2008 NFL Preseason Power Rankings

Rick Serritella unveils his NFL Power Rankings, preseason edition.

THE CONTENDERS

1. San Diego Chargers
The most complete all-around team, Tomlinson runs for greatness.

2. New York Giants
The defending Super Bowl Champs, period.

3. New England Patriots
Subpar offensive line, swiss cheese secondary big problems to overcome.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is the year they overtake the…

5. Indianapolis Colts
Lingering injuries to vets Manning, Harrison, Freeney etc., cause for concern.

6. Dallas Cowboys
Enough firepower to take NFC crown.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers
Veteran team with few weaknesses.

CINDERELLA HOPEFULS

8. Cleveland Browns
Knocking down the door on AFC elites.

9. Minnesota Vikings
Production from quarterback position could make them Super Bowl bound.

10. Philadelphis Eagles
Creeky on the offensive side but defensive secondary amongst league’s finest.

11. New Orleans Saints
If backfield holds up, offense will be hard to stop.

12. Buffalo Bills
Call me a Trent Edwards believer; this is an underrated defense.

MIDDLE OF THE PACK

13. Houston Texans
Will be sitting on playoff doorstep in tough division.

14. Washington Redskins
Team will only go as far as quarterback can carry them.

15. Green Bay Packers
With Favre as starter, ranking jumps up ten spots.

16. New York Jets
Have all the pieces except a capable quarterback who can move the offense.

17. Arizona Cardinals
Unpredictable team who can slide up or slide down five spots in the pecking order.

18. Seattle Seahawks
Holmgrem/Hasselbeck duo run out of gas on likely last run together.

19. Tennessee Titans
Fisher always make most with limited talent.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gruden-led team has chance to sneak into playoffs if everything clicks.

21. Detroit Lions
New offense scheme doesn’t suit team’s talent, defense still a work in progress.

22. Denver Broncos
Shanahan era looking stale.

23. Cincinnati Bengals
Overhaul much needed here.

BOTTOM OF THE BARRELL

24. St. Louis Rams
Still a year away from turning it around in the right direction.

25. Carolina Panthers
Huge question marks at quarterback and running back perfect recipe for disappointment.

26. Miami Dolphins
New regime has enough tricks up its sleeve to win more games than you think.

27. Kansas City Chiefs
Rebuilding phase heading in right direction but quarterback play reason to worry.

28. San Francisco 49ers
Team takes on new identity every year but still can’t get it right.

29. Oakland Raiders
D-Mac enough of difference maker for a few wins.

30. Chicago Bears
Disaster season will be Lovie’s last.

31. Atlanta Falcons
Will show flashes of potential but not enough talent to win yet.

32. Baltimore Ravens
Team headed in the wrong direction in all areas.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS RADIO: BIG XII PREVIEW

* A look back at the 2007 season.
* North Preview: Can Missouri repeat? Are the Jayhawks for real? Who could be this * year's sleeper?
* George Hypolite talks about his senior season, being a Buffalo and his off-field good works.
* Brian Vornsberg gives you the freshman to watch for.
* Eric Morris of Texas Tech tells us what's it like playing for Coach Leach and the hometown Red Raiders.
* South Preview: Does Tech join the elite of the Big 12 South? Will the Cowboys defense allow OSU to contend?
* Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman breaks down the Sooners and their Title chances.
Conference Predictions & More.

CALL IN LIVE WITH YOUR QUESTIONS: (345) 945-6275

Programming Note: In case you miss it live, all shows are archived on our Blog Talk Radio Homepage fifteen minutes after the conclusion of each show.

ON AIR NOW: IN THE BLEACHERS (NEW SHOW)

The All Access Football Radio Network is proud to announce the addition of the In The Bleachers to its Blog Talk Radio lineup. Hosted by Brian Sakowski, In The Bleachers is the longest running college football podcast in the land, now entering its fourth season. Just one of many shows to be on the lookout for during the 2008 football season.

AIRING NOW: IN THE BLEACHERS - SEASON IV.EPISODE I - THE TOP NON-CONFERENCE GAMES FOR 2008
Tune-in right now to hear the first episode of In The Bleachers On Blog Talk Radio!
LISTEN NOW

ALL ACCESS DAILY DOSE

Hot Topics From Around The League.

ROGERS FLASHES CANNON
Packers QB Aaron Rogers is doing a pretty good job in making people forget about retired QB Brett Favre. Rogers is already drawing comparisons to his predecessor with respect to arm strength and his deep ball ability. "He has a cannon," WR Greg Jennings said. "He throws it like a Jugs machine every time.... He can make every throw on the football field, and his deep ball is one of the prettiest. Brett had a great deep ball, but Aaron has a beautiful one." HC Mike McCarthy agreed and also marveled at Rogers' progress since he was drafted in 2005. "He's very fundamentally strong. He's clearly one of the better guys I've had the opportunity to work with."

CULPEPPER TURNED DOWN PACK GIG
Free agent Daunte Culpepper reportedly turned down a one-year, $1 million proposal from the Packers earlier this offseason.

