NFL NFC news

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Saints WR Devery Henderson was reportedly unimpressive in pre-training camp workouts.
Henderson was frequently called out by new WRs coach Curtis Johnson and made several mistakes. The former second-round pick should be third on the depth chart when camp begins.

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Brad Johnson is concerned that the Vikings have made no attempt to restructure his contract.
Johnson signed for backup money prior to last season and is scheduled to earn $1 million in 2006. The veteran is not expected to hold out.

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Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski insists the Packers' No. 2 receiver slot is "wide open."
"That whole position group is wide open. Wide open," he said. "The guy that really wants that position is going to step up. I've never seen a man that wanted something back down from competition, ever." Robert Ferguson, Rod Gardner, and rookie Greg Jennings are involved.

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Josh McCown reportedly has "zero chance" to start in 2006.
Jon Kitna enters training camp as the Lions' starter. McCown will battle Dan Orlovsky to be second on the depth chart.

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Kevin Jones reportedly excelled in the pass game during minicamps.
The Lions are expected to use Jones similarly to how Mike Martz used Marshall Faulk in St. Louis, as an every-down back.

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ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the Saints could release S Dwight Smith as soon as Thursday evening.
New Orleans shopped Smith, who signed a five-year, $15 million contract prior to 2005, all offseason but found no takers. Josh Bullocks, rookie Roman Harper, and Omar Stoutmire should compete to fill the void at free safety.

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Brodrick Bunkley reportedly plans to hold out of training camp until a contract has been agreed upon.
The Eagles' first-rounder will not report to Lehigh University, where the Birds hold their training sessions. Bunkley, who struggled to comprehend coordinator Jim Johnson's complex scheme in minicamps, was already behind the eight ball. Jul

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Saints agreed to terms with G/T Zach Strief, a Northwestern grad, on a three-year contract.
The 6-7/349-pound seventh-round pick has the body of a tackle but was announced as a guard on draft day. He'll push for a roster spot in camp.

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Eagles placed WR Jason Avant, KR Jeremy Bloom, and RB Correll Buckhalter on the active Physically Unable to Perform list.
Buckhalter's knee injuries have been consistent. Avant hyperextended his knee in minicamps and underwent knee surgery on June 20. Bloom recently tweaked his hamstring. Because they'll be on active PUP rather than the inactive list, the three can return to workouts if and when they are medically cleared

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Rams signed seventh-round G Mark Setterstrom to a three-year contract.
Setterstrom is a polished run blocker who excelled in Minnesota's zone-blocking scheme as a collegiate. He'll need to add upper body strength to stick in the NFL.

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Saints terminated the contract of WR Derrius Thompson.
Thompson was out of football in 2005. That he will not be a Saint in 2006 comes as no surprise.

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ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the Saints could release S Dwight Smith as soon as Thursday evening.
New Orleans shopped Smith, who signed a five-year, $15 million contract prior to 2005, all offseason but found no takers. Josh Bullocks, rookie Roman Harper, and Omar Stoutmire should compete to fill the void at free safety.
The Saints are expected to release him.

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Eagles coach Andy Reid believes Brodrick Bunkley's impending holdout will be costly.
"It's tough on rookies, particularly at that position," Reid said. "If you go back and do some of your work on the history of defensive tackles over the last few years, their success rate...when you miss practice, it's tough to get yourself in the flow. It just happens that that position jumps out at you."

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Josh Bullocks is expected to be the Saints' starting strong safety this year.
The 2005 second-round pick played well in Jay Bellamy's absence as a rookie. Bullocks is an excellent run stuffer

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Omar Stoutmire is expected to be the Saints' starting free safety.
The nine-year veteran signed in March.

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Marshall Faulk will undergo another knee surgery next week.
The future Hall of Famer is expected to miss the 2006 season. Faulk, who has been adamant about not sticking around too long if he's ineffective, underwent surgery on both knees earlier this offseason but has experienced swelling after making cuts.

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Undrafted rookie RB John David Washington's chances of making the Rams appear good, for now.
It's possible the Rams could acquire more RB help, but Denzel's son catches a break with Marshall Faulk likely out for the year. He'll battle Fred Russell to be third on the depth chart in camp.

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The Rams have reportedly contacted the agent for Michael Bennett.
Bennett has been made available by the Saints but New Orleans is thought to be asking for a high middle-round draft pick in return for the injury-prone veteran.

