Official NFL Thread

[RatBastich]

Mike Tomlin mum on Saturday's starter

Associated Press

LATROBE, Pa. -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping their starting quarterback a secret. Again.

Ben Roethlisberger will play in Saturday night's exhibition against the New York Giants -- his first game action since drawing a six-game suspension -- but coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't say Thursday if he will start.

A week ago, Tomlin also didn't announce his starter in advance before Byron Leftwich played into the second quarter of a 23-7 victory over the Lions. Roethlisberger didn't play, but Tomlin said earlier this week he would get in against the Giants.

"It's not finalized of yet, no," Tomlin said. "Similar to last week, some of those decisions are made last minute in the preseason. That's just how it goes."

Roethlisberger worked with the starting offense most of this week at training camp, an indication he will start. The Steelers want Roethlisberger to get some work during the preseason because he cannot play or practice with the team once his suspension begins. His punishment is expected to be cut to four games before the season starts.

Tomlin plans to play the starters for 24 snaps, which should take them into the second quarter. Last week, Tomlin said the starting quarterback would get only eight to 12 snaps, but Leftwich wound up taking twice that amount. Tomlin didn't say if Leftwich would play against New York.

Tomlin wants to see more of former Bills lineman Jonathan Scott at right tackle. That might be a sign that recently signed Flozell Adams is having difficulty making the adjustment from left tackle, the position he played for 13 seasons, to right tackle. Adams allowed a sack against Detroit.

"We just want to see Jonathan Scott," Tomlin said. "We've got some guys that are working, so we want to see them."

Punter Daniel Sepulveda will kick off, a chore normally handled by kicker Jeff Reed. Rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown will return kicks a week after catching a touchdown pass against Detroit. Outside linebacker Jason Worilds, a second round draft pick, will play after sitting out against Detroit because of an injury.

Rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer isn't expected to play because of a shoulder injury, the latest problem that's sidelined him. The sixth-round draft pick was expected to compete to be the backup to Rashard Mendenhall, but has constantly missed practice.

"The reality is he's not on the field, so he's not helping himself," Tomlin said.

The Steelers are all but wrapped up with camp -- only a morning walkthrough on Friday remains -- and Tomlin is hoping they don't lose focus once they return to their practice facility in Pittsburgh next week.

"We're going to lose some of the things that come with training camp, but we are still very much in the development of our football team. Our goals and focus remain the same. We need to determine who are the 53 [players on the season-opening roster] and the roles within them," he said.

[RatBastich]

Tim Tebow misses practice again

Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Tim Tebow's battered ribs are casting doubt and raising concerns in Denver.

Is the rookie quarterback going to make his home debut with the Broncos on Saturday night after missing two practices this week?

More importantly, will the former Florida star have to alter his physical style of play now that he's in the bigger, badder NFL?

[RatBastich]

Albert Haynesworth sidelined again

Associated Press

ASHBURN, Va. -- So now Albert Haynesworth has a headache.

The story keeps changing, but one thing remains the same about the Washington Redskins defensive tackle: He still isn't practicing.

Haynesworth was idle again Thursday, standing to the side for the final workout of training camp. During the past three weeks, he made it through only five of 18 full practices.

When Haynesworth dropped out of practice Tuesday, coach Mike Shanahan said he thought it was because the two-time All-Pro was feeling sick. When Haynesworth didn't practice Wednesday, the coach chalked it up to dehydration.

On Thursday, the coach said Haynesworth had given him another explanation for this week's inactivity.

"He felt that his head was bothering him more than it was dehydration, so he wasn't feeling good, basically," Shanahan said. "Just didn't feel very good. More of a headache than anything else."

Shanahan added that he was "not really sure" what was wrong with Haynesworth, echoing what has been a camp of uncertainty for the player with the $100 million contract. Haynesworth missed the first nine days of practice because he failed a conditioning test and then had a sore knee.

Haynesworth isn't talking to reporters about his latest setback, but his teammates have had some fun with his newsworthy training camp. Haynesworth was the target of one of the nighttime skits in which players poke fun at coaches and each other.

"Albert, he laughed more than anybody when they were doing it," Shanahan said. "But you've got to be able to laugh at yourself."

Shanahan has also had to deal with three players who have been cited for various traffic violations. Tight end Fred Davis missed part of Wednesday's practice to plead guilty to driving with a suspended or revoked license and falsely identifying himself to law enforcement, just two of several citations he has received since he was drafted in 2008.

Receiver Malcolm Kelly was found guilty in abstentia Wednesday for making an improper or erratic lane change and driving without an license. Kelly was absent from Thursday's practice for what Shanahan called "personal" reasons.

Rookie left tackle Trent Williams has an upcoming court date for a reckless driving charge, having been clocked at 90 mph in a 55 mph zone.

"You handle it a certain way," Shanahan said. "You sit down with players and talk about being responsible, that they represent this organization, and you expect them to handle themselves in a professional way. You sit down with them, especially young guys that make mistakes, and sometimes older guys that make mistakes, but that's part of the process.

"Once you represent this organization, you want them to represent it in the right way."

