Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Friday, September 30, 2011
Bills G Urbik practices but doubtful vs. Bengals
Urbik worked out on a limited basis for the first time since injuring his left knee against the Oakland Raiders in Week 2. Backup Chad Rinehart has been playing in place of Urbik. Defensive backs Terrence McGee (hamstring) and rookie Aaron Williams (chest), and rookie linebacker Chris White (hamstring) all won't play when the undefeated Bills (3-0) play the Bengals (1-2). Both Williams and White were injured in Buffalo's Week 3 win over the New England Patriots. McGee hasn't played since getting hurt in Buffalo's season-opening win at Kansas City.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Eagles' Vick: '100 percent' I'll play vs. 49ers
Vick practiced Wednesday and said there's a "100 percent" chance he starts when the Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) host San Francisco (2-1) on Sunday. Mike and Mike in the Morning ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter says Eagles QB Michael Vick put the officials on alert about how he's being tackled. Plus, Schefter says the Dolphins could fire coach Tony Sparano if they lose to the Chargers. More Podcasts " The star quarterback was initially diagnosed with a broken, non-throwing hand after getting hurt in a 29-16 loss to the New York Giants three days ago. But tests on Monday revealed he had a contusion on his right hand.
"Even if it was broke, I think I would have probably padded it up and went back out there," Vick said after a morning walkthrough. "You got to take precaution, but this is what I love to do." Vick hasn't finished two of Philadelphia's three games -- both losses. He suffered a concussion in a 35-31 loss at Atlanta on Sept. 18. "I just want to be there for my teammates and hold myself accountable for my responsibilities and what I have to do as a quarterback," he said. "So regardless of what I have to go through, I just want to be there." Coach Andy Reid said he wants to make sure Vick can take snaps without any problems. "Ball handling, obviously is very important, in particular under the center, that's where the problem would be," Reid said. "Shotgun, you can get away with it, but under the center you've got to be able to squeeze and right now that's not 100-percent. So, we've got to see. I don't know how fast it'll come back. I can't tell you that." Vick said he did everything at practice despite a little soreness. "I'm very encouraged," he said. Vick again apologized for criticizing the officials and saying he takes too many late hits without getting the benefit of a roughing-the-passer penalty. "I think I was frustrated because I got hit late and I hurt my hand on that play and I couldn't finish the game because of that," Vick said. "That was one of the reasons I was frustrated. I don't want any special treatment. All I want to do is go out and play my game. If they feel there's a need to make a call, then they'll make it. If not, then I won't say anything about it." Vick got a laugh out of the New York Post cover that had his face attached to a baby's body wearing an Eagles bib and holding a bottle. "My kids were killing me about that. That was a good one," Vick said. "I guess when you sit on the podium and you make excuses like that, then you're going to be labeled a crybaby, so maybe I did deserve it." Though still early, Vick and the Eagles find themselves in last place in the NFC East, as the Giants, Redskins and Cowboys are all 2-1. Notes The Eagles are making more changes at linebacker. After reshuffling all three of their starters last week, the Eagles have benched rookie Casey Matthews and replaced him with rookie Brian Rolle at the weak side. Matthews, a fourth-round pick, started the first two games in the middle before moving to the weak side. Rolle was a sixth-round pick out of Ohio State. "I guess the coaches felt the need for a new body in there," Rolle said. "I just look forward to the challenge and I'm going to have fun and make plays. I'm ready for it. I felt like I was ready out of college."... WR Jeremy Maclin missed practice with a hamstring injury and is day to day. ... WR Riley Cooper was cleared after sustaining a concussion against the Giants, and practiced. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
"Even if it was broke, I think I would have probably padded it up and went back out there," Vick said after a morning walkthrough. "You got to take precaution, but this is what I love to do." Vick hasn't finished two of Philadelphia's three games -- both losses. He suffered a concussion in a 35-31 loss at Atlanta on Sept. 18. "I just want to be there for my teammates and hold myself accountable for my responsibilities and what I have to do as a quarterback," he said. "So regardless of what I have to go through, I just want to be there." Coach Andy Reid said he wants to make sure Vick can take snaps without any problems. "Ball handling, obviously is very important, in particular under the center, that's where the problem would be," Reid said. "Shotgun, you can get away with it, but under the center you've got to be able to squeeze and right now that's not 100-percent. So, we've got to see. I don't know how fast it'll come back. I can't tell you that." Vick said he did everything at practice despite a little soreness. "I'm very encouraged," he said. Vick again apologized for criticizing the officials and saying he takes too many late hits without getting the benefit of a roughing-the-passer penalty. "I think I was frustrated because I got hit late and I hurt my hand on that play and I couldn't