07/31/05
- [Oakland Raiders] Treu bumped off Raiders' starting O-line
- [Denver Broncos] Josh Sewell, a practice squad player last year, was placed on the exempt list after his agent informed the team he plans on retiring. (SI)
- [Oakland Raiders] Oft-shuffled Treu accepts his role
- [Carolina Panthers] Cornerback Lornell McPherson had a short stay as a Panther; he quit and left camp Saturday. (Charlotte Observer)
- [Oakland Raiders] Veteran lineman Treu returns to reserve role
- [Oakland Raiders] Rookie cornerback Fabian Washington left practice with a bag of ice on his right knee. He called the measure ``precautionary'' and waved off reporters seeking details. (Mercury News)
- [Tennessee Titans] Bo Schobel and Kyle Vanden Bosch have worked as the first team defensive ends. (The Jackson Son)
07/30/05
- [Green Bay Packers] Green holds up his end of bargain
- [CFL] Calgary K Sandro DeAngelis missed his first field goal of the season from 42 yards. He did connect on the two other attempts from 43 and 25 yards, putting his field goal percentage still atop the CFL at 92.9%. (OurSportsCentral.com)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs guard Will Shields missed practice with back trouble and coach Dick Vermeil acknowledged he's concerned about his 10-time Pro Bowl guard. Shields, a 13-year veteran, debated during the offseason about whether to retire or play one more year. Vermeil said Shields would see another doctor for what amounts to a third opinion on his ongoing back problem. (Daily News Wire Services)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs guard Will Shields nursing a back problem
- [Oakland Raiders] Newly acquired linebacker Jay Foreman slammed second-year free-agent running back DeJuan Green to the ground with a right shoulder shiver in what is supposed to be a no-tackling, minimal-contact drill. Camp's first "Oooohs!" filled the air. (sacbee.com)
- [Oakland Raiders] Rookies Fabian Washington and Chris Carr split time returning punts in what figures to be a wide-open competition to replace Phillip Buchanon in the role he filled the past three seasons. "I'm just one of the options," Washington said. "Right now, no one knows who's going to be the starting returner." (Mercury News)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Hawks' Wistrom a happy camper
07/29/05
- [MLB] Dan Johnson one of Fantastic Four rookies in Oakland
- [CFL] Stamps rookie K Sandro DeAngelis has split the uprights on all 11 field-goal attempts this year. Most CFL observers assume it's a record for a first-year player, although the league does not keep such stats. (Calgary Sun)
- [St. Louis Rams] Not in Agreement?: On Wednesday the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Richie Incognito "has agreed to terms and will sign a three-year deal with the team pending the successful completion of his physical." However, on Thursday they reported that Incognito had "yet to agree to terms with the Rams".
Team officials say they're waiting for a physical but are in no hurry to sign Incognito because of his injury.
07/28/05
- [Chicago Bears] From Adam Schefter, a long-time Colorado sports-writer now working for the NFL Network: Safety Mike Brown, one of my favorite players in the league, is back after blowing out his Achilles' tendon in Week 2 last season against Green Bay.
In Lovie Smith's defense, Brown gets to play in the box, where he can make the type of big plays that are a norm for him. Some players can sniff the football coming, and nobody has a stronger sense of smell than Brown. If he stays healthy and on the field, the Bears defense automatically is upgraded.
