Maroney acquitted, hopes to find team for 2011

ST. LOUIS -- Veteran NFL running back Laurence Maroney is hoping to catch on with another team after his acquittal of a misdemeanor marijuana charge in St. Louis, his attorney said Wednesday. Maroney, who grew up in St. Louis County, was among five people arrested in January for possessing marijuana.

Maroney was charged in March and opted for a jury trial. But at a hearing Tuesday, after two police officers testified, defense attorney Scott Rosenblum asked Circuit Judge Elizabeth Byrne Hogan for a directed verdict, saying prosecutors failed to meet the burden of proof in the case. The judge agreed and found Maroney not guilty. "It's unusual because it hardly ever happens," Rosenblum said of the directed verdict. "The judge is saying the case doesn't need to go any further because, based on the evidence, the state hasn't made a case." Messages seeking comment from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's office were not returned. The 26-year-old Maroney was chosen by New England as the 21st overall pick in the 2006 draft. In four seasons with the Patriots, he averaged 4.2 yards per carry with 21 touchdown runs, and 10.2 yards per reception with one touchdown catch. His best season was 2009, when he set career highs with 194 carries and nine touchdowns. He was traded to Denver for a fourth-round draft pick on Sept. 14, 2010. He was injured when he arrived with the Broncos and played in just four games last season, rushing 36 times for 74 yards, a 2.1-yard average. He didn't play in the final 10 games and was deactivated for the last eight. His contract was not renewed. Rosenblum said Maroney has two workouts lined up, though he would not name the teams. He said the acquittal will help his chances of landing back in the NFL. "He needed it to move forward," Rosenblum said. "It's a different situation when you're a free agent." Maroney claimed innocence from the start following his arrest, even going on St. Louis radio stations to say he did nothing wrong. Police said that around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, officers saw three vehicles near Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University causing traffic to slow because the vehicles repeatedly stopped so occupants could talk to people on the street. When officers approached, they reportedly smelled marijuana. Officers also found three guns inside one of the vehicles, police said at the time. Maroney was not charged with a weapons violation. All told, five men were arrested for marijuana possession. It wasn't immediately clear how many were formally charged. Maroney was a standout at Normandy High School in St. Louis County, and has remained active in the St. Louis community during his NFL career, frequently participating in charitable efforts. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Titans DE Morgan has knee surgery, out Week 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Defensive end Derrick Morgan, the Titans' first-round pick of 2010, will miss the season opener after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Morgan tore his ACL in Tennessee's fourth game as a rookie, and he had been cleared before training camp. But the player from Georgia Tech felt something in the knee during the Titans' second preseason game at St. Louis.

Coach Mike Munchak said Tuesday that Morgan had the surgery when he visited Dr. James Andrews on Monday in Alabama. Andrews performed the original surgery on Morgan's knee. Munchak says it will be a small setback for Morgan, who could miss up to three weeks. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Broncos LB Williams suffered dislocated elbow

DENVER -- Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams has a dislocated right elbow that could sideline him up to a month. Williams and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley were hurt in the Broncos' 23-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. Williams tweeted Sunday that he'll "b back n no time" because he's a fast healer. "I'm a supreme being so the recovery is cut in half," he wrote.

The versatile Williams has led the Broncos in tackles in three of the last four seasons, and his teammates said they expect him to work on getting back as hard as he works on the football field. "It's unfortunate because he's one of our leaders," Champ Bailey said. "But you've got to just keep on ticking and he knows that. He's going to do whatever he can to get back as soon as possible. He's got to make sure he takes care of himself." Williams left the stadium after the game in a sling with his right arm heavily taped from his wrist to his biceps. Bunkley, who said he wasn't seriously injured, was cut-blocked by Seattle guard Robert Gallery, but declined to call out Gallery for a cheap shot. "It's the game, man," Bunkley said. "We're in the trenches, and things like that are going to happen. I'm not going to say anything is dirty. That's just the way the game is played." Safety Brian Dawkins said he hopes to get both Williams and Bunkley back by the Sept. 12 season opener. "There's a next-man-up mentality but you definitely miss those guys when they go down," he said. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Newton to start Panthers' final preseason game

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera stopped short of naming rookie Cam Newton as his opening-day quarterback as he addressed the Charlotte media after Saturday's practice. Rivera did say Newton will start the final preseason game. "The big thing is to continue to see how he handles everything," Rivera said. "We have to really study him and watch him. We have to make sure he's progressing in the right direction.

This is a very sincere thing for us. We don't want to just say, 'Hey, you're the guy,' and walk away from it. At the same time, we want him to understand that he is working towards being our guy." All indications are Newton will be the starter when the Panthers open their regular season Sept. 11 at Arizona. Second-year pro Jimmy Clausen has a knee injury and Derek Anderson is viewed by the coaching staff as nothing more than a backup. The No. 1 overall pick in the April draft and last season's Heisman Trophy winner, Newton could become the first Carolina rookie quarterback to open the season as the starter since Chris Weinke in 2001, when the Panthers went 1-15. Although the lockout prevented Newton from getting offseason work under the guidance of the coaching staff, the team's plan entering training camp was to open the regular season with Newton as the starter, as long as he did not have a disastrous preseason and training camp. The team let Clausen start the first preseason game, but gave Newton significantly more playing time. Newton has started the last two preseason games. The coaches have been pleased with what Newton has shown in practices. His performance in the preseason has been less than spectacular and his accuracy has not been good. Newton has completed 21 of 52 (40.4 percent) passes for 275 yards and no touchdowns and a 57.8 passer rating. He did run for a touchdown in Thursday night's exhibition in Cincinnati and that was the only touchdown Carolina's offense has scored while Newton has been on the field this preseason. But the team has been happy that Newton has not thrown an interception in the preseason and he hasn't had any problems operating under center after taking almost all of his snaps from the shotgun formation while at Auburn. Pat Yasinskas covers the NFC South for ESPN.com.

Titans have not talked about trading Johnson

"We would figure he's under contract for two years, he's going to be a Titan and we would hope a longer term than that," Munchak said Thursday. "But I don't think that's anything we would even give any consideration to. He's with us one way or another, and hopefully it ends up being on the field." Johnson and his agent met with Tennessee general manager Mike Reinfeldt in Nashville on Wednesday and then the running back to Orlando. The running back teased on Twitter that he would update the status of talks between his agent, Joel Segal, and the Titans after his workout. But the three-year veteran later tweeted that he had been advised not to say anything.

"I'll give everyone update when the time is right," Johnson tweeted. The Titans say they want to make him the highest paid running back in NFL history. Johnson reportedly wants more than $35 million guaranteed and $13 million per year. Reinfeldt left practice early Thursday and has declined to talk to reporters aside from a statement Wednesday calling the meeting "beneficial." Reinfeldt also said he would talk to Segal in a day or so. Johnson did not return text messages from The Associated Press. But the three-time Pro Bowler told The Tennessean he and his agent were reviewing what the Titans said and are taking it "one day at a time." That could mean Segal is preparing a counteroffer for the Titans. Time is running out with the Titans opening the season Sept. 11 at Jacksonville. Javon Ringer, the only running back on the roster who has carried the ball in the regular season, will miss a second straight preseason game Saturday night against Chicago (1-1) due to a sore hip. Munchak is hoping Ringer will be able to play Sept. 1 in the preseason finale against New Orleans, but rookie Jamie Harper, a fourth-round pick out of Clemson, is set to get his second consecutive start. The longer talks go between Johnson and the Titans, Tennessee will move closer to possibly adding a veteran running back. Munchak said he's sure Reinfeldt and Ruston Webster, vice president of player personnel, are studying options, which will grow with cuts over the next week. Munchak isn't sure when such a move would have to be made. "It's something where you're always being aware of what's out there in case this would grow into an uglier situation than we'd hoped," Munchak said. Game notes WR Kenny Britt (quad/hamstring) will not play Saturday night, and Munchak said he expects the receiver to play longer Sept. 1 against New Orleans. OL Troy Kropog (knee) also won't play along with DE Jason Jones (left knee) DE Derrick Morgan (left knee). Rookie OL Byron Stingily (back) and OL Kevin Matthews (right ankle) may play. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Bills reach contract extension with DT Williams

The Buffalo Bills and defensive tackle Kyle Williams have agreed to a contract extension. The team did not disclose terms, but sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter it is a six-year, $39 million deal with $17 million guaranteed. Williams has been a starter since his rookie season in 2006, when the Bills drafted him in the fifth round out of LSU. The extension restructures the final two years of Williams' existing contract, and locks him up through 2016. Though comparatively undersized among NFL defensive tackles, the 6-foot-1, 300-pound Williams has been the Bills most consistent and reliable defensive player.

