|
|
 |
Ben Maller's Rumors & NotesYou know him as the host of his own show on Fox Sports radio. For football and sports news, scoops and rumors he's considered required reading.
For all of Ben's articles and postings, including a very active forums section, visit his website, BenMaller.com, and find out why so many people check him out on radio and online.
The Steelers might know by tomorrow whether Ben Roethlisberger can play Sunday in Baltimore. It will be their first practice this week and his level of participation -- or lack of -- could tip off whether he's ready to resume his duties as starting quarterback. The optimism is high that he will return to play for the first time since Oct. 23, when his knee was injured in Cincinnati. The broken little finger metacarpal on Charlie Batch's right hand Sunday night clouded the issue some. Batch will miss what coach Bill Cowher predicted would be a couple of games. That makes Tommy Maddox the backup if Roethlisberger starts and Maddox the starter if he does not. In the latter scenario, Roethlisberger likely would serve as the No. 2 quarterback and receiver Antwaan Randle El would be No. 3. Former Pitt quarterback Rod Rutherford has been on the practice squad the past week. Posted Nov 15 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Jeff Garcia has not lost his status as the Lions No. 1 quarterback and will start Sunday's game at Dallas if his injured left leg is healthy enough, coach Steve Mariucci said. Posted Nov 15 by Ben Maller
When the Cowboys release their injury report today, running back Julius Jones will not be on it. Jones, who has missed the last three games, practiced Tuesday for the third time since suffering a high left ankle sprain in the first half of the Oct. 9 Philadelphia game at Texas Stadium and appears to be ready to go for Monday's rematch against the Eagles. Coach Bill Parcells isn't ready to say how much he would use Jones against the Eagles. Posted Nov 9 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
This apparently bought Trent Dilfer another week as Browns starting quarterback. "I have not decided to make a change," coach Romeo Crennel said Wednesday. "So we're going into the game with Dilfer. It's my decision, and I get to make it. "We did some things better in Texas. Not good enough, but better. If we keep improving, we'll win some games." The Browns take a three-game losing streak into Sunday's game against Tennessee. Crennel did not rule out a mid-game switch. "It would be a gut feeling," he said. "I'd have to get into the game and see how it's going. Instinctively, if you feel it, then you do it." Posted Nov 3 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Browns top pick Braylon Edwards said Monday that switching to rookie quarterback Charlie Frye -- which coach Romeo Crennel is contemplating -- would jumpstart the Browns' beleaguered offense. "I think Charlie would bring a little more life, because he's younger," said Edwards. "He's younger and he has more spunk. He'd be excited and jacked out of his mind to play, so if he came in there, it would be just a different attitude in terms of excitement and energy level, because he's a young guy [who] would be getting a shot. I think that would be the difference." Posted Nov 1 by Ben Maller
With Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper's status for next season uncertain because of upcoming knee reconstruction, Carolina Panthers backup Chris Weinke, who is from St. Paul and can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, would seem a worthwhile consideration. Posted Nov 1 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
With Chad Pennington's future as the starting quarterback in doubt, it seems that everybody has a crystal ball, trying to predict the Jets '06 starter. Here's one to put in the rumor mill - the Titans' Steve McNair. Unless his contract is renegotiated after the season - a prohibitive $50 million bonus will force the two sides to the bargaining table - McNair will be looking for a team. McNair, 32, is the Brett Favre of Tennessee, always talking about retirement, but if he wants to play in 2006 and needs a team, the Jets could be an interesting option. He played for Mike Heimerdinger in Tennessee, so he knows the offense. The Texans' David Carr, the human piñata, also could shake free. Posted Oct 12 by Ben Maller
According to sources with knowledge of the injury, the broken foot suffered by Pats running back Kevin Faulk is very serious and could potentially affect his career. Faulk suffered a broken bone in his heal. He still hasn't been placed on injured reserve, which would officially knock him out for the season, but the expectation is Faulk will take longer to come back than Light. Posted Oct 12 by Ben Maller
Bills coach Mike Mularkey went to his bullpen in the fourth quarter, replacing starter J.P. Losman with backup Kelly Holcomb. After leading his team to a touchdown on its first possession, Losman struggled. He completed seven of 15 passes for 75 yards and one interception. “No, I’m not happy,’’ Losman said. “You’re never happy when you get pulled. Obviously, you take it personal, but it’s tough.’’ Mularkey said Losman would remain his starter for the time being. “I think everyone understands that,’’ Mularkey said. “I was just trying to get a change of pace.’’ Posted Oct 3 by Ben Maller