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Marshall Faulk will almost certainly miss next season, Rams coach Scott Linehan said in a press conference Friday.
Faulk will undergo major reconstructive knee surgery next week after having an initial round of surgeries earlier this offseason. The seven-time Pro Bowler and twelve-year veteran's career could be over. Tony Fisher will be the Rams' No. 2 back for now, although St. Louis is expected to acquire a veteran runner before or during training camp.

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Cardinals signed third-round TE Leonard Pope of Georgia to a three-year, $1.65 million contract.
Pope is a raw blocker with only marginal speed that dropped his draft stock. But his upside as a red-zone target is enormous and he'll likely get a chance to start right away. Adam Bergen and Eric Edwards will be his competition.

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Cardinals signed former Michigan DT Gabe Watson, a fourth-round pick, to a three-year, $1.43 million contract.
Many viewed Watson, who dominated at the Senior Bowl, as a possible first-round pick. Weight troubles and a questionable work ethic dropped him to the second day. He'll be a reserve as a rookie.

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Giants placed T Jai Lewis on the reserved/retired list.
New York will retain the former George Mason basketball star's rights if he elects to return to the pigskin sport.

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Bucs signed seventh-round DB Justin Phinisee to an undisclosed contract.
The Oregon alumnus will battle for a roster spot in camp.

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Bucs signed fifth-round DL Julian Jenkins, formerly of Stanford, to an undisclosed contract.
The Jenkins pick filled a serious depth and youth need for Tampa's defensive line. He practiced on the interior in minicamps.

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Bucs released undrafted rookies RB Andre Hall and S Jahmile Addae.
Hall was local product from South Florida. Addae played collegiately at West Virginia.

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RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) performed individual drills at the Eagles' first training camp session Friday.
"He looks pretty good, but that's up to the trainers and the doctors," GM Tom Heckert said. "I don't think we can count on having him at this point, but if we do have him, he will help us." Buckhalter was placed on active PUP Thursday.

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As expected, Eagles first-round pick Brodrick Bunkley did not report to the team's first day of training camp.
"Our philosophy is to say if he's not here we go on," said defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. "Any time a guy misses time, it's going to hurt him. Hopefully he'll catch up and hopefully we can get him in here." Bunkley is the first official holdout of training camp across the league.

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The Bucs and Vikings are reportedly the favorites to land free agent S Dwight Smith.
Smith played under Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin while the two were in Tampa and Tomlin was the Bucs' DBs coach. At Michael Clayton's recent charity basketball event, Smith reportedly said he'd like to return to Tampa.

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Giants CB Corey Webster will enter 2006 as a starter.
Webster joined the first team late in 2005 and finished with 37 tackles. He'll likely start opposite Sam Madison this season.

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Yahoo Sports reports Reggie Bush is considering sitting out the 2006 season and re-entering the 2007 NFL Draft.
Contract talks between the Saints and Bush have reportedly been non-existent and it's nearly a lock the Heisman winner will hold out. Bush is believed to have banked more than $5 million from endorsement deals that are guaranteed whether or not he plays in 2006. Though it seems unlikely, the theory is that Bush doesn't need the money he'd receive from a rookie contract and would still be a high pick in next year's draft.

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According to the Associated Press, Brad Johnson and Vikings head coach Brad Childress are scheduled to meet Saturday.
Johnson's contract, near the league's lowest for a veteran starting quarterback, is not expected to be discussed. The Vikings have reportedly failed to address Johnson's deal because they want him to be eager to perform well.

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Eagles rookie KR Jeremy Bloom has a torn, not tweaked, hamstring.
Bloom, who was placed on the active Physically Unable to Perform list on Thursday, had an MRI that same night. The tests revealed a tear. "I probably didn't have enough transition time coming right from the Olympics and going to the combine," the former moguls skier said. Bloom has injured the hamstring three different times this offseason and may be placed on injured reserve.

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Bears TE John Gilmore was arrested early Saturday morning after an incident outside a Gold Coast night club.
The Associated Press reports Gilmore was taken into custody for disorderly conduct, trespassing, and resisting arrest. Gilmore was also found to be in possession of marijuana, for which he was also charged. He's currently free on bond.