He's missed two games, in 2009 due to a knee injury. Williams had a career-high and team-leading 5½ sacks. That was good enough to earn his first Pro Bowl appearance despite playing on one of the NFL's worst defenses. He was selected as a first alternate and then added to the AFC team to replace injured Oakland Raiders lineman Richard Seymour. Overall, he has 13½ sacks in 78 games. Williams will get help this season playing alongside rookie first-round pick Marcell Dareus on a revamped defense that also features pass-rushing specialist, linebacker Shawne Merriman. "This is where I want to be," Williams said on Aug. 17. "I feel like we've got a chance, and we're moving in the right direction. We've got some good players here, and I want to see what I've started here through." Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Johnson says deal with Titans not any closer

Johnson has said he will not report until he gets a new deal. He has two years left on his contract and missed all of the Titans' camp, which wrapped Monday. Johnson told The (Nashville) Tennessean that he and the team "are not seeing eye-to-eye right now" regarding his contract demands. He told the newspaper that he will continue to prepare for the 2011 season apart from his teammates, for now. "Basically my plan is to continue to handle my part and let (agent) Joel (Segal) handle his part,'' Johnson told The Tennessean.

"All I can do is continue to work out and stay in shape. From them seeing me yesterday, (GM Mike Reinfeldt) knows I am in great shape, and he said 'you're looking good' and things like that. All I can do right now is keep working out and keep waiting." Despite the stalemate, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that Titans head coach Mike Munchak said Thursday that his team will not trade Johnson. Reinfeldt and Vin Marino, the Titans' vice president of football administration, met Wednesday morning with Johnson and Segal. Reinfeldt said in a statement he felt it was important to meet face to face. "I'm not sure there was any progress made, but I do think it was beneficial to meet. We were able to discuss several different elements of a potential contract, but there was no agreement on those topics," Reinfeldt said. "I do expect to have another conversation with Joel in the next day or so to discuss things further." The Titans and Johnson have been far apart on an extension, even though Tennessee officials have said they are ready to make the three-time Pro Bowler the highest-paid running back in NFL history. However, sources have told ESPN NFL Insider that Johnson wishes to be paid as one of the top playermakers -- not just running backs -- in the NFL. League sources have told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that Johnson is seeking a deal that would pay him $39 million in the first three years, a $13 million average, which would place him in that elite status he is seeking beyond the running back market. Johnson is scheduled to earn $1.065 million for 2011 after Tennessee revised his contract a year ago to get him more money. His original five-year contract was for $12 million. The running back leads the NFL in yards rushing over the past three seasons and each time a free-agent has signed a high-priced contract since the end of the NFL lockout only seems to bolster his pay demands. The Titans open the season Sept. 11 at Jacksonville. If the stalemate threatens to continue into the season, the Titans likely will need to add a veteran running back. Javon Ringer has shown flashes backing up Johnson the past two seasons as a fifth-round pick in 2009, but the All-American out of Michigan State has only 59 carries for 287 yards and two touchdowns. He also missed the past week with a bruised hip. Rookie Jamie Harper has looked very good this preseason, especially last weekend when he started at St. Louis. The fourth-round pick out of Clemson currently leads the team with 110 yards rushing on 19 carries with two touchdowns. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Colts add Collins; sources doubt Peyton ready

" We don't even know him, we ain't vanilla, man, we ain't no simple offense. So for him to can come in here and be the starter, I don't see it. I think that's a step back. " -- Reggie Wayne, on Kerry Collins Colts sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that although Manning is making some progress since having neck surgery and has maintained optimism, the team's hierarchy does not believe he will be ready when Indianapolis opens the season Sept. 11 at Houston.

Polian had been talking to Collins, who had announced his retirement earlier this year, for several days before Collins agreed Tuesday night after getting the green light from his wife. As general manager of the expansion Carolina Panthers, Polian drafted Collins with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 draft. Polian was unsuccessful in trying to sign Collins in 2006 when the quarterback chose to sign with the Tennessee Titans instead. Other quarterbacks under consideration by the Colts were Jake Delhomme and Marc Bulger, sources told Mortensen. Not every player liked the move. "We don't even know him, we ain't vanilla, man, we ain't no simple offense," receiver Reggie Wayne said. "So for him to can come in here and be the starter, I don't see it. I think that's a step back." Wayne, a five-time Pro Bowler and one of Manning's favorite targets, has supported backup Curtis Painter. And while he called Collins "a great guy," he said he was worried about the Colts getting better. "Who says Kerry's going to be the starter?" Wayne said. "Just because we bring him in doesn't mean he's the starter. He's got to learn too, right? Unless they gave him a playbook months ago, he's got to learn to. "I don't care who you are, I mean I'm not going to let anyone just come in here and just push someone (like Painter) aside like you're that dog now, you know what I mean?" Wayne added. Owner Jim Irsay first announced Collins' addition on Twitter, and the team confirmed the move in a news release Wednesday. "It is a good opportunity to have Kerry become part of the team," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said in the team's release. "He is a veteran quarterback who has started many games and he brings dimension and depth to the quarterback position, which will be helpful. He is familiar with our division and will make a great addition to our roster." Caldwell was a member of Penn State's coaching staff when Collins was leading the Nittany Lions. The 38-year-old Collins retired during the lockout in July, saying "while my desire to compete on Sundays is still and always will be there, my willingness to commit to the preparation necessary to play another season has waned to a level that I feel is no longer adequate to meet the demands of the position." He was a free agent after spending the past five seasons with the Titans. Besides Carolina, he also has played for the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Titans in 16 seasons. He has thrown for 40,441 yards with 206 touchdowns and 195 interceptions and was a two-time Pro Bowl player (1996, 2008). Manning said Saturday he will use the next two weeks to get healthy from the offseason neck surgery, a timeline that could jeopardize his streak of 227 consecutive starts. Manning signed a five-year, $90 million contract in July after the 4½-month lockout ended. "I certainly want to be out there, and it's hard to keep track of the hours I've spent in rehab," he said. "I was shortchanged a little bit by the lockout and I'm going to need every bit of the next two weeks, and then I can give you more of an update with where I am." Since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 draft, Manning has started all 208 regular-season games and 19 more in the playoffs, the second-longest streak for a quarterback in league history behind only Brett Favre. But the recovery from the second operation on his neck in 15 months has been slower than expected. "I have made progress, but I still have some work to do," he said. "When I'm healthy enough, I'll be able to play." Backup quarterback Curtis Painter has started both preseason games and has completed 8 of 16 passes for 95 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. In Friday night's 16-3 loss to Washington, Painter managed only one first down and couldn't get the offense past its 29-yard line despite playing the entire first half. The Herd with Colin Cowherd ESPN NFL insider John Clayton says the Colts reached out to QB Kerry Collins in case Peyton Manning isn't ready for the season opener. More Podcasts " Painter hasn't played in a regular-season game since relieving Manning in the final two games of the 2009 season -- after the Colts had already locked up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. His career numbers are 8 of 28 for 83 yards with no touchdowns, two interceptions and a quarterback rating of 9.8. For his part, Painter doesn't expect it to take Collins long to get up to speed. "He's a veteran guy, been around a while, I'm sure the terminology across the league isn't too different," Painter said. "I expect he'll come in and pick it up quite well." The only other quarterbacks on the roster are Dan Orlovsky, who has played in 13 games in six NFL seasons -- though none with the Colts -- and undrafted rookie Mike Hartline. The only other time Manning's streak was in jeopardy was 2008, when he missed all of training camp and all the preseason after undergoing surgery twice to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee. He struggled early that season before going on to win the third of his four MVP awards. Information from ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Bengals acquire safety Mays in trade with 49ers

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals have acquired safety Taylor Mays from the San Francisco 49ers in a trade Tuesday for an undisclosed draft pick. Cincinnati's pass defense has struggled during preseason losses to the Lions and the Jets. Mays was the 49ers' second-round pick last year, when he started six games. Mays had played sparingly in the preseason for San Francisco. Mays met with Bengals coaches on Tuesday as he started catching up on the playbook.

