If Devin Hester is “competing” to be the primary return man for the Bears, there’s a chance he’ll lose the competition.

Which means there’s a chance he’ll lose his job.

If the Bears decide to make a change, it would be simple to accomplish for a cap standpoint.  Hester is in the final year of his contract, at a base salary of $1.857 million.  With or without him on the roster, the Bears will carry a bonus proration of $833,335, according to a source with knowledge of the terms of the deal.  He also has earned a workout bonus of $250,000 (assuming he participated in the requisite number of offseason sessions).

As a result, trading Hester or cutting him would clear his $1.857 million from the Bears’ books, with no further acceleration or charge beyond the $1.083 million in bonuses that already apply.

Presumably, the Bears would prefer to trade Hester, if they choose not to keep him.  By trading him, the Bears can control where he lands.  Or, more accurately, where he doesn’t land.  After giving the other teams in the NFC North fits since 2006, one of them surely would be interested in giving Hester a chance, twice this year, to stick it to the Bears.


(profootballtalk.com)

TAMPA - Warren Sapp won't officially be inducted until Aug. 3, but the former All-Pro defensive tackle of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has already left a mark at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

To celebrate Sapp's upcoming honor, the Bucs donated several artifacts from the two-time All-Decade player's career for permanent preservation in the NFL's shrine to excellence.

Sapp, who played nine of his 13 seasons in Tampa, is the second Buccaneer to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, joining the late Lee Roy Selmon. Among the items now on display in a special exhibit dedicated to the Hall of Fame Class of 2013 are the jerseys worn by Sapp during the 1996 and 2000 seasons.

Sapp earned NFL All-Decade honors in the 1990s and 2000s and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 1999. The next season, he posted a career-high 16.5 sacks, earning one of his seven Pro Bowl berths with Tampa.

In 2002, Sapp was an integral part of the franchise's first and only Super Bowl victory. To commemorate that accomplishment, the team sent a special collector's edition bobble head of Sapp following Tampa Bay's win against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII and a commemorative issue of Sports Illustrated, chronicling the franchise's run to the Super Bowl. Sapp is featured on the magazine's cover.

Sapp and the six other members of the Class of 2013 - Larry Allen, Cris Carter, Curley Culp, Jonathan Ogden, Bill Parcells, and Dave Robinson - will be enshrined Aug. 3, when a bust of Sapp will be unveiled. Sapp already met with lead sculptor Blair Buswell as the Hall prepares for its 50th anniversary, with a record number of members expected to attend the weekend festivities in Canton.


(tbo.com)

With Ray Lewis and Ed Reed gone, tackle Bryant McKinnie, 33, is the team's oldest player.

Last week, Bryant McKinnie was sitting at his locker at the head of the Ravens locker room, looking at all the young faces surrounding him.

“I looked around and I was like, ‘Wait, who’s been around longer than me?’” McKinnie said. “Ray Lewis is gone, Ed Reed is gone, Matt Birk is gone. I’m like, ‘Wait a minute …’”

Yes, McKinnie is the oldest player on the Ravens roster at 33 years old. Born on Sept. 29, 1979, McKinnie is two days older than Ravens cornerback Chris Johnson.

Last year, Lewis (38), Reed (34), Birk (36), defensive lineman Ma’ake Kemoeatu (34) and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (36) were all older than McKinnie.

The roster has undergone a youth movement this offseason, however. McKinnie’s not worried about it though.

“I’m alright because I feel young,” he said.

“I hang with young people and just stay active. People start feeling old when they sit down and get in that cycle of doing the same thing. That’s why I had to pick up tennis. It gives me something else to do to stay active and stay young.”

The Ravens’ offensive line is particularly youthful. The next closest in age to McKinnie is Marshal Yanda at 28, and Michael Oher and center A.Q. Shipley are both 27.

McKinnie said some rookies have come to him and said they liked watching McKinnie – when they were in middle school.

“I was like, ‘Whaaaat!?!?!’” McKinnie said. “That’s kinda scary.

“That’s probably why [Run Game Coordinator] Juan [Castillo] keeps using me as an example in the meeting rooms. I didn’t really get it. He’ll say, ‘Bryant, isn’t this right?’ I’ll be like, ‘I don’t know why you’re asking me, Coach.’”


(baltimoreravens.com)

Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen is showing great timing with QB Cam Newton during offseason workouts.

Fantasy Tip: Olsen could re-establish himself as a solid No. 1 tight end option this season. He's expected to play most snaps and could develop into Newton's top target. Look at him as a sneaky low-end No. 1 option.


(kffl.com)

Allen Bailey has been a bit of a forgotten man in the Kansas City Chiefs defense. The third-year defensive end came into the league the same year as Justin Houston but it's been Houston, not Bailey, who has made a leap as a pass rusher.

Don't tell that to Bailey, though. He said on this podcast, The Trapasso Report, that his goal is a 10-plus sack season.

"Of course staying healthy," Bailey said when asked his goals for the 2013 season. "Then try to get a 10-plus sack season. Rolling into my third year, with a new defense that's more of an attack defense that allows you to make a lot more plays, I'm setting myself up with a 10-plus sack season."

Bailey has one career sack so that would be one hell of a jump if he surpassed 10 sacks. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston rushing from the edges, Allen Bailey putting up 10 sacks ... now THAT would be a hell of a defense.


(sbnation.com)

Most Saints fans would consider last season a "down" year for tight end Jimmy Graham. A little ridiculous when you consider he put up 982 yards receiving and scored 9 touchdowns. Still, everything's relative, and compared to his record-breaking 2011 campaign those numbers actually were a drop off.

Which puts Graham at a crossroads of sorts as he looks toward the upcoming 2013 season. Down one path is a bounce back to another freakishly godlike year, complete with 1,200+ yards and 10+ touchdowns. Down the other is a return to normalcy, an above average performance at best with stats that stay within the stratosphere.

And therein lies one of this off-season's biggest questions: Which Jimmy Graham shall we expect to see in 2013? You could also ask the question another way: Was Jimmy Graham's 2011 season an anomaly? Either way, the answer is exactly what Saints fans everywhere are eager to learn this year.

As much as I hate to say it, my gut tells me we won't ever see anything from Graham like we did two years ago, so my confidence is tempered. It's also probably a bit unreasonable to expect. But I'm genuinely curious to know what all of you guys out there think.


(sbnation.com)

HOUSTON -- Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun was in Phoenix on Tuesday to see Dr. Don Sheridan, the hand specialist who has worked on a number of players over the years including second baseman Rickie Weeks.

Assistant general manager Gord Ash said the trip represented "a due diligence second opinion" on the injury that sent Braun to the disabled list for the first time in his career, and was not a reflection of any new development.

Braun had been playing through an inflamed nerve between his right thumb and forefinger for several weeks, hitting with diminished power. When skipping the Brewers' three-game series in Miami did not cure the problem, the club opted to put Braun on the DL.

Ash said Braun was expected to rejoin the team on Wednesday. He is eligible for reinstatement from the DL on June 25.


(mlb.com)

Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Jacory Harris bulls into the end zone for a touchdown while being tackled by Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Anthony Heygood during the third quarter of their pre-season Canadian Football League game at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Harris who started the third quarter trucked through LB Heygood for his rushing TD after Roughrider returner Phillip Livas wasn't able to handle a Grant Shaw punt one play after the fumble.

The Chicago Bears don't even allow Devin Hester to wear the same colored jersey as the other Bears wide receivers in practice. He's a return man, and a return man only.

But is a he return man who's guaranteed to make the roster?

CSNChicago.com's John Mullin wrote Sunday night that Hester is just "working to hold on" to the primary return job in offseason practice. Other players like Earl Bennett have been returning kicks in practice. And Bears coach Marc Trestman has said that Hester is "competing" to win the returner job.

The Bears have given up on Hester playing a role on offense. Since he's due $1.85 million this season, the Bears are giving him every chance to earn his worth as a return man only. If Trestman doesn't think Hester can be a difference-maker after watching him in training camp, it's still possible Hester won't even make the team.


(nfl.com)

EDMONTON - The last time the Edmonton Eskimos held practice at Commonwealth Stadium, six quarterbacks were splitting the reps.

Just five days later, that number was cut in half on Monday.

With Matt Nichols undergoing medical exams on the knee he injured in Friday’s preseason-opener and unsigned non-import prospect Austin Kennedy gone back home to Windsor where he will start for the Lancers in the CIS this fall, the Eskimos stable of arms was further reduced when Jacory Harris sat out the balmy 22C session.

“Yeah, we were a little light, but we’re a little light at all positions,” said quarterback Mike Reilly, who will start Friday’s exhibition game in Vancouver. “It’s been a long camp and you get a little heat like this and guys are out there running around.

“It was a long day and we were in our up-tempo, no-huddle mode the whole time, so guys definitely put in some good work (Monday).”

The good thing for Reilly is the fewer the quarterbacks, the less the reps have to be shared.

“Yeah, it’s getting to that point where camp is kind of winding down a little bit and we’re getting into season mode,” Reilly said. “So it’s nice to get those reps and maybe run some of the plays a little more often that you haven’t ran in the past and get some different looks.

“You’ve just got to take advantage of every rep.”

Just like Harris took advantage of resting his body in hopes of avoiding any further injury to the quarterback stable.

“It’s not a vet day for him, but he was a little sore after (Sunday’s) practice and because of that, we don’t want to risk it,” said head coach Kavis Reed. “Until we understand fully what’s going on with Matt (Nichols’s knee), we’re going to be very careful of our quarterbacks.

“It’s nothing (Harris) shouldn’t be out here (Wednesday), but we wanted to be as careful as possible with him.”


(edmontonsun.com)

A year has made a big difference for Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, dramatically improving his standing with the Super Bowl champions.

Last year, McKinnie was taking up residency in coach John Harbaugh's doghouse. The former Pro Bowl blocker wasn't in good enough shape to participate in a series of offseason practices and was instructed to focus on his conditioning.

When McKinnie reported late to training camp after informing the team that he had injured his back during a slip-and-fall at his South Florida home, he didn't initially pass the conditioning test.

After the Ravens restructured his contract before the regular season, McKinnie was replaced at left tackle by Michael Oher before regaining his starting job in the playoffs.

Now it's a much different story for McKinnie after the Ravens re-signed him to a two-year contract worth up to $7 million that includes a $2 million signing bonus, annual $200,000 workout bonuses, a $200,000 reporting bonus each year and a $500,000 roster bonus next year.

The Ravens are happy with how McKinnie has worked this offseason to maintain the conditioning that he improved throughout last year.

“Bryant did a really good job," Harbaugh said. "He moved really well in this camp, as well as he moved at the end of the year last year when he started practicing so well and playing so well.

"He looks healthy, and he will continue to work on his conditioning. He seems to be very committed. Love the way he’s playing and his effort.”

The reporting bonus and workout bonuses should provide motivation for  McKinnie, but the 33-year-old seems geared toward proving himself again this season.

The 6-foot-8, 354-pounder has been a regular at offseason practices since rejoining the team.

“Physically, I feel like I’m 26, so that’s a good thing," McKinnie said. "I feel really good this year. I’m moving around pretty well, so I’m pretty happy with that. ... This time last year, I didn’t even participate, so yeah, I definitely feel a lot better in minicamp.

"Right now, I’m more focused so I can have a good year and be the best left tackle in the league. That’s my goal.”

How will McKinnie gauge his success?

"When people turn on film, they’ll just see that I’m dominating, and I just feel that I’m going to do better than everybody else this year," he said.

McKinnie started every game at left tackle during the playoffs as the Ravens' offensive line allowed just six sacks in four games while the offense averaged  410.3 yards of total offense during their Super Bowl run.

After the NFL draft, McKinnie visited the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers prior to reaching a deal to return to Baltimore.