Santana Moss had exactly twice as many touchdowns (two) in his Washington career as the complaining Laveranues Coles and his smarting turf toe had all of last season. Coles may have caught 90 balls a year ago, but he averaged just 10.6 yards per catch. Moss had half that many catches with the Jets last season, but his 45 receptions averaged out to 18.6 yards per catch. Posted Oct 3 by Ben Maller
Did You Know? A sports hernia is a strain of the abdominal wall resulting from the overuse of groin muscles. The main symptom is groin pain that can linger for weeks or months. It increases with sudden movement, acceleration, twisting and turning, and kicking. Several weeks of rest sometimes can resolve the problem, but in many cases surgery is needed to reinforce the wall. Posted Sep 30 by Ben Maller
Patriots running back Kevin Faulk will sit out Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers and, according to reports, could miss up to eight weeks. Faulk was injured on the game-winning drive vs. Pittsburgh. On the opening play, Faulk gained 17 yards on a pass from quarterback Tom Brady. He didn't play another down and was limping noticeably in the locker room after the game. Officially, Faulk is listed as having a foot injury. Faulk's agent, Raymond Brothers, did not return phone calls. While the Pats wouldn't divulge the extent of the injury, it was bad enough for them to make a move. Former Steelers running back Amos Zereoue, who came in for a tryout Tuesday, was signed yesterday. The ex-West Virginia star, who played last season with the Oakland Raiders, set career highs with Pittsburgh in 2002, totaling 1,103 yards from scrimmage (193 rushes for 762 yards and four touchdowns; 42 receptions for 341 yards), while starting five games. To make room for Zereoue, the Pats released wide receiver Andre' Davis, who was inactive the first three games due to injury. Davis was acquired in a trade from Cleveland and the fourth or fifth receiver on the depth chart. Posted Sep 30 by Ben Maller
When Cardinals running back Marcel Shipp is healthy, he plays like an NFL starting running back. Guess what? This year, Shipp is healthy. Cardinals coach Dennis Green gave a big hint that Shipp is going to be his starting running back against Seattle this Sunday and maybe beyond. When asked if it's safe to say that the depth chart will stay the same when rookie starter J.J. Arrington comes back from a stomach flu, Green said, "You know what, I haven't thought one iota about that. I think Marcel played very good. As you know, Marcel Shipp is my kind of guy. That doesn't take much to figure that out. Guys that aren't drafted that bust their way into the National Football League are guys that I have the most respect for. Posted Sep 20 by Ben Maller
The Detroit Lions had free agent QB Jeff George, who played for the Bears last season, in for a workout Tuesday, according to Sports Radio 1130 WDFN in Detroit. Posted Sep 20 by Ben Maller
The Colts' ongoing player evaluations included having former Denver running back Quentin Griffin in for a workout Tuesday. Dungy said the team wanted to determine if the 5-7, 195-pounder was a viable option as a kick returner. Griffin returned only four kickoffs during his two-year stint. "We wanted to gauge how he caught the ball and how he could do it," Dungy said. Posted Sep 15 by Ben Maller
Coach Brian Billick left open the possibility yesterday that Anthony Wright could remain the Ravens' starting quarterback even after Kyle Boller recovers from a toe injury. Boller, who is wearing a protective boot on his right foot, could return as early as the Ravens' Oct. 2 game against the New York Jets.When asked if the starting job would be given back to Boller, Billick declined to talk about the future of the quarterback position."Anthony Wright is our starting quarterback, and he will be our starting quarterback until circumstances change," Billick said. "That's the only approach we can take. Anthony Wright is our starting quarterback, and Kyle will be in a boot watching the game this weekend. That's about as far as we're going to go forward with it." Posted Sep 15 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Redskins QB Patrick Ramsey reportedly requested a trade after being informed by Joe Gibbs of the decision to start Mark Brunell. Neither Gibbs nor Ramsey -- whose contract expires after the 2006 season -- could be reached for comment last night. And Ramsey's agent, Jimmy Sexton, didn't return a call. Gibbs said at his news conference that he expects Ramsey, 26, to be the backup quarterback. The NFL's trading deadline is Oct. 18. According to a Redskins source, trading a quarterback is unlikely at this point, since teams use the offseason -- particularly training camp -- to settle their quarterback situations. Beyond that, Ramsey's five-year, $5.7 million contract makes him tradable within salary-cap rules. Posted Sept 13 by Ben Maller