BRADSHAW JAILED
Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw has been in a Virgina jail cell since June 15 after violating the terms of his probation. Bradshaw was sentenced to two years of probation for misdemeanor petty larceny in 2006 while a student at Marshall University. Details of his most recent arrest are currently unavailable. Bradshaw's lawyer had this statement Thursday: "Ahmad Bradshaw is currently serving a 30-day jail sentence in Abingdon Regional Jail in Virginia on a probation violation charged out of the Tazewell County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court," the statement reads. "The underlying charge in this matter stems from an offense that occurred while Mr. Bradshaw was a juvenile. Mr. Bradshaw has not been charged with any offense since being drafted by the New York Giants and is eager to put this matter behind him and be in training for the next season."

KEVIN JONES RUNS SHUTTLE
Free agent Kevin Jones made cuts on his surgically reconstructed knee Thursday and ran a short shuttle in 4.3 seconds.

BUCS WIDE OUT COMPETITION HEATS UP
Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant has been making his mark this offseason, potentially cracking the top two or three receivers on the depth chart. "I'll tell you, Antonio Bryant has really been impressive," HC Jon Gruden said. "We really like the things Antonio Bryant has done here, so we'll see how it works out." Bryant is competing with Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall and Ike Hilliard as well as lesser known players like Dexter Jackson, Paris Warren, Cortez Hankton and Chad Lucas. "We may not be as bad at that position as a lot of people thought," Bucs pro personnel executive Doug Williams said.

AUSTIN LIGHTER, LOOKS FOR LARGER ROLE
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Miles Austin has lost 12 pounds since running a pre-draft 4.47 40-yard dash. Austin has a lot of confidence in himself that he will contribute this season and provide speed opposite of WR Terrell Owens. The Cowboys are reportedly "banking on" one of Sam Hurd or Miles Austin to emerge as a big part of their offense this season.

HARRIS DOES CAKE-WALK
Bears agreed to terms with DT Tommie Harris on a four-year extension through 2012. Profootballtalk.com reports the deal is worth $40 million. He'll receive $27 million in the first three years, putting the deal in the Randy Moss range and making Harris the NFL's richest DT. Harris, 25, will hit free agency again at the age of 29.

DRE MOORE UPDATE
Tampa Bay rookie DE Dre Moore got some words of warning from HC Jon Gruden, after reporting out of shape, one month after doing so at rookie camp. "He still has a long way to go to master playing pro football in this area of the country," Gruden said. "He's going to have stamina issues until he gets himself into great shape. "And I think every defensive lineman, every 320-pound guy, will tell you that. But he's working at it. It means something to him and he's in good hands with strength and conditioning coaches Curtis Schultz and Mike Morris."

TANK LEADS
After missing the first half of the season last year due to an 8-game suspension for off-the-field issues, Cowboys DT Tank Johnson is looking forward to an expanded role this year, his first full season with the team. "Tank came in as an unknown certainly," Head Coach Wade Phillips said. "Finishing the season was good. ... Just his perseverance and his hard work and working hard in the offseason, he is a leader, which we didn't know about him."

WOMAN LINKED TO PACMAN KILLED
Sadia Morrison, the woman who was with Adam "Pacman" Jones during a 2007 melee at the Minxx strip club, has turned up dead in the Bronx. Her friends and family think she was thrown off an apartment building. New York City police are investigating Morrison's death but are not providing many details."We're looking at any and all possibilities," New York City Police Department spokesman Martin Brown said Wednesday.

DETAILS EMERGE FROM WALKER INCIDENT

Hot Topics From Around The League.

BEARS QB UPDATE
Bears coach Lovie Smith labeled the competition between Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman a "tie" heading to training camp. Coordinator Ron Turner called the battle "highly competitive."

FLACCO ONLY OBSTACLE FOR SMITH
According to SI.com's Don Banks, only rookie Joe Flacco could stand in the way of Troy Smith being the Ravens' Week 1 starter.

FLYNN TO STICK
Lori Nickel, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports Green Bay Packers QB Matt Flynn is receiving praise from the coaches during the last two weeks of the team's offseason workouts. "I think Matt has really done a very good job here the last two weeks, and he's starting to play with some rhythm. He's made some nice throws, another big-time throw today that he made. Matt's really made a step. With that, we have a ton of work left," head coach Mike McCarthy said.

DETAILS EMERGE FROM WALKER INCIDENT
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that, according to police, robbers put Javon Walker in a car and beat him up. The Vegas newspaper also addresses the issue of champagne showers. "It's just lighting the fuse," one club operator told the Review-Journal. "Things can flare up quick." Said a representative from another club: "We consider it the same as throwing your drink on someone. When it happens at our club, they are escorted out immediately." Raiders coach Lane Kiffin expects Javon Walker to be "fine" and says Walker's status for "training camp won't even be an issue."

TERRY GLENN UPDATE
Updating a previous report, Ed Werder, of ESPN.com, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Terry Glenn said during a telephone conversation with ESPN Tuesday, June 17, that he wants to remain a Cowboy. "I want Jerry to understand that I know he has the ultimate power in everything that goes on with the Cowboys, and I'm not trying to challenge him in any way, shape or form," Glenn said. "He can -- and will -- determine the outcome of this because it's ultimately his decision. But what I want is to remain a Cowboy. I've been here for five years and I've made Dallas my home, and I would love nothing more than to be a Dallas Cowboy."