Coach Marvin Lewis declined to say whether he might play in a preseason game Thursday against Carolina at Paul Brown Stadium. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Raiders select Pryor in NFL supplemental draft

The Raiders and the league announced that Oakland used the 18th selection of the round for Pryor. Oakland forfeits its third-round selection in the 2012 draft. Pryor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said his client was excited about going in the third round after waiting until last Thursday to find out he'd even be eligible for the supplemental draft and not working out for teams until Saturday. "We're tickled and thrilled that Terrelle went in the third round and to the Raiders," Rosenhaus said. "The third round is quite an accomplishment for a young man who had his pro day 48 hours ago and didn't know he would be in the draft until Thursday morning and wasn't able to meet with any decision makers." Pryor immediately headed to the Bay Area after being drafted and Rosenhaus said he hoped to finalize a contract as soon as possible to get Pryor on the practice field.

Rosenhaus has already negotiated a third-round deal with the Raiders this summer with rookie cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke. "We're optimistic this will be a smooth negotiation," he said. "We enjoy working with the Raiders and he's very excited." Based on the rookie scale used to sign picks from April's draft, Pryor would be expected to get a four-year deal at $2.36 million, including a $591,000 signing bonus. A Raiders source told ESPN.com's John Clayton earlier Monday that the team is looking at Pryor more as receiver than a quarterback at the NFL level. However, another team source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Raiders are still interested in Pryor at quarterback. Pryor will be able to practice immediately after signing and play in the remaining two exhibition games. But he will not be eligible to practice with or play for Oakland during the regular season until the team's sixth game. When he was allowed to enter Monday's draft, he was handed a five-game suspension by commissioner Roger Goodell -- the same number of games he would have sat out had he returned to Ohio State. Pryor has said he will not appeal the suspension. Pryor gave up his final season with the Buckeyes after an investigation into the team's memorabilia-for-cash scandal that cost coach Jim Tressel his job. His selection by the Raiders hardly is surprising. Oakland often makes bold moves in the draft because owner Al Davis covets size and speed. Pryor ran a 4.36 in the 40 during his workout for 17 NFL teams Saturday. At 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, he is similar in height to JaMarcus Russell, the LSU quarterback chosen No. 1 overall by the Raiders in the 2007 draft. But Pryor is much more mobile. As a junior, Pryor had his best season statistically, throwing for 2,772 yards and 27 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also ran for 754 yards and four scores while helping the Buckeyes win the Sugar Bowl. "We all know how Al Davis likes big players who can run and Terrelle brings a dimension of size and speed that's unique to the quarterback position," Rosenhaus said. "The Raiders are a good fit for him because they have had an unsettled quarterback situation for a number of years and have worked in a number of different players. Any young quarterback would like the opportunity to go there and compete and be the guy." Scott Van Pelt Chris Mortensen reacts to the Raiders' selection of Terrelle Pryor in the third round of the supplemental draft. Mortensen also covers Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Johnson and Cam Newton. More Podcasts " Oakland's starting quarterback is Jason Campbell, now in his second season with the Raiders after being acquired from Washington, where he spent five seasons. Campbell is in the last year of his contract, as are backups Kyle Boller and Trent Edwards. The Raiders considered drafting a quarterback to groom for the future in April but did not find the right fit. Now they have Pryor to fill that role. Oakland is now without picks in the second, third and fourth rounds next year. The Raiders traded the 2012 second-round pick along with a 2011 seventh-round selection for third- and fourth-round picks this past draft to take offensive lineman Joe Barksdale and running back Taiwan Jones. They sent their fourth-round pick a year ago to the Redskins for Campbell. Oakland could recoup some picks as compensation for losing Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Robert Gallery as free agents. No other players were chosen in Monday's draft. Also eligible for the draft were former Georgia running back Caleb King, former Northern Illinois safety Tracy Wilson, former Western Carolina cornerback Torez Jones, former Lindenwood University defensive end Keenan Mace, and former North Carolina defensive end Mike McAdoo. They are now free to sign with any NFL team. Information from ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Harbaugh confident Niners will re-sign RB Gore

SAN FRANCISCO -- Coach Jim Harbaugh remains confident the San Francisco 49ers will work out a fair new deal for two-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore. League sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Sunday that the talks are going slowly and the sides remain far apart. According to the sources, Gore is getting "very frustrated," but Harbaugh dismissed the notion that Gore is unhappy with negotiations, calling it "water-cooler talk." The 28-year-old Gore said last week he hopes to get a new long-term deal from the Niners before the Sept. 11 season opener against Seattle. He missed the final five games last season with a fractured right hip sustained in a Monday night game at Arizona on Nov.

29, but insists he is fully healthy now. He avoided surgery after doctors told him he likely could return to form with rehabilitation. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Manning's availability for Colts' opener in doubt

Irsay posted his comments Saturday morning on his Twitter account, less than 12 hours after the Colts lost their eighth straight preseason game. "We r evaluating the QB sitch, (hash)18 healing but we must 2 b prepared 4 early season possibility without him,defense has 2 pick it up,big time!," Irsay wrote. During a conference call with reporters, coach Jim Caldwell was asked when he expected Manning to be back. Caldwell hasn't provided a timeline for Manning's return and says he hasn't been cleared to practice. "Bottom line, we truly do not know when he will be ready," Colts president Bill Polian told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

"Once the nerves regenerate properly, he'll be ready. When that happens, he'll be ready to ramp up immediately. It's impossible to predict." Curtis Painter, Manning's backup, has started both preseason games. "Our whole focus is to be as good as we can be until he's back," Polian said of Manning. "That's all there is to that. We're going through the tape of (Friday night's) game right now. We've had a lot of problems the first two games that had almost northing to do with the quarterback. We've got to get some things straightened out with our O-line and our defense has been bad so far." Polian gave no indication whether another veteran quarterback was under consideration. As to Irsay's public tweets about suggestions about a veteran backup quarterback, Polian said, "Our owner is the owner. I can't speak to that." Former Colts backup Jim Sorgi is a free agent should the team opt to sign another quarterback. Sorgi lives in Indianapolis but has not been contacted by the Colts. He spent 2010 with the New York Giants but missed the season when he suffered a preseason injury that required surgery on a torn capsule and labrum in his shoulder. He began throwing in December but declined a one-year contract offer before training camp to rejoin the Giants. Sorgi's agent, Matt Brei, said the quarterback was throwing "very well" during the offseason and the 6-foot-5 passer had gotten his weight to beyond 230 pounds. Sorgi had always been considered underweight in the low 200s. Brei said Sorgi's decision not to rejoin the Giants was personal and had nothing to do with any medical issue. Another veteran quarterback that is available is Kerry Collins, whom Polian drafted as a first-round pick in 1995 with the Carolina Panthers. The Colts offered Collins a backup quarterback position in 2006 but he chose the Titans because of a better opportunity to play. Information from The Associated Press and ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen was used in this report.

Vick says Philadelphia wasn't his first choice

Michael Vick credits the Philadelphia Eagles with making him a better quarterback. But he was not convinced at first that Philly was the best place for him to resume his football career after nearly two years in federal prison, he told GQ Magazine for its September issue. In an interview, the Eagles quarterback said the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills initially seemed like better options. Those teams wanted him and might have made him their starting quarterback, while the Eagles, at the time, already had an established veteran starter in Donovan McNabb and a starter-in-waiting in Kevin Kolb. That was well before the Eagles traded McNabb and Kolb got hurt, setting the stage for Vick's remarkable comeback.