Reuben Droughns appears to have landed the Browns starting running back job - at least for now. "Reuben might've gone slightly ahead," coach Romeo Crennel said. "We'll see how the week goes, but his play might've given him a foot up." Droughns gained 78 yards on 12 carries for a 6.5-yard average. In the first quarter, he gained 41 yards on six carries for a 6.8-yard average but still was replaced in the second quarter by William Green, who finished with 12 yards on four carries for a 3.0-yard average. Posted Sept 13 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Ravens QB Kyle Boller hyper-extended his right toe - Brian Billick called it severe turf toe - and did not return. X-rays on his right foot were negative. "It's always more severe than it sounds," Billick said. "We'll have to see on the toe." Team officials said there is no timetable on Boller's return. "The toe is sore," said Boller, who was 15-for-23 for 141 yards and one interception. "I've never had any foot problems before. It's concerning because it's my plant foot." The home crowd that had booed Boller in the preseason began cheering when he got hurt. "I love the fans of Baltimore but that was a little bit classless," defensive end Tony Weaver said of the fans' cheering the injury. "Kyle is our guy. He is our quarterback and we are going to stand by him."
Wide receiver Javon Walker, regarded by some scouts as the Green Bay Packers’ best young player, will miss the rest of the season. Walker suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee midway through the third quarter Sunday in the Packers’ 17-3 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Packers will determine the full extent of the injury today through diagnostic tests. However, team physician Patrick McKenzie told Sherman that it was the dreaded torn ACL, which will require reconstructive surgery and anywhere from a 6-to-12 month rehabilitation. Posted Sept 12 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
When the 49ers benched No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith in favor of Tim Rattay, maybe it shouldn't have been any type of surprise. In each of the past three years, the quarterback drafted No. 1 overall has failed to win the starting job for the regular-season opener during his rookie year. Cincinnati's Carson Palmer didn't do it two years ago, New York's Eli Manning didn't do it last year and now Smith has failed to do it as well. What has to be a bit more problematic to the 49ers is that, despite finishing last season 2-14 and having 11 picks last April, the 49ers are not expected to have a single rookie start on opening day. Posted Sept 10 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Ravens coach Brian Billick said starting running back Jamal Lewis and backup Chester Taylor will split time throughout the game, estimating their carries could be "fairly equitable." Lewis, whose only preseason action was six carries in the finale, doesn't have the leg strength yet after recovering all offseason from ankle surgery. "I don't think it's realistic to think that he should carry the ball 35 times right now," running backs coach Matt Simon said. "The great thing is we have a very capable football player in Chester Taylor. Why put that kind of burden on Jamal Lewis at this stage of the game when we have a good quality football player in our locker room that we have a high value for." Posted Sept 9 by Ben Maller
Don’t expect to see too much of Bears rookie running back Cedric Benson on Sunday. With Kyle Orton at the controls, it’s a safe bet the Washington Redskins will send blitz after blitz. Putting Benson on the field too much could get Orton pummeled because the rookie running back may not have enough experience in blitz pickup and pass protection. Benson is listed third on the depth chart, although he ran some plays with the No. 2 offense at Wednesday’s practice. He will be physically able to carry the ball if the Bears want to give starter Thomas Jones a rest. No decision on his playing time has been made public. Posted Sept 8 by Ben Maller
Still, the Ravens biggest question entering the season is Kyle Boller. The Cal product had an erratic preseason, complete with bad reads and a propensity for turnovers. The 6-3, 220-pounder has shown his toughness -- he's taken a pounding because of missed blocks -- but few signs of progress. Boller had a quarterback rating of 70.9 last season, completing 55.6 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and absorbing 35 sacks. The mobile quarterback plans to use last season as a painful learning experience. Posted Sept 8 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
No quarterback in the NFL evokes more fear with his feet than Mike Vick. "I'm kind of sick of the fact that everyone wants to praise me in the running game," Vick said in an interview with the NFL Network at the beginning of training camp. "My goal is try to make them respect me in the passing game, too." Vick's attempt to convince people that his ability as a quarterback goes beyond a nice set of legs is less convincing than Michael Dukakis' 1988 presidential campaign. That's not to say that Vick doesn't have a strong arm. He may have the strongest in the league. It's just that he has not yet learned to use it the way the Eagles' Donovan McNabb did a year ago, when he threw 31 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. By contrast, Vick had 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Posted Sept 7 by Ben Maller
Here are the best and worst teams in NFL season openers, based on winning percentage. The Indianapolis Colts rank 21st at 30-30-1 (.500).