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The Packers plan to increase the use of their tight ends this year.
The coaching staff considers tight end their strongest position.

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Giants signed fourth-round DT Barry Cofield to a four-year contract.
The Northwestern alum will battle to start in training camp. Cofield received $405,000 to sign.

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49ers signed fourth-round RB Michael Robinson to a four-year contract.
Robinson was the Niners' story of minicamps. The former Penn State quarterback could make for an excellent future third-down back and will challenge Maurice Hicks to be third on the depth chart in training camp.

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Eagles FB Thomas Tapeh did not practice Saturday due to a "freak" injury.
Tapeh, who missed all of last season with a hip injury, hyperextended his knee on the second-to-last play of Friday's practice. Tapeh is listed as day-to-day.

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CB Lito Sheppard took part in team drills at Eagles training camp Saturday.
Sheppard's rehab from a severe ankle sprain suffered last season has progressed well ahead of schedule. He should be 100 percent for the season.

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Packers rookie WR Greg Jennings signed a contract Saturday.
Jennings, a high school teammate of Browns draftee Jerome Harrison, has a chance to start as a rookie. The former Western Michigan star has great speed and will likely see time in the slot for Green Bay.

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Cadillac Williams' role on third downs could increase in 2006.
The Bucs have one of the league's better 3RBs in Michael Pittman but Williams worked intensely with Bucs RBs coach Art Valero on his pass blocking and receiving this offseason.

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Eagles WR Justin Jenkins, coming off a torn ACL, has looked good in preseason work.
"If he keeps going like he has the last couple of days, he's going to make a run at (a roster spot)," coach Andy Reid said. "He's doing a nice job."

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Panthers DT Kris Jenkins will not be asked to practice fully at team two-a-days in camp.
The team doesn't want to risk putting too much stress on the former Pro Bowler's surgically repaired knee.

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Free agent RB Stephen Davis still hopes to catch on with a team.
Davis rushed for 12 TDs last year but hasn't gotten many calls. His best chance would be as a short-yardage back.

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Adrian Klemm (sprained PCL) is expected to be the Packers' swing tackle this year.
Kevin Barry's likely season-ending injury leaves Green Bay extremely inexperienced along the offensive line. Klemm started at guard last season.

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Vikings head coach Brad Childress acknowledges that Chester Taylor "was quite a different guy in the second minicamp than he was in the first minicamp."
Taylor, the Vikes' projected starting running back, showed up to early minicamps out of shape. He goes into training camp atop the depth chart, as expected.

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Vikings 2005 second-round pick Marcus Johnson enters training camp as the starting right tackle.
Johnson, whose rookie season was cut short by an ankle injury, could face competition from veteran Mike Rosenthal.

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The Vikings and the Bucs are the favorites to sign S Dwight Smith who was released by the Saints.

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Cadillac Williams sat out of most of the first day of training camp with a back injury.

He participated in some early work, but the team kept him out as a precaution after his back tightened up in him.

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Charles Rogers began working with the No. 2 offense at Lions training camp Friday.

That's actually a move up. With Mike Williams lagging behind, Rogers is competing to have a role as a third receiver. Corey Bradford is starting

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Brian Calhoun was working with the second team offense at Lions camp Friday.
Calhoun has versatile skills that Mike Martz should be able to take advantage of.

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L.J. Smith will miss a "few days" of Eagles training camp with a shoulder sprain.

Smith has rarely stayed healthy for long as a pro. He isn't without risk, but he'll have plenty of opportunities for catches this season with Terrell Owens gone.

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Warrick Dunn sat out Falcons practice Friday morning.

It's likely that Atlanta is just saving him for one practice a day.

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Ahman Green was one of nine Packers placed on the active/PUP list Friday.
Najeh Davenport's name was noticeably absent. Also noteworthy were two receivers expected to compete for a starting job, Rod Gardner and Robert Ferguson. The full list: Green, Ferguson, Gardner, LB Tim Goodwell, S Marquand Manuel, LB Brady Poppinga and LB Byron Santiago.

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Bears released RB Tony Hollings.
This is probably the end of the line for the former Texan, who was taken in the second round of the supplemental draft three years ago.

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Bucs waived T Phil Bogle, DT Lynn McGruder, and G Jason Nerys.
To help fill the roster spots, Tampa signed CB Dwight Ellick, DT Kevin Lewis and C Daniel Martz, who each played in NFL Europe this spring.

