NFL Capsules: NFL won't punish Bengals RB Benson
Comments 0GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — The NFL won't punish Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson for his offseason arrest involving an alleged bar fight in Texas.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Friday that he's satisfied Benson understands his responsibilities as an NFL player and a public figure. Benson met with Goodell and other league officials last week.
The decision didn't surprise Benson, who came away from the meeting optimistic.
"A lot of questions came up and everyone was wondering," Benson said, following practice Friday afternoon. "We had a good discussion. I didn't think a suspension would come about afterward, but I was curious to see what his final decision would be. Here we go off to the season and I'll be out there for week one."
Benson is the focal point of a running game that helped the Bengals win the AFC North last season. He ran for 1,251 yards in 13 games, missing three because of a strained hip.
He set a club record by running for 100 yards six times last season. He also ran for 169 yards in a playoff loss to the Jets, a club record for the postseason.
"Cedric expressed to us his understanding that NFL players have a special responsibility to meet high standards of conduct," Goodell said. "Like most public figures, Cedric and other NFL players occasionally may find themselves facing risks that other individuals do not. They must exercise good judgment and restraint when confronted with those risks.
"Cedric said he recognizes this and has committed to working hard to make better decisions and avoid any further incidents," Goodell said. "We support him and expect him to be successful in meeting this commitment."
The Bengals received news of the league's decision shortly before the start of the afternoon practice at training camp.
"Football has a magical way of curing all and putting everything behind you," Benson said. "Once the season comes around, everything is OK."
The Chicago Bears released Benson in 2008 after a pair of alcohol-related arrests in Texas. The cases were dropped when grand juries declined to indict. The Bengals then signed him, and he had avoided trouble until the past offseason.
Police in Austin charged Benson with misdemeanor assault last month for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face. Benson has denied the charge.
Benson has enjoyed hearing fans applaud every time newcomer Terrell Owens catches a pass in practice. The 36-year-old receiver signed a one-year deal on Thursday evening and practiced with the team for nearly two hours, immediately becoming the fans' favorite player.
"I always find it funny (that) every time they catch a pass in individual workouts they clap," Benson said. "Maybe one day I can get them to clap and yell for me when I stretch. It's pretty cool."
Lions president Lewand suspended 30 days, fined
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand will be suspended for 30 days and fined $100,000 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy following his guilty plea to driving while impaired, the league announced Friday.
The suspension begins Aug. 25 and Lewand will be permitted back at work Sept. 24. Lewand, who met in New York at the league office July 16 with commissioner Roger Goodell, also will do community service.
In a letter to Lewand, Goodell said: "You occupy a special position of responsibility and trust, and — as you have publicly acknowledged — your conduct must be consistent with someone in that position."
Lewand pleaded guilty July 9 and was sentenced to six months of probation with $870 in fines and costs. He was arrested June 25 after his car was seen crossing from one lane to another after leaving a bar parking lot.
Police say his blood-alcohol level was 0.21 percent, more than twice the state's legal limit for driving.
"I remain committed to accepting all of the consequences of my actions, including those in the commissioner's decision," Lewand said in a statement released by the team. "I am deeply grateful for the support I have received."
In a statement, team owner William Clay Ford said Lewand continues to have his full support.
"We have a strong organization, thanks in large part to Tom's leadership since he became team president, and I am confident that our organization will be able to operate efficiently until Tom returns," Ford said.
Lewand told authorities he was a designated driver picking up a friend in Denton Township, about 150 miles northwest of Detroit. He failed a sobriety test, struggling to walk heel to toe as requested and touching his upper lip instead of his nose, according to a Roscommon County sheriff's department report.
Lewand later issued a statement saying he was "deeply sorry" for his actions.
Lewand was promoted to team president after the 2008 season, moving to the top of the front office after spending more than a decade developing trust as the person within the organization who has negotiated player contracts worth more than $1 billion and guided the construction of Ford Field.
Signings
Berry, Chiefs agree to deal
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Eric Berry's tweet was true.
The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed Friday they signed the star safety from Tennessee, about nine hours after he said on his Twitter account that he'd come to terms.
The Chiefs did not release details but ESPN was reporting the 6-year deal was potentially worth $60 million.
The 6-foot, 211-pound Berry was the fifth player drafted last April after starting 39 games at Tennessee and totaling 245 tackles, 14 interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
Chiefs coach Todd Haley said following Friday afternoon's practice that he hadn't been told anything but hoped the tweet was accurate.
Berry seemed delighted to make the announcement earlier.