BEST
1. Jacksonville 7-3 (.700)
2. Dallas 30-14-1 (.682)
3. Houston 2-1 (.667)
4. Denver 29-15-1 (.659)
5. N.Y. Giants 40-28-4 (.588)
WORST
1. New Orleans 11-27 (.289)
2. Seattle 9-20 (.310)
3. Baltimore 3-6 (.333)
4. Arizona 27-43-1 (.386)
5. (tie) Buffalo 18-27 (.400), Carolina 4-6, Philadelphia 28-42-1.
Here is why winning an NFL season opener is usually a positive indicator for a team according to the Indianapolis Star:
• The combined record of Super Bowl teams in season openers has been 66-10-2. Last year's finalists, New England and Philadelphia, each won.
• Since the 16-game schedule was adopted in 1978, and excluding the strike-shortened 1982 season, 199 of 378 opener winners (52.6 percent) reached the playoffs.
• Last season, 11 of the 12 playoff teams won in Week 1. The Colts were the only eventual playoff team to start 0-1.
• Since 1978, 110 of the 378 opener winners have won division titles. Last season, the Colts were the only eventual division winner who did not win their first game. Posted Sept 7 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The Steelers moved to strengthen their depth at wide receiver yesterday when they signed veteran Quincy Morgan to a one-year contract. Dallas released Morgan, a five-year pro, on Sunday to make room for Peerless Price, released by Atlanta. Lee Mays was waived/injured, which means the Steelers must reach an injury settlement with him. Mays has a hamstring injury that a source said could prevent him from playing for at least a month. Posted Sept 7 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Vikings coach Mike Tice took a brief break from practice Monday afternoon to fantasize aloud. "Can you imagine if we sign this kid?" Tice asked, standing in front of receiver Koren Robinson. Fantasy is about to become reality for Tice; Robinson's agent, Alvin Keels, said his client has agreed in principle on a two-year contract with the Vikings. "The deal hasn't been signed yet," Keels said Monday. "But we have an agreement in principle, and it looks like we'll have a deal by tomorrow." As he watched practice Monday afternoon, Robinson said, "I would love to be a part of this team and play with Daunte Culpepper." Posted Sept 6 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
RB Fred Taylor has a message for skeptics who don't think he'll get off to a fast start when the Jaguars open the regular season Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Even though he's spent months rehabilitating a knee injury he suffered last Dec. 19 in Green Bay and had just four carries in the preseason, Taylor has no doubts that he'll be ready to go at full speed Sunday. "Pull up a chair, man, in the front row and come and check me out,'' Taylor said after sitting out the final preseason game in Dallas Thursday night. "Let me know what you think after the game on Monday the 12th,'' he said. Posted Sept 5 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The trade rumor regarding Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington and the Kansas City Chiefs isn't true, according to the Lions. A Detroit area radio station reported that the Chiefs were in contact with the Lions in hopes of putting together a trade package for Harrington, the Lions' fourth-year quarterback. "That's a new one on me," said Lions president Matt Millen, adding that he has had no contact with the Chiefs regarding Harrington. Posted Sept 3 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
General manager Jerry Angelo said injured quarterback Rex Grossman would begin the season on the 53-man roster rather than on injured reserve, which would end his season. The Bears still could move Grossman to the list during the season if his rehabilitation from ankle surgery doesn't progress well. On Tuesday, Grossman said he is targeting the Dec. 4 home game against Green Bay as a possible return date. The Bears reluctantly have admitted Grossman has durability issues and are trying to develop rookie Kyle Orton as the quarterback of the future. But keeping Grossman active—at least for now—speaks volumes about his value to the organization. Posted Sept 3 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
As others in the organization courted free-agent receiver Peerless Price, Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells took time Wednesday to offer advice to disgruntled wideout Quincy Morgan. "All you got to do is play better than the other guy, and things go well," Parcells said. "If you don't, you get replaced." So far, Morgan hasn't played better than the other guy. The Cowboys (2-1) end their preseason schedule tonight against Jacksonville (2-1). It is Morgan's last shot to erase more than a month of poor performances, which stand in contrast to the solid play of second-year receiver Patrick Crayton. There's also no doubt about the Cowboys' interest in Price. Atlanta released him Tuesday after two disappointing seasons, a move that paved the way for a possible reunion with quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Posted Sept 1 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Rookie running back Maurice Clarett went unclaimed on waivers and he has put himself in a really bad position. Teams are very leery about taking on a player who showed up in Denver's training camp at a hefty 248 pounds and then demonstrated little work ethic. There has been very little interest in his services from any team in the league. The other day it was thought that Clarett would be able to find his way on to some team's practice squad. But now, it doesn't look so good. Maybe the Canadian Football League?
