SF - Coach says WR Randy Moss No. 1 WR right now

Source: San Jose Mercury News - Cam Inman

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said during a radio interview that WR Randy Moss is the team's top wide receiver at this point based on how he performed during offseason workouts.

NO - QB Drew Brees deal could get done soon

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune - Mike Triplett

The New Orleans Saints are expected to get a deal done with franchise free-agent QB Drew Brees prior to the July 16 deadline. It will be considered the biggest upset of the NFL season if they don't. The two sides will probably keep haggling over the details right up until the deadline; however, it will be stunning if Brees doesn't ultimately sign a contract worth somewhere between $19.2 million and $20 million per year.

CLE - Plan to run more in 2012

Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Terry Pluto

The Cleveland Browns ranked dead-last in the NFL with four rushing touchdowns last season, and their longest run of the year went for 40 yards. In two season as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, head coach Pat Shurmur gave the ball to RB Steven Jackson enough for him to gain 2,657 yards and average 327 carries per season. New offensive coordinator Brad Childress also likes to run the ball, so look for RB Trent Richardson, as well as the other running backs, to see ample touches this year.

DET - Coach thinks Mikel Leshoure can help between the tackles

Source: Detroit Free Press - Carlos Monarrez

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said he believes RB Mikel Leshoure can be an inside runner that will be able to gain the tough yards during games. 'No matter how we do it, running the football, throwing the football, short yardage, first-and-10, we need to have the ability to pick up tough yardage, and I think that's something that Mikel can do for us,' Schwartz said.

NYJ - Former teammate says QB Mark Sanchez dealt with shoulder issues

Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Jane McManus

Free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Jets) said QB Mark Sanchez dealt with shoulder issues during the 2011 season but believes Sanchez has the arm strength to be successful. 'He definitely has enough arm,' Burress said. 'He was battling some injuries last year, shoulder-wise that a lot of people didn't know about ... different things like that. But I think he really turned a corner.'

NFL - Josh Gordon could go early in supplemental draft

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Baylor WR Josh Gordon could go as early as the second round of the 2012 NFL supplemental draft.

NFL - Plenty of interest in Josh Gordon

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

The Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins are just some of the teams that figure to be interested in former Baylor WR Josh Gordon in the NFL supplemental draft.

CLE - RB Brandon Jackson making strides

Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Terry Pluto

Cleveland Browns RB Brandon Jackson is healthy, and he has reportedly established himself as the No. 2 back in the depth chart battle with RBs Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya. Jackson showed solid blocking and catching skills, as well, which is what the coaches expect in the West Coast offense.

CLE - Will be present at Josh Gordon's Pro Day

Source: Akron Beacon Journal - Nate Ulrich

The Cleveland Browns will be sending a representative to Baylor WR Josh Gordon's Pro Day Tuesday, July 10.

DAL - Will have rep at Josh Gordon's Pro Day

Source: FOXSportsSouthwest.com - Matt Mosley

The Dallas Cowboys will have a representative present at Baylor WR Josh Gordon's Pro Day Tuesday, July 10.

SF - WR Ted Ginn could be on roster bubble

Source: ProFootballWeekly.com

San Francisco 49ers WR Ted Ginn Jr. (undisclosed) could be on the roster bubble if he is not able to stay healthy during training camp.

BUF - Could show interest in WR Braylon Edwards

Source: ESPN.com - James Walker

The Buffalo Bills could show interest in free-agent WR Braylon Edwards (49ers) if they want to add a veteran receiver to their team.

BUF - Will be at Josh Gordon's Pro Day

Source: ESPN.com - James Walker

The Buffalo Bills will be sending representatives to Baylor WR Josh Gordon's Pro Day Tuesday, July 10.

HOU - RB Arian Foster says he is a vegan

Source: ESPN.com

Houston Texans RB Arian Foster said on his Twitter account that he is now a vegan. 'Officially a vegan now. We'll see how this goes. But week one down. So far, so good. Feels wonderful,' Foster said of giving up any form of animal products.

MIN - RB Adrian Peterson hires Roger Clemens lawyer

Source: ESPN.com

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has hired lawyer Rusty Hardin to represent him following his arrest at a Houston nightclub. Hardin just won a high-profile case representing former MLB SP Roger Clemens. Hardin successfully defended Clemens against charges he lied about not using performance-enhancing drugs in testimony he made before Congress.