"Bout to head to St. Joe!!! Aka the deals done," he tweeted.
ESPN said the deal was for six years and $60 million, with $34 million guaranteed. That would make him the highest-paid safety in history. Messages to Berry's agent were not immediately returned.
The defensive secondary was one of the weakest areas on one of the weakest defenses in the NFL last year, a big reason the Chiefs finished 4-12 and gave up big plays almost every game.
Asked if he was relieved to know there would be no long holdout by the star safety from Tennessee who's being counted on as an instant starter, Haley shrugged.
"I don't know that's even a fact," he said. "I don't know that anything's official with him. I don't know if anything's done, signed or not signed. As soon as anything's up, somebody will make an announcement."
The Chiefs for years have had a history of first-round draft picks holding out of camp. Berry's reporting on Saturday would mean every rookie and veteran is in camp.
"I'm crossing my fingers that that's the situation," said Haley. "There's so little time as it is. You need to maximize your time and be efficient. Who's here, we'll coach. Who's healthy, we'll coach."
Chiefs general Scott Pioli, signing autographs for fans following Friday afternoon's practice, declined to speak with reporters.
In the meantime, Haley was ecstatic with the first practice and the new facilities, which were built at a cost of almost $14 million on the campus of Missouri Western State University.
For the past 19 years, the Chiefs trained in River Falls, Wis., about a nine-hour drive from KC. But St. Joseph is only about one hour from Arrowhead Stadium.
When a violent thunderstorm blew through the area Friday morning, Haley hustled his team into the new climate-controlled indoor facility.
"I cannot say enough about the setup here," Haley said. "As a coaching staff, we took a little tour last night and we were really fired up. The meeting rooms, the dining, the fields, the stadium. We'll just be able to get a lot done."
No member of the Chiefs family was having a rougher time on the field than first-year offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. The former Notre Dame head coach had a big brace on his left leg and moved around the field on a motorized cart. When he got out of the cart, he walked with difficulty using a cane.
"Charlie had a last-minute something," said Haley. "His knee went out at the 11th hour. As bad a timing as you could have for him. But he toughed it out and found a way to get through and I thought he did a heck of a job."
Haley declined to say how Weis had hurt the knee or how long he would need the cart and the brace.
"I made my comment. He'll get mad at me," Haley said with a grin. "We're not talking about injuries — coaches, players."
-- Doug Tucker
Steelers 1st-round pick Pouncey reaches terms
LATROBE, Pa. (AP) — First-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey had a five-year contract waiting for him at the Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp. Plus an early morning wakeup call.
Pouncey, the former star center at Florida, reached terms Friday on his contract but didn't arrive in time to complete the traditional camp-opening run tests. Coach Mike Tomlin said he wouldn't be excused, and that Pouncey's sprints would take place at 6 a.m. EDT Saturday, three hours before the first practice of camp.
While Pouncey is expected to spend most of his Steelers career at center, he will compete during camp at right guard with Trai Essex, who started all 16 games there last season.
Pouncey, the No. 18 pick in the draft, made a relatively smooth transition into the Steelers' system during offseason workouts. Tomlin apparently prefers not to keep a player as skilled as he is on the bench, especially with the offensive line unsettled following a 9-7 season.
"Football is important to him," Tomlin said of the 6-foot-4, 304-pound Pouncey. "This is a guy who's committed to winning but doing what it takes to be a winner. He's always been associated with winning, and we like those kind of guys and putting them into the mix."
The Steelers have not had a first-round pick miss any camp time since quarterback Ben Roethlisberger signed four days after workouts began in 2004.
While there will be competition at right guard, there apparently won't be at right tackle — unless Flozell Adams can't make the transition from left tackle. Tomlin plans to keep Max Starks at left tackle, although Adams played only left tackle during 12 seasons with Dallas. Starks played two seasons on the right side with Pittsburgh.
Adams, released by the Cowboys in April before he would have collected a $2.5 million roster bonus, will make that much in salary with the Steelers this season unless he is cut.
"He's a guy who wants to be here, he's a guy who's made a lot of money in this league and received about every personal accolade you can get. But the fire still burns," Tomlin said. "He's committed to fitting in — those are his words, not mine — so those are the things that make you excited."
What the Steelers must find out is if the 35-year-old Adams still has a productive season or two left in him following a drop-off in play that led the Cowboys to replace him with Doug Free.
Asked if Adams can be productive, Starks said, "If he's in shape."
Second-round pick Jason Worilds, the outside linebacker from Virginia Tech, signed his four-year contract on Friday and will practice Saturday.
