UpdatedAug 13, 2011 12:25 PM ETNASHVILLE, Tenn. - Erin Henderson refuses to assume ownership ofthe Replica Frank Gore Jersey Red starting weak-side linebacker job, but a simple Frank Gore Jersey Women business moveby the Vikings carried his confidencethroughout the offseason."I told my fiancee, 'Baby, I feel they are going to offer me acontract before this lockout,' " Henderson said.Sure enough, the Vikings placed a restricted tenderon Henderson worth around $1.2 million in early March - not anexorbitant deal by NFL standards but enough to assure he would geta chance to play full time alongside brother E.J.Now that five-year starter Steelers Jersey Ben Leber has signed a free-agentdeal with the St. Louis Rams, the job is Henderson's to lose."You get here, and Ben's not here, and they tell me they ceasedthe talks with Ben, so you hear about the different places he mightbe going," Henderson said of his training camp mind-set. "Fromthere it was like, 'OK, they meant what they said.' Now I've got todo my part and hold up my end of it."An undrafted free agent in 2008, Henderson spent most of thepast three seasons trying to make the 53-man roster as aspecial-teams ace and backup linebacker. These days, he's runningwith the first team alongside two accomplished NFL vets, olderbrother E.J. and Chad Greenway."Maybe I wasn't mature enough to Frank Gore Jersey Authentic be in the spotlight of being astarting linebacker, or I wasn't ready to handle the 16-gameseason," Erin Henderson said. "Mentally, physically, I might nothave been ready for that. But I've had three years to preparemyself."One-sided RB battle: Chris Johnson's holdout deprives fans ofwatching the game's two best running backs battle for NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey yards on thesame field in tonight's preseason opener - at least for a series ortwo.The last Official Anthony Davis Jersey time Tennessee's Johnson and the Vikings' Adrian Peterson faced offwas on Sept. 28, 2008, when they rushed for two touchdowns apiecein a 30-17 Titans victory. Peterson edged Johnson in rushing yards,80-61.While Peterson, Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey Shop Online who is scheduled to earn $10.72 million thisseason, reported to camp without a contract extension, Johnson isunhappy that the Titans haven't reworked his rookie deal, whichincludes an $800,000 Frank Gore Authentic Jersey base salary this Authentic Frank Gore Jersey year.Peterson isn't losing any sleep over his friendly rivals missingthe game."I'm not going to be able to tackle him," he said. "He is anexciting guy to watch."Injury update: Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) and rightguard Anthony Herrera (knee) are expected to miss tonight'sgame.Left tackle Charlie Johnson practiced with a sore hip but shouldbe in the starting lineup.Rookie safety Mistral Raymond tweaked his hamstring whilereturning Premier Anthony Davis Jersey Red an interception Thursday but is expected to recoverquickly.Out-of-body experience: Spending last season on injured reservewith a broken thumb fueled wide receiver Jaymar Johnson to thepoint of obsession."That made me a possessed human on the field," Johnson said.He's playing like one, too. The speedy Johnson impressed in campwith his ability as a vertical 49ers Michael Crabtree Jersey threat. He burned cornerbacks forlong gains Authentic Michael Crabtree Jersey almost daily.Johnson is one of 11 receivers Frank Gore Jersey Red angling for a roster spot.