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Lions signed second-round S Daniel Bullocks to a four-year contract.
Bullocks is expected to start at free safety right away. He is especially adept against the run.

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Kevan Barlow has dropped ten pounds from his playing weight of 238.
He's 228 now. Barlow's knee is healthy.

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49ers WR Derrick Hamilton injured his hamstring at practice Friday.
The toolsy former third-rounder has struggled with injuries throughout his short career. He's a long shot to be the Niners' third receiver in 2006.

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Niners rookie TE Onye Ibekwe strained his rib cage Friday.
The basketball player has done well to last this long. Ibekwe is on the roster bubble.

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Seahawks placed WR Darrell Jackson on the Active/PUP list.
Jackson, recovering from offseason knee surgery, failed his physical. We suspect he won't take part in contact drills during camp.

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Marshall Faulk underwent major reconstructive knee surgery Friday.
The surgery reportedly did not go as expected and Faulk will need more work done. Things have gotten bad for Marshall in a hurry. His career appears to be over.

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Saints WR Devery Henderson lined up with the first-team offense Friday.
Disgruntled Donte Stallworth's value is seeing a swift decline. Henderson hasn't been a difference-maker to this point but can stretch the field.

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Najeh Davenport (ankle) has been medically cleared to begin practicing with the Packers in camp.
Davenport, who may see increased action at fullback

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Ahman Green says it will be "about two weeks before I even get back on the practice field."

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Rex Tucker is currently the Lions' first-team right tackle.
Kelly Butler has been lining up at guard.

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Mike Williams saw reps with the first-team offense Friday.
Good to hear he and Charles Rogers are working their way back up the depth chart. Williams was able to see action with the starters because Corey Bradford had cramps.

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Colin Branch is currently listed atop the Panthers' strong safety depth chart.
Branch could be an excellent player if he can stay healthy. Journeyed vet Shaun Williams is expected to give him a run for the job.

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Na'il Diggs is currently the Panthers' starting weak-side linebacker.
He'll compete with rookie James Anderson and veteran Keith Adams to start. It's also very possible Diggs and Adams are battling for a roster spot.

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Todd Pinkston (Achilles) returned to practice Friday.
Pinkston, whose Achilles tendons inflamed earlier in training camp, will likely be limited until the regular season.

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Lions S Terrence Holt enters training camp as a backup.
Second-round pick Daniel Bullocks is the Lions' projected starting free safety. Holt started last year.

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Eagles No. 1 WR Reggie Brown injured his hamstring Saturday.
It's his left hamstring. Brown, a key to the Eagles' offense in 2006, is out indefinitely. With plenty of time left to heal, Brown will likely be healthy for the start of the season. But the second-year player needed the reps and if the injury sidelines him well into camp, Brown's progress could be stunted.

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Carnell Williams returned to Bucs practice Saturday after sitting out the first day of camp with a sore back.
He broke off a big run during drills, so the day off isn't a concern.

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The Associated Press reports Panthers WR Steve Smith was carted off the field during Panthers practice Saturday, although the team says it's probably a strain.
Smith has struggled with his hamstring since June, so this is worth monitoring. It's quite possible he's fine, but Smith threw his gloves in anger after the injury. He got up under his own power, which is a good sign. Later reports claim Smith is "day-to-day".

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Packers T Adrian Klemm injured his Achilles on Saturday, according to the AP.
Klemm, expected to be Green Bay's swing tackle in 2006, was carted off the field with his leg wrapped in ice. Coach Mike McCarthy feels the injury is not serious.

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Lions activated CB Stanley Wilson from the injured list.
A third-round pick in 2005, Wilson appeared in nine games as a rookie. He could climb into a nickel role with a good showing in training camp.

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KFAN sports radio in Minnesota reports Vikings P Chris Kluwe is punting without restrictions at training camp.
Kluwe had surgery for a torn ACL surgery this offseason.

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Lions second-team WR Charles Rogers says he's grown up and become more reponsible.
"Yeah, I've got control of my life," he said. "Probably wasn't doing nothing what you all was doing when you all was 24, 25 years old. Yeah, I've been to college. Some of you all did Jager bombs and all that, too. So I ain't going to say too much."