JUREVICIUS ASKS FOR DEMOTION
Despite coming off a 50-catch season, Jurevicius asked GM Phil Savage for a demotion. "I don't want it to sound like that was a negative thing," Jurevicius told the Akron Beacon Journal. "I've shown throughout my career that I'm comfortable being a No. 3 or a No. 2 or being able to back up a 1 or a 2. I did it for the simple fact that I think it helps this football team. Donte Stallworth is a guy who's going to help this football team win. I'll be able to go and do what I'm comfortable doing."

BENNETT STRUGGLES WITH TRANSITION
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett said he is having a hard time making the mental adjustment from college ball to the pro level. "College football is a whole lot easier," Bennett said. "Less thinking, less knowledge of the game - you just really just go out there and play every weekend. Now, you've got to go out there and read everything. Man, this is like college times 20."

LITTLE FINDS NEW LIFE
Rams LE Leonard Little has reportedly made a "strong recovery" from toe surgery and looked like his old self at OTAs.

WALKER RELEASES STATEMENT

Raiders' Javon Walker releases statement on robbery.

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker says he is quickly recovering from a concussion and facial injuries after a Las Vegas robbery.

Walker was released from a hospital, but did not say where his recovery was continuing.

His agent released a statement Wednesday in which the 29-year-old Walker said he's in a private environment and that he wants to thank those who have offered prayers and support.

Walker was found unconscious early Monday on a street near the Las Vegas Strip after a night of partying during which he was photographed spraying a nightclub crowd with champagne.

Las Vegas police say he was robbed of a large amount of cash and some jewelry.

courtesy: APNewsNow

FORMER AFL LB KILLED IN COLLISION

Former 49ers, AFL linebacker Mike Dukes killed in collision.

BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) -- Mike Dukes, who played linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and two AFL teams from 1959 to 1965, was killed in a traffic accident earlier this week. He was 72.

The longtime Beaumont resident was killed when an eastbound pickup crossed the median on Interstate 10 on Monday afternoon, striking his truck head-on, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The trooper's report said the driver of the other vehicle was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Dukes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dukes grew up in Kentucky and Georgia, and went on to play football for Clemson.
He began his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1959, then moved to the American Football League's Houston Oilers from 1960 to 1963 and the AFL's Boston Patriots in 1964-65.

He moved to the Beaumont area in the early 1980s and became a businessman.

AP-ES-06-18-08 1048EDT

FUTURE WATCH: BRANDON GREEN

By Brian Vornberg, College Football Insiders

The impact freshmen are having in college football is being felt more now than ever before. Percy Harvin was a great example a couple of years ago, as was Tim Tebow. Both were valuable contributors in the Florida Gators National Championship run in 2007. Last year, safety Chad Jones earned a lot of playing time for the LSU Tigers and made a similar impact on the defensive side of the ball.

In this, the first of a ten-part series, I will look at ten incoming freshman who could pay immediate dividends for their respective teams this upcoming college football season. First up in this series is Brandon Green. The Chicago-native headlines one of the strongest recruiting classes Minnesota has ever seen. The speedy WR brings optimism to the Golden Gophers and their fight to return to the national spotlight.

Brandon Green (Freshman WR, Minnesota)

- Standing 6’ 0” and weighing 167-pounds, nobody will mistake Brandon Green for the biggest wide receiver in the country. However, he may eventually become one of the best. Back in October of 2007, the dual-sport star (football and basketball) prospect out of Robeson High in Chicago committed to the Gophers over offers from almost every other Big Ten school, including Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State, and Northwestern. Green also brought his high school quarterback, Johnny Johnson, to help the Gophers in their rise back to national prominence.

His superb speed and all-around playmaking abilities will give Green an advantage from the moment he steps foot in Minnesota. He first set the stage for his recruitment in his junior year of high school when he finished the season with 62 catches for 1,875 yards and 21 TD’s. Coming off a great senior year, Rivals.com ranked him as the 39th best receiver in the nation. While speed and home-run-hitting ability are his strengths, he does have a couple of weaknesses. First, his size will not allow him to separate from receivers as easily as a bigger receiver, and he needs to work on running crisper routes. This is where Tim Brewster and his staff will need to earn their coaching stripes.

Green knew from the moment that he committed to the Gophers that he would be calling Minnesota home for the next four to five years. Speaking about how he might fit into coach Brewster’s offensive plans, Green said: “I feel that from the football side I’m a good fit in their offense and I could earn some early playing time.” Turning a Division I program around wasn’t the only major sticking point for Brandon in picking the Gophers. He knew that Minnesota was not only a great athletic institution, but a great academic one as well. “I’ll also get a great education at Minnesota and that was also really important,” Green said in an interview with GopherIllustrated.com in October.

And so it looks like year two of the spread offense in Minnesota will be a much better one thanks to the arrival of players such as Green and his teammate Johnson. Green should immediately become the team’s go-to deep threat in Brewster’s offense and should earn quite a bit of playing time in his first year on campus. After all, the Golden Gophers resurgence could depend on it.

QB SITUATION STILL FOGGY IN SF

Niners still cramming offense with no QB starter.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- After Shaun Hill wraps up the San Francisco 49ers' final offseason workouts this week, he'll still be wondering whether he's finally going to be a starting NFL quarterback this season.

Alex Smith also will still be wondering whether he'll get to keep his job.

The former No. 1 draft pick is still in competition with career third-stringer Hill for the top role in Mike Martz's offense, and nearly three weeks of minicamp haven't done much to produce a favorite, at least according to Martz and coach Mike Nolan.