BAL - QB Joe Flacco receives unfair criticism

Source: NFL.com

Baltimore Ravens C Matt Birk said QB Joe Flacco does not receive the benefit of the doubt from fans and media. 'Certain guys don't get the benefit of the doubt,' Birk said. 'He's shown in big spots that he's come through most of the time and he can play. Our gameplan isn't designed to have Joe Flacco throw 450 yards a every game to help us win. That's not our style of football. I guess that's not the cool, hip way to play football in the NFL these days.'

GB - Randall Cobb to remain kick returner

Source: NFL.com

Green Bay Packers WR Randall Cobb will remain the team's kick returner in 2012, even if he has an increased role on offense.

KC - QB Matt Cassel gets booed at celebrity softball game

Source: ProFootballTalk.com

At the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game Sunday, July 8, held at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium, fans booed Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel during player introductions. Fans then provided polite applause prior to Cassel's at-bats.

NE - Gap in contract talks with WR Wes Welker

Source: NFL.com

There is a considerable gap in guaranteed money in talks between the New England Patriots and WR Wes Welker. The gap in guaranteed money between the two sides is roughly $6 million, which likely places the team's number at around $15 million.

KC - WR Dwayne Bowe unlikely to sign extension before deadline

Source: ESPN.com - Bill Williamson

Kansas City Chiefs franchise free-agent WR Dwayne Bowe is unlikely to sign a contract extension prior to the July 16 deadline.

MIA - QB David Garrard appears to be slight favorite

Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins QB David Garrard appears to be slightly ahead of QB Matt Moore and rookie QB Ryan Tannehill for the starting job, but head coach Joe Philbin characterizes the battle as 'close.' The starter will be determined on the field during training camp and into the preseason.

MIA - Ryan Tannehill not out of running to start

Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill is not completely out of the running for the No. 1 job with the team, but he received by far the fewest first-team reps during offseason workouts.

BUF - T.J. Graham playing catch-up

Source: BuffaloBills.com - Jared Kracker

Buffalo Bills WR T.J. Graham is expected to compete for the No. 2 wide receiver job despite a slow start during offseason workouts. 'Everybody else has been here and knows the system. So he's been struggling to catch on because we're at an advanced stage and we're trying to catch him up,' head coach Chan Gailey said. 'He's got a big load of talent. We've just got to get him caught up

MIA - Teammate believes Ryan Tannehill will start on bench

Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush said he believes QB Ryan Tannehill will start the season on the bench. Bush said it would allow Tannehill to learn by watching the veterans from the bench and be prepared for when he is called on to play.

PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger less accurate in red zone

Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger completed only 50 percent of his passes in the red zone last season which was down from his 64.7 percent completion percentage outside the red zone.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The Steelers would like Roethlisberger to improve that number this year, and the design of Todd Haley's offense should help do that. Roethlisberger's favorite target in the red zone could change from week to week. Haley's system spreads the ball around to multiple targets.

Back to Top

IND - Owner says deal with Andrew Luck close

Source: Twitter

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said on his Twitter page that the team is close to signing first-round draft choice QB Andrew Luck.

NE - TE Aaron Hernandez likely would look for WR money under tag

Source: The Boston Globe - Greg A. Bedard

New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez is expected to look for the wide receiver designation if the Patriots place the franchise tag on him next offseason. Hernandez would argue that he is more of a receiver than he is a tight end.

NE - Want WR Wes Welker to take less money

Source: The Boston Globe - Greg A. Bedard

The New England Patriots want franchise free-agent WR Wes Welker to take less money in a long-term contract in order to continue playing with QB Tom Brady. Welker would like a deal that guarantees him just below the $21 million he would get paid playing two years under the franchise tag.

IND - Top three picks not under contract

Source: The Indianapolis Star

The Indianapolis Colts have not signed first-round draft choice QB Andrew Luck, second-round draft choice TE Coby Fleener and third-round draft choice TE Dwayne Allen at this point.

CLE - Not expected to go after Josh Gordon

Source: ESPNCleveland.com - Tony Grossi

The Cleveland Browns are not expected to select Baylor WR Josh Gordon in the 2012 NFL supplemental draft because of his off-field issues.

