08/31/03

  • The number of Huskers playing in the NFL took a dive as teams made their final cuts, including some surprises.
      Latest Cuts: OG Dave Volk, Dallas; FB Dan Alexander, Jacksonville; S Clint Finley, Kansas City; DL Jared Tomich, Kansas City; OG Russ Hochstein, New England; DT Jeremy Slechta, Philadelphia; LB Tony Ortiz, Atlanta; RB Dahrran Diedrick, San Diego.
      From this point, these players could be picked up by other teams or resigned to practice squads.
  • [San Diego Chargers] The Chargers have placed OG Toniu Fonoti on the "Reserve-Injured" list. (Chargers.com)

  • Preseason Week 4: Stats, Stories and Pictures

    08/28/03

  • [Oakland Raiders] Supposed starting center Adam Treu appeared to be at ease this week with coach Bill Callahan's decision the day before to start Matt Stinchcomb over Treu tonight. Treu will play the second quarter with the first-team line, which is what Stinchcomb had done in the previous three games.
      "I'm going to do my best to make it a hard decision for them," Treu said. He added, again, that he and Stinchcomb are "great friends."
      Asked if he feels he should start the opener against the host Tennessee Titans on Sept. 7, Treu said, not surprisingly: "Yeah, I'm pretty confident in my abilities." (The Sacramento Bee)
  • [Atlanta Falcons] Tony Ortiz is a longshot to make the team at ILB. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
  • [San Diego Chargers] Dahrran Diedrick is ranked 11th in the AFC with 146 total yards from scrimmage, including 71 yards on the ground and 75 through the air. (The Insiders)
  • [Green Bay Packers] RB Ahman Green did not play in the Packers game against the Tennessee Titans. (Packers.com)

    08/27/03

  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Duce Staley has been running primarily with the Eagles' second-team offense, behind Correll Buckhalter. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  • [New York Giants] CB Ralph Brown will start vs. Baltimore. (Giants.com)

    08/26/03

  • [San Francisco 49ers] S Scott Frost was released by the 49ers.
  • [Arizona Cardinals] Placed DE Kyle Vanden Bosch on Injurd Reserve.
  • [Green Bay Packers] The Packers have cut DT Steve Warren. And, for what its worth, they have also cut QB Akili Smith, his signing was noted as a factor when Eric Crouch quit the team.

    08/25/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] Green true to form in getting only score
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] The Chiefs have cut WR Wilson Thomas.
  • [Houston Texans] Starting inside linebacker Jay Foreman is doubtful for Thursday's final preseason game at Tampa Bay with a sprained neck. Foreman, who led the team in tackles last season, suffered the injury during the second quarter of Saturday's 19-17 loss to the Chargers. He underwent an MRI on Sunday and will seek a second opinion today as a precautionary measure, coach Dom Capers said. (Houston Chronicle)

    08/24/03

  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Eagles RB Duce Staley has finally ended his holdout. Eventually he will likely share starting duties with Correll Buckhalter but for now Staley is listed at third on the depth chart behind Correll and Westbrook.
  • [Atlanta Falcons] Falcons linebacker Tony Ortiz have been swimming upstream since joining the team. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
  • [Green Bay Packers] Packers rookie Chris Johnson and roster hopeful Erwin Swiney are in line to become the team's critical No. 3 cornerback.
  • [Arizona Cardinals] Arizona head coach Dave McGinnis on pass rush without Kyle Vanden Bosch- "Well, we’ve only had one week and one ballgame and a half of it. Players and coaches knew we were going to have to pick up the slack without Kyle. Kyle Vanden Bosch is still a huge part of this football team. As long as I am the head coach here, I want him to be. He’s exactly the kind of person that you want in everything that he does. But, we have to pick up and move on. It is up to us as coaches to get the people in the right places and it is up to the players to pick the slack up also. I want to set an eight-man rotation on that line and we are going to have to find somebody else to pick Kyle’s slack up."
  • [Carolina Panthers] Love of football develops early (Rucker, Minter)

  • Preseason Week 3: Stats, Stories and Pictures
  • 08/23/03 - Kansas City vs Seattle] Heading into Saturday's game with the Seahawks, Chiefs' Jared Tomich is tied for the team lead with 2.0 sacks (-25.0 yards) in the preseason. (KCChiefs.com)

    08/22/03

  • [New England vs Philadelphia] Eagles DE Jeremy Slechta (knee) did not play.
  • [Oakland vs Minnesota] Raiders coach Bill Callahan intimated this week that he would make a decision soon on a starting center. The three players battling for the role -- Adam Treu, Matt Stinchcomb and Barret Robbins -- all played Friday against Minnesota. The snap breakdown, for what it's worth: Treu- 19, Stinchcomb- 12, Robbins- 26.
      Coach Bill Callahan declined to rate their efforts, saying he was too consumed with watching the Raiders' passing game. Treu said he hopes a decision is forthcoming, even if it's not the one he wants.
      "Whoever it's going to be, I think it should be decided for the team's sake," he said. "For Rich and the others to get some continuity together." (Mercury News)

