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NFL Player News : CBSSports.com
The latest NFL player news from CBSSports.com
- Freeman not active vs. Texans
Tampa Bay rested QB Josh Freeman on Thursday as the Bucs finished the preseason at Houston. Freeman fractured the tip of his right thumb in Tampa's third preseason game against the Chiefs, but the cast has been replaced with a splint. The team suspects he'll be ready for their Week 1 matchup against Cleveland. Josh Freeman - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cleveland - NFL - Houston - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- Niners play it safe with Davis
Niners TE Vernon Davis (knee) missed Thursday's preseason game against the Chargers. He was able to participate at full speed in practice this week and is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. Vernon Davis - Tight end - San Diego Chargers - NFL - Season - Lynch has lackluster return
Buffalo RB Marshawn Lynch had 2 yards rushing on five carries during Thursday's preseason finale against the Lions after missing two games with an ankle injury. Lynch started the game with C.J. Spiller a healthy scratch and Fred Jackson sidelined by a hand injury. He played only one series before the backups took over. Lynch also had one catch for 2 yards. fredjackson - Buffalo Bills - Marshawn Lynch - Running back - Ankle - Campbell not active for Raiders
Oakland QB Jason Campbell was not active for the Raiders final preseason game against the Seahawks. Despite not playing on Thursday, it seems like the Raiders are happy with their new starting quarterback and denied rumors they were interested in trading for Arizona's Matt Leinart. Oakland Raiders - Matt Leinart - Jason Campbell - sport - NFL - Brown held out due to toe
Giants RB Andre Brown was held out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots. He is dealing with turf toe. His status for Week 1 has yet to be determined. Brown led the Giants in rushing after the first three preseason games with 21 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. Andre Brown - Touchdown - Running back - New York Giants - NFL - MJD can't wait to get back
Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew said at halftime of Thursday's preseason finale against the Falcons that he can't wait to get back for the Week 1 opener against the Broncos. He has been sidelined since late August with a knee injury. "There have been some false reports out there about what happened which is fine," Jones-Drew said. Those reports included surgery which didn't happen. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville Jaguars - Denver Broncos - Atlanta Falcons - NFL - Roberts sits out final tuneup
Cardinals WR Andre Roberts missed Thursday's preseason finale against the Redskins because of shoulder sprain sustained in the team's previous game against the Titans. His status for Week 1 has yet to be determined. Washington Redskins - Arizona Cardinals - sport - NFL - Football - Palmer can't wait for Week 1
Bengals QB Carson Palmer led the Cincinnati offense for one series during Thursday's preseason finale against the Colts. He was efficient, completing 4 of 5 passes for 28 yards. Two of his completions went to Chad Ochocinco and his lone incompletion was on a deep pass to Terrell Owens. "I just can't wait until a week from Sunday," Palmer said about the start of the season. "You get teased playing just a series and you want to play more. I really like our chances to be a much more potent offense." Chad Ochocinco - Terrell Owens - Cincinnati Bengals - Carson Palmer - sport - White leaves before half
Broncos running back LenDale White has left the team's final preseason game with an injured ankle. White was down for a while and walked off the field gingerly in the second quarter at Minnesota on Thursday after getting hurt on a 9-yard run. The Broncos said his return was doubtful. White was signed to back up Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter after his sudden release by Seattle this spring. He must sit out the first four games of the regular season, his punishment for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. White carried the ball five times for 19 yards and one touchdown before leaving the game. Correll Buckhalter - Denver Broncos - Knowshon Moreno - Minnesota - LenDale White - Fitzgerald takes it easy
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) missed Thursday's preseason game against the Redskins. He missed the team's final two preseason games, but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Washington Redskins - Arizona Cardinals - Sports - NFL - Larry Fitzgerald - Hardesty leaves in second quarter
Browns rookie RB Montario Hardesty made his preseason debut Thursday against Chicago, but left during the second quarter. He walked slowly to the sideline after a 2-yard run. Hardesty stayed on the ground for several minutes before walking to the sideline. The team's medical staff examined him on a trainer's table before taking him to the locker room. The team said his return was questionable. He missed the first three games due to a bone bruise on his knee, which he suffered at rookie minicamp. The rookie ran for 25 yards on seven carries, finding the end zone once. Cleveland Browns - Montario Hardesty - Running back - NFL - Sports - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- Leftwich hurt in finale
Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich, expected to start during Ben Roethlisberger's suspension, injured his left knee during the first half of Thursday's preseason finale against Carolina. Leftwich completed an 18-yard pass to rookie Emmanuel Sanders before being knocked off his feet as running back Mewelde Moore attempted to block safety Marcus Hudson. The play occurred with 10:25 left in the second quarter Thursday night. Leftwich was examined by team doctors on a stretcher behind the Steelers' bench, then limped into a nearby tunnel that leads to the locker room. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ben Roethlisberger - Byron Leftwich - Mewelde Moore - NFL - Sharper held back by Saints
Saints S Darren Sharper, who is on the PUP list after undergoing offseason knee surgery, was held out of Thursday's preseason finale. He said on Tuesday that his knee is healthy, but the team has decided to play it cautious with him. He remains on the PUP list. Darren Sharper - New Orleans Saints - Surgery - NFL - Physically Unable to Perform - Bennett feels he is ready