[RatBastich]

Rex Ryan, Tony Dungy clear air

By Rich Cimini
ESPNNewYork.com

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, bothered that Tony Dungy criticized him publicly for cursing on camera, said Thursday he cleared the air in a "man-to-man" conversation with the former coach.

Ryan said Dungy, an NBC analyst, accepted his invitation to make a get-acquainted visit to the Jets' facility.

"I wanted him to know how I felt," Ryan said. "We talked man-to-man. He told me his position, and I definitely told him my position. It was good. He knows some people I know. There are a lot of positive things being said about me ... We'll leave it at that. We look forward to having him come up and see what we're all about."

Ryan and Dungy spoke Wednesday, not long after Ryan fired back at the former Colts and Buccaneers coach. Ryan said Dungy "unfairly judged" him after the profanity-laden first episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks," which is following the Jets during training camp.

Dungy, in a radio interview, said he didn't appreciate Ryan's foul language, said he'd never hire him as a coach and suggested that commissioner Roger Goodell should get involved in the matter.

Ryan was so bothered by Dungy's public comments that he left a message for him, asking to talk.

Ryan said he's never met Dungy. Asked if the conversation was friendly or contentious, Ryan said only, "We just talked man-to-man, which is good."

In the first episode of "Hard Knocks," Ryan launched 10 f-bombs. In the second episode, which aired Wednesday, he used the word only twice.

[RatBastich]

Broncos extend Kyle Orton

ESPN.com news services

The Denver Broncos signed quarterback Kyle Orton to a contact extension on Thursday.

A team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Orton's extension is a one-year, $9 million, with $5.5 million guaranteed.

Coach Josh McDaniels said in a statement Thursday night that Orton's "leadership and knowledge of the offense have enabled him to have a solid offseason and training camp."

Orton joined the Broncos last year from Chicago in the Jay Cutler trade and had his best statistical season despite two bum ankles, but after a 6-0 start, the Broncos missed the playoffs at 8-8.

Orton signed a one-year, $2.62 million tender this spring. The Broncos brought in Tebow and Brady Quinn, both of whom are miles behind Orton in grasping McDaniels' intricate offense.

Last season, Orton threw for 3,802 yards and 21 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Orton was acquired from the Bears last summer in the deal that sent Jay Cutler to Chicago.

[RatBastich]

Brian Cushing's suspension stands

ESPN.com news services

METAIRIE, La. -- Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing had his four-game suspension for taking a performance-enhancing drug upheld by the NFL on Thursday, which means he won't be eligible to play until October.

The reigning Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year was suspended in May for testing positive for HCG, a fertility drug that is on the NFL's banned substances list. Cushing claims that he has a unique medical condition that triggered the positive test.

"At the request of Texans owner Bob McNair, commissioner [Roger] Goodell reviewed additional medical information presented on behalf of Brian Cushing," the NFL said in a statement.

"The club and Cushing were notified today that after carefully considering all the information, including a review by outside medical experts, the commissioner finds no basis for changing the decision that Mr. Cushing's suspension for the first four games of the regular season remains in place."

Cushing will miss games against Indianapolis, Washington, Dallas and Oakland before becoming eligible to return Oct. 10, when Houston hosts the New York Giants.


Cushing missed practice Thursday with a foot injury and was not available to comment.

The former first-round draft pick started every game at outside linebacker last season, making 133 tackles and helping solidify the Houston defense. The Texans went 9-7 and just missed the AFC playoffs, their first winning record in their eight-year franchise history.

Xavier Adibi, a third-year pro who started five games in 2008, has backed up Cushing during training camp. The Texans also might move starting weakside linebacker Zac Diles into his place.

"We move forward. One guy goes down, the next guy just steps in," linebacker DeMeco Ryans said. "Expectations don't drop. We just keep pushing."

Cushing's suspension does not apply to the preseason. Houston, which practiced Wednesday and Thursday with defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans in Metaire, La., will play the Saints Saturday at the Louisiana Superdome.

Before the decision was announced by the league office, Texans safety Bernard Pollard talked about Cushing during an interview with ESPN.com.

"Cushing's going to be missed, he's a great piece to this puzzle, but they are not going to stop the games because he's not playing," Pollard said. " . . . We have to back him at whatever he does. That's out teammate, we love our teammate.

"He knows and understands for every decision you make, there are consequences. He has to understand that for everything you do, we have to hold each other accountable. Cush is a great man, he's a great player. And when he comes back we're going to be ready to play ball."


Asked whether he expects Cushing to play, coach Gary Kubiak replied: "I sure hope so."

[RatBastich]

Percy Harvin alert, resting at hospital

Associated Press

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Percy Harvin experienced the scariest episode yet in a career plagued by migraine headaches when he collapsed at Minnesota Vikings' practice Thursday and was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Coach Brad Childress left team headquarters after practice and spent the rest of the afternoon at the hospital with Harvin, who also got visits from other coaches and teammates.

"Percy appreciates everyone's concern," the coach said in a statement posted on the team website Thursday evening. "He is alert and resting comfortably, but will remain in the hospital overnight."