NE - WR Wes Welker close to franchise record

Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss

New England Patriots WR Wes Welker will only need four receptions in 2012 to become the Patriots' all-time leader in receptions. Welker will only need six seasons to complete to the task and it took current leader WR Troy Brown 15 seasons to get his 557 catches as a Patriot.

NFL - Josh Gordon received third-round grade from one NFC team

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Evan Silva

Baylor WR Josh Gordon is the highest-rated prospect available for this summer's Supplemental Draft. A source with knowledge of the situation said Saturday, July 7, that Gordon has generated a third-round supplemental draft grade from at least one club which plays in the NFC.
SF - A.J. Jenkins needs to build upper-body strength

Source: ProFootballWeekly.com - Dan Arkush

San Francisco 49ers WR A.J. Jenkins was inconsistent during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. Jenkins needs to work on building up his upper-body strength in order to hold up against aggressive press cornerbacks at the pro level, according to sources.

CLE - Unlikely to keep four RBs

Source: ESPNCleveland.com - Tony Grossi

Cleveland Browns RBs Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya might be fighting it out for the No. 3 running back job behind rookie RB Trent Richardson and RB Montario Hardesty in training camp and the preseason. It is unlikely the Browns will keep four running backs on the roster, so Jackson and Ogbonnaya might not make the roster. However, if Hardesty suffers an injury, Jackson might end up as the primary backup with Ogbonnaya as the No. 3.

CLE - RB Montario Hardesty expected to be primary backup

Source: ESPNCleveland.com - Tony Grossi

Cleveland Browns RB Montario Hardesty is expected to serve as the primary backup to rookie RB Trent Richardson as long as he can remain healthy. If Hardesty suffers an injury, his roster spot might be in jeopardy.

SD - Melvin Ingram expected to be role player initially

Source: ProFootballWeekly.com - Kevin Fishbain

The San Diego Chargers are expected to use LB Melvin Ingram as a pass rusher in the nickel defense and as part of a rotation at outside linebacker.

MIN - RB Adrian Peterson injury update

Source: NFL.com

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said Tuesday, July 3, RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is 'right on course' in his recovery, but added the team will defer to doctors and trainers for any timetable. Frazier expects Peterson will want to be on the field when training camp kicks off July 27, but that doesn't mean he'll get the green light.

DEN - QB Peyton Manning close to 100 percent

Source: NFL.com

Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning's arm strength is reportedly at 85-to-90 percent of what it was prior to his surgeries. Although Manning has shown improvement this offseason, he may never be fully recovered.

NE - RB Danny Woodhead could see less time

Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe

New England Patriots RB Danny Woodhead could lose some reps this season if RB Shane Vereen emerges as a consistent contributor on offense.

NE - Stevan Ridley could get inside carries

Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe

New England Patriots RB Stevan Ridley may be considered the most likely candidate to receive the between the tackles carries this season.

NE - 100 receptions for TE Aaron Hernandez in 2012?

Source: ProFootballWeekly.com

New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez could be ready to have a huge 2012 campaign. With opposing defenses focusing on fellow TE Rob Gronkowski, WR Wes Welkerunderneath and WR Brandon Lloyd on the outside, Hernandez has a chance to catch 100 passes and double-digit touchdowns according to Patriots writer Andy Hart. He did record 79 receptions last year despite missing some time due to injury.

OAK - Likely to sign RB Cedric Benson?

Source: ANG Newspapers - Steve Corkran

It would not be surprising to see the Oakland Raiders sign free-agent RB Cedric Benson (Bengals) at some point, especially if Benson's asking price is low enough and he is content with a backup role.

CLE - QB Colt McCoy says times are tough

Source: NFL.com

Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy said he's had a rough ride this far in his pro career, particularly with so many changes to the coaching staff. 'It's been a rough ride thus far,' McCoy said. 'We've had our ups and downs. I've had three (offensive) coordinators going into my third year. Two head coaches in two years. There's been some ups and downs and things you have to fight through. Most are things out of your control. But for me, I would just like a little consistency.

TEN - WR Nate Washington emerging as a leader

Source: The Tennessean - David Climer

Tennessee Titans WR Nate Washington has emerged as a leader of the team's young receiving corps this offseason. 'It's kind of funny to be the old man in the room,' Washington said. 'I'm very blessed to be here this long, looking forward to another season and having these guys looking to me for leadership. I accept that responsibility. I'm very proud to say that I am the guy they look to. I like having that leadership role.