-- Alan Robinson
Saints sign rookie CB Robinson to 5-year deal
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms with first-round draft choice Patrick Robinson in time for him to get on the field halfway through the Super Bowl champions' first training camp practice Friday morning.
Robinson got right to work, breaking a couple of passes early in seven-on-seven drills shortly after hitting the field.
"It made me feel good," Robinson said. "I was trying to stay as calm as I could, and that was pretty much it, stay as calm as I could and be focused. Just being there is not enough. I think I have to make plays and start getting on the field more."
Robinson will be trying to find playing time at one of the more talented positions on New Orleans' team. Starting cornerbacks Jabari Greer, who generally matched up one-on-one against opponents' top receivers, and Tracy Porter, who made crucial interceptions in both the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl, both had standout seasons last year.
The 32nd overall selection out of Florida State, Robinson was the last of New Orleans' six draft choices to sign a contract, agreeing to a five-year deal.
Robinson, who came to terms late Thursday night, said he got about two hours sleep before getting up to catch an early flight from Atlanta. He arrived in New Orleans about 8:30 a.m. Friday, and went straight to the team's headquarters to sign the contract and begin practicing.
"I had all my bags packed trying to get ready for camp," Robinson said. "I was trying to get here so I won't be behind, so it was a good thing I got here on time, showed up with the team. I wanted to start on time — get into the playbook.
"I think I picked it up pretty quick. I think it went pretty smooth. I don't think I was as good as I want to be but for the first day it was good."
Coach Sean Payton said he was pleased that Robinson arrived on the first day after most of the first-round picks in his previous four seasons missed practice time before signing a contract.
"I think it would be a lot more common for a guy to miss the first couple of practices," Payton said.
Last year's No. 1 pick, safety Malcolm Jenkins, who played cornerback as a rookie, missed nearly the first two weeks of training camp during contract negotiations.
"Last year I missed the entire first week and when I came in we were getting ready to play Cincinnati (in the preseason opener)," Jenkins said, "so I missed all the experience and knowledge that you get. I think it will be great for him because he can get all these practices in, get all of this experience before we go play the first preseason game in New England (on Aug. 12)."
NOTES: New Orleans released long snapper Clint Gresham, an undrafted free agent from TCU, to make room on the roster for Robinson. ... FS Darren Sharper (knee), WRs Marques Colston (knee) and Robert Meachem (toe), and LB Clint Ingram (knee) missed team drills as they remain on the Active/PUP list until they are able to pass a physical. ... FB Heath Evans (knee) and DL Jimmy Wilkerson (knee) were held out of the afternoon practice because they are coming back from major knee surgeries. ... The Saints moved their afternoon practices Friday and Saturday inside their indoor practice facility as a precaution due to an extreme heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
49ers sign top picks Davis, Iupati
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati have been practically joined at their rather large hips since becoming San Francisco 49ers this spring, and that continued Friday on the day rookies were required to report to team headquarters.
Both first-round draft picks signed five-year contracts a few hours apart, ensuring the highly touted offensive linemen will be in uniform for Sunday's first training camp practice.
Davis was the No. 11 overall pick in this year's draft and Iupati was selected by the 49ers six picks later. With their stalls next to each other in the team's locker room, there hasn't been much to separate the two burly youngsters who are expected to immediately challenge for starting spots.
"We've kind of had that bonding, that brotherly bonding, just that we wanted to be on time and try to get a starting spot," said Iupati, the last of the team's eight draft picks to sign.
The 49ers signed each of their final four draft picks Friday before the team's 11 a.m. meeting for rookies. Second-round pick Taylor Mays and third-round selection NaVorro Bowman both signed four-year deals.
The headliners Friday were Davis and Iupati, whom the 49ers were eager to get into camp early so they can begin their quest to bolster an offensive line that has been one of San Francisco's weakest areas in recent seasons. Davis will compete at right tackle and Iupati will get his starting shot at left guard.
Last year, San Francisco's first-round pick, receiver Michael Crabtree, didn't sign with the team until Oct. 6 and missed five games. But he became an immediate starter and was the 49ers' top wideout by the end of the season.
Davis signed a deal worth a reported $26.5 million with almost $16 million guaranteed. Iupati's deal could be worth as much as $18.25 million with $10.8 million guaranteed.
"That was the biggest priority," Davis said. "That's why I wanted to get done first, so I could get in and hit the ground running. It's done and out of the way, and now we can do what I'm here for."
