07/31/03
- Arizona Cardinals] Kyle Vanden Bosch took several reps on the left side of the ball today as rookie Calvin Pace worked on the right side.
"I haven’t heard anything," said Vanden Bosch as to whether or not this will become a permanent move. "I am just getting reps where I can get reps. I guess they are just moving people around and trying to see who will fit in best and trying to get the best four people on the field."
"I am going to adjust no matter where I play, but I haven’t played left side since sophomore year of college," added Vanden Bosch. "If they are going to move me, I’d like to take even more reps there, but I think they are just sitting back and evaluating things right now."
07/30/03
- [Houston Texans] Texans Kickers: In a world of their own (Kris Brown)
- [Detroit Lions] From ESPN's John Clayton at Lions camp-- Look for center Dominic Raiola to continue to evolve into one of the best young centers in the league. He's maybe a year away from being recognized among the better NFC centers. He's muscled his body into the 300-pound range, but he is one of the better centers being able to pull to the outside on running plays. He's in the mold of a Kevin Mawae of the Jets and Olin Kreutz of the Bears.
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter passes first test in pads
- [Green Bay Packers] Ailing Warren sees back specialist
- [San Diego Chargers] OG Toniu Fonoti (triceps) was limited during practice on Tuesday and could miss a few weeks. (Chargers.com)
- [CFL:The Montreal Alouettes lost defensive-back Barron Miles late in the third quarter of their game vs the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Miles suffered a pulled muscle in his rib cartilage and could be sidelined four weeks. The Als won the game 37-27. (Canada.com)
- [NBA] It was officially announced that Erick Strickland's new contract with Milwaukee Bucks is for 2 years.
- [NBA] Scott Church of HoopsWorld.com says "Mikki Moore I thought would have played better but he will be in the minors next year."
- [Buffalo Bills] Rookie DE Chris Kelsay has been working out with the Bills' second team defense.
- [New England Patriots] Rodney Harrison is getting under people’s skin this summer, but he’s showing off the intensity that has made him a two-time Pro Bowler.
Harrison leveled Kevin Faulk during a drill and offensive lineman Russ Hochstein came over to defend his fallen running back. He got into Harrison’s face, which sparked a rumble near the 50-yard line.
"Sometimes in the heat of the moment, tempers flare," Harrison said. "Hopefully, everyone leaves it on the field. It’s part of training camp - you want to take it to the next level." (ZWire)
- Hochstein also worked out as a snapper during Patriots Shotgun drills.
- [San Diego Chargers] The Chargers got encouraging news on guard Toniu Fonoti when an MRI exam showed no significant damage in his right triceps. (InsideVC.com)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Duce Staley wants to make noise and get noticed, but the Eagles don't seem to be paying attention.
Staley, the Eagles' starting running back, has boycotted the first two days of training camp because he is unhappy with his contract status. He is in the final year of a deal scheduled to pay him $2.2 million this season, and Staley wants a new contract now.
He also stayed away from a June mini-camp, but that was voluntary. Training camp isn't.
"I expected him to be here," Eagles coach Andy Reid said Tuesday. "But we have a great nucleus here, and high expectations. If somebody's not here, I expect the next guy to step up."
The next guy is Correll Buckhalter. (The News Journal- Delaware)
- Prior to Staley, the closest the Eagles came to a veteran holdout was wide receiver Irving Fryar in 1998. Fryar, who was also seeking a contract extension, reported at 6:58 p.m. He did not get an extension and retired from the team after the '98 season. (PressOfAtlanticCity.com)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Correll Buckhalter passed a big test at the Eagles' first practice in full pads.
He did well as he returns from a knee injury that forced him to miss last season. Eagles coach Andy Reid was eager to see how Buckhalter responded to a hit, especially because he's the team's primary running back with starter Duce Staley holding out.
"You want to see how he attacks a blow -- is he going to literally attack it or is he going to catch it?" Reid said. "I think we saw him attack the defender, and that's what you look for."
Buckhalter tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the first day of minicamp in April 2002 and sat out the entire season.