Harvin, who has dealt with migraines most of his life, returned to the field Monday after missing more than two weeks, but at the beginning of Thursday's workout the wide receiver experienced another episode that was scary enough for the Vikings to halt practice while their teammate received medical attention.

[RatBastich]

Football player Johnny Bailey dies

Associated Press

HOUSTON -- Johnny Bailey, a record-breaking running back in the small college ranks and former NFL Pro Bowl kick returner, has died from pancreatic cancer. He was 43.

Texas A&M-Kingsville announced his death Friday. Bailey played for the Division II school from 1986-89, when it was known as Texas A&I University, and became the second college player to run for more than 6,000 yards in a career.

"He was quite a top guy," said Fred Nuesch, who was the Texas A&I sports information director during Bailey's college career. "He was a nice young man and he represented us well whenever he went to different places [to accept his awards]."

Bailey rushed for 6,320 yards. At the time, only he and Tony Dorsett at the University of Pittsburgh had run for more than 6,000 yards in a career. He was a three-time NCAA Division II player of the year and runner-up for the award as a freshman, when he ran for 2,011 yards. That made him at the time only the third college running back to top 2,000 yards in a season.

He rushed for more than 200 yards in his first four college games and had at least 100 yards in his first 11. He gained 7,803 all-purpose yards, an NCAA career record.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Bailey played 81 games and scored nine touchdowns over six seasons in the NFL after he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the ninth round in 1990. He holds the team's record for the longest punt return when as a rookie he took one back 95 yards for a touchdown.

Bailey also played two seasons in Phoenix and two with the Rams, one in Los Angeles and the next when the franchise moved to St. Louis.

He made the Pro Bowl in 1992 as a return specialist when he averaged 13.2 yards returning punts for the Cardinals.

Funeral arrangements were pending for Bailey, who also starred at Houston Yates High School.

[RatBastich]

Giants add lineman Shawn Andrews

By Ohm Youngmisuk
ESPNNewYork.com

ALBANY, N.Y. -- After spending the last 10 months in Los Angeles rehabbing his back, Shawn Andrews is ready to return to the football field.

The former Eagles Pro Bowl offensive lineman signed with the New York Giants in the early morning hours on Friday and promises to give everything he has in what he called his final run at playing in the NFL.

Andrews, 27, signed a six-year "prove it" deal with a lot of consideration in the second year according to his agent, Rich Moran.

"I'm laying it all on the line," Andrews said after watching his first Giants practice. "Not that I haven't before but this is it. The Giants are going to get everything from me."

"The back is feeling pretty good," added Andrews, who had surgery on his back last December. "I've been working hard. Going hard. Not that I never worked hard in my life but this is my last attempt at it. I'm going all out. I'm selling out right now."

[RatBastich]

NFL suspends Shawn Nelson 4 games

ESPN.com news services

Shawn Nelson's second season as a tight end for the Buffalo Bills will be shortened by four games after he was suspended for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Nelson, drafted in the fourth round last year out of Southern Mississippi, started 12 games as a rookie for the Bills. He caught 17 passes for 156 yards.

Nelson can practice and play throughout the remainder of the Bills' preseason. The Bills were already short-handed at tight end after Derek Schouman hurt his knee in Thursday's 34-21 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Nelson' suspension begins Sept. 4, eight days before the Bills' first regular-season game against the Miami Dolphins.

Nelson will also miss games against the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

Nelson's agent, Joel Segal, declined comment when reached by The Associated Press.

[RatBastich]

Percy Harvin returns to Vikings' facility

ESPN.com news services

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin is back with the team after an overnight hospital stay following a scary migraine attack.

Harvin was on the practice field Friday morning in light workout clothes. He exchanged handshakes and hugs and chatted with coaches before going inside the team's practice facility.

Harvin was taken away from Winter Park by ambulance Thursday after getting sick on the field. It was a sobering scene that led the Vikings to stop practice early.

Harvin has missed all but a handful of practices since training camp began.

In the meantime, the Vikings worked out former Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker Friday, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The Vikings have been monitoring other wide receivers, and also have expressed interest in former 49er Brandon Jones.


Walker has been looking for work since Oakland released him in the offseason. The former standout played for the Raiders, Broncos and Packers.

[kuro808]

Harvin is a strong person and I guess a talk with Terrell Davis shall do some wonders

[daigong]

Who been watching Hard Knocks? Tony Dungy ripping him for cursing lol. THIS IS WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH!!



Rex Ryan

[kuro808]

Rex Ryan has his own way and Dungy has his own way and Rex is very passionate like a shitload of coaches so can't blame him for cursing

[daigong]

Tavares Jackson LMFAO!!

No wonder they wanted Brett back so much.

AT THE HALF!!

Mike Singletary just ripping into his players and its just the preseason

[kuro808]

^ the reason why I like singletary, keeps them straight up and working

[cool_kickin_dude]

can't get on the league..says it's not in pre-draft mode

guess i'm pretty much screwed

[adventwriter]

Didn't watch much last year....will definitely watch more games this year.

[daigong]

GREAT DRAFT XDD



I"M A KICK YER ASSES!

[cool_kickin_dude]

i couldn't even get in tonight dai..the thing said it wasn't in predraft mode..

i don't know what i did wrong