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 UpdatedAug 13, 2011 12:25 PM ETNASHVILLE, Tenn. - Vikings players said training campwas spirited, that the battles at the line of scrimmage were heatedand the excitement was palpable.Coach Leslie Frazier delivered messages about chemistry anddiscipline that resonated with players and assistants.But that was training camp - a lockout-abbreviated, 10-practicesession - that won't be enough to define these Vikings long term.At least tonight's preseason opener at Tennessee might provide aglimpse of just what the Vikings have to Official San Francisco 49ers Jersey work with in thenext month.The 11 returning starters who will execute a series or two on LPField are looking to avoid injury, then watch 49ers Aldon Smith Authentic Jersey from the sideline.But several new starters don't want to Aldon Smith Jersey Red squander any chance to makean impression.Defensive end Brian Robison and defensive tackle Remi Ayodelemust uphold the legacy set during the past five seasons ofabove-average line play in Minnesota.It's uncertain Anthony Davis Jersey Red what to expect out of linebacker Erin Hendersonand safety Tyrell Johnson after three years of inconsistency.On 49ers Aldon Smith Jersey offense, new left tackle Charlie Johnson could Premier Aaron Smith Jersey White use a steadypreseason performance after training-camp struggles blocking theedge against Jared Allen and Everson Griffen.Most fans can recall quarterback Donovan McNabb's glory daysafter 12 NFL seasons and six Pro Bowls, but the nightmares of hisone-year Washington debacle are still fresh.Before wide receiver Bernard Berrian slides into the No. 2 spotfor good, he must stave off his rapid decline in production. Hisreceiving yards Anthony Davis Jersey White have dropped from 964 in 2008 to 618 and 252 in thepast two seasons.Three starters - tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, cornerback CedricGriffin and right guard Anthony Herrera - will not play Replica Aaron Smith Jersey Black tonightbecause of injury. Their Premier Aldon Smith Jersey replacements have a combined nine NFLstarts.The biggest challenge for Vikings coaches NFL San Francisco 49ers Jersey Shop is whittling a90-man roster to 53 game-ready players in four weeks and finding away to get every player on the field tonight.Frazier said the staff has installed just enough of the playbookto cover the basics while allowing players to "just flyaround.""There is a premium on this preseason in evaluating youngtalent," Frazier said. "You kind of have a feel for your vets, howthey are going to respond to certain things. You just want to makesure from a conditioning standpoint they are where they need to be,but the young guys, they are behind the 8-ball to a degree. Youjust have to be smart in your evaluation of them."Tonight marks the first official look at offensive coordinatorBill Musgrave's new offense, which likely will feature plenty oftwo-tight-end sets with a mix of shotgun and under-centerformations.First-round pick Christian Ponder, Joe Webb Authentic Aaron Smith Jersey White and Rhett Bomar areexpected to take snaps at quarterback.Another position to watch is wide receiver, where eight backupsare fighting for a few available roster spots.McNabb said he's seen Authentic Anthony Davis Jersey enough in practices to decipher thelong-term Authentic Aldon Smith Jersey vision of the offense, which won't be fully realizeduntil late August at the Premier Aaron Smith Jersey Black earliest."You can see that a lot of the things we have been doing San Francisco 49ers Jersey havebeen effective," McNabb said. "Now it's just translating it over togame situations. Hopefully, by the third preseason game, we willhave things clicking. We will start moving the ball down the fieldmethodically and putting the ball in the end zone, scoring and comeoff and sit back and watch our defense attack so we will be readyfor San Diego."Sounds easy enough, as long as the Vikings have the personnel to pullit off.Meanwhile, running back Adrian Peterson said he expects to set astandard as opposed to guessing about the team's identity."Do I have a feel? I have an expectation, and that's to begreat," Peterson said. "We have all the pieces. It's going to beall about jelling and going through this preseason."Follow Jeremy Fowler at twitter.com/vikingsnow .

UpdatedAug 13, 2011 12:25 PM ETONE THINGVikings outside linebacker ChadGreenway has a foundation called "The Lead the Way Foundation."Many athletes have foundations. Greenway is doing as much as anyathlete to help families in the community. Here Aaron Smith Jersey Authentic is Greenway ...On what Authentic Troy Polamalu Jersey Black his foundation has done recently: "We've taken 15families to Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Gave them gas cardsand made it pretty easy for them to get there and get home. It wasexpense free on a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We did a Tender Heartluncheon, which is only for moms. It's basically the moms whosenames we get from social workers at four hospitals we work with inthe Twin Cities. We sent out 100 invitations and had a greatresponse. We had 75 women. We bring them in, give Troy Polamalu Jersey Women them a gift back,feed them Troy Polamalu Jersey Free Shipping and let them have an open mike. It was awesome. I thinkthat was the most therapeutic thing they could have. It willcontinue to Troy Polamalu Authentic Jersey grow. This fall, we're going to do what's called'Chad's Locker.' It will look like my locker and will Premier Aaron Smith Jersey be full oftechnology-based stuff like iPads and notebooks and laptops,Xboxes, games - things that are tangible that people and kids (whohave hospitalized children and siblings) can use. I (also) put afootball field up in my hometown two years ago."CHOICESJim Thome is trying to become just the eighth player in baseballhistory to hit 600 home runs. The first was Babe Ruth. He did itAug. 