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Two big-name wide receivers were released yesterday; now it's up to the Eagles to see if they want to spend the money to sign either one of them. Atlanta released Peerless Price, who they spent a No. 1 pick to acquire just two years ago, and Cincinnati cut Peter Warrick, who they selected with the fourth overall pick of the 2000 draft. "Price would be real interesting for them," a personnel man for another NFC team said. "I think he's a good second guy. Look at his production in Buffalo. In Atlanta, it just didn't work out. Dallas, Seattle and New England are all believed to be interested in Price, as well. "I don't know if (Warrick) fits them as well as Price," the personnel man said. "First, you have to make sure he's healthy." Posted August 31 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Who Knew? In his two seasons with the Falcons, Peerless Price earned about $12,754,120 in salary, signing bonus and incentives. He had 109 receptions for 1,413 yards and six touchdowns. Here's how that breaks down within the closest dollar amount: $117,010 -- Per catch / $9,026 -- Per yard / $2,125,687 -- Per TD
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Ex-No. 1 overall draft pick Tim Couch, who has not lived up to expectations, might be a viable QB option for a team in need -- such as the Dolphins. The intriguing part of this is that Couch, who had 64 touchdowns, 67 interceptions and was sacked 166 times in five seasons, still has the urge to play. He has plenty of money, having made nearly $40 million in contract and endorsements between Cleveland and last season in Green Bay. He and wife Heather are building a new home in Lexington, Ky. Posted Aug 30 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
There still is no guarantee Brandon Stokley will be ready for the start of the Colts regular season, but the veteran wide receiver remains optimistic. "If we don't have any setbacks, my goal is to be there for that game," Stokley said. "I haven't had any setbacks so far. It's looking good." Stokley dislocated his left shoulder on Aug. 4 in practice prior to the Colts' game in Tokyo against Atlanta.
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The calf injury sustained by Jerome Bettis is not serious, but he will miss at least the next two weeks and leave the Steelers without their top two running backs for the start of the regular season. That means Willie Parker, a second-year running back from North Carolina, is expected to start the season opener Sept. 11 against the Tennessee Titans. Bettis had a magnetic resonance imaging Saturday, a day after his calf was injured in the first quarter of a 17-10 preseason loss to the Washington Redskins, but the results were inconclusive because Bettis had too much blood in his calf. It is possible he could have another MRI early this week. Posted August 29 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
If the Broncos officially waive Maurice Clarett today, another team can claim him Tuesday. Clarett, who hasn't played in a game since his freshman year at Ohio State in 2002, could garner interest on the NFL waiver wire, but there is a better chance he would get more interest as a free agent. Teams that may consider Clarett include Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Cleveland, St. Louis and Dallas. The Rams and Cowboys considered taking him as early as the fourth round of the draft. Clarett's time with the Broncos started to go south when he didn't rebound from a groin injury he suffered Aug. 3. Clarett was left behind Aug. 9 when the team went to Houston for five days, even though an MRI showed no... Posted August 29 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Conventional wisdom suggests that the Dolphins' major motivation for inviting running back Ricky Williams back this season was to trade him. Not so fast. Williams, who retired before last season but decided to continue playing this year, is expected to remain with the team through at least this season and perhaps even beyond, according to two people familiar with the Dolphins' situation. Dolphins first-year coach Nick Saban is actually looking forward to deploying both Williams and first-round pick Ronnie Brown in the same backfield. Williams will miss the first four games of the season while serving a four-game suspension for testing positive for marijuana last year. A deal in the meantime is remote at best, as Williams will have played only one game before the Oct. 18 trading deadline. Posted August 28 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
WR Peter Warrick had a suggestion of how to kick-start the Bengals' struggling first-team offense that has scored just two touchdowns in more than six quarters of play. "Me! Me being in there would make things better," Warrick said after the loss Friday. "... It is simple. The change that can be made is if they put me in." Posted August 28 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Now, the Eagles must decide how to replace Correll Buckhalter, who the last time he was healthy averaged 4.4 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns. Each of the last two times he went down with knee injuries, head coach Andy Reid called his old buddy from Green Bay, Dorsey Levens, and each time Levens gave the Eagles an excellent effort. Last year Levens gained 410 yards rushing on 94 carries for a 4.4 average yards per carry and scored