"The pleasing thing about it is I do believe we have three guys that could win a game for us, and that's good," Nolan said Tuesday, including well-traveled newcomer J.T. O'Sullivan in the mix despite noticeably fewer turns in workouts. "I like our situation more now than any time I've been in here."

The competition probably will have to be resolved early in training camp, but Nolan and Martz don't feel any need to declare a starting quarterback early on. The 49ers have bigger concerns and heavier work to do in replacing the NFL's worst offense last season with Martz's inventive, tested schemes.

The installation appears to be proceeding on schedule, with the players and coaches motoring through a two-minute drill in Tuesday's workout with few obvious mental slip-ups. But after the 49ers break camp on Thursday, Hill still plans to spend part of every day back home in Osage Beach, Mo., deep in playbook study, and another part throwing to a local high school quarterback who painted his house last year.

"I feel like it's definitely a fair competition," Hill said. "I've got nothing to make me think otherwise. ... It's going to be an exciting offense, for sure, and we definitely have the players for it. Everybody is excited to get in the offense and see where it takes us. We're a lot further along now than we were a year ago at this time."

Smith, who's already entering his fourth NFL season, has much the same study-and-workout plans for his five-week break at home in California.

"There's a lot new for me," Smith said. "A quarterback is asked to do a lot, to have a lot of different tools out there. ... A lot of this offense is built on timing, and that comes down to trust that when I let the ball go, that guy is going to be there. Anticipation comes with the confidence of knowing what is going on, and then trusting it."

One immediate change noticed by both Smith and Hill is Martz's attitude toward defensive pressure. When the 49ers' quarterbacks noticed a blitz developing before a snap last season, they directed blocking protection toward it. This season, Smith or Hill will be more likely to make a hot read for a quick throw into the part of the defense vacated by the blitzer.

That's elementary stuff for the NFL's competent offenses, but it's a new way of thinking for Smith and Hill. The entire San Francisco offense's inflexibility under coordinator Jim Hostler repeatedly showed last season.

"Watching this offense, it looks like there's a gunslinger back there, but it's very much the opposite of, 'Just go out there and fling,'" Smith said. "Everything is done for a reason. It's very structured."

Martz still is exploring new ways to use the 49ers' offensive talent. While Frank Gore will have several roles to utilize his superb pass-catching skills in addition to his rushing, tight end Vernon Davis finds himself in multiple offensive roles, sometimes in the same play.

"My role has really changed in finding different holes to sit in so the ball can get to me," said Davis, the 49ers' second-leading receiver last year despite being underused in several games. "I'm running vertical a lot more, using my speed to get down the field.

"People say the system is hard, but if you put time into it, you can make it as easy as possible. Martz, he'll get the most out of you. He'll work you, but he'll make you understand how to do certain things."

AP-ES-06-18-08 0545EDT

GLENN TO 'BOYS: RELEASE ME

Hot Topics From Around The League.

GLENN: RELEASE ME
Terry Glenn told ESPN that he'd rather be released than sign the Cowboys' proposed injury waiver. “I was told that I would be released if I didn't sign [the split salary agreement]," Glenn said. "So I said that I wasn't signing, I think we should get on with it, I don't see what the problem is. If I can't participate in team activities, then what's the use? I'm frustrated as hell. I thought it was unfair in the first place."

JJ ON THE MEND
Cincinnati Bengals FB Jeremi Johnson is due to carry a $1.25 million cap number this season. He was made the highest-paid FB in the league in April 2006, signing through 2011. Johnson has ballooned from 260 pounds to 300-plus and Ludwig speculates that he is "nowhere near getting on the field." Ludwig speculates that backup FB Daniel Coats is a better player, and his cap number is about 25% of Johnson's, which could make Johnson expendable.

JOHNSON TO UNDERGOE KNIFE
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Chad Johnson will undergo surgery to remove bone chips in his ankle but is expected to be ready for training camp.

BREASTON AHEAD OF DOUCET
Steve Breaston is reportedly the slight favorite to be Arizona's third receiver heading into minicamps.

FORMER 2ND ROUNDER RELEASED
The Atlanta Falcons released S Jimmy Williams Tuesday, parting with their top pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. "It's a football decision," HC Mike Smith said. "It's a decision we made. We've been evaluating." Williams reported to offseason workouts weighing more than 230 pounds. Williams steadily fell to the back of the depth chart. "I knew it could get to this point, but I wasn't sure it would," Williams said in his hometown of Hampton, Va. "They've been upset with my weight, but I didn't think the weight thing was a big issue. I thought they were hiding behind that. Other than that, there weren't any real disputes between me and the Falcons."

JAGS WAIVE FIVE
The Jacksonville Jaguars waived defensive end Brian Smith on Monday, severing ties with a former fourth-round draft pick who never played a down because of injuries.
The Jaguars also waived offensive tackle Ryan Gibbons, long-snapper Brett Goode, tight end Isaac Smolko and receiver Craphonso Thorpe. The moves opened up five roster spots for the team’s five unsigned draft picks.
Smith was the 113th player selected in 2007, but the former Missouri standout missed all his rookie season while recovering from a hip injury sustained during his senior season. Smith also missed all of Jacksonville’s organized team activities, including mini-camp, because of a leg injury.