Bears WR Earl Bennett missed his fourth straight preseason game on Thursday against the Browns because of a hamstring injury. However, Bennett thinks he's 100 percent ready for the season after missing almost all of training camp and OTAs due to knee surgery and a pulled hamstring. He's going full speed at practice. "I'm definitely trusting my hamstring. It feels a lot better," he said. Earl Bennett - Wide receiver - NFL - Sports - Football - Hall held back by Rams
Rams DL James Hall (hip) missed Thursday's preseason finale against the Ravens. It was his second straight missed game after coach Steve Spagnuolo held him out the previous Thursday as a precaution. Hall hadthree tackles and no sacks in the preseason. Steve Spagnuolo - Baltimore Ravens - Sports - NFL - James Hall - Urlacher misses preseason finale
Bears LB Brian Urlacher (calf) did not suit up for Thursday's preseason finale against the Browns. He missed a second straight game and finished the preseason with three tackles. "I’m going to play against the Lions on September 12th," Urlacher told the Chicago Sun-Times. Brian Urlacher - Linebacker - NFL - Sports - Football - Butler misses out in preseason
Rams DB James Butler (knee) missed Thursday's preseason finale against the Ravens and did not see any preseason action after hurting his knee in an early-August practice. Butler suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament and his status for the start of the season remains questionable. Season - Medial collateral ligament - Knee - sport - NFL - Feeley watches Bradford
Rams QB A.J. Feeley did not dress for Thursday's preseason finale against the Ravens. He was not expected to play as he continues to deal with thumb and elbow injuries. Rookie Sam Bradford got the start against Baltimore. Baltimore Ravens - Rookie - Sam Bradford - A. J. Feeley - Sports - Jackson 'rusty' coming off injury
Even though Bills RB Fred Jackson (thumb) returned to practice this week, he was ruled inactive for Thursday's preseason finale against the Lions. "He did OK. He's rusty," head coach Chan Gailey said on Tuesday when Jackson returned to practice for the first time since injuring his hand in mid-August. "He hasn't done much of anything and has a hard time handling the ball completely, but he moved around pretty good. He's in good shape still; he takes care of himself." Chan Gailey - Fred Jackson - Running back - Head coach - Buffalo Bills - Byrd 'on track' for opener
Bills DB Jairus Byrd (groin) missed the preseason finale against the Lions on Thursday. However, head coach Chan Gailey is optimistic Byrd will be ready for the season opener on Sept. 12 against Miami. “He’s on track. He’s on track,” Gaileytold NFL.com. ”He hasn’t been able to get out here (on the practice field) yet, but he’s on track.” Chan Gailey - Buffalo Bills - Jairus Byrd - National Football League - Season - Biermann totals 3 sacks in preseason
Falcons DL Kroy Biermann (undisclosed) was held out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Jaguars. He has totaled six tackles and three sacks in the preseason. Kroy Biermann - Atlanta Falcon - Jacksonville Jaguars - NFL - sport - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- Robinson out as precaution
Falcons DB Dunta Robinson (hamstring) did not dress for Thursday's preseason game against the Jaguars. However, head coach Mike Smith hinted at earlier in the week that Robinson should be ready for Week 1 since he has practiced for more than a week at full speed. Mike Smith - Jacksonville Jaguars - Atlanta Falcons - Head coach - Dunta Robinson - Delmas inactive vs. Bills
Detroit S Louis Delmas (groin) got the night of on Thursday night as the Lions faced the Bills in preseason action. Delmas has been dealing with a groin injury for a few weeks now. Detroit Lions - Louis Delmas - NFL - Sports - Buffalo Bills - Leinart allowed to seek trade
While rumors swirl that the Arizona Cardinals have been attempting to attract a trade partner for quarterback Matt Leinart, league sources told The Sports Xchange on Thursday that the four-year veteran and his representatives have been granted permission to seek potential suitors for a deal. With the retirement of Warner this spring, Leinart was favored to win the starting spot. But his play has been spotty in preseason, and five-year veteran Derek Anderson, added in the offseason after the former Cleveland starter was released by the Browns is expected to be the starter to begin the year. Arizona Cardinals - Derek Anderson - Matt Leinart - Cleveland Browns - sport - Big Ben set for meeting
Ben Roethlisberger's first big gain of the season may occur weeks before he returns to the field. His six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy likely will be shortened to four games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after the two meet in New York on Friday. The meeting will take place about 12 hours after the quarterback played two series in the Steelers' final preseason game, completing 4 of 6 passes for 39 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Pittsburgh. The league plans to review Roethlisberger's behavior since he was accused of sexually assaulting a Georgia college student following a night of drinking in a Milledgeville, Ga., bar on March 5. Once it was determined six weeks later that Roethlisberger would not be charged by Georgia authorities, Goodell suspended Roethlisberger for the start of the season and ordered him to undergo an extensive evaluation. "I'm very encouraged by what he's doing," Goodell said at Steelers training camp Aug. 5. "He hasn't just done what he's been told to do, I think he's worked hard to really try to improve and focus on himself and understand what he's been through and what he's going to do differently going forward. I think that's a very positive thing." Ben Roethlisberger - Georgia - Pittsburgh Steelers - Carolina Panthers - Roger Goodell - Report: Housh on trade block
NFL.com reports league sources have said the Seahawks have put WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh on the trading block. However, the sources said the market to trade Houshmandzadeh is scarce for the reason Seattle wants to deal him -- money. Houshmandzadeh is guaranteed to earn more than $7 million this season and his value isn't what it used to be after a down season in 2009. Seattle Seahawks - Seattle - NFL - National Football League - Sports - Back, hip won't slow Williams