"It feels stronger. It's not giving me any problems whatsoever," Buckhalter said. "In the nine-on-seven (drills), I was a little rusty, but everything else looked smooth." (AP)
- [New York Giants] As usual, coach Jim Fassel put his team through conditioning sprint drills after the afternoon workout, but under clear blue skies with temperatures in the low 80s, the Giants ran hard. Harder, perhaps, than usual. A heated battle featuring WR Tim Carter and CB Ralph Brown - two of the most physically-fit players - highlighted a series of hard-charging duels. (NY Post)
- [Chicago Bears] Mike Brown may have signed a big contract extension earlier this month but he still practices as hard as an unproven rookie. While covering a punt in the afternoon session, Brown hustled to down the ball at the 1-yard line - before bowing to the crowd. (KRT Wire)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Rookie kicker Josh Brown had his poorest outing of camp, hitting only half of his six field goal attempts in the afternoon practice. Maybe it had something to do with the portable goal posts not being in place when he lined up for his first attempt, which he missed. "Bring the other goal posts," Holmgren yelled. "Those were the wrong ones." (Seattle PI)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown is 20 of 26 in field-goal attempts involving the field-goal team in camp, and he has shown an ability to make the long kicks. Coach Mike Holmgren said Brown hasn't felt real game pressure yet, but he likes what he sees in Brown's kicks. He also likes Brown's temperament. "He doesn't talk to himself," Holmgren said. "He's kind of normal for a kicker. So far, so good." (The Seattle Times)
07/29/03
- [San Diego Chargers] Chargers' Fonoti has strained triceps
- [Kansas City Chiefs] S Clint Finley had an interception in the afternoon practice.
07/28/03
- [Oakland Raiders] Defensive tackle John Parrella got in offensive tackle Barry Sims' face after Parrella's defensive mates stymied Oakland's offense. This is something Raiders coach Bill Callahan has wanted to see more of after he scolded his players Saturday for not playing with the desired intensity and tempo.(Contra Costa Times)
- [Houston Texans] OT Zach Wiegert (toe) did not fully participate in Monday's practice due to his toe injury. (KFFL.com)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Correll Buckhalter (knee) was excused from the Monday morning practice for an undisclosed reason (KFFL.com)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Offensive coordinator Brad Childress is pleased with what he's seen from RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) in practice. "I liked everything that I saw," Childess said. "We gave him the morning off here and everything we saw in the inside drills, the crispness of his cuts, you know you're always looking to see if a guys is running around his foot or if he's stuffing it into the ground and everything I've seen to date in the four practices I've got a chance to see him show me that he's back up to speed. Obviously the pads will tell and the pounding will tell." (KFFL.com)
- [San Francisco 49ers] Punter Freddie Capshaw from Miami will compete with incumbent Bill LaFleur. The competition will boil down to a running tally of "measurable data" such as punt hang time and field-goal accuracy.
- [New England Patriots] OG Brenden Stai officially signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. The 6'4", 318 lbs Stai has played for five other teams in his eight NFL seasons after graduating from Nebraska in 1994 as part of 'The Pipeline'; last season Stai played for the Washington Redskins.
07/27/03
- From Dan Pompei of The Sporting News-- Will former Heisman winner Eric Crouch reverse field on his decision to quit football a second time? When the Packers claimed Crouch on waivers from the Rams in April, Crouch was upset and asked to be released because he wanted to be a quarterback in the Canadian Football League.
The Packers convinced him to try to stick around a year on their practice squad and then go to NFL Europe so he could learn to be a pro-style quarterback. Eventually, the Packers' crowded quarterback position led Crouch to ask to play safety. Then, the night before the Packers' first practice of training camp, he quit the team.
- [NBA] The Houston Rockets signed free agent guard Eric Piatkowski, who had been with the Los Angeles Clippers, to a three-year, $8M contract.
- [St. Louis Rams] Defensive end Grant Wistrom (swollen feet) was originally supposed to be out one week. Now, according to Martz, it may be more like two weeks. (Post-Dispatch)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter prepares for new season
07/26/03
- [Arizona Cardinals] Despite having started 14 games last season, Chris Dishman played left guard with the second unit in Cards' camp yesterday.
- [Tennessee Titans] Albert Haynesworth and Robaire Smith are set as the starters at defensive tackle with 4th round draft pick Rien Long as the primary backup (though the Titans may bring in another veteran later). After Long, there is a group of five undrafted rookies from the last 2 years that could have a chance, including Husker Jon Clanton.
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter healthy & ready to go
- [Oakland Raiders] Treu preparing like a starter
- [Tennessee Titans] The Titans also have a few undrafted rookie centers capable of making the roster. The two most likely candidates are Marico Portis (Alabama), who can also play guard, and John Garrison, who has an edge as an accomplished long snapper on special teams.