21, 1931. Who threw the pitch Ruth whacked for No. 600? Was it...a) Tom Zacharyb) Guy Bushc) George Blaeholderd) Jack WarhopAnswer: c) Blaeholder, who was pitching for the St. LouisBrowns. The other pitchers in the quiz also Customized New England Patriots Jersey were involved in Ruthmilestones. Zachary of the St. Louis Browns threw Ruth the pitch hehit for his 60th home run in 1927; the next year Zachary and Ruthwere Yankees teammates. Bush was on the mound in Pittsburgh whenRuth hit his 714th and Authentic Aaron Smith Jersey Black final home run while with the Boston Braves.Warhop, pitching for the Yankees, served up Ruth's Steelers Troy Polamalu Jersey first home runon May 6, 1915, when the Babe was with the Boston Red Sox.TWO THINGSHere is Vikings coach Leslie Frazier ...On the large crowds that have been attending training camppractices: "The fan support has just been overwhelming. We weretalking in the offseason and wondering what it would be like Aaron Smith Authentic Jersey whenfootball finally would be back. Would the fans turn out in drovesor would it be a trickle effect? Just seeing the number of fanswe've had, it's just been amazing to me, the support we've had.Donovan (McNabb) commented to me after the Personalized Patriots Jersey scrimmage we hadSaturday night, 'I don't know if I've seen that at a nightpractice. The atmosphere was electric.' I said, 'That's the supportwe Authentic Aaron Smith Jersey have here.' Hopefully, we can give them something to cheer aboutwhen the season begins."On how recognizable he has become among Minnesotans: "A lot ofpeople wish me luck, and sometimes they give me some advice on thequarterback situation. Generally, they say, 'Good luck this season.We're pulling for you.' It's been outstanding. I can be in arestaurant, shopping, wherever. It's been very, very positive.Hopefully, we can keep it that way."ON AND ONVikings defensive end Brian Robisonlet his hair grow in the offseason. It grew so long that it toucheshis back and he has been putting it in a ponytail during practices.Here is a sometimes tongue-in-cheek Robison ...On whether he has a Samson thing going and cutting his hairwould mean he'd lose strength: "Absolutely. I feel stronger everyday it grows. I'm going to keep growing it out, and hopefully I'llget stronger."On whether he's ever had his hair as long as it is now: "Notthis long. I've had it long, but nowhere near this."On whether he became Custom Patriots Jersey jealous of Green Bay linebacker ClayMatthews' long hair: "I got sick and tired of seeing him come intothe Metrodome with nice hair, so I figured this year I'd grow itout. Maybe this year, maybe next year, we'll bring the best hairback to Minnesota."On whether he or his wife has longer hair: "My wife right now,but we're going to try and change that."On his goal: "I'm hoping everybody in Minnesota has long hair bythe time I'm done playing here."

 UpdatedAug 13, 2011 5:14 PM ETCINCINNATI (AP)So much for getting rookie quarterback Andy Dalton a littleconfidence in his pro debut.Dalton's first pass was Premier Mewelde Moore Jersey Black well off-target and intercepted. Hissecond was severely overthrown. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis left hisoffense in for the entire first Authentic Maurkice Pouncey Jersey Black half of Cincinnati's preseasonopener, hoping to get a score against the Lions' backups.Couldn't even do that.The Bengals are trying to get Authentic Mike Wallace Jersey over a numbing 34-3 loss inDetroit on Authentic Mewelde Moore Jersey White Friday night Mike Wallace Jersey White that was their most lopsided preseasondefeat in franchise history.''Yeah, it definitely didn't start the way we wanted it to,''Dalton said.The fresh start looked more like old times.The Bengals ditched their old offense and coordinator BobBratkowski following their 4-12 finish last season Authentic Mewelde Moore Jersey Black that included 10straight losses. It was so grim that franchise quarterback CarsonPalmer decided to retire rather than Authentic Mewelde Moore Jersey play another game for theBengals.Cincy hired Jay Gruden as offensive coordinator, installed hisWest New England Patriots Jersey Authentic Coast system and drafted Dalton in the second round to replacePalmer. They were ready for some growing pains with Steelers Mike Wallace Jersey a rookiequarterback and a rookie receiver - first-round pick A.J.Green.From the start, it was a big ouch.''A lot of work to do,'' Lewis said. ''I knew it comingin.''All it took was 30 minutes for everyone else to see it, too.The Bengals opened the game by giving up a touchdown on theopening drive, fumbling the kickoff and allowing another touchdown.They were down 14-0 before a nervous Dalton got on the field.On his first play, Mewelde Moore Authentic Jersey Dalton tried to get the ball deep to Greenalong the right sideline. He