Official NFL Thread

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NFL to send umpire memo to teams

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- The NFL will update its teams this week on the repositioning of the umpire to the offensive backfield.

A memo will be sent to the 32 clubs outlining how the change will work during the season.

A meeting of the referees and umpires will be held Friday, one day after the season opener between Minnesota and New Orleans. That meeting will "simply be to review the mechanics of the umpire position," NFL spokesman Michael Signora said Monday.

In March, the league decided for safety reasons to move umpires from the middle of the defense near the linebackers to behind the deepest running back. But Colts quarterback and four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning complained in a preseason game at Green Bay after he twice was called for illegal snaps when the umpire couldn't get into position quickly enough.

The league moved umpires back to their old spots during the final five minutes of last Thursday's final exhibition games. Previously they were in the old spot for only the final two minutes of each half.

"I don't think we'll see the full import of it until we get well into the regular season and certainly get a full season's worth of work," said Colts president Bill Polian, who also serves on the competition committee that recommended the change. "My concerns right now are simply mechanical and very easily solvable."

Moving the umpires was an easy decision for safety's sake, NFL vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said. After reviewing video showing dozens of collisions and near-collisions with players or even the ball, it became clear to the competition committee that the umpires were endangered.

"We needed to get them out of harm's way," Anderson said. "We saw too many instances when they were knocked down or were in vulnerable positions."

But the solution already has drawn protests from some players, particularly those on fast-tempo offenses.

"If we do the mechanics right, I don't think that [penalties] ought to be an issue," Polian said. "If I thought that would be a byproduct of it, obviously, I would not have voted for it. There are certain times of the game and certain downs and distance where it's going to become more of an issue, and they've got to be aware of it.

"I'm sure there are some tweaks that they will make and we'll move forward."

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Shaun Rogers back practicing

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio -- Just like that, the Cleveland Browns' defense got a whole lot bigger, badder and bulkier.

Shaun Rogers came back.

The mammoth nose tackle, who missed training camp and all four exhibition games while recovering from a leg injury sustained last season that required surgery, returned to practice Monday. Browns coach Eric Mangini said there's a chance the 6-foot-4, 350-pounder could play in Sunday's season opener at Tampa Bay.

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Jake Long wearing knee brace

Associated Press

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long is wearing a left knee brace as the team begins its final week of preparation for the season opener at Buffalo.

Long stretched with the rest of the team at the start of practice Monday, but when drills began he went to the side and rode an exercise bicycle. Coach Tony Sparano has declined to comment on Long's status for Sunday's opener.

Linebacker Channing Crowder also rode a bike. He has been sidelined since Aug. 17 because of an unspecified injury.

Long, who has started every game in his first two NFL seasons, hurt his knee in the Dolphins' final exhibition game Thursday at Dallas. Listed behind him on the depth chart is second-year pro Lydon Murtha.

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Donovan McNabb back practicing

ESPN.com news services

ASHBURN, Va. -- Donovan McNabb is once again practicing with the Washington Redskins after being sidelined two weeks with a sprained left ankle.

McNabb was wearing a helmet instead of a baseball cap and took several snaps Monday during the 20 minutes of practice that reporters were allowed to watch.

McNabb sprained his ankle in a preseason game against Baltimore on Aug. 21.

Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth took snaps only with the backups during the time the practice was open. Haynesworth continues to be relegated to reserve duty following months of tension between the two-time All-Pro and coach Mike Shanahan over several issues.

The Washington Post reported Sunday that Haynesworth was unlikely to start in the opener due to an "awful" performance in the Redskins' final preseason game. The newspaper reported Monday that Haynesworth will be active for the game, however.

The Redskins open the regular season Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

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Steelers elect four team captains

By James Walker
ESPN.com

For the first time since 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not elect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as one of the team's captains.

For the first time since 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not elect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as one of the team's captains.

Roethlisberger was suspended six games this season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy following his second sexual assault allegation in less than a year. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reduced his suspension to four games last week.


During the first allegation, his teammates still voted him as one of the offensive captains. But this year's voting is a strong sign that "Big Ben" now has to earn the trust back from his team.

Roethlisberger, who recently had his suspension reduced by two games for good behavior, will not play this season until Oct. 17 against the Cleveland Browns.


Pittsburgh's captains this year are receiver Hines Ward, tight end Heath Miller and linebackers James Farrior and Keyaron Fox.


