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AP Source: Jets RB Goodson to practice Tuesday

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:23:46 -0400

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — A person familiar with the situation tells the Associated Press that Jets running back Mike Goodson is expected to return to practice Tuesday despite his legal troubles.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the team hasn't announced anything regarding Goodson's status. He missed the Jets' first three Organized Team Activity practices this week after being arrested last Friday on multiple charges of drug and weapons possession. He offered a plea of not guilty to all charges Wednesday in Morris County Superior Court in Morristown, N.J.

Bears to retire Ditka's No. 89

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:19:29 -0400

CHICAGO — Hall of Famer Mike Ditka will have his No. 89 retired by the Chicago Bears next season.

The Bears said Friday the number will be retired at halftime of their Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field on Dec. 9, a fitting tribute for a player who revolutionized the tight end position with his pass-catching ability and later coached the 1985 team to the Super Bowl championship.

Cardinals sign Tyrann Mathieu

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:39:46 -0400

PHOENIX — Former LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has signed a four-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

The team's third-round draft pick, Mathieu did not play last season after repeated off-field issues.

The deal could be worth up to just over $3 million. According to a person familiar with the contract, Mathieu does not get his entire slotted salary bonus of $662,500 at first. Initially, he gets $265,000 with the remainder spread out over the next three seasons, as long as he does not get suspended for substance abuse.

Rob Ryan: Hurt feelings bringing him, Saints together

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:37:15 -0400

METAIRIE, La. — Rob Ryan figures his firing in Dallas will only help him relate to a Saints defense humbled by a historically bad season.

"I don't like getting fired," Ryan said Thursday during his first meeting with reporters since Sean Payton hired him in February to revamp New Orleans' last-ranked defense. "I know I got my feelings hurt and so did our players. We're looking to do something about it."

Panthers: All 5 draft picks under contract

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:36:19 -0400

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers have signed all five of their draft picks.

Carolina announced Thursday it has signed its four previously unsigned draft picks -- defensive tackle Star Lotulelei from Utah, guard Edmund Kugbila from Valdosta State, linebacker A.J. Klein from Iowa State and running back Kenjon Barner from Oregon.

Carolina previously signed defensive tackle Kawann Short on Wednesday.

Financial terms of the deals were not released.

New Bills defense geared to create confusion

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:35:32 -0400

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Emphasizing surprise and versatility, Buffalo Bills first-year defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is unveiling a new scheme designed to keep opponents guessing.

If that leads to some confusion among the Bills in identifying what position they're playing, Pettine's fine with that, too.

"'I don't know,'" he said, smiling, "is a good answer."

Le'Veon Bell ready to make impact in crowded backfield

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:34:06 -0400

PITTSBURGH — Le'Veon Bell wants the ball in his hands. Always.

First down. Fourth down. First quarter or overtime. The Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back figures the best chance for his team to be successful is with the ball tucked under his right arm and his legs churning upfield.

"I just want to win," Bell said. "I can do a lot of things. I'm a smart player so I can pick up things quick. I don't have many weaknesses and a lot of strengths."

Schaub, Texans begin preparation for season

Associated Press — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:04:16 -0400

HOUSTON — Matt Schaub has gotten good at tuning out criticism from those outside the organization.

Houston's quarterback doesn't have time for those opinions. Besides, even his harshest critics probably aren't as hard on him as he is on himself.

"I have higher expectations of myself than anyone could ever put on me," he said.

Giants FB Henry Hynoski needs knee surgery

Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:47:59 -0400

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants may have to start looking for a fullback.

Starter Henry Hynoski will have surgery Friday to repair his medial collateral ligament and a chip fracture in his left knee. The three-year veteran was hurt Wednesday on the second play from scrimmage during an 11-on-11 drill in an organized team activity.

"I am going to set my mind to being ready for the first game of the regular season," Hynoski said Thursday. "They said that is not an unrealistic goal, and I will do everything in my power to be ready for the start of the season."

Giants kick off OTA without WRs Cruz and Nicks

Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:39:16 -0400

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Coach Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants knew Victor Cruz wouldn't show up for the organized team activity without a contract, so his absence was expected.

Not so with fellow receiver Hakeem Nicks.

Nicks surprised Coughlin Wednesday when he failed to show up for the team's first voluntary workout.

"I don't know," Coughlin said when asked about Nicks' status. "He should be here."

Nicks' agent, Peter Schaffer, did not immediately return an email by The Associated Press seeking comment.

Ravens rookie LB Arthur Brown sidelined after surgery

Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:16:09 -0400

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens rookie linebacker Arthur Brown will be sidelined for at least a month while he recovers from sports hernia surgery.

