions" and rehabilitation after he suffered an injury to his left leg in training camp.

Although the injury might result in Clark missing all four preseason games, the Indianapolis Colts' Pro Bowl tight end vowed to be ready for the Sept. 12 regular-season opener at Houston.

"The good thing is it's making improvement and, worst-case scenario, I'll definitely be there for Week 1," Clark said Monday. "That's a reassuring thing."

Kevin Smith sees reminders everywhere of the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in December.

The scar on his left knee. The brace he wears on the field. Even the first-round pick who sits a couple of stalls away in the Lions' locker room.
Smith returned from December knee surgery Saturday to play 12 snaps in an exhibition win over the Denver Broncos. He carried three times, gained 6 yards, and pronounced himself "close" to 100% on Monday.

"Some days, I can wake up and forget I even had the surgery," Smith said. "Some days, I can wake up and wonder how I'm going to get through the day. That just comes the part with an ACL. But it'll get better. In four months, when I'm a year out, I'll feel better. Next off-season, I should feel great."

Kevin Smith's fantasy value is limited. At best, he will be a change of pace RB for the Lions offense.

Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs said that they would play against the Baltimore Ravens in the Giants’ third preseason game after injuries sidelined them last Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Still hearing from Redskins sources that WR Malcolm Kelly remains in mix despite missing almost all of camp and both preseason games. Interesting.

Patriots guard Logan Mankins hasn’t heard from the Patriots since May 4, and according to friends, he’s prepared for the possibility of never receiving that phone call.

Those who know him well believe more than ever that the Pro Bowler is fully prepared to sit out 2010.

Perhaps the most troubling sign for the Patriots is that friends say Mankins does not spend any money. He has been frugal and cautious with his salary, they say, with a ranch that is paid for and self-sufficient, with few operating costs.

Received short text from Vikings WR Sidney Rice confirming he had hip surgery. Rice said it 'went well.'

This surgery will rule out Rice for minimum half the regular season. Move Bernard Berrian up your draft list and keep an eye out for any possible trades or free agent signings.

Wide receiver Sidney Rice was at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., on Monday to have his injured hip examined and it appears likely he will undergo surgery, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

Surgery would be expected to sideline Rice for at least the first half of the season.

Rice had been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp opened because of the injury he said he suffered in the Vikings' overtime loss to New Orleans last January.

While still just in the "likely" stages, this is clearly bad news for Rice and the Vikings. Rice was Brett Favre's go-to receiver last year, emerging from the waiver wire to catch 84 balls for over 1300 yards. If Rice does undergo surgery, missing half the season would make him undraftable, and Favre and the Vikings would become highly dependent on Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian as starters without much talent behind them on the depth chart (Greg Lewis and possibly Javon Walker currently). We will let this story develop and update Rice's ranking later today. Bernard Berrian has already been moving up our draft boards, and will continue to do so.

Thomas Jones is still listed as the starting running back ahead of Jamaal Charles.

The two have basically split carries so far, with Jones getting 10 and Charles 9. But Charles has 63 yards to Jones' 31. We're still very high on Charles here at 4for4 and consider him a great 2nd-3rd round option most leagues.

Unsigned Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson will miss the first three games of the 2010 season because of a league suspension. When it was confirmed this weekend that he was officially placed on the roster exempt list, we asked the NFL to clarify how this coincided with his suspension.

Here's what NFL spokesman Dan Masonson told us:

1. Vincent Jackson's three-game Substance Abuse suspension begins once the final roster reduction takes place .

2. Jackson is ineligible to report to the club during his suspension.

3. As per the CBA's restricted free agency provisions, if Jackson reports after his suspension begins on Sept. 4, he will be ineligible to play for an additional three weeks following the date he actually reports. The CBA's restricted free agency provisions state that once a club has notified a player of its intention to place him on the roster exempt list, the player must remain on that list for three games following the date on which he actually reports to his club.

All right. This essentially means Jackson will miss three or six games if he plays this year, but not in between. If he reports to a team before Sept. 4, he can serve his suspension and use up his three weeks on the roster exempt list at the same time. Otherwise, he can't start his roster exempt clock until his suspension is over.

This clarification puts even more pressure for the Chargers to trade Jackson by Sept. 4. If he's not dealt before then, he will have to miss six games this season, lowering his trade value.
If Jackson stays put, he'll have to report to the Chargers by the eighth week of the season or he'll lose an accrued year of NFL service.

It's getting difficult to imagine Jackson playing for the Chargers this year, and it also doesn't make sense for a trade to happen after the season starts.

If a team like Seattle wants Jackson, they should make the move soon or move on.

No. 1 draft pick Sam Bradford will get his first start with the St. Louis Rams this week.

A.J. Feeley, who had been starting at quarterback, will not practice this week because of thumb and elbow injuries. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said after Monday's workout that Bradford would be with the first team on Thursday night at New England.

Feeley strained his right thumb when he hit the helmet of a blitzing defender in the first quarter Saturday at Cleveland. He was with other injured players on a side field during Monday's practice, with a protective covering on his right hand and a compression sleeve covering the elbow.

The Rams have only two practices to prepare for Thursday night's game at New England.

Feeley is hoping to return to workouts next week.

Larry Fitzgerald running length of LP Field pregame. Definitely looks like a guy on track to be back for regular-season opener.

Look for Kareem Huggins to be the No. 2 running back, ahead of Derrick Ward during the Bucs next preseason game.

Huggins is rated 75th at 4for4 while his general value is 50 spots higher than that so we think he's got bargain potential. He's becoming a name to watch if you haven't had your draft yet, especially now with Derrick Ward's head injury. But without an ADP, not sure if he's quite worth drafting just yet.

Well, isn't this getting interesting?

While Darrelle Revis continues to hold out in a show of defiance over his contract situation, the Jets are handing out handsome sums to other players deemed almost equally important to their long-term success.

First, tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson quietly agreed to a six-year, $60-million extension. Now, center Nick Mangold is on the verge of cashing in.

A league source familiar with the Jets ' situation confirmed to Newsday last night that a long-term extension for Mangold was imminent. News of it was first reported by Profootballtalk.com. It is expected to at least equal the five-year, $37.5-million deal signed last year by Rams center Jason Brown .

And Revis? Tick, tick, tick.

There was a buzz late Sunday afternoon when Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw, a regular panelist on ESPN 's "Around the Horn," wrote on his Twitter account that the Jets and Revis will announce an agreement as early as Wednesday. But a league source told me late Sunday that the speculation was inaccurate. I'm led to believe there has been little progress in the Revis talks.

Which makes you wonder if Revis is beginning to overplay his hand. With three years left on his deal and the Jets offering as much as $122 million over 10 years - you read right, $122 million over 10 years - he is demanding $162 million over 10 years, according to NFL sources.

Josh Freeman will have to play with pain even though the Bucs still believe his fractured thumb will heal enough to allow him to start the season opener against the Cleveland Browns Sept 12, general manager Mark Dominik said Monday.

Freeman broke the tip of the thumb on his right (throwing) hand on the first series of Saturday night's 20-15 preseason win over Kansas City when it struck the helmet of Chiefs' linebacker Tamba Hali.

Dominik said the Bucs are planning on signing another quarterback, but it won't be veteran Jeff Garcia, who is with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. Tampa Bay is expected to reach out to former Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead, an undrafted free agent who spent the off-season with the team.

Freeman probably won't even be drafted in standard leagues, but may be of use in deeper leagues. He's just not a safe option right now, but with plenty of young talent around him he could emerge at some point this season. This could be a setback though.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis just confirmed that Saints tailback PJ Hill will be placed on injured reserve.

Tom Cable says Raiders receiver Chaz Schilens may need knee surgery.

Brandon Jacobs’ neck is no longer an issue. The running back said he will practice and be available to play against the Ravens on Saturday.

“It’s fine, it is doing good,” Jacobs said of his neck. “Nothing big. I will be out there today, full speed, doing what is called upon me to do.”

Jacobs said he injured his neck in the weight room doing shrugs without warming up beforehand. He did this last Thursday and didn’t expect to miss Saturday’s game against the Steelers.

“It was painful but it is something that was going to go away with proper treatment,” Jacobs said. “Never really a big issue with me.”

Jacobs reiterated that he feels good and strong this preseason after dealing with injuries last year.

Jacobs is looking forward to playing in the third preseason game. The running back said he is willing to do whatever role the coaching staff asks of him.

During the majority of training camp, running back Ahmad Bradshaw has gotten the first carry in practices. He also started the preseason opener against the Jets while Jacobs came in later.

It's looking more and more like Bradshaw could be the guy to get more work between the two, with Jacobs going back to maybe a change of pace and a goal line guy like he was with Tiki Barber. It was a role he really excelled in, too, leading to more carries but more injuries. Right now, Jacobs is rated 24th while Bradshaw is 27th. Jacobs ADP (7th) is almost a full round earlier than Bradshaw's (8th) as well. Keep an eye on this because both backs are worth drafting.

Donovan McNabb is in walking boot on left ankle as a precaution. Not practicing thus far today. He took a beating Saturday night.

Steve L. Smith participated in his first padded practice today.

The LaDell Betts signing is a curious one to me. The Saints clearly had a high grade and positive medical report on him or else they wouldn't have signed him.

He'll get the first crack at the No. 3 back and will assume the role once he's healthy, which from all reports should be soon.

WR Greg Camarillo is back working after missing Saturday's game

The Chargers can run.

Excluding the three carries inside the 5-yard line by Ryan Mathews and Philip Rivers and Legedu Naanee's eight-yard loss on an end around, the Chargers rushed 18 times for 76 yards while the first-team offensive line and the Cowboys' first-team defense was in.

That's a 4.2-yard average, almost a full yard improvement over last year's regular-season average.

Would have been nice to see Mathews score on one of those carries. While he should get goal line opportunities to score, it would really make Mathews a stud-like pick knowing it's his job heading into the season.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said there is "great concern" for RB D.J. Ware after the concussion he suffered Saturday night.

Ware had a concussion last season, too. He will be sent for further testing Monday.

Less than a week after bringing back former Packers QB Brett Favre, Vikings are planning on signing former Packers WR Javon Walker today.

Neil Rackers kicked a 52-yard field goal at New Orleans, and Kris Brown connected from 43. They remained even in their competition to win the job.

"Field goals were good (but), I thought both of them were disappointing kicking off," coach Gary Kubiak said. "That's not good enough. I think they're both better than that."

The Saints averaged 21 yards on five kickoffs.

The Broncos rushed for just 75 yards on 20 carries against the Lions.

At halftime of Saturday's game, with the starting unit playing the entire time, the Broncos had but 20 yards on eight carries on the ground; and in some ways, it could be argued that quarterback Kyle Orton, who scrambled his way out of some potential trouble, was Denver's best rusher. The fact that it was the second consecutive game the team struggled with the run — the Broncos' average of 55.5 yards rushing in the two contests ranks 30th in the 32-team NFL — with less than three weeks remaining before the season opener at Jacksonville makes that argument somewhat troubling.