Also Monday, there was a possible tipoff on which quarterback would start the Steelers' opener against the Atlanta Falcons in Roethlisberger's absence.

Quarterback Dennis Dixon took snaps with the starters during the Pittsburgh Steelers' first practice of the week.

Dixon and longtime backup Charlie Batch are the lone two healthy quarterbacks eligible to play.

Because Monday's session was an extra workout on a day the team normally doesn't practice, the Steelers may not reveal until who will start until Wednesday's practice. Normally, the starters practice together on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Dixon has started one NFL game, an overtime loss in Baltimore last season in which he threw for a touchdown and run for another.

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T.J. Houshmandzadeh to join Ravens

By Adam Schefter
ESPN

In a surprise move, the Baltimore Ravens reached agreement with former Seattle Seahawks receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh on a one-year contract.

Houshmandzadeh's deal is worth $855,000, according to league sources. Seattle still owes Houshmandzadeh $6.15 million, meaning the receiver will make a total of $7 million this season.

Houshmandzadeh told USA Today that linebacker Ray Lewis recruited him to the Ravens.

"Ray said, 'If you want to win, this is the place to be,' '' Houshmandzadeh told the newspaper. "The way he is on the field is how he is off the field. Passionate. Our conversation was passionate and insightful.

"I know from competing against those guys when I was in Cincinnati how it is in Baltimore.''

Houshmandzadeh told USA Today that he chose the Ravens for a chance to win a Super Bowl.

"Baltimore was about a chance to win the ring,'' Houshmandzadeh told the newspaper. "Five or six teams have a legit shot to win a Super Bowl this year and they were one of them. Without me.

"Although I had other options and I was seriously considering those, I just couldn't pass this up. Winning is why we play sports.''

Houshmandzadeh ultimately decided to join a team in the same division as the team that drafted him -- the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houshmandzadeh now will join a stable of wide receivers that includes Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason and Donte' Stallworth.

Stallworth, however, broke his foot in the preseason and is expected to return after the Ravens' bye week in late October.

Houshmandzadeh, the Seahawks' leading receiver last season, signed a $40 million, five-year deal with Seattle before the 2009 season. But he came to Seattle under a different regime with Jim Mora as coach and Tim Ruskell the general manager. Both Mora and Ruskell were gone after Seattle went 5-11 last season and replaced by new coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.

Last season, Houshmandzadeh caught 79 passes for 911 yards and three touchdowns, his fewest receptions since 2005 and his fewest touchdowns since 2002.

Baltimore now will have to shed one player from its roster.

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Matt Leinart agrees to join Texans

By Chris Mortensen
ESPN

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart has agreed to one-year contract with the Houston Texans.

He will take a physical, sign the contract and join the team Monday. Agent Tom Condon confirmed the agreement in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

After his release Saturday, Leinart found little interest from the rest of the NFL's 31 teams, sources said.

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Darrelle Revis rejoins Jets

ESPN.com news services

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Darrelle Revis has rejoined his New York Jets teammates after agreeing to a four-year deal and ending his holdout.

Revis took an early morning flight Monday from his home in South Florida and arrived at the Jets' training facility after 1 p.m. Safety James Ihedigbo says the team welcomed the All-Pro cornerback with a "Rudy clap" as he walked onto the practice field to greet his teammates.

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Patriots' Randy Moss has 'bad feeling'

ESPNBoston.com

New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss, who has kept silent for most of training camp, expressed some frustration Monday afternoon about not having a contract beyond this season.

"When you have done so much and put so much work in, it kind of feels like I am not wanted," Moss told William Bendetson of CBSSports.com. "I am taking that in stride and playing my final year out and whatever the future holds is what it holds, but it is kind of a bad feeling -- feeling not wanted. It is not like my production has gone down. I am speaking from an individual standpoint. I don't know about [Patriots quarterback] Tom [Brady's] or whoever else's contract.


"I am a little older and understand the nature of the business -- the older you get the more your skills supposedly diminish, but I think I am getting wiser in how to use my physical skills. That's the frustrating part when you put so much heart and desire into things and feel like you are not wanted."


Moss, 33, is entering the final year of a three-year contract and will earn $6.4 million this season. Last season, Moss caught 83 passes for 1,246 yards and 13 touchdowns.