JAX - Resume talks with PK Josh Scobee

Source: The Florida Times-Union - Vito Stellino

The Jacksonville Jaguars have resumed contract talks with franchise free-agent PK Josh Scobee.

TB - CB Ronde Barber could start at CB

Source: The Tampa Tribune - Ira Kaufman

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could move FS Ronde Barber back to cornerback if CB Eric Wright is suspended for any period of time following his DUI arrest.

ATL - Coach explains possible drop in carries for RB Michael Turner

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter

Atlanta Falcons running backs coach Gerald Brown said the team considered reducing the number of carries RB Michael Turnerreceives per game because they want him to stay strong throughout the season.

DEN - PK Matt Prater agrees to long-term contract

Source: DenverBroncos.com - Stuart Zaas

The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with franchise free-agent PK Matt Prater on a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

CHI - RB Matt Forte says he is in great shape

Source: ESPNChicago.com - Jon Greenburg

Chicago Bears franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte said he is the healthiest he has been in a while because sitting out the last four games of the season allowed him to heal injuries other than his knee injury. 'I've been lifting a little harder this offseason and running more,' Forte said. 'Just because I was able to heal a lot earlier having to sit out the last four games and having that time, and I was able to heal from the other injuries.'

CHI - Deal with RB Matt Forte expected by July 16

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

A deal between the Chicago Bears and RB Matt Forte is expected to get done by July 16. Forte said over the weekend that he will play this season, and will not sit out the regular season.

KC - WR Dwayne Bowe not expected to hold out

Source: ESPN.com - Bill Williamson

Kansas City Chiefs franchise free-agent WR Dwayne Bowe has not given any indication that he will hold out during the season even though he has not signed his franchise tender at this point and did not participate in any offseason workouts.

NYG - WR Domenik Hixon may be favorite for No. 3 WR job

Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano

New York Giants WR Domenik Hixon may enter training camp as the favorite for the No. 3 wide receiver job over WRs Rueben Randle,Ramses Barden and Jerrel Jernigan.

GB - Expected to keep two QBs

Source: ESPNMilwaukee.com - Jason Wilde

The Green Bay Packers are expected to keep only two quarterbacks on their final roster unless QB B.J. Coleman has a very impressive preseason.

MIA - Ryan Tannehill has shown flashes in workouts

Source: NFL.com

Miami Dolphins WR Brian Hartline said QB Ryan Tannehill has shown flashes during offseason workouts, adding Tannehill has a presence about him. 'He definitely has a presence,' Hartline said of Tannehill. 'Which is great. He's a guy that he knows what he wants, he knows the offense. I think that definitely helps him a lot ... For me, I feel like the first couple of weeks, you hope to see flashes. Because you've got to have something there, and there's no doubt in my mind that I saw flashes. The ball coming out of his hand is good, is great. His timing is really good. On a couple of routes, you can tell he's really comfortable. He can plant that foot and release without any gather step, so there's definitely some flashes.'

MIA - Ryan Tannehill not expected to start

Source: Palm Beach Post - Brian Biggane

Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill is not in the running to start right now due to his untimely mistakes, particularly when throwing into traffic. Head coach Joe Philbin has made it clear that turnovers will not be tolerated, so for the time being Tannehill will continue to work as the No. 3 quarterback.

OAK - Juron Criner a starting WR?

Source: SportingNews.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner, who was impressive during offseason workouts, could potentially challenge starting WRs Denarius Moore or Darrius Heyward-Bey if they struggle.

GB - Three expected to be in running for No. 3 WR job

Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert

Green Bay Packers WRs James Jones, Randall Cobb and Donald Driver are candidates to become the No. 3 wide receiver during training camp.

SEA - Mike Williams could be on roster bubble

Source: ESPN.com - Mike Sando

Seattle Seahawks WR Mike X. Williams could be on the roster bubble during training camp if he is outperformed by WR Kris Durhamduring training camp.

CLE - Trent Richardson waiting to sign

Source: Akron Beacon Journal - Nate Ulrich

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson said he's waiting for the top two overall draft picks - Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck and Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III - to sign before completing his deal. 'For me, I think I'm really just waiting on one and two to get done,' Richardson said. 'Then when the big guys get done, I can sign.'