The solution might be as easy as getting some of the injured players back on the field. However, Knowshon Moreno, who injured a hamstring at the start of training camp, isn't expected to return to the huddle anytime soon. Neither is Correll Buckhalter, out with a lower back injury.

Next in line in the backfield would be LenDale White. Given the injury woes, it's clear there's an opportunity to be had, but the former Chatfield High School star has a sprained ankle and has barely been on the field since he was picked up at the beginning of the month.

Roughly three weeks before the Packers open the regular season, Green Bay Mike McCarthy and his offensive staff probably know about as much about their running attack as they did the day training camp opened.

In two exhibition games, starting running back Ryan Grant has carried the ball eight times, two fewer than the team's three quarterbacks.

Quinn Porter, Brandon Jackson and Kregg Lumpkin all have more carries than Grant, who, to be fair, was very limited in the first game because he suffered a concussion.

Grant has carried the ball just eight times, the article says. Grant projects to be a nice second round option for those looking to go RB/RB with their first two picks, or even take Grant as your RB1. Green Bay's offense is too load for Grant not to be productive, but he's probably a much better fit as a very high-end RB2 on your team.

Wide receiver Pierre Garcon was back at practice Sunday, suggesting he will be available for the Colts' third preseason game, at Green Bay on Thursday.

Garcon has missed both preseason games with an undisclosed injury.

This is beat writer Rich Campbell's review of the best offensive performances from the Redskins’ 23-3 loss to Baltimore on Saturday.

WR Anthony Armstrong: Armstrong did more than anyone to solidify his roster spot. He proved that he can adjust to throws in midair and make difficult catches. He would have scored a spectacular touchdown if QB Donovan McNabb hadn’t underthrown him deep down the middle in the first quarter. Still, Armstrong adjusted and made a terrific sliding catch. Later, Armstrong reached back to haul in a poorly thrown pass on a slant pattern. In the fourth quarter, he fully extended for a high throw from QB Rex Grossman and held on despite contact. Armstrong showed impressive speed, and his routes were so crisp that he was open all night. It’s probably too early to say he made the team with this performance, but consider how he outperformed his competition.

QB Donovan McNabb: I’m gonna cast aside McNabb’s passing inaccuracy, which certainly was problematic at times, and give him a game ball for how he held up under pressure. The difference between McNabb and what we saw from Jason Campbell last year was like night and day. McNabb sensed pressure several times and moved fluidly away from it without taking his eyes off his receivers. When the Ravens blitzed from the left in the first quarter, McNabb calmly rolled to the right sideline and threw on the run to hit TE Chris Cooley and convert third-and-14. Another difference: McNabb held onto the ball when LB Terrell Suggs got a clean shot on his blindside in the second quarter. Campbell often fumbled that type of play.

WR Santana Moss: Moss’ four catches for 79 yards should help Redskins coaches breathe at least a little bit easier about their offensive arsenal. Moss consistently got open and looked explosive in generating yards after the catch. Two of his receptions came after he lined up in the slot. The Redskins are going to take advantage of his quickness in there.

Sheil Kapadia, the online sports editor at philly.com, broke down the Eagles recent game.

QB Kevin Kolb - Overall, though, I thought Kolb played well. I'm impressed with his accuracy on the move. And I think it's going to take time for him and the offensive line to develop a chemistry. That throw to Jason Avant in the end zone is the one he'd like to have back. And while he hasn't been picked off in two games, he's had at least two throws that could have been intercepted.

QB Michael Vick - The first seven pass plays when Vick was the quarterback in the second half: interception, sack, 12-yard scramble, sack, incompletion, incompletion, interception. Not good. He completed more passes to the Bengals (2) than the Eagles (1).

RB LeSean McCoy - The running game did not look good. McCoy carried six times for 20 yards, but 17 of those came on one play. On the other five carries, he had just 3 yards. There were a couple plays where he had Leonard Weaver as the lead back but didn't use him. On one, it resulted in a short gain. On another, it resulted in the 17-yard gain. McCoy couldn't pick up a 3rd-and-1, but it didn't look like he had much of a shot. The direct snap in the red zone just looked awkward. Weaver sort of ran into him. As a blocker, he did not do a great job, whiffing on a chip before going out into his route on an early play.

RB Leonard Weaver - He got four touches - three carries and a reception. The catch was on a screen pass, with Weaver picking up 8 yards. He was also called for a false start penalty.

RB Eldra Buckley - With Mike Bell's inability to get healthy, Buckley's role could be a lot more significant now than it was three weeks ago. He ran with the second team and had a nice 14-yard run in the third quarter. Overall, four carries for 19 yards.

RB Charles Scott - He had one carry this week, which is one more than he had against the Jaguars. Scott's primary role is as the second-team fullback. He had a decent block on Buckley's 14-yard run.

TE Brent Celek - He stayed in as a blocker quite a bit and did a good job in pass protection. Celek's 14-yard catch over the middle with a couple minutes left in the first half was his only reception and his only target.

TE Clay Harbor - He entered the game with the first team in two tight-end sets. Harbor generally stayed in to block or chipped and then went out into his route. On the 3rd-and-1 play, Harbor and Celek both lined up on the left outside Jason Peters, and the blocking created no room.

TE Cornelius Ingram - I didn't see him on the field in the first three quarters.

Montario Hardesty could still be ready for the opener Sept. 12 in Tampa, even though the Browns' rookie running back has missed all of training camp and most likely will skip Saturday's dress rehearsal game in Detroit with a sprained right knee.

"Yes, I would him expect him to [be ready for the season]," said coach Eric Mangini. "There's been no setback. Based on the plan that we had and the progress that he has made, my anticipation is that he'll be practicing again in the near future and ideally playing in the opener."

He said Hardesty might get some practice reps late this week, "but it's subject to change."

Hardesty is expected to sit out Saturday's game, in which starters normally play through the third quarter. For the final preseason game Sept. 2 against the Bears, starters usually only play a series or two, but the Browns are hoping it's a chance to get Hardesty some live action before the season begins.

Hardesty suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament on the same knee as a freshman in 2005 and had it drained last season. But he didn't miss any games in 2009, rushing for 1,345 yards and 13 TDs and catching 25 passes for 302 yards. With Hardesty out, Peyton Hillis is leading the team with 54 yards on 14 carries and Jerome Harrison is second with 38 yards on 12 carries.

Nate Davis took a major step backward in his quest to earn the 49ers' backup quarterback job.

Davis' statistics certainly were not eye-popping. But his production alone was nothing to eliminate him from consideration for a job promotion. Instead, Davis did not fulfill the unseen requirements of the most important position on the field.

Davis completed 7 of 16 passing attempts for 114 yards in the 49ers' 15-10 exhibition victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. The 49ers scored field goals on two of Davis' first three drives after entering the game at the start of the second half.

But it is clear that coach Mike Singletary considers Davis nowhere near ready to compete for the backup job behind starter Alex Smith.

"I don't think he's put himself in a position to really compete," Singletary said. "I think right now he's competing with himself. I really do.

"I really like the kid. There's a lot to like about him, But there is a work ethic that's involved in terms of being a quarterback in the NFL and he's got to get it. It's as simple as that."

Vikings coach Brad Childress said he expects WR Percy Harvin to practice Tuesday: "I anticipate that, but I’ve been wrong before."

Brett Favre's highly anticipated first game back with the Vikings lasted all of four unspectacular plays and one series in a 15-10 loss to the 49ers in a nationally televised preseason game Sunday at Candlestick Park, the only NFL show of the night.

Favre completed a 13-yard pass to Adrian Peterson on his first play from scrimmage but was sacked by Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis two plays later and the Vikings wound up punting.

Alex Smith , Favre's 49ers counterpart, went 9 of 13 for 88 yards in a solid first half. Willis had four tackles playing only nine snaps.

He made do for a 49ers offense missing three of its biggest stars: receiver Michael Crabtree , tight end Vernon Davis and running back Frank Gore .

Smith completed his first four passes for 48 yards and 5 of his first six on the Niners' opening drive, including a 24-yard strike to backup tight end Delanie Walker that set up a 4-yard scoring run by rookie Anthony Dixon.

Smith was actually the bigger story in this game, on the field anyway, and looked pretty good, despite missing his three big guns. He looked solid moving out of the pocket and throwing with accuracy. Here at 4for4, we consider Smith a bit of a late-round sleeper with an easy schedule as he's rated the 16th best QB.

Albert Haynesworth had his say on Saturday night after the Washington Redskins lost to the Baltimore Ravens, informing all that the team was holding it against him that he did not participate in "their offseason program" and that the Redskins were underplaying his injuries in describing them only as headaches.

On Sunday afternoon, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan had his say.

"One thing for sure that is clear to me is that Albert has gotten away in the past with playing without practicing,'' Shanahan said. "That will not happen under this regime. If he's going to play, he's going to practice, and that is the same with every player here. The days of him playing without practicing are over. And that, to me, says it all.''

And as far as the condition that Haynesworth is reported to possibly have - rhabdomyolysis -that concerns muscle fiber damage? Shanahan said: "Not aware of that.''

Rhabdomyolysis? This Haynesworth/Redskins twirl is one lollapalooza.

Haynesworth skipped most of the team's offseason drills and said he had worked, instead, with his own trainer. But he had difficulty passing the team's conditioning test once he reported to training camp and out of 18 practices, he has made five.

The Redskins will actively rotate their defensive linemen this season, so they are looking for Haynesworth to play 55 to 60 percent of all snaps. He was in for 19 plays against the Ravens, all in the third quarter, and after those plays was so winded that he had to be pulled.

Part of his spill after the game likely had to do with the fact that he did not play until the third quarter, with reserves.

Sources within the team said that Haynesworth complained of dizziness and headaches last week and was asked if he was dehydrated. He said no, but tests revealed he actually was dehydrated. When he was told he would not play in the Ravens preseason game without practice, the headaches eventually "disappeared,'' a Redskins coach said.

Shanahan said that he will continue to work to get the best from Haynesworth.

"We know what type of talent he is,'' Shanahan said. "We will keep looking for that.''

As Darrelle Revis’ holdout continues to linger, a Jets player is on the verge of signing a long-term deal with the team.

It’s center Nick Mangold.

The Jets and the All-Pro lineman are closing in on a contract extension that could be announced as early as Monday or Tuesday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

That person requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak for the team or Mangold.

Terms are still being finalized, but it’s expected to be a mega-deal topping the five-year, $37.5 million contract, with $20 million in guarantees, that St. Louis’ Jason Brown — the league’s highest-paid center — signed last year.

The Jets have been locked in a contract impasse with Revis for more than six months, leading to his prolonged absence. Message sent? Possibly.

Before the recent media blackout, both sides made clear their frustration with the progress of negotiations in a messy public back-and-forth. Perhaps as proof they are willing to lock up their talented young core, though, the Jets have moved on to Mangold.

Mangold, who was scheduled to make $3.3 million this season in the final year of his rookie deal, spoke openly about his desire for a new contract in the offseason but decided to attend both mini-camp and training camp. His signing would no doubt make a big splash on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” the third episode of which airs on Wednesday.