finish the game because of that," Vick said. "That was one of the reasons I was frustrated. I don't want any special treatment. All I want to do is go out and play my game. If they feel there's a need to make a call, then they'll make it. If not, then I won't say anything about it." Vick got a laugh out of the New York Post cover that had his face attached to a baby's body wearing an Eagles bib and holding a bottle. "My kids were killing me about that. That was a good one," Vick said. "I guess when you sit on the podium and you make excuses like that, then you're going to be labeled a crybaby, so maybe I did deserve it." Though still early, Vick and the Eagles find themselves in last place in the NFC East, as the Giants, Redskins and Cowboys are all 2-1. Notes The Eagles are making more changes at linebacker. After reshuffling all three of their starters last week, the Eagles have benched rookie Casey Matthews and replaced him with rookie Brian Rolle at the weak side. Matthews, a fourth-round pick, started the first two games in the middle before moving to the weak side. Rolle was a sixth-round pick out of Ohio State. "I guess the coaches felt the need for a new body in there," Rolle said. "I just look forward to the challenge and I'm going to have fun and make plays. I'm ready for it. I felt like I was ready out of college."... WR Jeremy Maclin missed practice with a hamstring injury and is day to day. ... WR Riley Cooper was cleared after sustaining a concussion against the Giants, and practiced. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Chiefs rookie WR Baldwin trying to return quickly
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jon Baldwin bristled at the notion that he's a diva, or anything short of a team player, even though the Chiefs wide receiver has missed his entire rookie season so far after hurting his thumb in an altercation with a teammate. The first-round draft pick spoke for the first time Wednesday since the injury. Baldwin said that he's been catching balls and running routes, and he hopes to be back on the field soon, even though he's leaving it up to coach Todd Haley to determine when that might be as the Chiefs prepare to host the Vikings in a matchup of 0-3 teams. "I'm very eager.
I'm a competitor," said Baldwin, who was listed as limited on the practice report Wednesday. "I'm just eager to get back there as soon as I can." Baldwin had a somewhat-tarnished reputation during his otherwise-successful career at Pittsburgh, where he was labeled by some critics as aloof. Still, the Chiefs gambled on his undeniable talent and imposing physical stature -- he's 6-foot-4, 230 pounds -- and selected him 26th overall. He was supposed to provide a deep threat to complement breakout star Dwayne Bowe, but his injury during training camp put the brakes on everything. Even though Baldwin has been at every team meeting and been a staple on the sidelines at practice, the missed time has kept him from getting up to speed and building a rapport with quarterback Matt Cassel. "It's disappointing not to be out there with my teammates," Baldwin said. "I really want to be out there with those guys, so I'm just doing everything as far as rehabbing and being out there." When asked whether Baldwin believes he's a good teammate, he said "definitely." "I'm around them every day, so they know what kind of person I am," Baldwin said, gazing around the locker room. "They know what kind of person I am, what I'm like." Baldwin's big-play potential can't arrive soon enough for a Chiefs offense that has struggled mightily through three losses to start the season. Kansas City is ranked 30th in the league in total offense, and just 31st in passing offense. "It's definitely going to help (having Baldwin available)," running back Dexter McCluster said. "He can run, he's physical, he can block, so that's another person that they have to worry about." McCluster said his rookie season last year was a big adjustment, but he didn't want to speculate how much the missed time has set Baldwin back. "He just needs to get used to game speed again, but the fast he comes along, the better we'll be," McCluster said. "It was a big adjustment for me, but everybody is different, so maybe not (for him). Hope not." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
I'm a competitor," said Baldwin, who was listed as limited on the practice report Wednesday. "I'm just eager to get back there as soon as I can." Baldwin had a somewhat-tarnished reputation during his otherwise-successful career at Pittsburgh, where he was labeled by some critics as aloof. Still, the Chiefs gambled on his undeniable talent and imposing physical stature -- he's 6-foot-4, 230 pounds -- and selected him 26th overall. He was supposed to provide a deep threat to complement breakout star Dwayne Bowe, but his injury during training camp put the brakes on everything. Even though Baldwin has been at every team meeting and been a staple on the sidelines at practice, the missed time has kept him from getting up to speed and building a rapport with quarterback Matt Cassel. "It's disappointing not to be out there with my teammates," Baldwin said. "I really want to be out there with those guys, so I'm just doing everything as far as rehabbing and being out there." When asked whether Baldwin believes he's a good teammate, he said "definitely." "I'm around them every day, so they know what kind of person I am," Baldwin said, gazing around the locker room. "They know what kind of person I am, what I'm like." Baldwin's big-play potential can't arrive soon enough for a Chiefs offense that has struggled mightily through three losses to start the season. Kansas City is ranked 30th in the league in total offense, and just 31st in passing offense. "It's definitely going to help (having Baldwin available)," running back Dexter McCluster said. "He can run, he's physical, he can block, so that's another person that they have to worry about." McCluster said his rookie season last year was a big adjustment, but he didn't want to speculate how much the missed time has set Baldwin back. "He just needs to get used to game speed again, but the fast he comes along, the better we'll be," McCluster said. "It was a big adjustment for me, but everybody is different, so maybe not (for him). Hope not." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Titans confirm Britt tore ACL, MCL, out for year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Matt Hasselbeck thinks Kenny Britt might be the best player on the Tennessee roster. Now the quarterback and the rest of the Titans must see if they can keep winning without Britt the rest of this season. Coach Mike Munchak announced Monday that Britt tore both the ACL and MCL in his right knee and will need season-ending surgery once the swelling subsides. Munchak called it unfortunate news both for Britt and the Titans.
"He was off to a great start this year as we all know, and he's a special player," Munchak said. "He's got a lot of work ahead of him. But he's young. We know that he'll be back next year." The news couldn't come at a worse time for the Titans (2-1) who are tied with Houston atop the AFC South with a two-game winning streak. The injury leaves Tennessee with four receivers, and team officials already are looking for someone to fill the spot on the roster. Munchak said they will be working out receivers Tuesday and should have a player added by practice Wednesday. Munchak also said he wouldn't rule anything out, but he doesn't see Terrell Owens, who remains unsigned as he recovers from his own torn ACL, and Randy Moss, who retired after finishing up last season in Tennessee, as options. Team sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the Titans will sign wide receiver Justin Gage. Gage, an eight-year veteran, spent the past four seasons with Tennessee before being released in the final roster cut Sept. 3. Whoever is signed likely won't be able to help as the Titans visit Cleveland (2-1) on Sunday, then head to Pittsburgh (2-1) before their bye week. Replacing Britt will not be easy. The first-round pick out of Rutgers in 2009 was off to the best start of his career with his 289 yards receiving ranked fifth in the NFL even though his knee buckled underneath him in the second quarter of Sunday's 17-14 win over Denver. Hasselbeck called it horrible news for Britt. The quarterback said everyone feels bad for someone who has worked so hard and was enjoying a tremendous start to the season. "Personally from the day I got here, he was one of the guys that I really tried to invest a lot of my time and energy into," Hasselbeck said. "He's probably the most talented player on this team at any position, and he could be really special. I think he's showed glimpses of that, and he was really on fire and off to a great start. So for me, all that work, all that investment is going to have to wait." The Titans kept only five receivers on the roster in the final cuts. Nate Washington is the most experienced and is tied for third in the NFL with 21 receptions and 12th with 258 yards passing. The other three receivers came into this season with a combined 35 career catches. [+] Enlarge Jim Brown/US PresswireKenny Britt, in the midst of the best start of his career, will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL. Lavelle Hawkins, a fourth-round pick in 2008, already has matched the five catches he had in 2010. Damian Williams, a third round pick in 2011 out of Southern California, caught only 16 passes as a rookie. Marc Mariani didn't catch a pass in a game last season as a rookie when he was a Pro Bowl returner but has three so far this year. Tennessee currently is seventh in the NFL, averaging 310.7 yards passing per game with Hasselbeck off to the best start of his career in his 13th season, throwing for 932 yards. Munchak said Hasselbeck already has thrown passes to 12 different players, including 11 against Denver. "It's going to be a group effort," Munchak said. "You just don't make up for losing Kenny Britt and think one guy is going to come in and fill his shoes. He's one of those special players that I don't think you really fill his shoes. A lot of guys just can't do what he does. But I think as a group we can, and that's how we have to look at it." That includes the tight ends Jared Cook, who occasionally lines up wide outside, Craig Stevens and Daniel Graham. Stevens had a career-long 58-yard catch against Denver, while Graham caught his first pass this season for the game-winning touchdown. Hasselbeck said they can't magically create another Britt. He also noted practice got sloppy when Britt was out during training camp or even last week when he couldn't finish practice one day. In the fourth quarter, Hasselbeck said he thought Williams was running one route, while the receiver thought he was running another. The quarterback promised that won't happen again and that those young receivers are about to get experience. Whoever's open will be getting the ball. "It's not going to be business as usual," Hasselbeck said. "It's not going to be, 'Come in on a Tuesday and go through the motions.' You're going to have to work as hard as you've ever worked, and that might not even be good enough. Like people have to step up. I mean everybody." Notes LB Gerald McRath was sent for tests on his own knee Monday after he came in still feeling some soreness. He left the game late after falling on his knee awkwardly. But Munchak said they just want to make sure McRath is OK. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