There were times that he wasn't sure if he was going to be back.

“Yes, after the draft, and I started taking a couple of trips to other teams, maybe I’d be somewhere else," McKinnie said. "But luckily I ended up coming back. I always wanted to give the Ravens an option to match whatever other teams offered. So, I would tell my agent to check back to see what the Ravens have going on and we’ll decide from there.”


(baltimoresun.com)

New York Jets TE Kellen Winslow impressed in a tryout in minicamp, leading to a one-year contract. However, an opposing personnel executive is not sold Winslow can be 100 percent effective anymore. "I think it's a lot like (former QB David Garrard). He'll be fine in a workout, moving and running, but taking a hit, the grind of training camp and a full, 16-game season will be the litmus test," the executive said. "I'd watch him closely to see if they manage his reps and practice time."

Fantasy Tip: Winslow has had multiple knee surgeries since 2005, including microfracture surgery in 2007. Last season, Winslow said he plays in constant pain, so it is uncertain if he suddenly feels better or is just saying the right things to get a job. Either way, his fantasy appeal is rather minimal heading into the regular season, if he even makes it that far.


(kffl.com)

Given his apparent price tag, Winston may be perfectly content to wait for a team to suffer a catastrophic injury or realize that it has a performance issue at right tackle. Chances are, he'll have some choices by early August if he's still unsigned. Best fit: Lions




(freep.com)

Cleveland Indians RP Chris Perez (shoulder) will make another rehab outing Tuesday, June 18, and is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday, June 21.

Fantasy Tip: Perez should immediately return to closing duties for the Tribe, moving Vinnie Pestano back to the eighth-inning setup role. There's no need to hold onto Pestano in mixed formats when Perez returns.


(kffl.com)

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun remains fourth in the balloting among National League outfielders according to the voting totals released by Major League Baseball today.

With 1,645,084 votes, Braun has fallen way behind the pace. St. Louis' Carlos Beltran, who ranked third in the balloting last week but has surged into the lead this week with 2,385,240 votes.

Atlanta's Justin Upton (2,054,225) and Washington's Bryce Harper (1,981,030) rank second and third.

Braun isn't likely to gain any ground in the coming week either, as he's now on the disabled list with a right-thumb contusion.

Carlos Gomez jumped up one spot to 11th this week with 1,027,684 votes.

Other Brewers leaders include shortstop Jean Segura, who remains at third in the balloting at that position with 1,188,317 votes.

The leading vote-getter at shortstop, Troy Tulowitzki (2,443,772) suffered a broken rib last week and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

That could open the door for Segura to be the NL's starting shortstop, considering second-place vote-getter Brandon Crawford of the San Francisco Giants (1,293,476) doesn't have near the numbers Segura has posted to this point.

At catcher, Jonathan Lucroy moved up to fourth place with 630,902. Lucroy trails NL leading vote-getter Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants (2,606,434), St. Louis' Yadier Molina (2,543,588) and New York's John Buck (866,471).

The All-Star Game will be played on July 16 at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. The all-star teams will be announced on July 7.

Both the NL and AL teams will have eight fan-elected starters. The pitchers and reserves are determined through a combination of player ballots and selections made by the managers for each all-star team.


(jsonline.com)

The New York Jets have signed tight end Kellen Winslow, Jr., according to multiple reports.

Winslow, a former first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, has bounced around the NFL in recent years, most recently with the New England Patriots briefly last year, as he caught one pass for them.

Winslow was in the Jets mini-camp this week on a tryout basis and made good on that opportunity by landing himself a contract and another shot in the NFL


(nationalfootballpost.com)

Jonathan Vilma and Curtis Lofton worked as the Saints' starting inside linebackers throughout OTAs and minicamp.

Vilma is playing the weak-inside position, while Lofton is the strong-side inside linebacker or "Mike." David Hawthorne doesn't appear to be pushing Vilma, who is superior in terms of both range and coverage. Lofton led the Saints in tackles (123) last season and figures to do so again this year.


(rotoworld.com)

When Rob Gronkowski landed at No. 25 on the NFL Network's "The Top 100 Players of 2013," the New England Patriots star also became the list's final tight end to make the cut.

Gronk's inclusion is a no-brainer, but a grievous oversight has bubbled up: New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was left out in the cold.

Graham -- with 85 receptions, 982 yards and nine touchdowns in just nine starts last season -- was deemed less worthy by his peers than the likes of Antonio Gates (No. 73), Heath Miller (No. 97) and Dennis Pitta (at No. 100).

While the "Top 100" holds its own as breezy, offseason fare, Graham's omission reveals its true nature as a raging farce.

Yes, Graham battled injuries last season, but he played through the pain to catch more passes than all but Jason Witten (No. 41) and Tony Gonzalez (No. 47) among the list's tight ends. Pitta, Miller, Gates, Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez all caught fewer passes.

Ask the Atlanta Falcons -- scorched for seven receptions, 146 yards and two touchdowns in early November -- if Graham is a top 100 player. Or the Carolina Panthers, who allowed Graham to slash them for nine catches, 115 yards and a touchdown in the season finale.

Graham scored in eight games and had five or more receptions in 11 appearances during a season that required wrist surgery when it was over. Saints coaches are intimately familiar with Graham's versatility. He's used not only as a tight end, but you'll find him split out wide on a regular basis, furnishing the Saints with a field-stretching mismatch.

Entering his contract season in 2013, Graham is betting on a big campaign, but either way, he's fully worthy of the "Top 100." There's no bigger blotch on the player-generated voting results than this.


(nfl.com)

While 2013 probably isn’t a ‘make or break’ year for Leonard Hankerson, the wide receiver certainly ranks high on the list of Redskins in need of a breakout performance.

He’s coming off a sophomore season in which he established career highs in receptions (38), yards (543) and touchdowns (3). But more is going to be expected of Hankerson as he enters his third NFL campaign.

And, if his strong showing this offseason is any indication, he knows it.

“If you ain’t your own biggest critic, then you ain’t got nothing,” Hankerson said, responding to a question about Coach Mike Shanahan acknowledging recently that the 24-year-old was “pretty tough on himself last year.”

Hankerson added: “You have to be able to see and know when you did stuff wrong because if you don’t, you’ll never get better. That’s the key, man, improving each and every day, learning from your mistakes and capitalizing on your chances.”

Although much of the offseason program was conducted without media present, when reporters were allowed to observe practice, Hankerson often stood out. He appeared more polished and, when balls were thrown his way, more times than not, he made a play. One of the highlights from Tuesday’s session, in fact, was a deep completion from Kirk Cousins to Hankerson, who had to adjust to the slightly underthrown pass. In one fluid motion, Hankerson reached up, snagged the ball between the approaching safety and cornerback, then quickly turned upfield.

Hankerson acknowledged that he’s feeling more confident and comfortable these days. The reason for it is simple: practice. As a rookie, the NFL lockout cost him the entire offseason. Last summer, his primary focus was rehabbing a serious hip injury, not refining his game like most second year players.

“It makes a huge difference,” he said. “When you’re healthy, it lets you just focus on getting better.”

Hankerson says he’s working to hone all facets of his game.

“You can’t just go out there and pick one thing,” he said. “You have to go out there and keep grinding and work on everything, blocking, route running, focus, everything.”

Hankerson will likely enter training camp next month as the No. 4 receiver on the Redskins’ depth chart behind Pierre Garçon, Josh Morgan and Santana Moss. That isn’t likely to change after the addition of veteran wide receivers Donte’ Stallworth, 32, and Devery Henderson, 31, this week. But it does mean Hankerson can’t afford to slip during training camp and the preseason.

“He’s trying to step it up,” offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. “Hank’s been as good as anyone at times, and sometimes he has his little bad moments. He’s been very consistent through OTAs, and I think Hank can be as good as he wants to be.”

Most important, it seems Hankerson is starting to believe that, as well.

“I’m getting better, figuring things out, but I still have a long way to go,” Hankerson said. “I’m still young. We all want to make plays, but you just have to go out there, keep working hard and it’s going to come.”


(csnwashington.com)

Did a 2012 injury factor into Willis McGahee's recent release by the Denver Broncos?

Upon reporting to the Broncos' mandatory minicamp last week, the veteran running back insisted he was fully recovered from a torn medical collateral ligament and compression fracture in his leg. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase corroborated McGahee's take the next day.

There's a difference between healthy enough to practice and healthy enough to remain effective against NFL defenders. Paul Klee of the Colorado Springs Gazette has it "on good authority" that McGahee's questionable health was the "No. 1 reason" for his release. Per Klee, it's also why McGahee's reps were severely limited in the two practices before he was cut.

The Gazette might not be in the habit of scooping The Denver Post, but this is a strong report. If the Broncos don't believe McGahee's knee is right, it's going to leave any potential suitors second-guessing the merits of adding a 32-year-old tailback.


(nfl.com)

The Bears are going to make Devin Hester solidify his roster position as a returner, creating an interesting dynamic as it is difficult to evaluate special teams without live action.

A coverage team running down the field in Bourbonnais isn't the same kind of challenge for Hester or his blockers when hitting isn't involved. They're not moving as fast as in a game either. So special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery face a challenge to ensure Hester remains an elite game-changer.

Trestman is dedicated to maintaining the team's solid standing in special teams, and the Bears get ample work in practice. They spent time on kickoff return Wednesday, and it didn't look like Hester, 30, had lost a step.

But isn't it hard to determine where Hester is without an actual game?

"It is and it isn't," DeCamillis said. "One of the things he's done a great job of is he's got a lot of reps. He's got a lot of catches. He's got a lot of situational things we've done. He's in a great frame of mind right now. He is right where we need him to be.

"Obviously, the competition part of it is going to come from the games, but it is also going to come in practices. We'll get him evaluated that way as well."

Hester has done little return work in the preseason in recent years because the goal always has been to ensure he's healthy for the regular season. In the last five years, he has returned five punts in the preseason (one for 54 yards) and made three fair catches. He hasn't returned a kickoff since the 2008 preseason.
Hester, who has a base salary of $1.85 million in the final year of his contract and will count $2.94 million against the salary cap, struggled last season in the return game, and former coordinator Dave Toub said it was a mental issue.

His punt-return average of 8.3 yards was nearly half of his mark in 2011, when he had three return scores. He made errors fielding some balls, and there were issues with the blocking units as well. But Hester is not worried about proving his value in practice this summer.

"I look at my past history and I know what I am capable of doing," he said. "We all know I am the best return man that is stepping on this field. Coach Joe D. and I, we have spent a lot of time watching film on some of the things that can be corrected. It's a team thing."

Hester believes his legs will be fresher for returns now that he has been removed from the offense. That, he says, will make him feel like he did in 2006 and 2007, when he scored 11 of his 17 career return touchdowns.

"I was always explosive then," he said.

Hester said DeCamillis has made minor adjustments to the schemes, trying to ensure big guys are blocking big guys and smaller players are manned up on smaller players. It comes down to Hester following a key block and then finding a way to dominate with his athletic ability.

"The mistakes that I made and the mistakes that we made as a unit, those are easy to correct," he said. "At the end of the day, I am the best returner in this game, and I know that for a fact. What man can sit here and tell me that I lost it when I know what I am capable of doing?"


(chicagotribune.com)

TAMPA | Following a recent offseason workout, Bucs rookie running back Mike James was talking to the media when safety Ahmad Black, who was walking past, yelled, "Polk County!"

Black then threw two fingers in the air and kept walking.

James, a product of Ridge Community High and University of Miami shook his head and smiled.

Despite playing at rival schools — Black played at Lakeland High and the University of Florida — and playing on different sides of the ball, the two have a established a connection that some might not understand. Nothing against the players from Dade, Broward or even Duval counties, they are from Polk County and proud of it.