    08/21/03

  • [Tennessee Titans] Despite earning the nod as the Titans starting long-snapper in preseason, John Garrison was released from the team Thursday. Garrison is the second NFL Husker rookie to be cut so far, the other being DT Jon Clanton who was also released by the Tennessee Titans.
  • [New York Jets] From HBO.com-- Johnnie Mitchell, the New York Jets' 1992 first-round draft pick, whose All-Pro potential went unfulfilled, wants to make a comeback. Despite not having played an NFL game since 1996, the 32-year-old tight end signed a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars this spring in the latest attempt to resume his career. On Aug. 4, however, Jacksonville released him, stating he was not going to make the club. The Jaguars' decision is just the latest challenge for Mitchell. His personal life began to unravel prior to the 1996 season, when the child he conceived with a girlfriend in Brazil was born with severe birth defects. For two years, Mitchell, a native of Chicago who attended Simeon High School, withheld emotional support for both mother and child, and gave up on his dream of playing pro football. Eventually, he says, a life-altering experience forced him to recognize his responsibility. Mitchell moved to Brazil, cared for young Gabriela, whose fragile health is constantly threatened, and married Gabriela's mother, Eliana, who bore him two healthy children. Recent comeback attempts with the Jets and New Orleans Saints failed, but his most important comeback -- as a husband and father - has been promising. REAL SPORTS catches up with the enigmatic Johnnie Mitchell, who now calls Delray Beach, Fla., home. Correspondent: James Brown.
  • From the Sun Sentinel (Miami): The Dolphins haven't seen the last of Johnny Mitchell. The enigmatic tight end -- who unsuccessfully visited Dolphins headquarters last week lobbying for a job -- will be featured on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel... While it would be a great feel-good story for the Dolphins to give Mitchell another shot, there is no chance of that happening stemming from when he walked out of camp in 1996.
  • [Oakland Raiders] Head coach Bill Callahan remains mum on who the starting center will be this season. Adam Treu will start against the Vikings, with Matt Stinchcomb replacing him and Barret Robbins playing for the second straight game. A decision is forthcoming as soon as this weekend, Callahan intimated. "In all fairness to the players, I want to settle it as soon as I can," Callahan said.
  • [San Francisco 49ers] The Niners released rookie punter Freddie Capshaw, solidifying incumbent Bill Lafleur's hold on that position. "We're trying to get some flexibility as far as bringing some people in for a roster spot," head coach Dennis Erickson said of the decision to release Capshaw, who averaged 46 yards on his two opportunities to punt in the first two preseason games. "Bill clearly is our No. 1 punter. Not that we couldn't bring Freddie back; he did some awfully good things. Basically, we released him because of that and there might be some moves here in the next week or so." (SFIllustrated.com)
      Of Lafleur, Erickson said: "He's got to be more consistent, but I like what I've seen. He's got good athleticism, he gets the ball off quickly and has good hang time."
  • [Arizona Cardinals] Guard Leonard Davis will miss his third preseason game Friday when the Cardinals play the Chicago Bears at Sun Devil Stadium. Frank Garcia started for Davis last week in San Diego, and Chris Dishman probably will receive additional work there this week. (Arizona Republic)

    08/20/03

  • [Carolina Panthers] "Safety Mike Minter is very underrated. I studied Minter on tape after last season and he's much better than a lot of other starting safeties in the NFL." (NFL.com- Pat Kirwin)
  • Tuesday, August 26th marks the first mandatory NFL cutdown day when teams must trim their rosters to 65 players. The Chiefs have 10 NFL Europe player exemptions, including S Clint Finley, and one NFLEL National player exemption for a total of 11 players who will not count against towards the club’s roster limit until the cut to 53. (KCChiefs.com)
  • [CFL] Lawrence Phillips is pumped up. After watching his Stamps teammates lose five straight games while he was out with a broken hand, the running back can't wait to get his mitts on the ball. He'll make his return Friday
      "It's embarrassing sitting there watching from the sidelines," Phillips said yesterday. "We want to start winning football games."
      In Phillips' past, the season's mid-way point has often meant knee ailments that have slowed the talented back down.
      "I believe I can have a strong second half and the entire offence will get a boost because I'm really rested," Phillips said.
      Stamps head coach Jim Barker hopes Phillips can rejuvenate a rushing attack that had just 38 yards against B.C. last Saturday.
      "It's a huge boost to get back a guy like Lawrence, who's just a leader by his actions," Barker said. "He picked up everybody in practice this week. It was good to have him back." (Calgary Sun)

