by Joe Tailgate on July 31, 2009
in NFL News
New Bears QB Jay Cutler and LB Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they’re simply not true.
“There’s nothing between us,” Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. “I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us.” Urlacher added: “I never said what I was quoted as saying and that’s it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that.”
Vikings receiver Bobby Wade started the controversy Wednesday when he told a Twin Cities radio station that Urlacher used a derogatory word to describe Cutler. [click to continue…]
by Joe Tailgate on July 31, 2009
in NFL News
Vikings first-round draft choice Percy Harvin is a no-show at the team’s first practice of training camp. The Vikings opened practice early Friday, but the 22nd overall pick is still in negotiations with the team on a contract. The Vikings have big plans for the versatile threat from Florida, which is why coach Brad Childress says it’s especially important for Harvin to get in as soon as possible.
Childress told reporters Wednesday that he’s “more than content” to have Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels compete for the club’s starting quarterback job after the team’s failed effort to lure Brett Favre out of retirement. Childress also said he didn’t think the Vikings’ pursuit of Favre has alienated Jackson and Rosenfels. [click to continue…]
by Joe Tailgate on July 31, 2009
in NFL News
Javon Walker opened camp on the active Physically Unable to Perform list. Cable said there is no timetable and that he’ll be evaluated in two or three days. Walker seemed to think differently.
“Probably about two or three weeks,’’ Walker said. “That’s the time frame they have.’’
Darrius Heyward-Bey said the nagging hamstring injury that limited him in OTAs is fully healed.
“I’m 100 percent,” he said. “Still working with the training staff, just stay on top of it and be a pro.”
To make room for DHB on the roster, the Raiders released quarterback Andrew Walter. Walter, a third-round pick in 2005, was once viewed as the quarterback of the future in Oakland. But he went 2-6 as a starter in 2006 under coach Art Shell and never was given another chance, losing his only start in his final two seasons in Oakland.
“I’m very excited for a fresh start,” Walter said. “We’ll see what happens. The only thing different that I would have hoped for is that it would have happened earlier. Things haven’t changed since February and it occurred just now.”
by Joe Tailgate on July 30, 2009
in NFL News
Contract talks between the Eagles and Jeremy Maclin heated up yesterday afternoon, according to a high-ranking team official familiar with the negotiations. The team official said that although little significant progress was made, the Eagles were encouraged by the fact that at least communication with Maclin’s agent picked up. Maclin, the 19th pick in the draft, has missed the first five practices of training camp at Lehigh and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said the missed time could be costly for Maclin, a wide receiver out of Missouri.
“I’d normally talk about the players that are here,” Mornhinweg said. “However, in general, it’s my experience with rookies that help a ball club – or helped the club that I’ve been on – they’ve missed very, very little. It’s just a big advantage to be at every practice.”
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