- [New York Giants] Ralph Brown struggled yesterday but looked much improved and showed good cover skills throughout the practice. (Christopher Allen BBWC.com Fan Columnist)
- [New York Giants] No one here is bemoaning the free agency defection of Jason Sehorn, but his departure does leave the team looking for a "nickel" defender. Fourth-year corner Ralph Brown, with one career interception, gets first shot. Kato Serwanga is in the hunt as well. But the Giants might also tinker with the notion of using a safety in the crucial "nickel" spot. (Len Pasquarelli, ESPN)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Despite all the talk of signing a veteran kicker before camp opened, Josh Brown displayed enough leg in the spring minicamps that the job of replacing Rian Lindell is his to lose. If he continues to kick well, the Seahawks will be down with Brown. If he doesn't, the same veterans who are available now still should be there in four to six weeks. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
- Rookie kicker Josh Brown made 16 of his 17 field-goal attempts at Saturday's practices.
- [New England Patriots] The Patriots were closing in on a deal with free-agent guard Brenden Stai yesterday. The team anticipates getting a one-year deal done and having Stai in camp tomorrow. (The Providence Journal)
- Patriots.com (Bill Belichick Press Conf)-- Question, "You had Brenden Stai in for a visit. Has your view of your depth on the line changed?"
Belichick, "Steve Neal, that situation came up a week and a half, two weeks ago, whatever it was. That is what it is. Nothing else has really happened since then. Stai is a player that currently isn't with another team. There are a couple of those players that are still out there that we always keep our eye on and talk to and maybe there is any opportunity there. Maybe there isn't. There's nothing settled on that yet but that is a possibility."
- Offensive guard Brenden Stai, 31, will likely sign with the team today, according to his agent Paul Sheehy. He would be a necessity for the Patriots. New England has another Husker o-lineman on the squad, G Russ Hochstein, unfortunately Stai poses a threat to Hochstein's ability to survive August cut-downs. Hopefully both of them can make the team. (The Providence Journal)
07/25/03
- Huskers well represented on NFL rosters
- 07/25/03 - MLB] Dodgers reliever and former Husker base-baller Troy Brohawn, who has been on the disabled list with left rotator cuff tendonitis since May, said he expects to start throwing on flat ground Tuesday.
- Wyoming's 'Don’t be a Dumass' campaign earns C.A.R.E. award (Troy Dumas)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] One of the best battles in camp could come at running back where Correll Buckhalter will try to unseat veteran Duce Staley as the team's featured back. Buckhalter, who is coming back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, has decent speed and hits the hole quicker than Staley. However, the third-year back is not as polished a receiver as Staley, or as good of a blocker. In a pass-first offense, Staley's excellent receiving skills and ability to pick up the blitz are major plusses. (Sporting News)
07/24/03
- [Green Bay Packers] Crouch: I'm probably finished
- [Buffalo Bills] The first scuffle of camp: Chris Kelsay vs. Justin Sands. Let me tell you it was no battle royal, after a quick hip-toss Kelsay had Sands pinned to the ground and that was it. It was a very impressive display of Kelsey's' power. As was the rest of his practice, he was stopping backs and pressuring QB's all morning long. (Bills Insider)
- [New England Patriots] Paul Sheehy of ProStar has confirmed to KFFL that free agent OG Brenden Stai (Redskins) is meeting with the New England Patriots Thursday, July 24. (KFFL)
07/23/03
- [Green Bay Packers] Steve Warren fails physical, placed on PUP
- [Buffalo Bills] The Buffalo Bills have officially signed DE Chris Kelsay.
- [Buffalo Bills] DE Marcus Jones is the early favorite to win the starting LDE position, but Chris Kelsay, Keith McKenzie and Ryan Denney will challenge. (The Buffalo News)
- [Green Bay Packers] DT Steve Warren failed his physical, details were undisclosed. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
- [Green Bay Packers] DT Steve Warren (back) has been placed on the Packers Physically Unable to Perform list.
- Eric Crouch 2 days prior to his leaving the Packers-- "I'm pretty sure I made the right decision," Crouch said of signing with the Packers instead of heading north to Canada. "I guess time will tell that. Maybe I should have (gone to the CFL), but I'm never going to look back. That was something I looked at very hard in the beginning, whether I go to Canada or stay here. In this situation, I thought it would be a better opportunity here."
- [NBA] Summer League Wrap-Up from SuperSonics.com-- Mikki Moore, a five-year NBA veteran, played like the man amongst boys that he was. He shot a team-best 58.3% from the field and also led the Sonics in rebounds per 48 minutes, with 13.3.