SIMS TO 49ERS?
The San Francisco 49ers remain in the running to sign veteran offensive tackle Barry Sims, who visited four teams last week. The Raiders released Sims in a salary-cap move earlier this offseason. The 49ers are in need of a veteran who can play tackle. Joe Staley and Jonas Jennings are slated to start at left and right tackle, respectively. But the 49ers have little - or no - proven depth behind the presumptive starters. The 49ers moved rookie Chilo Rachal to right tackle at the beginning of the organized team activities (OTAs). But Rachal would probably move back to guard if they acquired Sims.

TATUPU PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Seahawks' Tatupu enters not guilty plea to DUI charge.

KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday to charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Tatupu appeared before Kirkland Municipal Court Judge Michael J. Lambo, but did not speak. His attorney, Jon Fox, told the judge his client would plead not guilty. After the hearing, Fox told reporters that Tatupu would not make a statement or answer questions.

Lambo set a tentative court date for July 7. The Seahawks' training camp opens July 25.

Tatupu was stopped in this Seattle suburb, the home of the Seahawks' headquarters and practice facility, at 2 a.m. on May 10 for traveling more than 15 mph above the posted 35-mph limit. The officer said Tatupu was driving erratically before finally stopping at a fast-food parking lot.

An arrest report said that at the Kirkland police station two hours later, Tatupu registered 0.155 and 0.158 in breath test readings, nearly twice the state intoxication threshold of 0.08.

The only public comment Tatupu has made was a May 13 statement issued through the team.

"I want to apologize to my family, teammates, the Seahawks ownership and organization, and the fans for making a poor decision and putting myself in a bad situation," his statement read. "I take seriously my role as a leader on this team, and in the community, and because of that I'm disappointed and embarrassed by the level of poor judgment I used last weekend.

Thankfully, nobody was hurt. This will never happen again, and I hope through hard work on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again."

On March 25, the Seahawks had signed the third-year, 25-year-old Tatupu to a $42 million, six-year contract extension.

AP-ES-06-17-08 1437EDT

UPDATE ON JAVON WALKER

Police: Cash taken from Javon Walker in robbery.

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker could be released from the hospital Tuesday, a day after he was beaten, robbed and left unconscious on a Las Vegas street after a night of partying, police said.

A large amount of cash and some jewelry were taken from Walker, who suffered "significant injuries," police said.

Police Lt. Clinton Nichols said detectives are retracing Walker's activities in the hours before he was found injured Monday morning on a street off the Las Vegas Strip.

"That's one of the first things we do, backtrack what he did and where he stayed," Nichols said, adding that the investigation was still in the early stages. "We knew there was a large amount of cash taken, and some jewelry."

Nichols said he believed Walker would be released after a 24-hour stay at the hospital. A hospital spokesman said he had no immediate information about Walker's condition.

A Raiders spokesman said the team was in the process of gathering information and had no further comment.

On Monday, police Officer Bill Cassell said in a statement that Walker was taken to a hospital with "significant injuries" and was in fair condition at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

Walker, 29, signed a six-year, $55 million deal with the Raiders after being released by the Denver Broncos in February.

Walker injured his right knee for the second time in his career last season and was limited to eight games and 26 catches in 2007.

Walker was a first-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2001 and had a breakout season in 2004 with 89 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He tore a ligament in his right knee the next season and played only one game.

He was traded to Denver in 2006 and bounced back with 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.

AP-ES-06-17-08 1126EDT

T.O. A NO-SHOW

TO missing as Cowboys start mandatory three-day minicamp.

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens wasn't on the field for the start of the team's mandatory offseason minicamp.

Team officials say Owens missed the first of two workouts Tuesday for personal reasons. It wasn't clear what those were or if he would be on the field for any part of the three-day minicamp.

The flamboyant receiver participated in optional workouts the past four weeks. Heading into the final year of his contract, he recently signed a three-year extension worth around $27 million.

AP-ES-06-17-08 1221EDT

WALKER FOUND UNCONSCIOUS

WALKER FOUND UNCONSCIOUS
KVVU Las Vegas, a Fox5 News channel, is reporting that Oakland Raiders WR Javon Walker was apparently a victim of a robbery and was found unconscious at about 7:19 a.m. Monday near the intersection of Koval Lane and Winnick Avenue, officers said. Walker, who police say sustained an orbital fracture, was taken to Sunrise Medical Center's Trauma unit and is listed in fair condition, according to hospital officials. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Walker was seen Saturday night at Tryst at the Wynn spraying the crowd with some of the 15 bottles of Dom Perignon Rose champagne he ordered. The RJ also said Walker was at Body English at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino until 6:30 a.m. Monday and that his first round of champagne cost him $15,000.

BRANDON MARSHALL UPDATE
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is ahead of schedule on his conditioning workouts. He even caught a few soft tosses with both hands this week, a sign of progress. Physically and mentally, Marshall said he is set to return from a severe right arm injury in which he lacerated an artery, vein, nerve, two tendons and three muscles. His three-month recovery time will be up June 22nd, when he can start catching live passes and working out to get ready for training camp, which starts July 25th.

TEXANS INK COLVIN
Free-agent linebacker Rosevelt Colvin has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans. Colvin, who played for the New England Patriots for five seasons in which he won two Super Bowls, visited the Texans earlier this month and passed a physical. He was hampered last season with a foot injury, playing 11 games with four sacks, before his release.