Cowboys WR Roy E. Williams is not expected to play in the team's preseason finale but is expected to be OK for the team's Week 1 tilt at Washington. "I have no reason and the trainers have given me no indication that he won't be," Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said of Williams. Jerry Jones - Dallas Cowboys - Roy Williams - NFL - Washington Redskins - Bears cut RB Minor
The Bears waived undrafted rookie RB Brandon Minor. He spent the summer with the club. Running back - Bears - Rookie - Shopping - Soft Toys - Gregg still a nuisance for O-lines
Ravens DL Kelly Gregg has spent the preseason holding off players like Brandon McKinney, Terrence Cody, Kelly Talavou and Arthur Jones for playing time, but at the same time using his knowledge of the game to tutor the younger talent. Gregg will turn 34 years old this season and is battling Father Time, but defensive line coach Clarence Brooks said there is still a spot for Gregg in a young man's NFL. "Because he has a very, very high football IQ, he can go out and figure some things out beforehand, and I think that's only helped him be a lot more effective," Brooks told the Baltimore Sun. "He really understands what the opponent is trying to do to him. I think now, he's able to put himself in the right position to use the skills that he has to make some plays." Baltimore Ravens - NFL - Brandon McKinney - American football positions - Kelly Talavou - Hip flares up on Cromartie
Jets coach Rex Ryan revealed on Tuesday that DB Antonio Cromartie is dealing with a right hip injury. "I figured I'd float it out there, ‘Now they need (holdout Darrelle) Revis more than ever,' " Ryan said. "Cromartie missed two plays of team period." Darrelle Revis - Rex Ryan - Antonio Cromartie - New York Jets - Sports - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- Collins eyeing another Pro Bowl
Packers DB Nick Collins might have made only 53 tackles in 2009, which was his lowest total since 2007 (46), but he still earned a second straight trip to the Pro Bowl. That had a lot to do with his six interceptions. He has 13 interceptions in his last 32 regular-season games. He has returned three of those interceptions for scores. Pro Bowl - Nick Collins - Interception - sport - Defensive back - Landry an underrated safety
Ravens DB Dawan Landry is coming off a season in which he had a career-best 89 tackles in 2009, a year after playing just two games due to a neck injury. You don't have to tell Baltimore how important Landry is to its cause. The Ravens just wish he wasn't so underrated around the NFL. "Everybody’s got a role," secondary coach Chuck Pagano told the Baltimore Sun. "Not everybody’s going to be Ray (Lewis), and not everybody’s going to be Ed (Reed). Dawan understands his role, and he plays it better than anybody else.” Baltimore Ravens - NFL - Dawan Landry - Chuck Pagano - sport - Hayes ready for repeat performance
Bucs LB Geno Hayes hasn't made many plays in the preseason, recording just five tackles and one fumble recovery. But after his breakout season in 2009 -- 98 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions -- Hayes no longer has to compete for a starting job. Fumble - Interception - Linebacker - Season - Starting lineup - Hall benefiting from new scheme
Redskins DB DeAngelo Hall is seeing immediate benefits to the defensive philosophy shift in Washington. The Sports Xchange reports new coordinator Jim Haslett's 3-4 defense forced four Jets turnovers on Saturday with the starters allowing just three points for the third straight week. The Redskins also recorded four sacks. "We've got a very good defense, not only the sacks but the turnovers," head coach Mike Shanahan said. Said Hall, whose pair of picks this summer make him the first Redskin to have two in a preseason since the late Sean Taylor in 2004, "This defense was built ... on giving you the opportunity to make plays." Washington Redskins - Mike Shanahan - Jim Haslett - DeAngelo Hall - Sean Taylor - Williams has statless preseason
If you look up the stats for the Vikings in the preseason, DL Kevin Williams is absent from the list. It's not that he is injured. He just hasn't recorded a tackle in his brief playing time. Kevin Williams - Minnesota Vikings - National Football League - Sports - Health - Joseph playing for next deal
Bengals DB Johnathan Joseph is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2010 season. There were reports that the Bengals opened contract negotiations with Joseph's representation in June, but no deal has been reached. “All I can do is come to work and be a model citizen as well as a professional,” Joseph told the Dayton Daily News. “I’ll let my agent and the folks in the front office handle everything else. My plan is to be a Bengal for life and hopefully that dream will come true.” Cincinnati Bengals - Free agent - Johnathan Joseph - sport - NFL - Jackson ponders Pro Bowl fate
The Bucs failed to get a player into the Pro Bowl last season and DB Tanard Jackson has been left to ponder his chances about earning Pro Bowl honors after he missed the first four games of the 2009 season serving a suspension for for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. "I thought about it during the whole offseason," Jackson told The Tampa Tribune. "It left a bitter taste with me. I couldn't stop thinking about how different the year might have gone for me and the team if I had those four games under my belt." Tanard Jackson - Pro Bowl - Substance abuse - Sports - Season - Carter just fine with move to LB
Veteran Andre Carter is still working on the transition from defensive lineman to linebacker in first-year coordinator Jim Haslett's 3-4 defense. He has seven tackles in the preseason and is excited about the move after nine years as a down lineman. "I really do," Carter told The Washington Post about liking his new job. "I like what we've been doing and I'm feeling more comfortable every day...We're definitely going to put ourselves in position to create more turnovers. That's what we want." Jim Haslett - Washington Post - Andre Carter - Linebacker - Lineman - Time for Timmons to step up