leaned back to give himself more timeagainst the pass rush and wound up severely underthrowing the balltoward Mike Wallace Authentic Jersey the middle of Mike Wallace Jersey Black the field. Chris Houston's interception was aseasy as it Authentic Maurkice Pouncey Jersey White could be.So it began.''There's a lot of anticipation of me coming into the first snapof the game,'' Dalton said. ''And then they score, they kick offand we fumble the kickoff. So there's more of that anticipation.And then the first play wasn't how I wanted it to happen.''Lewis fumbled his words trying to find the right way to describethe Reebok Football Patriots Jersey moment.''You don't want the ball left inside,'' Lewis said. ''Fromthat, that's ... you know.''The Lions helped Custom Dallas Cowboys Jersey the Bengals out immensely, repeatedly gettingpenalties for late hits or roughing the passer. Cincinnati stillcouldn't get into the end zone, managing only one field goalagainst Detroit's starting unit.So, Lewis kept Dalton and most of the starters in for the secondquarter, when the Lions had their reserves running around. Theystill failed to get into the end zone, managing only one missedfield goal attempt. It was 24-3 at halftime.Dalton finished 11 of 15 for only 69 yards with oneinterception. Green had four catches for 29 yards. The Bengals'four quarterbacks were a combined 19 of 31 for 135 yards with twointerceptions.''We didn't score on offense,'' Dalton said. ''That kind ofleaves a sour taste in my mouth. I'm not used to that.''The game was awful all-around for the Bengals, who had many ofthe same problems on offense and defense that they experienced lastseason. They repeatedly gave up big plays on third down Premier Mewelde Moore Jersey White and failedto keep drives alive when they had the ball.''Good thing it's the preseason,'' running back Cedric Bensonsaid.Not for long.

UpdatedAug 13, Authentic Troy Polamalu Jersey 2011 12:25 PM ETByline: Carla Peay, THE WASHINGTON TIMESA couple of NFL truisms are there's nothing Rashard Mendenhall Jersey Women more interestingthan a quarterback controversy, and the most popular guy on theteam is the backup quarterback.After Donovan McNabb was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, the Washington Redskins' quarterback story centeredon Rex Grossman vs. John Beck.Beck has been hampered in training camp by a groin injury.Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is waiting until the lastminute before deciding if Beck will play in Friday's preseason gameagainst the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEx Field.Grossman is NFL Mike Wallace Jersey listed first Premier Rashard Mendenhall Jersey on the team's depth chart, which wasreleased in advance of Friday's game.There's a chance [Beck will play Friday]. We haven't decidedyet. Today he got to go a little bit more than Cowboys Jersey he has the last fewdays. He's a little better today, but he definitely hasn't fullyrecovered yet, Shanahan said.If he's fully recovered, we'll decide that by tomorrow. If he isfully recovered, we'd like to get him some work. He doesn't have alotof experience, and the more experience he can get, the betterchancehe has.As for Grossman, Shanahan conceded that he's been inconsistentandthat a late-starting training camp definitely set Grossmanback.He's done a good job. He's been up and down, and I think anytimewe take this time off, it hurts the guys a little bit, Shanahansaid.We're trying to get him back to where he was at the end of lastyear. Hopefully, by the end of camp we can get him past thatpoint.In addition to Beck and Grossman, the Redskins have two otherquarterbacks in camp, Kellen Clemens and Ben Authentic Rashard Mendenhall Jersey Chappell. Clemens, whospentfive seasons with the New York Jets, signed a one-year dealwith theRedskins, Authentic Rashard Mendenhall Jersey Black who acquired him July 27. Chappell is a rookieout of Indiana. Marc Verica, a rookie from Virginia, was cutWednesday.At least three of the four should see action under centerFriday.We'd definitely like to get three people going, Shanahan said.We don't know yet [who will play], because we don't know who'shealthy.It's a little different feeling this year. Usually by this time,we've gone through 14 OTAs, a couple of minicamps. I'm so sick ofgoing against our defense, I can't wait to go against someone else.This year is a little bit different because it feels like we juststarted,but you're always excited to get to a game where you canactually hit another team and not yourself, Shanahan said.Moving beyond the quarterback spot, Shanahan also took a momenttotalk about the changes the team has made in the wide receivercorps.He's pleased to have veterans Donte Stallworth and JabbarGaffney but is concerned about rookie Leonard Hankerson's abilityto hold onto the ball.You never know until a guy gets here, but watching them on tapethroughout their whole career they're good football players whohave both been starters in the NFL and both have a lot ofproduction, Shanahan said of Stallworth and Gaffney.They've Authentic Dallas Cowboys Jersey come here, and they've been exactly what we've seen ontape, Shanahan said. "They're good players, they've been great inthe locker room and they're leaders and professionals.They're wired a little bit differently. Stallworth is as fast asalmost anybody, and Gaffney is definitely not slow, he can run,[although] he's