"He was off to a great start this year as we all know, and he's a special player," Munchak said. "He's got a lot of work ahead of him. But he's young. We know that he'll be back next year." The news couldn't come at a worse time for the Titans (2-1) who are tied with Houston atop the AFC South with a two-game winning streak. The injury leaves Tennessee with four receivers, and team officials already are looking for someone to fill the spot on the roster. Munchak said they will be working out receivers Tuesday and should have a player added by practice Wednesday. Munchak also said he wouldn't rule anything out, but he doesn't see Terrell Owens, who remains unsigned as he recovers from his own torn ACL, and Randy Moss, who retired after finishing up last season in Tennessee, as options. Team sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the Titans will sign wide receiver Justin Gage. Gage, an eight-year veteran, spent the past four seasons with Tennessee before being released in the final roster cut Sept. 3. Whoever is signed likely won't be able to help as the Titans visit Cleveland (2-1) on Sunday, then head to Pittsburgh (2-1) before their bye week. Replacing Britt will not be easy. The first-round pick out of Rutgers in 2009 was off to the best start of his career with his 289 yards receiving ranked fifth in the NFL even though his knee buckled underneath him in the second quarter of Sunday's 17-14 win over Denver. Hasselbeck called it horrible news for Britt. The quarterback said everyone feels bad for someone who has worked so hard and was enjoying a tremendous start to the season. "Personally from the day I got here, he was one of the guys that I really tried to invest a lot of my time and energy into," Hasselbeck said. "He's probably the most talented player on this team at any position, and he could be really special. I think he's showed glimpses of that, and he was really on fire and off to a great start. So for me, all that work, all that investment is going to have to wait." The Titans kept only five receivers on the roster in the final cuts. Nate Washington is the most experienced and is tied for third in the NFL with 21 receptions and 12th with 258 yards passing. The other three receivers came into this season with a combined 35 career catches. [+] Enlarge Jim Brown/US PresswireKenny Britt, in the midst of the best start of his career, will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL. Lavelle Hawkins, a fourth-round pick in 2008, already has matched the five catches he had in 2010. Damian Williams, a third round pick in 2011 out of Southern California, caught only 16 passes as a rookie. Marc Mariani didn't catch a pass in a game last season as a rookie when he was a Pro Bowl returner but has three so far this year. Tennessee currently is seventh in the NFL, averaging 310.7 yards passing per game with Hasselbeck off to the best start of his career in his 13th season, throwing for 932 yards. Munchak said Hasselbeck already has thrown passes to 12 different players, including 11 against Denver. "It's going to be a group effort," Munchak said. "You just don't make up for losing Kenny Britt and think one guy is going to come in and fill his shoes. He's one of those special players that I don't think you really fill his shoes. A lot of guys just can't do what he does. But I think as a group we can, and that's how we have to look at it." That includes the tight ends Jared Cook, who occasionally lines up wide outside, Craig Stevens and Daniel Graham. Stevens had a career-long 58-yard catch against Denver, while Graham caught his first pass this season for the game-winning touchdown. Hasselbeck said they can't magically create another Britt. He also noted practice got sloppy when Britt was out during training camp or even last week when he couldn't finish practice one day. In the fourth quarter, Hasselbeck said he thought Williams was running one route, while the receiver thought he was running another. The quarterback promised that won't happen again and that those young receivers are about to get experience. Whoever's open will be getting the ball. "It's not going to be business as usual," Hasselbeck said. "It's not going to be, 'Come in on a Tuesday and go through the motions.' You're going to have to work as hard as you've ever worked, and that might not even be good enough. Like people have to step up. I mean everybody." Notes LB Gerald McRath was sent for tests on his own knee Monday after he came in still feeling some soreness. He left the game late after falling on his knee awkwardly. But Munchak said they just want to make sure McRath is OK. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Peyton stands on Colts sideline during warmups
INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts quarterback Peyton Manning made his first appearance in front of his home fans in nearly a month. During Sunday night's pregame warmups, Manning stood next to offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen as he threw passes to Dallas Clark. Manning then walked over to another receiver, Austin Collie, and slapped hands with his teammate. Manning's last appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium was Aug. 26 when he dressed in the same khaki slacks and blue-and-white golf shirt for a preseason game.