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is finding it difficult to be patient with Lawrence Timmons. Tomlin calls the inside linebacker "ridiculously talented," though Timmons has yet to have the breakout season expected before now of the No. 15 pick in the 2007 draft. Timmons' teammates are convinced the former Florida State star has more speed, power and drive to the football than any player on the Steelers' defense other than safety Troy Polamalu. Still, any discussion about Timmons often begins with what he hasn't done in his three seasons -- make the Pro Bowl. He hasn't yet reached an elite level. He's not yet a complete player. He's not yet ready to take over from James Farrior the job of running the defense. "It's time," Tomlin said. "Lawrence has been around here long enough." Lawrence Timmons - Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Tomlin - Troy Polamalu - Pro Bowl - Scaife holding off emerging TEs
Titans TE Bo Scaife, who is trying to hold off Craig Stevens and Jared Cook, has recorded just two catches for 30 yards in the preseason. Cook has four catches for 71 yards and one touchdown, while Stevens has four catches for 63 yards. Jared Cook - Bo Scaife - Craig Stevens - Tight end - Tennessee Titans - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- DRC becoming top cornerback
Cardinals DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has totaled just three tackles in the preseason, but he does have one of the team's two interceptions. This coming after he posted a career-high six interceptions in 2009 and has 10 interceptions in his first 32 regular-season contests. Arizona Cardinal - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - NFL - Sports - Football - DL Ratliff earns team honor
The Cowboys handed out their awards for the 2009 season during a kickoff luncheon on Wednesday and DL Jay Ratliff was named defensive player of the year after earning All-Pro honors last season. It was also the second straight year he made the Pro Bowl. Jay Ratliff - Pro Bowl - Dallas Cowboys - Sports - NFL - Mikell at peace with contract issue
Even though Eagles DB Quintin Mikell made the Pro Bowl as a third alternate in 2009, he said he was distracted last season as he was upset Philadelphia didn't give him a contract extension. "I realized at the end of the day you can't control none of that stuff," Mikell told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "All we can control is what we put on the field, and I've come to peace with that. . . . It's a hard lesson." Mikell said he tried too hard to fill the leadership role of Brian Dawkins, who left last season for Denver. "Last year, there were a lot of contributing factors to that situation," Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "[Mikell] persevered, and that's the important thing. I think he's better off for it." Sean McDermott - Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Dawkins - Quintin Mikell - Pro Bowl - D. Manning past hamstring injury
Bears DB Danieal Manning has played the last two preseason games after sitting out the opener against the Chargers with a hamstring injury. He has recorded nine tackles and returned three kickoffs for a team-high 79 yards. daniealmanning - San Diego Chargers - Hamstring - Defensive back - Shopping - Ellis' injury a non-issue
Jets DL Shaun Ellis injured his right leg in the first quarter during Saturday's preseason game against Redskins, but he returned to action after getting it checked out on the sidelines. Ellis has three tackles in the preseason. Washington Redskins - Sport - NFL - Shaun Ellis - American - Nedney copes with nagging injury
If 49ers K Joe Nedney ever appears on the injury report in 2010 with a groin injury, he says not to worry. Nedney has been bothered by a nagging groin injury since he suffered the injury 20 years ago as a teenager. "When I was 17, I tore it learning how to kick the football," Nedney told the San Francisco Chronicle. "And, like a dumb kid, just kicked right through it, right through it, and it never healed. My body ended up calcifying the wound so now I've got a bone basically right in the middle of the muscle and I can't take it out. I've gotten to this point now where I've got to be smart with it. I've learned to deal with it my entire career. It's nothing new. It's just when you're 37 versus 23, you've got to take care of it in a different way." Joe Nedney - San Francisco 49ers - American football - NFL - Football - LB Bradley past knee injury
The Eagles missed Stewart Bradley's presence in the middle of the field in 2009 as they churned through many Mike linebackers but couldn't find a suitable replacement. Now that Bradley is healthy coming off a knee injury, he is looking to return to his 2008 form, in which he recorded 108 tackles. "I've been clear off my knee for so many months now that it doesn't even feel like an issue in my mind," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I've been running and doing so much speed work that I felt like I had a normal offseason. I feel as good as I ever have." Knee - Linebacker - Stewart Bradley - Los Angeles Times - United States - Orakpo to rush the passer more
Brian Orakpo moved to linebacker in 2009 as a rookie despite being a rush end in college. He didn't complain about the move and just went about his business. "Obviously, I'm [a defensive] end. I was a D-end out of college and all I did was rush the passer," he told The Washington Post. "Coming to a new scheme, I'm gonna do what the coaches ask, but I wanted to rush the passer a little bit more." Orakpo still managed to record 11 sacks as a rookie. He is still slotted to remain at linebacker in 2010, but new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said Orakpo could be rushing the quarterback as much as three times more this season than last. Brian Orakpo - Jim Haslett - Washington Post - Linebacker - Washington Redskins - Campbell primed for big season
The Sports Xchange reports Cardinals DE Calais Campbell is primed for a big season. Campbell has played well in the preseason, recording 11 tackles and one sack. He's gained strength and weight. At 6-8, he weighs almost 300 pounds and doesn't appear to have lost any quickness. Calais Campbell - Season - Arizona Cardinals - Sports - NFL - Tulloch not a typical MLB
The Sports Xchange reports Titans LB Stephen Tulloch isn't your typical middle linebacker. Tulloch has been having a strong training camp and appears to have solidified himself not only as a leader on the defense, but is staying on the field in nickel situations. Tulloch has seven tackles and one fumble recovery in the preseason. Linebacker - Training camp - NFL - Tennessee Titans - Sports - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- Make or break time for Long?