"I think I can say this now, because it's not going to hurt anybody's feelings, and it's the truth ... I didn't want to come to Philadelphia," Vick told the magazine. "Being the third-team quarterback is nothing to smile about. Cincinnati and Buffalo were better options." But Vick was convinced, after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell and other NFL officials, that the Eagles were the best choice. "And I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation," Vick told the magazine. Vick clarified what he told GQ after the Eagles' 24-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. "I wanted to be with (coach Andy Reid)," Vick said. "I knew that I was going to have to sit, but I knew it was going to pay great dividends for me. I couldn't see it at the time, but that goes to show how much I know because of how things worked out. I'm glad to be an Eagle and hopefully I will be for a long time." NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, in a statement, said the league did not guide Vick to the Eagles. "Michael Vick's decision on where to play to put himself in the best position to succeed was entirely his own," Aiello said. "Commissioner Goodell obviously met and spoke to Michael and his representatives as part of his decision on whether to reinstate Michael and on what terms. But the commissioner would never steer players to or away from particular teams and did not do so in this case." Vick told GQ he was always confident in his athletic ability to play quarterback. But it was in Philadelphia where he became a better football player, he said. "The problem was that I wasn't given the liberty to do certain things when I was young. The reason I became a better player was because I came to Philly," he said. In the GQ interview and in another with ESPN The Magazine, for issues scheduled to go on sale Aug. 24, Vick said he needed a change of scenery after six years with the Atlanta Falcons, the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2001 from Virginia Tech. "I had lost confidence and was losing my love of the game. Football wasn't fun anymore," Vick told ESPN The Magazine. "If I had stayed in Atlanta, I'd be a year or two away from retiring." "In the NFL, schemes make great quarterbacks," he added in the ESPN The Magazine interview. "I love Atlanta, but I wish now I would have been drafted by the Eagles." It has been widely presumed that Vick's 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to financing a dogfighting ring altered his perspective. But Vick told GQ that prison wasn't where he decided to make changes. "No ... I had changed my life long before then. I was just with the wrong team at the wrong time," Vick told GQ. "I was turning the corner. I was cutting my braids off. I was changing my life. I wanted to live the life where football and family were the only things that mattered. I was ready to do it. I felt like time was running out on my career. I needed focus," he said, according to GQ. So, would he still be an elite quarterback if he'd never went to prison or was never discovered to have been involved in dogfighting? "Only if I had gotten traded to the Philadelphia Eagles," he told the magazine. "They never tried to change me."

NFL fines Jags undrafted rookie LB $20K for hit

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville Jaguars rookie linebacker Mike Lockley has been fined $20,000 for a hit on New England Patriots receiver Taylor Price. Lockley received the fine Wednesday, six days after New England beat Jacksonville 47-12 in the preseason opener for both teams. Lockley was flagged for unnecessary roughness in the fourth quarter. Officials said the undrafted rookie from Florida Atlantic led with his helmet while hitting Price.

The penalty negated an interception. Since Lockley is not getting paid a regular-season salary, he only will have to pay the fine if he makes Jacksonville's roster or lands with another team. Lockley also could appeal the penalty. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

T.O. 'way ahead of schedule' in surgery rehab

Free-agent receiver Terrell Owens told ESPN.com earlier this week that he's ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from surgery to repair a torn ACL, and hopes to contribute to an NFL team early this season. "The doctors said the timetable was six to eight months, and up to a year, of rehab process. Obviously, they gave someone of my caliber a four- to six-month window. Four months is very ambitious, and that's where I'm at now: four months and four or five days out from surgery," Owens said after a workout Monday. "Talking with the doctors, going through my personal training in L.A.

and in Pensacola (Fla.), they stressed that I'm way ahead of schedule. I'm giving myself the timetable of maybe two or three weeks into the season that I'll be ready. That's giving myself a grace period, for setbacks. I'm rehabbing my butt off to get back on the field." Owens wouldn't go into the details of how he injured his knee, saying, "It's nobody's business." He admitted, however, that doubt about continuing his NFL career crept into his mind after he learned of the knee injury, but he relied on his religious faith during the rehab process. Owens said he hasn't spoken to any teams in particular but he'll be ready when a team comes calling. " This is another challenge for me. Another opportunity to show people that age is nothing but a number. You can do anything you put your mind and body to. I don't allow naysayers to deter me from my goal. " -- Terrell Owens "I'm not going to rush into it. But injuries are going to occur during the course of the season. Some receivers are going to go down. I'm going to prepare myself. I'll be ready when the time comes," he said. The 37-year-old receiver said he believes he still can be productive in the NFL and pointed to his past two NFL stops, Buffalo and Cincinnati, as proof. "I still feel like I can do the same thing that I did when I went into Buffalo. They said, 'You're not going to be penciled in as our No. 1 guy. We have our No. 1 guy and our No. 2 guy.' I'm like, all right, fine, I'll let my play do the speaking for me. They had Lee Evans there, but if you look at the end-of-the-year statistics, that'll tell you the tale [55 receptions, 829 yards, six TDs]. "Then, I go to Cincinnati last year. Obviously, they had a great receiver there, Chad [Ochocinco]. I went into training camp a day after it started. I had only a month to grasp the offense," Owens said. "Again, look at the statistics -- and I missed two or three games [14 games, 72 receptions, 983 yards, nine TDs]. This is another challenge for me. Another opportunity to show people that age is nothing but a number. You can do anything you put your mind and body to. I don't allow naysayers to deter me from my goal." ESPN The Magazine's Sam Alipour contributed to this report.

Favre helped McCoy learn Browns' new offense

Brett Favre was happy to help. " Since I couldn't get coached, it was a great opportunity to pick the brain of a guy who played in the system for 20 years. " -- Colt McCoy on working with Brett Favre As the league's labor lockout dragged on, McCoy went to Hattiesburg, Miss., and spent a few days with the three-time NFL MVP, who learned the West Coast system while playing for Browns president Mike Holmgren, then the coach in Green Bay. McCoy gleaned all he could from the-retired-at-the-moment Favre, who won a Super Bowl with Holmgren in 1996. "Since I couldn't get coached, it was a great opportunity to pick the brain of a guy who played in the system for 20 years," McCoy said through a team spokesman. "It was a chance for me to get a lot of questions answered. We worked on footwork, progressions, reads and things like that. It was definitely a positive trip." McCoy is expected to offer more on the Favre visit Tuesday. McCoy looked poised and comfortable in Cleveland's new West Coast offense Saturday night, outshining Super Bowl star Aaron Rodgers and was nearly flawless as the Browns beat the Green Bay Packers 27-17, making Cleveland rookie coach Pat Shurmur a winner in his first NFL preseason game. ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback. Year of the QB � McCoy completed 9 of 10 passes for 135 yards, one touchdown and compiled a 152.1 passer's rating -- just a few points shy of perfection. The Browns, who have spent the past decade in a frustrating search for a franchise quarterback to lead them back to respectability, are hoping McCoy might be the one to finally answer their prayers. Shurmur was encouraged by McCoy's first outing in the passer-friendly system he brought from St. Louis, where he taught it to Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. Shurmur knows it can work, and is pleased with how quickly McCoy has picked it up in training camp. "He was efficient," Shurmur said after Monday's practice. "He saw what was going on extremely well. He was pretty accurate with his throws and pretty solid with his decision-making. But again, once you have what would be considered a solid performance, then it's all about consistency and he was right back on the stick this morning, getting better at some things." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Sources: Top RB money not enough for Johnson

While the Titans publicly stated they are willing to make Johnson the highest-paid running back in the NFL, those close to Johnson believe he should be paid as one of the top playmakers in the league -- not just for running backs, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. To date, the Titans have not made any offers to Johnson. Until the Titans can find a way to appease Johnson, the Pro Bowl running back is not expected to report back to the team, which sets up the possibility for a prolonged holdout. General manager Mike Reinfeldt told The Associated Press last week that Johnson's agent was the first person the team called once the NFL's lockout was lifted. The Titans had reworked Johnson's contract a year ago to give him more money in 2010 and promised to talk to him again a year later.