- [Atlanta Falcons] Despite all the hitting, no fights broke out. LB Demorrio Williams and FB Fred McCrary got into a brief shoving match during the goal-line drills, but teammates didn’t even have to break it up. (AJC.com)
- [Arizona Cardinals] Cardinals signed former Raiders LB Eric Johnson. Johnson is a veteran of five NFL seasons playing with two NFL teams with career numbers of 42 career tackles and one interception in 71 career games (two starts). He played in 16 games with seven tackles as well as both postseason contests for the Atlanta Falcons in 2004. The former Alhambra High School and Phoenix native originally signed with Oakland as a rookie free agent out of Nebraska in 2000 where he was for his first four years of his career. He also has appeared in seven postseason contests, including in Super Bowl XXXVII for the Raiders where he scored on a 13-yard touchdown off of a blocked Tampa Bay punt. (AZCardinals.com)
- [Atlanta Falcons] So far, Demorrio is holding off the competition
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Q&A Will Shields
- [New Orleans Saints] ESPN.com's John Clayton reports the four-year contract signed by New Orleans Saints rookie S Josh Bullocks contained $1.98 million in guarantees. Some guys drafted around him signed five-year deals, but Bullocks was able to get the strong guarantees along with the ability to hit free agency after four years. (KFFL)
- [New Orleans Saints] From NewOrleansProFootball.com: Josh Bullocks is likely to see time in passing situations and special teams this season as a rookie. With Dwight Smith and Jay Bellamy entrenched as starters and with Mel Mitchell and Steve Gleason as key cogs on special teams, Bullocks will face stiff competition for playing time. All the safeties, Bullocks even as a rookie may have the best ballhawking skills and the most work to do on tackling technique. Playing as the sixth defensive back in the dime package is a possibility for Bullocks.
- [New Orleans Saints] Jim Haslett talked to the media prior to training camp:
Q: Can you single out a couple guys who impressed you in the offseason who you hope can keep it going through training camp?
A: "On the defensive side, I think Dwight Smith was a great addition to our team. Josh Bullocks, the young kid, has great ball skills. We'll see if he can tackle anybody, but I really like his ball skills..." (NewOrleansProFootball.com)
07/27/05
- [Chicago Bears] Safety Jerrell Pippens returned after missing two days with turf toe. (ChicagoBears.com)
- [New Orleans Saints] Saints agree to terms with second round pick Bullocks on 4-year deal
- [NBA] Guard Tyronn Lue, who has drawn interest from the Miami Heat, would love to know whether he'll rejoin the Atlanta Hawks or hook up with his friend Shaquille O'Neal in Miami. But because the NBA and the players union haven't signed the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Grant, Lue and others remain on hold.
"Every day seems like a dog day," said Andy Miller, Lue's agent.
The league announced Monday that the CBA probably won't be signed until late this week. The league and union then will need two or three days to educate teams and players on the specifics of the deal. Then players can sign contracts.
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Bucs, Ruud Complete Deal (pic)
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Buccaneers sign ex-Husker Ruud
07/26/05
- [Oakland Raiders] Raiders Sign Washington (pic)
- [Oakland Raiders] Fabian Washington Pens Raiders Deal
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Bucs, Ruud reach agreement
07/25/05
- [Chicago Bears] First news bit from 2005 Training Camp: Chicago safety Jerrell Pippens missed Monday's workout with turf toe and is day-to-day. Coach Lovie Smith simply said "he should be fine..." (ChicagoBears.com|AP)
- [Oakland Raiders] Raiders team spokesman Mike Taylor said Monday that Oakland was "really, very close" to signing Fabian Washington, the 23rd overall pick in the NFL draft, to a five-year contract. Washington's New York City-based agent Brian Mackler was en route to Oakland to complete the deal with Raiders senior personnel executive Mike Lombardi. (Sacramento Bee)
07/24/05
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Training Camp Moments to Remember (Fryar)
- [CFL] One on one with Stamps rookie Sandro DeAngelis
- [Dallas Cowboys] Among the San Antonio Express-News' top 5 position battles in Cowboys' training camp is inside linebacker: Dat Nguyen, who led the team in tackles for the third time in the last four years in 2004, will man one spot. Bradie James and Scott Shanle will battle for the other. Shanle, a former Nebraska standout, could have the edge after starting the final three games of last season at strongside linebacker and recording 26 tackles.
- [CFL] DeAngelis stays perfect, including two from 40+
07/23/05
- [MLB] Homer happy moment for Stern
- [NBA] NBA Rumor Mill: Tyronn Lue has been in touch with the Lakers, but it appears Atlanta will offer him the most money to return. Lue is said to be more interested in getting back on a winner than the cash – but how many times does a player pass up money? (HoopsWorld.com)
07/22/05
- [MLB] To make room for 3B Edgardo Alfonzo, the Giants optioned outfielder Adam Shabala back to Fresno. Shabala, who also spent 10 days with the club in June before being called up again July 14, hit .200 (3-for-15) with four RBIs in six games this year.