While Davis and Iupati were brought in to help the offense, Mays and Bowman will make their mark on defense for a team tabbed by many as the NFC West favorite this season.
Mays and Bowman each were selected to several All-American teams last year. Mays will challenge for playing time at safety and Bowman is expected to compete at linebacker and contribute on special teams.
Along with the rest of San Francisco's rookies, both hard-hitting defenders are eager to put on the pads.
"That's football, and I feel that's a strong part of my game," Mays said. "It's always good to get the pads on because you get to show a little more than you do when you just have helmets on. That's kind of what separates some guys from other guys, and I think that will be what happens when we get the pads on."
Said Bowman: "Like a lot of people say, we're only going to go as far as the rookie class will take it. We have to be on point and ready to go."
Redskins' No. 4 pick Trent Williams gets 6-yr deal
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Trent Williams never got to sleep Thursday night as he waited to hear from his agent. The No. 4 overall pick in the draft had already missed one day of Washington Redskins training camp and wanted to be a holdout no longer.
At 4:30 a.m. Friday, the call came. Williams would get a six-year, $60 million contract that includes $36.75 million in guaranteed money. The team's new starting left tackle needed to be at Redskins Park by 6 a.m. to sign the deal and suit up for the 8:30 a.m. practice.
By the team the 2½-hour workout was done, Williams was running purely on adrenaline.
"I'm going to try to get me a nice little nap here in a couple of minutes," he said.
Williams became the first top-five draft pick to report to camp in a year in which first-rounders have been especially slow to sign. He was determined to have a deal done quickly, even changing agents at one point because he wanted a representative who would get him to camp on time — or close to it.
"If I'm going to be plugged in at a key position, I can't be out too many days," Williams said. "This is a new offense, and we need chemistry."
Williams worked with the starting unit right away, taking the spot held for much of the past decade by retired six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels. Williams was taken aback by the speed of NFL practices when he came to minicamp in the spring, but this time he was more in the flow.
"I didn't get off to a slow start like I did last time," he said. "I realize, hey, they're paying me a nice bit of change. I can't be no little rookie trying to get things together."
Perhaps because of his lack of sleep, Williams created new metaphors by botching his cliches. He said he had been "nipping at the bit" to get to camp and credited teammate Brian Orakpo for giving advice on "the loopholes that all rookies face."
Williams said he's going to buy a car and a house and try to save the rest of the money, although he realizes the veterans will run up the traditional mammoth restaurant bill in his name at some point during training camp.
He also had no qualms about toting veterans' gear off the field after practice. Fellow first-round pick Dez Bryant caused a stir at Dallas Cowboys camp earlier this week when he refused to carry Roy Williams' shoulder pads.
"I understand everybody's a rookie one day," Trent Williams said. "You've got to pay your rookie dues. It could be a lot worse than carrying shoulder pads."
-- Joseph White
Three-peat: WR Coles signs with Jets for third tour
NEW YORK (AP) — Laveranues Coles is back with the Jets for the third time.
The veteran wide receiver signed a one-year contract Friday with the team he played with in two previous stints from 2000-02 and 2005-08.
The 32-year-old Coles, drafted by the Jets in 2000, spent last season with Cincinnati after leaving New York as a free agent. He struggled after signing a four-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals, catching 43 passes for 514 yards and five touchdowns.
Cincinnati released Coles in March, making him a free agent. He has a history of concussions and might have lost a step, but the Jets believe he can help quarterback Mark Sanchez and the offense.
Coles has been a fan favorite and popular presence in the locker room in his previous stints with the Jets. He adds depth to a receiving group that already included Jerricho Cotchery, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith.
Coles worked out for the team Friday, and signed him later in the day. His presence clouds the futures of a few other receivers currently on the Jets' roster, including David Clowney and Aundrae Allison. However, Coles might just be back as early season insurance.
Holmes was suspended four games without pay by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Coles could help fill in while Holmes is out, but it's uncertain if he'll remain on the team once the former Super Bowl MVP with Pittsburgh returns.
Coles has 674 career catches for 8,609 yards and 49 touchdowns. He spent three seasons with New York after being a third-round pick out of Florida State before signing with Washington.
He was traded back to the Jets for Santana Moss after two seasons with the Redskins. Coles was heading into the final year of his contract last offseason, but was looking for a long-term deal. The sides compromised as the Jets allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent, letting New York off the hook for the guaranteed $6 million Coles was due last season.
Coles ranks fourth in team history — behind Don Maynard (627), Wayne Chrebet (580) and Al Toon (517) — with 459 catches. He's also 35th on the NFL's career list for receptions, two behind Reggie Wayne and 10 behind Chad Ochocinco.