- [Buffalo Bills] The report from the Bills is that "we're very close (to signing) with Chris Kelsay". (BuffaloBills.com)
- [St. Louis Rams] On the eve of training camp, six draft picks signed contracts with the Rams- including two Huskers. CB DeJuan Groce (4th round) signed for $1.2 million, with a $324,000 signing bonus, while LB Scott Shanle (7th round) signed for $936,000 with signing bonus of $26,000. (The St. Louis Dispatch)
07/22/03
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Tampa Bay's Kiffin remains at home despite head-coaching opportunity
- [Green Bay Packers] Packers Head Coach Sherman comments on Crouch's departure
- [Houston Texans] (position analysis) Zach Wiegert is now entering his ninth year in the league, and brings the most experience to the Texans Offensive line. Coming off a knee injury in the 2002 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Wiegert played and started in 7 of the Jaguars games before getting inured and having arthroscopic knee surgery, later being placed on the Jaguars injured reserve list. In his career he has rotated between Left Guard, Left Tackle and Right Tackle, Wiegert is expected to start at Right Tackle for the Texans in 2003, giving the Texans more skill and experience on the Right side along with Fred Weary. There shouldn’t be much of a problem in camp for Wiegert as he should get the start, and his knee is holding him fine. (InsideHouston.com)
- [New York Giants] The biggest question is who will replace Jason Sehorn as the nickel corner. The candidates include veterans Ralph Brown and Ray Green and draft choices Rod Babers and Frank Walker. The Giants must also find a fourth (or, their parlance, quarter) cornerback.
"I like Ralph Brown, I like Ray Green, and I like our draft choices," said Fassel. "That competition has been interesting." (NewYorkGiants.com)
- He nearly left the Huskers, he left the Rams, and now, QB Eric Crouch has left the Packers for personal reasons.
The Packers claimed him April 18, and allowed Crouch to take the majority of his reps at quarterback in the team's two offseason mini-camps. Crouch also took limited reps at punt returner.
As recently as Saturday, Crouch spoke of his determination to make the team at any position.
"I would love to make this football team," he said at a luncheon with members of the Wisconsin media... It's been two years where I've been unsure about what I'm doing and it would be nice to be on a roster ... I wouldn't say it's quarterback or nothing."
Crouch reported on time to Packers training camp and practiced with rookies and other first-year players over the weekend. (Packers.com)
07/20/03
- [Green Bay Packers] WR Carl Ford showed off his footwork to bring in a 15-yard pass from Eric Crouch along the left sideline.
The defense was so shorthanded in 7-on-7 drills that defensive backs coach Bob Slowik filled one of the safety slots. After once almost tipping a pass, Slowik later intercepted a Crouch throw that sailed over the head of its intended target.
Crouch later joined Antonio Chatman, Ford, Brian McDonald and Kamau Peterson in the north end zone to receive punts.
In the afternoon practice, Eric Crouch fired a bullet past cornerback Keith Burnell during 7-on 7 drills, to hit the outstretched Kamau Peterson along the left sideline for a 20-yard gain. (Packers.com)
- [Green Bay Packers] Crouch caught in numbers game with Packers
07/19/03
- [NBA] Agent Jeff Austin says he has talked to the Spurs about his client, Clippers free agent Eric Piatkowski. (MySanAntonio.com)
"We've had some conversations, but I don't think there will be any movement regarding Eric until next week sometime," Austin said. "There are a number of teams interested in Eric."
- [NBA] Until Friday, the Lakers didn't even contemplate contingency plans. They were focused on the free-agent pursuits of Gary Payton and Karl Malone and freely admit that they wouldn't know how to replace Kobe Bryant (charged with sexual assault in Colorado) even if they wanted to. Even on a roster headlined by Shaquille O'Neal, Bryant is L.A.'s franchise player in fourth quarters. Now, though, the Lakers are forced to consider the possibility that a trial could occur during the season, threatening some of Bryant's availability. That could make signing another shooting guard more of a priority; but the Lakers don't have any money left to offer outside free agents except the $1 million veteran minimum, which gives them no shot at the shooting guard they want regardless of Bryant's status: Eric Piatkowski. (NBA)
- A source close to Eric Piatkowski said the former L.A. Clippers guard will sign with either San Antonio or Houston. (Cleveland.com)
07/18/03
- Tyronn Lue opted to sign with the Orlando Magic over the Denver Nuggets, he will officially sign early next week. Lue, a five-year veteran who is expected to be the starter in Orlando, agreed to a two-year deal worth $3.15 million. He played with the Washington Wizards last season, averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 assists per game. (OrlandoSentinel.com)
07/17/03
- [NBA] Eric Piatkowski, with a $3 million offer from Cleveland, is likely out of the Houston Rockets' price range. (Houston Chronicle)
- [Chicago Bears] S Mike Brown was slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season, but Thursday night he agreed to a six-year contract. (ChicagoBears.com)
"This is definitely where I wanted to be," Brown said. "I'm real excited to remain a Bear. We've done a lot of good things to keep our core guys together and we expect to win games as a result."