    08/19/03

  • [St. Louis Rams] DeJuan Groce will handle the punt return duties for the Rams this season. (The Sports Network)
  • [Dallas Cowboys] Head coah Bill Parcells caught his offensive line with a little cheat sheet during team drills. When tackle Javiar Collins correctly answered which play the current offense was running, Parcells looked toward the sideline and saw guard Dave Volk holding a play list, prompting the head coach to ask, "You got a script over there?" (DallasCowboys.com)
  • [St. Louis Rams] Scott Shanle was a monster late in Monday night's game. For a seventh-round pick in '03, he looks like a very nice find. Mike Martz has him penciled in as Tommy Polley's back-up for this season. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
  • [St. Louis Rams] I am also just about ready to order a Scott Shanle jersey. He was a madman tonight, delivering at least three clean, open-field, bone-crunching hits. A bonafide seventh-round find. (RamsNation)
  • Brandon Cavanaugh (Rams/Husker fan) of Rams Nation: ...I was pleasantly surprised by the play of Scott Shanle. He played like an animal in last night’s game garnering a few solid stops and a sack of Chris Simms. Must be nice to have a position coach now, eh, Scott?
  • [Detroit Lions] Cory Schlesinger, On the improving the offense: “I think the offense just needs to go out there and execute and get the ball down the field and score some points. That’s the main thing we need to work on, is to make sure we’re executing properly, doing the right assignments. We also need to work on catching the ball and also getting the third downs. The good thing is its still preseason. We can always improve that and (Cleveland) will be a good test for us.”
      On breaking facemasks: “I went through two facemasks. I wouldn’t say that I broke them completely, but I’ve had to replace two facemasks already. Basically, I will probably be doing that every week. I go through one face mask a week. What happens is it really deforms the helmet, it will bend on the helmet and it makes the helmet really not safe, that’s why I really have to do it – it’s just something that happens. It’s just good technique if you can do that because it means you’re using the front of your helmet and not the top of the helmet so it’s a lot safer doing it that way and it’s a good thing.”
      On WR Charles Rogers adjusting to playing in the NFL: “It’s a different level now. I’m sure he wanted to catch that ball that he missed last week. It is a little bit of nerves. He’ll be fine. He’s going to be a great receiver for us and I’m excited to see him out on the field.”
  • [Cleveland Browns] QB Josh Booty left the game with a bloody right hand after he was knocked to the ground by Packers DT Steve Warren. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

    08/18/03

  • Eric Crouch signed a one-year contract with Omaha television station KETV to serve as a football analyst. Crouch will provide commentary as part of the station's Cornhusker coverage in addition to playing a role in local high school reports.
  • [New Orleans Saints] CB Keyuo Craver (hip) is day-to-day with a hip pointer. (KFFL)
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] DT Jeremy Slechta will be out 1-to-2 weeks with an MCL sprain. Slechta was injured in a preseason game vs the Steelers. (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)
  • [Atlanta Falcons] CB Tyrone Williams sprained his shoulder vs the Ravens; the injury is considered to be a minor one. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] Over the past two games, CB Eric Warfield has faced the very best the NFL has to offer in wide receivers Terrell Owens (SF) and Randy Moss (MIN) and it would be hard to argue with his success. Owens and Moss have combined for seven trips to the Pro Bowl over the past five seasons, but were not able to put up Pro Bowl numbers in contests vs. KC this preseason. After dusting the Chiefs defense for a 71-yard TD catch last preseason, Owens caught nothing longer than 10 yards a week ago. Owens finished the game with three catches for 21 yards. On Saturday Moss was held to just two catches for 14 yards with a long of just nine yards. More importantly, the Vikings did attempt to get him the ball in the end zone on two different occasions, with Warfield making a play in both instances. Warfield will still have plenty of opportunities to show he can run with the elite receivers as he’ll face Seattle’s talented duo of Darrell Jackson and Koren Robinson this weekend and then take on St. Louis’ deadly arsenal of Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt on August 28th. (KCChiefs.com)
  • [St. Louis Rams] LB Scott Shanle, a seventh-round pick, has been quietly consistent all summer, and is pushing for a backup job. He is also on most special teams units. (The Insiders)
  • [San Francisco: S Scott Frost is trying to make the team as a defensive back and special teams player. "He understands coverage," head coach Dennis Erickson said. "He's very physical and will help us on special teams. He has an opportunity to make our team as a safety." (SFGate.com)