One player many Rams fans, analysts and Fantasy owners will be keeping tabs on in 2010 is third-year defensive end Chris Long. The former 2008 first-round pick has underachieved in his first two seasons, recording 83 tackles and nine sacks in his first 32 NFL games. Fantasy - Sports - NFL - Football - Chris Long - Hall looking to build off 2009
Coming off a career-high six interceptions in 2009, Bengals DB Leon Hall is owned in 31 percent of CBSSports.com IDP Fantasy leagues. Hall has recorded six solo tackles in the preseason, but he doesn't have an interception. Leon Hall - Cincinnati Bengals - sport - Football - NFL - Coleman holding off competition
Second-year safety William Moore has been pushing incumbent starter Erik Coleman at strong safety for the Falcons this preseason. However, Coleman still heads into the 2010 season as the starter. He has recorded 10 tackles and one interception in the preseason. William Moore - Erik Coleman - Safety - Interception - Matt Ryan - Tillman doing well at RCB
Bears DB Charles Tillman continues to adjust to playing right cornerback after spending last season at left cornerback. He was moved there this offseason so Zack Bowman can play on the left side. "I don't think I got demoted because I'm still starting,'' Tillman told the Chicago Tribune. "A demotion is not playing. If we switch sides but we're both still playing, I don't think that's a demotion for anybody.'' Chicago Bears - Charles Tillman - Zackary Bowman - NFL - Sports - Bethea a solo tackling machine
The return of safety Bob Sanders, who missed most of last season due to injury, has been the big story in the Colts' secondary this preseason. However, Antoine Bethea is doing a good job of not getting overlooked as the Colts' other starting safety. He is second on the team in tackles with 13 this preseason and only one of them hasn't been of the solo variety. Indianapolis Colts - Antoine Bethea - Bob Sanders - Safety - NFL - Vanden Bosch won't take play off
DL Kyle Vanden Bosch has been settling into his new surroundings this preseason in Detroit. He has totaled seven tackles and 1/2 sack in the preseason and has a message for the rest of the NFL. "I will never be regarded as the best defensive end in the league," he told The Sports Xchange. "But that people know me as one of the hardest working players in the league, that's something I take great pride in. But I know with that comes a lot of responsibility. I can't have an off day. I can't show up and take a day off. I have to be on all the time, but like I said, I take pride in that." Kyle Vanden Bosch - NFL - National Football League - Sport - Detroit - Marshall doesn't make trip
Panthers DB Richard Marshall did not make the trip to Pittsburgh for Thursday's preseason finale against the Steelers because of a knee injury. However, the knee injury is not considered serious and Marshall is still expected to open the season at right cornerback for Carolina. He has 10 tackles and one sack in the preseason. Pittsburgh Steelers - Richard Marshall - Carolina Panthers - NFL - Sports - Suggs focused on staying healthy
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs is having a strong preseason and is looking fast off the corner as he is chasing down opposing quarterbacks. But that is not his first concern as the 2010 opener nears. “I feel a little bit faster, but that isn’t the question,” Suggs told the Baltimore Sun. “The question is, can I sustain it through 16 games? Everybody always starts out good, but I’m really focusing on finishing stronger.” Baltimore Ravens - Terrell Suggs - Linebacker - Games - Sports - Dockett gets a new deal
The Arizona Cardinals have signed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to a four-year, $48 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed. "I do want to retire (as) an Arizona Cardinal. I believe in this organization, I believe in the people that we've got around us." Dockett had two years left on his previous contract, so the new deal keeps him under contract through the 2015 season. A third-round draft pick out of Florida State in 2004, Dockett has developed into one of the best at his position entering his seventh NFL season as the high-spirited leader of the Arizona defense. "Since the first day he came in I've believed in him to do a job and he's done everything he said he was going to do," head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "He's looked me in the eye and made me believe in him." Arizona Cardinal - Darnell Dockett - NFL - Ken Whisenhunt - Defensive tackle - Suh as good as advertised
The Sports Xchange reports Lions DL Ndamukong Suh has been as good as advertised throughout camp, but he had his most productive game Saturday against the Browns. He had two tackles, one for a loss, and he batted down a pass. He also almost tore quarterback Jake Delhomme's head off, throwing him down by the facemask. "You don't want to do anything to curb his aggressiveness," coach Jim Schwartz said with a wry smile. "But, seriously, there are things are different here than in college. He can't do that here." Jake Delhomme - Ndamukong Suh - Cleveland Browns - Quarterback - NFL - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- James gels with LB partner