"It's great having someone from the county on the same team," James said. "I'm hardly home, but I'm always repping." (That's short for "representing," if you're not up on the slang.)

If there was any doubt, Black makes sure the rookie doesn't forget where he's from.

"I don't call him by his name. I call him Polk County," Black said. "All the time.

"He's come out, and it's obvious he's a pretty good player. I'm excited to have him here."

The Bucs are excited to have the sixth-round pick, as well.

During the draft, the Bucs traded running back LeGarrette Blount, then were able to move up in the draft to select James.

The team loved him off the field, too: his dedication to charity work, his maturation. They think James can make an impact in his rookie season.

"Although you could tell he had a lot of football knowledge coming in, Mike was open to growing on this level," running backs coach Earnest Byner said. "He's been open to the teaching we've had in this room. The guy has the ability to compete. He's going to make the room better by his attitude and his approach to the game."

The Bucs see the 5-foot-10, 223-pound James as a backup to Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin. They also see James being a mainstay on special teams this year.

James said by the end of the team's offseason workouts, he was starting to get more comfortable.

"Things are starting to slow down a little bit," he said. "I'm starting to get the hang of things, and I feel good.

"The toughest part was getting acclimated with everything around me, learning the schedule, learning how to conduct myself here, conduct myself there," James said. "That's probably been the toughest thing, getting acclimated to everything — the attention, the people around you, the other players, how to conduct yourself in the locker room, the meeting room, on and off the field. It's just a different demeanor."

James said Black has helped in the transition.

"He's a guy that I listen to," James said. "I try to understand what he does and then mimic him because he's been in this for a while."

About to enter his third year, Black had a good offseason. Known as a guy who likes to have fun with his friends and teammates, there has been a noticeably different side of Black, whether he's between the goalposts or in meeting rooms. He's focused.

And while he still keeps everyone in stitches in the locker room, Black is slowly developing into a leader.

"Having last year under my belt has made me real comfortable," he said. "I just have to keep going and keep grinding and getting better from here."

During a recent workout, the Tampa Bay Bucs defense was going against the offense in a passing situation. Right before the offense could snap the ball, you could hear Black yelling a call to his defensive teammates. The players switched to another defense and came up with a stop.

Following the play, safety coach Jeff Hafley called Black over and gave him a low five and patted his helmet.

"I think the biggest thing with Ahmad is his understanding of the defense," Hafley said. "It's his second go-round, and he's playing a position where there is a lot to learn. He's got to do a lot back there. Where he's impressed me is his knowledge of the defense; his knowledge of the game. He's become quite a leader back there — making some of the calls and making the checks has impressed me. He's very focused, and I'm really excited to get him to preseason."

Last year, Black played in all 16 games and finished with 32 tackles, two interceptions, five passes broken up and one forced fumble.

Even with the addition of All-Pro safety Dashon Goldson, Black is expected to see plenty of action in passing situations this season.

Black, who won two state high school titles and a BCS national title at Florida, wants to add the NFL's ultimate prize to his mantle.

"I just want to win," he said. "Whatever my coaches and teammates need me to do, that's what I'll do."


(theledger.com)

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — He was supercharged on the football field and rallied his fellow teammates to perform well.

Now, Ray Lewis takes his enthusiasm back to the field, but this time, he is inspiring kids.

Vic Carter reports.

For far too many children, a Saturday morning is spend inside front of a TV or video game console.



But when Ray Lewis says “let’s get moving,” you do.

While the real Ravens wrap up mini camp, mini pro football players are following the lead of their idol–Ray Lewis.

“I like the workout and the way I use my muscles,” a boy said.

Some of the future stars impressed Ray by their work ethic at his camp.

“[My fans are] the reason why I’m motivated,” Lewis said.

“Because I was never the biggest, I was never the fastest, I was never the strongest. But the bottom line–my effort. My effort and how I did things,” he continued.
While these camps raise money for the Ray Lewis Foundation, there is a deeper value to the children, who benefit from the generosity of this champion.

“In a world now of social media and the video games and all these different things, kids are missing the essence of life. And the essence of life is being outside, being active,” Lewis said.

“You don’t have to always be in a sport or try to be chasing something. But the bottom line is–get outside and just be active. Take care of yourself,” he continued.

It has been a busy weekend for Ray Lewis.

Friday night he was bowling and playing paintball with his fans, again, to help raise money for his foundation.


(baltimore.cbslocal.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Greg Olsen is a football player all his life, starting tight end for the Carolina Panthers, presumed tough guy. And he marvels at the strength of his infant son, T.J.

"I wish I was as tough as him," Olsen said. "If I was as tough as him, I'd be in good shape. What he's gone through in his first eight months of life is more than any of us have gone through in a lifetime. You know, two open-heart surgeries, the countless medications, the exams; you know he's been through it all, and he just bounces back."

In April 2012, a prenatal diagnosis indicated that one of the twins being carried by Greg's wife, Kara Olsen, had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect characterized by an underdeveloped left ventricle and aorta. On Oct. 11, two days after birth, T.J. underwent a long, delicate surgery. On Nov. 6, he went home, though the certainty of another complex surgery always loomed. About two weeks ago, T.J. had the second of three surgeries required by the time he's a toddler.

These days, T.J. plays at home with his twin sister, Talbot, and their older brother, Tate, who recently turned 2. In a family playroom, T.J. appears to be the picture of health.

"Even the doctors and nurses say, 'This is a hypoplast (baby)?' " Kara said. "A 'single-ventricle baby' is what they call them. He's so big and he looks so healthy. You know, he's just truly a miracle in every way, shape and form. He just truly amazes us every day."

These are happy times for the Olsens, who want no pity, are determined to help other families facing similar challenges, and treasure every moment with their three children.

"It's almost hard to put into words what (T.J. has) taught us about the true importance of family," said Greg, 28, "and the true importance of what it means to just have all three kids screaming -- but they're home, screaming at the dinner table."

Said Kara: "Having the five of us together is what truly matters."

During pregnancy, Kara knew her son had to weigh at least 5 pounds at birth in order to undergo surgery 48 hours later. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 9 ounces. "It was such a sigh of relief," Kara said. (Talbot, born healthy, was a hardy 8 pounds, 1 ounce.)

Almost immediately after birth, T.J. was whisked away to the cardiovascular intensive care unit. "I was able to hold him for about 20 minutes the day before his surgery, but that was the only time I got to hold him," Kara said. "And that was really, as a mom, that was probably the hardest thing."

The day after T.J.'s initial surgery, Kara and Talbot were discharged from the hospital. It was heartbreaking, Kara said, "leaving the hospital with only one baby."
"We got through it," Greg said. "We got through it, and we're here with only one more (surgery) to go."

Because of T.J., Greg and Kara have learned about perspective and how to dismiss the "little things" that are, truly, little things.

They felt the generosity of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson -- T.J.'s full name is Trent Jerry, his middle name given in honor of Richardson -- who provided his private plane and traveled with them to Boston to make sure the Olsens received proper medical advice after the diagnosis.

And they came to appreciate the circumstances that led them to the Charlotte area --- which, it turned out, was exactly where they needed to be.

Greg and Kara met at the University of Miami. He was a first-round draft pick by the Bears in 2007, then was traded to the Panthers in July 2011. How perfect: The Carolinas HealthCare System's Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte has provided T.J. and his family with the best possible care, spearheaded by Dr. Benjamin Peeler, the Chief of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Peeler said T.J. "is doing great," largely because of the daily attention he received during his first six months at home. The Olsens were able to afford round-the-clock help as T.J. awaited his second surgery. Particularly with two other infants in the house, it was a full-time job: T.J. had to eat every three hours, with every meal charted to make sure his intake was sufficient; his oxygen saturation levels were checked regularly, as was his weight; he was given medications.

"It was very, very scary," Kara said, "because they stress to you how important it is and how critical this time is."

The Olsens know that most families facing similar challenges cannot afford such care. But they want them to have it.

Before T.J. came along, Greg started a foundation, Receptions for Research, in honor of his mother, who is a breast cancer survivor. The Olsens have since added another arm to the foundation: The HEARTest Yard, which will provide resources for families with single-ventricle babies.

"This is our platform," Kara said. "This is our way to help these families and help these babies."

The idea is to guide families through the critical period between the baby's arrival at home and the second surgery. The Olsens, who are working in conjunction with Peeler, officially will announce the initiative at a June 21 event at Levine Children's Hospital. They expect to begin providing financial assistance to families this summer.

There will be "no insurance companies to jump through, no cost to the hospital," Greg said. "The hospital will administer it, but the funds to provide this care -- to pay for the doctors, nurses, therapists -- will be completely funded through The HEARTest Yard."

The goal is to lower the mortality rate -- which Peeler said is thought to be as high as 15 percent -- between the first and second surgeries. "We feel this is the most tangible, direct way to impact that percentage and change these babies' lives forever," Greg said.

Said Peeler, who estimated that "about a thousand" babies are born each year in the United States with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: "It's really a great thing for the babies, and we really think that it has a chance of making a huge difference as the years go by for their physical and neurological development."

Peeler said that while T.J. still has "a severe heart condition," he has given Greg and Kara this advice: "Now just let's go home, let's let T.J. be a baby, let's go live our life, and we'll catch back up with you in a couple years."

T.J. can travel now; he can play with other children. To the Olsens, that kind of normal never sounded so good.

"Looking back, it's taught us so much as people," Greg said. "(T.J.) has brought us so much joy. He's brought us so many life lessons (and) really opened our eyes to what's important in life and where priorities lay with our family."

"He's changed a lot of lives already, changed ours," Kara said. "(He has) changed our family, but now that it's affecting others positively, it makes us very proud."


(nfl.com)

CINCINNATI -- The Brewers lost another close game and their best player, the latest setbacks to an already disheartening season.

Milwaukee put outfielder Ryan Braun on the 15-day disabled list after a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.

The Brewers hoped Braun could get back into the lineup on Friday. He'd missed four games while resting a sore right thumb, but went out to take batting practice. The session didn't go well, leaving Milwaukee with no other choice.

Braun is batting .304 with nine homers and 36 RBIs. He won the NL's Most Valuable Player award in 2011 and finished second to San Francisco's Buster Posey last year.

"He went out and swung today, took batting practice and the soreness is still there," manager Ron Roenicke said. "This is a move we tried to avoid. After talking to him, I think this is the right way to go."

Earlier this month, ESPN's "Outside the Lines" reported that Braun is among a group of major league players facing a suspension for his connection to an anti-aging clinic at the heart of an ongoing performance-enhancing drug scandal.


(espn.com)

SAN DIEGO -- Yasmani Grandal has had trouble sleeping. Instead of wasting time staring at the ceiling or watching late-night TV, the Padres catcher routinely reviews scouting DVDs on his next opponent. He logs a few hours a night in front of his flat screen, looking for clues to get the other team out.

The extra work in the video room, enhanced by an offseason's worth of catching drills, has turned Grandal into a standout defensive player. The same couldn't be said last season, when he was in the lineup for his bat as opposed to his glove.

"I didn't like the way I played defensively last season," Grandal said. "This offseason, I made a point to make catching come first and let the hitting run its course."

That's why he spends so much time watching video. That's why he spent significant time on catching drills this offseason. He wanted to change his reputation as a purely offensive catcher. He wanted to be a complete player.

Since he couldn't swing a bat this offseason with strained ligaments in his left middle finger, Grandal didn't have a choice.

"I would spend 2-3 hours a day on different elements of the position, and I believe it helped me grow as a defensive player," Grandal said. "There are times when I'm at home and I can't sleep until 2 or 3 in the morning, and that's when I break down the video. That's the most productive use of my down time, because being a good defensive catcher is my number one responsibility."

