Truth & Rumors Around The NFL
Source: SI.com
Clarification of the nature and extent of the injury to Indianapolis Colts place-kicker Adam Vinatieri's left ankle should come today, when coach Tony Dungy promised a doctor's report would be issued.
-- Indianapolis Star
Bill Parcells suggested he wouldn't be afraid to release Mike Vanderjagt if he doesn't get his act together before the opener in Jacksonville.
-- San Antonio Express-News
Whereas in previous preseasons Tony Romo battled Drew Henson for the backup job, he is the Cowboys' quarterback of the future. Henson was waived, Romo has a new contract, and the subliminal promise that he is a major part of the Cowboys' future plans, possibly as early as next year. With Bledsoe due a $1 million roster bonus for next season, the Cowboys could go with "the future" in 2007.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
None of the combatants in a running back competition coach Mike Shanahan labeled as "fierce" earlier in the week made a significant move Thursday night against Arizona. Mike Bell didn't appear to do anything to lose his grip as No. 1 in the pecking order.
-- Rocky Mountain News
Jets receiver Justin McCareins, once thought to be a goner, apparently will be staying. He attracted some interest, but his salary ($2.2 million) was too rich for those teams.
-- New York Daily News
The Eagles have given no indication that they're going to do any last-minute tweaking at the running back position. If that changes, one likely cutdown-day casualty with whom they might have some interest is the Browns' Lee Suggs.
-- Philadelphia Daily News
Duce Staley is not in danger of being cut when the rosters are pared to 53 players by 4 p.m. tomorrow. But the Steelers might consider picking up a running back off the waiver wire this weekend.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Dolphins running back Sammy Morris will be suspended for the first four regular-season games for violating the NFL's steroid policy, his attorney David Cornwell said Thursday night. Dolphins coach Nick Saban said the team is actively seeking running back help, but did not address the pending Morris suspension.
-- Miami Herald
Rookie receiver Derek Hagan's five catches netted 64 yards against the Rams -- and likely a spot on the Dolphins' opening-day roster.
-- Miami Herald
Injured players such as punter Mitch Berger (pelvis), linebacker Tommy Polley (shoulder), guard Jermaine Mayberry (shoulder), and quarterback Adrian McPherson (knee) could have been on a Saints roster for the last time. In McPherson's case, the Saints could petition the NFL for some leeway because McPherson's injury was not football related because golf-cart driving mascots aren't really part of game or practice action.
-- New Orleans Times-Picayune
Jake Plummer is Denver's No. 1 quarterback, rookie Jay Cutler is No. 2 and the third quarterback? Preston Parsons has a better shot than Van Pelt.
-- Denver Post
The Lions placed linebacker Teddy Lehman on the reserve/physically unable to perform list Thursday. He will miss the first six weeks of the regular season.
-- Detroit Free Press
If the Patriots keep just two signal-callers, and need a third option in a pinch, Troy Brown would seemingly be the choice.
-- Boston Globe
J.D. Runnels, a sixth-round pick from Oklahoma, has been told he likely will be placed on waivers. Team officials told Runnels that they intend to sign him to the eight-man practice squad.
-- Chicago Sun-Times
