Sunday, August 3, 2008

NFL News Around the League


Notes from July 28 - August 3:

August 3:

Farve Reinstated: This is far from over but there has been some movement on the Brett Favre situation. He was reinstated by the Commissioner today and will be added to the Packers roster tomorrow. He is on his way to Green Bay Sunday afternoon.

Grant signs four-year extension: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers running back Ryan Grant has agreed to a four-year contract extension potentially worth $30 million. He will now make $4.25 million in 2008, but the remaining details are still undisclosed.

Walker almost retired: ESPN reports that Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker recently intended to retire, even offering to return his $11 million signing bonus, but owner Al Davis convinced him to stay with the team.

Smith suspended two games: The Panthers have suspended wide receiver Steve Smith for the first two games of the regular season in the wake of his altercation with teammate Ken Lucas on Friday. Lucas suffered a broken nose in the melee. "What he did was wrong, we take it very serious, and he's being punished severely for it," Panthers head coach John Fox told reporters after announcing the suspension.

August 2:

Miami quarterback battle getting interesting: The Miami Herald reports that quarterback Chad Henne has been impressive enough in training camp so far that he is now a serious contender to start over Josh McCown and John Beck.

Jets safety Artrell Hawkins, a former second-round pick, has announced his retirement from football.

Steelers WR Sweed "Shocked" At Vision Improvement: Football has become much clearer for Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed. Literally. Sweed started wearing contact lenses Thursday to compensate for a slight case of astigmatism, and his improved vision should only help the second-round draft pick as he pushes for a spot in the Steelers' wide receiver rotation.

Giants WR Burress Contract Talks Reportedly Stalled: New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress' contract situation isn't likely to be resolved soon, according to someone informed of the progress of talks between the team and Burress' agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

August 1:

Boldin to get MRI on hamstring: Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is still nusing a sore hamstring and will undergo an MRI to check on it. "Everything seems OK except when he really opens it up," head coach Ken Whisenhunt told the Arizona Republic.

Broncos officially release Lynch: Frustrated by the prospect of returning to the Broncos as a part-time player, veteran S John Lynch requested the team release him outright. Thursday, the team granted that request.

July 31:

FA WR Henry Suspended 4 Games, May Negotiate With Teams: Wide receiver Chris Henry was suspended by the NFL on Thursday for four games but may play the final 12 games of the regular season for any team that signs him.

FA RB Mike Bell Signs with Texans: With concerns still surrounding the back injury to Chris Brown, the Texans signed former Broncos running back Mike Bell on Thursday. Bell is well-versed on the zone-blocking scheme the Texans are implementing this offseason. He is a third-year back who saw his most success as a rookie in 2006 in Denver.

WR Mike Williams Released: The Titans released receiver Mike Williams on Thursday, adding another disappointing chapter to the once-heralded player's NFL career.

July 30:

TE Gates Improving, Hopes to Be Ready for Opener: Rehab is going better than Antonio Gates ever anticipated. If it keeps at this pace, with the gains outpacing the setbacks, with him able to manage the discomfort, Antonio Gates believes he will definitely be ready for the opener.

QB Pennington Gaining Grip on Top Job: This race isn't over, but all indications are that Chad Pennington looks much more accomplished running the Jets' offense. We'll see how things look during the preseason games, but right now the contest is lopsidedly in favor of Pennington according to observers close to the Jets.

July 29:

Pats Activate S Harrison From PUP List: The New England Patriots activated All-Pro S Rodney Harrison from the PUP list

Cowboys CB Newman Could Miss Two Weeks: Dallas Cowboys CB Terrence Newman may miss up to two weeks with a strained left groin. Newman's MRI came back negative, but the team does not want to rush him back.

Steelers P Sepulveda Out For Season: Pittsburgh Steelers P Daniel Sepulveda will miss the entire 2008 season after tearing his right ACL. Sepulveda will be placed on injured reserve. The Steelers claimed P Paul Ernster off waivers from the Lions to take the open roster spot.

July 28:

Bills RB Lynch Will Not Receive Disciplinary Action: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared at Buffalo Bills training camp after having a meeting with Senator Schumer and owner Ralph Wilson. Goodell stated that running back Marshawn Lynch, based on how his hit-and-run case played out, did not violate the league's personal conduct policy and will not face any disciplinary action from the league.

Eagles RB Westbrook Wants Deal Done: Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is intent on getting his contract restructured sooner rather than later. "That's what I'm counting on," Westbrook said, when asked if he wanted the deal done before the start of the season. "I don't have a deadline right now...I want those guys to be able to work through something. Hopefully, it happens some time soon."

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