not the burner that Stallworth is. He moves thechains, he catches the ball, he's as consistent as anybody. He getsup the field, he's not scared to block. He's just a good all-aroundfootball player.Hankerson, though, could be a project.He's shown his Customized Cowboys Jersey talent, he's a very natural receiver and he's gotachance to be very good, but he's very inconsistent right Reebok Mike Wallace Jersey now, likealot of rookies are. Rashard Mendenhall Authentic Jersey He's been real up and down, and until he cangetmore consistency, he'll never get to that point, Shanahansaid.As for Friday's preseason opener, it's still about guys lookingfor work.I'm going to keep it pretty simple and really take the coachesoutof it and just give these Authentic Mike Wallace Jersey Black guys Rashard Mendenhall Jersey Authentic a chance to play so they cancompete,Shanahan said.This is really all about evaluating these individuals. We wantto see what guys earn the job.CAPTION(S):Offense coordinator Kyle Shanahan (center) said the best way togauge his quarterbacks is to see them against other teams. TheRedskinsopen the preseason Friday against the Steelers. [Photographby Rodney Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times]

 UpdatedAug 13, 2011 8:58 PM ETRENTON, Wash. (AP)Russell Okung walked around with just the slightest noticeablelimp and without a protective boot sheltering his left foot.Both were positive signs for the Seattle Seahawks, who becamefar too accustomed during Okung's rookie season to ankle problemsthat sidelined their first-round pick and franchise lefttackle.Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Saturday that Okung sprained hisleft ankle in Thursday night's preseason opener against San Diego,but the injury is not nearly as severe as the high ankle sprainsthat plagued Okung's rookie year.''Russell is not nearly as bad as it looked. He's walking aroundfine, not in a boot. We're not talking about how long yet but it'snothing like the one's he had,'' Carroll said. ''I don't know if wecan call it mild or not, but he was out walking around and moving,and he's doing the toe raises and stuff so he's way more activethan he was at any time early in those other ankle injuries that hehad.''Later, Carroll said it's conceivable that Okung could be readyfor the season opener Lawrence Timmons Jersey Authentic on Sept. 11 at San Francisco and that thecoaching staff is working with that idea in mind.Okung was injured in the first quarter of Seattle's 24-17exhibition victory over the Chargers. Carroll said after the winthat Okung ''felt something pop'' as Personalized Oakland Raiders Jersey he blocked, but his legs werenot contacted on the play.''Obviously, Replica Lawrence Timmons Jersey Black you'd like to have the same guys Reebok Maurkice Pouncey Jersey in there the wholeyear but injuries happen in this league. Hopefully he's back soonerthan later,'' new Seahawks left guard Robert Gallery said. ''He canstill sit in the meetings and know what is going on but when hegets back we'll pick it up fast. He's a smart guy, he knows whatwe're doing and we work pretty well together.''Okung, who signed a $58 million deal after being the No. 6overall pick in the 2010 draft, missed six games Replica Lawrence Timmons Jersey White during his rookieseason due to a pair of high ankle sprains. The first came in theSeahawks' second preseason game when his right ankle was rolled on.He sat most of the first four weeks, then injured his left ankle acouple of weeks after returning.Okung missed six games and most of two others in his rookieseason.''The time frame we dealt with last time is not the time framewe want to Official Maurkice Pouncey Jersey deal with this time,'' Carroll said.Okung's injury comes in the midst of an already shortened timeframe trying to learn the new zone blocking schemes of offensiveline Official Dallas Cowboys Jersey coach Tom Cable. Gallery and Okung spent just five fullpractices working together on the left side of Maurkice Pouncey Authentic Jersey Seattle's offensiveline before Steelers Lawrence Timmons Authentic Jersey Okung was injured on the first offensive series againstthe Chargers.''He's done very well. He's had a great camp, Authentic Maurkice Pouncey Jersey so far, and he'sstudied really hard in the offseason when he had his chance. It'sjust a normal Personalized Raiders Jersey setback for a guy who has a NFL Maurkice Pouncey Jersey sprained ankle.''Tyler Polumbus will get the first shot at taking Okung's spot atleft tackle.Carroll also said Saturday he was impressed with how quicklyquarterback Charlie Whitehurst has picked up the new system ofoffensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Whitehurst played most of thesecond and third quarters in San Diego and finished 14 of 20 for115 yards, completing nine of his final 11 throws.But Carroll wouldn't go so far as reopening the quarterbackcompetition between Whitehurst and Tarvaris Jackson. Carroll hadpreviously said the Seahawks are going with Jackson as theirstarter, and once Whitehurst became more familiar with Bevell'soffense he would get opportunities to compete for the position.''The competition I thought it would take a month or somethingor six weeks but it's really come on a little sooner,'' Carrollsaid. ''It's great to have a couple of guys who can play. ... Thequarterback position, like the tight end position feels reallystrong.''

