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.”
Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian could barely hide his excitement last week when talking to Star-Tribune reporter Chip Scoggins about the potential of playing with Brett Favre. Well, Berrian’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, weighed in on the topic through Twitter. Wrote Rosenhaus: “Look for Bernard Berrian to explode next season if the Vikings sign Favre. They will be unstoppable! BB can run deep & Favre can throw it deep.”
Staying with Minnesota…
The agent for Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield said that talks of an extension with the Vikings have broken down. “There are no active negotiations and there are no further talks planned,” Ashanti Webb said in a text message.
Quarterback Jason Campbell has expressed optimism that the Washington Redskins‘ offense will be better this season. In large part, because of wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.”With Devin and Malcolm, we’ve seen the talent these guys have,” he said. “Both of these guys can make plays, they can do things to really help us reach the level we need to as an offense, they’ve just got to be able to stay on the field, get comfortable and do what they do.”
After two spectacular seasons, wide receiver Roddy White and the Atlanta Falcons are in discussions for a contract extension. White, who is set to make $2.28 million next season under his current contract, said he would like to enter the season with his contract situations resolved. “Whenever it happens, it happens,” White said. “We’ll just wait around for it.”
Apparently the Browns refused first round trade offers for Brady Quinn.
The New York Jets are not interested in Pacman Jones.
Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington had offseason neck surgery as well as a procedure on his shoulder. Doctors fused vertebrae in Washington’s neck. “I feel great,” Washington said.
Raiders QB Jeff Garcia is fine with being called a “mentor” by Cable, and had some interesting observations about what Russell can pick up from watching him. “Deep inside we’re all competitors and we all play this game to be on the field, to not be on the sidelines,” Garcia said.
Javon Walker said he did not tell Raiders officials about last month’s knee surgery because he didn’t want to “bother” them with it before the draft. He said the right knee has bothered him since 2007 knee surgery in Denver, and that he hasn’t felt better than 65 percent healthy.
This week’s UsTailgate Girl of The Week. Holly Weber. See The Gallery.