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Ronde Barber did not hold out of training camp, but the Bucs don't appear to be any closer on a contract extension for him.
It sounds like the Bucs want to see if Barber stays healthy this season first.

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Lions signed LB Ernie Sims, the No. 9 of the NFL Draft, to a five-year contract.
Most of the first-round is being taken care of, with few, if any, long holdouts now expected. Sims is an explosive tackler in the mold of a young Derrick Brooks. He should start from day one on the weak-side of Detroit's defense.

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Seahawks S Ken Hamlin will participate in full contact Sunday for the first time since fracturing his skull last season.
Hamlin is expected to re-assume his duties as the team's starting free safety. He and Michael Boulware make a solid young safety tandem.

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The 49ers have contacted free agent S Mark Roman.
It's a good fit for both sides. Roman, just released by Green Bay, has plenty of experience and could challenge Mike Adams for the starting free safety role. Even as a backup, he'll add depth to a weak 49ers secondary

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Philadelphia has replaced C Hank Fraley with Jammal Jackson at the top of their depth chart.
The Eagles are making a youth movement on the offensive line a priority. Fraley missed much of last season and his contract expires at the end of this year.

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Rob Johnson's passes have "lacked zip" at the start of Giants training camp.
Despite being out of the league two years, Johnson is the slight favorite to be Eli Manning's backup. If his elbow doesn't allow him to throw hard, Jared Lorenzen might be the pick.

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Saints LB Anthony Simmons has been a no-show at training camp.
Never reliable as a Seahawk, could Simmons be re-retiring? Quarterback Jamie Martin has also been missing practices to deal with family issues.

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Brad Johnson will not hold out of Vikings training camp.
While unhappy with his contract, Johnson isn't going to miss any valuable reps. We doubt he can stay healthy for 16 games

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Panthers DT Kris Jenkins is struggling with back spasms.
The injury is considered minor, but Jenkins is going to have an uphill climb to play a full complement of downs this season.

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Eagles TE Matt Schobel has suffered from a case of the drops at Eagles camp.
The Eagles fans have already starting booing him. Andy Thorn, one of the team's most improved players, could battle Schobel for playing time in Philadelphia's two tight end sets.

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Robert Ferguson returned to the practice Saturday after starting training camp on the PUP list.
He beat Rod Gardner back to the field, which is a positive sign. If Ferguson can stay healthy, which hasn't happened in his career, he is the favorite to start opposite Donald Driver.

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Lions LB Teddy Lehman remains out indefinitely with a foot injury.
It sounds like he could miss most of training camp and his status for the regular season is in doubt. Boss Bailey is also out, but should return soon.

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Bears LB Lance Briggs is practicing with Chicago's first team defense.
As if they were really going to bench an All-Pro because he skipped some off-season work. Perhaps this means the Bears won't hesitate to make Thomas Jones the starter again if he plays well.

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Michael Bennett's agent would be shocked if he remained a Saint now that Reggie Bush is signed.
We'd be surprised as well. St. Louis, coached by Bennett's old pal Scott Linehan, seems like the most likely destination.

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FoxSports.com reports Seahawks signed first-round CB Kelly Jennings to a five-year contract worth over $9.5 million, including $5 million guaranteed.
Jennings was a standout all off-season and could be in line to replace Andre Dyson as a starting cornerback. Only 179 pounds, the former Miami Hurricane is definitely a cover corner who could struggle in rush defense

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Brett Favre is currently nursing a sore ankle.
Favre missed practice Sunday morning but was expected to be ready for the Packers' night workout. He'll be on a "pitch count" in camp

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49ers signed S Mark Roman, formerly of the Packers, to an undisclosed contract.
Roman could play behind Tony Parrish or compete with Mike Adams and Chad Williams at free safety. He started for Green Bay at SS last season.

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49ers released S Ben Emanuel.
Emanuel was forced too play all too much as a rookie in 2005. He became expendable when the team signed Mark Roman.

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Brian Griese and Kyle Orton have not been impressive in early training camp work.
Orton has reportedly looked "awful." Rex Grossman appears to be the Bears' clear-cut starter currently.

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Lions TE Marcus Pollard has not worked with the first-team offense in early training camp practices.
Casey Fitzsimmons has been Detroit's first-stringer.