His hard work has been recognized. The Padres starting rotation lauded Grandal's work and spoke highly of his commitment to catching. That's been proven in the win column too. The Padres are 10-3 in games he's started behind the plate, a short stint after serving a 50-game suspension for violating MLB's policy on performance enhancing drugs.

While Grandal has struggled offensively in that span -- he's hitting just .191 with three extra-base hits -- manager Bud Black has been impressed by his ability to separate offense from defense.

"He's been able to separate the offense from his defense," Black said. "His bat has gotten off to a slow start, but he hasn't let that affect his job behind the plate. His game calling has been outstanding, and he always seems to be in sync with the catcher. That's a big pat on the back to him."

Grandal did a little bit of everything on Saturday night. He called a quality start for Jason Marquis, and supported him with a three-run home run in the fourth inning.

"I've been making good swings, but I don't think the ball had been traveling as far," Grandal said. "When I made good contact, it seemed to be right at someone. I knew that it would turn eventually, and it was a relief to have it work out last night."


(mlb.com)

Coach Joe Philbin says Lamar Miller has "really progressed" over the course of OTAs and minicamp.

"He is very smart," Philbin said. "I think he has really progressed from a mental standpoint as a professional in his second season. He has very good hands. We like a lot of the things he is doing in pass protection. Again, we have to temper our enthusiasm based on how he does in pads, but I think his understanding of how he fits in the protection scheme is very good. We use that term, ‘closing the distance.’ He has done an excellent job in that regard in the spring, so we’ll have to see how that carries over to the fall." Miller is the favorite for lead-back duties in the Miami backfield. We have him as a mid-to-low RB2.


(rotoworld.com)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Indications were the New York Jets would sign Kellen Winslow II if he made it through minicamp healthy.

The veteran tight end did just that, so it's seemingly only a matter of time before he joins a team that could use a playmaker at that position after the loss of Dustin Keller to the Miami Dolphins via free agency.

If and when Winslow signs, he believes it will be a nice end to a recent run of bad news.

"It's been a rough go-round, I guess," said the former sixth-overall pick, who appeared in only one game for the New England Patriots last year after the Seattle Seahawks released him. "This last year, when you can't control it, you get cut, you get traded, you just can't control it.

"But I'll tell you I'm very hungry. I've always been hungry. Whenever I step out on the football field, I want to beat my opponent. I just want to help this team and make plays for them."

Jets general manager John Idzik said he appreciated the chance to see Winslow over a three-day period rather than taking a quick look at him during a standard workout.

"We'll talk about (signing Winslow)," he said. "What's nice about minicamp environments, you get three days, unlike when you bring street guys in for free-agent workouts, you may get them on the field for 45 minutes to an hour.

"In minicamps, we get three days with them to teach them some things and see how they apply it. We thought Kellen did a nice job given the fact he got off the plane, got into a meeting and a couple hours later, he got out on the field. All things considered, he did a pretty good job."

Some players and agents prefer to have a player work out individually rather than participate in a full minicamp. Winslow's agent Drew Rosenhaus also encouraged Donte' Stallworth to do the full minicamp with the Washington Redskins.

Stallworth signed and now Winslow, who took a blood test just before talking to reporters, seems to be next.

"I am a dynamic player. I'm more of a receiver type," Winslow, who has five seasons of 66 catches or more, said when asked if he sees a chance to get back to making plays. "We have bigger bodies (on the roster) and I'm more of a receiver type. Everybody's a playmaker on this team."

Well, that last part is an exaggeration. The Jets need all the help they can get. And should he indeed sign with the Jets, Winslow needs to prove he can stay healthy after a few knee surgeries in his career.

"You just get smarter, do smarter things for your body," Winslow said. "Live in the ice tub, take care of your legs and be OK."


(usatoday.com)

DAVIE— Olivier Vernon's first step is definitely explosive, but the ones that follow his take off are even more impressive.

But we're not talking about this Dolphins defensive lineman's pass rushing repertoire. Vernon's rush skills are still being polished.

What sets Vernon apart from his counterparts on Miami's defensive line is his unique ability to drop back into coverage and run downfield stride-for-stride with tailbacks, tight ends, and even receivers.

The former University of Miami standout did it occasionally during his college career, and in instances during his rookie season with the Dolphins.

But it appears defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle will be turning up the volume, calling on this hybrid player to drop back more in 2013. Coyle continues to install some rather unique blitzes that the defense was experimenting with this offseason.

"I like what we see from him, no question," coach Joe Philbin said of Vernon, whom the Dolphins selected in the third round of last year's draft.

With Jared Odrick moving inside to defensive tackle, Vernon has spent every snap this summer as the Dolphins' starting right side defensive end. His tweener skills have encouraged the coaches to get a little creative.

"The good thing about him is he can put his hand on the ground and he can function. You can put him in a two-point stance and he can function. And then as he grows as a player you can maybe move him around to a couple different spots," Philbin said.

"That creates what we call targeting issues for the offense, and identification issues."

The Dolphins new-look defense is all about creating confusion about roles, assignments and coverages; therefore, versatile players such as Vernon will be the key.

But that's if Vernon manages to keep the starting spot. The Dolphins used a first-round pick to draft Oregon's Dion Jordan, a player with similar tweener skills, and comparable athleticism to Vernon.

Jordan, whom the Dolphins traded up to select third overall, played outside linebacker in Oregon's 3-4 defense, and routinely dropped back into coverage. When he finally joins the Dolphins during training camp, which opens in late-July, Jordan will be moved to defensive end, where he'll compete with Vernon for the starting spot opposite Cameron Wake.

Vernon doesn't seem too concerned about his competition's first-round draft status.

"Everybody will have an opportunity, especially during training camp." said Vernon, who contributed 32 tackles, 3.5 sacks and forced one fumble in his 445 snaps as a rookie. "Whoever is the best fit for the position will have the spot.

"If he can help the team he can help the team. That's what we need. We need guys who can come in and make plays."

But Vernon has no intentions of backing down, nor should he considering pound-for-pound he's one of the best athletes on the roster.

"Olivier did an outstanding job for us as a rookie. He had a tough learning curve but he did an excellent job," defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers said of Vernon, who started just 16 games at UM before leaving after his suspension-shortened junior season.

"When [the coaches] went through the cut ups [of film] in the offseason we felt like we have to get this guy on the field to play more."

Rodgers said Vernon has made "great strides" during the offseason program. He's been working out weekly at the team facility since January, and hasn't taken a break from weight lifting.

As a result he's bulked up to 268 pounds, which he believes will help him set the edge better.

Wake said the biggest improvement Vernon has made is his "football awareness," understanding situations, schemes, formations better. That's an edge he'll have over Jordan, who has missed all of the Dolphins' offseason program because of NFL rules.

"Last year was a welcome to the NFL type situation," Wake said. "Now [Vernon] knows what's going on."

He also knows what to expect.


(sun-sentinel.com)

The Broncos put their running game largely in the hands of their own draft picks Thursday morning, releasing veteran Willis McGahee.

McGahee was informed of the decision Thursday morning as the team gathered for its final day of minicamp. McGahee had missed the bulk of the Broncos' offseason workouts for what he called "family reasons," but had participated in Tuesday's and Wednesday's mandatory minicamp practices.

In a statement, Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway said, "It's never easy to part ways with a veteran player who made so many positive contributions to our team and our community. I appreciate all of the competitiveness, toughness and leadership Willis brought to the Broncos. He was an integral part of our turnaround during the past two seasons, and I wish him the best as he continues his NFL career."

The move puts Ronnie Hillman, a third-round pick by the Broncos in the 2012 draft and rookie Montee Ball, a second-round pick this past April, at the top of the team's depth chart.

McGahee was given very little work with the offensive regulars in this week's minicamp practices and seemed resigned to Thursday's decision by the Broncos when he said, "If it happens, it happens."

"I'd like to thank Willis for everything he did, he did a great job for us," said Broncos coach John Fox following Thursday's practice. "He was one of our first signees when we came here to get this thing turned around. It's the unfortunate part of this business, but he did a great job."

McGahee, who will turn 32 this season, has two years remaining on a four-year, $9.5 million deal he signed in 2011. He was scheduled to earn a $2.5 million base salary this season and a $2 million base salary in 2014.

The Broncos will take a $1 million dead money hit against their 2013 salary cap with McGahee's release.

He finished the 2012 season on injured reserve after he suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and compression fracture of his right knee early in the second quarter of the Broncos' 30-23 victory over San Diego. McGahee said Tuesday, however, he's been medically cleared to take part fully in the team's practices and that he's had "no problems" with the knee.

McGahee cited "family reasons" for working out in Miami in recent weeks and said he had no regrets about his decision, even if it had given Hillman and Ball a chance to snare some, or even all, of McGahee's potential playing time.

"In fairness to (McGahee) this gives him a better opportunity to hook on somewhere and gives us a better opportunity to give some of these young guys more reps," Fox said. "It's a conscious decision for us to get younger."

Fox added that McGahee's absence in recent weeks "didn't really have anything to do with it."

McGahee also said earlier this week he was convinced the Broncos would have given Hillman and Ball long looks with the offense even if he had attended all of the voluntary workouts at Dove Valley.

"I probably would have been behind the 8-ball anyway," McGahee said. "(It's) a younger group. Just being real, right? But at the end of the day I'm going to go out and be Willis McGahee, man. I can't worry about what those guys are doing. ... Those guys are talented, I like them, I like the way they run."

This year wasn't the first McGahee has done most of his offseason work in Miami in his time with the Broncos. He had hoped for a new contract following his 1,199-yard season in 2011 — he was an injury replacement in the Pro Bowl following that season — and spent much of last year's offseason program in Florida.

He attended the team's mandatory minicamp last June as well and when he reported for training camp he was still the Broncos starter.

"(Competition) is always going to rank high to me because the other guys are younger, I'm always on the bubble," McGahee said Tuesday. "So, not too much you can do, it's a business, if something happens it happens."

The Broncos, by league rules, could have fined McGahee for each missed day this week, because he was under contract.

McGahee reported to the team's mandatory minicamp that began with a meeting Monday night, then got just enough reps on Tuesday and Wednesday for the Broncos to feel comfortable enough to release him.

The former Miami Hurricane has had two remarkable comebacks in his NFL career, first from a devastating knee injury suffered in his last college game and then in 2011 with the Broncos following three seasons as a backup with the Baltimore Ravens.

McGahee was on pace for another 1,000-yard season last year when a blow to the knee delivered by San Diego cornerback Quentin Jammer left the tailback with a torn ligament and compression fracture in his tibia.

Jammer is now with the Broncos as a safety. McGahee is not.


(denverpost.com)

Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie hasn’t exactly been known for showing up to training camp in great shape. He’s generally been known for eating too much and working out too little.

But McKinnie says things are different now.

McKinnie, who was held out of the start of training camp last year because he wasn’t in good enough shape to practice, has been more involved in offseason work this year and told the team’s website that he’s in his best shape in years. (Not that that’s saying much.)

“I feel like I’m in pretty good shape and I’m doing a lot better,” McKinnie said. “I’m far ahead than I have been the past two years.”

McKinnie said he’s lighter now than he was last year and plans to lose a little more weight before training camp starts. With better conditioning, he believes he’s poised to have a Pro Bowl season.

“I still need to drop a little lower,” he said. “But it’s definitely better than it has the past two years. I’ll continue working on cardio and stretching, but I’m just focused on getting better.”

For McKinnie, getting slimmer is a good step toward getting better.


(profootballtalk.com)

Ravens reserve running back Damien Berry was arrested Tuesday night by Baltimore County police on a failure to appear warrant stemming from a charge of driving with a suspended license, according to court records.