    08/17/03

  • [New England] Russ Hochstein took over for Andruzzi at guard vs the Redskins and was less than overwhelming. No injury was reported on Andruzzi, so it's likely the Pats were just resting him as he continues to get back to full-speed. (Projo.com)
  • [Oakland Raiders] Head coach Bill Callahan said a decision on whether the starting center will be incumbent Barret Robbins, Adam Treu or Matt Stinchcomb remains a ways off. Treu started both of Oakland's exhibition games but left after two series each time. Stinchcomb replaced Treu both times and received more playing time overall.
  • A tie for the choice of "Best Camp by a Veteran" between DT John Parrella and CB Charles Woodson. Adding that "If Parrella doesn't make the Pro Bowl this year there should be an investigation." (Alameda Times-Star)
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter's stock improves while Staley has burned bridges

    08/16/03

  • [Tennessee Titans] Vanden Bosch tears ligaments in left knee
  • [San Diego Chargers] Dahrran Diedrick has six rushes for 38 yards against the Cardinals and added three receptions for 30 yards. Diedrick is in a battle with Nick Maddox for the third RB spot. Maddox had 72 yards on ten carries a week ago. (SDBoltsReport.com)
  • [St. Louis Rams] Against Oakland, rookie Scott Shanle was the best Rams linebacker on the field other than the three starters. The seventh-round draft pick displayed good range and instincts, and wasn't timid about taking on blockers. (StLouisToday.com)
  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] The Dolphins' Corey Jenkins made a rookie mistake on the first snap, drawing a personal foul penalty by hitting fullback Dan Alexander well after a Quinn Gray pass sailed incomplete. (Sun Sentinel)

  • Preseason Week 2: Stats, Stories and Pictures

    08/15/03

  • [San Diego Chargers] Fonoti is unhappy: Injuries keep guard from taking the field
  • Dahrran Diedrick is on the move for the Chargers

    08/14/03

  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] The fullback position would seem to belong to the veteran Marc Edwards with Dan Alexander backing him up. (FanStop.com)
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Eric Warfield did not participate in morning practice due to a neck injury, although he did practice in the afternoon (special-teams workout). (Kansas City Star)
  • [New England Patriots] G Joe Andruzzi was given the day off from practice on Thursday, August 14, G Russ Hochstein practiced at right guard with the other first-teamers, according to Bryan Morry of Patriots.com. (KFFL)
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] Eric Warfield (neck) was held out of practice August 13. (Kansas City Star)

    08/13/03

  • [Detroit Lions] Lions counting on Raiola's versatility on the line
  • [San Diego Chargers] This week, its Diedrick's turn to try and impress
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Duce who? If Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook keep playing like they did against the Saints, Eagles coach Andy Reid may never make that phone call to holdout running back Duce Staley. Buckhalter and Westbrook shined in limited duty. Buckhalter, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, rushed for just nine yards on three carries, but broke two tackles on a 36-yard pass reception in the first quarter.
      "I couldn't really get into a rhythm because I wasn't in there that long," Buckhalter said. "I just tried to make something happen whenever I got the ball in my hands. It felt great to be out there again and feeling 100 percent. I was just getting warmed up when they took me out." (Press of Atlantic City)
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] Tuesday's morning practice ended on a light note when veteran receivers Eddie Kennison, Johnnie Morton, Dante Hall, Marc Boerigter and Curtis Jackson taped rookies Wilson Thomas, LaShaun Ward and Chris Horn to the goalposts at the south end of the practice field in front of some fans. The vets then place orange cones on each rookie's head and dumped buckets of ice water and Gatorade over them. The prank was in retaliation for the rookies not serving the veterans breakfast that morning. "If any of you cut them loose, you all are getting tied up too," Kennison yelled at the fans. After a brief struggle, Thomas, Ward and Horn eventually freed themselves. (AP)
  • [Detroit Lions] Lions head coach Steve Mariucci knew center Dominic Raiola was a versatile athlete. Until Wednesday, though, he didn't know Raiola was a kicker.
      "Look at him," Mariucci said after practice. "Everyone's done, and he's over there kicking field goals. "I'm still learning about these guys -- I didn't know he could kick. He probably speaks French, too."
      Raiola, a third-year player from Nebraska, said, "I was a soccer player when I was a kid, and I love coming out here and messing around with field goals and kickoffs. That's as far as it goes -- I don't think I'll be replacing our kickers any time soon." (AP)
  • [New York Giants] DL Frank Ferrara said his best roommate was Christian Peter, who once advised him, "Never, ever room with an offensive player," a warning Ferrara did not heed. He and Shockey are two of the most combustible players on the team, a city guy and country guy linked by the ability to emotionally overload at any moment. (New York Post)
  • [CFL] Calgary RB Lawrence Phillips is on the verge of returning after breaking his hand July 1st. (Canadian Press)