But Johnson told The Tennessean he was surprised to hear that Reinfeldt said that he would make him the highest-paid running back ever. Johnson said neither he nor his agent has received any offer from the Titans. "Maybe they talked, but I guarantee we never received any offer," Johnson told The Tennessean. Johnson said last year that he wanted a new deal with $30 million in guaranteed money. The Titans revised his contract by boosting his 2010 salary by $1.5 million to $2.05 million to convince the running back to report. Johnson is heading into his fourth season and due to make $800,000 in base salary. The final two years of his deal can max out at roughly $2.7 million. Part of the problem is that running backs typically are not paid as well as some of the league's other top players. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is the league's highest-paid running back at $10.7 million. DeAngelo Williams received $21 million guaranteed from the Carolina Panthers to re-sign this offseason. Johnson has rushed for 4,598 yards and 34 touchdowns during his three seasons. He also has caught 137 passes for 1,008 more yards and four more touchdowns. His numbers have made him one of the most dangerous players in the game -- and Johnson wants to be paid like it. Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

DT Patterson returns to Eagles following seizure

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Mike Patterson, who collapsed and suffered a seizure at practice just 10 days ago, returned to the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. Patterson did not practice, but was in uniform doing strength and conditioning drills with trainer Rick Burkholder and several other teammates for the first time since his scary episode on an adjacent field. Patterson didn't answer questions, but he did smile broadly and tell reporters, "I feel great," while leaving the practice field. Patterson, a 300-pound defensive tackle, was diagnosed with a brain AVM after collapsing during one of the team's training camp practices at Lehigh University on Aug.

3. He was taken from the field in an ambulance and hospitalized for three days. A brain AVM, or arteriovenous malformation, is a prenatal condition in which blood travels abnormally between the arteries and veins. Patterson has played more games as an Eagle than anybody currently on the team. Coach Andy Reid said Patterson needs about a week of conditioning work to get back into shape. After that, there's a chance he could be cleared by doctors to return to football. "(This week) gives the doctors a chance to continue to evaluate him and for him to get back to where he feels he can get back out there and play," Reid said. Asked if that means Patterson has a chance to return to action in a week, Reid said, "We're just holding off on the other part." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Garrard returns to Jaguars practice; back better

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- David Garrard's sore back is getting better. Jacksonville's quarterback even hopes to play in next week's preseason game against Atlanta. Garrard returned to the practice field Saturday after missing more than a week of training camp. He threw passes during the team's morning walkthrough and was expected to take repetitions with the first-team offense Saturday evening.

"I'm tired of sitting around and watching," Garrard said. "But I'm not going to try to overdo myself with too many extra things." The 33-year-old Garrard left practice Aug. 4 because of back pain and could barely walk the following day. He spent the last week working with team trainers, but sat out Thursday night's preseason opener at New England. Rookie Blaine Gabbert started in his place and had an up-and-down debut. Garrard made the trip and helped Gabbert from the sideline. Garrard wanted to play, especially since he missed the 2010 season finale because of a finger injury. "It's been a while since I've been out there under the lights with the fans yelling," Garrard said. "It was frustrating to a certain extent, but it's still preseason. I didn't get too bent out of shape." Garrard said he has a disc injury, more serious than muscle tightness. Nonetheless, he felt he could have played with a painkilling shot. However, that's something he hopes to avoid this season and down the road. "That's such a scary thing to shoot yourself up and numb the pain so you can go out there," Garrard said. "I don't want to be like some of these guys you see that are retired and come back and can barely stand up straight." Garrard said team doctors told him his back X-rays looked like those of some offensive linemen, guys who take constant pounding in the trenches. Garrard has been sacked 117 times the last three seasons and been knocked down countless more times between running plays and pocket pressure. Garrard has dealt with back pain throughout his career, but nothing this severe. He first starting feeling back pain during summer workouts. They settled down, so he didn't visit a massage therapist or a chiropractor. His back tightened up significantly last week, forcing him to leave practice on a golf cart. Coach Jack Del Rio stopped short of declaring Garrard ready for games. "I know he's getting better," Del Rio said. "I'm going to stick to seeing is believing and we're hopeful. So we'll let those things play out. I'm not going to get into predicting when things may occur." Garrard, though, expects to be ready for next Friday's game. "If I'm out here practicing, then I bet I'm playing," he said. "That's kind of my thoughts." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

GM: Titans will make Johnson highest-paid RB

General manager Mike Reinfeldt told The Associated Press Thursday that Johnson's agent was the first person the team called once the NFL's lockout was lifted. The Titans had reworked Johnson's contract a year ago to give him more money in 2010 and promised to talk to him again a year later. But the Titans want Johnson in training camp before completing a new extension. "Even though he has two years left on his contract, we'd like him to go in," Reinfeldt said. "He could go to meetings, get to know the new coaches, he can learn the scheme.

He doesn't have to practice, but it's something we want to get done. "Again, we're willing to make him the highest paid running back in the history of the NFL. That's kind of where we are." The running back's agent, Joel Segal, was not immediately available. The agent has declined to comment during the contract negotiations, and Johnson did not immediately respond to text messages from the AP. But Johnson told The Tennessean he was surprised to hear that Reinfeldt said that he would make him the highest-paid running back ever. Johnson said neither he nor his agent has received any offer from the Titans. "Maybe they talked, but I guarantee we never received any offer," Johnson told The Tennessean. Johnson was the 24th overall pick in 2008. But he has more yards rushing (4,598) than any other running back in the NFL in the past three years; was the sixth player in league history to run for at least 2,000 yards in 2009; and is a three-time Pro Bowler. Johnson is due more than $1 million instead of the $850,000 scheduled originally, thanks to the Titans' revisions in 2010. He has refused to report until he gets a new contract, though he did take part in a two-day, player-organized minicamp in June. Johnson had mentioned he'd like $30 million guaranteed for his new contract back in 2010. He missed his 11th day of practice Thursday, and the Titans open the preseason Saturday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Carolina recently gave DeAngelo Williams a five-year deal valued at $43 million, with $21 million guaranteed. Adrian Peterson of Minnesota is in the final season of his original five-year contract, earning more than $10 million this season. Steven Jackson got a six-year deal worth $44 million, with more than $20 million in bonuses in August 2008. The Doug Gottlieb Show Former Titans RB Eddie George talks about the Ohio State controversy, thinks Chris Johnson deserves to be rewarded with what he's asking for, says the Colts will struggle without Peyton and discusses the Eagles offseason. More Podcasts " Reinfeldt said they already have talked about the framework of a new deal for Johnson and believe the extension could be wrapped up in a couple weeks. Tennessee, after parting with Jeff Fisher in January, has a new coach in Mike Munchak, and that means a new offensive coordinator as well. Johnson's holdout has been a hot topic among fans since training camp opened July 29. Some have called the Titans cheap. Others point out Johnson is under contract and should show up. Munchak said Johnson is missing valuable time. "I don't think things, especially on the offensive side of the ball, have changed dramatically as far as plays," Munchak said, according to The Tennessean. "The running game is going to be very similar to what he has done, just a few formation changes." "But I think it's still different," Munchak added. "Even though he may come in in great shape, you are not getting the reads, you are not running behind the offensive line, you are not making your cuts. "All that kind of stuff is hard for any back to just come back and pick it up. We still have some time here and hopefully he will be here soon." Fullback Ahmard Hall was excited to hear of Reinfeldt's comments. Hall said he talked to Johnson two days ago and planned to call him Thursday night, thinking this latest development will give the running back incentive to come to Nashville. "I think he'll come in," Hall said. "As long as they're expressing they're willing to give him something, I think he'll come on in." Tennessee officials generally do not talk about contract negotiations and never confirm salary information. Reinfeldt said they don't want to poison any relationships. "The reality is you hope those players are with you for 10 years and what you don't want to do is destroy a 10-year relationship over a two-week contract negotiation," Reinfeldt said. "People get upset at some point, we all come back, we're all family." The general manager was in the Seattle front office when left tackle Walter Jones held out for all of training camp, reported on the Friday before the Seahawks' season opener before starting all 16 games and earning a Pro Bowl berth. But Reinfeldt said the new coaching staff is key here. "With his position, it's important he's here meeting people," Reinfeldt said. "I don't think he needs to carry the ball 30 times in the preseason to be ready for the regular season. For a running back, it's more important he's here to learn his teammates and learn the offense. Beyond practice time, he's got the natural ability." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Former Jets WR Cotchery lands with Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with former New York Jets wide receiver Jericho Cotchery. The seven-year veteran was released by the Jets last week. Cotchery gives the defending AFC champions some needed depth at wide receiver behind Mike Wallace and Hines Ward. Cotchery has 358 career receptions, but his numbers fell considerably last season in New York. He hauled in just 41 passes in 14 games in 2010, his lowest reception total since he became a starter in 2006.