An internet report Sunday said Revis and the Jets will announce a new deal this week, perhaps on Wednesday. It looks like that player will be Mangold instead.

A person with direct knowledge of the status of the Jets’ negotiations with Revis said the report of a Revis deal being announced this week is not true. That person requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak for either side.

The Jets opened negotiations with the All-Pro cornerback after the AFC Championship Game earlier this year. General manager Mike Tannenbaum has said the sides have a disagreement over total compensation, while Revis’ representatives said they are waiting for a proposal from the Jets that includes a signing bonus. Revis, who is scheduled to make $1 million this season, wants to be the league’s highest-paid cornerback.

Because of their personnel and the attacking philosophy of offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, the Detroit Lions' base offense this season will be a two-tight end formation.

One of the keys to that strategy, though, is having two tight ends who can catch and block. Brandon Pettigrew was a first-round draft choice last year because he is capable of doing both. Tony Scheffler, though, has earned his reputation in the league as an excellent receiver, not blocker.

Scheffler, though, knows that he'll have to improve his blocking skills for the Lions' offense to click. The reason is because Linehan wants to dictate the action to the defense. If the opponent is in a nickel defense, Linehan will keep the tight ends on the line and run. If the opponent runs its base defense, Linehan will split one or both tight ends into a slot position and throw.

For that to be effective - and to keep the nickel defense off the field - the Lions need to prove they can effectively run the ball. If they can't run it, the defense will stay in the nickel all the time and eliminate Detroit's matchup advantage.

The Buffalo Bills have placed WR Marcus Easley on injured reserve.

A source tells foxsports.com that the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to trade offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka to the Patriots. The terms of the trade are unknown at the present time.

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty could still be ready for the opener Sept. 12 in Tampa, even though Hardesty has missed all of training camp and most likely will skip Saturday's dress rehearsal game in Detroit with a sprained right knee.

"Yes, I would him expect him to [be ready for the season]," said coach Eric Mangini. "There's been no setback. Based on the plan that we had and the progress that he has made, my anticipation is that he'll be practicing again in the near future and ideally playing in the opener."

He said Hardesty might get some practice reps late this week, "but it's subject to change."

Hardesty is expected to sit out Saturday's game, in which starters normally play through the third quarter. For the final preseason game Sept. 2 against the Bears, starters usually only play a series or two, but the Browns are hoping it's a chance to get Hardesty some live action before the season begins.

Hardesty suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament on the same knee as a freshman in 2005 and had it drained last season. But he didn't miss any games in 2009, rushing for 1,345 yards and 13 TDs and catching 25 passes for 302 yards. With Hardesty out, Peyton Hillis is leading the team with 54 yards on 14 carries and Jerome Harrison is second with 38 yards on 12 carries.

An MRI on Sunday showed that Dallas Cowboys starting strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh suffered a subluxation in his left shoulder. He is expected to be sidelined three to four weeks, which could force him to miss the season opener at the Washington Redskins on Sept. 12.

Kevin Connor, Sensabaugh's agent, said he's asking famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews to review the MRI results.

Sensabaugh, who was injured in the first quarter of Saturday's 16-14 victory over San Diego, will miss the Cowboys' final two preseason games.

Also, starting inside linebacker Keith Brooking has a mild sprain of the AC joint in his right shoulder. There is some swelling, but not enough to cause the Cowboys serious concern.

Brooking, who was injured in the first half, will likely miss the rest of the preseason as a precaution.

Sean Lee, the second-round pick from Penn State, replaced Brooking in the first-team lineup Saturday.

Barry Church, an undrafted rookie from Toledo, took Sensabaugh's spot in the lineup.

Wide receiver Brandon Jones became the second former member of the San Francisco 49ers to join the Seattle Seahawks in the past week.

According to a source, Jones agreed to a contract Sunday with the Seahawks, picking them over the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings.

Earlier in the week, the Seahawks acquired former 49ers defensive end Kentwan Balmer in a trade that cost the team a sixth-round pick in 2011.

Jones, 27, signed a five-year, $16.5 million contract with the 49ers in 2009 but never really fit in. He played eight games for the 49ers and caught only one pass for 18 yards. The 49ers released him last week. He spent his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans and caught 112 passes for 1,380 yards.

Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with an ankle sprain. He underwent an MRI today and is done for the preseason but will try to be ready for week one of the regular season.

Eli Manning to the rescue.

OK, not the rescue really, but Tom Coughlin said the Giants’ starting quarterback is expected back on the field - with a helmet on his head - this week, perhaps as soon as tomorrow when the Giants resume practice.

It’s not known whether Manning will play in the Giants’ third preseason game, Saturday in Baltimore, but considering the starters don’t usually play much at all in the fourth game, it’s a good bet that Manning will get the start on Saturday night.

Manning missed last night’s game, of course, because of the three-inch cut on his head that he suffered last Monday night against the Jets. According to Coughlin, the 12 stitches were removed from the cut last week and he added, "I wasn’t kidding. He does heal fast."

Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth is likely suffering from rhabdomyolysis, according to a league source.

Haynesworth lashed out Mike Shanahan after the Redskins' 23-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, ripping the Redskins coach for attributing Haynesworth's absence from practice last week to headaches without revealing more about the nature of the illness.

Haynesworth experienced the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, according to a source. Those symptoms included dizziness, nausea, vomiting and muscle swelling. He was treated by team doctors, with rhabdomyolysis believed to be the likely cause.

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle fiber contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. Some of these are harmful to the kidney and can result in kidney damage.

When muscle is damaged, a protein pigment called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream and filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Myoglobin breaks down into potentially harmful compounds.

Exertion and hot conditions exacerbate the problem, but in most mild cases people recover in a week or two. It is treated with aggressive hydration to dilute the urine and flush the myoglobin from the kidneys.

Haynesworth's symptoms were not at the extreme end of the spectrum, and he recovered enough to take part in the preseason game with the Ravens. However, because he missed practice time, he was told he would only play in the second half of the game, with the reserves.

Haynesworth's relationship with Shanahan has been frayed since the coach took over this past offseason.

Some of Haynesworth's teammates and coaches have privately questioned the severity of his ailments. Haynesworth's comments Saturday indicate that he believes Shanahan intentionally did not reveal the full scope of Haynesworth's health issues.

The incident marks another chapter in this running sideshow, which ultimately could still lead to Haynesworth's departure, perhaps even by the trade deadline.

Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan (groin) was ruled out of Monday's game. He also missed the preseason opener and hasn't participated in a full practice in 10 days.

"I am hurting deep down inside because I can't even relate to my teammates who are out there practicing,'' he said. "I feel like I had a great offseason, finally making strides in the right direction, and then a setback like this. It's hurting me bad.''

The Washington Redskins fear that free safety Kareem Moore could be sidelined four to six weeks after suffering what initially appears to be a sprained right medial collateral ligament, two people familiar with the situation said early Sunday morning.

Moore's injury occurred in the second quarter Saturday night during a 23-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field. The third-year player went down without being hit while in pursuit of Haruki Nakamura, who ran 51 yards on a direct-snapped fake punt.

"I was running and then I just felt something and then I just went down," Moore said. "I just felt kind of awkward on the play; no hit or anything."

Team medical personnel who examined Moore determined he probably sprained his MCL, and they expect to receive confirmation after Sunday's MRI exam, the team sources said.

Barring an unexpectedly favorable MRI report, the Redskins plan to proceed as if Moore will be sidelined for the regular-season opener Sept. 12 against the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field.

The initial diagnosis of the injury stirred concern in the organization because Moore was the star of training camp, the sources said. He displayed outstanding deep ball skills while intercepting many passes in practice at Redskins Park.

Dez Bryant's optimistic goal that he would be back for the final two preseason games appears to have slipped away.

The Cowboys first round pick has not been cleared to resume practice when the team returns to Oxnard for the final six days of training camp. When asked if he expected Bryant to be able to practice with the team at some point this week, head coach Wade Phillips said:

"I wouldn't think so. They (training staff) told me the first game.''

That would be against Washington on Sept. 12.

Bryant suffered a high ankle sprain in the opening week of camp, an injury the Cowboys said at the time would keep him out four to six weeks.

Dez will likely start slow, but could be a prime fantasy weapon later in the season.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who suffered a shoulder injury during Friday night's game with Cincinnati, reports he's sore, but can't wait to play the Chiefs later this week.

Running back Leon Washington made his Seahawks debut and returned to the field after a 10-month absence, capping a long recovery since suffering a season-ending compound fracture of his right leg with the New York Jets last year.

"I feel healthy," said Washington, who finished with a team-high 19 yards on four carries, including an 11-yard touchdown run. He also caught a pass for 6 yards.

"I feel good. I'm going to remain optimistic," he said. "I'll never get satisfied. I'm just trying to get better and better every day. Every day I come out, I feel looser and my leg feels stronger."

Washington entered the game in the second quarter and immediately displayed his trademark quickness that made him a fan favorite during his four seasons with the Jets.

On his first carry, he gained 4 yards bursting through the right side of the line. Two plays later, Washington seemed to disappear into a pile on the left side before squirting through and darting through past the secondary for a score that tied the score at 14 with 12:51 left before halftime.

"How did I look?" Washington asked. "Did I look slow? Honestly, I can't tell. I felt good. I felt like I had my legs under me, but I don't know. I'm just out there running as hard as I can."

Washington could make things interesting in the Seattle backfield. Right now Justin Forsett is still the best back from a fantasy perspective, but Washington has the potential to close the gap.

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher called the minor left calf strain that knocked him out of Saturday's exhibition loss the Raiders "no big deal.''

Urlacher suffered the injury on the game's first drive.

"On like the third play, I was running and I felt like a cramp,'' he said. "Then on the next play, I couldn't put pressure on it. Then I was out.

"I had a similar-type injury (in 2007) on a Tuesday, and I ended up playing that Thursday (at Washington). I'm not going to speculate on how long, but I'll be fine.''

Urlacher enjoyed an injury-free training camp after making a full recovery from wrist surgery that ended his '09 season after just one game. He was held out of the first training camp practice in pads only because it was prescheduled by the doctors.

The injury, said New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, "came out of nowhere."

Running back Brandon Jacobs was supposed to play in last night's 24-17 preseason loss to the Steelers, but he was a late scratch because of what the Giants are calling a stiff neck.

"The original word I got is, he hurt himself doing shrugs in the weight room," Coughlin said.

Coughlin said an MRI was taken. A neck problem never can be taken lightly, but general manager Jerry Reese said, "He was doing some lifting in the weight room and felt something, his neck was stiff, we didn't want to put him out there with a stiff neck, when you can't move your neck that good. It's nothing serious at all. No disk."

K Nick Folk all but locked up the kicking job for the New York Jets in Saturday night's game against the Panthers, making field goals of 43, 36 and 49 yards. He was 3-for-3.

Aaron Rodgers continues to enjoy a summer carryover from his first Pro Bowl season for Green Bay.

Seattle's rollicking summer with new coach Pete Carroll just got its first big concern.