Brown, the Ravens' second-round draft pick, had the operation two weeks ago following the team's first rookie minicamp. He did not practice Wednesday at a voluntary offseason camp and is also expected to miss the mandatory three-day minicamp that begins June 11.

He is expected to be fully recovered by the time Baltimore begins training camp in late July.

Charles Woodson overwhelmed by Raiders fans

Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:14:29 -0400

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Charles Woodson had gotten word that Oakland fans had mobilized through social media to hold a rally at his free-agent visit to the Raiders.

Even Woodson was blown away by the reception that included more than a hundred fans decked out in Raiders gear and costumes waiting at the team facility for his arrival Tuesday.

"It was overwhelming," he said Wednesday. "I think that if at any time I'd ever forgotten what the love was like in Oakland, I was definitely reminded yesterday."

Broncos have nice problem on their hands

Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:13:20 -0400

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Prima donna wide receivers are all the rage in today's air-it-out NFL, demanding passes and attention, preening for crowds and cameras.

Not in Denver.

Led by the shy Demaryius Thomas, the soft-spoken Wes Welker and the selfless Eric Decker, the Broncos represent the antithesis of those high-maintenance superstars who are always going back to the huddle telling the quarterback they were open on that previous play.

The addition of Welker this offseason gives the Broncos a trio that combined for 297 receptions and 29 TD catches last season.

Jets' Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith not sharp early in QB battle

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:10:53 -0400

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Mark Sanchez threw three interceptions, and Geno Smith talked about all the improvements he needs to make.

Yeah, this New York Jets' quarterback competition sure has a long way to go.

It's early, but the two quarterbacks considered the front-runners for the starting job didn't exactly impress Wednesday during the Jets' first practice of organized team activities open to the media. And, count coach Rex Ryan among those who wasn't particularly thrilled with what he saw.

WR Crabtree tears right Achilles tendon

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:33:05 -0400

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers suddenly have a huge void in their receiving corps as they chase another Super Bowl berth: Michael Crabtree is sidelined after surgery on his right Achilles tendon.

San Francisco's leading wide receiver underwent surgery Wednesday, though the team is optimistic he will return at some point in 2013. Crabtree was operated on at Stanford by Dr. Tim McAdams one day after suffering the injury during 7-on-7 drills in an organized team activity.

Bears LB Urlacher announces his retirement

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:05:40 -0400

CHICAGO — Brian Urlacher wasn't sure how dominant he could be any longer, so he's calling it a career after 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears.

And what a career it was:

—Eight Pro Bowl seasons;

—Defensive Player of the Year in 2005

—A trip to the Super Bowl as 2006 NFC champion.

And now, it's over. The eight-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement through social media accounts Wednesday.

Injured Steelers TE Miller improving but cautious

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:22:35 -0400

PITTSBURGH — Heath Miller knows his football career isn't over, just paused. When the injured Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl tight end will be able to hit the "play" button again is anybody's guess.

Miller included.

While allowing there's "a chance" his surgically repaired right knee could be ready before the season opener against Tennessee on Sept. 8, Miller thinks it's too early to project just when he'll slip on his No. 83 jersey and return to his job as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target.

Dalton already working on the long pass

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:10 -0400

CINCINNATI — Andy Dalton saw A.J. Green lined up on the outside and let it fly, lofting the ball deep down the sideline.

Nobody had to guess what the Bengals are focused on during their offseason team practices.

Throw deep. As much as possible.

Dalton is trying to refine the long-distance connection that was missing in their biggest games late last season. He tried repeatedly to get the ball to Green way down the field, but missed most of the time.

Jaguars sign WR Ebert, waive DT Pendleton

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:34:44 -0400

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jaguars have signed first-year receiver Jeremy Ebert and waived defensive tackle Jeris Pendleton.

Ebert was a seventh-round draft pick by New England Patriots in 2012. He also spent time on Philadelphia's practice squad last season. He re-signed with the Patriots on Jan. 21 and was waived April 29.

Ebert had 173 receptions for 2,400 yards and 21 touchdowns at Northwestern. He led the team in receiving his final two seasons, including 75 catches for 1,060 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior.

Jets QB Geno Smith picks Jay-Z's agency as new rep

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:23:20 -0400

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Geno Smith has joined Jay-Z for one big sports and hip-hop collaboration.

The New York Jets rookie quarterback has chosen the rap artist's new Roc Nation Sports to represent him. Smith, who slipped out of the first round last month and fell to the Jets in the second round at No. 39 overall, fired his agents — Select Sports — shortly after the NFL draft.