"They just want me to go down there and play," Shabala said after learning of the move. "Up here, it's kind of tough not playing at all.
"It's not too bad. I knew I wasn't going to be up here the whole time with Alfonzo and (Marquis) Grissom coming off the DL."
- [Minnesota Vikings] Cornerbacks Brian Williams, Ralph Brown and Ken Irvin will be the Vikings' primary competitors for the nickel cornerback position at training camp. (Minneapolis Star Tribune/KFFL)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Eric Warfield Shares Cheer in Arkansas
- [Denver Broncos] Center Josh Sewell will go into his second Broncos training camp, but the team chose not to send the 2004 sixth-round selection to NFL Europe. Unlike Tyson Clabo, who spent time with the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers practice squads last fall, Sewell had the benefit of spending the entire year in Denver's scheme.
"Josh just continues to learn," General Manager Ted Sundquist said. "Historically, with this group, it's going to take a year or two to learn what we're trying to do, understand the tempo of our game and the angles of our run blocking and lower your pads." (DenverBroncos.com)
07/21/05
- [Atlanta Falcons] Training Camp Battles: Demorrio Williams
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Warfield to practice in camp with Chiefs as he waits out suspension
- [MLB] Sweet home Nebraska (Shabala)
- [CFL] Stamps re-sign DeAngelis and Pilon to multi-year deals
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs Summer Vacation with Will Shields
- [New York Jets] The Jets released RB/KR Josh Davis. Davis, an 2004 undrafted free agent, was placed on the injured reserve prior to the start of last season.
- [MLB] Stern makes grade with Bosox
07/19/05
- [Green Bay Packers] Packers' Green Launches Acting Career
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Flashback: Another running back, Correll Buckhalter, also made his acting debut earlier this year.
- [Basketball] DeForge signs deal with Polish pro team
07/18/05
- [Etc] Jason Peter: 'one-year clean and sober'
07/17/05
- [CFL] CFL.ca Spotlight: Sandro DeAngelis
- [MLB] Whatever happened to Todd Sears?
- [MLB] Shabala Makes instant contribution
07/16/05
- [Seattle Seahawks] Fantasy Source Expert: Josh Brown, 4-star
- [Olympics] Gardner enjoys life off the mat
- [Olympics] Rulon Gardner, the horse, goes for the gold
07/15/05
- [MLB] Erstad, Angels Edge Twins 3-2...Again
- [MLB] Diehard Q&A: Adam Stern
- [Chicago Bears] Brown's return buoys deep Bears secondary
- [NBA] Summer League: Grizzlies, Ffriend, too tough for Senegalese
- [CFL] Kicking game is key
07/14/05
- [UIF] Long returns to Omaha
07/13/05
- [New Orleans Saints] The New Orleans Sanits have begun negotiations with most of the team's draft picks, including first-round right tackle Jammal Brown and second-round safety Josh Bullocks. Talks with both, however, are in the initial stages and probably won't be finalized until the final days of July. The second-round pick will likely get a four-year deal. (Times-Picayune)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Finally: Warfield to miss first four games
07/12/05
- [CFL] Calgary Stampeders rookie placekicker Sandro DeAngelis has made seven field goals this season- in seven attempts. He is the only CFL kicker who has been perfect thus far. (Winnipeg Sun)
07/10/05
- [Minors] Huskers in the minors getting lost in the shuffle
07/09/05
- [Etc] Wistrom's old teammates turn out for golf tournament
- [Free Agency] A couple player updates from the above article: Chris Dishman- "My agent is talking to about five teams, but I still have to complete the knee rehab...If I don't sign, I hope to keep helping as a volunteer coach at Lincoln North Star. I think the Gators are going to be pretty good this year."
Jason Peter- "is living in California and is an assistant high school football coach and counselor."