07/16/03
- [Green Bay Packers] The Milwaukee Bucks needed to find a veteran point guard to serve as a valuable tutor for their first-round pick (T.J. Ford); so, on Wednesday Milwaukee agreed on a 2-year contract with free-agent guard Erick Strickland.Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- [NBA] The Nuggets are in competition with the Orlando Magic for the services of Washington free-agent point guard Tyronn Lue. Lue, a five-year veteran, won two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and played with Michael Jordan in Washington. Lue averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 assists primarily as a reserve last season and was fifth in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.42). He has said Denver is his first choice. The Nuggets had lengthy discussions Tuesday with Lue's agent, Andy Miller. (Denver Post)
- [Green Bay Packers] The Milwaukee Bucks will add veteran guard Erick Strickland to their roster when the National Basketball Association free-agent signing period opens Wednesday. Strickland, reached by telephone Tuesday night in Atlanta, confirmed that he would be joining the Bucks and signing a two-year contract. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Strickland, who spent last season with the Indiana Pacers, will play the point guard position with the Bucks and help tutor first-round draft choice T.J. Ford.Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"I'm going to give them a veteran presence and teach him (Ford) how to be a tenacious player on an NBA court," said Strickland, a seven-year pro. "I can play multiple positions, but right now I'm a point guard. That's my primary position."
Strickland averaged 6.5 points and 2.9 assists per game last season with Indiana, often in a backup role to starting point guard Jamaal Tinsley. Strickland's deal with the Bucks is expected to be for $3.1 million over two years, according to published reports.
- [NBA] The Nets inquired about Clippers' three-point specialist Eric Piatkowski, but he may end up signing with Cleveland. (NorthJersey.com)
- [Houston Texans] OLT Tony Boselli's possible retirement will force the Houston Texans to rethink their front five, but several contingencies are in the works. Texans OG Zach Wiegert, who would have played right guard if Boselli were healthy, likely will shift to right tackle. The right tackle position was intended for OG Chester Pitts, the projected starter at left tackle after starting all 16 games last season in place of Boselli. OT Greg Randall also could work into the mix at right tackle. (KFFL, Houston Chronicle)
07/12/03: Sporting News
- [New York Giants] Ralph Brown, a smart, young veteran, is penciled in (at nickel back), but he lacks size and speed.
- [Green Bay Packers] The club could be in trouble if Darren Sharper gets hurt; as a precaution, CBs Erwin Swiney and Jacoby Shepherd will work at safety in training camp.
- [St. Louis Rams] The Rams must find a nickel back and a dime back in a group that includes DeJuan Groce, Jerametrius Butler, Shane Walton, and Kevin Garrett.
07/11/03
- [Philadelphia Eagles] RB Correll Buckhalter looked ready to go in minicamps after missing last year because of a torn ACL. His big test, however, will be when the contact drills begin. Buckhalter is expected to at least share time with RB Duce Staley and could be a key factor in the team's performance. (Sporting News)
- [Atlanta Falcons] Falcons CB Tyrone Williams missed this week's minicamp because of a groin pull. Williams expects to be ready in time for training camp. (KFFL, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
07/07/03
- Seattle Seahawks] Seattle might try to bring in some veteran competition for the placekicking position, where draft pick Josh Brown stands as the prime candidate to take over from departed Rian Lindell. (USA Today Inside Slant)
07/03/03
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Expect starter Duce Staley to share playing time with Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook . Staley, who rushed for 1,029 yards last season, is not happy with the situation and skipped a voluntary minicamp last month. He is the best blocker and receiver among the three and also is the most consistent. Buckhalter missed last season with a torn ACL and must prove he is healthy.
- [Jacksonville Jaguars] Dan Alexander and rookie Maleafou MacKenzie will compete for the lone backup running back spot.