Rams, Bradford agree to terms
ST. LOUIS (AP) — No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford agreed to a six-year, $78 million contract with the St. Louis Rams on Friday night, with $50 million in guaranteed money.
The Rams and the former Oklahoma quarterback concluded negotiations in time for the first full-squad workout set for Saturday. The guaranteed money is the highest ever in the NFL.
Bradford is the centerpiece of a rebuilding effort for the Rams, who were 1-15 last year in the first season under coach Steve Spagnuolo and are 6-42 the last three seasons.
Spagnuolo reiterated earlier this week that veteran backup Jay Feeley is the starter entering training camp. But Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, shouldn't be on the bench for long.
Marc Bulger, rookie Keith Null and Kyle Boller combined for only 12 touchdown passes all last year. St. Louis trailed the NFL with a 10.9-point scoring average, leaning heavily on Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick last year, got $41.7 million in guaranteed money on a six-year, $72 million deal with the Lions last year.
Bradford's agents, Tom Condon and Ben Dogra of St. Louis, also represent Rams offensive tackle Jason Smith and Smith also signed just in time for the first full-squad workout. Smith was the second overall pick last year and got a five-year, $62 million deal with $33 million in guaranteed money.
Bradford led the nation with 48 touchdown passes in 2008. He played in only three games in 2009 before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.
Bradford attended the team's mandatory minicamp last month as well as a rookie minicamp after the draft. He missed three practices for rookies, quarterbacks and veterans coming off injuries, two of them on Thursday.
-- R.B. Fallstrom
Vikings sign Gerhart to 4-year deal
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings signed second-round draft pick Toby Gerhart to a four-year deal Friday, putting all eight of the team's draft picks under contract before the start of training camp.
The Vikings and Gerhart agreed to the deal a few hours before the team's first practice on Friday. Gerhart rushed for 1,871 yards and 28 touchdowns at Stanford last season.
Minnesota traded up to No. 51 in the second round to grab Gerhart, who will serve as a backup to Adrian Peterson. The Vikings needed Gerhart after Chester Taylor signed with Chicago in the offseason.
Gerhart missed all the organized team activities and most of minicamp while finishing school at Stanford and coach Brad Childress said it was important that he not miss any of training camp. The coach even sent his rookie a text message on Thursday night urging him to get the deal done.
"I got a text message saying 'Get here and get your mind right,'" Gerhart said. "That's what I wanted. I'm here to play football. Here to help win."
Childress was pleased to see his message get through.
"I think he had three practices with us in that minicamp before he went back to graduate. But he's game," Childress said. "The offenses couldn't be any more similar. Jim Harbaugh's version of it and ours, a lot of it has the same lingo. He obviously is a quick study."
Detroit Lions sign Best, still waiting for Suh
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have signed running back Jahvid Best to a five-year contract.
The Lions announced Friday they reached an agreement with their second first-round pick. The 30th overall selection out of California signed a five-year contract and will be in camp in time for Saturday's team meetings and opening workout.
The reporting deadline came and went without a deal being reached with Ndamukong Suh, who was taken second overall.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz says he expects that a deal with the defensive tackle from Nebraska will rely on the Rams signing the top overall pick, quarterback Sam Bradford.
First-round pick Bulaga signs Packers deal
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers have signed first-round draft pick Bryan Bulaga. Terms were not disclosed for the No. 23 overall pick.
With the completion of his deal, Bulaga will be able to report to training camp with the rest of the team and make the first practice Saturday.
Bulaga is an offensive tackle out of Iowa. He is expected to develop as the team's left tackle behind veteran Chad Clifton.
The Packers placed nose tackle Aleric Mullins, an undrafted free agent, on the reserve-did not report list.
Cardinals sign second-round pick LB Washington
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have signed second-round draft pick Daryl Washington to a four-year contract a few hours before the team opened its training camp.
The linebacker from TCU was the 47th player selected overall. The agreement leaves the team's first-round pick, nose tackle Dan Williams, as Arizona's lone unsigned draftee.
Cardinals players report to the team's camp on the campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Friday. The first workout for the two-time defending NFC West champs is on Saturday.
DE Grant signs with Dolphins
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Defensive end Charles Grant has signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Grant spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Dolphins for the start of training camp Friday. He started all 16 games for the Saints last season and had 5½ sacks. The 31-year-old Grant has 106 career starts and 47 sacks.