 WASHINGTON -- Welcoming the Super Bowl champion Mitchell And Ness Earl Campbell Jersey Green Bay Packers to the White House was no easy task for President Barack Obama.    Bishop misses out on visit    Ever have that feeling you’ve forgotten something important, only to have it bite you later when the suspicion is correct? Well, welcome to Desmond Bishop's world. More ...    The president is a die-hard fan of the Packers' rivals, the Chicago Bears, the team Green Bay beat in last year's NFC Championship Game to move on to the Super Mitchell And Ness Steve Largent Jersey Bowl. "I'm just gonna come out and say it," Obama said. "This hurts a little bit. This is a hard thing for a Bears fan to do. It doesn't hurt as much as the NFC Championship Game hurt, but it still hurts." But in Mitchell And Ness Steve Young Jersey the spirit of sportsmanship, the president welcomed the Packers and some of their fans to the White Mitchell And Ness Bruce Matthews Jersey House on Friday. He praised the team for overcoming a slew of injuries throughout Official NFL jerseys store the season as they marched toward their fourth Super Bowl victory. And he recognized their work in the Green Bay community, citing their millions of dollars raised for charity, scholarships given to local students, and Mitchell And Ness Warren Moon Jersey support of service members and their families.    Photo gallery      » Mitchell And Ness Charles Mann Jersey Super Bowl champs visit White Mitchell And Ness Warren Sapp Jersey House  » NFL.com's complete photo archive    Obama singled out Packers cornerback Charles Woodson -- but not for his skill on the football field. When Obama traveled to Wisconsin in January, just before the Super Bowl, he received several Packers gifts, including a jersey signed by Woodson that read: "See you at Mitchell And Ness Eric Dickerson Jersey the White House. Go Packers." "Charles, you're a man of your word," Obama said Friday during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. The players then presented Obama not only with a personalized Packers jersey, but also shares in the team. The Packers are publicly owned, and more than 100,000 stockholders hold shares in the team. Once he was made a part owner, the president had some suggestions for the team -- namely trading their Mitchell And Ness Art Monk Jersey quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers to his beloved Bears. No word on how that suggestion was playing in Obama's hometown, and with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

Seattle Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung left Thursday night's preseason opener against the SanDiego Chargers with a left ankle injury, a disappointing start to the season for a player who has battled health issues during his brief NFL career.    Watch preseason games LIVE online in HD.  Get the Back to Football special at NFL.com/preseasonlive.    "Russ has got an ankle sprain," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said after the 24-17 victory, according to

 PITTSBURGH (AP)The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with formerNew York Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery(notes).The seven-year veteran was released by the Jets Mitchell And Ness Roger Staubach Jersey last week. Cotchery givesthe defending AFC champions some needed depth at wide receiver behind MikeWallace(notes) and Hines Ward(notes).                                                                                                                                                            Cotchery has 358 career receptions, but his numbers fell considerably lastseason Mitchell And Ness Deion Sanders Jersey in New York. He hauled in just 41 passes in 14 games in 2010, his lowestreception total since he became a starter in 2006.Pittsburgh has been in the market for a bigger receiver. The team failed tosign Plaxico Burress(notes), who ended up with the Jets. The 6-foot-1 Cotchery will bethe tallest proven Mitchell And Ness Emmitt Smith Jersey wide out on the team when he joins the Steelers in trainingcamp on Sunday.Cotchery won't play in the preseason opener on Friday night againstWashington, though Mitchell And Ness Randy White Jersey his new teammates didn't wait to welcome him aboard."We welcome Jerricho Cotchery (sic)! Any man willing to put his hand Mitchell And Ness Walter Payton Jersey in thepile is always welcome!" safety Ryan Clark(notes) posted on his Twitter page. "Goingto be a lot different from the Jets though!"Cotchery is hoping for a bigger role than the one he fulfilled in New Yorklast season, where he became a second or third option for Mitchell And Ness William Perry Jersey quarterback MarkSanchez(notes). He requested his release earlier this month after the team signedBurress and went after Derrick Mason(notes).The Steelers have a young core of receivers led by Wallace, who had 60receptions for 1,257 yards a year ago. Second-year players Antonio Brown(notes) andEmmanuel Sanders(notes) are also expected to contribute this year, though Sanders hasbeen slowed by a foot injury during camp.There is also some concern about Ward. The "Dancing With the Stars"champion underwent thumb surgery in the offseason and sat out the first week ofcamp. He will play vs. Washington.