    08/12/03

  • [Atlanta Falcons] When the 53-man roster is announced Aug. 31, one player will be chosen from a group consisting of Twan Russell, Karon Riley, Recardo Wimbush, James Cotton and Tony Ortiz. (The Augusta Chronicle)
  • [New England Patriots] Hochstein seems to be in right place at right time
  • [Carolina Panthers] Minter forecast- blue skies
  • [New York Jets] TE Mitchell visits the Dolphins

    08/11/03

  • [Houston Texans] After morning practice several players put a new video game, "NFL GameDay 2004" by 989 Sports, through its paces. Two TV sets in the players lounge were set up, with offensive linemen Steve McKinney and Zach Wiegert squaring off on one and Hollings and receiver Jabar Gaffney on the other. The results: Wiegert's Steelers beat McKinney's Texans 33-14 while Gaffney's Texans came from far behind to beat Hollings' Falcons 43-28. (AP)
  • [Tennessee Titans] The Titans have cut rookie DT Jon Clanton.
  • [Houston Texans] The Houston Chronicle reports Houston Texans LB Jay Foreman (leg) is expected to practice Monday, August 11 on a limited basis. (KFFL)

    08/10/03: Preseason Week 1

  • [Carolina Panthers] Carolina's game captains included two Huskers- Mike Minter and Mike Rucker, along with Muhsin Muhammad, Rodney Peete, and Todd Sauerbrun.
  • [Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown, the rookie kicker from Nebraska, made two field goals (29 and 47 yards) and two extra points in his NFL debut. "The first one I hit really well," he said. "The second one I didn't hit real solid, but you have to kind of steer it in there and hope it falls. I'm just glad the night turned out like it did." (Seattle Times)
  • [St. Louis Rams] Report from GridironGateway.com-- Grant Wistrom got to start and was a wild man in limited action. His second-down stuff of Charlie Garner put the brakes on Oakland's first drive, and he killed their second drive with two straight sacks of Rich Gannon. Grant was on freakin' hyperdrive tonight.
      Dejuan Groce had the best special teams play, a shifty, speedy 16-yard punt return in the 3rd. He and Johnson returned punts, but Groce has far more breakaway potential. Groce also tries to return punts deep in his own territory he should be fair-catching. That should be coachable...
      The Rams apparently didn't lack for motivation; Malcolm Briggs (KSDK NewsChannel 5) reported that Mike Martz was intense before the game and Wistrom was going nuts in the locker room. (GridironGateway.com)
  • [Oakland Raiders] St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner didn't know what hit him. It was his third snap of a 7-6 exhibition game loss Friday night to the Raiders, and just as he unloaded a pass, defensive tackle John Parrella absolutely crushed him. (Contra Costa Times)
  • [Oakland Raiders] Adam Treu started at center, but after six plays, Treu said coaches told him to concentrate on his long-snapping while they sent in Matt Stinchcomb. The former tackle played into the third quarter.
    "That makes you wonder a bit," Treu said.
      Treu and his linemates spent the spring and summer improving their quickness to blunt the fast, outside pass rushers that doomed them last season. But Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom sped around guard Mo Collins to sack quarterback Rich Gannon on the Raiders' second drive. (Sacramento Bee)

    08/10/03

  • [Arizona Cardinals] If Saturday night's 13-0 victory over the Dallas Cowboys was an indication, third-year defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch has made the conversion from the right side to the left.
    Vanden Bosch started on the left side and Fred Wakefield, who played the left side last season, was on the right side. (Arizona Republic)
  • [Houston Texans] Most impressive on the line probably was the often overwhelming performance of Texans newcomer Zach Wiegert, who looked sharp throughout his quarter of action. (Houston Chronicle)
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Correll Buckhalter, first and probably foremost. He is, partly by plan and partly by default of Duce Staley, for now, at least, the cornerstone of the Birds' running game. The Eagles always liked his acceleration, both to the hole and through the hole. But that was before he missed last season with a knee injury. Is the giddyap still there? Can he cut? Can he absorb a hit? The Birds won't do anything risky or excessive, but they will want to get an idea of how he performs under unfriendly fire. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  • [New England Patriots] OG Brenden Stai announced his retirement from the New England Patriots, he had only been with the team since signing a 1-year contract on July 28th. Stai was projected to start on an offensive line that really could have used his help this season.
    The 6-foot-4, 318-pound guard played in five games with the Redskins last year before injuring his knee. He had started 96 of 105 games and had a streak of 77 straight starts. Stai even played most of first half at right guard Thursday in the Patriots' 26-6 preseason victory over the New York Giants.
    "That one took me by surprise," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. "I definitely didn't see it coming. It was obviously a personal decision. I can't give you an explanation for it." (AP)
    This is the second time this offseason that an NFL Husker has surprised their team by retiring, the other being Eric Crouch.