The Dolphins waived guards Ray Feinga and Dimitri Tsoumpas.
Injuries
Ravens CB Foxworth out for year with knee injury
WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP) — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth will miss the 2010 season with a knee injury, further weakening a secondary already depleted by injuries.
Foxworth tore the ACL in his right knee Thursday during an orientation practice.
"I was just running and tried to change directions, something I've done a million times in my career. This time it just didn't work," Foxworth said Friday. "It wasn't anything odd. It happened on grass, so I can't even blame it on turf."
Coach John Harbaugh said, "It's unfortunate. He wasn't touched. Nobody's worked harder during the offseason and we were counting on him."
Foxworth had four interceptions last season. He started all 16 games and both of Baltimore's playoff games.
The Ravens already have two cornerbacks, Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington, returning from knee injuries. Also, safety Ed Reed is coming off hip surgery.
After Baltimore's first full-squad workout of the summer Friday, Harbaugh told the players that the Ravens would have to move on without Foxworth.
"I can't wait to see who steps up. I can't wait to see who that we're all talking about a month from now that stepped up to fill that spot," Harbaugh said.
Foxworth, a five-year veteran, said he couldn't remember having an injury more severe than an ankle sprain.
"I just feel like I'm letting everyone down," he said. "I know it's stupid. Everyone keeps saying you didn't do it on purpose, obviously, but you're expecting to be there to help the team — and then you're not."
Even though Foxworth won't be covering receivers or making tackles, he intends to remain a part of the team.
"Maybe DBs can still come to my house and watch film," Foxworth said. "Maybe I can contribute in another way because if they win the Super Bowl, I want to wear the ring with pride and say I had something to do with it."
-- David Ginsburg
Schilens sits out practice with sore foot
NAPA, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Raiders offense never really recovered after starting receiver Chaz Schilens went down with a broken left foot in training camp a year ago.
That's why it was mildly concerning when Schilens had to sit out practice Friday because of soreness in that same foot. Coach Tom Cable said there's no further damage to the foot but that it will have to be managed throughout camp.
"It's sore," Cable said. "We're going to have to work with him to find out what his workload is, what he can and can't do. We're going to have to deal with it, probably from here on out, just what it is. That's a little bit of a work in progress to find out, how much can he do each day."
Schilens came out of practice Thursday night because of the sore foot and sat out Friday as well. He had X-rays on the foot to show that there was no new damage.
He hopes to be back on the practice field Saturday, although he likely will be limited to one practice a day for the time being.
"It's not that great, but we can manage it," he said. "It's something I can manage."
Schilens missed the first eight games after breaking his foot early in training camp last season and was never completely healthy after his return. He had 29 catches for 365 yards and two touchdowns, but needed another operation after the season to help the foot fully heal.
"Last year was kind of a bummer," Schilens said.
It got off to a promising start. He was the best receiver in training camp a year ago and had five catches against Dallas in his only exhibition game appearance. Then came the injury in a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers.
The offense struggled without him and his return was so highly anticipated the Raiders issued a press release when he returned to practice. With no proven receivers on the roster, Schilens is being counted on heavily to help revive the passing game with new quarterback Jason Campbell.
"I think it's important for our team," Cable said. "It gives us another weapon that I think has done enough to kind of prove to us that he brings a lot to the table. So, very important."
Schilens was a seventh-round pick out of San Diego State in 2008. He has 44 catches for 591 yards and four touchdowns in his two NFL seasons. While those numbers are nothing spectacular, only one receiver on Oakland's roster has even more production. Johnnie Lee Higgins has 47 catches for 676 yards and four scores in three seasons, but is not a sure bet to make the roster this year.
The top three receivers are Schilens and second-year players Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy. The Raiders were criticized for drafting Heyward-Bey seventh overall a year ago ahead of more accomplished receivers such as Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. Heyward-Bey's performance during the season only increased the criticism.
He frequently dropped passes in practice and games, and finished the season with nine catches for 124 yards and a touchdown before missing the final five games with a foot injury.
He has looked much improved during offseason workouts and early in training camp but has not proven that will carry over into games.
Murphy, a fourth-round pick, had 34 catches for 521 yards and four touchdowns but also struggled to hold onto passes as a rookie.
"I know Louis can make plays, I know Darrius is coming around. I think it's going to be a combination of all three of us," Schilens said. "We'll just go from there."
-- Josh Dubow
Rice, Griffin to start camp on PUP list for Vikes
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings receiver Sidney Rice and cornerback Cedric Griffin are starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
Rice has a lingering hip injury that first surfaced during the playoffs last January. He participated in some offseason practices, but coach Brad Childress says the injury continues to bother him, so he will be out until it starts to feel better.
