NFL

Lee Evans won't discount how much Buffalo's offence misses Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters now that his contract holdout might extend into the regular season.

Plaxico Burress is done with questions about his troublesome right ankle. It's fine.

The Miami Dolphins have signed Ricky Williams to a one-year contract extension through the 2009-10 season.

John Lynch, the longtime Pro Bowl safety signed by New England two weeks ago, was released by the Patriots on Sunday.

Jeff Fisher had warned Roydell Williams that the Tennessee Titans needed to see the receiver on the field and working through his injuries.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released former starting quarterback Chris Simms on Saturday as they trimmed to the roster list of 53 players.

The Seahawks were absorbed in keeping two kickers plus summer running star Justin Forsett at the bottom of their regular-season roster.

Jacksonville's career rushing and receiving leaders were arrested in a span of about five hours.

The Pittsburgh Steelers often point to Charlie Batch as being the NFL's best backup quarterback.

Experience beat out potential in the fight for starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.

Veteran wide receiver Clifford Russell was Denver's biggest surprise cut Saturday when the Broncos reached their roster limit and bid a 10-day farewell to Brandon Marshall, who began serving his suspension for violating the league's personal conduct code.

The San Francisco 49ers released underachieving receiver Ashley Lelie while making their final roster cuts Saturday.

The Atlanta Falcons cut quarterback Joey Harrington and offensive guard Kynan Forney as the team reached the NFL's 53-player limit Saturday.

The Minnesota Vikings placed safety Michael Boulware on injured reserve Saturday to help trim their active roster to 53 players for the regular season, creating a depth concern at the position.

Jets running back Jesse Chatman was suspended without pay by the NFL on Saturday for the team's first four regular-season games for violating the league's steroids and related-substances policy.

The Houston Texans placed running back Chris Brown on injured reserve Saturday, continuing a string of recent disappointments at the position.

Offensive tackle Willie Anderson and running back Rudi Johnson lost their starting jobs with the Cincinnati Bengals during training camp. Now, they've lost their roster spots, too.

Former Saskatchewan Roughriders' running back Kenton Keith has been waived by the Indianapolis Colts.

During their past five dismal seasons, the most interesting thing about the Oakland Raiders has been the bizarre off-field happenings that have served as a distraction and sometimes as a reason for all the losing.

Rookie Canadian receiver Sam Giguere is living a dream after the Indianapolis Colts retained him to start the National Football League season.

The NFL has suspended New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk for the team's opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Even late last season, listing Eli Manning among the NFL's top quarterbacks would have been outlandish.

Cornerback Ricardo Colclough was released by the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, hours after he was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, and star receiver Steve Smith was placed on the reserve-suspended list.

Rookie Canadian receiver Sam Giguere has earned a longer look with the Indianapolis Colts, Sportsnet has learned.

The NFL decided last April to allow coaches to make a choice if they win the coin toss at the start of the game -- take the ball or defer to the second half, just as they do in college.

Peyton Manning expects to be in the starting lineup when the Indianapolis Colts open the season against the Chicago Bears.

Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn dropped a couple of surprises Friday, raising the possibility that prized draft pick Malcolm Kelly could be done for the season and longtime right tackle Jon Jansen could lose his starting job.

Conventional wisdom, and the Baltimore Ravens' experience with Kyle Boller, suggests it would be a mistake to start a rookie quarterback in the first game of the NFL season.

The Carolina Panthers got an experienced backup for starting quarterback Jake Delhomme on Friday when they acquired veteran Josh McCown from Miami for a 2009 late-round draft pick.

The NFL suspended Minnesota Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie for four games without pay Friday for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Tony Romo just lost another one of his receiving options for the Dallas Cowboys' season opener.

The New Orleans Saints placed seventh-round draft choice Adrian Arrington on injured reserve Friday and released seven other players.

As the NFL season gets set to open next week, here's a look at the 32 teams by division, with 2007 record in parentheses

Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Matt Moore doesn't have any broken bones or damaged ligaments in his left leg after a hard hit in a pre-season loss to Pittsburgh.

It's not quite World B. Free, but maverick Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson has legally changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco in Broward County, Fla., a switch that became official this week, according to several media reports.