Rodgers was 8 for 11 for 116 yards and two touchdowns in one, easy quarter. Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck was 11 for 15 for 127 yards with a score in a redeeming first half, but the Seahawks could be without rookie sixth-overall pick Russell Okung for a while because of an injured right ankle sustained early in the Packers' 27-24 preseason victory Saturday night.

The left tackle who got a guaranteed $29 million this month from the Seahawks to replace retired All-Pro Walter Jones left for good after one drive with what coach Pete Carroll said could be a high right ankle sprain. That injury sometimes involves two months or more of recovery time.

Seattle's starting defense, which was ransacked most of last season, allowed 264 yards and 17 in the first half.

Green Bay's first play was an exquisitely thrown bootleg pass for 56 yards to a diving Greg Jennings, who beat first-round pick Earl Thomas. Rodgers had his second incompletion in 15 preseason throws when Seattle's Red Bryant deflected a pass at the line, but followed that with a 12-yard completion to Jermichael Finley on third down to the Seahawks 1. Then, Rodgers threw another bootleg pass to wide-open fullback John Kuhn for an easy touchdown.

Rodgers' second touchdown pass of the opening quarter came while victimizing Thomas again. Seattle's rookie ran up hard to join Lawyer Milloy in covering the same receiver, leaving tight end Finley alone down the middle for a 12-yard touchdown catch and a 14-7 lead for Green Bay. Milloy was yelling and pointing at Thomas after the play.

Former New York Jets All-Pro Leon Washington, making his Seattle debut, scored his first touchdown since breaking two bones in his leg 10 months ago. And Hasselbeck, upstaged by new backup Charlie Whitehurst last week against Tennessee, established a rhythm he and Seattle's offense has mostly lacked in his last two injury-filled seasons while leading two touchdown drives in the opening half.

Whitehurst was 9 for 20 for 73 yards with two interceptions while playing the second half. He threw a go-ahead touchdown pass of 3 yards to Ben Obomanu late in the third quarter.

Washington bolted out of the tunnel to the opposite end zone while leading his new teammates onto the field before kickoff. Then he bolted through the line unlike any back Seattle has had in years on an 11-yard touchdown run that tied it at 14 early in the second quarter.

He was then mobbed by teammates and the always excited Carroll, who's been eager to see if Washington was ready to lead the competition to become Seattle's lead running back.

After more than three hours of dreadful offensive football, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan sought out Carolina coach John Fox at midfield, happy the final gun had sounded to signal the end of a night of punts and turnovers.

"I told John Fox it looked like a pillow fight out there with both offenses struggling like that, to say the least,'' Ryan said. "You're going to have days like that."

Mark Sanchez and Matt Moore hope there aren't many more, after nearly equally poor quarterback performances in the Jets' touchdown-less, 9-3 victory over the Panthers on Saturday night.

Sanchez was lucky to avoid two interceptions and failed to get the Jets in the end zone despite great field position. Moore couldn't lead Carolina to any points on a night of bad passes, drops and penalties.

Sanchez completed five of 10 passes for 12 yards, a setback after he recovered from an interception on his first pass Monday against the Giants and looked sharp. LaDainian Tomlinson 's 20-yard draw play was the Jets' top offensive play.

The Panthers couldn't even come close to matching that - which is why they lost despite allowing only 112 yards.

Moore, given the starting job when seven-year starter Jake Delhomme was released in the offseason, failed to lead a scoring drive for the second straight preseason game. He completed just six of 17 passes for 57 yards and an interception.

Rookie Jimmy Clausen wasn't much better, going 9 of 22 for 72 yards and a pick, and neither got much help. Carolina played without star receiver Steve Smith (broken arm) and the unheralded stable of receivers behind him did nothing to quell concerns Smith will be the Panthers' only option.

Moore badly overthrew rookie Brandon LaFell on a deep pass on Carolina's opening possession and safety Jim Leonhard swooped in for the interception. Leonhard came in unblocked and sacked Moore the second time the Panthers had the ball.

LaFell, a third-round pick, had trouble holding onto passes after getting hit. Kenny Moore had some drops, while Dwayne Jarrett struggled to get open.

Kellen Clemens got the most time at quarterback after Sanchez, finishing 4 of 6 for 32 yards. Veteran Mark Brunell was 3 of 7 for 2 yards.

Miami Dolphins QB Chad Henne probably wishes he could play every game in Jacksonville.

Eight months after picking apart the Jaguars in the regular season, Henne did it again in a preseason game Saturday night. Henne completed 11 of 14 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, and the Dolphins beat the Jaguars 27-26 in a game delayed 1 hour, 45 minutes by a thunderstorm.

Although Henne was sacked on his first play Saturday - Jaguars newcomers Tyson Alualu and Aaron Kampman combined on the tackle - he rebounded and led the Dolphins (2-0) on three straight scoring drives.

Henne got Miami to the 6-yard line, but Gerald Alexander batted down his third-down pass at the goal line. The Dolphins settled for a field goal, but Henne was just getting started.

He hooked up with Anthony Fasano for a 55-yard TD play on the next possession, then found Fasano again for an 11-yard score. Fasano got a big block from receiver Brandon Marshall on the long reception. Marshall took out two defenders on the play, springing Fasano for an untouched sprint to the end zone.

Marshall finished with four catches for 65 yards. He also dropped one, giving him three in two preseason games.

Backup Chad Pennington kept Miami rolling. He found Marshall down the sideline for a 37-yard gain, then hooked up with Ronnie Brown for a 10-yard score with 37 seconds remaining in the first half. That put Miami ahead 24-12.

Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard completed six of eight passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. He hooked up with Mike Sims-Walker for 35 yards, then again for 22 more. Those helped set up Garrard's 2-yard TD pass to Mike Thomas.

It turned out to be Garrard's lone highlight.

Garrard got the wind knocked out of him on Jacksonville's next possession and didn't return.

The Jaguars scored two touchdowns in the second half. Brock Bolen caught a 3-yard pass from Luke McCown in the third quarter, then scored on a fourth-and-goal play from the 1 with about 5 minutes remaining. Fans booed when Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio called for the extra point instead of a trying a tying 2-point conversion.

The Cleveland Browns may need umbrellas and boots to survive their next practice.

After a sloppy performance in the pouring rain, coach Eric Mangini intends to soak his players so they stop letting the ball slip away.

"We're going to turn the sprinklers on or dunk the ball in water," a disappointed Mangini said after Cleveland made five turnovers in a 19-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night during a steady downpour that didn't stop until the game ended.

Jake Delhomme overcame two early fumbles and was accurate and efficient throwing one touchdown pass in the soggy lakefront stadium.

Delhomme tossed a 6-yard TD pass to tight end Benjamin Watson, who made a one-handed grab at the back of the end zone in the second quarter. Delhomme finished 12 of 16 for 127 yards before he was replaced in the second half by Seneca Wallace, who connected for a 15-yard TD with Joshua Cribbs to give Cleveland a 17-13 lead in the third.

Josh Brown's fourth field goal, a 28-yarder with 3:33 left, won it for St. Louis (1-1).

Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford had his second straight shaky outing. The No. 1 overall draft pick, Bradford, expected to start for this season, went 6 of 14 for 24 yards coming off the bench behind A.J. Feeley. Bradford wasn't sacked after being dropped behind the line four times last week.

Feeley sustained a thumb injury, but threw a TD pass before leaving.

St. Louis running back Steven Jackson had four carries for 20 yards in his first game since undergoing back surgery in April.

Delhomme was missing one of his main targets as starting wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi didn't dress because of a strained hamstring sustained last week in Green Bay. Massaquoi only practiced once all week, and the Browns said he would have played if it was a regular-season game.

Delhomme threw primarily short passes, but moved the ball up and down the field, something Cleveland struggled to do last season when Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson took turns as the starter.

It didn't start well for Delhomme, who fumbled and recovered the game's first snap. But he collected himself and showed poise and precision in tough, wet conditions. His TD pass was initially ruled incomplete, but Mangini challenged the call and it was overturned by replay.

The Rams managed 178 total yards, one week after gaining only 150 in a loss to Minnesota. But they got their first look at Jackson, their dreadlocked star who powered up the middle for 11 yards on his first touch.

Browns rookie QB Colt McCoy didn't complete a pass during his two, three-and-out series in the fourth.

Jason Campbell was more relaxed this time and it showed from the outset of Oakland's 32-17 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Oakland's new quarterback led a long scoring drive on the first series of the game, and in his one half of play, Campbell was 10-for-20 for 170 yards with a short TD run and an interception.

In the opening drive, he hit Michael Bush with a 24-yard screen pass on a third-and-17. He completed an 18-yarder to Johnnie Lee Higgins , a 13-yarder to Zach Miller and a 27-yarder to Louis Murphy that carried to the Chicago 2. Campbell sneaked in for the score on a third-and-goal as the Raiders' first unit accounted for its first points of the preseason after failing to score in just over a quarter of action in last week's opener against Dallas.

Chicago's Jay Cutler also played the first half in the game at Soldier Field, completing 7 of 15 for 99 yards with a 22-yard TD pass to Johnny Knox.

Chicago's first-team offense got a big lift when Matt Forte broke loose on an 89-yard TD run in the first quarter. But the Bears converted on only of 2 of 14 third-down situations in the game, while Oakland was 8-for-17.

Kyle Boller quarterbacked the Raiders for most of the second half, scoring on a 2-yard run to cap a 10-play, 51-yard drive late in the third quarter that gave the Raiders a 27-14 lead. Dan LeFevour replaced Cutler and led a drive that reached the 4 before the Bears settled for a 25-yard field goal by Robbie Gould.

Philip Rivers doesn't ease up, even in a meaningless exhibition game.

The San Diego Chargers ' $93 million quarterback chased Dallas Cowboys safety Barry Church for about 70 yards before making a touchdown-saving tackle after a turnover on Saturday night. He even popped the ball loose, although the play had been whistled dead.

It was the highlight of what was otherwise mostly a stinker, won 16-14 by the Cowboys on a safety with 3:46 left.

Three plays after Church's return, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Miles Austin to tie the game at 7.

The Chargers (1-1) committed two turnovers in their first four series. The Cowboys' first-team offense was mostly dreadful, gaining only 49 yards. Quarterback Tony Romo was 4 of 11 for 30 yards with a touchdown and an interception, finishing with a rating of just 37.3, although the Cowboys did score their first offensive touchdowns in three exhibition games.

There were overthrows, underthrows and dropped passes on both sides. Cowboys backup linebacker Jason Williams had all but intercepted a pass by Billy Volek when teammate Brandon Williams accidentally slammed into him, knocking the ball loose.

San Diego went ahead when Marcus Mason scored on a 4-yard run late in the third quarter. The Cowboys tied it when Jon Kitna threw a 19-yard pass to Martellus Bennett early in the fourth quarter.

Mathews had another strong game for San Diego, gaining 53 yards on 12 carries and catching one pass for 13 yards.

Rivers was intercepted by Terence Newman on San Diego's first possession of the game. Romo gave it back six plays later when he was picked off by Eric Weddle.

Nothing livens up a preseason game like a fake punt, especially if it works.