"It was his decision but also I'm not ready so we'll take it day-to-day, see how things go and hopefully be back out here as soon as possible," Rice said.
Rice had a breakout season last year, catching 83 passes for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns and earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
The team considered surgery but ultimately decided to let it heal on its own. Rice said there is "no doubt" that he will be ready for the season opener on Sept. 6 in New Orleans.
"We're going to just accelerate his time on the ground out here, his cardio and that type of thing, and we'll see how he responds to that," Childress said.
Griffin tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the NFC championship game. Childress says he is making good progress but is not yet ready to return to the field.
Players on the PUP list during training camp count against the 80-man roster limit.
Jaguars open camp with Dillard, Miller on PUP list
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed receiver Jarett Dillard and tight end Zach Miller on the physically unable to perform list.
Dillard, battling for the team's No. 2 receiver job, has a stress fracture in his left foot and expects to return to training camp in two weeks.
Miller, who missed the first two weeks of his rookie season because of a knee injury, injured his left foot during offseason workouts and could be back this weekend.
Players on the active/PUP list don't count against the team's 80-man roster limit, but they aren't allowed to practice with the team. They can be activated at any time during training camp, but cannot return to the PUP list.
Coaching
Jets extend Ryan 2 years, give Tannenbaum 5 years
NEW YORK (AP) — Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum will be together at least five more years, hoping to deliver the New York Jets a Super Bowl.
The Jets signed the bold and brash Ryan to a two-year contract extension Friday, and gave the wheeling-and-dealing Tannenbaum a five-year extension — keeping the coach and general manager with the franchise through the 2014 season.
The team announced both deals two days before it reports for training camp in Cortland, N.Y., although Tannenbaum's was signed last month.
"Our franchise is heading in the right direction and I believe that continuity is important," owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "Mike and Rex have demonstrated the passion, commitment, and expertise to get us to our ultimate goal: winning a Super Bowl."
Ryan received his extension after just one season as coach, leading the Jets to a 9-7 regular-season record and within one game of the Super Bowl. When Johnson hired Ryan in January 2009, it was with the hope the new coach could bring a new identity to a franchise lacking one.
Ryan certainly delivered the moment he opened his mouth for the first time at his introductory news conference, declaring that the Jets would meet President Barack Obama someday as Super Bowl champions.
Ryan hasn't stopped since, again saying this offseason that his team is bound for a title. The son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan installed a defense that ranked No. 1 in the league last season — just as he said it would — as well as a winning attitude.
While his sometimes outrageous statements have annoyed some around the league, they have also helped make the Jets an entertaining team. So much so, that HBO and NFL Films deemed them intriguing enough to feature on "Hard Knocks" this summer.
Tannenbaum, the team's general manager since 2006, also has a lot to do with the attention the team has received. He has earned a reputation as one of the league's most active general managers, bringing in big stars such as Brett Favre, LaDainian Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie.
Tannenbaum, who has been with the organization since 1997, has also made several shrewd draft selections that have become core parts of the team, including Mark Sanchez, Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and David Harris.
He has also had to make tough — and sometimes unpopular — decisions over the last few years. Those have included releasing the popular Chad Pennington to make way for Favre, cutting Jones after he rushed for a career-high 1,402 yards, releasing Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca and trading the versatile Leon Washington, who was coming off a serious knee injury but was one of New York's most valuable offensive weapons.
This has been a particularly busy offseason for Tannenbaum, one in which the Jets always seemed to be in the news. Whether it was trading for Holmes and Cromartie, signing Tomlinson or cutting or dealing popular veterans, Tannenbaum has been unafraid to take chances.
He is also in the midst of contract squabbles with Revis and Mangold, with both publicly acknowledging their unhappiness with the ways talks have gone. Harris is also looking for an extension.
With camp set to open Sunday, it is unclear if Revis — wanting to become the highest-paid cornerback in the league — will report on time. Mangold has said he will be there, despite still wanting a new deal.
-- Deenis Waszak Jr.
Moves
David Tyree and Ike Hilliard retire as N.Y. Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Former first-round draft pick Ike Hilliard and Super Bowl hero David Tyree have retired as members of the New York Giants.
The Giants announced the retirements of the two receivers Friday.