Pittsburgh has been in the market for a bigger receiver. The team failed to sign Plaxico Burress, who ended up with the Jets. The 6-foot-1 Cotchery will be the tallest proven wide out on the team when he joins the Steelers in training camp on Sunday. Cotchery won't play in the preseason opener on Friday night against Washington, though his new teammates didn't wait to welcome him aboard. "We welcome Jericho Cothery (sic)! Any man willing to put his hand in the pile is always welcome!" safety Ryan Clark posted on his Twitter page. "Going to be a lot different from the Jets though!" Cotchery is hoping for a bigger role than the one he fulfilled in New York last season, where he became a second or third option for quarterback Mark Sanchez. He requested his release earlier this month after the team signed Burress and went after Derrick Mason. The Steelers have a young core of receivers led by Wallace, who had 60 receptions for 1,257 yards a year ago. Second-year players Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are also expected to contribute this year, though Sanders has been slowed by a foot injury during camp. There is also some concern about Ward. The "Dancing With the Stars" champion underwent thumb surgery in the offseason and sat out the first week of camp. He will play on Friday vs. Washington in the preseason opener. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Tebow a happy camper despite his many critics

"I just have fun, you know, playing football," Tebow said. "I love doing that, and so when I get an opportunity, just play. It feels good. And I love doing it, so you know I'm not really down, no." Tebow has been the subject of intense scrutiny this summer. Many expected him to be thrust into the starting role this season, but trade talks regarding Kyle Orton fizzled and Orton has been the clear No.

1 QB in Denver since the first day of camp. Tebow? He looks as raw as he did last year as a rookie. The popular but unpolished second-year pro from Florida is still trying to morph from a star college quarterback who relied on his legs and trademark jump pass into a drop-back, pocket passer in the pros. Some scouts thought it could take two years or more for Tebow to make the transition from combination college quarterback to prototypical pocket passer. Others argued his success in college, his passion for football and his work ethic would make the transition smoother and shorter. John Elway, the Broncos' Hall of Fame quarterback and chief of football operations, has said Tebow is a great athlete who needs to become a great quarterback, and that starts with becoming a pocket passer. So, Tebow worked all offseason taking snaps under center and getting out of his comfort zone in the shotgun, but the lockout hurt him immensely. He wasn't able to augment his notorious work ethic with coaching tips from the new regime until two weeks ago. Tebow still has flaws in his footwork and his throwing mechanics and decision-making which render many of his passes wildly incomplete and arm his critics with fresh material. In the face of tough times and constant criticism, Tebow said he's keeping his head up. He used the word "fun" 11 times in a 5½-minute chat with reporters coming off the field Wednesday. "Am I having fun? I am having fun," he said. "I enjoy playing this game." Listed as Orton's primary backup on the first depth chart, Tebow said he expects to be the second Broncos quarterback to play in Denver's preseason opener at Dallas on Thursday night. "I want to have fun because I'm playing the game I love. But also to compete, try to be able to put some drives in the end zone, because that's ultimately your goal, and then just execute the offense, right audibles, right 'hots,' right sights, right checks and just lead the guys out there and have fun doing it," Tebow said. Scott Van Pelt 104.3 The Fan's Brandon Krizstal dishes on the quarterback controversy in Broncos camp. Plus, Kriztal says the defense is going to be much better starting with their pass rush. More Podcasts " Tebow said he hasn't been given an indication about how many snaps he'll get. Tebow's supporters suggest the true evaluation of Tebow should come in competition because he's always been a "gamer" who steps up and shines on game day even if his practices are spotty. "Well, everything counts: practice, meeting, walkthrough, but I think there's a little extra credit in games because that's when the people are watching," Tebow said. "That's when the pressure's on. And that's when you really have to step up and see if you can cut it or not." Tebow said he's eager to face the Cowboys and show the progress he's made as a pocket passer. Tebow's improvisational skills worked in his favor at Florida but have provided mixed results in the NFL, where he suffered bruised ribs on a touchdown run in last year's preseason. He did run for six scores last year while throwing for six more. Yet, Tebow demurred when asked if live action is how he can showcase his entire skill set. "Well, yeah, I think some. But also I don't think that's something that I necessarily want to show, or feel like I have to show, because I want to do everything in the pocket and be the best pocket passer I can be and everything else and making great decisions," Tebow said. "And then when stuff breaks down, then let my athletic ability take over to make plays. But I think that's something that they believe and they know that I can do at times. And so, it's not something like I have to show that necessarily." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Panthers WR Smith hurts finger during practice

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith has injured his finger during practice. Smith's finger was cut, but X-rays revealed no broken bones. Smith, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and the team's No. 1 receiver, left Tuesday's practice early on a golf cart to have his finger checked out by the medical staff.

After practice, coach Ron Rivera feared Smith might have dislocated the finger, something Smith corroborated. "It's one of those things that happens to a receiver, you know, dislocating a bone through the skin," Smith told CBSSports.com. "It's one of those things that just happens. I'm going to get stiches, take the stiches out, and then I'll be ready to go again. It will be a week to a week-and-half. It just depends on how the stiches heal." Smith is the team's all-time leader in touchdowns and figures to play a pivotal role in Carolina's offense this season. In other injury news, starting right guard Geoff Schwartz is having his hip examined by doctors after sustaining an injury during Saturday's Fan Fest practice at Bank of America Stadium. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Broncos' depth chart shows Tebow as No. 2 QB

Tebow has been in more of a contest with Brady Quinn for the No. 2 job than with Orton for the starter's role. Orton has been taking almost all the first-team snaps with Tebow and Orton sharing work with the second and third units. Von Miller, the second overall pick in the draft, is listed as the starter at strongside linebacker and rookie Rahim Moore is the starter at free safety. Rookie Orlando Franklin is listed atop the depth chart at right tackle.

Rookie Julius Thomas has had a solid camp but isn't listed as a starter at tight end. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Roundup: Snelling back to Falcons, source says

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with running back Jason Snelling, according to a league source. He could be challenged a bit for playing time this year by fifth-round draft choice Jacquizz Rodgers. The 5-foot-11, 223-pound back rushed for 324 yards and two touchdowns last season and a total of 613 yards and four touchdowns in 2009. Snelling also has a total of 74 receptions and four touchdown catches in the past two seasons. -- Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com Bradford looks sharp Rams quarterback Sam Bradford looked sharp executing the new St.

Louis offense in the red zone Sunday during the scrimmage at Lindenwood University. Bradford completed 13 of 20 passes for 140 yards and four touchdowns against the second-team defense. He had one interception. All the touchdowns came during red-zone work. Bradford's favorite target was Danny Amendola, who caught eight passes for 70 yards. Mike Sims-Walker caught three passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He had an over-the-shoulder catch, good for 21 yards. The scrimmage involved running plays, third-down situations and red-zone work before an estimated crowd of 6,200 at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium. The temperature reached 94 degrees with a heat index of 108. Texans sign LB Dobbins The Houston Texans have signed free agent linebacker Tim Dobbins. The 6-foot-1, 246-pound Dobbins was a fifth-round pick by San Diego in 2006. He played four seasons with the Chargers before he was traded to Miami during the 2010 draft. He was cut by the Dolphins on Monday. Dobbins has played in 78 games with 16 starts. He has 196 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and four forced fumbles. He played in all 16 games last season, including six starts. He finished with 43 tackles and a sack. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Goodell, NFLPA's Smith sign CBA at Hall's steps

And just like that, 4½ months of acrimony, anger and posturing from both sides during the protracted NFL lockout was over. Smith and Goodell signed the new CBA on a makeshift stage on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Friday morning, a largely ceremonial gesture after the players agreed to ratify the 10-year agreement Thursday night. " There was a tremendous amount of respect and an attempt to find solutions. Once we understood each other and we understood that that was what we were there for, we got it done. " -- Roger Goodell Still, there was a sense of relief from both Smith and Goodell, who shook hands three times during the brief signing and even hugged after spending nearly half a year in tense negotiations haggling over a new way to distribute the NFL's massive revenue stream.