Brady, whose contract also expires at the end of the season, and Moss went out to dinner together Monday night, according to a source.


Moss has been quoted more than once this offseason as saying he thought this would be his last year in New England.


In May, in a Boston Herald story about Moss parting ways with longtime agent Tim DiPiero, Moss was quoted as saying, "I don't think I'm realistically in the future plans of the Patriots. But if the New England Patriots don't want me in their future, [it's a business]. I understand."


Moss made similar comments in February. "I don't think they are going to extend my contract here," Moss said, according to The Boston Globe.


"You know the Patriots don't really pay, so when I got my second contract from them that was a blessing in disguise. I understand the business. I don't think they're going to re-sign me back. I'm not mad. I'm not bitter. It's just the way things are in this NFL, so like I said after this year I'll be looking for a new team. I think so."

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Kawika Mitchell misses practice

Associated Press

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Kawika Mitchell missed practice Thursday because of a foot injury and it's doubtful he'll play in the season opener against Miami on Sunday.

Coach Chan Gailey declined to say which foot Mitchell injured, or to release details except to say he was hurt in practice a day earlier and is "doubtful" to play. Mitchell was having tests to determine what Gailey called a "short-term and long-term" prognosis, an indication the injury could be severe.

Mitchell, a seven-year NFL veteran, is a backup to Andra Davis, who's taken over the defensive play-calling duties this season.

Mitchell is coming back after he missed the final 11 games last season with a right knee injury.

The Bills are already expected to be without outside linebacker Reggie Torbor, who's recovering from a chest injury. Converted defensive end Chris Ellis is expected to start in place of Torbor.

Gailey was optimistic starting safety Jairus Byrd will play after missing nearly a month after having groin surgery. "He was out there and moved around really well today at practice. It's an improvement over yesterday," Gailey said.

Byrd earned a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie last year after finishing tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions.

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Shaun Rogers expects to play Sunday

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio -- Other than "sucking wind," Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers spent his first full practice throwing offensive linemen around like rag dolls.

Cleveland's big man is working his way into shape and said he expects to play in Sunday's season opener in Tampa Bay. He's back from a leg injury that ended his 2009 season prematurely and required surgery.

Arguably the team's best player, Rogers is eager to help in anyway he can and says he's willing to line up at end if that's where the Browns want him.

The three-time Pro Bowler has yet to be on a team with a winning record. His teams have gone 40-104 while playing for Detroit and Cleveland in nine NFL seasons.

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Jeff Otah says he's had setback

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers starting right tackle Jeff Otah acknowledges he's had a setback in his recovery from two surgeries on his left knee and is still at least a couple weeks away from being able to play.

Otah first had surgery in December to repair torn cartilage, then had another arthroscopic procedure on Aug. 4 because of continued discomfort which kept him on the physically unable to perform list all preseason.

Otah said Thursday he may have pushed himself too hard running recently, leading to more pain. He says he's upset, but hoping he'll return in two to three weeks.

Geoff Schwartz is expected to start at right tackle in Sunday's season opener at the New York Giants.

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Lance Briggs expects to play vs. Lions

By Jeff Dickerson
ESPNChicago.com

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs expects to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions after being sidelined with a right ankle injury.

The linebacker was on the practice field for the second straight day Thursday, while safety Craig Steltz resumed working with the defensive backs during individual drills. Steltz had been relegated to running on a side field while trying to recover from a high ankle sprain.

Briggs hurt the ankle in the Bears' third preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 28.

"The time off has been good," Briggs said Thursday. "Everything has been according to doctors' orders. I gradually worked myself into practice with the hopes that this week I'll be on the field. That's what I plan on doing."


The Bears listed Briggs as having limited participation in practice Wednesday.

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Dolphins cut Jake Grove

Associated Press

DAVIE, Fla. -- Injury-prone center Jake Grove has been released by the Miami Dolphins, meaning Joe Berger will start in the opener Sunday at Buffalo.

Grove, who had been battling with Berger for the starting job, nursed shoulder and knee injuries during the preseason and missed four games last season.

The Dolphins ended the five-year contract Grove signed as a free agent last year. He received at least $14 million guaranteed in that deal.

Miami parted with several key 2009 acquisitions in recent days, including second-round draft pick Pat White and third-round pick Patrick Turner.

To fill Grove's roster spot, the Dolphins re-signed guard Cory Procter, who was released last week.