Canadian receiver Sam Giguere picked a good game to make a final impression on the Indianapolis Colts.

"I would be shocked if he's not there (a week from) Sunday," Colts coach Tony Dungy said regarding whether Peyton Manning should play in the Colts' regular-season opener against Chicago on Sept. 7.

No Tom Brady. No Eli Manning. David Carr took advantage of Manning's rare night off and threw two touchdown passes to lead the New York Giants to a 19-14 victory over the winless New England Patriots in the teams' pre-season finales.

The Dallas Cowboys acquired guard Montrae Holland from the Denver Broncos on Thursday for a future draft pick.

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall had his suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy reduced from three games to one on Thursday.

For the first time since injuring his neck and spine last week, Texans receiver Harry Williams has walked by himself.

Adam (Pacman) Jones did what he had to do to get back into the NFL for real. He stayed out of trouble. The cornerback-kick returner was fully reinstated Thursday from his 17-month NFL suspension, and is clear to play for the Dallas Cowboys during the regular season starting with the opener in Cleveland.

The Seattle Seahawks finally have some good injury news.

Now Peyton Manning can start fine-tuning the mechanics, timing and rhythm.

Derrick Mason would prefer to watch the final game of the pre-season from the sideline, a practice he enjoyed during his days with the Tennessee Titans.

The Baltimore Ravens acquired defensive end Marques Douglas from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, reacting quickly to defensive lineman Dwan Edwards' season-ending back injury.

Kicker Jay Feely has been cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, a day after signing a one-year deal with the NFL club.

The surgeon's knife can wait. Shawne Merriman is going to play football, two torn knee ligaments and all.

Defensive end Derrick Harvey ended a 33-day holdout Wednesday by signing a five-year, US$23.8-million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Michael Strahan is staying retired. "This has been one of the toughest nights of my life," the former New York Giants defensive end told FoxSports.com in a story released Tuesday afternoon.

Troy Vincent declined to discuss whether he's interested in succeeding Gene Upshaw in leading the NFL Players' Association because he is still mourning the union's executive director's death -- and a person Vincent referred to as "a mentor."

The Baltimore Ravens placed defensive lineman Dwan Edwards and two others on injured reserve and cut two players to reach the roster limit of 75 on Tuesday.

The New York Jets announced a personal seat license plan that will cost some season-ticket holders between US$4,000 and $25,000, but spares thousands of upper-level seats from the new fee.

Wide receiver David Tyree was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform reserve list by the New York Giants on Tuesday, meaning the player who made a game-saving catch in the Super Bowl won't be making any for at least the first six weeks of the season.

Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards returned to practice Tuesday after missing a week with a bruised right thigh.

Peyton Manning is finally healthy enough to start practising with the Indianapolis Colts.

Backup quarterback Billy Volek threw a two-point conversion pass to Malcom Floyd in the fourth quarter, giving the San Diego Chargers an 18-17 pre-season win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.

Oakland safety Jarrod Cooper was waived on Monday and intends to retire, one of a flurry of moves the Raiders made to deal with injuries and an upcoming deadline for roster cuts.

Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn't cleared to return to practice Monday, so Brady Quinn likely will start his second straight game Thursday night in the pre-season finale against the Chicago Bears.

Tarvaris Jackson's sprained right knee was still stiff Monday, though the Minnesota Vikings quarterback said he's feeling better.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed free agent kicker Jay Feely to a one-year contract Monday.

Texans receiver Harry Williams probably won't play football again after injuring his neck and spine in a pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, a team physician said Monday.

Tennessee receiver Brandon Jones apologized in court Monday for accidentally carrying a handgun into an airport and could have the misdemeanour charge expunged after six months in a diversion plan.

Terence Newman participated in practice with the Dallas Cowboys for the first time in four weeks Monday, an indication that the Pro Bowl cornerback could be ready to play in the season opener.

A splint covered the bridge of Carson Palmer's mangled nose. An absorbent bandage jutted from his left nostril. Two days later, his face was still a mess.

Rex Grossman vowed to be ready and expressed no regrets about re-signing with the Chicago Bears, but he also made one thing clear about his new role.