The four-time MVP has missed all three games this season after having neck surgery May 23 and another surgery Sept. 8. He was in the coaches' booth for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The four-time MVP has missed all three games this season after having neck surgery May 23 and another surgery Sept. 8. He was in the coaches' booth for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Source: Benson files NLRB complaint vs. NFLPA
Benson filed the charge, first reported by ProFootballTalk.com, over an Aug. 4 agreement the union made with the NFL that allowed eight players to be disciplined by the league for conduct during the league's lockout. The source told ESPN's Mortensen that as part of that agreement, 25 players were made exempt from discipline for conduct during the work stoppage. Among his arguments, Benson claims that since the NFLPA wasn't a union after decertifying during the lockout it had no right to make an agreement with the league on players who could be disciplined. However, the NFLPA reformed as a union before the side agreement.
The NFLPA also is emphasizing it never abandoned the right to challenge any discipline. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib and Benson headlined the list, according to Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! also listed New England Patriots defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Underwood and defensive end Johnny Jolly and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Clark Haggans on the report. George Atallah, NFLPA assistant executive director, sent this email to ESPN.com on Saturday night: "We believe that no player should be subjected to discipline for incidents occurring during the lockout. The NFL and the NFLPA signed a side letter to the CBA that resolved and absolved the overwhelming majority of players of conduct related issues. We retain all of our rights and ability to challenge any player discipline related to incidents occurring during the lockout." Among those named by Yahoo! Sports, only Benson is facing league discipline. Sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Thursday that Benson is facing a three-game suspension for two misdemeanor assault cases that landed him in jail for five days. Benson will have an appeal hearing Tuesday with the NFL to determine his fate, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton on Thursday. Perhaps preparing for Benson's absence, the Bengals will work out running back Larry Johnson, who recently was cut by the Miami Dolphins, on Tuesday, a league source told ESPN's Schefter. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The NFLPA also is emphasizing it never abandoned the right to challenge any discipline. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib and Benson headlined the list, according to Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! also listed New England Patriots defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Underwood and defensive end Johnny Jolly and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Clark Haggans on the report. George Atallah, NFLPA assistant executive director, sent this email to ESPN.com on Saturday night: "We believe that no player should be subjected to discipline for incidents occurring during the lockout. The NFL and the NFLPA signed a side letter to the CBA that resolved and absolved the overwhelming majority of players of conduct related issues. We retain all of our rights and ability to challenge any player discipline related to incidents occurring during the lockout." Among those named by Yahoo! Sports, only Benson is facing league discipline. Sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Thursday that Benson is facing a three-game suspension for two misdemeanor assault cases that landed him in jail for five days. Benson will have an appeal hearing Tuesday with the NFL to determine his fate, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton on Thursday. Perhaps preparing for Benson's absence, the Bengals will work out running back Larry Johnson, who recently was cut by the Miami Dolphins, on Tuesday, a league source told ESPN's Schefter. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Eagles' Vick practices again, will play against Giants
"There's no reason to think that I won't play on Sunday," Vick said. "I've had two good days of practice. I'm optimistic I'll be able to go out there and very excited to play." Eagles coach Andy Reid said that barring a setback, Vick will start against the team that has lost to Philadelphia six straight times.
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