by Joe Tailgate on August 3, 2009
in NFL News
Darrius Heyward-Bey struggled to catch the ball at practice sunday, at one point leaving three catchable passes on the ground, one time punting a drop into the air in frustration. Keep in mind none of these plays came against defenders. Heyward-Bey gave his Rickey Dudley impression in the presence of Al Davis, who was driven over in a golf cart to talk to Heyward-Bey afterward.
The chances of Raiders Javon Walker becoming a major contributor this season continue to diminish. He was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of training camp while he continues to rehab from offseason knee surgery, and he told reporters that it will be two or three weeks before he’s able to participate. [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 June 30, 2009
in NFL News
- Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, said the hamstring that he injured during offseason workouts is at about “80” percent strength. He expects to be at 100 percent by the start of training camp. Heyward-Bey said he went through a lot of offseason drills despite not being at full strength to show coaches and teammates he could play through pain.
- Vikings WR PercyHarvin reported for the start of the symposium Sunday afternoon but after notifying the medical staff that he was not feeling well, it was recommended that he return home. This is the second time Harvin has become ill after traveling this offseason. He missed the Vikings initial rookie minicamp in May when he was hospitalized for a virus and severe dehydration after vomiting on a flight from Florida to Atlanta on his way to Minnesota.
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick, three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth earlier this month. Stallworth has been ruled out indefinitely by the league after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter in the death of a Miami man in March.
- Chiefs fans, take heart. The team may not be quite ready, but your new stadium is progressing toward completion, officials heard Monday. Jim Rowland, executive director of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, told the Jackson County Legislature that the stadium should be 70 percent complete for the Kansas City Chiefs’ opener, as planned. “Arrowhead is a flurry of activity, trying to get ready for the Aug. 15 opening,” Rowland said.
- Steelers WR Santonio Holmes‘ physical remake, particularly around his neck and through his shoulders, is the next step in the development of the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII. The increase in Holmes’ upper body is becoming so pronounced that he’s beginning to look like an entirely different player. “I tipped the scales (Monday) at 201 (pounds),” Holmes said proudly following his workout at Tom Shaw Performance at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.