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Saints agree to trade RB Michael Bennett to Cheifs for an undisclosed draft pick.

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Michael Vick tweaked his hamstring in practice Tuesday night.
The injury isn't believed to be severe but Vick has struggled with his hamstring in the past. He could miss two days of practice

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NFL Network's Adam Shefter reports that the Saints will try to use Adrian McPherson at receiver and on punt returns.
He's picking up the New Orleans offense slowly, but this gives the team a reason to keep him on the roster. Jamie Martin should be the team's backup.

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Saints QB Jamie Martin will finally show up to training camp Wednesday.
Martin has been dealing with a family issue. The other Saints backups have struggled in his absence. Martin is the favorite to backup Drew Brees, which should make Saints fan shudder.

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The 49ers are trying to limit the contact Frank Gore takes during training camp.
Gore had shoulder surgery this off-season. While Kevan Barlow has taken more first-team snaps, 49ers coach Mike Nolan says the starting job is "wide open". Considering Gore's success last year, it's hard to imagine him not carrying the load if healthy.

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Dhani Jones is leading in the battle to be Philadelphia's strong-side linebacker.
He's competing with Greg Richmond.

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Jabar Gaffney has struggled to pick up the Eagles offense.
At this point, the Eagles are hoping he can be a solid No. 3 receiver behind Todd Pinkston and Reggie Brown. With Pinkston far from 100%, Eagles fans are understandably worried about their receiver corps.

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Correll Buckhalter (knee) was unable to practice for a second straight day Tuesday.
It's discouraging news for Buckhalter, who was just activated from the PUP list Monday. He did return to practice Wednesday, which is a good sign.

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Brandon Chillar will be the starting strong-side linebacker for the Rams.
There was talk of Chillar playing the weak-side, but Pisa Tinoisamoa will stay there.

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Free agent RB Moe Williams visited the Rams again Tuesday.\
Now that Michael Bennett is in Kansas City, we'd expect the Rams to sign Williams, who is recovering from knee surgery. He could split the backup duties with Tony Fisher

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The Bucs are including more red zone plays for TE Alex Smith this season.

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Keary Colbert appears to be ahead of Drew Carter in the battle for the No. 3 receiver role in Carolina.
After a great rookie season, Colbert was slowed by ankle injury throughout 2005. "He is 100 percent quicker and stronger than he was last year," offensive coordinator Dan Henning said.

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Cedric Benson will miss a couple days of practice with a knee injury.
The team didn't think an MRI was necessary, so it's not a major concern. Mark Bradley also sat out with a knee injury.

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The Lions held Charles Rogers out of practice Wednesday.
Rogers was healthy and had no idea why he was held out of practice. It looks like the drama surrounding Rogers in Detroit is not over and Corey Bradford's hold on the starting job is strong.

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Giants S James Butler returned to practice Wednesday and will be able to play this season.
The reserve had a kidney ailment that threatened to end his season, but he will simply wear extra padding for protection

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Seahawks TE Itula Mili returned to practice Wednesday.
He suffered an injury earlier in the week, but it proved to be minor. Mili could be Seattle's starter if Jerramy Stevens can't get healthy.

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Vikings cut WR Koren Robinson.

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Saints trade WR Donte Stallworth to Eagles for LB Mark Simoneau and a 2007 draft pick.

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Eagles give WR Todd Pinkston permission to seek trade.

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Eagles release WR Todd Pinkston and QB Koy Detmer.

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Buccaneers release QB Jay Fiedler.

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Lions cut WR Charels Rogers.

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Vikings sign WR Todd Pinkston to a 1-year deal.

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Saints placed LB Tommy Polley (shoulder surgery) and G Jermane Mayberry on injured reserve, ending their seasons.
Both were projected starters. New Orleans is in bad shape right now along both the offensive line and, as usual, in their linebacking crew.

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Seahawks released WR Peter Warrick.
The end of the line for the former Heisman winner? He'll probably get one more shot next week.

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Packers waived WR Rod Gardner.
He keeps getting chances because he was a first-round pick, but Gardner should be through as a pro. He couldn't beat out Ruvell Martin for a roster spot.

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Seahawks TE Itula Mili (knee) is questionable for Week 1.
With Jerramy Stevens (knee) also sidelined, Will Heller would likely get the start if Mili is unable to play.