07/02/03
- [Oakland Raiders] Raiders training camp outlook: Center (Treu)
- [Green Bay Packers] Random Questions With Ahman Green
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Second-year man Jeremy Slechta is an interesting guy. Undrafted in 2002, he made the Eagles’ practice squad in training camp last year and then was promoted to the active roster after injuries to Thomas and Derrick Burgess made the line thin. Slechta saw some decent time and held up well. Now, with another year under his belt, Slechta hopes to advance his game to another level. (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)
- Three NFL Huskers were nominated for The Sporting News' annual Good Guy award: Texans K Kris Brown, Chiefs G Will Shields, and Rams DE Grant Wistrom.
Will Shields-- His extensive community work includes helping to start a library at a local inner-city school and providing supplies, computers and money for St. Vincent's Family Center. Gave $20,000 to help refurbish a center for children with behavior problems.
Grant Wistrom (& Seahawks T Jerry Wunsch)-- Their shared enterprise, Circle of Friends, annually takes pediatric cancer patients -- 32 this year from four states -- on five-day ski trip to Wisconsin. The group held a reunion of past guests last June in Tampa.
- [CFL] Lawrence Phillips scored his first touchdown as a Stampeder as Calgary won its first game of the CFL season, 32-12 over the visiting Ottawa Renegades. Phillips darted up the middle 28 yards near the end of the second quarter for the game's first touchdown, but it could be his last for awhile -- the tailback left just before halftime with a broken hand, and is expected to be out six to 12 weeks. (CP)
Phillips
- 06/28/03 - CFL] Edmonton Eskimos defensive end Elfrid Payton suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he collided with Calgary RB Lawrence Phillips Thursday night. (the CP) Phillips was Compounding the problem in Edmonton was running back Lawrence Phillips' ineffective in the game, rushing the ball nine times for only 40 yards.
- 06/27/03 - From "Mick's Mail" (MICKEY SPAGNOLA, DallasCowboys.com Columnist): Question from Tom Dickinson, Alma, Ont., Canada, Any thoughts about the forgotten Lawrence Phillips in the CFL? A possible invite to camp to have a look see?
Mickey, Yes, I've got a thought: Phillips should remain an American export as far as the Cowboys are concerned. Come on, how many chances do you want to give this loser?
06/27/03
- CFL] Press Release (cfl.ca): Montreal Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp announced today that running back Thunder Collins has been released.
- [Chicago Bears] Four Bears players, including Mike Brown, will trade their shoulder pads for baseball bats Sunday evening to participate in a celebrity home run contest before a minor league game between the Schaumburg Flyers and the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. (ChicagoBears.com)
The other Bears participating are QB Chris Chandler, LB Bobbie Howard and long-snapper Patrick Mannelly.
They face a team captained by former White Sox star Ron Kittle that also includes ex-Bears LB Jim Schwantz, former White Sox slugger Dan Pasqua and ex-Chicago Wolves goalie Wendell Young.
The Chicago Bears team will represent Bears Care and Kittle's Krushers will be playing for the charitable organizations of the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network.
- [Detroit Lions] All work and no play: Cory Schlesinger
06/21/03
- CFL] With Montreal's starting RB Eric Lapointe sidelined with a sprained ankle the Alouettes added Thunder Collins to the 40-man roster. Collins, who will share rushing duties with Jay Graham, had started the year on Montreal's practice squad.
Collins stated: "I'll be as patient as possible, but when I'm called upon, the people are going to get a show."
06/20/03
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Will Shields Hosts Annual Ladies Golf Tourney
- [St. Louis Rams] Wistrom takes children to Raging Rivers
06/17/03
- [CFL] Phillips faces former team
- [Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown's contract is a three-year deal worth $948,500, including a $38,500 signing bonus. (AP)
- K Josh Brown is the first of the Seattle Seahawks' nine 2003 draft choices to reach a contract agreement with the team. Seattle selected Brown with the first of two seventh-round choices. Terms of the contract were not immediately known. (Tacohma News Tribune)
- [San Francisco 49ers] Former Green Bay Packers S Scott Frost has signed with the 49ers. Frost had a tryout in San Francisco on the 12th of June.
06/16/03
- 49ers Sign Free Agent Frost
06/15/03
- [Oakland Raiders] After Super Bowl, Treu is center of attention again
- [CFL] RB Thunder Collins was officially cut by CFL's Montreal Allouettes on Sunday. The Montreal Gazette did speculate that Collins could possibly make the practice squad.