LIONS MOVE CAMPBELL TO LINEBACKER
There are a couple of reasons why the Detroit Lions switched Caleb Campbell, a seventh-round pick out of Army, from safety to outside linebacker. The first is that Campbell has the size (6-2 and 230 pounds) to be an effective linebacker and the second is that the Lions currently have a logjam at safety and Campbell has a better shot of making the 53-man roster at linebacker. Campbell is probably a better fit at linebacker at this level because he has experience moving up to support the run.

ROLLE MAKES SMOOTH TRANSITION
Dennis Dillon, of SportingNews.com, reports Arizona Cardinals CB Antrel Rolle appears to be making a smooth transition from cornerback to free safety during the team's offseason workouts. Rolle has been practicing with the first-team defense and coaches have praised his work ethic.

LEFTWICH NOT A FIT
Bucky Brooks, of SI.com, reports free-agent QB Byron Leftwich's (Falcons) questionable mechanics and injury history have overshadowed any contributions he has made as a quarterback and could explain why he has not been signed by a National Football League team, according to a league scout. "It's a quick game and his mechanics are all screwed up," said an AFC scout. "His long windup limits his ability to function in a quick, rhythm offense and his lack of mobility make him a sitting duck in the pocket. It would be hard for him to fit into most offenses."

LEAGUE FORMS GM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The NFL announced on Monday the formation of a new General Managers Advisory Committee. The stated goals of the committee will be to protect and support the integrity of the game, expand the use of technology, focus on player development and scouting opportunities, and develop innovative ideas to improve the Pro Bowl, Scouting Combine, NFL Draft, and preseason. The committee will be Co-Chaired by NFL Executive V.P. of Football Operations Ray Anderson and former Giants G.M. Ernie Accorsi.

ALL ACCESS: MENDENHALL CONSIDERED QUITTING

CHIEFS QB UPDATE
Kent Babb, of the Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards said QB Brodie Croyle will enter training camp as the team's No. 1 quarterback.

UNDRAFTED FA MAKES NOISE
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has gone out of his way to express satisfaction with the work of undrafted rookie James Johnson at running back, noting JJ as one of the team's best players at the recent minicamp sessions, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

JONATHAN STEWART UPDATE
Coach John Fox is anxious to have rookie running back Jonathan Stewart back at practice. Stewart isn't allowed around the facility until the University of Oregon finishes its final exams. Oregon is one of the few schools around the country that works on the quarter grading system. "He's a sharp guy and I like this demeanor and his football character," Fox said of the team's first-round draft pick. "I like what I saw from his college tape. He just has to get healthy." Fox said he expects Stewart will be ready to go in training camp. "He's out of his boot and he's one schedule. He's been doing rehab with our medical people and they are telling me he will be ready for July 25 (the start of training camp)."

MENDENHALL CONSIDERED QUIITING
Days before the start of the 2007 season, running back Rashard Mendenhall said he considered quitting the Illinois football team. "I sat down and I was like, 'If this is what football is, I don't know if I want to do that anymore,' " Mendenhall said. "I'm not soft at all. I'm not scared of adversity. I don't care if somebody's yelling at me. That's not what it was about at all. "To tell you the truth, as long as Ron Zook is there it will be hard for me to support the University of Illinois football team," Mendenhall said. "I want to be happy in my life. I know I can walk away from this. I know I can finish school, get a job."

WIDE OUT HEADED FOR SURGERY?
Chad Johnson participated with the first-string offense in 11-on-11 drills on Saturday. He caught a few short passes but generally didn't look great. "He worked hard; he was rusty," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski explains to the team's official web site. "He's got that ankle issue at the end of the season. They were trying to get it taken care of, it hadn't been taken care of, he needed to get it taken care of. He's going against guys that have been out here 14, 16 practices. You're going to look that way when you have none. He worked hard." The Bengals want Johnson to undergo ankle surgery prior to training camp on July 27.

JOEY PORTER ADDS BULK
Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter has bulked up slightly to 260 pounds this offseason and he's "a little bit more explosive," according to head coach Tony Sparano. Sparano added, "Physically, I've seen him come an awful long way [this offseason]. He wasn't afraid to say, `Coach me and tell me how to get better.' I like where he is."

QUINCY CARTER SIGHTING
After nearly four years of personal disappointments and drug-related arrests, something positive has finally happened for Quincy Carter. He started, and completed, a game in the Arena Football League — his Kansas City Brigade losing 73-34.

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL UPDATE: JUNE 13, 2008

It may be the football off-season but the weather is not the only thing heating up. Check out the latest happenings at All Access Football:

* Former Florida Gator and current Jacksonville Jaguar Jeremy Mincey has drawn rave reviews thus far in training camp and there is talk that his improved performance could thrust him into a starting role this season. Check out Daniel Mogollon's one-on-one interview with the emerging defensive end in a Mini-Camp Edition of our Player Spotlight Show.

* Now Airing on All Access: Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning was on hand at Club 21 last week to announce the launch of the National Football Foundation's Club of New York. You can watch the exclusive video here.

* In case you missed it, the All Access Football panel of experts debated the Top 10 Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of All-Time. Tune-in to our All Access Football Radio Channel on Blog Talk Radio to hear who made the cut.

* The debut of The Legal Line Show was a great success. Legal Line Co-Founder Scott Daniels was joined by Fantasy Sports Trade Association President and Sports Buff CEO Jeffrey Thomas as they analyzed the impact of the recent fantasy sports industry victory over MLB in Supreme Court.