Jason Taylor sported a big black brace on his right knee and the type of attitude he hopes will keep his consecutive games streak alive.

Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano couldn't help but have a little fun Monday when he finally announced the winner of the team's drawn-out quarterback competition.

Tom Brady says he'll be ready to play in the New England Patriots season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback competition might be decided by default. With Troy Smith out with a viral illness and Kyle Boller nursing a sore shoulder, the first one to get healthy could be considered the winner of this tepid duel.

The New York Giants moved Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end to replace the injured Osi Umenyiora on Monday, a decision that decreases the already slim chances of the Super Bowl champions needing to make a push to get seven-time Pro Bowler Michael Strahan out of retirement.

Peyton Manning might be activated by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, although the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player is not expected to play in the team's final pre-season game Thursday night.

Brett Favre wants to play in the Jets' pre-season finale Thursday at Philadelphia, and will speak to coach Eric Mangini about getting in for a series or two. But if he's relegated to clipboard duty, Favre promises he won't be too disappointed.

The Dallas Cowboys released four players Monday and reached an injury settlement with fullback Ronnie Cruz to reach the 75-player limit a day before the deadline.

Xavier Omon ran for one touchdown, Terrence McGee returned a fumble for another score and Rian Lindell kicked two field goals, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 20-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the new Lucas Oil Stadium debut.

Rather than give Matt Ryan a few games to watch from the sideline, the Falcons decided on Sunday to throw the rookie into the fire as their starter.

Lane Kiffin had concerns about depth on the Oakland Raiders even before two key offensive players went down with season-ending knee injuries.

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora has ligament damage in his left knee and will miss the season.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer broke his nose during Saturday night's pre-season game against the New Orleans Saints, but coach Marvin Lewis said he should be ready for the regular season opener.

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran tight end Marcus Pollard on Sunday, adding experience and a receiving threat at the position.

Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor is expected to be sidelined 10-14 days with a sprained right knee, putting his availability in doubt for Washington's season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 4.

While the architects were designing the bowling alley and racquetball court at his sprawling 35,000-square foot home that started to take shape over the winter, Mike Shanahan went to work remodelling the Denver Broncos.

So spectacular were some of Reggie Bush's long gains in college, so full of abrupt cutbacks, spins, leaps and sudden bursts of speed, that he began to draw comparisons to Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers.

Brett Favre wanted more in his second start for the New York Jets. The veteran quarterback went into the locker room at halftime Saturday night, hoping his night wasn't over. Coach Eric Mangini told him otherwise.

Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman said Saturday he has two torn ligaments in his left knee and has been told by doctors that he could suffer a possible career-ending injury if he attempts to play without having surgery.

Tampa Bay linebacker Antoine Cash dived and collided with a teammate making a tackle during the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers' pre-season game against Jacksonville and was carted off the field.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer got roughed up again during a pre-season game against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night, leaving late in the first half with a bloody nose and a cut lip.

Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor left Saturday's game against Carolina with a sprained right knee.

The Minnesota Vikings held quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and his top two receivers, Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice, out of Saturday's pre-season game against Pittsburgh.

Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora injured his left knee in the second quarter of the New York Giants' pre-season game against the New York Jets, but coach Tom Coughlin said that early indications are that he did not suffer ligament damage.

Brady Quinn was lacklustre in his first NFL start and the depleted Cleveland Browns were roughed up for the second time in a week.

Injured Houston Texans receiver Harry Williams will have surgery Sunday to repair a neck vertebra he fractured during a pre-season game Friday night.

J.T. O'Sullivan will start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers when the NFL regular season begins next month.

Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck likely will miss Seattle's pre-season game Monday at San Diego and probably won't see any action until the regular season because of ongoing back stiffness.

Chargers coach Norv Turner is more concerned with having linebacker Shawne Merriman on the field for the playoffs than next month's regular-season opener.

Houston Texans receiver Harry Williams was taken off the field on a stretcher and hospitalized Friday night after being hit in the head during a collision with a teammate.

The New England Patriots were missing a lot more than Tom Brady, namely tackles, open receivers and a chance to leave their pre-season problems behind.

The Detroit Lions have signed quarterback Drew Henson, a high school and college standout who has struggled at the professional level in baseball and football.

From the moment he first stepped on the practice field with the Minnesota Vikings, Mike Tomlin made his presence felt.

Hall of Fame player and longtime NFL union head Gene Upshaw will be remembered this weekend with a moment of silence at NFL exhibition games.

Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards won't play in Sunday night's pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts because of a bruise above his right kneecap.

J.T. O'Sullivan threw for 126 yards and a touchdown in his limited time while Alex Smith struggled, and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Chicago Bears 37-30 on Thursday night.

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee, currently limited to running in a swimming pool as he recuperates from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, expects to be running with the football when the season starts.

Houston Texans fullback Jameel Cook was arrested and charged with marijuana possession Wednesday.

With protecting their new quarterback a top priority, the New York Jets' revamped offensive line is looking forward to its next big challenge: the Giants' sack-happy defence.

Quotes on the death of NFL Hall of Famer and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw

The New England Patriots signed 10-year veteran Mike Flynn on Thursday to shore up an injury-depleted offensive line.

Steven Jackson signed a six-year contract Thursday, a day after agreeing to end a 27-day holdout, and was on the field for practice with the St. Louis Rams after completing a physical.

Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will likely miss Saturday's exhibition against the Kansas City Chiefs with a strained right thumb.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker James Farrior to a five-year, US$18.2-million contract extension Thursday that includes a $5-million signing bonus.

Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who during a quarter century as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. He was 63.

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman had his knee examined Wednesday in Alabama after lingering soreness kept him out of practice for more than a week.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson and five teammates did not practise on Wednesday and weren't expected to play against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

Linebacker Demorrio Williams will likely miss the final two Kansas City Chiefs pre-season games with a broken bone in his right hand, but expects to be ready for the Sept. 7 opener at New England.

Philadelphia Eagles receiver Kevin Curtis will have surgery Thursday to repair a sports hernia and will likely miss the start of the regular season.

Rams running back Steven Jackson ended his holdout on Wednesday and St. Louis appeared on the verge of signing him to a new multi-year contract.

Troy Smith will be the Ravens starting quarterback for Saturday's pre-season game against the St. Louis Rams, coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck missed another day of practice because of a stiff back on Wednesday, and may also not play his second consecutive pre-season game against San Diego.

Quarterback Trent Edwards has a swollen bruise above his right kneecap, which forced him to miss practice Wednesday, a day after the Buffalo Bills starter knocked knees in a collision with running back Marshawn Lynch.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin asked to be traded, saying he doesn't feel his situation can be resolved and declaring he has no relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards sustained a deep bruise to his right quadriceps during practice Tuesday night, and it's unclear whether he'll return to practice this week.

Matt Cassel is aware of his critics. They say the New England Patriots are finished if Tom Brady misses games and he has to take over for a long period. They look at his pre-season statistics and reach the same conclusion.

Terrell Owens scoffs at any notion that there is reason to worry about the Dallas Cowboys after losing their first two pre-season games.

Gus Frerotte was talking about his 15-year career as an NFL quarterback, when some wise guy interrupted to tease him about the grey in his once-black hair.

A day after he returned to the practice field, Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is again dealing with a balky back.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian has a sore toe on his right foot that has limited him in practice for the past week.

The Atlanta Falcons released veteran wide receiver Joe Horn on Thursday.

The New England Patriots released 13-year veteran tight end Marcus Pollard on Tuesday.

Wide receiver Chris Henry is back with the Cincinnati Bengals, four months after the team dumped him following his fifth arrest since 2005.

Peyton Manning attended his first practice Tuesday with the Indianapolis Colts since he had knee surgery just over five weeks ago.

Eli Manning was in Super Bowl form for the New York Giants and Domenik Hixon was even better as the Giants beat the Cleveland Browns 37-34 on Monday night.

The Cincinnati Bengals are close to signing Chris Henry, four months after they released the wide receiver following his fifth arrest since 2005, Henry's agent said Monday

Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson left Monday night's exhibition game against the New York Giants early in the second quarter with what the team said was a possible concussion.