- [Oakland Raiders] After Raiders' All-Pro C Barret Robbins' disappearance from the team just before the Super Bowl, backup Adam Treu was thrust into the spotlight. But this is a new season, and according to Raiders coach Bill Callahan, the troubled Robbins must beat out Treu -- after regaining the rest of the team's trust. The reforming Pro Bowler must surpass the reliable role player. (Sacremento Bee)
"That's the decision (Callahan) made until he's proven otherwise. That's the way it will go," quarterback Rich Gannon said of Treu starting.
06/13/03
- [af2] Tata a welcome addition to Islanders
- [Carolina Panthers] Safety Mike Minter received "The Good Guy Award" from the Carolina chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America on Wednesday. The award, voted on by writers who regularly cover the team, is given to a player who demonstrates outstanding cooperation with the media. (Charlotte Observer)
- [CFL] "Running-back Thunder Collins resurfaced yesterday, making him a candidate for the practice roster." Collins was reportedly cut by the Allouettes earlier this week. (Montral Gazette)
- [Green Bay Packers] The Green Bay Packers added another QB to the mix when they signed Akili Smith; putting even more emphasis on Eric Crouch's need to excel as a return man in order to make the cut.
06/12/03
- [San Francisco 49ers] Scott Frost visits the 49ers
- [Chicago Bears] S Mike Brown is close to signing a contract extension. Brown said he is "close" to agreeing on a contract that would represent the Bears' second major re-signing of the off-season (Urlacher). The team originally offered a 6-year, $12 million deal but have since raised their offer. (The Chicago Tribune/KFFL)
- [San Francisco 49ers] S Scott Frost tried out for the 49ers on June 12th, two days after visiting the Raiders. (SF49ers.com)
06/11/03
- [Green Bay Packers] RB Ahman Green (quadriceps) missed practice. (The Green Bay News-Chronicle)
- [CFL] The Montreal Gazette listed Thunder Collins among those "unofficially released" by the Montreal Alouettes. Collins appears to have played in only one of the Alouettes two preseason games; he carried the ball 9 times (the most of any player on the team- including those who played in both preseason games), gaining 45 yards. Thunder's roster competition included Canadian-born RB Eric Lapointe, who ran for 27 yards on just 3 carries but won the spot on the roster.
06/10/03
- Matt Davison's camp scores with kids
- [CFL] Barron Miles has endured his share of hardships over the years. An Alouette since 1998, Miles watched in agony as his team lost by two points to B.C. in the 2000 championship game. Then he missed the entire 2001 season after suffering a shoulder injury in an exhibition game that required surgery. (Montreal Gazette)
But the most painful pill to swallow came last season. Miles, the division's outstanding defensive player, was unable to cap the year in suitable fashion.
He suffered a torn muscle in his leg during practice, forcing him to miss both the division final and Cup game.
"I didn't play in the East final or Grey Cup, but I was part of putting the team in that position," said Miles, who led the Alouettess with seven interceptions and three blocked punts.
"The ring is for ... what I did during the season. The guys that played in the Grey Cup, this is their night and their celebration." (Full Article)
- [Green Bay Packers] Packers.com reports RB Ahman Green (quadriceps) missed practice on Tuesday (June 10) because of ankle and knee injuries. (KFFL)
- [Green Bay Packers] In 7-on-7 drills, quarterback Eric Crouch displayed his scrambling ability, losing defenders long enough to give receiver Antonio Chatman time to get open along the left sideline for a 15-yard pickup.
The defense had its moments as well. Linebacker Torrance Marshall picked off a pass across the middle of the field from Crouch and cornerback Erwin Swiney made a diving play to break up another pass from Crouch intended for wide receiver Carl Ford. (Packers.com)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Eric Warfield took part in the "Tony Richardson Fourth-Annual Punt, Pass & Kick Competition" for Special Olympians.
- Matt Davison and Tracey Wistrom are taking part in the Matt Davison Touchdown Camp 2003 football camp. Scott Frost was planning on participating but... (The Columbus (Neb.) Telegram)
- [Oakland Raiders] Former Packers S Scott Frost had a tryout with the Oakland Raiders. (The Columbus Telegram)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Rookie K Josh Brown hit six of his seven field-goal attempts, including a long of 53 yards, making him 18 of 20 in the first five practices of the seven-practice passing camp. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Philadelphia Daily News reports that with RB Duce Staley not attending mini camp (contractual issues), Correll Buckhalter has been getting reps with the first team. (KFFL.com)
Green Bay Packers] Eric Crouch showed off his arm strength Monday, splitting defenders with a bullet to tight end Joey Knapp in the middle of the field for a 25-yard gain. (Packers.com)
06/09/03
- [Green Bay Packers] In special teams drills, cornerbacks Erwin Swiney split time with three other players returning kicks.