Berry was released on his own recognizance Wednesday and has been assigned an Oct. 10 court date for several traffic citations, Baltimore County Police Department Cpl. Cathy Batton said.

The former University of Miami player was pulled over in his 2010 BMW by Howard County police on Jan. 24 at 1:06 a.m. for driving 63 miles per hour in a 40 mph zone.

The native of Belle Glade, Fla., was cited for speeding as well as driving with a suspended out-of-state license, driving on an expired license and failure to display license on demand.

Ravens team spokesman Chad Steele told The Baltimore Sun that the team is aware of the situation.

Berry hasn't been seen at the Ravens mandatory minicamp the past two days.

Berry spent last season on injured reserve after being on the Ravens' practice squad as a rookie two years ago.


(baltimoresun.com)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have liked what they've seen in two seasons from Colin McCarthy.

The thing is, they just haven’t seen the middle linebacker enough for their liking.

Ditto that feeling for McCarthy, who exploded onto the scene to earn the starting slot two seasons ago as a rookie and unheralded fourth-round draft pick out of Miami (Fla.). By the time 2012 rolled around, his defensive teammates thought highly enough of McCarthy to vote him captain.

But 2012 didn't turn out exactly as McCarthy planned. He injured his left ankle in the season opener and struggled when he was made inactive for four of the first seven games. When he finally made it back, he suffered a concussion and didn’t play in the final four games.

"That’s my goal — to play all 16 games — and, obviously, be healthy and be available when my number is called," said McCarthy on Thursday, claiming to have no ill effects from either injury that plagued him last season.

That would be a huge benefit for a Titans defense that yielded a league-worst 471 points last season, setting a franchise record for defensive futility. While playing only 34 percent of the team's defensive snaps, the 6-foot-1, 238-pounder still had 45 tackles and a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown against Miami.

"I'm feeling good," McCarthy said. "It's good to get back out there on the field and get these injuries behind me and just focus on my game, making sure of technique and assignments and be on top of my game."

Titans head coach Mike Munchak has been pleased with McCarthy's progress during Organized Team Activities. The club will conclude spring drills next week with a three-day minicamp (Tuesday through Thursday) before taking off until training camp in late July.

"I think Colin is doing well," said Munchak, who had a disappointing 6-10 record with the Titans in 2012. "This is exactly what he needed, getting out here and feeling healthy again. That’s a relief for him, just out here playing football again and learning.

"I am just happy to have him out here. It’s all business. He has been out here every day and working hard.”

Still, there is the notion that McCarthy is injury prone. As a rookie, he injured a hamstring in the fifth game against Pittsburgh and missed the next three outings. But when he returned, McCarthy started seven of the last eight games and finished the season with 78 tackles, including a team-high eight tackles for loss, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

"I’m focusing on being healthy and doing everything to prevent injuries," said McCarthy, who had surgery on his right ankle following last season. He also had three shoulder surgeries early during his college playing days before playing 25 games the last two seasons at Miami.

"Football is a physical game,” he added. "Things are going to happen. I’m just trying to put those injuries behind me and move forward.”

While McCarthy is solidly entrenched as the starter at middle linebacker, the Titans also signed an insurance policy, Moise Fokou, the former Colts (2012) and Eagles (2009-11) backup middle linebacker.

Still, it is McCarthy who needs to stay healthy and play an entire season because of all the variables he brings to the defense, especially big-play capabilities.

"There is a natural thing Colin has for the big play," Titans linebackers coach Chet Parlavecchio said. "There are times during the game when he makes the right decision to make the big play. He has great hands. He has good instincts. He has a knack for the big play."

McCarthy agreed with his position coach about the knack for making the big play.

"It's just instincts and watching film and reading my keys and believing my keys and reacting,” he said. “You put the work in and then just try to reap the advantages of it."

What Parlavecchio wants to see now, though, is a consistent effort from McCarthy not only during games, but an entire season.

"The part of his game that he has to improve on is the consistency – the play in and play out behavior,” Parlavecchio said. “In other words, he has to play the same on every play. When he develops the consistency in his game, there are no boundaries for how good can he be.”

The Titans are currently listing nine linebackers on their two-deep depth chart, so talent and depth at all three linebacker slots are considered team strengths. Third-year veteran Akeem Ayers, the team's leading tackler last season, is back on the strong side, while second-year player Zach Brown, who was third on the team in stops, returns to the weak side.

"They are a great group of guys," Parlavecchio said. "We use the analogy of the Boston Bruins. What makes the Boston Bruins so good and playing for the Stanley Cup?

"It's when they roll four lines at you, all four lines are exactly identical. You can't tell the first line from the fourth line. That’s the way we are going to be.”

But certainly it all starts at linebacker with having a healthy and productive McCarthy back in the middle.

"It is someone who makes plays and gets the attention of the rest of the defense and be a person the rest of the team can rally around," McCarthy said of what it takes to be a good linebacker in the NFL. "I don't think you need to be very vocal. Obviously, with making your calls, you need to be confident in making your calls.

"It's just going out there and playing football. At this level, guys want to see you produce. Guys want to see you make plays. And that’s how you gain the respect of your teammates and coaches."


(foxsportstennessee.com)

Last offseason, one of the undrafted rookies that got some attention and caused a bit of a buzz among fans and the media was receiver LaRon Byrd. Head coach Bruce Arians was asked after Wednesday's practice whether Byrd has been making progress recently.

Arians did not mince words.

"No really, to be honest," he told reporters. "He made a couple of nice catches that were unbelievable throws (on Tuesday night). Linebackers had him covered, but he made a great catch on an unbelievable throw last night.

"It appeared to be a good play, but he's too inconsistent now right now in his assignments and in his overall play. He has talent, he has a good future, but he's got to get more consistent."

As of right now, he has found himself down low on the depth chart.

It should not be a surprise. He was a guy that Ken Whisenhunt had brought in, and this is the sort of thing that happens with a new regime -- they get replaced by other guys that he new leadership brings in.

Right now, it is Jaron Brown and Kerry Taylor who are the receivers just behind the three wideouts (Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd) that Arians and Carson Palmer will lean on in the passing game.


(revengeofthebirds.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- There’s been something that hasn’t been seen in quite some time during the past two years taking place at the Carolina Panthers’ minicamp the past couple of days.

Linebacker Jon Beason has been on the field and making lots of plays. Beason has been limited to five games over the past two seasons due to injuries. Beason missed 15 games with a torn Achilles tendon in 2011 and appeared in only four games last season before a knee and shoulder injury shut him down.

But coach Ron Rivera said Beason is 100 percent healthy.

“I think he is,’’ Rivera said. “They passed him on the physical, so I’m assuming he is 100 percent. He’s moving around like he is. He made some plays. You really see the energy coming back. You see the quickness.’’

With a healthy Beason, Carolina has a chance to have one of the NFL’s best linebacker corps. Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly was the Defensive Rookie of the Year last season and outside linebacker Thomas Davis has made a successful comeback from injury issues of his own.

Beason was one of the league’s better linebackers before his injury problems started and the Panthers think he can get back to that level.

“I think he’s really going to help us, just his presence and who he is as a football player,’’ Rivera said.


(espn.com)

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Frank Gore doesn't see turning 30 as a bad thing, even if it's the age when most NFL running backs start to decline.

If anything, the San Francisco 49ers' career rushing leader has embraced the milestone and sees it as another means of motivation.

"I love it," Gore said Thursday outside of the 49ers' locker room. "I feel like every year it's something with me. I have to overcome everything, every year. Now that I'm 30 I just have to keep working and training hard."

Not that Gore has ever needed extra incentive.

Whether it was being bypassed in the 2005 draft when he was the sixth running back selected or the string of injuries he's endured and overcome since then, Gore has always felt the need to prove people wrong.

The 49ers clearly know Gore's value and have limited his participation in the offseason workouts, including this week's three-day minicamp.

San Francisco hopes the time off will help keep Gore fresher for the regular season. He's topped 1,000 yards in six of the last seven years but he's also had a tendency to wear down late in the season.

Since the end of the 2009 season, Gore has failed to record a 100-yard game in the months of November and December. He rebounded to top that mark twice in the playoffs last season, including in the 49ers' Super Bowl loss to Baltimore when Gore ran for 110 yards and a touchdown.

That wasn't enough to silence the critics. And when Gore turned 30 on May 14, the doubters seemed to increase.

Even his spot on a recently released list of the top 100 players in the NFL didn't sit well with the ninth-year veteran. Gore was No. 32.

"They said he's turning 30 and he might not have (any) more left," Gore said. "I like that type of stuff. Whenever (the 49ers) let me get on the field, I'm going to go hard and prove everybody wrong again."

Just when Gore will be on the field is the question.

While he's done some light individual work, the 49ers have not let him take part in any on-field practices. He was a spectator at practice Thursday and likely won't put on pads until San Francisco opens training camp in July.

That led to speculation that Gore might be nursing an injury. But when questioned about it on Thursday, Gore was as elusive as he has been on the field.

"I'm cool, I'm good," he said. "I'm just listening to (head trainer Jeff Ferguson). He told me he didn't want me doing anything right now, and I'm listening. I'm just getting my body back. I want to be fresh whenever I get back on the field."

Keeping Gore fresh is critical considering the health of some of San Francisco's other running backs.

Kendall Hunter, the top backup behind Gore, is still mending from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered last season. Rookie Marcus Lattimore, one of the team's two fourth-round draft picks, is also trying to come back after an injury-plagued college career that included a career-threatening right knee injury in 2012.

Gore and Lattimore have formed a kinship of sorts because of their similar histories. Gore suffered serious injuries to both knees while in college before rebounding to become a four-time Pro Bowl running back for the 49ers.

"He's a good kid," Gore said of Lattimore. "I went through the same thing, being one of the best backs at the school and getting drafted late in the rounds and you don't know if you could get back to (being) you. I'm pulling for him."


(oregonlive.com)

FOXBORO - It's been a decade now for Vince Wilfork, so it's a fair bet that he's seen just about anything a player can see in the NFL.

That includes a parade of players that have come to his New England Patriots looking to earn a ring. Some have stayed, others have left. They come and go, he said - but there's one thread that has to run through all of them.

"If you're not willing to put the work in to be successful, you're not going to make it here," Wilfork said Wednesday after what turned out to be the last practice of the Patriots' mandatory full-squad minicamp. "The guys that do make it here, they're willing to humble themselves and put the team first, and concentrate on winning. We will always put team first and winning first before anything."

The question was posed to Wilfork under the premise of the arrival of quarterback Tim Tebow at Gillette Stadium. The former Bronco and Jet signed a two-year contract and joined the Patriots on Tuesday.

"Just another teammate to help us win," said the veteran defensive tackle. "I'm glad to have him as a teammate and I'm pretty sure that he'll do some things that will help us win. That's up to the coaches to put him where he needs to be, but any decisions the coaches make to bring guys in or to release guys is for the better of this team."

There has never been any question about Tebow's humility at any of his stops, including the University of Florida. What's been a question throughout his career is whether he can play his position well enough to succeed as a pro - and if not, whether a strapping young lad with Tebow's athletic ability and drive can somehow be adapted to fit other, unique roles.

It didn't work with the Jets, and Wilfork admitted he didn't yet know what Bill Belichick has up his sleeve in his attempt to find value in Tebow.

"They feel he can help us in some kind of way that we don't know," Wilfork said, "but I'm happy to have him as a teammate."

Wilfork said he was happy about one thing - that he would not have to chase the mercurial Tebow around the field as an opponent any more. But in his new identity as a Patriot, Tebow is more than welcome to be on board as long as he knows what he has to do in order to stick.

"We're all about football and winning," Wilfork said. "If you're not about that, then this is not a place for you. We're going to treat him just like we always treat anybody. We always treat everybody fair, no matter who you are."