The Buffalo Bills have traded receiver Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens for an undisclosed pick in the 2012 draft.Evans, 30, had two years remaining on the contract extension he signed in 2009 and was due to Mitchell And Ness Bernie Kosar Jersey earn a base salary of $3.27 million this season.He was Buffalo's first-round pick in 2004 and enjoyed Mitchell And Ness Michael Irvin Jersey 1,000-yard receiving seasons Mitchell And Ness Jim Brown Jersey in both 2006 and 2008."He's a quality veteran receiver who stretches the field and gives us a significant downfield presence," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome told the team's official site."He's the type of person you want on your team."He brings leadership and maturity to the locker room."

UpdatedAug 12, 2011 12:26 AM ETBOURBONNAIS Official NFL jerseys The Bears' first "unofficial" depthchart features different starters at seven positions from the endof last season, and that's just on offense.Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is encouraged by the talentsthe new players bring to the scheme."We told our guys we feel like we should be able to continue toimprove from where we left off (in some areas) and make a quantumleap in some others," Martz said.An offensive line that has been in flux for more than a year hasreceived Mitchell And Ness Terry Bradshaw Jersey a lot of attention early in camp, and much of it has beenfocused on first-round draft pick Gabe Carimi, who was insertedinto the starting spot at right tackle almost immediately.Last year's right tackle, 2010 seventh-round pick J'Marcus Webb,is now at left tackle, where he played at West Texas A&M. Webbis the better Mitchell And Ness Dan Fouts Jersey athlete and pass protector, and Carimi is more of aforce in the run game."The biggest thing for Gabe is the technique in pass protection,to adapt to the speed of the NFL and the size of those guys and thedifferent kinds of pressures and the technical aspect of it," Mitchell And Ness Roger Craig Jersey Martzsaid. "He's going Mitchell And Ness Jerry Rice Jersey to get high marks in all of Mitchell And Ness Rod Woodson Jersey the runblocking."Martz also gives Carimi high marks for his attitude."He's not intimidated by anything," Martz said. "At tackle, whenyou're on the edge like that in games, you get exposed pretty good.He's not afraid of that. Some guys get a little shy of thosethings, and he's not."He's very confident about what he can do, and he's made realgood progress in the technical aspect of the pass sets, so we wouldexpect him to continue to grow."The tight end position will look drastically different thisseason, with the departure of Greg Olsen and Brandon Manumaleunaalong with the addition of unrestricted free agent Matt Spaeth.Last year's No. 3 tight end, Kellen Davis, is now listed as thestarter, and Desmond Clark has been brought back for a 13thseason.The role of the tight end will be different, as well. They willsee fewer passes while doing more run blockingand pass protection.Davis and Clark caught just 1 pass apiece last season, but evenwith the tight end's role in the passing game reduced, they shouldsee more footballs with Olsen gone.Clark has five seasons with 40 or more catches, but the mostrecent was in 2008. The 6-foot-7, 267-pound Davis has the size andathleticism to become an all-around threat."Kellen has stepped to the forefront and really establishedhimself as not just a blocker but a pretty dynamic receiver," Martzsaid. "There are Mitchell And Ness Mike Webster Jersey some things coming out of this that we feelexcited about."While the tight end position may not have as many receptions Mitchell And Ness Deion Sanders Jersey aslast season, the wide receivers numbers are expected toincrease.Free agent Roy Williams is ahead Mitchell And Ness Ronnie Lott Jersey of last year's leading receiverJohnny Knox (51 catches, 960 yards) on Mitchell And Ness Joe Montana Jersey the depth chart. But asoften as the Bears line up with three or fourwideouts, Williams, Devin Hester, Knox and Earl Bennett all couldeasily have at least 40 receptions.The addition of Williams and Sam Hurd gives quarterback JayCutler more skilled targets than Mitchell And Ness Rocky Bleier Jersey he had in his first two yearshere."With the number of receivers we have now, and the quality theyare, we think we will be much better there," Martz said. "We've gotsome real good competition going on out there. We've just got tolet this thing play out."Act One is the team's first preseason game Saturday at 7 p.m. atSoldier Field against the Buffalo Bills.* Follow Bob's Bears reports via Twitter @BobLeGereand check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.