- [New England Patriots] Andy Hart (Patriots.com) reports Patriots OG Russ Hochstein practiced at both guard positions with the first-team offense during last week's minicamp.
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Mark Eckel (Trenton Times) reports that the Eagles plan to split time in the backfield this season between RBs Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter, while also using RB Brian Westbrook at times. Buckhalter (knee) looked good running around at minicamp without pads on. However, he’s still returning from a torn ACL. (KFFL)
06/08/03
- Webb City names section of road in honor of Grant Wistrom
06/04/03
- [Detroit Lions] Dominic Raiola is making an impression on head coach Steve Mariucci in camp. "He’s athletic, I like his athleticism because he can snap; he can pull; he can make the calls," Mariucci said. "For a center to be able pull like a guard can after you snap the ball, not everyone can do that. He can do that."
Raiola's career has taken off after the Lions selected him with the 50th-overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games his rookie season, but in a reserve role. Then, when 2002 rolled around, he had surpassed Eric Beverly on the depth chart and started every contest.
He is taking the next step this season with an increased leadership role.
Even team President and CEO Matt Millen has been impressed with Raiola so far.
"You can really see a difference in Dominic Raiola. He is making jumps," Millen said. "I noticed the guys are asking him and going to him for all the calls. Dominic is really smart and he is going to have a good year." (Complete Article) (DetroitLions.com)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Special teams coordinator John Harbaugh said the team is working RB Correll Buckhalter in the mix as the lead blocker on returns. (KFFL.com)
- [MLB] Husker Major League Baseball draftees- Aaron Marsden, LhP - 3rd round/77th overall - Colorado; Matt Bopper, 1B - 10th/295 - Philadelphia Jeff Leise, OF - 12th/341 - San Diego; Jason Burch, RhP - 21st/635 - St. Louis; Drew Anderson, OF - 24th/699 - Milwaukee
- [Green Bay Packers] QB Eric Crouch will continue to get work as the No. 3 quarterback behind Brett Favre and Doug Pederson during this minicamp, but those snaps will likely decrease during training camp, when Craig Nall returns from NFL Europe. (KFFL,PackersNews.com)
Nall is currently the passing leader in Europe and the many see him as Favre's heir apparent under center for Packers. Therefore Crouch's best hope to become third QB would be to beat out journeyman Pederson.
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Eagles special teams coordinator John Harbaugh said the team is working RB Correll Buckhalter in the mix as the lead blocker on returns. (KFFL)
06/03/03
- Green Bay Packers] Crouch on being a return man, "It's crazy," Crouch conceded after taking a handful of kicks following the minicamp practice. "A lot of quarterbacks aren't really willing to do that and get out there and catch (punts or kicks) and run. It's something I feel comfortable with." (the AP)
06/02/03
- The best catch of the day came from wide receiver Donald Driver. While scrambling to his right, quarterback Eric Crouch found the open Driver and hit him with a tough pass to his left. Driver was forced to lay out for the ball and made the diving catch seem easy.
Crouch again found help from wide receiver Carl Ford , who made a diving catch on the sidelines for a 30-yard reception. Both plays garnered the attention of the fans and received applause. But later rookie cornerback Keith Burnell intercepted a 10-yard pass from Crouch. (Packers.com)
- [New York Giants] Starting RCB William Peterson is not participating in the camp as he continues to recover from his recent toe surgery. Ralph Brown is working with the first team in his absence. (Giants.com)
- [Carolina Panthers] The Charlotte Observer reports S Mike Minter, who has a $4.1 million salary cap hit in 2003, could be a candidate to restructure his contract to help open additional room under the salary cap. (KFFL)
- [Green Bay Packers] The Journal-Sentinel reports CB Erwin Swiney will continue to work on kickoff returns. (KFFL)
- [Green Bay Packers] The Journal-Sentinel reports QB Eric Crouch may need to show some promise on special teams as a return man in the team’s upcoming minicamp if he wants to improve his chances of making the Packers’ roster this year. While he threw the ball well at recent minicamps, it appears that he remains a long-shot to make the team’s roster as their No. 3 QB. Crouch never returned kickoffs or punts while at Nebraska. (KFFL)
06/01/03
- Green Bay Packers] Packers seek returns on Crouch investment