four touchdowns in a back-up role to Brian Westbrook. So since Levens is still unsigned it should be a no-brainer, right? Not so fast. Levens, relaxing at his home in Atlanta, had not heard from the Eagles as of yesterday afternoon, although he did get a call from his agent. Levens, who turned 35 in May, would be the oldest running back in the league, although he wouldn't be the oldest current Eagle. Punter Sean Landeta, 43, signed with the team, Tuesday. Posted August 25 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The Cowboys are crossing their fingers that second-year tailback Julius Jones remains healthy; he missed most of the first half of his rookie season because of a shoulder injury but rushed for 819 yards in eight games. They used their two first-round draft picks (one of which came from Buffalo in the 2004 draft-day trade that enabled the Bills to select Losman) to try to repair their defense, getting Troy University linebacker Demarcus Ware with the 11th overall choice and LSU defensive end Marcus Spears with the 20th selection. They used their second-round pick on Tennessee linebacker Kevin Burnett. Posted August 25 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Bears QB Chad Hutchinson also will return to the starting quarterback role that some people already are clamoring for him to lose to rookie Kyle Orton. Those people aren't in the Bears' decision-making hierarchy, for now. "We're evaluating it right now," coach Lovie Smith said. "Next week will be better than this week. We still have time. You take it all the way up until [the regular season]. We want to have our best team going into that final week before we play. As long as we're making progress and not seeing some of the same mistakes, we're fine with that." Posted August 24 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Vinny Testaverde is unsigned and available as a backup quarterback, but the Giants have shown no interest, according to Mike Azzarelli, Testaverde's agent. Posted August 23 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Giants coach Tom Coughlin didn't rule out the possibility of adding another quarterback. When asked specifically about free agent Tim Couch, the former No. 1 pick who worked out for the team this past weekend, Coughlin said anything can happen. "We're interested in anyone that we feel is in a possible position to make us a better team," Coughlin said. "And we'll continue to have that philosophy. If that situation presents itself down the road, I'm sure there will be some interest (in Couch)." Posted August 22 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Joey Harrington's performance in the first two exhibition games has removed any doubt that he is the Lions starting quarterback. Jeff Garcia, signed as a free agent to compete with Harrington, will remain the No. 2 quarterback. That's a victory for the offense because Garcia provides a competent backup that has been lacking for several seasons. Coach Steve Mariucci is more definitive than ever in talking about Harrington's starting status. "He's been our starter, he is our starter, and he will be our starter," Mariucci said Sunday. "I don't know how else to explain it." Whether Harrington has been pushed by Garcia, or he has improved from a typical career progression as he begins his fourth season, he has taken a step up this year. Harrington has completed 14 of 15 passes for 146 yards in two exhibition games. He has been decisive and accurate with his passes. Harrington hasn't thrown a touchdown pass or had an interception. Posted August 22 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Bears management held internal discussions Sunday about if and when it might reduce its final offer to holdout running back Cedric Benson. The offer has been on the table since Aug. 13 and is believed to include a guaranteed $17 million. In a statement released Thursday, and in comments to reporters Saturday night in Indianapolis, general manager Jerry Angelo hinted at cutting the offer. Benson and agent Eugene Parker let last Monday's deadline pass without responding to that offer. The next step could be informing Benson's camp how much the offer will be trimmed. Benson is keeping a low profile while working out in Austin, Texas, including having little or no contact with Bears management. Posted August 21 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Standing next to the man who put his career on the line by bringing him to the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Brett Favre did not look like someone who needed a hip replacement. Fourteen years in the National Football League have taken a toll on the three-time MVP, but throughout it all his hip has held up pretty well. Recalling a conversation he had with former Packers general manager Ron Wolf at practice Tuesday, Favre told reporters in his weekly news conference that he originally had failed his physical with the Packers after Wolf traded a first-round draft choice to Atlanta for him. According to Favre, Wolf went down and told the medical staff to pass Favre and the rest is history. Posted August 17 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Tatum Bell is trying to win a three-way battle with Mike Anderson and Ron Dayne to be the Broncos' starting tailback. "While I'm worried about Mike, Dayne, he's pushing me," Bell said. "We're all pushing each other. And the best will come out. It's all going to hit the fan pretty soon."