Jeremy Shockey ran some plays with the first team offence in practice on Monday and appears on track to make his first appearance in a Saints uniform when New Orleans plays its third pre-season game on Saturday night in Cincinnati.

Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck fully participated in a practice for the first time since his back stiffened 10 days ago and said he will play in the Seahawks' next pre-season game Aug. 25 at San Diego.

The Aaron Rodgers era isn't going to amount to much if the Green Bay Packers can't protect him any better or catch more passes than they did in Saturday's pre-season loss to San Francisco.

The New Orleans Saints signed former Pro Bowl safety Lance Schulters on Monday.

Matt Ryan's next shot at winning the starting quarterback job for the Atlanta Falcons will come in his first pre-season start. Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday that Ryan will start Friday night's game against Tennessee at the Georgia Dome.

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress said quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is preparing to play on Saturday against Pittsburgh despite a sprained right knee.

Kyle Orton will start as the Chicago Bears opening day quarterback -- beating Rex Grossman in a competition that lasted through training camp and two pre-season games.

The Miami Dolphins released offensive lineman Steve McKinney on Monday, three months after he signed as a free agent.

Quarterback Tom Brady isn't sure if a foot injury will sideline him from the Patriots' third exhibition game Friday night after he sat out the first two.

Carson Palmer spent more time in the trainer's room than usual, the best gauge of where the Cincinnati Bengals' offence stands midway through the pre-season.

Safety Bob Sanders is ready to start hitting, and the Colts are finally ready to get him back on the field. Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said Monday that Sanders and defensive end Dwight Freeney should be cleared for practice this week.

Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson hurt his left shoulder Sunday night during the Detroit Lions' 27-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, who now have their top two receivers and their starting tailback limited by injuries.

St. Louis Rams guard Mark Setterstrom fractured his left kneecap in the second half of Saturday's pre-season game and will be placed on injured reserve.

Titans rookie receiver Lavelle Hawkins is wearing a walking boot on his left ankle, and coach Jeff Fisher said an MRI exam showed a sprain that likely will keep him out of Tennessee's third exhibition at Atlanta.

Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu could return to practice Tuesday.

Dallas' first-team offence couldn't muster much scoring. Its defence didn't slow down quarterback Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos.

With the pre-season more than half over, it's become quite clear that there is no need to read between the lines when listening to Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn evaluate a game. He tells it like it is and isn't afraid to needle anybody, but does so with such an upbeat attitude that even the players getting picked on are probably chuckling along.

Brett Favre was having fun again. His tearful retirement and tumultuous off-season were tucked away in his memory. Favre was back where he's always been happiest: in the huddle with thousands of cheers providing a perfect soundtrack.

Tarvaris Jackson put up some impressive numbers against the Baltimore Ravens. Far more important was that the Minnesota Vikings quarterback left the stadium with just a bruise on his tender right knee.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger was removed from Saturday night's pre-season game after getting hit from behind in the final minute of the first half, but the team said he was not injured.

Brett Favre was solid in his brief Jets debut after a week of cramming to learn his new playbook, throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to Dustin Keller to cap his second series in a 13-10 loss to the Washington Redskins on Saturday night.

Eli Manning will probably play into the second quarter when the New York Giants face the Cleveland Browns in their second pre-season game Monday night.

When Steve Smith broke the huddle and lined up wide right, Ken Lucas was there to meet him on the other side of the line of scrimmage. This time, no punches were thrown.

Kevin Boss didn't post big numbers as a rookie with the New York Giants. The tight end just made big plays after taking over for an injured Jeremy Shockey late in the season.

Peyton Manning, Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney will miss their third straight pre-season game for the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.

Brett Favre's next big test before taking the field for his Jets debut will be finding his way to the correct locker room.

The Green Bay Packers' proposed US$20 million marketing deal for Brett Favre included a merchandise line, autographs, personal appearances and even a blog, according to a report in The Sporting News' online newsletter Friday.

The New England Patriots have signed nine-time Pro Bowl safety John Lynch.

Like it or not, an NFL team is coming to Toronto, it's only a matter of when.