Baltimore Ravens third-year safety Haruki Nakamura took a direct snap on fourth-and-6 and juked his way 51 yards - all the way to the 1 - in the second quarter to set up the only touchdown scored by either first-team offense in Saturday night's 23-3 win over the Washington Redskins.

The bit of trickery added entertainment value to a typical August game that lacked polish and gave both coaches plenty to work on before the regular season starts in three weeks.

The Redskins had two starters leave the game with knee problems. Fullback Mike Sellers hurt his left knee while blocking on a running play, and free safety Kareem Moore sprained his right knee trying to catch up to Nakamura on the fake punt play.

Moore's injury appears to be the most severe, and he'll have an MRI on Sunday. Sellers also said his knee was sore, but that he would be "all right."

Meanwhile, Donovan McNabb emerged from the locker room after halftime with a large wrap around his lower left leg and ankle. By then, he was already finished for the night.

McNabb said he was "just a little sore" and that he expected to play next week against the New York Jets .

Left tackle Trent Williams, the No. 4 overall draft pick, left with a bruised elbow but said he was fine.

McNabb had an erratic night for the Redskins (1-1), completing 11 of 26 passes for 206 yards and a bad-decision interception thrown deep into double coverage. He frequently threw behind receivers and was often pressured and hit by a blitzing Ravens defense.

Larry Johnson got the start at running back and showed nothing to indicate he has any chance of overtaking Clinton Portis for the job. Johnson gained only 4 yards on eight carries, missed a blitz pickup that resulted in an intentional grounding call on McNabb, bobbled a pass at least a half-dozen times before dropping it, and lost the ball after tripping over his own man on a running play - it wasn't called a fumble because he was ruled down by contact.

The Ravens' first-team defense was solid for the most part, except when it allowed three big third-down conversions on the game's opening drive. Cornerback Fabian Washington, playing his first game since tearing a ligament in his left knee last season, ended the drive by breaking up a pass at the goal line, forcing the Redskins to settle for a field goal.

Joe Flacco went 9 for 16 passes for 72 yards for the Ravens (2-0).

Ray Rice ran for 17 yards, but dropped the ball on two of his three carries - one of the fumbles was technically credited to Flacco, and the Ravens recovered both.

Two other promising drives were stopped by mistakes: a false start on left tackle Michael Oher, and a fumble by Donte' Stallworth.

No confetti floated down from the Superdome ceiling this time.

But the New Orleans Saints sure showed signs of the high-powered offense that helped them win big last season in their first home game since the NFC championship.

The Saints held the football for 40 minutes, ran 75 offensive plays and rushed for 198 yards in a 38-20 victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday night.

Drew Brees , who played for only one quarter, led New Orleans to two touchdowns - handing off to Bush for a 9-yard score and leaping over center for a 1-yard TD that put New Orleans up 14-0.

There was not much of a dropoff when Chase Daniel took over in the second quarter. The Saints outgained Houston 409 yards to 291 and had the football for 40 minutes.

Brees completed five of 10 passes for 36 yards for the defending Super Bowl champs.

Daniel worked the last three quarters and completed 15 of 21 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once.

Houston quarterback Matt Schaub was 8 of 10 for 117 yards. Dan Orlovsky was 12 of 19 for 140 yards and a touchdown.

The Texans did little to sort out their running back situation. Arian Foster started Saturday's game, and had six carries for 28 yards and a touchdown, but lost a fumble in the second quarter.

Steve Slaton - Foster's main challenger for the starting spot - ran five times for 19 yards, Slaton also had two kick returns for 88 yards, including one for 68 yards.

The Saints ran for 198 yards, including 66 by rookie Chris Ivory.

Kris Brown has been the Texans' kicker since the franchise began. This year he's competing with Neil Rackers. Houston coach Gary Kubiak said preseason performance will settle the competition. Against the Saints, Rackers kicked a 52-yard field goal and Brown hit a 43-yarder.

On a night that Ben Roethlisberger got back to playing football, the Pittsburgh Steelers showed they have a chance to survive the start of the season without their suspended star.

Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon combined to lead three long touchdown drives after Roethlisberger made his preseason debut and the Steelers defeated the Giants 24-17 on Saturday night, spoiling New York's first home game in its new $1.6 billion stadium.

Roethlisberger will be suspended for the opening six games of the regular season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, leaving the Steelers without the quarterback who has led them to two Super Bowls.

Roethlisberger completed six of eight passes for 76 yards and an interception and led the Steelers on a 13-play, 58-yard drive that lasted seven-plus minutes and ended in a 26-yard field goal by Jeff Reed.

This was a quarterback mismatch. The Steelers (2-0) had three good ones while the Giants (1-1) had only third-stringer Rhett Bomar , with starter Eli Manning (stitches) and backup Jim Sorgi (shoulder) sidelined.

New York's offense was nonexistent until the fourth quarter, and the defense wasn't much better.

Leftwich (3 of 6 for 95 yards) gave the Steelers the lead for good at 10-7, tossing a 68-yard touchdown pass play to Mike Wallace with 2:49 left in the half.

Dixon took over in the third quarter and led Pittsburgh on touchdown drives of 78 and 82 yards to push the lead to 24-7. Isaac Redman capped the first one with a 12-yard run up the middle and Dwyane Wright finished the second one with a 2-yard run.

Dixon finished 7 of 8 for 82 yards, along with five runs for 27 yards.

New York's best drive came early in the second quarter when Steve Smith outjumped cornerback Bryant McFadden for a spectacular 45-yard catch to the Steelers 30. Ahmad Bradshaw made a great move to the left corner to score on a 9-yard run six plays later.

Andre Brown got the Giants' other touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run that survived a review. Lawrence Tynes made the score respectable with a 43-yard field goal with 5:49 to go.

Bomar, who has never taken a snap in a regular-season game, finished 13 of 26 for 167 yards and one interception.

Coach Tom Coughlin said after the game that Manning had his stitches removed and he probably will practice this week. The Giants play the Ravens in Baltimore on Saturday.

Sorgi tore a muscle in his shoulder throwing a touchdown pass to Victor Cruz in the fourth quarter. He is expected to be sidelined 2-3 weeks.

The game had a feisty start. Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor were ejected after the fourth play from scrimmage for throwing punches after a running play.

Giants running back D.J. Ware and safety Sha'reff Rashad left the game with concussions.

Many in the Denver crowd came hoping to get a glimpse of the future in Tim Tebow and instead got a peek at the past.

Cornerback Dre' Bly's 47-yard interception return set up Detroit's first touchdown in the Lions' 25-20 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.

Bly, who played two seasons in Denver before his unceremonious release following coach Josh McDaniels' hiring in 2009, picked off a pass against the Broncos for the second straight preseason - he did it while with the San Francisco 49ers last year.

Two plays later, Matthew Stafford connected with Calvin Johnson for a 20-yard touchdown pass.

Detroit third-stringer Drew Stanton's 25-yard touchdown on a quarterback draw with 1:53 left was the difference. Brady Quinn drove the Broncos into Lions territory in the closing seconds before Willie Young stripped the ball away and Korey Bosworth recovered.

Tebow's home debut will have to wait at least another week. He sat out with bruised ribs he suffered in the exhibition opener a week ago, much to the disappointment of throngs of Broncos fans donning his No. 15 jersey at Invesco Field.

Kyle Orton, fresh off signing a one-year extension that bought some time for the Broncos to formulate their long-term plans at quarterback, completed 16 of 22 passes for 177 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in four first-half possessions.

Orton has thrown four TD passes in seven drives this preseason despite playing behind a makeshift offensive line, with the team's top three tailbacks sitting out and a turnstile of targets catching his throws.

Jabar Gaffney caught six passes for 98 yards, all from Orton.

Stafford was 13 of 20 for 130 yards, guiding the Lions to scores on all four of their first-half drives.

In all, 16 Broncos sat out, including Champ Bailey , D.J. Williams, Daniel Graham, Chris Kuper, Spencer Larsen, Brandon Stokley, and Demaryius Thomas, the team's top draft pick.

The Broncos hope most of them return next week to play against Pittsburgh in the all-important third preseason game.

Broncos LT Ryan Clady, recovering from offseason knee surgery, did footwork drills with strength coach Rich Tuten on the field a few hours before kickoff.

FS Louis Delmas (groin) sat out for Detroit (1-1).

The Seahawks lost a meaningless game Saturday night at Qwest Field.

The bigger concern is how long they'll lose a meaningful player.

Left tackle Russell Okung, the player Seattle picked No. 6 overall in April's NFL draft, left in the first quarter after suffering an ankle injury during Seattle's 27-24 loss to Green Bay.

"It's a legitimate ankle sprain," coach Pete Carroll said after the game. "So we'll see how it goes."

Okung left the field in the first quarter and was replaced by Mansfield Wrotto, who finished the game at left tackle. Okung was not available in the locker room afterward. He underwent X-rays, which did not detect a fracture. He will have an MRI on Sunday.

Carroll was asked if Okung suffered a high-ankle sprain.

"It may be," Carroll said. "We don't know that right now."

Typically, recovery from a high-ankle sprain takes four to six weeks. Sometimes it is quicker. Seahawks cornerback Josh Wilson was back two weeks after suffering that type of injury last year. Sometimes it's longer, as was the case with tackle Sean Locklear, who missed about two months.

It's not like Seattle has a plethora of fantasy weapons, but if Okung is out for several weeks, it won't help any of their offensive players.

Tampa Bay RB Kareem Huggins has continued to impress. Last night against Kansas City, the Bucs wanted to get a better look at him by getting him some reps with the first-team offense.

And Huggins responded with 44 yards on eight carries. Huggins, a second-year pro who went undrafted out of Hofstra, rushed for 55 yards on eight carries against Miami.

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs did not play in Saturday night's preseason clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ahmad Bradshaw is fast becoming New York's most intriguing back, but Jacobs will still be a factor at the goal line.

Buffalo Bills tight end Derek Schouman and Bills linebacker Reggie Torbor are both going to miss an appreciable amount of time after both suffered injuries in Thursday’s preseason game.

"Schouman is going to be out for a while," said head coach Chan Gailey. "I don’t know how long, but it’s going to be a while. Guy can’t catch a break. It’s going to be anywhere from 3-6 weeks."

"Torbor is out a while. I don’t know the prognosis exactly," said Gailey. "They’re doing the tests today. I know he’s out for three weeks probably."

It turns out St. Louis quarterback A.J. Feeley suffered blows to both his thumb and his elbow on his throwing arm midway through his one and only series at quarterback Saturday night against Cleveland.

The injury was originally announced only as a thumb injury. But X-rays of the thumb and elbow were negative, and Feeley expects to be back at quarterback for the Rams in their next preseason game Thursday at New England.

"There’s a little soreness…but I’m good," Feeley said after the Rams' 19-17 victory. "Get a little treatment and should be ready to go by next week. Definitely."

Feeley had both the thumb and elbow wrapped after the game.

After last week’s win over Buffalo, Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth expressed optimism about how he fits into the team’s new 3-4 scheme.

All seemed to be right between Haynesworth and the Redskins after a tumultuous off-season and beginning to training camp.

That ended following Saturday night’s 23-3 loss to Baltimore.