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
There was no movement on the Cedric Benson contract stalemate Tuesday. There was plenty of movement by Thomas Jones, and that's the Bears' focus since all of it came on a football field. When the Bears drafted Benson out of Texas in April, coach Lovie Smith called Jones his starting tailback. He needed to do so loudly to be heard above the snickers and guffaws by fans, who figured Benson to be the man. That still may be the case eventually, but it's hard to compete for a position when you're not in training camp. And Jones is moving forward with blinders on anyway. "Thomas has handled the situation well," Smith said. "We would like to have two running backs that we feel comfortable with. That's all that has changed. Cedric was coming in to compete with Thomas eventually. The competition hasn't even started right now. Posted August 17 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Cleared medically last week, Peter Warrick adds another playmaker to a potentially lethal Bengals offense. He should slip back into the slot role as the No. 3 receiver behind two-time Pro Bowler Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. "We're probably the three best receivers in the league, man, on one team" said Houshmandzadeh, who emerged as the No. 2 receiver last season. The Colts have Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley, all of whom had 1,000 receiving yards in 2004. Posted August 15 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Running back Cedric Benson has missed all of training camp and the first two exhibition games while agent Eugene Parker and the Bears wait for the other side to blink on contract negotiations. Benson was projected to be the starting tailback for opening day, but now that is questionable. "We're running out of time," coach Lovie Smith said Sunday. "We're breaking training camp this week, heading back to Halas Hall. So we need to get Cedric in as soon as possible." Posted August 15 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Not only did Gus Frerotte take another step toward wresting the starting job from incumbent A.J. Feeley, Sage Rosenfels may be gaining ground as well. Not that Frerotte was scintillating, leading the Dolphins to just three points in his four series of work, but Feeley was shut out in six series, going 6 of 13 for 60 yards with a horrid passing rating of 27.7, with one interception. Posted August 14 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
So what are the Eagles going to do at wide receiver? Sources told The Times, the Eagles are looking into what receivers could be available through trade and what it would take to acquire any of those receivers. On that list could be Cincinnati's Peter Warrick, the fourth pick of the 2000 draft, who never quite lived up to that selection in his five years with the Bengals. Other possibilities on the trade market include Peerless Price, who the Atlanta Falcons may try to move. Price will earn $2 million this year and then $5 million each of the next three years. He has been a disappointment for the Falcons after they traded a first-round pick to Buffalo to acquire him. Detroit, with a glut of wide receivers, may look to move oft-injured Charles Rogers, but would like a good return for their No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft. Green Bay, always a willing trade partner for the Eagles, also has depth at the receiver position and needs all over its defense. Robert Ferguson could be attractive to the Eagles, and might cost a draft pick and/or a defensive player. Finally, Cleveland has been reportedly looking to move Andre Davis, their second-round pick in 2002, who missed nine games last year with injury, but averaged over 20 yards per catch. Posted August 12 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The arrival of Matt Jones, a year after the Jaguars drafted Reggie Williams, puts more pressure on Troy Edwards, a seven-year veteran who was the third receiver last year, to find a niche as the Jaguars prepare to open the preseason Saturday night at Alltel Stadium against the Miami Dolphins. Last year he outplayed Williams, catching 50 passes to 27 for Williams, but Williams started 15 games and Edwards started only four while filling the third wide receiver role. Edwards was a first-round pick of the Steelers in 1999, so he understands that teams put a priority on getting first-round selections on the field quickly. Posted August 12 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Brian Westbrook checked into Eagles training camp last night, a team source said, ending his 7-day holdout. Given the twists and turns of the Westbrook drama, it stood to reason that last night's developments were confusing. After agent Fletcher Smith landed at Philadelphia International Airport about 8 p.m., he told the Daily News Westbrook would "probably not" report to camp by today, the deadline for Westbrook to report without forfeiting a year of service and his chance at unrestricted free agency next spring. As Smith was saying that, Westbrook apparently was getting settled at Lehigh and attending a running-backs meeting, which raises the question of how close the agent and client really are right now. Posted August 8 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Things to watch as the Steelers week unfolds are whether Hines Ward, whose holdout entered its eighth day Sunday, returns, and what the MRI on starting RB Duce Staley's knee reveals. posted August 8 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The