UpdatedAug 11, 2011 9:54 PM ETST. LOUIS (AP)The St. Louis Rams promise a more unpredictable offense undernew coordinator Josh McDaniels. The first glimpse comes Saturdaynight in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts.Running back Steven Jackson noted all teams are playing catch-upafter the lockout, but felt good about the team's progress in thenew system. Jackson often had to slog for yards in last year'sconservative attack that eased quarterback Sam Bradford into theNFL, but there's anticipation he'll be more of a receiving threatthis year."I think NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys Shop Coach McDaniels is Mitchell And Ness Lynn Swann Jersey going to allow for myself to bedisplayed in places that we've all seen before," Jackson said. "Itmay be a refresher to some, but nothing different, nothing new,just help me be a better player overall."Danny Amendola and free-agent pickup Mike Sims-Walker wereBradford's top targets in a scrimmage last Saturday and lead a muchdeeper Mitchell And Ness Kevin Greene Jersey wide receiver corps than the Mitchell And Ness Jerome Bettis Jersey Rans had in coach SteveSpagnuolo's first two seasons. Guard Harvey Dahl adds anotherwell-regarded big body to the line and rookie Lance Kendricks lookslike an upgrade at Mitchell And Ness Joe Greene Jersey tight end.For the first time in his career, Jackson has two capablebackups in free agent pickups Cadillac Williams and JeriousNorwood."The sky's the limit for us," Sims-Walker said. "I think Mitchell And Ness Merril Hodge Jersey we'vegot all the tools to be great."Spagnuolo has been impressed overall with Bradford's command ofthe offense, although he said Bradford struggled in practice onWednesday."I think he's picking up a lot of the mental stuff pretty welland he seems to Mitchell And Ness Jack Lambert Jersey be running Mitchell And Ness Greg Lloyd Jersey that huddle extremely well," Spagnuolosaid. "I look at the whole picture, how are they are meshing?"Maybe I assume that Sam's going to do well, so I don't look atthat part."Sims-Walker said he'd rather be catching passes from Bradfordthan any other quarterback in the NFL. He's been playing at allthree receiving spots."I'm not going to learn all this overnight," Sims-Walker said."I've been studying my butt off, working, trying to get it down,and I think I've caught on pretty good."Sims-Walker caught 43 passes with a 13.1-yard average and seventouchdowns last year for the Jacksonville Jaguars. That was afalloff from 2009, when he had 63 catches, Mitchell And Ness Jack Ham Jersey so he has something toprove."I just call it Chapter 2, this is part two of my story,"Sims-Walker Mitchell And Ness Franco Harris Jersey said.Spagnuolo estimated Thursday night that "Sam's crew" wouldprobably get 12-15 plays. The Rams practiced in shoulder pads onlythe last two days, a lighter load physically heading into the game,and Friday's practice will be shortened."It'll be good to hit somebody else, I know that," Spagnuolosaid. "I'm just hoping the fact that you're playing another teamjuices them up for an evening. We can have a good go at it."About a dozen players will miss the Colts game due to injuries,or in outside linebacker Ben Leber's case Mitchell And Ness Mel Blount Jersey because he signed a freeagent deal on Thursday. Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis(pectoral) did not practice for the second straight day andSpagnuolo didn't think would play.Veteran cornerback Al Harris (knee) was restricted toconditioning drills. Two second-year tight ends, Mike Hoomanawanui(concussion) and Fendi Onobun (groin) have had minor setbacks.