The Bills Toronto Series had a rather inauspicious debut Thursday night. A total of 48,434 spectators watched rookie Leodis McKelvin lead the Buffalo Bills to an exciting 24-21 exhibition win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Rogers Centre.

Darin Brady had trouble believing he was at a Buffalo Bills game. The Toronto resident, who has attended several Bills games at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., echoed the sentiment of many fans when he said the opening game of the Bills Toronto series on Thursday night at the Rogers Centre featured a lack of passion in the stands.

A mass of humanity enjoyed their first taste of Canadian NFL football in Toronto the Good on Thursday.

Plaxico Burress expects to be on the field for the New York Giants' season opener Sept. 4 against Washington -- bum ankle, flat feet and all.

Brett Favre threw a limited number of passes for the second straight practice Thursday, a day after the New York Jets quarterback said his arm felt "fatigued."

The New England Patriots have met with nine-time Pro Bowl safety John Lynch but have not signed him.

U.S. investigators have charged a Philadelphia man with trying to blackmail New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin by sending him letters threatening to expose a fictitious sexual tryst with two women.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since his back stiffened six days ago.

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Hollis Thomas could be out two months with a right triceps injury, all but ensuring that top draft pick Sedrick Ellis will be thrust into a major role on the interior of the defensive line this season.

Adam (Pacman) Jones took a break from his friendly feud with Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall to get down to some serious business.

Despite a record-setting 2007, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sees the competition only getting tougher as he enters his ninth season.

Defensive tackle Corey Mace of Port Moody, B.C., and the Buffalo Bills arrived in town Wednesday for the start of a historic series with an exhibition contest at the Rogers Centre against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.

The Oakland Raiders wrapped up training camp on Wednesday in search of healthy cornerbacks and kickers and answers to the questions about how improved the team will be this season.

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Martin Rucker will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee and miss four to six weeks.

Brandon Marshall has never shied away from the moniker "Baby T.O.," and the real Terrell Owens doesn't mind the comparisons, either. Adam (Pacman) Jones apparently does.

Brett Favre said his rocket right arm felt "fatigued" -- but not sore -- during a break from his fifth day of practice with the New York Jets.

Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress took the field in pads Tuesday night for the first time since the New York Giants opened training camp late last month.

Paul Williams stood near the sideline and watched as the pass came at him. And dropped it.

Colts defensive back Michael Coe will be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left knee last week. Coach Tony Dungy had said Coe was likely to miss at least eight weeks.

The Miami Dolphins cut kicker Jay Feely, a year after he set the team's single-season record for field-goal percentage.

Buffalo Bills reserve offensive tackle Matt Murphy was driven to a hospital shortly after hurting his left shoulder during practice Monday night.

In his first start for the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers delivered a pair of scoring drives and a handful of highlights in a 20-17 pre-season loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback Jeff Garcia returned to practice Monday after being sidelined 10 days by a right calf strain, an injury overshadowed by the team's pursuit of Brett Favre as his possible replacement.

Seahawks leading receiver Bobby Engram will miss six to eight weeks with a cracked shoulder, coach Mike Holmgren says.

The Carolina Panthers have returned to training camp without top receiver Steve Smith, who sustained a concussion in the pre-season opener.

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones pleaded not guilty Monday to possession of cocaine, a charge that carries up to 10 years in prison and a US$10,000 fine.

The San Francisco 49ers signed two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes on Sunday, hours after waiving former starter Brandon Moore.

St. Louis Rams cornerback Justin King's rookie season is over before it started after he tore a ligament in his left big toe in Saturday night's pre-season opener against Tennessee.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich on Sunday, choosing to add the former Jacksonville Jaguars starter over Daunte Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowl player.

New Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith said he wasn't looking for a tie or a moral victory in his team's pre-season opener against Jacksonville.

Browns wideout Braylon Edwards was running a sprint in his socks when fellow receiver Donte' Stallworth stepped on the back of his foot and opened a cut that required stitches and a night in the hospital.

Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress says he won't practice with the New York Giants until his troublesome right ankle is healthy.

Even Brett Favre isn't immune to some punishment at practice.

Canadian running back Clifton Dawson has been released by the Indianapolis Colts. The five-foot-10, 212-pound Toronto native was entering his second season with Indianapolis.