Tyree will always be remembered for his one-handed catch against his helmet in the 2008 Super Bowl. He signed a one-day contract and retired Thursday. His career was slowed for the past two years by a knee injury. He spent part of last season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Hilliard was the seventh player taken in the 1997 draft and is fifth in career receptions for the Giants. He signed his one-day contract and retired Friday.
Hilliard last played in the NFL in 2008 with Tampa Bay. He is now an assistant coach for the Florida Tuskers of the UFL.
Both players felt it was important to end their careers with the team that drafted them.
"It was a no-brainer for me," the 34-year-old Hilliard said. "I think I gave it a great effort, my best effort I should say, every day for my 12-year career. You know, being a Giant was obviously more special to me than anything in my professional career, with no disrespect to my four years in Tampa. If I didn't have my start there, I wouldn't have been a part of a great organization and playing with a number of great ballplayers and being able to play for the Mara family and the Tisch family."
Hilliard played in 98 games with 92 starts for the Giants from 1997-2004. He ranks eighth in team history with 4,630 yards receiving and is tied for 11th with 27 touchdowns catches. He had eight 100-yard games.
Tyree was drafted in the sixth round in 2003, mostly for his skills on special teams. In 74 regular-season games, the Essex County native had 54 receptions for 650 yards and four touchdowns, including a career-long 49-yarder in 2004.
However, the one that stands out is "The Catch" against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Tyree caught three passes in that game. The first accounted for the Giants' first touchdown. The last was a 32-yard reception on a play that Eli Manning eluded a Patriots' rush and Tyree made his one-handed catch, wedging the ball between his hand and his helmet despite being tackled by safety Rodney Harrison.
That play set up the game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the 17-14 win.
Tyree does not know how many times he has watched the catch.
"I've never watched the game in its entirety so that's something I'll look forward to doing," the 30-year-old Tyree said Friday. "I know it means a lot more to me now and I was sharing this as well and I don't think that I had the full understanding of the true depth of what occurred. I think that the more I am removed from it, the more I appreciate it. So goes with my entire career. Obviously that is the one signature moment which I'll be remembered for as a football player, but I was definitely satisfied with the complete body of work as well."
Tyree plans to combine his future work in business and ministry.
The Giants waived linebacker Kenny Ingram and defensive end Ayanga Okpokowuruk on Friday to create roster space for their two top draft picks, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Ingram spent the final month of last season on the Giants practice squad. Okpokowuruk was a rookie free agent from Duke.
Eagles send LB Mays to Broncos
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles have traded linebacker Joe Mays to the Denver Broncos for running back J.J. Arrington or a 2012 conditional draft choice.
The deal was announced Friday.
Originally a second-round pick of Arizona in 2005, Arrington spent four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals from 2005-08, compiling 1,347 career yards from scrimmage (654 rushing, 693 receiving) while also averaging 23.6 yards on 114 kickoff returns, including two returned for touchdowns.
Arringtron, who played at California, signed with the Broncos in 2009, but missed the season after undergoing microfracture knee surgery.
Bills sign LB Woods, waive LB Harris
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills have signed free agent linebacker Donovan Woods and waived linebacker Nic Harris.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Woods appeared in six games after being signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008 as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State. He appeared in five games in 2008 and one in 2009 before being released by the Steelers in November. He finished 2009 on the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys.
Harris, Buffalo's fifth-round draft pick in 2009, appeared in 15 games last season. He opened training camp on the reserve-physically unable to perform list due to an undisclosed injury. The Bills placed him on the waived-failed physical list.
Elsewhere
Titans coach derides Kiffin's idea behind lawsuit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Coach Jeff Fisher has one word to describe the theory that the Titans sued Southern California because the NFL team is in the same state as Lane Kiffin's last employer. Absurd.
The Titans accuse USC and Kiffin of breaching the contract of running backs coach Kennedy Pola a week before training camp. The lawsuit was filed Monday.
Kiffin said Thursday he thought the Titans' location prompted the lawsuit. Kiffin left his job as the University of Tennessee in January.
Fisher is baffled at the idea that the Titans sued to pacify Volunteers fans. He says: "How one could think they would combine the two is absurd to me."
-- Teresa M. Walker
Titans, USA Football donate for flooded equipment
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans and USA Football are giving $50,000 in equipment grants to Nashville area football programs that had equipment and fields damaged by flooding in May.
The money is going to six youth programs that had submitted requests for specific equipment, which will be shipped to the teams before their first games. Flood waters May 1-2 damaged or washed away uniforms, pads, helmets, blocking dummies, down markers, fencing and even concession stands.
Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement they were happy to help groups that suffered so much in the floods.
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