(thesunchronicle.com)

Special teams have long been a strong area for the Bears. That shouldn't change this season, with a new special teams coordinator and extra pressure on return man Devin Hester and punter Adam Podlesh.

Instead of splitting time between offense and special teams, Hester will focus solely on returns this season. He is already liking the change.

“I’m having fun,” Hester said. “I feel more energized, more in shape as far as my legs being fresh by limiting some of my reps. It reminds me of my first two years.”

During his first two years, Hester was tough to stop as a return man. He had 11 kickoff return touchdowns, including a memorable one in the Super Bowl. He also had a limited role as a wide receiver, making just 20 catches in two seasons.

Podlesh has competition, as the Bears signed Tress Way, a free agent punter. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis said way has a chance to win the roster spot.

"I view him as a competitor," DeCamillis said of Way. "He has some positive things. He has a chance."

Podlesh struggled at times last season. He improved as the season went on, but the Bears are making sure that he stays consistent this season. They are scheduled to pay him more than $1 million this season, so Way is around to ensure Podlesh does his best through camp.

The biggest takeaway from this is the Bears are investing heavily in special teams. They brought in a coach with a proven track record. They are devoting a roster spot to a return man and making a punter highly paid. They are going to expect an immediate return on their investment, so the pressure is on for Hester, Podlesh and the rest of the special teams to perform.


(nbcchicago.com)

NEWS UPDATE
After sitting out his third straight game Wednesday, Braun said his injured thumb has felt the same way it did heading into the three-game series with the Marlins, MLB.com reports.

ROTOWIRE FANTASY ANALYSIS
Though Braun has not swung a bat since leaving Sunday's game in the third inning, manager Ron Roenicke indicated he wouldn't have had any qualms about using him in a big pinch-hitting situation if necessary, but that never materialized during the Marlins series. With a team day off Thursday, the Brewers hope Braun can be back in the fold Friday for the first game of the weekend series with the Reds, but if there's no sign of improvement in the next couple days, a trip to the DL would become increasingly likely.


(rotowire.com)

Athlon Sports recently released the Top 50 Offensive Linemen of the BCS Era.  Sitting atop the list is former University of Miami tackle Bryant McKinnie.

When comprising their list, Athlon took the following into consideration: statistical production, individual awards, team success, longevity, supporting cast, level of competition, raw talent and athletic ability.

During his tenure at the U, McKinnie was a force to be reckoned with.  As part of the infamous 2000-01 Miami Hurricanes team – arguably the best college football team ever to be assembled – McKinnie helped lead the Hurricanes to a 2001 BCS National Championship win and a 23-1 record.

The 6’9″, 335-pound behemoth arrived at UM from junior college (Lackawanna JC) and although he only played two years in Coral Gables, McKinnie made his name be known.

In his senior season (2001), McKinnie was considered by many as the most dominating player in college football.
2001 Accolades:

Outland Trophy Winner
Consensus First-Team All-American
Two-Time Unanimous First-Team All-Big East (Coaches)
National Player of the Year (CNNSI.com)
National Offensive Player of the Year Finalist (Football News)
8th in Heisman Trophy Voting (26 first-place votes)

McKinnie never allowed a sack during his career at UM, junior college or high school.  A consensus 4-star JUCO prospect, the big man chose Miami over Arkansas, Penn State, Iowa, South Carolina, West Virginia, Clemson and Syracuse.

Taken in the first-round of the 2002 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected McKinnie with the seventh overall pick.

Also making the list is former Hurricanes center Brett Romberg at No. 15.

From Athlon:

With Romberg at center, the Hurricanes went 35-2, won three Big East championships, played in two national championship games and won the 2001 BCS national title.  He won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center and was a consensus All-American in 2002.”

Romberg never really made his mark in the NFL and bounced around from team to team.  Last playing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2011, Romberg is currently listed as a free agent.


(canesswarning.com)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Kellen Winslow has already made an impression on Jets coach Rex Ryan. From the very first play, Ryan noticed the tight end, who is on a three-day tryout with the Jets.

“The one thing that jumps out at you is his skill and athleticism,” Ryan said. That’s something that jumps out at you, that he still has that and from the very first play that he’s in there, you can still see that.”

Winslow didn’t play a full season last year. He was briefly with the Patriots, and before that played three seasons with Tampa Bay after being drafted in the first round by Cleveland in 2004. Ryan, as defensive coordinator for the Ravens, was often frustrated by Winslow’s ability.

“I think having that kind of weapon, he’s such an athlete,” Ryan said. “Kellen’s never been a hired killer as a blocker, he tries you know, but as an athlete and a receiver, whoo. Of the two or three grey hairs I have in my head, like two billion of them or whatever, he’s contributed to some of those I can tell you.”

Here's what Winslow had to say about his first day with the Jets on Tuesday. After Wednesday's practice, Winslow said he felt optimistic about the possibility that the Jets would sign him.

The Jets also have wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker in as a tryout for the minicamp, and he didn’t leave the same impression.

“He never jumped out at me the way that Kellen did,” Ryan said. “So we’ll see how he does today.”


(espn.com)

The oft-stated offseason plan for Devin Hester was to focus on being the Bears’ kick returner. General manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman said it months ago and repeated it again this week.

But there was Hester in a backpedal, covering a receiver Wednesday during the second day of minicamp at Halas Hall. He took a turn during a drill that matched defensive backs against receivers.

“Yeah,” Hester said afterward. “I was just out there playing around.”

And that’s just it. Hester said he’s still having fun even though he has been relegated to watching from the sideline with other specialists for long stretches at practice.

Does he ever look at the receivers and wish he was still working with them like he did under former coach Lovie Smith?

“Nah, I’m past that,” Hester said. “It’s a new season. I’m looking forward to what Coach has in mind for me this year.”

Again, that’s returning to form as the NFL’s best return man. In that regard, Hester said he feels rejuvenated.

“I’m having fun,” Hester said. “I feel more energized, more in shape as far as my legs being fresh by limiting some of my reps. It reminds me of my first two years.”


(suntimes.com)

Linebacker Jon Beason was flying around the practice field Wednesday on the second day of the Panthers’ minicamp.

He was at a new position, but he was back with the first-team defense – and that was enough for Panthers coach Ron Rivera to be encouraged.

Beason, coming off knee and shoulder surgeries, spent most of the three weeks of organized team activities on the sideline, and it was assumed he wouldn’t see much action until training camp in July.

But after the team’s medical staff cleared him, Beason returned to practice.

If he was at less than full speed, Rivera didn’t notice.

“They passed him on the physical, so I assume he’s 100 percent. He moved around like it. He made some plays,” Rivera said. “You really see that energy coming back. You see that quickness.”

Beason worked at strongside linebacker next to Luke Kuechly, who took Beason’s spot in the middle after Beason went down last season. Kuechly was named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league in tackles.

Beason has played in just five games the past two seasons. He blew out his Achilles early in the 2011 season, and underwent three surgeries in a 17-month span.

But Rivera said he was not hesitant about putting Beason back on the field.

“Jon works so hard at everything. It really didn’t surprise me that he’d be ready to go,” Rivera said. “And I’m glad to see him out there. I think he’s going to help us, just his presence and who he is as a football player.”


(charlotteobserver.com)

To hear Willis McGahee tell it, his decade in the NFL has been his response to those who have counted him out or pushed him aside. He suffered a devastating knee injury in his final game at the University of Miami. Now, more than 10 years later, he faces a substantial challenge to make the Broncos' roster, due to his age and contract.

"There's always going to be heat and competition, because every year they're going to bring in a running back," McGahee said. "All I can do is be Willis McGahee. I can't control what can happen. I can just go out there and do my job."

McGahee did what players have the option to do for the bulk of this offseason. Instead of working out at the Broncos' Dove Valley complex the majority of the time, McGahee worked out in Miami. Before this week's mandatory three-day minicamp, the Broncos' offseason sessions have been voluntary.

McGahee and left tackle Ryan Clady have been the only Broncos veterans who have not spent their offseasons at the Broncos' facility. Facing the threat of a fine for missing this week's mandatory work, McGahee reported with the other Broncos on Monday night and was on the practice field Tuesday.

His first full practice back wasn't all that eventful. McGahee received a smattering of snaps in team drills in Tuesday's main practice. Ronnie Hillman and rookie Montee Ball got the bulk of the work with the first two units.

McGahee was asked if he thought he would have received more playing time had he attended team workouts in recent weeks. He replied, "Probably, but hey, we've got seven other running backs."

McGahee, 31, has two years remaining on a four-year, $9.5 million contract he signed in 2011. He is scheduled to earn a $2.5 million base salary this season and a $2 million base salary in 2014.

He finished the 2012 season on injured reserve after he suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and a compression fracture of his right knee early in the second quarter of the Broncos' 30-23 victory over San Diego. McGahee said Tuesday he has been medically cleared to take part fully in the team's practices and that he has had no problems with the knee.

"Willis has had a very successful career, and with our young running corps, they can learn a lot from him," Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker said. "Whether it's in the film-study room or on the field, it's nice to have (McGahee) back."

McGahee cited family reasons for his decision to stay in Miami in recent weeks and said he had no regrets, even if it has given Hillman and Ball a chance to snare some snaps, or all of McGahee's potential playing time. He said the Broncos probably would have given the two youngsters a long look even if he had attended all of the team's workouts.

"I probably would have been behind the 8-ball anyway," McGahee said. "(It's) a younger group. Just being real, right? I can't worry about what those guys are doing. Those guys are talented. I like them. I like the way they run."

McGahee said coaches had prepared him for his potentially light workload in Tuesday's practice.

This isn't the first time McGahee has done most of his offseason work in Miami in his tenure with the Broncos. He had hoped for a new contract after his 1,199-yard rushing season in 2011 and spent much of last year's offseason program in Florida.

He returned to attend the team's mandatory minicamp last June, and when he reported for training camp last July he still was the Broncos' starter. He sees a different landscape on the depth chart after another birthday, another injury and the Broncos taking Ball in the second round of April's draft a year after selecting Hillman in the third round of the 2012 draft.

"(Competition) is always going to rank high to me, because the other guys are younger," McGahee said.

The Broncos could have fined McGahee if he missed camp this week, because he is under contract. Clady cannot be fined, because he has not signed his one-year tender offer as the Broncos' designated franchise player (for $9.828 million).

The Broncos' second practice Tuesday — largely a walk-through that McGahee said he expected to be more involved in —  was closed. They will have two practices Wednesday and one workout Thursday.


(denverpost.com)

CHARLOTTE - Initially, tight end Greg Olsen thought his infant son might be in the hospital recovering from open-heart surgery when the Panthers' mandatory veteran minicamp kicked off Tuesday.

But when a long day for the players came to a close, Olsen was able to go home rather than to the hospital to spend some time with TJ and his two other children.

"He's doing well," Olsen said. "It's one of the fastest recoveries that they've seen."

TJ returned home last Thursday, just four days after the second of three surgeries designed to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome. TJ underwent the first procedure shortly after his birth in October and will undergo the final one around the age of 3.

"He went in to get a heart catheter (on May 30), which is a preemptive thing for the surgery, and then while he was in the hospital with the way things went they decided to just go ahead and do the surgery," Olsen explained. "They ended up moving it up a week. He had it last Saturday (June 1); he came home Wednesday."

While the third and final procedure will mark a milestone, the long-term future is still uncertain because children simply didn't survive the condition three decades ago.

"The unfortunate aspect of it is that the oldest living kids that have survived these surgeries are only now getting into their 30s, so the long, long-term prognosis is a little unclear," Olsen said. "But there are a lot of kids out there now in their 20s or 30s without a transplant, so that aspect of it is positive. And long, long term, hopefully by then more stuff will be developed."