Just six months after winning the Super Bowl, the New York Giants are the other team in the Big Apple. Just call it Brett Favre's unintentional revenge for losing to the Giants in the frigid NFC title game.

Brett Favre has a date for his first start with the New York Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch broke his right collarbone in the pre-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and is expected to miss four to six weeks.

Matt Hasselbeck was 7-of-8 for 70 yards and a touchdown as the Seahawks racked up 187 total yards in three series against the Vikings' defensive starters in a 34-17 pre-season victory on Friday night.

Chad Pennington, cut by the New York Jets after they signed Brett Favre, has signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Now that he's become the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback, Trent Edwards is enjoying some of the perks that come with the job.

There has always been a fear among New York Giants fans about what would happen if Eli Manning gets hurt. But the way David Carr and Anthony Wright played in the team's 13-10 loss to the Detroit Lions in the pre-season opener Thursday should be reassuring.

Aaron Rodgers needed an extra squirt of antiseptic spray for his sore throat before speaking, but the lump from having to compete for his job is gone, jettisoned with Brett Favre to New York.

Brian Westbrook and the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a new contract on Friday, hours before the team opened its pre-season schedule against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Indiana's Peyton Manning, Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney will miss their second straight pre-season game at Carolina. But things are getting better for the Colts.

Brett the Jet left the cheeseheads behind and got a few cheesecakes from the mayor in a big New York welcome.

Eli Manning, the Super Bowl MVP, struggled on his only two series in the pre-season opener and the NY Giants lost to the Detroit Lions 13-10 on Thursday night. New York won its final 11 games away from Giants Stadium last season, including all four in the playoffs en route to the championship.

Friday night will be the first game at centre for the Seattle Seahawks' Steve Vallos, a seventh-round pick last year who was a tackle at Wake Forest and a guard on Seattle's practice squad last season as the club visits the Minnesota Vikings.

During a lull in practice, Marshawn Lynch found himself alone a few yards behind his teammates when, without warning, the Buffalo running back did a standing back-flip that would have made Paul Hamm proud.

By signing the papers, Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson knew he would become the man who traded Brett Favre.

When Steve Smith punched teammate Ken Lucas during a break in practice last week, Jake Delhomme knew the incident could tear apart the Carolina Panthers.

Zach Thomas understands the perception some people have after his abbreviated final season in Miami, though he doesn't agree with it

The New York Jets have released QB Chad Pennington. The announcement was made by Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

The lasting impression of Brett Favre may be this final selfish ploy instead of an outstanding Hall of Fame career.

Despite his veteran demeanour, Bills coach Dick Jauron knows better than to throw the inexperienced Trent Edwards to the wolves.

Brett Favre held up his new green jersey Thursday evening, hoping he made the right decision. "To a certain degree, I don't know what I'm getting into," he said.

When it comes to Adam (Pacman) Jones' status, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is treading lightly.

Brandon Marshall is content to let his actions -- and others -- do the talking for him.

The Chicago Bears simply named Kyle Orton the starter for the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. Finding a winner in his derby with Rex Grossman will take more time, though.

Bills' fans sat through torrential rain in upstate New York to catch a glimpse of what should be a great defence.

Brett Favre to Tampa Bay? Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden isn't hinting one way or the other.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson was not seen at practice Wednesday morning, and his scheduled early afternoon media availability was postponed -- one of several signs a trade involving Brett Favre might be brewing.

The Denver Broncos will start the season without wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Pro Bowler Joshua Cribbs has made an unexpected return at the Cleveland Browns.

When Steve Smith punched teammate Ken Lucas in the face during a break in practice last week, Carolina Panthers coach John Fox faced equally undesirable choices.

Tank Johnson casually strolls off the practice field, shirtless and sporting a wide-brimmed straw hat he had stashed near the end zone.

The sweat is beading on Ricky Williams' head, glistening in a sun-kissed South Florida afternoon. His jersey is stained with dirt, and there are almost as many chunks of grass stuck on his helmet as there are on his cleats.

The NFL implemented a new code of fan conduct Tuesday, warning that spectators who misbehave will be ejected from stadiums and barred from coming back.