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Jimmy Williams will be the Seahawks' punt returner this year.
Williams is also the team's fifth cornerback.

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Packers waived/injured CB Mike Hawkins with a knee injury.
The promising 2005 fifth-rounder will be replaced in the lineup by Jason Horton. Green Bay needs Will Blackmon (foot) to get healthy.

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Panthers coach John Fox says Steve Smith and Chris Gamble will handle the team's punt return duties this season.
Efrem Hill would have returned punts, but he was cut Saturday. Carolina seems to not be worred about Smith's health.

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The Panthers might reportedly be interested in free agent Ron Dayne.
Carolina can't be sold on Eric Shelton, despite keeping him on the roster Saturday. Coach John Fox says Shelton still "has potential," but if the team signed Dayne, Shelton would probably lose his spot.

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Seahawks activated WR Darrell Jackson (knee) from active/PUP.
Seattle's interest in Deion Branch shows they're not sold on Jackson being ready for the season. ESPN's John Clayton reports it would be the Seahawks, not the Jets, who would likely make the boldest offer to acquire Branch if he is to be dealt. Jackson will try to practice this week.

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Saints released QB Todd Bouman.
He's not eligible for the practice squad, so New Orleans will just go with two active quarterbacks. Jamie Martin is Drew Brees' backup.

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49ers claimed LB Roderick Green off waivers from Baltimore.
Green didn't last long on the wire because he can rush the passer. He could compete to start right away in San Francisco on the outside.

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49ers LB Parys Haralson (foot) returned to practice Sunday.
The fifth-round pick might start in Week 1, depending on how soon Roderick Green picks up the defensive scheme. It shouldn't be long, considering Green used to play for head coach Mike Nolan in Baltimore.

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Saints claimed CB DeJaun Groce (Rams) and CB Curtis DeLoatch (Giants) off waivers.
Groce reportedly was headed for injured reserve, but the Rams must have reached an injury settlement.

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The Bears named Thomas Jones their starting running back.
Bears coach Lovie Smith wouldn't elaborate on Cedric Benson's health or how he'd split carries.

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Cardinals claimed S Hanik Milligan (Chargers) and S Matt Ware (Eagles) off waivers.

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Saints claimed T Rob Petitti and WR Terrance Copper from the Cowboys.
Dallas can't be happy to lose both players to former coordinator Sean Payton. Petitti adds depth to a weak offensive line. Copper could help on special teams.

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Packers claimed S Charlie Peprah (Giants), Jarrett Bush (Panthers), and G Tony Palmer (Rams) off waivers.
The team also waived CB Jason Horton, who will probably go to the practice squad. All these players are end-of-the-roster types.

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Vikings claimed DB Rashad Baker off waivers from Buffalo.
He started a few games in Buffalo over the last two seasons.

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Vikings claimed former Lions RB Artose Pinner off waivers.
Pinner knows the West Coast offense from his days in Detroit. He pushes rookie Wendall Mathis off the roster, but shouldn't compete for a big role right away. He'll be fourth on the depth chart.

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Jason Carter made the Vikings as an undrafted rookie receiver.
The Texas A&M alumnus will help on returns in his first year.

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Wendell Mathis made the Vikings as an undrafted rookie running back.
Mathis is a versatile back who studied at Fresno State. He and Ciatrick Fason are currently the only healthy RBs behind Chester Taylor.

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Alfred Fincher is expected to be the Saints' starting MLB in Week 1.
New Orleans, in a rebuilding mode, would probably be better off taking their lumps with Fincher this season and using Mark Simoneau as a sub. Fincher, a third-round pick in 2005,

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Thomas Tapeh will be the Eagles' starting fullback this season.
Josh Parry was dealt to Seattle.

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Brett Favre tells Bob Costas in an interview he'd be open to playing for another team in the future.
"I can't say it wouldn't happen," Favre said. "If it comes to a point where they do start over and I feel like I can play and they say, 'Brett, if you want to go somewhere else, go ahead, but we've got to start over... If I got the itch at some point, I can't say 'no'."

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Deion Branch has been traded to the Seahawks for a first-round draft pick.

[TexasRed6x]

Deion Branch has been traded to the Seahawks for a first-round draft pick.
That should really help Hasselbeck out and it should improve the passing game tremendously.