With TJ well on his way to recovery, it was a little easier for Olsen to concentrate on the task at hand, namely finishing off the offseason training program as strong as the Panthers started it.

It's all in hopes of having a strong start to the season.

"The last couple of weeks of OTAs have been really good. I know every year people are going to say that – no one ever comes out here and says that we suck – but I really do believe we've taken a lot of strides," Olsen said. "We've made some minor adjustments with Coach (Mike) Shula now being the offensive coordinator. We've transitioned to doing things his way, and guys have really responded to that.

"We've added some pieces to the puzzle that are going to help us on both sides, but no one wins championships this time of year. You've got to put in the work now, but it only really matters when you start playing. We need to find out why we've started the last couple of years poorly and correct that because the Week 12 runs aren't cutting it."


(panthers.com)

FOXBORO, Mass. – Ed Reed put Tom Brady‘s name in the headlines on the day when Tim Tebow was plastered across all media platforms. The former Ravens safety claimed Brady’s slide in the AFC Championship game caused the hip injury that forced Reed to have surgery this offseason. Brady was asked about Reed’s claim during the quarterback’s media availability on Wednesday and said he had no reaction to the new Texan’s claim before being pushed.

“Yeah, there was nothing intentional about it,” Brady said. “It was unfortunate that it happened.”


(nesn.com)

FOXBORO -- Vince Wilfork approached the Tim Tebow topic with care on Wednesday. The 10-year Patriots veteran is almost always good to give his opinion, which can sometimes hold as much weight as the nose tackle's frame. 

"I'm glad I don't have to chase him around in games," Wilfork smiled. "We're going to treat him just like we treat everybody. We always treat people fair, no matter who you are. Guys come and go from here [and] it's a family here; he's part of our family. I'm happy to have him."

But of course. 

"Just another teammate who can help us win," he said simply. "I'm glad to have him as a teammate and I'm pretty sure he'll do some things that can help us win. It's up to the coaches to put him where he needs to be. Any decision the coaches make to bring guys in or release guys, is for the better for this team."

Every sentence sounded in accordance with the approved script. That is until Wilfork gave, as Tom Curran called an Aaron Hernandez line yesterday, an "accidentally apt" quote.  

"That's exactly what this is all about: They feel he can help us in some kind of way, we don't know, but I'm happy to have him as a teammate."

He seemed more certain of Tebow not being a distraction in Foxboro. Why? That's an easy one. 

"We're all about football. We're all about football and winning. If you're not about that, this is not a place for you. Whoever's been here, that came here and have been successful, and guys that haven't been successful and ended up leaving here -- it is what it is. It's a business. 

"That's one thing I can say about this organization: We do everything we can to win ballgames. How it is, we've got to get it done. Plus, there are 31 other teams out there that are making moves. So we have to make sure that we make the right moves and bring in the right guys with the right character and the right mindset of winning. That's what it's all about." 

New England has brought in its fair share of headline-inspiring personalities, even just recently with Randy Moss, Chad Johnson and Albert Haynesworth. None of those three lasted long with the Patriots. 

At least Tebow is more famous than infamous, unlike the aforementioned troubled trio. And one could argue how much of the feeding he's done, versus the media, to make his celebrity swell. 

Wilfork believes the important distinctions are made organically. All those extra cameras? Not part of the process. 

"Trust me, we don't even pay that no attention around here. If you're not willing to win, not willing to put the work in to be successful around here, you won't make it. The guys who make it around here are willing to humble themselves and come in here, put the team first, and concentrate on winning."

The aspect of talent must have been implied. 


(csnne.com)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Grizzlies held their fourth pre-draft workout Wednesday, one that included Ole Miss forward Murphy Holloway for the second time and national champion guard Peyton Siva.

The session also had French SG/SF Jordan Aboudou, Miami F/C Julian Gamble, Middle Tennesee State guard and Memphis native Jason Jones and Oklahoma forward Romero Osby.


(foxsportstennessee.com)

Miami -- The good news about Ryan Braun's injured right hand is that it hasn't gotten any worse since leaving in the third inning of Sunday's win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Miller Park.

The bad news is it hasn't really gotten much better, either, despite Braun being held out of the starting lineup for all three of the Milwaukee Brewers' games against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park.

"It's about the same," he said this afternoon.

Braun and the Brewers have tried a different approach with the injury since heading out on this nine-game road trip, with the leftfielder doing essentially nothing that might aggravate his hand even worse -- specifically, swinging a bat.

"We've tried not to," Braun said. "We're trying not to do anything that irritates it, and every time I've swung that's seemed to irritate it. So I'm trying not to swing."
Manager Ron Roenicke said coming into the series that he'd have to weigh using Braun as a pinch hitter in a game based on the situation.

Runners on, late in the game, chance to win it and perhaps Roenicke asks Braun if he wants to give it a shot. But in doing so, there's the distinct possibility that Braun further aggravates the hand and making it even more of an issue down the line.

Braun hasn't been needed in the first two games, which the Brewers have split with the Marlins, and there's an off-day looming tomorrow heading into a three-game weekend series in Cincinnati.

So has any progress been made with all the steps that have been taken?

"Maybe very minimal," Braun said. "Very minimal."

Braun was asked if he's disappointed with the situation, and how long the injury has lingered. He's been battling it for about a month now, essentially changing his swing and losing the ability to drive the ball when he has played.

The Brewers, meanwhile, have scuffled considerably.

"I don't know, man. I try not to get disappointed," he said. "I just keep an open mind and just deal with what I can. Hopefully it starts to get better.

"I'm optimistic and hopeful that it will start to improve sometime soon."

No doubt, the Brewers would love to have him back in the lineup and swinging well with an NL Central Division rival in the Reds looming next. But that decision will have to wait until Friday at Great American Ball Park.

"It's always day to day," he said. "Obviously I hope that I can play sooner than later. I just don't know."

Assuming Braun is back in the lineup Friday, Roenicke is hoping to see some marked improvement in how his leftfielder's hand is feeling. If not, the disabled list might be broached as a possibility.

"If things Friday, Saturday don't go well, then we'll see what we need to do," Roenicke said.

"It's going to get better. It's whether four days is enough. I don't know."

If Braun doesn't get an at-bat tonight, it will mark the second complete series he'll have missed this season.

He sat out April 5-7 with neck spasms against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Miller Park, a series Arizona wound up sweeping.


(jsonline.com)

Ed Reed has floored Tom Brady with some hard hits during the course of his career, but the superstar quarterback is the one who apparently caused the future Hall of Famer to undergo surgery.

Reed, the Texans' new safety, thinks that when Brady slid into him during last season's AFC Championship game, it was the reason that he had to repair a torn labrum in his hip in the offseason.

“Only play I can look at is when I got kicked by a certain quarterback, but even then I played in the Super Bowl and you saw what happened there,” Reed told the Houston Chronicle. “Even then I had two MCL sprains, a second degree one in the left in the Super Bowl in the first quarter and played through that. So if you’ve got any questions about my heart and how I play and how I work (that’s your answer).”

Reed, 34, had played his first 11 seasons with the Ravens before signing with Houston as a free agent in March, a deal for three years worth $15 million, with $5 million guaranteed.

He underwent surgery on his hip in April and his status for week 1 of the regular season is unknown. Reed missed the first six weeks of the 2010 season after undergoing hip surgery, but he said that surgery involved more significant reconstruction.

“I had surgery on April 30 and I was there for four weeks just like I had surgery last time I stayed about a month,” Reed said. “That’s the best thing to do as far as physical therapy. It’s going well right now. There’s really no timeline. I know what I want and I know what we want as an organization. We’re just going to keep on grinding and keep on working and shoot for September.”


(nypost.com)

In lockstep with his normal routine, Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee was on hand for mandatory minicamp Tuesday after skipping voluntary organized team activities earlier this offseason.

There is one major difference between this year and last, however. On the heels of Peyton Manning's recent disclosure that the Broncos are counting on Montee Ball "in a big way," there is naturally speculation that McGahee's starting job -- and even roster spot -- could be in jeopardy.

McGahee, for one, is unmoved by the Ball threat. Now slimmed down and fully healthy, McGahee said Tuesday that he expects to be the Week 1 starting running back, according to USA Today's Lindsay Jones.

The Denver Post has suggested that the Broncos want Ball and Ronnie Hillman to emerge as their "one-two punch" as soon as this season. Although head coach John Fox has a demonstrated history of bringing his rookie backs along slowly, Manning has said that is not the plan with Ball.

The coaching staff gave McGahee an exceptionally long leash before last year's season-ending knee injury. Considering Fox's veteran fetish, we wouldn't write off McGahee just yet. He likely will enter training camp atop the depth chart, with Ball and Hillman nipping at his heels.


(nfl.com)

Kellen Winslow Jr. said all the right things and made a number of positive plays on Tuesday during the first day of Jets minicamp, which also doubled as a tryout for the former first-round draft pick of the Browns. With the team's tight end situation in a state of flux, the oft-injured Winslow Jr. could provide a helpful spark for the Jets if he can show glimpses of the talent that once earned him the riches contract ever for a tight-end at $36 million over six years with Tampa Bay in 2009.

After a disastrous stint with the Patriots last year in which he suited up for just one game, the 29-year-old is trying to breathe new life into his once fabulous career. He was home Saturday, his future in doubt when he got a call from the Jets inviting him to the three-day camp.

“My job is to make plays and however it works out that’s how it works out,” he said following practice at the team’s Florham Park, N.J. facility. “I’m a playmaker and my job is just to make plays. So I’m just trying to make the team.”

Winslow was a conspicuous presence on 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills Tuesday as he caught passes from both Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith -- he made a particularly nice diving catch on a pass from Smith. Winslow dismissed the idea that not knowing the starting quarterback made it difficult for him to find his comfort zone.

“No, I’m just trying to learn the offense,” he said. “I got a lot to learn and my job is to learn the offense and try and make this team.”

Winslow was an All-American at the University of Miami and was selected sixth overall in the 2004 draft by the Browns, before a motorcycle accident nearly ended his career. But Winslow Jr. returned to the Browns, telling the Associated Press in 2006 that even at 90% he was “still better than every tight end out there.”

He backed up those words, finishing with 82 catches for 1,106 yards in 2007 and was named a first alternate to the Pro Bowl behind Antonio Gates before Gates backed out and Winslow took his place. He then embarked on a record-breaking season with the Buccaneers, setting a new franchise record for catches (77) and receiving yards (884) in 2009.

“Well, I have years left,” he said on Tuesday of the shelf-life of his career. “My last year was 2011 [when] I caught 75 balls and so I’ve been productive. It’s just the NFL. It’s how it goes sometimes. You get cut, you get traded, and you can’t do anything about it. It’s out of my control, you know?”

He described the process of waiting around for a team to show interest in him as painful because of the uncertainty involved. Winslow received comfort from his Hall of Fame father, Kellen Sr., but mostly from his wife, Janelle, he said.

“It was hard, very hard,” he said. “It’s a situation that I’ve never gone through, probably one of the hardest situations I’ve ever [had]. You don’t know what your future holds and this is my dream and when it’s taken away like that it’s hard, very hard.”

Asked if it was emotionally uncomfortable for a former Pro Bowler to be relegated to having to audition to make the team, he said, “Not really, not at all. I’ve had a real productive career, not awkward at all. This is how the NFL is. It’s a business and I’ve been very productive.”

Besides, it beats the alternative, which was to be “sitting on the couch. So I’m going to prove myself and try and impress the coaches.”


(nydailynews.com)

While veteran tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. tries out this week at the New York Jets' minicamp, the Panthers have yet to sign anyone to replace No. 2 receiving tight end Gary Barnidge.

But starting tight end Greg Olsen, coming off a career year, says the Panthers are good at the position.