The bond between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers appears to be broken beyond repair. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after "brutally honest" conversations with Favre over the past two days, the three-time MVP just isn't in the right mindset to be part of the team.

Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews is battling depression and might arrive at training camp this week, the two-time Pro Bowl selection told a newspaper Monday.

Ken Lucas stood in front of reporters Monday with a black eye and swollen nose.

Chris Gray, Seattle's record holder for consecutive games played at 121 from 1999 to 2006 is retiring because of a lower back and spine injury that had doctors telling him he risked paralysis if he continued playing.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Alvin Bowen is scheduled for surgery next week on a torn right knee ligament, likely ending his rookie season before it starts.

Offensive lineman John Welbourn, who started every game at right guard last season for Kansas City, signed Monday with the New England Patriots.

There was no parade, no motorcade, and no photo opportunity -- hardly the way you'd expect Brett Favre to return to the Green Bay Packers after spending most of the past month as the league's longest-running daytime drama.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has ruled the Minnesota Vikings did not tamper with Brett Favre in trying to get the quarterback to sign with them.

New York Giants halfback Ahmad Bradshaw said Monday he must serve another 30 days in jail after the season for violating terms of a probation he received as a 15-year-old.

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress says his team has not had contact with the Green Bay Packers regarding a potential trade for quarterback Brett Favre.

Call your friends and set a date; it's time to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. This season may prove to be a bit more difficult than most, so to help you sort out the running back rankings, here's your top 10 list.

The Kansas City Chiefs say rookie defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey should miss about a week after spraining his left knee in practice during the weekend.

A subdued, apologetic Steve Smith returned to Carolina Panthers practice Monday, three days after the three-time Pro Bowl receiver punched Ken Lucas in the face at practice, and two days after he was suspended without pay for the first two regular-season games.

Rookie Colt Brennan threw two touchdown passes in the second half for Washington, and Matterral Richardson returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown to rally the Redskins for a 30-16 victory against the Indianapolis Colts in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game.

Receiver Plaxico Burress did some light running Sunday night for the first time since the New York Giants opened training camp at the University at Albany more than a week ago.

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee might miss Thursday's pre-season opener against the New England Patriots because of an ailing left knee.

Larry Fitzgerald has acknowledged that his supreme athletic ability has allowed him to ease off in the effort department from time to time. Not so at this training camp.

Brett Favre is back. It remains to be seen whether he'll still be the leader of the Pack.

The Green Bay Packers agreed to terms with running back Ryan Grant on Saturday, allowing one of last season's surprise breakout stars to report to training camp as early as Sunday.

Darrell Green and Art Monk walked across the stage waving their arms and urged thousands of Washington Redskins fans to give them one more salute. Emmitt Thomas, the former Chiefs player and Redskins coach, simply waved back.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hopes to have Brett Favre's standoff with the Green Bay Packers resolved by Monday -- even if he has to force the issue.

The Miami Dolphins are more than a week into training camp and their search for a starting quarterback is still a mess.

Oakland Raiders receiver Javon Walker reportedly told the team he wanted to retire and offered to return his US$11-million signing bonus before being talked out of it by owner Al Davis.

Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson started talking a little smack the second that coach Jack Del Rio called for the first goal-line drill of training camp.

What started as a simple question turned into a "Who's On First"-type of exchange between Terrell Owens and a television reporter.

Darrell Green, Art Monk and Joe Gibbs are the links to Washington's championship past. Jason Taylor and Jim Zorn represent the Redskins' future.

The Carolina Panthers have suspended receiver Steve Smith two games for his involvement in a training camp fight with cornerback Ken Lucas.

A man identified by NFL player Adam (Pacman) Jones as the gunman in a strip club shooting that wounded three people in 2007 was indicted Friday on seven felony counts.

Chris Redman already pulled off the improbable, going from insurance salesman to starting NFL quarterback.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington was suspended one game without pay for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy, an punishment stemming from a domestic violence arrest in February involving his girlfriend.

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says a potential marketing contract for Brett Favre could benefit the star quarterback and the team. More importantly, it also could resolve their standoff over Favre's retirement.