    08/09/03

  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Philadelphia Inquirer Camp Hits of the Day-- Linebacker Justin Ena forced a fumble by running back Correll Buckhalter during a morning red-zone drill and defensive tackle Jeremy Slechta laid a hard goal-line hit on Buckhalter.

    08/08/03

  • [San Francisco 49ers] Mercury News' Play of the Day: Scott Frost, trying to earn a roster spot as a safety, made a leaping interception when rookie quarterback Ken Dorsey tried to fire a pass over the middle. (The Mercury News)
  • [Carolina Panthers] Head Coach John Fox on why safety Mike Minter did not practice-- He got a little bit of a contusion on his lower leg, and we are just letting that calm down.
  • [Arizona Cardinals] OG Chris Dishman (hip) will not play against the Dallas Cowboys. (Arizona Republic)
  • [Green Bay Packers] RB Ahman Green returned to practice on Friday after missing Thursday afternoon due to dehydration. Green still expects to play in the against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday. "It's not a problem today," Green said after practice. "I feel good now." Green did say he experienced cramps between practices on Thursday. (PackersNews.com/KFFL)
  • [New York Giants] While generally harping on his team's poor play, Giants head coach Jim Fassel did single out MLB Nick Greisen and CB Ralph Brown for playing well. Brown seems to be well ahead in the race to start at nickel corner, an effort helped by the absence of Kato Serwanga, who is excused for personal reasons. (North Jersey Media Group)
  • [New England Patriots] Tom Brady Press Conference--
    Q. So far what are the strengths you have seen on the offense?
    A. The offensive line has been very solid and they are doing a great job. They are extremely underrated. Those guys have all come out to practice everyday and they work... Brenden Stai, we added him. Russ Hochstein was in there doing a great job. (Patriots.com)
  • [New England Patriots] Bill Belichick Press Conference--
    Q. How did (Adrian) Klemm and (Brenden) Stai look on the right side?
    A. I thought the offensive line did some good things as a group and that would include Brenden and Adrian. (Patriots.com)
  • [San Diego Chargers] OG Toniu Fonoti (triceps) will not play against the Seattle Seahawks. (argers.com)

  • Preseason Week 1: Stats, Stories and Pictures

    08/07/03

  • [San Diego Chargers] OG Toniu Fonoti sat out practice with a triceps injury. Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer said Fonoti may return as early as next week. (Chargers.com)
  • [Houston Texans] LB Jay Foreman missed practice due to shin-splints in his left leg. (Houston Chronicle)
  • [Oakland Raiders] Parrella: The Silver and Black's consumate pro

    08/06/03

  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Donovan McNabb's assessment of RB Correll Buckhalter acclimating the offense: "When I got hurt, Buck was in there still rehabing. I knew that Buck still had the mentality of coming back and being the best that he possibly can be. With Buck coming back healthy, and having a great off-season, what you're seeing right now is a determined Correll Buckhalter - a guy who wants to make an impression, wants to show that he can be the starting running back in this offense, he can be the guy that definitely can change some of the pace of the game.
    "And he's been able to do that. I think Buck has done a wonderful job of preparing himself to come back and be ready and I think it's going to be a great thing for him." (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)
  • [Green Bay Packers] DT Steve Warren has been removed from the team's PUP list, after passing a physical examination, and is now cleared to practice with the team. (KFFL)