Olsen was better than that in 2012, establishing career highs with 69 catches for 843 yards. And though Barnidge followed former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to Cleveland, Olsen doesn't see a void when he looks around the tight end meeting room.

“I think we've had as good an offseason as a group of guys that I've been around,” Olsen said Tuesday after a walkthrough on the first day of the team's three-day minicamp.

Olsen proved last season he doesn't need a lot of help. After the Panthers chose not to re-sign Jeremy Shockey following the 2011 season, Olsen was excited about the chance to be a featured receiver.

He delivered.

Olsen, who came to Carolina in a trade with Chicago two years ago, broke Wesley Walls' marks for the most prolific season by a Panthers tight end, gaining 843 yards on 69 catches. Olsen's receiving yardage ranked fourth among NFL tight ends, trailing Dallas' Jason Witten, New Orleans' Jimmy Graham and Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez.

“It was nice to finally get a lot more opportunities, like a lot of the other guys throughout the league get,” Olsen said. “I think I showed that I can do as much, if not more, than anybody in the league, especially with the way our offense is here. We don't get substituted out on run plays. We don't get substituted out on pass-blocking. If there's 75 snaps, I played 75 snaps. Whatever that job entailed, I had to do it.”

Since entering the league in 2007 as the Bears' first-round draft choice, Olsen ranks among the top 10 players at his position in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Yet, Olsen has never been selected to a Pro Bowl and is seldom included in discussions about the league's premiere tight ends.

“I say it to guys a lot. You don't have to go out and seek attention. By the team winning, attention ends up finding you,” Olsen said. “And if you look around the league, the so-called marquee guys that everyone talks about, obviously their individual play is pretty good. But you look at their team, they're in the playoffs. They're competing for division titles. They're competing every year making a run at the playoffs.

“I don't get too worked up. I see all that stuff on the NFL Network about top (tight ends). And I take note of all that. But I wouldn't trade myself for anybody.”

Olsen, 28, is starting to gain recognition. Last season he made USA Today's All-Joe team, comprised of unsung players who have never been chosen to a Pro Bowl.

Olsen's teammates don't overlook him.

“I love the guy,” defensive end Greg Hardy said. “He's hard to cover. He's a good blocker. I've never seen him get the hand-off, but I'm sure he would take it to the house. I've never seen him have a bad play. He's always out here giving 100 percent in practice, even though he's like 90 years old. He's super fast. He's versatile.”

Olsen had his best season last year despite dealing with a health issue involving his newborn son, TJ, who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in utero. Two weeks ago, TJ underwent the second of three surgeries he faces to correct a condition known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which is marked by an underdeveloped left ventricle and aorta.

“He came home the end of last week and he's doing very well,” Olsen said. “So we're very fortunate. He's been great.”

As for the tight ends, Olsen said it's been cool watching Ben Hartsock, known primarily as a blocker, step outside his comfort zone. Hartsock, entering his 10th season, has 31 career catches – less than half of Olsen's 2012 total.

But Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Hartsock is a good complement to Olsen.

“You look at his catches, they're all on the underneath routes – the quick ins, the quick outs,” Rivera said. “People miss the value of that when you have one tight end that can stretch the field and the other one that can attack the middle.”

Another receiving threat among the tight ends could be Nelson Rosario, a former UCLA wide receiver who spent last season on the Panthers' practice squad.
“You've got a guy who's 6-5, 245 pounds who can run and jump and catch the ball,” Olsen said. “It's a good place to start.”

Having Olsen as the No. 1 tight end isn't a bad starting point, either.


(charlotteobserver.com)

Shane Larkin, 5-foot-10 point guard, Miami: The son of baseball Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin carved out his own name for himself as the leader of a Hurricanes' team that had the most successful season in school history. The diminutive floor general blends both well-rounded scoring ability and playmaking skills, using his extreme quickness to combat his lack of size. Following a banner season on the college level, Larkin intrigued NBA personnel people and after going back and forth on whether or not to return to school, his draft stock is rising.

Career highlights: After transferring from DePaul before even playing a game for the Blue Demons, Larkin had a solid freshman campaign at Miami, earned the starting point guard job and was named to the ACC's all-freshman team. He took it up another notch as a sophomore, garnering first-team all-conference honors and winning the ACC tournament MVP award, as well as helping the Hurricanes achieve the program's highest national ranking ever and sweep the ACC regular-season and tournament titles for the first time, Some of the top games for the third-team All-American and ACC Coaches' Player of the Year include an 18-point, 10-rebound, five-assist outing in a win over then-No. 1 Duke, the first time "The U" knocked off the nation's top-ranked team, a 25-point game that featured three-pointers in a duel with nation's leading scorer Erick Green of Virginia Tech and a career-high 28-point affair in a victory over North Carolina that was attended by Miami Heat superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Strengths: Not only does Larkin possess dangerous quickness, he knows how to use it, as evidenced by his mastery of ball screens, which bodes well for his future in the pick-and-roll heavy offenses of the NBA. Larkin is a willing passer, but has excellent shooting range, can knock down pull-up jumpers off the dribble, is a clever finisher in the lane and on occasion, displays eye-popping athleticism, which helps him be a better rebounder than his size suggests. Defensively, he utilizes his quickness to pester opposing ballhandlers and when he's off the ball, anticipate passes for easy steals.

Weaknesses: Larkin's main issue at the next level will be his size deficiency, which bigger and stronger point guards will attempt to use against him on both ends of the floor. He will be susceptible to the post-up game, offensive players will shoot over him and due to his slight frame, they will also get physical with him. With only two years of college experience under his belt, he's still a very young player, so there will be a learning curve before he's fully entrusted with running an offense, though he did show great poise at Miami.

Draft projection: Partly because of his off-the-charts athletic-testing results at the NBA Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago last month, Larkin is rising up the boards and could be drafted right after the lottery. Regarded by some observers as highly as the third-best true point guard in the draft after consensus lottery picks Trey Burke and Michael Carter-Williams, Larkin's proficiency in pick-and-roll scenarios and extended range also boost his stock. While there's nothing he can do about his small stature, the recent success of the likes of Denver's Ty Lawson, for example, only give credence to the notion that Larkin can develop into a long-term starter who can excel in either half-court or transition and at the least, a change-of-pace guard off the bench.


(csnchicago.com)

Dolphins second-year DE Olivier Vernon has taken reps with the first-team defense at OTAs.

With Randy Starks (franchise tag) and Dion Jordan (late graduation) both away from the offseason sessions, Vernon has worked as the first-team right end and Jared Odrick has been the starting tackle next to Paul Soliai. Vernon won't be an every-down player in 2013, but he should have a role in sub-packages. The 2012 third-round pick registered 3.5 sacks off the bench as a rookie.


(rotoworld.com)

Travis Benjamin is looking to improve upon a rookie season in which he caught 18 passes and returned one punt for a touchdown.

Travis Benjamin’s rookie highlight with the Cleveland Browns last season was a franchise-record, 93-yard punt return for a touchdown in a 30-7 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 9.

Now, the wide receiver/returner has his sights set on higher goals.

After 10 weeks of offseason workouts, Benjamin is focused on being “better than last year.”

“(I want) to be more productive, to be involved in the offense and special teams and to come out and have a great season,” Benjamin told ClevelandBrowns.com. “I worked on my route-running and continuing to run full speed.

“I want to be healthy coming into training camp, getting training camp over, start the season and look forward to a great season for the Cleveland Browns.”

Benjamin, who caught 18 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns (including a 69-yard score in a loss to the Washington Redskins Dec. 16), said he likes everything about the Browns’ offense under new coordinator Norv Turner and wide receivers coach Scott Turner.

“From the runs to the passes to the play-action to the gimmicks and gadgets they’ve got, everything is just well played out,” Benjamin said. “I really see myself doing big things in the offense.

“It’s a great tandem. Those guys are some great guys, and (Scott’s) father is so (much) like a legend, and he has his son. I’m pretty sure he grew up watching his father, so it kind of soaked into him like a sponge. They’re doing a great job.”

Like Benjamin for the Turners, quarterback Brandon Weeden had similar praise for the 5-foot-10, 175-pound receiver.

“Travis had at least as many catches, if not more, than anybody in camp,” Weeden said. “His route-running is phenomenal, and probably because he’s so fast. Guys have to honor him running behind them, so he’s able to get in and out of breaks so well. In-breaking routes or out-breaking routes, he’s really found a knack of getting separated and gives me a chance to complete some balls. He’s had a lot of catches this camp, and he stuck out.”

Within the offense is not the only place Benjamin is looking to stand out in 2013.

Following the departure of record-setting kick and punt returner Joshua Cribbs in free agency, Benjamin could see an increased role on special teams. He returned three kicks for 76 yards and three punts for 149 yards, including the 93-yard touchdown, last fall.

“When guys leave, certain guys have to stand up,” Benjamin said. “I’m the starting punt returner right now, so I’ve just got to get that punt return and everybody else on the same page.

“It’s a great position. It puts me in a position where I can show my skills because, on punt return, it’s all about speed and quickness. You see a hole, you see where you’ve got to go, you just hit it and it will be a big thing. Usually, if you make three or four guys miss, you usually get a touchdown.”


(clevelandbrowns.com)

NEW ORLEANS - Former New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey has reached a settlement with a former teammate he sued over a bogus investment deal.

A court filing Monday says Shockey and former Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs both resolved their claims against former Saints long snapper Kevin Houser. Terms were confidential.

Several teammates and coaches sued Houser for allegedly advising them to invest roughly $1.9 million to buy nonexistent tax credits from a defunct movie studio.

Saints head coach Sean Payton reached a separate settlement with Houser last month. Former Saints defensive end Charles Grant still has claims pending against Houser that are scheduled to be tried later this month.

Wayne Read, who once ran Louisiana Film Studios LLC, is the only person to face criminal charges over the investment deal.


(startribune.com)

Vinny Testaverde said he had "goose bumps" Monday when he found out Tim Tebow was signing with the Patriots.

Testaverde, a part-time quarterback instructor at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., held clandestine workouts with Tebow in April in the Tampa area. At the time, Testaverde talked enthusiastically about improvements Tebow had made with his mechanics. Naturally, he was thrilled when he learned his fellow former Heisman winner -- and fellow ex-Jets quarterback -- would get a chance to re-start his career in New England.

"If I had to pick one team for him, it would be New England," he told ESPNNewYork.com late Monday. "It's for all the obvious reasons. [Bill] Belichick is a great coach. Being around Tom Brady and learning how to be a professional quarterback, a drop-back quarterback in a proven system, it'll be great for him. Josh McDaniels drafted him in Denver. Being around people that believe in him, that'll be huge."

Testaverde said he didn't want to sound anti-Jets; he just believes Tebow is in the perfect place.

"I'm not saying he's going to light the world on fire, but he'll have a chance to show the improvements and strides he's made," Testaverde said. "This is great news. I'm glad he's getting another shot to show people he has improved. I would've been disappointed if he didn't get a chance. Despite what a lot of people say, I think he can be a top quarterback in the league."

Testaverde spent a week with Tebow, fine-tuning some of his oft-criticized mechanics. Mostly, they cleaned up his footwork. That, Testaverde believes, was the root of his accuracy issues. They also worked on anticipation, ball placement and how to throw certain routes. His hope is that Tebow can get some playing time in the preseason to "work on his craft."

Testaverde has a unique perspective because he played in the New York and Boston (briefly) markets, and he also played for Belichick, whom he believes won't allow Tebow Mania to take over the team.

"I've been in that locker room; they leave distractions outside," he said. "I mean, there will always be a lot of media coverage because of Belichick and Brady, but I don't think Tebow's presence will add to it. I don't think it'll be a circus, if you will."


(espn.com)