The 2009 season marked the first time that Cowboys LBs Bradie James and Keith Brooking played together. But it didn't take them long to gel. "It's like we have ESP," James told the Dallas Morning News. The duo combined for 219 tackles, which was seventh in the NFL for linebacker pairs, and were often looked at to lead the defense. "Our whole defense played much better at the end of the year," Brooking said. "Bradie and I were definitely in that equation." Dallas Cowboys - NFL - Keith Brooking - Linebacker - National Football League - Goldson excited for 49ers
49ers fourth-year safety Dashon Goldson is excited about the team's outlook for 2010. "Keep your eye on us," he told The Los Angeles Times. "This is going to be a breakout year for the Niners." San Francisco 49ers - Dashon Goldson - NFL - Sports - Safety - Smith looks for Pro Bowl encore
One of the 49ers' most valuable defensive players has been very quiet in the preseason. DL Justin Smith has hardly been a factor in the preseason with four tackles and no sacks, but he can't go this unnoticed when the regular season begins. Not after coming off his first Pro Bowl season in 2009. Pro Bowl - Justin Smith - San Francisco 49ers - sport - Football - Harper a forgotten player?
With the focus of the Saints secondary this preseason being on the status of the injured Darren Sharper (knee) and the depth at safety with players like Usama Young, Pierson Prioleau and Chris Reis, starting strong safety Roman Harper has been a forgotten man. However, Fantasy owners haven't forgotten Harper. He is owned in 47 percent of Fantasy IDP leagues in CBSSports.com leagues. Sports - Fantasy - CBSSports.com - Darren Sharper - Football - Winfield entering 12th NFL season
While Lito Sheppard and Asher Allen battling it out for a starting cornerback job in Minnesota, the Vikings don't have to worry about the other cornerback job, which belongs to veteran Antoine Winfield. He is entering his 12th season in the NFL and seventh with the Vikings. Winfield is owned in 50 percent of CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues. NFL - Asher Allen - Minnesota Vikings - sport - Lito Sheppard - Wilson one of NFL's top safeties
CBSSports.com senior writer Pete Prisco writes Cardinals DB Adrian Wilson is one of the best players in the NFL at safety. He is an active blitzer, who can also play in coverage. Prisco writes Wilson plays with a tenacity you want from the safety position and might be as prepared as any player in the NFL. He was underrated for a long time, but he now gets his due. NFL - National Football League - Sports - Football - American - Beck signs deal with Redskins
The Washington Redskins have signed quarterback John Beck to a two-year contract extension. The move Wednesday puts Beck under contract through the 2012 season and appears to solidify his spot on the roster as the third-string quarterback. He had been competing with Richard Bartel for the No. 3 spot behind Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman. Washington Redskins - Donovan McNabb - Rex Grossman - Richard Bartel - John Beck - Cassel 'wants to be good'
Chiefs coach Todd Haley is excited about the upcoming season for QB Matt Cassel. "The thing I love is he wants to be good," Haley said. "He wants to be a championship quarterback. You bring up football with him and his eyes (light up). The good quarterbacks I've been around, they like to talk about football. It's their passion." Todd Haley - Matt Cassel - sport - Football - American football - Croyle ready for game action
Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle is expected to play the second and third quarters on Thursday night against Green Bay, and possibly into the fourth quarter before he gives way to Tyler Palko. Starting QB Matt Cassel should take the first few possessions before giving way to Croyle, who has been sidelined the last few weeks with an arm injury. “I’d like to play a lot. There’s nothing like game snaps," Croyle said. "You can take all of the practice snaps you want, but once you get into the game and see the blitzes and see the speed, you can’t simulate that." Brodie Croyle - Matt Cassel - Tyler Palko - NFL - Kansas City Chiefs - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- McCluster ready to show skills
All the rave in Chiefs camp this preseason has been the potential impact of rookie WR Dexter McCluster. The 5-8, 170-pound speedster is ready to make an impact in 2010. “I’ve shown that I’m not the biggest guy out there but I can play with all my heart," he said. "I want to make sure that when my number is called that I’m going to make something happen.” McCluster isn't going to let bigger opponents intimidate him. “At the end of the night, they’re not going to see me as a small guy," he said. "They’re going to see me as maybe the quickest or the guy who’s going to give it all up for his teammates" Wide receiver - History - Historians - Said Edward - American football - CJ hungry for 2,500 yards
The ink starts at Chris Johnson's neck, with wings tattooed just above his collarbone, reminding the world that he is the NFL's most recent member of the very rare club of 2,000-yard rushers. The Tennessee running back also has "Cause IM A Star" perched just above a red star in the middle of his chest. Dream big, then run faster than anyone else in the NFL. Johnson used that combination to rush his way to NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009, becoming only the sixth man in league history to run for at least 2,000 yards. He's back for his third season with goals set even higher than a year ago: Run right past Eric Dickerson's NFL rushing record of 2,105 yards all the way to 2,500. That would make him the first ever to run for 2,000 yards twice in a career with the added twist of doing it back-to-back. Dickerson didn't do it. Neither did Barry Sanders, Jamal Lewis, O.J. Simpson or Terrell Davis. Johnson calls it his chip on his shoulder. "It gives me something to look forward to. People might be like, 'Oh you run for 2,000 yards so he's content or whatever like that.' I haven't broken the record, so I still have something on my shoulder and something to work hard for," Johnson said. Eric Dickerson - Chris Johnson - Barry Sanders - Jamal Lewis - Terrell Davis - Texans' kicking battle almost over