Haynesworth unloaded on the Redskins, covering several topics during a group interview that lasted less than 90 seconds, including his intimation the team is withholding information of his injuries to make him look bad.

Haynesworth said he wasn’t injured enough to be held out of practice last Wednesday and Thursday.

"I was told I had ‘headaches’ or whatever and that’s why I couldn’t go out and practice," he said. "I think it was a little bit more than that."

Haynesworth added: "[Headaches] was part of that but it wasn’t all of it. They left out a lot of stuff."

Asked for specifics, he said: "You would have to ask them."

By the time Haynesworth spoke, coach Mike Shanahan had completed his press conference and was unavailable for comment.

Haynesworth, who has finished only five of the Redskins’ 18 full-pad practices during training camp, left Tuesday’s workout early because of dehydration.

Shanahan clearly wasn’t happy that Haynesworth being unavailable to practice. On Wednesday, he said of Haynesworth being dehydrated: "I didn’t think it would be that possible that quick [to have symptoms]."

Haynesworth said the Redskins were holding him out of practice as punishment for skipping the OTAs and mini-camps.

"I guess to make me look bad for not going to their off-season conditioning program," he said. "Next year, I’m not coming either. I’ll be with my trainer again and come back in the same shape I’m in and feel good about myself."

Haynesworth did not play in the first half against Baltimore and was upset he was on the field in the second half.

"I’m a ninth year pro," he said. "I don’t think I should have been out there in the third quarter but having ‘headaches’ again, that’s what they wanted to do."

Shanahan said Haynesworth worked on the treadmill Friday to earn the chance to be in uniform, albeit with the third unit.

"He wasn’t going to be able to play with the first or second team for obvious reasons," Shanahan said. "He’s going to have to earn his way into that group and once we get him into football shape, then we’ll get him some playing time. We’ll see how he did and evaluate that."

Reading between the lines, it would appear Haynesworth was demoted from second-team to third-team nose tackle.

Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman has been diagnosed with a fractured tip of the right thumb. The team says he's out until the regular season opener against Cleveland.

Freeman is a young player that has shown promise, but he's not going to be a fantasy star in 2010. While it sounds like Freeman has escaped a serious, long-term injury, it is something to remember if you are considering drafting Freeman as your number two quarterback or drafting in a keeper league, where he has more value.

Tampa Bay running back Derrick Ward left Saturday's game against Kansas City with what the team called a head injury and that means it’s possible he suffered a concussion. The team said Ward will not return to the game.

Ward was one of Tampa Bay’s big free-agent signings last year, but he has struggled since he joined the Bucs. He was unable to beat out Cadillac Williams for the starting job and wasn’t a big factor last year.

Ward had a rough outing, including two fumbles, in last week’s preseason game with Miami. He also was unimpressive through most of training camp and there has been speculation Kareem Huggins could be challenging him for the No. 2 running back spot.

St. Louis Rams QB A.J. Feeley suffered a right thumb injury midway through the team's first offensive possession Saturday night in Cleveland. He isn't likely to return.

Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman is reportedly heading to the locker room to have his right thumb x-rayed. The Buccaneers are hosting Kansas City.

Tra Thomas, signed by the Chargers in June to provide depth at left tackle due to the protracted absence of Marcus McNeill, has retired.

The team is expected to announce the move at tonight's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Brandyn Dombrowski will start tonight and play a half before likely giving way to Ryan Otterson, an undrafted rookie out of Wyoming.

The Chargers will make Tyronne Green the backup, but Green hurt his ankle in practice this week and will not play tonight.

Dombrowski has played parts of three games at left tackle but has seven career starts at right tackle and two at right guard. Green, drafted as a guard in 2009, just began playing right tackle in July, moved to left tackle two weeks ago and played about 20 snaps there in last Saturday's preseason opener.

Thomas, a 12-year-veteran, had arthroscopic knee surgery early in training camp and returned to practice just this week. While he was working with the second team, it was becoming apparent that Green would surpass him on the depth chart.

McNeill, a two-time Pro Bowler, is staying away from the Chargers over dissatisfaction with his contract offer -- a $3.168 million tender that was reduced to $630,000 and as of Friday night was reduced to at least $595,000.

The Chargers will likely look to add an experienced tackle, either when teams make their cuts in early September or via trade.

The Patriots may have lost another likely starter to a season-ending surgery.

Two sources close to the situation told the Boston Herald that offensive lineman Nick Kaczur has already undergone back surgery. Those involved seriously believe his 2010 season may be over before it started.

Kaczur, the replacement for starter Logan Mankins, who is holding out, left the first practice on the second day of camp and never returned.

Reportedly there was a bulging disk hitting a nerve that was causing serious pain. They tried rest. Now, he’s had surgery, which occurred in the last week or 10 days.

There has been no final determination on his season, and it is believed the team is still waiting to see if the pain subsides. But no one is optimistic. They believe it all may be over for Kaczur in 2010.

If, as expected, it means his season is over, another starter is gone. Defensive end Ty Warren is also out for the season after hip surgery. Dan Connolly has been filling in rather ably for Kaczur, though he is a step down from Mankins.

But this turns even more attention to Mankins, the Pro Bowler and starter who has stayed home from camp in a contract dispute.

Is this what accelerates a potential resolution for Mankins and the Patriots?

On the day that Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill let pass another deadline set by the Chargers, word broke that Jackson could be closer to freedom.

Or not.

The Chargers granted permission to the Seattle Seahawks to speak with their disgruntled Pro Bowl receiver, but those talks have hit a wall.

According to league sources, the Seahawks have balked at the price set by Jackson’s agents, who are asking for $30 million guaranteed on a five-year, $50 million contract. Based on the average per year, that would rank Jackson among the four highest-paid receivers in the league.

Meanwhile, as of Friday night, Jackson and McNeill are now on the Roster Exempt List. That means they will miss at least the season opener, a distinction that is almost certainly moot based on the belief the pair is prepared to sit out most, if not all, of the season.

The Seahawks’ interest has long been known, and the team confirmed to Yahoo! Sports on Friday that it has spoken to Jackson’s agents. Those discussions began at least several days ago, according to one source.

The same sources said the asking price from the Chargers is a second-round draft pick, which is not believed to be an issue at this point.

At least three other teams have expressed interest in Jackson, though Seattle is the only one to get permission from the Chargers to formally negotiate with agents Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod.

The Chargers made it known this summer they would listen to trade offers for Jackson. Facing a three-game suspension from the NFL for his two DUI arrests since 2006 and also having been cited for driving on a suspended license in January, he is not in the team’s long-term plans.

A player on the Roster Exempt list cannot play until the fourth game after the date he signs. The final two preseason games count, meaning McNeill as of now is only officially out of the season opener.

Jackson would still need to sit out three regular-season games, regardless of whether he is traded. As for his pending suspension, if Jackson were to sign his tender by Sept. 4, the three games he has to miss because of his Roster Exempt status would be served concurrently with his suspension.

At this point, Jackson is probably only worthy of a late-round flyer. It's hard to see him making much of a fantasy impact in 2010 wherever he plays.

With regards to the still-raging competition among Seattle's running backs, Justin Forsett has flashed most frequently – in part because he played in a similar scheme at Cal and understands the nuances to setting up the blocks.

But it still looks like this will end up being a running game by committee, with the hot back getting the most carries. That could be incumbent starter Julius Jones, newcomer Leon Washington or Forsett.

Forsett is still the best Seahawks running back to target on draft day.

Despite Jerry Jones' confidence and near guarantee that both tackle Marc Colombo and guard Kyle Kosier will be back from their injuries in time for the Sept. 12 season opener at Washington, the Cowboys owner can't beat science.

Colombo probably will be ready after arthroscopic surgery to remove five particles from his right knee. But Kosier could miss the first two games and might be out until after the Cowboys' bye week in Week 4 with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

An MRI confirmed the injury to Kosier, who went down Wednesday while practicing at center. A Cowboys source said there is little chance he will be ready for the opener and that they were preparing for him to miss at least two games.

Jones was much more confident Wednesday not long after Kosier went down.

"I'm concerned but the good news is they will be back for the season opener," Jones said. "Four to six weeks is being conservative. We will get them back for the season opener. That is not looking through rose-colored glasses. That is fact."

The good news for the Cowboys is they have confidence that veteran Montrae Holland can handle the job in Kosier's absence. Holland is an eight-year veteran with 48 career starts, but he was inactive all last season because he didn't give the Cowboys the game-day flexibility of being able to play more than one position.

"We have a lot of confidence -- I do -- in Holland," Jones said. "That's why he is here."

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Kerry Meier's rookie season is over before it began.

The Falcons have announced that Meier, a fifth-round pick, is out for the season with a knee injury suffered during Thursday night's 28-10 loss to the Patriots.

Meier, who played college football at Kansas, was having a good training camp and was expected to be a contributor as a rookie.

Injuries have been an ongoing concern for the Falcons' receivers. Harry Douglas is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year, and Michael Jenkins is currently out with a shoulder injury.

Marshall Faulk rushed for 1,319 yards and caught 86 passes in 1998.

Edgerrin James followed that the next two years in Indianapolis by averaging 1,631 yards on the ground and scoring a total of 35 touchdowns.

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had an up-close look at both of those running backs during his brief time on the Colts' coaching staff a decade ago. He gets flashbacks when he sees Rashard Mendenhall.

"He is a good combination of both those guys," Arians said. "He has that kind of skill set. There is no doubt he can do what those two did."

It's an understatement that the Steelers have high hopes for Mendenhall in his third year. Despite his rookie year being limited to 19 carries and his second year marred with a benching because of a lack of attention to detail, Mendenhall is the player the Steelers are relying on in the running game.

They decided not to re-sign Willie Parker in the offseason and didn't bring in veteran running backs to compete with Mendenhall.

There was a reason for that.

The Steelers expect Mendenhall to do everything this year, meaning he will rarely come off the field.

"My goal is staying out there until I can't," Mendenhall said. "That's my role."

In this era of the running back by committee, the Steelers are looking in a different direction when it comes to Mendenhall.

"He is such an explosive player that you just don't take those guys off the field," Arians said.

Arians plans to use Mendenhall much more than the 242 carries and 1,108 yards he totaled last year. He expects to utilize Mendenhall more out of the backfield as a receiver as well. Mendenhall caught 25 passes a season ago and found the end zone eight times.

Mendenhall is expected to be the third-down back, the goal-line back and possibly the short-yardage guy, too.

Mendenhall is a top ten back in both our regular rankings and our PPR rankings, and in some drafts, he might not be taken in the first round (his current ADP is 13). If you are drafting late in the first round, he's a good guy to get. If you can take him in the second round, he will offer exceptional value.

So, what does the Browns offense do for an encore tonight against the Rams after its thrilling debut in Green Bay last week? It better be good, because the status quo isn't going to cut it for coach Eric Mangini.

"I'm looking for us to play and operate better than we did against Green Bay," said Mangini. "That's what I typically look for each step in the preseason. I want to continue to do well and improve on the things we didn't do well. There was plenty to improve on from the game and a lot of things I was happy with."