CLE - Brandon Weeden eager to sign a deal

Source: Akron Beacon Journal - Nate Ulrich

Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden said he is hoping to get a deal done prior to training camp. When asked for an update about the status of his contract, Weeden replied, 'What's the politically correct answer here? I wish it was done, but I don't know. It'll get done. We're working. It takes two sides, though.'

SF - TE Vernon Davis feels team is Super Bowl material

Source: The Boston Globe - Greg A. Bedard

San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis feels the team is a Super Bowl contender, and he isn't afraid to voice his opinion. 'I don't want to sound too cocky, but I think we have the potential,' Davis said. 'I think we have a lot of potential and I'm not wrong for saying that because of the talent we have. I can't that we're going to win the Super Bowl. All I can say is that I strongly believe that we have the team to get to that point. It makes me excited because I know what we have going forward.'

DAL - Could show interest in Josh Gordon

Source: ESPNDallas.com - Calvin Watkins

The Dallas Cowboys could consider taking Baylor WR Josh Gordon in the 2012 NFL supplemental draft.

NFL - Josh Gordon to enter supplemental draft

Source: thesidelineview.com - Adam Caplan

Baylor WR Josh Gordon will enter the 2012 NFL supplemental draft.

MIA - RB Steve Slaton expected to be on bubble

Source: ProFootballWeekly.com

Miami Dolphins RB Steve Slaton is expected to be on the roster bubble during training camp. He may compete with RBs Marcus Thigpen, Jonas Gray and Jerome Messam for the No. 4 running back job.

CHI - Gabe Carimi confident in knee

Source: ProFootballWeekly.com

Chicago Bears OT Gabe Carimi (knee) did not do a lot during offseason workouts but is confident that his knee is strong enough to participate in training camp.

ARI - TE Todd Heap does not appear to be cut candidate

Source: ESPN.com - Mike Sando

Arizona Cardinals TE Todd Heap does not appear to be in danger of being released during training camp unless he is unable to stay healthy. Heap is scheduled to make $2 million this season.

ARI - Like WR Andre Roberts in slot

Source: ESPN.com - Mike Sando

The Arizona Cardinals believe WR Andre Roberts is ideally suited to be a slot receiver. Roberts likely will play there this season with WR Michael Floyd playing on the outside.

TB - Two competing for backup QB job

Source: Buccaneers.com

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Dan Orlovsky and Brett Ratliff will compete for the primary backup quarterback job during training camp. The team likely will decide whether to keep two or three quarterbacks on their final roster based on how Orlovsky and Ratliff perform.

PIT - RB Jonathan Dwyer dropping weight

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Mark Kaboly

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jonathan Dwyer has lost 20 pounds from his high of 240 pounds and is in better shape. Dwyer is ready to play a significant part in the team's offense this upcoming season. 'I am just realizing how much it takes to get where you are in this league and how hard you have to work and push yourself,' Dwyer said. 'This is my year to prove something to myself, the league, to the organization, that I am worth more than what I was.

TEN - Have big plans for Taylor Thompson

Source: SportingNews.com

Tennessee Titans TE Taylor Thompson was impressive throughout the team's offseason workouts. According to sources, Thompson showed elite athleticism similar to New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski. The Titans believe Thompson could become a dynamic offensive player and be special in the long term if he continues to develop.

NE - QB Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett to be showcased Aug. 20?

Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss

The New England Patriots might consider turning over the second preseason game to QBs Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett for the preseason game Aug. 20 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It is a nationally-televised game, which would give the team a chance to show the rest of the NFL what they have and to generate some interest in Hoyer or Mallett for a possible deal.

CLE - QB Colt McCoy could become distraction

Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy is more likely to be traded because he is popular in the locker room, and he has plenty of fan support as well. If QB Brandon Weeden struggles early on, it could create fan controversy for those calling for the backup.

DAL - Bruce Carter's performance may determine starter at ILB

Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano

Dallas Cowboys LB Bruce Carter will be competing with LB Dan Connor for the one of the starting inside linebacker job but his performance during the preseason may have more importance in the competition than Connor's performance.