It's coming down to the wire for Texans kickers Neil Rackers and Kris Brown, both of whom are battling for the right to boot the ball for Houston. Brown has been the franchise's kicker since they entered the league in 2002 but has received firm competition from Rackers. Both have been perfect through the preseason: Brown is 4 of 4 in field goals, hitting from 31, 26, 43 and 22 yards out along with three extra points, Rackers has hit four field goal attempts from 24, 52, 23 and 23 yards out with two extra points. Kris Brown - Neil Rackers - Houston Texans - Field goal - Houston - Mathews getting comfortable
Chargers rookie RB Ryan Mathews feels like he is up to speed with the offense after being a bit late to training camp earlier this month. Mathews has put up 146 yards on 34 carries with five catches for 33 yards, though he has yet to score. “I think I am on track with everything,” Mathews said. “I’m doing everything I am supposed to be doing right now. It is just taking time.” Ryan Mathews - San Diego Charger - Running back - sport - Training camp - Bryant's debut will wait
Cowboys Owner/GM Jerry Jones told reporters on Wednesday that rookie WR Dez Bryant will not play against the Dolphins Thursday. Bryant (high-ankle sprain) returned to practice for the first time in a month on Tuesday but the team remains cautious about Bryant in game action. Jerry Jones - Dallas Cowboys - Dez Bryant - NFL - High ankle sprain - Lions could cut RB Smith
Third-year running back Kevin Smith could be cut by the Lions later this week, according to the Detroit Free Press. While the plan might have been all along to keep Smith as a complement to rookie Jahvid Best, Smith has not responded well to offseason knee surgery, averaging 2.4 yards per carry this preseason. Head coach Jim Schwartz thinks he needs to develop more confidence in his knee. "Kevin's a very, very smart football player, and he's going to do the right thing," Schwartz said. "He's got a lot of trust from those things. He just needs -- and it's not so much earning our trust -- he just needs to get his own trust with his knee and everything else. I've known a lot of people to come back from knee injuries and they need to get to the point where it's not even on their agenda anymore; they don't think about it when they're out there. That's a long process. That's not an overnight thing. So he's still working that way." Jim Schwartz - Kevin Smith - Detroit Lions - Detroit Free Press - Running back - Jackson sent packing
The Panthers have released WR Dexter Jackson. He was battling for a roster spot. Dexter Jackson - Carolina Panthers - NFL - Sport - Football - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- Edwards an underrated DL
Vikings DL Ray Edwards hasn't made much of an impact in the preseason, but still his only tackle has been a sack. This coming after he totaled a career-high 8 1/2 sacks in 2009. Ray Edwards - Tackle - Minnesota Vikings - American - NFL - Atogwe ready for 2010 season
Rams DB Oshiomogho Atogwe has totaled seven tackles in the preseason after signing a multi-year deal in the offseason. Atogwe, who is coming off a major shoulder injury, is just looking to get back on track in 2010. "Any time you get complacent or comfortable, that's when you'll find a younger player ready to take your spot," he said. "I've been blessed to play this game. I'm going to put my whole heart into it and get the most out of it and be the best player I can be. That takes work. It's nothing I'm afraid of or am going to shy away from. I enjoy the work. I enjoy the process." Oshiomogho Atogwe - St. Louis Rams - Season - NFL - Video Games - Ruud fueled by criticism
The Sports Xchange reports if linebacker Barrett Ruud has a big year, so will the Bucs' defense. That's what made his 80-yard interception return in Saturday's 19-13 preseason loss to the Jaguars so significant. With the score tied at a field goal each in the second quarter and the Jaguars facing third and goal at the Tampa Bay 1, Ruud stepped in front of a pass from David Garrard intended for Greg Jones. The play changed the complexion of the game and was precisely what Ruud needed. Tampa Bay Buccaneer - Barrett Ruud - David Garrard - Greg Jones - Jacksonville Jaguars - Smith to get a breather
Saints coach Sean Payton said he didn't want to rattle off a list of starting players who won't play Thursday against the Titans, but he insinuated that QB Drew Brees and DE Will Smith won't play. Smith has four tackles and no sacks in the preseason. Sean Payton - Drew Brees - Will Smith - Coach - NFL - Pollard lets play do the talking