* The 2009 NFL Draft Watch has already begun. Log-on to the NFL Draft Bible for Josh Buchanan's latest installment of our Small School Spotlight.

* Want to be brought up to date on the latest breaking news? Our new All Access Football Blog is up and running. Still want more? Other blogs that are being constantly updated include College Football Insiders and the rebirth of Fantasy Football Insiders, which will also debut a premiere radio show on Saturday. Updates to be posted here.

* Coming Soon: The All Access Football Network will be expanding its coverage into the world of Arena Football and the Canadian Football League. Stay tuned for more details...

MARCUS VICK ARRESTED IN VIRGINIA

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick has been charged with driving under the influence and eluding police.

Police said a uniformed bicycle patrol officer observed Vick and a female involved in an altercation in the car early Friday. When the officer asked for a driver's license, police say Vick sped away but was stopped minutes later.

Vick failed a field sobriety test and was charged with DUI, misdemeanor eluding police, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. The passenger, Delicia Cordon of
Miami, Fla., was charged with being drunk in public.

Vick was released by the Miami Dolphins in 2007. He is the brother of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

AP-ES-06-13-08 1047EDT

DUKE RECRUITS TENNESSEE FANS

Duke football coach sells season tickets in Tennessee.

DURHAM, N.C. -- Don't laugh. First-year Duke football coach David Cutcliffe is signing up football season-ticket holders in Knoxville, Tenn.

Cutcliffe recruited 22 fans to buy season tickets during a May 22 visit to his old hometown.

Was the former Tennessee assistant trying to turn orange Volunteers fans into Blue Devils? "Absolutely," a confident Cutcliffe said. "Is that awesome? Isn't that great? We're going to set a record for season ticket sales. If you don't get on this year, you're really going to be out of luck next year."

Cutcliffe has crisscrossed the region on a Duke athletics tour to sell Duke football to jaded Duke boosters and curious non-Duke fans eager to meet the coach who shaped Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning in college. Duke last had a winning season in 1994.

Cutcliffe pitched the four-ticket family pack -- seven Duke home games for $199 -- as "cheaper than going to the movies." It's going over big. Sales picked up after each speech. Duke also sold 52 more season tickets to event-goers in Charlotte, 58 in Atlanta, 44 in Greensboro, N.C. and 65 in Wilmington, N.C.

courtesy: The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C.

PACKERS WAIT ON HUMPHREY REHAB

Packers stick with TE Humphrey through injury.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Packers tight end Tory Humphrey had a hard time recovering from a broken leg on the first day of training camp last year. It was his second major injury in less than a year, and one that might have cost him a chance to start.
However, after nearly trading in his football pads for a pair of brown shorts after the Packers cut him three years ago, Humphrey has learned a thing or two about perseverance.

Plus, the Packers still think he has what it takes.

"He can definitely be a No. 1 tight end in this league," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "No doubt about it."

Humphrey signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan in 2005, then was waived and signed with Green Bay. But the Packers cut him near the end of training camp, and he found himself back home in Michigan with nothing to do. "We were in Lansing, my wife was at Michigan State finishing her degree," Humphrey said. "Actually, I was about to get a job at UPS before they called me back."

Green Bay added Humphrey to its practice squad in November 2005. He came back to make the team the following season, playing mostly special teams until he sustained a season-ending hamstring injury in a game at Minnesota on Nov. 12.

Humphrey rehabilitated the injury, and came into training camp last year hoping to break into the rotation with the No. 1 offense -- a chance to prove he belonged on the field once the regular season rolled around.

Instead, he got another bad break: He broke his leg on the first day of camp.

"It crossed my mind when I first got hurt," Humphrey said. "It was like, 'Here we go again.' I mean, I knew at some point I would be back, but it was like, 'I can't believe it happened again.' Because the first year, I did my hamstring, the first day of camp, and then I break my leg. So it was like, 'Here we go again.'"

Humphrey has thought about what he might do if he can't play football, a plan that might include going back to school to finish his degree in entrepreneurship and working in advertising.

All that will have to wait because the Packers are sticking with Humphrey.

"Coach McAdoo told me they still like me, they still believe in me," Humphrey said, referring to Packers tight ends coach Ben McAdoo. "They just want me to stay healthy and get me on the field."

With Humphrey out of the picture and veteran Bubba Franks being used mainly as a blocker last year, Donald Lee had a breakout season with 48 catches for 575 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season -- and another touchdown in the Packers' NFC championship game loss to the New York Giants.

Now, Lee enters camp as the presumptive starter, Franks is gone, and Humphrey hopes to compete with third-round draft pick Jermichael Finley, an athletic tight end out of Texas, for repetitions in practice.

The Packers also have three undrafted rookie free agent tight ends on the roster: Maryland's Joey Haynos, Stanford's Evan Moore and Northwest Missouri State's Mike Peterson.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that while Humphrey is still "feeling his way around some things," he has the potential to fit in well with the offense.

"They are all very similar," McCarthy said of Lee, Humphrey and Finley. "I think their strength is their athletic ability, the ability to play in space. When you have the 250-pound man as athletic as those three, it gives you the ability to do things from the backfield, out in space. It also carries over to special teams."

Rodgers said Humphrey has improved every day he's been on the field since he was cleared to participate in voluntary Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts last week.