"We're all relieved because football is back," Goodell said. "That's what our fans want, and that's what we all want and we're thrilled that we got it done." One fan shouted "thank you" to Smith as he took his seat, with Smith answering "more than welcome." Following the signing, both men glad-handed their way to the NFL Network's set inside the Hall of Fame gallery. With the busts of Hall inductees serving as a backdrop, Smith and Goodell detailed the sometimes difficult journey to the new deal. Neither pointed to a breakthrough moment in the lengthy talks, instead crediting leadership on both sides for being able to find common ground so the 2011 season could be saved. Goodell said a small group of player representatives and owners did the leg work of putting aside the considerable differences between the two groups and focusing on the future. "There was a tremendous amount of respect and an attempt to find solutions," Goodell said. "Once we understood each other and we understood that that was what we were there for, we got it done." Both Goodell and Smith were vague on the possibility of HGH testing. Smith called it "something to be strived for," with Goodell adding, "We're going to get it done but we want to get it done right." Testing could begin by the start of the regular season, though the specifics are still being worked on, as are several other details. It didn't stop Smith from celebrating a "joyous" day. The process has turned him into a celebrity of sorts, and he spent several minutes posing for pictures with fans before being whisked away in a van. Though the players were eager to get back to work, not every team walked in lockstep to ratify the CBA. The Pittsburgh Steelers voted no, citing the rushed nature of the deal -- the Steelers didn't receive a copy until 3 p.m. -- and the agreement's inability to address Goodell's role as judge and jury for on-the-field discipline. "We felt it was shoved down our throats," Pittsburgh defensive tackle Willie Colon said Thursday. Smith declined to discuss Pittsburgh's vote. NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said simply, "We're happy to be back playing football." Asked if the NFLPA viewed the defending AFC champion's decision to vote against the deal as a protest, Atallah said, "Ask (Steelers player representative) Ryan Clark." Clark said he wouldn't discuss the outcome of the vote, though both he and Pittsburgh quarterback Charlie Batch acknowledged there were some players on the 90-man roster who were not in favor of the deal. Not that it mattered to Scott Hill and Mike Bond, longtime Denver Broncos fans who made their way to Canton to watch former Denver tight end Shannon Sharpe's enshrinement Saturday. Neither Hill nor Bond believed the season was in danger, figuring once both sides realized what was at stake, they'd come to their senses. "It cost the Hall of Fame game, it cost nothing more," Hill said. "There was a lot of stuff in the press to try and get us worried, but until it got to the point where it was actually going to matter, there was no reason to get worried. ... This, this was all made up." Maybe, but the league didn't do quite enough to appease Tony Dearing. The Hall of Fame game's cancellation means Dearing won't be able to throw a little cash into 8-year-old daughter Peyton's college fund. Dearing spends every Hall of Fame weekend at his father-in-law's house on Blake Avenue, which sits across the street from Fawcett Stadium, site of the Hall of Fame game each year. The family sells water and lemonade to fans and offers a handful of prime parking spots for $10. Dearing estimates he deposits between $300 and $350 into his daughter's college account when the weekend is over. This weekend, instead of working during the game, the family will hold a reunion of sorts instead. "What upsets me is not that the game was canceled, it's that they didn't do something else," Dearing said. "You could still put together a concert with some well-known artists and have a good time." Instead, the Hall will offer a tailgate party with several Hall of Famers mingling in the crowd. It's not bad, but it's not a game. Then again, it could be worse. There could be no football at all. Instead, the nation's most popular sport will have labor peace for a decade. Goodell isn't sure he'll have the job the next time a new CBA is negotiated. "I think the most important thing is always listen to one another and find solutions," Goodell said. "One of the things I think we understand is that we're better off working together, we can create a better environment for everybody, most specifically the game and our fans." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Sparano on Favre: We're not ruling anyone out

DAVIE, Fla. -- Brett Favre in a Miami Dolphins uniform? Mike and Mike in the Morning It seems unlikely, but Dolphins coach Tony Sparano isn't completely shooting down the notion either. Asked Thursday if he would "rule out any possibility of interest" in Favre, Sparano stammered a bit before saying that the team doesn't automatically dismiss any idea when scanning who's available. "I can't rule anything out.

OK? So, I mean, we don't rule anything out," Sparano said. "I don't know how you want me to answer that. That'll be all over the news now too, but I'm giving you the only answer I can give you." The 41-year-old Favre has insisted he's done playing football, but talk that he possibly could return continues to bubble. His agent, James "Bus" Cook, told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter: "Brett Favre's retired, that's all I can say. He's like Elvis now. People just won't let go." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Orton getting all snaps with Broncos' top offense

DENVER -- Reports of Kyle Orton's departure have gotten nearly as much mileage as the Toyota Prius the Broncos quarterback drives. Looks like it's time to hit the brakes. Orton continues to practice exclusively with the first team at Denver's training camp, while backup Tim Tebow, the anticipated challenger for the starting job, has yet to run a single play behind the No. 1 offensive line. Team periods often consist of the offense broken up into two groups.

The regulars go to one field, the reserves another. Orton and third-string QB Brady Quinn lead the former group; Tebow the latter. That doesn't even take into account that Orton has thrown the ball confidently and accurately, and has looked the part of a starting NFL signal-caller much more than either Tebow or Quinn. So, while Orton hasn't been told he tops the depth chart, nothing really needs to be said, except possibly an apology for those Miami Dolphins trade talks. "It's out there. It's not in the building," Orton said Thursday of the rumor mill surrounding his status. "It's business as usual. Guys know how to handle this stuff, and that's just the way it is." The Denver's three-tiered power structure in the front office -- GM Brian Xanders, executive VP of football operations John Elway and new head coach John Fox -- have stated since January that Orton would top the depth chart until proven otherwise. What's caused the stir is Tebow's off-the-charts popularity with fans, who clearly embrace him as the No. 1 QB regardless of Orton's high level of play. The other factor was the Dolphins trade discussions. On Day 1 of camp, Orton drove away and there was uncertainty whether he'd return for the team's first official meeting a few hours later. But the discussions with the Dolphins never progressed, either because Denver's was seeking too much or the Dolphins were concerned about having to revamp Orton's contract -- in the $9 million range for 2011 -- into a longer term deal with monetary guarantees. The fallout from those talks continues at Miami's training camp, where Dolphins fans have chanted Orton's name to demonstrate their unhappiness with Chad Henne. "My story's been the same regardless of what you hear," Fox said earlier this week. "And I'm in those meetings every day and know what's said to everybody. Nothing's changed. We've been singing the same song as seven months ago." That is, the competition will be ongoing and no starter named until a clear winner emerges through preseason games. All Orton has done is put the uncertainty aside and thrown the ball with confidence and accuracy, while continuing to win over veteran teammates who might not take lightly to a switch to Tebow if the level of the two quarterbacks' play continues down the same path. "I haven't been told anything," Orton said. "That's how I go about it. And I just let my play speak for itself on the football field. I feel like I'm playing good football right now. I've made some strides in the offseason and I'm excited to get on the field to lead this team to more wins this season." Tebow subbed for an injured Orton for the final three games last season, providing a sample of his competitive swagger and unmatched popularity. But lost in translation was that Orton, despite his team's struggle to win games, had been throwing the ball at a career clip. He finished with a 58.8 percent completion percentage in 13 games, throwing for 20 TDs and 3,653 yards to go with nine interceptions before sitting out December. "Some of the changes that are being made are going to help us in the run game and protection wise," Orton said. "And, like I said, I think we can throw the ball against anybody. We've got guys that can get open and get the ball to them. I think if we can improve in those areas, we're going to be a tough offense to stop." More difficult to curtail are the calls for Tebow, who draws the most buzz at Dove Valley. He's taking the second-team snaps ahead of Quinn, but hasn't matched Orton's accuracy or pocket presence. Tebow and Orton aren't close and don't spend much time chit-chatting. For Orton, it's strictly business. "When you step between the lines, that's your job to lead the football team and work hard and practice like you want everybody else to," he said. "That's the way I've gone about it." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Champion Packers will have White House visit

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Denied the traditional Super Bowl champions' visit to the White House during the NFL lockout, the Green Bay Packers finally are headed to Washington. The Packers will visit the White House on Aug. 12, one day before their first preseason game in Cleveland. Even as recently as last week, it wasn't clear if the Packers and White House would be able to work out a date.