Texans SS Bernard Pollard and CB Kareem Jackson combined for an interception thrown by QB Tony Romo during Saturday's preseason romp over Dallas. Pollard deflected a pass headed for TE Jason Witten into Jackson’s arms, and the rookie returned it 64 yards. Pollard said he didn't taunt Cowboys WR Miles Austin after a punishing hit before the half that prevented Dallas from scoring. "I didn't need to say anything," he said. "Our corners and linebackers did a nice job of dropping and keeping him in bounds." Dallas Cowboys - Tony Romo - Miles Austin - Jason Witten - Bernard Pollard - Lofton leads Falcons defense
Falcons LB Curtis Lofton was all over the place with a team-best 11 tackles, two for losses, during Friday's preseason game against the Dolphins. He led a Falcons defense that held the Dolphins to being just 2-for-12 (17 percent) on third-down conversions. Miami rushed for just 46 yards. Atlanta Falcons - Miami Dolphins - Curtis Lofton - Linebacker - NFL - Tuck no longer wounded duck
Giants DL Justin Tuck admitted he was slowed in 2009 because of a shoulder injury. “You ever seen a duck fly with one wing? That’s kind of what it was last year," he said. Well, gauging by his 2010 preseason performance, it doesn't look like Tuck is a wounded duck any more. Tuck has 2 1/2 sacks in the preseason and is ready to terrorize the opposition again. “I’ve seen (speed), I’ve seen power, I’ve seen strength, I saw him get to the edge, win on the edge and I saw him finish,” coach Tom Coughlin said of Tuck on a conference call with reporters Sunday. Justin Tuck - Tom Coughlin - New York Giant - sport - Football - Morrison learning Jags D
All three Jaguars starting linebackers sat last week against Tampa Bay and may not play again this week against Atlanta, coach Jack Del Rio said. He noted that Justin Durant is further along than Daryl Smith and Kirk Morrison, but all three were called healthy coming out of the weekend. Jack Del Rio - Jacksonville Jaguars - Daryl Smith - Atlanta - Justin Durant - Bell coming off Pro Bowl year
The Dolphins defense has only one Pro Bowl appearance in the entire unit, and that belongs to SS Yeremiah Bell, who got his berth last season. Bell has eight tackles in the preseason, looking to build off a 2009 campaign in which he totaled 114 tackles and three interceptions. sport - Yeremiah Bell - Pro Bowl - Season - NFL - A Special Offer From Our Sponsor
- Fletcher excited about 2010
During a preseason luncheon, LB London Fletcher was acknowledged as the Redskins' Defensive Player of the Year for a third straight season. Fletcher was named to his first pro bowl in 2009 after totaling 142 tackles. "I'm truly proud each and every week when I get to go out there and play for the Washington Redskins," Fletcher said. Fletcher has also expressed his excitement for his first season playing for coach Mike Shananhan. "I think it's going to be great times," he told The Washington Post. "We're not going to continue to ride the coat tails ... of past players. We're going to go out and create our own history." Washington Redskins - London Fletcher - Washington Post - sport - Linebacker - Ryans gives props to defense
Texans LB DeMeco Ryans credited increased tempo in swarming toward the ball for the Texans holding the Cowboys' first-team offense to 8 rushing yards on Saturday. "Guys were just flying to the ball," he said. "When you’re playing fast you have disruption in the backfield." Houston Texans - Dallas Cowboys - DeMeco Ryans - Sports - NFL - Peppers more than a pass rusher
Bears DE Julius Peppers almost seemed angry when it was suggested he was a pass rusher first during the past week. He called himself an all-around end and put his run-stuffing big play ability on display against Arizona on Saturday by breaking up Steve Breaston's end around in the backfield. Steve Breaston - Arizona Cardinals - Arizona - Larry Fitzgerald - Anquan Boldin - Dallas not going to change Barber
Cowboys RB Marion Barber is known as a physical runner and that is a concern to Dallas owner Jerry Jones. "His liability is that he will never not be physical," Jones told USA Today. "You have to worry about his ability to get through a season. He doesn't get any 'free' stuff. There's always something happening at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of every damn run." While Barber is a physical back, he has been relatively durable, missing just four starts in two seasons. But with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice nipping at his heels, Barber has to stay on the field. "Barber is a guy that can inspire you when you're trying to set a tone and tell 'em, 'Here we are,' at the start of a game," Jones said. Felix Jones - Tashard Choice - Dallas Cowboys - Marion Barber III - Jerry Jones - Cribbs improving as receiver
The Sports Xchange reports with the way Josh Cribbs has improved dramatically as a pass receiver, there is no doubt offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will incorporate the Browns' special teams star into the offense when Jake Delhomme is at quarterback. Cribbs worked with Seneca Wallace early in training camp. He started spending time with the first-team offense before the second preseason game while Mohamed Massaquoi mended from a hamstring injury. Cribbs continued getting reps with the first unit when Massaquoi improved. He could be an integral part of the red-zone offense this year. "Josh is getting better as a receiver and I thought he did good things as a receiver last year," coach Eric Mangini said. "I think he's continuing to improve in that role." Seneca Wallace - Eric Mangini - Jake Delhomme - Joshua Cribbs - Mohamed Massaquoi