"The vitals are there: He's very athletic, he's got good hands," Rodgers said. "But he's getting his feel back. I don't think it comes back right away playing out there, reading linebackers, leverage, getting off the press, guys right on him. So he's doing a nice job. He's caught just about everything I've thrown to him, and he's going to continue to improve."

Humphrey sees himself as another downfield threat who can complement Lee, and expects to have an opportunity to get on the field.

"There's always opportunity for anybody if they go out there and make plays and are consistent," Humphrey said. "Everybody has a chance."

Finley sat out Thursday's OTAs after bruising his knee in practice last week, allowing Humphrey a few more reps in practice. Humphrey made it count, catching a touchdown pass from Rodgers in a team drill.

"You never want to see anybody hurt, but I'm not complaining about the extra work," Humphrey said.

And he's not taking another chance with the Packers for granted.

"When I'm walking in the building sometimes, I get taken aback that I'm here, after all I've been through," Humphrey said.


By CHRIS JENKINS
AP Sports Writer
AP-ES-06-13-08 0508EDT

ALL ACCESS: LONG CAN DO IT ALL

Hot Topics From Around The League.

RONNIE BROWN UPDATE
Less than eight months after sustaining a season-ending knee injury, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown took part in 11-on-11 team drills for the first time this week, a sign that points to a full return by next month's training camp. "It's a big step,'' said Brown after Thursday's practice, the final organized team activity session until the start of training camp in late July. "A step closer to getting ready for the season and getting ready for training camp.

CEDRIC BENSON UPDATE
The rest of the NFL confirmed Thursday what the Bears finally acknowledged Monday: Cedric Benson, their highest draft pick in 28 years, also ranks as the biggest bust in team history. Benson cleared waivers, three days after the Bears released him because of two alcohol-related arrests in five weeks. The No. 4 overall selection in 2005 is now a free agent and can sign with any team.

FOSTER SERVES AS INSURANCE
Running back DeShaun Foster is impressing San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's got soft hands," said Nolan "I think he adds to the passing game as much as the running game. His main role would be to take the No. 1 job if the unmentionable happens. He gives us another starter if something happens to Frank Gore."

STEELERS SEARCH FOR FANECA REPLACEMENT
With Alan Faneca gone, the Steelers are in need of leadership and, at the very least, quality production from the left guard position, one of the most important in the NFL. The Steelers believe former sixth-round draft pick Chris Kemoeatu is the man for the job, according to the Beaver County Times.

CHIRS LONG UPDATE
Pro Football Weekly writes a glowing article regarding St. Louis Rams first round draft pick Chris Long . “He can do a lot of different things for you,” Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “He’s a better fit for teams like us, Baltimore, Pittsburgh. Teams that do a lot of different things than just a straight 4-3 where you’re going to sit there and rush him all day." Haslett still runs a lot of 3-4 fronts in passing situations, which should be a natural for Long who garnered 14 sacks playing in the 3-4 at Virginia. Haslett went on to boast of Long's additional attributes. “I think he’s very good in run defense. He does a great job in hand placement and getting off blocks. He looks like his father from that standpoint. You can tell his dad coached him when he was young because he’s got the Howie moves.” Long also dropped into coverage occasionally at Virginia and may do so for the Rams.

ODOM HITS WEIGHT ROOM
Defensive end Antwan Odom has improved his upper-body strength, and now he's concentrating on weight gain so he can become a more physical pass rusher and run stopper at the point of attack. Odom is a sleek, slender end with the reputation of being a speed rusher, but he wants to enhance his image by being more rugged. He currently weighs 253, but promises to be at least 265 when he arrives for the Cincinnati Bengals training camp, according to the Sporting News.

KIWANUKA TO BE MOVED AROUND
The New York Giants will utilize linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka at defensive end on obvious pass rush downs, according to the New York Post. "We're going to have to evaluate all of those things," coach Tom Coughlin said. "We know what we want to do on obvious pass rush downs [Kiwanuka moves in as a defensive end], but on first down we're still, at least I am, in a position that Mathias is a linebacker until we or I decide otherwise."

BILLS SUBPOENAED
The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills WR James Hardy, WR Steve Johnson and OL Christian Gaddis was subpoenaed Thursday, June 12, to testify before a grand jury looking into a hit-and-run accident involving RB Marshawn Lynch's SUV, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation. Investigators believe the three players have information regarding the case. The grand jury is scheduled to convene June 20.

GIANTS DEAL WITH SUPER DISTRACTIONS
If Osi Umenyiora, Chris Snee and Brandon Jacobs want new contracts, they will have to get in line with Plaxico Burress. But if it is any consolation to general manager Jerry Reese, Burress's announcement yesterday that he was not on the field for "business reasons" moved him ahead of Jeremy Shockey in the growing line of distractions for the Super Bowl champions. From the moment Tom Coughlin mounted the stand to address a double-the-normal-sized media turnout for a first day of mandatory mini-camp, a more immediate preoccupation than Shockey was something the Giants clearly could use.

TRIO OF PLAYERS SUSPENDED
Multiple media outlets are reporting that the NFL today handed down one-year suspensions to three players. According to the reports, former Tennessee Titans linebacker Rob Reynolds, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Lionel Gates and former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Chris Terry were all suspended for a year. All were free agents not under contract to any team.