Jets and free-agent Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law have reached an agreement in principle on a multiyear deal, which is contingent on Law passing a physical, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions. "It's done," one person said. Jets assistant general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Law's agent, Carl Poston, met Thursday night and agreed to many of the parameters of a deal and are now trying to fine-tune the contract. They negotiated throughout the day yesterday. The deal is believed to include a signing bonus of $5 million to $6 million and average roughly $6 million per season. It is said to be incentive-rich and heavily backloaded. Law will come to New York for a physical early next week. Posted August 6 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The Eagles have no intention of giving in to disgruntled Terrell Owens' demand for a new contract. But a high-ranking team official said yesterday that the Eagles intend to keep the 31-year-old receiver beyond this season despite a huge roster bonus due in 2006. Posted August 5 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said yesterday that he won't report to training camp and will sit out the season unless he receives a contract extension. "I'm not asking to break the bank or anything. I just want compensated," Ward said. The Post-Gazette reported yesterday the Steelers' offer would make Ward the highest-paid player in their history. Ward said his main aim is to receive as much guaranteed money as he can because in the NFL, players can be released with years left on their contract and the club is not obligated to pay any of it. Posted July 29 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Eddie George said he was watching the running back situations in Jacksonville, Minnesota and with the New York Giants. He'd happily field a call from any team looking for help during training camp or even after the season starts. "The bottom line is, I have a deep desire to play football. All I need is to land my feet somewhere," he said. "It's going to take a situation where a coach needs a guy like myself, they believe in me whether as a situational guy, one of the two backs that they can rely on. "I believe in my heart I have a few good years left in me." Posted July 21 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Barring a last-minute breakdown in negotiations, Deuce McAllister said Wednesday he plans to report to Saints camp today and hopes to do so under the terms of a new blockbuster contract that would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history and the second-highest paid running back in the NFL. Sources close to the negotiations said a deal could be done as early as this afternoon. "I plan on being there," McAllister said. "I prefer to have a contract done, but I'm pleased with the progress of negotiations. I feel the Saints have been trying to get a fair deal done, and I don't want to miss any critical days with the guys (on the team)." Posted July 28 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Travis Henry's arrival also probably closes the door on Eddie George, the all-time leading rusher for the Titans who had hoped to re-sign with his former team after playing last season for the Cowboys. Posted July 17 by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
The supplemental draft is today, and while the Dolphins are interested in former Southern California defensive tackle Manuel Wright -- widely considered the top player available -- it's highly unlikely they would be willing to forfeit a corresponding 2006 pick on him. The 6-foot-6, 329-pound Wright has said the Dolphins showed the most interest in him. But he didn't impress a large group of scouts and NFL executives -- including a five-man Dolphins contingent -- at his workout last Friday. Posted July 14, by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
All remains quiet on the Travis Henry front as far as the Tennessee Titans are concerned. The Buffalo Bills running back remains a possible target for the Titans in a trade, but of late, no discussions have been held, according to general manager Floyd Reese. The Titans reportedly were willing to surrender a fourth-round pick for Henry earlier in the offseason, but the Bills have been said to be holding out in hopes of finding a taker in more of a need situation that would give them a third-round pick for the running back. Division rivals Jacksonville and Houston have been mentioned as possibilities. Posted July 12, by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
Two weeks from today, the Bears will be in 11th-hour negotiations to get running back Cedric Benson to training camp on time. That is, of course, if a deal is not struck before then, but the chances of that happening aren't good for a number of reasons, the first being that the Bears' July 23 reporting date is earlier than any other team's. The Bears already were concerned about this scenario on draft day. That's what they talked about with Benson's agent, Eugene Parker, during the 15 minutes they were on the clock before announcing their selection. As the fourth overall pick, Benson will command about $15 million in total bonus money, and a deal like that doesn't get done easily. Posted July 8, by Ben Maller
Looking for more of today's news and rumors around the NFL and sports world? Then go to BenMaller.com!
With Philadelphia set to open training camp at the end of the month, the chances that Terrell Owens and Greg Lewis will re
| |
|