Mangini will play his starters for the first half and maybe into the third quarter, depending on the quality of the reps Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace get. The coach said he anticipates Wallace working with the first team again and has liked what he has seen.

Wallace threw two touchdown passes on his three drives against Green Bay, one to Brian Robiskie in the back left corner of the end zone while scrambling left and a 20-yarder to Ben Watson over the middle after faking an out.

"It was nice to see Seneca roll out of the pocket, break contain and throw a touchdown on somebody besides us," said Mangini. "Because he extends the play, it's been really good work defensively. I've been pleased with him. He's an accurate guy. He's got a strong arm, he's confident, he's got poise. The confidence in him has grown each week as we've gotten to know him and he's gotten to know the system."

Many feel it's only a matter of time before Wallace is Cleveland's starter over Jake Delhomme, but neither will be major fantasy factors.

San Diego holdouts Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill were officially placed on the roster exempt list Friday night - both players received letters last week notifying them of the action.

Terrell Owens put some bite back into the Bengals' offense.

Owens caught a 43-yard pass along the sideline, setting up the only touchdown by Cincinnati's starting offense Friday night in a 22-9 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles that showed he's still got a lot left.

"According to sources and anybody that analyzes talent or what-have-you: I'm 36, I've slowed down, I don't have it anymore,'' Owens said. "I'm a different person. I'm very talented, I keep myself in shape. So everybody can think I've slowed down. If they want to play me like that, that's fine."

The Eagles couldn't keep up with him.

Owens had three catches for 67 yards in the first half, and ran 1 yard on a reverse.

"He's as good as anyone when he gets on top of a corner,'' Palmer said. "We're going to take shots when we get opportunities."

So far, he's been the Bengals' top receiver.

Philadelphia's main goal was to get a touchdown out of its starters. In the preseason opener against Jacksonville, quarterback Kevin Kolb led the Eagles down the field on two possessions, but they had to settle for field goals.

Same thing again in Cincinnati. Six possessions, two field goals.

The Eagles kept their starting offense on the field for the entire first half and got less-than-desired results. Kolb was 11 of 17 for 126 yards, most of them in two drives at the end of the half when the Bengals began substituting. The most glaring disappointment: Philadelphia failed to score against a defense full of reserves after driving to a first-and-goal at the 7-yard line.

"We've got to be better than that,'' Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "You can't have the penalties in the red zone that we did."

Kolb was disappointed at the lack of a touchdown.

"It's the same story,'' he said. "We need to do better."

David Akers kicked field goals of 40, 25 and 48 yards. Cincinnati's Mike Nugent was short on a 59-yard attempt at the end of the first half, and Dave Rayner missed a 34-yarder. They're competing for Cincinnati's kicking job.

San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis, who has been out since August 15 with a right knee strain, will not play Sunday against the Vikings at Candlestick Park. He is showing more activity every day, and could return to practice next week.

Additionally, 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree, sidelined by a neck strain since August 11, has been running routes during individual work at full speed. He will not play Sunday.

Bengals safety Gibril Wilson was helped off the field and into the dressing room Friday night during the second quarter of the Bengals-Eagles game.

It looks like Wilson is done for the season.

Wilson’s agent, Alvin Keels, confirmed Friday night that he has an ACL/MCL injury and he’ll have surgery within the next five days.

The Bengals did not comment on the injury.

This should not cause a drop in the rankings for the Cincinnati defense.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin suffered a contusion of his left shoulder in the second quarter of Friday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals and did not return.

After the game, Eagles coach Andy Reid said that Maclin was "OK" and that X-rays were negative.

Maclin suffered the injury when he caught a pass from quarterback Kevin Kolb on third and 4. Maclin made the grab short of the first-down marker and was met head on by Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

Maclin stayed on his feet and suffered another blow, but dropped to his knees on the Cincinnati sideline.

The second-year receiver left the game with three receptions for 18 yards, with his longest gain being 8 yards.

It's the second significant injury for Maclin this preseason. He hyperextended his knee early at training camp and missed a week of practice with a bone bruise. But he returned much earlier than initially expected.

With Maclin sidelined, Hank Baskett filled in opposite DeSean Jackson at receiver.

The Seahawks have been granted written permission by the San Diego Chargers to discuss contract terms with holdout Vincent Jackson, Seattle general manager John Schneider said through a team spokesman Friday. Chargers GM A.J. Smith declined to comment on the situation, but the Seahawks said they have talked to Jackson’s agents about the contract compensation that could pave the way for a trade for the wide receiver.

We don't see this deal getting done any time soon, as Jackson is reportedly asking for more than Brandon Marshall's $46.5 million deal with Miami ($24m in guaranteed money). However, even if Vincent Jackson were to get traded to the Seahawks, he would still be sitting out the first 3 games and would have to deal with a major downgrade at QB.

Jets rookie RB Joe McKnight lived down to his college reputation -- a finesse runner between the tackles and, at times, difficult to coach.

The sample size on Arian Foster is too small to think of him as any sort of sure thing. But the Texans are definitely thinking of him as their starter. Steve Slaton, ideally in their eyes, will be deployed as the change-up and probably get a chance to catch a lot of balls

Vikings WR Sidney Rice said it's 'up in the air' whether he will be ready for season opener.

Blast from past: With Percy Harvin suffering his migraine scare, Minnesota is working out former Raiders WR Javon Walker today.

The return of former USC wide receiver Mike X Williams. Yes, that Mike X Williams, the former first-round draft pick and millionaire bust of the Detroit Lions. Williams washed out in a hurry, with Tennessee giving up on him two years ago, but he's not only back; he's going to make this team. In fact, he could start. I'm serious. In the preseason opener, Williams caught one pass -- but it was a 51-yarder for a touchdown. "He looks great," said Carroll. "He's not looked like this since maybe his sophomore year of college." Williams' return has a lot to do with Carroll, with the former Trojans star stopping by USC last fall to ask his former head coach for advice on returning to the game. "I didn't think much about it," Carroll said. "And then I hear he's getting ready, and I said, 'Let's bring him in and see what he looks like,' just on a lark." Result: The Seahawks have themselves a wide receiver who could be a difference maker. "He's very hungry," said Hasselbeck, "and he's been awesome."

Say it with us....major SLEEPER potential here.

Titans WR Kenny Britt made a few nice catches in training camp and is starting to come on strong.

The Buffalo Bills announced tight end Shawn Nelson has been suspended for the team's first four games of the 2010 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

Nelson’s suspension begins on Saturday, Sept. 4. He will be eligible to return to the Bills’ active roster on Monday, October 4 following the team’s Oct. 3 game against the New York Jets. Nelson is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.

After watching Steelers spring practices, I thought Jonathan Dwyer had a chance to become the No. 2 back. After watching camp, I don’t think he’ll make the team. He had a tough start and the coaches were all over him, then he came on a little but an unspecified shoulder injury from the first game set him back again. But there is one snapshot that stuck with me most of all. At one practice early this week, the Steelers were doing a 7 on 7 drill and Dwyer, not practicing because of his shoulder injury, stood with his offensive teammates behind the backfield. Every other offensive player watched the plays develop. Dwyer had his head in the clouds. He tried to engage some teammates in small talk and he actually turned his back on the plays a few times as he low-dee-dowed it. Not a good sign for an injured rookie sixth-round draft choice already on the hot seat. As I watched, I remember something backfield coach Kirby Wilson told me early in camp, that Dwyer has to learn that football is important to him all of the time, not just once in a while.

Raiders starting receiver Chaz Schilens also watched practice on Thursday as he is still going easy on a sore foot on which he had surgery twice last year. There is a slight chance he will play against Chicago.

Packers confirmed that tight end Jermichael Finley will play from the slot, which Donald Driver has occupied for years.

This tidbit of news gives TE Jermichael Finley some value in deep, non-TE fantasy formats.

Bears Tight ends do have a role. Mike Martz highlighted the position in the first practice, and it has been clear since that Greg Olsen will be an integral part of the passing game and that the Bears will continue to use a lot of double-tight-end formations.

Olsen is ranked #16 on the 4for4 TE Cheat Sheet. This ranking could quickly change as the season draws near.

Titans Jared Cook has struggled with consistency and is having a lot quieter camp than he had last year.

Bo Scaife, who happens to be in a contract year, has performed well in camp and has the trust of QB Vince Young. Unless Cook resurges, Scaife is the safe bet at TE.

Spiller sparks Bills to 34-21 win over Colts.

Chan Gailey described his first win as Buffalo Bills head coach as an important step for his team.

If that's the case, it was a big and powerful step forward provided by rookie running back C.J. Spiller.

It took four plays into the Bills opening drive for the first-round draft pick to begin delivering on his dynamic billing by scoring on a 31-yard run and sparking a 34-21 win over the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason game Thursday.

It came in Spiller's debut as starter in place of veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch , who were both injured a week earlier.

Welker back, Brady shines in Patriots 28-10 win

It was a short little pass over the middle, nothing special. Try telling that to the New England Patriots.

Wes Welker was back just seven months after tearing up his left knee, and Tom Brady wasted no time going to his favorite receiver in a 28-10 preseason victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

On New England's second offensive play, Brady zipped a 6-yard pass to Welker. On the next play, they hooked up on a 14-yard completion. A third straight pass toward Welker was broken up by the Falcons, but the message was clear.

The NFL's most prolific pass-catcher over the last three years is back.

When it comes to the receiver position, Larry Fitzgerald's right knee is connected to Early Doucet's abdominal muscles.

Fitzgerald's sprain is causing coaches to be more cautious in bringing Doucet back from a muscle strain. Doucet is expected to miss Monday's preseason game at Tennessee and could miss the game in Chicago on Aug. 28, too.

"I would rather be conservative with Early and give him a chance to play the last preseason game (against Redskins on Sept. 2) and let him prepare for the season," Whisenhunt said. "I know how Early will push himself and he'll go out there and play with pain. That's our job as coaches and trainers to make sure he's available for the games that count."

Roster move to close camp...the Giants have signed former Eagle and 3-time Pro Bowl OL Shawn Andrews...team waived OL Cliff Louis to make room.

There had been talk in the offseason of Michael Turner catching more passes out of the backfield, and that has proved to be the case early in the preseason.

After never having a season with more than six catches, he caught two Thursday and has three in two games.

None has taken him far -- he has a total of 15 yards on the catches -- but seeing him effectively catch the ball has to be reason for optimism for the Falcons' passing game.

Charlie Frye on IR after wrist surgery, Cable says its a 4-5 month rehab.

This is a play you don’t usually see from two guys playing in their fifth season together, let alone their first exhibition game.

Facing third-and-3 in the first quarter Saturday night against the Miami Dolphins, second-year Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman(notes) looked to his right to see rookie wide receiver Mike Williams lined up against cornerback Vontae Davis(notes).

Davis was in Williams’ face, trying hard to tie up Williams and take away any short throw. As Freeman and Williams looked at each other, they silently decided it was time to take a little gamble.

Williams went over the top, running a 30-yard fade route to the right sideline. Give Davis credit, he hung tough with Williams all the way as Freeman fired a high-arcing pass – a “trash can” throw, in football terms, where the quarterback seemingly tries to land the toss in an imaginary waste basket at the other end.