    08/05/03

  • [Seattle Seahawks] So far Josh Brown has been the only kicker in 'hawks camps, until yesterday when they signed Remy Hamilton. Hamilton, 28, is a 5-year AFL veteran, may not necessarily be in camp to compete with Brown for the kicking job. The Seahawks maintain they are happy with Brown's leg strength and accuracy, and the indication is that Hamilton was brought in to relieve Brown at times during drills because Brown has handled all the kicking so far. (Seattle PI)
  • [New England Patriots] New guard Brenden Stai committed a false start working with the first offensive unit at right guard and was then replaced by Russ Hochstein while he did his customary penalty lap. (Patriots.com)
  • [Oakland Raiders] The Raiders' offense tried a little trickery, running a reverse to wide receiver Jerry Porter, who pitched to running back Charlie Garner on the option. Eric Johnson blew into the backfield from the secondary and stopped the play behind the line.
    ``Uh, uh, baby,'' Johnson said as he jogged back on defense, ``No.'' (Mercury News)
  • [Carolina Panthers] Mike Trgovac, Panthers Defensive Coordinator on defensive end Mike Rucker-- Mike is a guy who has really made himself a good football player with his techniques. He has a lot of skills. Don't get me wrong. But he has done a really nice job of getting his techniques down and he loves the game. (Panthers.com)
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Defensive tackle Jeremy Slechta, recovering from a concussion, participated in the non-contact special-teams workout in the afternoon. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  • [San Diego Chargers] OG Toniu Fonoti (triceps) sat out practice August 4 practice due to a triceps injury. (Chargers.com)
  • [St. Louis Rams] Monday, DE Grant Wistrom was on the practice field for the first time in camp, though his work was limited, and he took part in only individual drills. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
  • [Oakland Raiders] C Adam Treu is contemplating a face-to-face meeting with head coach Bill Callahan to discuss where he stands in the competition at center. Treu, the one-time projected starter, has been playing with the third team while C Matt Stinchcomb has been working with the first team for the last four days. "I don't know how to take it," Treu said. "I took it as a little bit of a demotion. And it hurt." Callahan, when pressed on the issue, did not give any indication of the direction he was going. (KFFL, Contra Costa Times)
  • [New York Giants] Brown, Giants' nickel, credits Sehorn for his 2 cents
  • [Oakland Raiders] Change at center leaves Treu facing reserve role
  • [Oakland Raiders] Three's a crowd for confused center Treu
  • [Atlanta Falcons] The Falcons have signed LB Tony Ortiz, terms of the deal were undisclosed. The Ortiz signing means the Falcons now have two former Huskers on the squad- which is two more than they had a year ago.
      Ortiz had most recently played for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe, though at the time he did not have any ties to an NFL club. In previous years Tony has worked out at other NFL training camps with little success of actually making the team (Cowboys, Patriots, Bucs). He also had a stint with the Las Vegas Outlaws of the now extinct XFL, and in February he spent three days on the Dallas Desparados' (AFL) roster.
  • [Carolina Panthers] Panthers S Mike Minter has agreed to restructure his contract. Minter created $1.6 million in cap room for the team this year by converting some of his base salary into a signing bonus. He was originally scheduled to count $4.144 million against the cap but will now only count $2.544 million. (KFFL,Charlotte Observer)

    08/04/03

  • [Oakland Raiders] Finding Treu value
  • [Detroit Lions] Two-year extension for Schlesinger
  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] Jags Release TE Mitchell: "We didn't feel like he was going to make this football team," coach Jack Del Rio said of the release of TE Johnny Mitchell. "We wanted to be fair and give him a chance to catch on with somebody else."
    Mitchell, who hasn't played a regular season game since 1996, has been trying to stage an NFL comeback. The Jaguars brought him in during the spring, when they were in contentious contract negotiations with Kyle Brady, and weren't sure if he would be part of the team this year. Brady is in camp, and with two young tight ends playing behind him, the Jaguars cut Mitchell. (AP)
    Classy move by the Jags, Good Luck to Mitchell in catching on with another team this year.
  • [Chicago Bears] ESPN.com's Page 2 compiled a list of the most underrated athletes, at #8 was Chicago Bears S Mike Brown. Their reasoning: Brown, 25, begins his fourth pro season having scored few honors, but NFL head coaches still consider him one of the most underrated players in football. The Bears' safety has never been in a Pro Bowl, but means so much to Chicago's future that he just scored a six-year, $17 million deal, which included a $5 million signing bonus. "We feel from coaches to players and personnel, everyone is in agreement Mike is very much a catalyst for what we have done and what we want to do, and that's win football games," said Chicago GM Jerry Angelo said. "He's the quarterback on our defense, and we can't minimize what he brings to our team intangibly."
    Commentary: One major factor that was not listed by Page 2 is Brown's teammate Brian Urlacher. Brown and Urlacher came into the league the same year and while both players have done extemely well for the Bears, Urlacher seems to have a huge edge in the PR department. Urlacher is an incredible athlete and has established himself as one of the best young players in the league- but at the same time the attention he has garnered has created a huge shadow over Mike's accomplishments. Together they are will be the most important fixtures of the Bears' defense for years to come, even if the lights, the cameras, and the shoe companies only take notice of one of them.
  • [Houston Texans] RT Zach Wiegert (toe) returned to practice Monday after being sidelined. (KFFL)