SF - Return all 11 starters on defense

Source: The Boston Globe - Greg A. Bedard

The San Francisco 49ers return all 11 starters on defense, and DL Justin Smith is excited to get going. 'The mindset I've kind of been spreading to the guys is, your team isn't always going to be stacked, we're not going to be able to keep this team together forever,' Smith said. 'So let's go out and try to hammer this thing home.

New Orleans Saints linebacker, Jonathan Vilma is suing the NFL, claiming Roger Goodell failed to make a timely appeal ruling regarding Vilma’s season-long suspension in connection with the league’s bounty investigation. C'mon Son

This is the 2nd lawsuit filed by Vilma. The 1st lawsuit claimed defamation of character. C'mon Son!

Vilma, let it go! Serve your suspension because you are looking like a fool. The funny thing is the reason for all of the lawsuits but none of them are for "He's innocent". C'mon Son! 

C'mon Son was created by the great Ed Lover! 

HOU - Have not had contract talks with QB Matt Schaub

Source: The Sports Xchange - Len Pasquarelli

The Houston Texans have not had serious contract extension talks with QB Matt Schaub at this point but are expected to do so later this summer.

CLE - Jordan Cameron is team's future at TE

Source: ESPNCleveland.com - Tony Grossi

Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron is considered the team's future at tight end. TE Benjamin Watson is in the final year of his contract, so Cameron is therefore likely to see a bigger role in the offense, not TE Evan Moore.

NYJ - Stephen Hill working on his route running

Source: The Sports Xchange - Len Pasquarelli

New York Jets WR Stephen Hill said he has been working on his route running this offseason because he only ran a limited number of routes during college. 'There are adjustments, reads on the run, all the fine-tuning stuff, and you've got to develop a connection (with the quarterback). You can have all the (physical) skills in the world, but you have to get the mental and technique things down even more,' Hill said.

MIA - Clyde Gates struggling with offense

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins WR Clyde Gates struggled during offseason workouts because he is having a hard time picking up the team's new west coast offense. He likely will be in a competition for the final receiver spot on the roster when training camp begins.

NFL - QB Daunte Culpepper says career over

Source: Orlando Sentinel - Craig Castille

Free-agent QB Daunte Culpepper (Lions) said he does not expect to play again and has moved on with his life. 'As far as me playing, I think I am done," Culpepper said. 'That part of my book is closed. The next chapter is, I have kids and I will be coaching them.

CHI - Have taken out seven-step drops for QBs

Source: FOXSports.com - Alex Marvez

Chicago Bears OT Gabe Carimi said offensive coordinator Mike Tice has taken out the seven-step drop for the quarterbacks from the playbook. The change is expected to help the offensive line block for QB Jay Cutler better.

NE - TE Daniel Fells did not take part in offseason program

Source: ESPNBoston.com - Field Yates

New England Patriots TE Daniel Fells (ankle) is still considered the leader for the third tight end job, although he did not take part in organized team activities (OTAs) or minicamp. Undrafted rookie TE Tyler Urban and TE Alex Silvestro are the only challengers to Fells.

MIA - WR Brian Hartline was absent due to appendectomy

Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins WR Brian Hartline (appendectomy) said Saturday, June 30, that he is recovering from an appendectomy, but he is expected to be fine for training camp.

CLE - H-back battle might get heated

Source: ESPNCleveland.com - Tony Grossi

Cleveland Browns FB Owen Marecic is the incumbent at the position, but he is viewed as a mostly blocking fullback. TE Brad Smelley has the versatility as a pass receiver, but he is not a true lead blocker. Lastly, TE E. Alex Smith is also in the mix for H-back duties. Two of those players might not make the 53-man roster.

NYG - DT Chris Canty wants to be leader

Source: The Star-Ledger - Mike Garafolo

New York Giants DL Chris Canty (knee) said Saturday, June 30, that he wants to make his teammates better through his performance, and be a leader in the locker room. Canty was able to post a career-high four sacks, but he said he is looking for bigger and better things in 2012.

SF - More on Aldon Smith

Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco

Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers LB Aldon Smith (abdomen, shoulder) suffered minor stab wounds at a house party Saturday, June 30. The wounds occurred as Smith attempted to break up a fight, and he likely was stabbed by a pocketknife. The location of the wounds are believed to be in his shoulder and abdomen.