- [CFL] BC Lions Barron Miles had a 'spectacular punt block' that put the Lions at the Ottawa 15-yard-line. However, the Lions offense was lacking and the next two plays were Ottawa sacks.
- [Etc] Wistrom hopes Kelsay will help out with foundation
07/08/05
- [MLB] Stern Gets Major League Call-Up
- [CFL] DeAngelis, Stamps put the boots to Bombers
- [CFL] ...DeAngelis also leads former UNO star Martay Jenkins in a impact-newcomer poll
- [CFL] Rookie's foot gives Winnipeg the boot (DeAngelis)
- [Etc] Crouch: I still want to play
- [Atlanta Falcons] Postseason repeats might hinge on these guys (D.Williams)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] NFL.com Fantasy Extra preview: Sleepers (Buckhalter)
07/07/05
- [Coaches] Husker Goes from Fullback to Coach (Robin Miller)
07/06/05
- [Green Bay Packers] From Players To Coaches: Two Packers Prepare For The Future
- [Carolina Panthers] 07/05 - Panthers and Their Young
07/03/05
- [Buffalo Bills] In a commentary, Larry Felser of the Buffalo News made this prediction: "One of the biggest improvements for the Bills this season may come with some of their young players having breakthrough years. My hunch for one of the major breakthroughs is Chris Kelsay, who finally won the starting job at left defensive end over the last nine games after sharing with Ryan Denney. Kelsay figured out what he was doing during the Bills' winning streak. He should be better this year."
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Bucs' Ruud maintains family tradition
- [MLB] Stern's day's are numbered...
07/02/05
- [CFL] Calgary Stampeders' K Sandro DeAngelis was pegged as the special teams player of the game in a loss to the Argos. DeAngelis "continued to impress with his strong leg. The rookie was perfect on three field goals, hitting from 18, 38 and 48." A perfect performance, "just like he was in the pre-season". Sandro was "a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance" by the Stamps. (Calgary Sun)
- [Green Bay Packers] Green still among NFL's elite RB's
- [Etc] Charity, family keep Wistrom busy
- [Oakland Raiders] Washington in Bradenton for autograph signing
07/01/05
- [Chicago Bears] Where are they now: Henry Waechter
- [Oakland Raiders] Len Pasquarelli of ESPN: ..."We're still betting on either wide receiver Matt Jones (Jacksonville) or cornerback Fabian Washington (Oakland) to be the initial first-round pick to reach a contract agreement. Agent Brian Mackler, a terrific guy with numbers and never one to wait for the market to be set before jumping into the negotiating fray, is ready to get down to bargaining with both teams.
- [Tennessee Titans] (more from Pasquerelli) ...the early returns are positive for the Titans and Kyle Vanden Bosch, who signed as an unrestricted free agent after four star-crossed seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. At least to this point, the Titans have received the kind of leadership and high-motor hustle they anticipated when they signed Vanden Bosch to a minimum deal, with a base salary of $540,000 and a modest $25,000 signing bonus.
The coaches have been impressed by Vanden Bosch, who, despite being just 26, is the elder statesman of the Tennessee defensive line. Impressed enough, in fact, that Vanden Bosch, the 34th player chosen overall in the 2001 draft, has been running with the first unit at times. Recommended by linebackers coach Dave McGinnis, the former Nebraska star has twice come back from anterior cruciate ligament tears and is attempting to salvage a once-bright career. Vanden Bosch tore his right ACL three games into his rookie season then missed the entire 2003 campaign after blowing out his left knee. In all, he has appeared in only six more games than he's missed. But his 35 appearances are only one fewer than the combined regular-season games of the nine other ends on the roster, and his 20 starts are nine more than the group has accumulated.
Vanden Bosch has just four career sacks, but that doesn't reflect the kind of off-the-edge quickness he exhibited early in his career. Whether he can get back to that form remains to be seen. But with such a young corps of ends – none, beyond Vanden Bosch, has more than one season of NFL experience – he is going to get every opportunity to win a job.
- [Houston Texans] This season, Texans kicker Kris Brown will do an hour-long pregame show before Monday Night Football on 790 AM in Houston. (Houston Chronicle)