Williams has late-round value, and while he may not be an every week starter at all this season, he could be used in certain matchups. Look for him to progress as the season moves along, too. He's ranked 50th at 4for4 right now, but has been moving up. His ADP is the 18th round.

Wes Welker on the field warming up. Still no official word if he'll play, but there appear to be football pants under his shorts.

Veteran wide receiver Mike Furrey, sidelined after suffering a concussion early in training camp, has been placed on the season-ending injured-reserve list, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday.

Furrey, 33, did not return to training camp, which ended Thursday, after the injury Aug. 2. Coach Mike Shanahan said recently that the Redskins had not determined how to handle Furrey's situation on the roster, "but I'm sure when we do, we'll let you know something." The Redskins did not immediately have a comment about the roster move.

I love watching preseason games, partly because it is like putting together a puzzle. What pieces fit in which places can indicate what element of a team can function effectively. Winning the game is not as important as playing well in certain areas.

The Steelers have to manage the first six games (maybe only the first four) without Ben Roethlisberger as he serves his suspension. Right now, Byron Leftwich is the starter, but based on his play last week, it would be hard for me to feel he can hold down the job. Not because he does not have the talent, but he is not the right piece in the Steelers' offensive puzzle.

Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate said he feels fine physically and is not feeling any training camp fatigue, with only one day of practice remaining before camp concludes on Thursday.

But the biggest thing Tate said he's struggling with right now is learning the precise route running of the West Coast Offense and making sure he’s in the right spot at the right time.

“I feel like I know the material,” Tate said. “But there’s little things in there, like little holes where I’m supposed to be. Or if I release this way, it’s going to push me in two more yards, when I’m supposed to be three more yards the other way.

“I feel like I know this 12-yard in-route, but there’s so many logistics to it, and that’s what I’m trying to learn right now.”

Tate said he’s not playing as fast as he’s capable of because he’s still learning where he needs to be on the field.

Some impressions from beat writer Kent Somers

-- I'm no football guru, and I don't have a degree in counseling, but it appears to me that Matt Leinart is playing tentatively, afraid to make a mistake. I think he's been late on some throws because of that, and it's led to him taking the check-down options more than he should.

It seems to me he needs to loosen up and play with a more swashbuckling attitude. There's a fine line between confident and cautious. As always, it's possible I'm completely off base. Just one opinion.

Texans tight end Owen Daniels said after the morning practice with the Saints that he will undergo an MRI in Houston on Tuesday and visit with Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday.

Daniels is hoping to be cleared to start practicing next week.

Daniels, who is on active/PUP, is unable to practice with his teammates. He went through exhausting drills by himself at the Saints practice facility.

Since Daniels suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the eight game at Buffalo, the plan has been to try to have him ready for the opening game against Indianapolis.

This would be a hit to the TE rankings, which are very deep right now. Daniels is coming in at number-nine here at 4for4.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin doubled over and vomited at 12:11 p.m. and then fell to the field. Teammates gathered around him as a cart was initially brought out but practice continued. Practice was stopped about six minute later and an Eden Prairie police car arrived at 12:20 p.m. Five minutes later an ambulance arrived on the field as players and coaches watched.

A group of players remained gathered around Harvin.

"I don't know how to classify [the episode]," Childress said. "Not reallly a seizure but he had some trouble over here. I'd be remiss if I tried to qualify it one way or the other. He seemed like he was stable. Shugs [head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman], Dr. [Sheldon] Burns and Dr. [Chris] Larson were all with him right there and Shugs and Dr. Burns rode to the hospital with him. ... As we say those things [migraines] can be debilitating and obviously that one hit and hit hard. It's always scary for all of our guys when you see a teammate struggling with whatever. We said a quick prayer for him."

One-time 49er Kentwan Balmer is now in Seattle, and the Seahawks have the early lead in landing another ex 49er, receiver Brandon Jones. Jones is visiting the Seahawks today, according to his agent, and the Vikings are interested in bringing him in tonight.

The Raiders and Titans are among five additional teams who have shown interest. Jones caught only one pass for the 49ers last year. However, he's a big receiver with speed who averaged more than 12 yards a catch in four seasons with the Titans. Jones had just recovered from a hamstring strain when the 49ers waived him yesterday.

Vikings coach Brad Childress confirmed Percy Harvin collapsed during practice. Left in ambulance. Likely migraine related.

Scary news and Percin just returned from migraines. It was reported he looked toward the sky to field a punt.

WR Brandon Jones is visiting Seattle today.

Last year you said Vincent Jackson was going to be a pro bowler turned out you were right. So my question is from watching WR Legedu Naanee in camp, predict how much of a contribution he is going to make this year because I'm not sold on him yet. Also you, along with the coaching staff, are raving about the play of Jeremy Williams, so if he does make the team where on the depth chart will he be placed.

The more I watch Legedu, the more I think his potential is almost limitless. But I'm not predicting Pro Bowl this year. First, he's the fourth option (at best) in this offense. Second, he's a year or so away. But he can catch, run and block. So dependable ... Jeremy Williams is a guy who will make 10-20 receptions, depending on Buster's health and other factors.

Naanee will be talked about in a soon-to-be released 4for4.com Draft Bargain piece. Naanee, if the number-two, could prove to be an asset in at least some matchups, even if it's just four weeks when Jackson is suspended. Three of SD's first four games are favorable as well. He could be a nice, late-round selection for you.

In the running back rotation, Larry Johnson is scheduled to start against the Ravens. Clinton Portis, who started the preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, also will play, Shanahan said.
Portis began camp atop the depth chart and seems to be on track to retain the No. 1 job for the regular-season opener Sept. 12 against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Shanahan, however, said competition continues.

"We're done with one preseason game," Shanahan said. "We've got [three] more left and we're going to get a lot of playing time at a lot of different positions. There's constantly an evaluation process at all positions. I'm not going to stop at one.

"Now, obviously, certain positions, guys are a little bit more ahead than other positions. Guys that have proven themselves and guys that had great years the year before and come into camp in great shape. That's the nature of camp, especially this camp with me, since I haven't been with these guys in the past."

Running back Darren McFadden (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday and won’t play against the Chicago Bears on Saturday night, Cable said.

On the bright side, McFadden is making great progress toward a return to the practice field for the first time since Aug. 7.

“He is much, much improved,” Cable said, “and he is pretty close to being ready to go but, again, I am probably going to lean toward being more protective now.”

As of right now Tim Tebow’s preseason debut at Invesco against the Detroit Lions seems to be in question, but certain aspects of the rookie quarterback’s apparent injury are no longer in question.

Tebow took several hits during Sunday’s exhibition at the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the worst impact occurred in the game’s final play goal-line collision to Tebow’s left side at the end of his determined seven yard touchdown run.

Multiple sources tell FOX31’s Josina Anderson that Tebow’s ribs were not fractured as a result of that specific hit, but Tebow did incur internal bruising in the surrounding area which he iced after the game.

Some of this year's rookie delights were tight end Clay Harbor, who emerged as Brent Celek's top backup and the second tight end in two-tight end formations, and fifth-round pick Riley Cooper.

Not a day went by without a variety of stretched-out receptions from the long-haired Cooper, who established an early chemistry with Vick on the second offense.

• After the first two practices at the Saints' facility, quarterback Matt Schaub said the Texans got to work on certain things that will help the offense.

"We got some real good work, especially in the blitz drill," he said. "It's good to go against somebody different with a different type of defense and get us ready for Saturday."

Schaub likes working against defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' scheme.

"They do a little different stuff with a little bit different scheme," Schaub said. "It's good for us, though. It's stuff throughout the year that we will see. It's good work for us to go against their group and somebody else different with a little bit different scheme so we can be prepared for all different looks."
Holliday's homecoming

• Receiver Andre Johnson, defensive end Mario Williams, defensive tackle Shaun Cody and outside linebacker Brian Cushing were told to rest. Kubiak doesn't like the indoor surfaces and the wear and tear on some players' knees.

• Second-year running back Arian Foster carried four times for 31 yards against Arizona. The coaches say they can see his confidence growing.

"I think, as athletes, that you always have to have confidence," Foster said. "I don't think you can be the guy without confidence."

Foster likes competing against the Super Bowl champion Saints in practice and in Saturday's second preseason game.

"They didn't say anything about that, but we know," Foster said about going against the champions. "If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.

• Coach Gary Kubiak was asked if he had seen anybody stand out.

"I keep seeing some young guys stepping up," he said. "I watched (rookie) Garrett (Graham), our young tight end, step up and start to do some things that we think he's capable of doing."

Giants backup quarterback Jim Sorgi will be out two to three weeks with a shoulder injury sustained in Monday’s preseason victory over the Jets, according to someone informed of the results of an MRI performed on Sorgi this morning.

The person, who requested anonymity because the Giants haven’t yet released information on Sorgi’s status, said the exam revealed damage not related to his previous labrum tear that was a red flag for the team before they signed the former Colts backup.

Throughout the offseason, there has been talk about wide receiver Jacoby Jones possibly moving into the Texans' starting lineup.

Jones had a breakout year in 2009, showcasing athletic prowess, added physicality and improved instincts. The only concern was with his hands - he dropped several passes. For much of training camp, Jones has proved his hands are steady and ready this season.

"I can catch a BB in the dark with my eyes closed," said Jones, who is entering his fourth NFL season.

After Jones caught three passes for 81 yards and zero touchdowns in 2008, his 2009 statistics soared to 27 catches for 437 yards and six touchdowns to go with a team-high 16.2 yards per catch. Among the eight games in which he made at least two receptions, he scored touchdowns in six of them.

Matt in Tampa writes: How is Arrelious Benn doing? He seemed invisible against Miami and I see that he is 3rd string at the Z WR position behind Maurice Stovall and Sammie Stroughter. Is he really struggling?

Pat Yasinskas: I don’t think it would be fair or accurate to say Benn is struggling. He did get off to a quiet start in camp, but that happens with a lot of rookie receivers. He’s come on in practice over the last week or so and is progressing nicely. I don’t think he’s ready for a spot in the starting lineup. But, if continues to make progress, he could earn a spot in the receiver rotation.

Benn and Mike Williams seemed like they'd make a nice, young starting duo for the Bucs this season but it looks like that's not going to happen right now. Benn probably isn't worth drafting unless you have very deep rosters, but keep him in mind as the season goes on because he could be a waiver wire pickup.

C.J. Spiller will get the lion’s share of the work with the first unit in tonight’s preseason game with Indianapolis, but what you see from him tonight is not going to be anything close to how he’ll be used in the regular season.

Head coach Chan Gailey admitted as much as he plans to have Spiller execute a lot of the offense’s basic one back run plays. Here was his response when asked if Spiller will be used in the many different ways it’s anticipated he’ll be utilized come the regular season.

“Not really,” said Gailey. ”I think he’s going to get a lot of good reps that he needs to get because he missed I think nine practices in training camp. He’s going to get some good reps, but there will be a lot more diversity from him as time goes on in his offense.”