The Super Bowl winners typically visit the White House during the offseason -- although the New Orleans Saints went in August last year -- and NFL officials would not allow the Packers to do a White House visit during the lockout. "I'm really excited that we were able to find a date to visit the White House," Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said. "The labor situation this spring made it a little challenging for us to set up a visit, but I think it is going to work out great. We're very appreciative that President Obama invited us, and I'm thrilled that our players and coaches will get to enjoy this unique opportunity." The visit should be particularly enjoyable for cornerback Charles Woodson, who playfully chided Obama last season for not supporting the Packers in the Super Bowl after they beat Obama's Chicago Bears in the NFC title game. "Can't wait to meet the president," Woodson said. "It'll be fun for the guys. We've waited a long time to get there and the moment is finally upon us." Woodson said he'll "have something interesting" to say to the president, and still thinks the First Fan should jump on the Packers' bandwagon. "He should," Woodson said. "I don't know what he's waiting on. There's good football played up here. He should jump on board." Packers general manager Ted Thompson wasn't sure how willing players would be to give Obama some good-natured ribbing once they're actually in the White House. "My first thought is it's a little intimidating being in the same room with the President of the United States," Thompson said. "I think it'll be pretty cool for our players and I think they'll take it like that. Whether there's some light-hearted ribbing, that will be up to the personalities of the individuals. I'm usually not going to do that." One drawback for the timing of the visit: Thompson said the Packers would not be able to invite players from last season who are no longer with the team. "Quite frankly, I don't know how we could possibly do it," Thompson said. Packers safety Nick Collins said he'll be thinking about former teammates during the visit. "You want those guys to be there because they were a part of that championship last year," Collins said. "But unfortunately, the way things worked out, they moved on, we moved on, and that's just the nature of this business. We'll still carry them in our heart. We know who we went to battle with in the Super Bowl. They'll be with us." Collins said he can't wait to go behind the scenes in a place he's only seen on television. "Everybody wants that experience, to go in the White House and get the tour," Collins said. "That's a childhood dream for a lot of guys. I can't wait." Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop said he hoped to meet the president, shake his hand and "possibly get a picture with him and post it on Twitter." And while the Packers have gone out of their way to say they've finished celebrating last season and are now focused on winning another Super Bowl, Bishop said visiting the White House won't interrupt their focus. "We're professionals, we know where to draw the line," Bishop said. "Going to the White House, or whatever we do that involves last year, we can reflect on it but at the same time focus on the goals for this year." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Grossman set to fight Beck for Redskins QB job

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Rex Grossman vs. John Beck battle for the Washington Redskins' starting quarterback job is about to get under way. Coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday that Grossman would arrive at Redskins Park later in the day. Beck has been inconsistent so far, not surprising given the lack of offseason practices.

"His arm was a little sore today," Shanahan said Tuesday. "I could see it. He didn't quite have the zip on it that he normally has." Grossman was an unrestricted free agent at the end of the NFL lockout, but the Redskins said all along they planned to re-sign him to compete with Beck. Shanahan says Grossman had not yet signed, but: "If he's going to be in here tonight, there's a good chance that he will be." Grossman can't practice until Thursday, under the league's post-lockout rules. He started the final three games last season after Donovan McNabb was benched. Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu and ex-Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden are scheduled to visit Redskins Park Wednesday, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Tatupu, who was granted his release when he declined to take a pay cut, was visiting with the Oakland Raiders Tuesday. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Roundup: Tatupu visiting Raiders, source says

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu is visiting the Oakland Raiders on Monday, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Tatupu met with coach Pete Carroll on Saturday night and asked for his release after the Seahawks asked him to take a pay cut, ESPN sources have said. Tatupu was then cut by Seattle on Sunday morning. It was announced as a "mutual decision," a line that was regularly repeated by Carroll after practice on Sunday afternoon. Tatupu anchored the middle of Seattle's defense for most of six seasons, including three Pro Bowl appearances, and had a major hand in taking the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance during his rookie 2005 season.

Dolphins add ex-Cowboys OT Colombo Veteran offensive tackle Marc Colombo has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins, who again tapped the Dallas Cowboys pipeline to acquire a player. Colombo, a starter for Dallas since 2006, was released Thursday by the Cowboys. He became expendable after they signed top draft pick Tyron Smith. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland worked for the Cowboys before coming to Miami in 2008. They have frequently acquired former Cowboys, including quarterback Matt Moore and linebacker Kevin Burnett last week. Sparano confirmed the agreement with Colombo on Monday. He's expected to challenge right tackle Vernon Carey for playing time. Browns sign DE Mitchell to start The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent defensive end Jayme Mitchell and completed their trade with St. Louis for offensive guard John Greco. Mitchell was acquired by the Browns in a trade last season from Minnesota, but the 6-foot-6, 285-pounder was not activated for 12 games by coach Eric Mangini. This year, new coach Pat Shurmur intends to start Mitchell at left end. He was originally signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Greco, acquired for an undisclosed 2012 draft pick, started four games in three seasons for the Rams. He spent last season with Shurmur, who was St. Louis' offensive coordinator before being hired by the Browns. Also, first-round draft pick Phil Taylor missed his third practice Monday in a contract holdout. Broncos adding former first-round DE Harvey, DT Bunkley The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms on a deal with former Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick Derrick Harvey. The former Florida star's production never matched his potential in Jacksonville, which selected the defensive MVP of the 2006 Bowl Championship Series title game with the eighth overall pick in the 2009 draft. Harvey tallied a meager eight sacks in three seasons with the Jaguars, where he posted 88 career tackles and started 32 of 47 games, playing both right and left defensive end. Harvey started 26 straight games for the Jaguars before his benching midway through last season. He'll be looking to jump-start his career as a backup in Denver, where the Broncos are returning to the 4-3 scheme with Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers as the starters. Denver also traded a future draft pick for Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley. The Eagles originally dealt Bunkley, the No. 14 overall pick in 2006, to Cleveland on Saturday. However, Bunkley never reported to the Browns and he was returned to Philly. Chiefs OT Richardson signs tender The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent linebacker Brandon Siler to help shore up the middle of their defense. Offensive tackle Barry Richardson has signed his restricted free agent tender with the Kansas City Chiefs, who have also added free agent linebacker Brandon Siler to help shore up the defense. The Chiefs announced both moves before their afternoon practice Monday. Kansas City had placed a second-round tender on Richardson, who started 16 games in a breakthrough year for the Chiefs last season. He filled in at right tackle after Ryan O'Callaghan hurt his groin in the preseason and also started once at left tackle in place of an injured Branden Albert. Siler spent the past four seasons with the AFC West-rival San Diego Chargers, where he played 63 games and made 13 starts during the regular season and playoffs. He's expected to compete for a middle linebacker job. Panthers reach deal with draft pick McClain The Carolina Panthers have reached agreement with their last remaining draftee, third-round selection Terrell McClain. The team announced the deal Monday. McClain is a 6-foot-2, 297-pound defensive tackle out of South Florida who was the 65th overall pick in last spring's NFL draft. McClain was all-Big East first team selection his senior year. He is expected to report to camp immediately. New Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Sunday that McClain had been missing the chance to learn the team's system by holding out from Carolina's first two days of practice. The Panthers' top selection, No. 1 overall Cam Newton, signed a four-year, $22 million contract on Friday. Saints agree to deal with LB Ingram Veteran linebacker Clint Ingram has agreed to contract terms with the Saints. Saints spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed the addition of Ingram, who was with the Saints in 2010 but never played because of his slow recovery from microfracture surgery on his left knee. Ingram has played four seasons in the NFL, all with Jacksonville from 2006-09. He started 46 games during that span, with 159 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble. The Saints on Monday were still trying to sign their top overall draft pick, defensive end Cam Jordan, who was taken 24th overall out of California. Bucs re-sign LB Hayward The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed linebacker Adam Hayward to a three-year contract. The team announced the deal with the unrestricted free agent on Monday. Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said Hayward was probably the Bucs' special teams MVP last year. In four seasons with the Buccaneers, Hayward has 58 kick-coverage tackles, including a team-best 20 in 2010. To make room for Hayward on the 90-man training camp roster, the Buccaneers released rookie running back Deonte Jackson. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.