    08/03/03

  • [Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown made field goals from 37, 42, and 30 yards, but missed both attempts from 50 on Saturday. (Seattle Times)
  • [New York Giants] CB Ralph Brown played on the first defense in place of Will Peterson (groin), who continued to sit out. Assuming Peterson is healthy, Brown is trying to win the nickel cornerback job.
      "Ralph is kind of the incumbent (at nickel). I guess it's his job to lose," head coach Jim Fassel said. "But it's not like anyone's cemented in there because he's played it for years. There's competition." (The Star-Ledger)
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Five things Sports Illustrated's Peter King "Thinks he Thinks... I think the best sign for Eagle faithful, particularly with the dumbest holdout in recent history (Duce Staley is holding out with a year left on his contract at $2.3 million, and he probably wouldn't win the running back job anyway, and who else would pay him $2.3 million this year?) is how good Correll Buckhalter looked, coming off 2002 knee surgery. Buckhalter ran with power and authority, and he turned the corner once with speed. (SI.com)
  • [New England Patriots : Guard Brenden Stai worked with the first unit at right guard, a spot previously occupied by Russ Hochstein. (Patriots.com)
    Hochstein replaces first-line left guard Mike Compton when he is unablt to practice. (Boston Globe)
  • [Buffalo Bills] The battle for left defensive end appears to be a three horse race between Marcus Jones, Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay with each player offering up a different skill package. Kelsay was a second round draft selection of the Bills, selected 48th overall in this past April's draft. At 6'4" 275# Kelsay isn't as big as his competitors but don't tell him that. Kelsay and his "never say die" attitude more then make up for his smaller frame. Not only that but of the three, Kelsay might be considered the best pure pass rusher. Of course being only a rookie he's also the least "NFL developed" of the three and considered weak against the run. Kelsay's best fit for the Bills this season might be as a 3rd down specialist as he develops his skills to play in the NFL. (Shout! Bills.TheInsiders.com)
  • [Houston Texans] RT Zach Wiegert has turf toe.
  • [Buffalo Bills] Keep an eye on Bills rookie DE Chris Kelsay. He could have decapitated Cleveland QB Kelly Holcomb on one blindside rush if quarterbacks were legal game in the Browns scrimmage vs the Bills. (ClevelandBrowns.com)
  • [Arizona Cardinals] Kyle Vanden Bosch had two sacks in the Card's 16th annual Honeywell Red/White Scrimmage.
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] DT Jeremy Slechta (concussion) is day-to-day.
  • [Green Bay Packers] DT Steve Warren (back) will sit out the team's preseason game against the Chiefs. (Packers.com)
  • [Oakland Raiders] On July 31st Raiders head coach Bill Callahan gave DT John Parrella the day off.

    08/02/03

  • [San Diego Chargers] OG Toniu Fonoti (strained triceps) did not practice August 1 (Chargers.com)
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Eagles confident in Buckhalter
  • [San Francisco] Former Stanford QB Frost returns as 49ers safety
  • [Oakland Raiders] Johnson puts 'special' in special teams
  • [San Francisco] Frost makes his case, vying for roster spot
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] In four years following the Chiefs, I've never seen an Eric Warfield jersey. That wait came to an end this morning when a guy walked past with a black jersey with "Warfield" on the back along with the No. 44. (KC Star)
      All I thought was: "Now this is a guy who needs to be interviewed."
      His name is Tony Lungaro, and he's in town from Michigan. So why would he wear the jersey of the guy who takes more abuse in Kansas City than any other pro athlete?
      "I had it specially made because he's a good guy," Lungaro said. "I was here with my family a couple of years ago, and Eric sat down and spent some time talking with us. My kids love him. I just thought he was neat for doing that. There aren't too many pro athletes who will take the time to talk to the fans like Eric does."
      As for Warfield, Lungaro is convinced that his favorite player is in for a big season.
      "If they get a pass rush going, it's going to make it so much easier on those guys in the secondary," Lungaro said. "I mean, I don't care who you have back there at corner, if the line isn't getting to the quarterback, they are going to have problems. But I'm a fan of Eric's through thick or thin. He's a good guy."
  • [Houston Texans] Zach Wiegert was held out of the Texans scrimmage vs the Cowboys. Houston head coach Dom Capers added "Steve McKinney and Zach Wiegert I would imagine get back next week sometime, once those guys come back we'll be able to start to develop more. They're our two most experienced linemen, we need them from a leadership standpoint in there.
  • [Arizona Cardinals] Offensive guard Leonard Davis and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch let their tempers flare Friday, leaving Davis sidelined for seven to 10 days with a broken hand and coach Dave McGinnis seething.
    Davis suffered a non-displaced fracture of the midshaft metacarpal on his right hand when he and Vanden Bosch battled during morning practice.
      "This is a tough... game and I want a nasty team, but there is no place for fighting in football," McGinnis said. "You hurt yourself and your team. It's not going to require any kind of surgery, but it made me very, very hot."
      Vanden Bosch said he really didn't know what started the fight. He said it was a case of two players just going hard at each other. Davis said Vanden Bosch was falling and he tried to brace him and things escalated. He said they have talked and cleared the air.
      "We just have an understanding that there is a certain way to practice when you are dressed a certain way (in shells), and we'll go from there." Davis said. "I told him, 'Man, just don't blow me up when we're in shells.'" (The Arizona Republic)

    08/01/03

  • [Carolina Panthers] Minter's service helps recruits get spotted
  • [Buffalo Bills] Kelsay off to flying start as Bills rookie