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Source: Marc Colombo to miss opener

By Tim MacMahon
ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys right tackle Marc Colombo did not practice Thursday and will not play in Sunday night's season opener against the Washington Redskins, a source told ESPNDallas.com.

Colombo had arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 16 to remove five loose particles from his right knee. On that day, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said he expected Colombo to return within 10 to 14 days.

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Cowboys face Super Bowl jinx

Associated Press

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Super Bowl used to be a simple enough event that NFL owners could decide in the spring where to put next season's championship game.

It was that way in 1971, when the Dallas Cowboys showed up to the league meetings hoping to lure the game to their new state-of-the-art stadium.

Then Oakland's Al Davis reminded his AFC peers that Dallas had just played in the Super Bowl. Giving them the next Super Bowl, he warned, could mean sending one of their teams to Texas Stadium for the title game. That spurred a push for Miami, which had hosted three of the first five Super Bowls.

On the 12th vote, Dallas was still ahead, but not by enough to seal it. So owners gave up and went with New Orleans. Guess which teams wound up meeting there? Yep, the Cowboys and Dolphins.

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Charles Woodson gets extension

ESPN.com news services

Charles Woodson, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, agreed to a two-year contract extension Thursday with the Green Bay Packers.

KDVR-TV in Denver first reported the news of Woodson's extension.

The Packers' star cornerback had three years remaining on his current deal meaning that Woodson is now under contract with Green Bay for the next five seasons.

"What was key on this deal is that the team essentially made a three-year commitment to Woodson where he can make over $33 million over the next three years. Overall it's a new five-year deal with a max value of over $55 million that has $21 million in advances and bonuses," agent Carl Poston told KDVR.

Woodson, the 1997 Heisman Trophy winner at Michigan, had 17 interceptions and two touchdowns over his first eight seasons in Oakland. Since coming to Green Bay, he has 21 interceptions and five touchdowns.

The versatile Woodson tied for the league lead in 2009 with nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and was a key to the Packers' turnaround on defense.

The 33-year-old Woodson was the first cornerback chosen as the top defensive player since Deion Sanders in 1994.

Woodson gets an extension just days after New York Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis signed a four-year, $46 million extension with $32 million guaranteed.

Jets coach Rex Ryan made headlines last season when he said Revis, instead of Woodson, should have won the Defensive Player of the Year award.

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Ray Lewis says Jets have 'no excuses'

By Rich Cimini
ESPNNewYork.com

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis may have provided the Jets with some bulletin-board fodder by claiming the Jets don't have any excuses now that star cornerback Darrelle Revis is back with the team after a 36-day holdout.

"I'm always honest: I'm glad he signed, but I don't care what kind of shape he's in," Lewis said in anticipation of Monday night's matchup. "I don't care nothing about Revis outside of, we play on Sundays and that's it. ... I'm just glad he is signed, so there is no excuses. Don't come and say, 'Oh, we didn't have Revis.' Have everybody y'all need to have. Whoever y'all need to go sign ... whatever to do, sign who you need to sign, stack your deck and let's go play football."

Lewis, who played for then Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan for years, wasn't done.

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Antwan Odom admits positive test

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom said on his Twitter account that he has tested positive for a banned substance and he faces a suspension.

Odom acknowledged that his case is under appeal. If the appeal is rejected by the league, he could miss up to four games.

There is no timetable for when a resolution might happen.

"To my fans and teammates: Please don't believe the rumor," Odom said in a tweet. "Yes I tested positive for a banned substance but it wasn't steroids or PEDs. More details to come but for now it's a league issue that's under appeal. Just know that I would never cheat to gain an edge in this game that I love. Don't lose your faith in me and please don't pass judgement based on vicious rumors until all the facts are known. Thank you for all your support I really need it now. I love all of you."

A league spokesman said earlier Thursday that the NFL had no suspension to announce when specifically asked about Odom.

Odom is coming off surgery on a torn Achilles tendon. At the time of his injury, he was tied for the 2009 league lead in sacks with eight in six games.

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DeMaurice Smith hopeful for CBA deal

ESPN.com news services

NEW ORLEANS -- The head of the NFL Players Association said the union would like to see a labor agreement with the league worked out quickly.

"I think the players would love to have a deal done by November," NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said. "The game is what is most important to the players."

Smith spoke before Thursday night's NFL season opener between the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings.