An unlikely caused Cordarrelle Patterson later

He is most effective in the time of three months ago; Cordarrelle Patterson received a strange request. Mike Priefer Minnesota Vikings, coordinator of the task force began to return to the team and other teams, asked him to join them curled up on the sideline. Usually, jogging to the field to separate his patterson blockers. But the Vikings behind Detroit lions for three minutes, 43 seconds remaining, Patterson and if you have time out of a disappointing season, this is now.

According to Paterson, encouraged him to believe his teammates and use his open fields to run to create a potential drive. The Lions' kickoff traveled only two yards deep into the end zone, giving Patterson his opportunity. He took off his did not notice a hole in the middle class to the left of the Joe's. Patterson then 51 - yard return, a season, set the Vikings 49  yard line. Receiver injured Jarius Wright in the first time have forced Patterson to the site again, and he played a capture for the next two. The quarterback teddy bridge Walter also targeted him in the fourth down through, incomplete.

"Maybe I need to get on often huddle," Patterson said. The Vikings first priority should be restored in the last two games Patterson's production enough to let him into the offseason in a positive note. Sunday coach mike Zimmer seems to agree, indicating the Vikings will look for more ways to attack Patterson began Sunday in Miami dolphins.

Khiry Robinson is expected to come back this week

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, running back Khiry Robinson was expected to be back next week an arm injury of saints Carolina Panthers and denounced a report showing any interest Ray Rice. "We like our running back depth." Payton said. "If you do some research, Khiry come back next week." Robinson has missed the last six games unspecified injured his arm. He hasn’t returned to the practice field yet but hinted on Twitter that he was close to a return. Saw him in the locker room without bracing.

Opportunity is that the saints will ease back Robinson combination especially well done since mark Ingram actor and Pierre Thomas come back his shoulder, rib injury last week. Ingram ball 23 times ran 122 yards in Sunday's 35-32 Pittsburgh Steelers win over his fourth game 100 yards in Robinson's absence. Thomas, at the same time, there are three 21 yards, two 16 yards of capture.

But it will be interesting to see Robinson to carve up Saints touch once back to full speed. Robinson very good runs before his injury. Robinson rush for a total of 245 yards in week 3-5 three spans Ingram and his hand was injured, including a goal touchdown run 18 yards to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime of week 5.

Robinson's 5.2 yards/carry ranked second in the NFL running support if he has enough. Ingram 4.5 yards/carry tied for the first ten qualifying NFL run support. In other words, the return of the Robinson would be a "good question" for the saints, but may have a headache.

Roddy White for a second consecutive practice

Atlanta Falcons took over Roddy White is still the sideline of an ankle injury during the Thanksgiving holiday. White is in the locker room to practice. Falcons coach mike Smith said he expects the white practice on Friday.

"Yes, I hope he come out to do some work tomorrow on the pitch," Smith said. On Sunday, when asked if he expected white going to cardinal, Smith said, "yes, I do."

Nose solve Paul Soliai missed the second day of practice, also will not forgive a question of personal practice Friday. Smith said likely Soliai play no exercise a week on Sunday. If Soliai doesn't rejoin the team in time, Corey Peters would step into a starting role.

In practice, wide receiver Harry Douglas was back on the field after missing Wednesday while nursing a lingering foot injury. Robert wrist to keep the wrist fractures.

By holding the Lions is not the issue

Sam Martin knows why now to question everything, after eight missing field goals in five games, Detroit Lions try candidate 3 on Tuesday. But the boatman/frame/second grade, experts say, he did not believe that what's the problem in advance/hold operation and long-time, he and senior snapper Don Muhlbach. "So far, no miss, because it is over," Martin said. "I think the operation has a beautiful voice, really. But even so, I don't think I'm a perfect holder or perfect start guy or perfect the boatman.

"So I'm always trying to improve. If the hold is not perfect, I notice that I want to correct the bad gondola and a bad start. I don't think I'm perfect in any area." Coach Jim Caldwell said the lion also does not have too many questions, Martin's holdings, haven't thought about change, but in fact, he did not need. "Sam. Sam's hands of a good thing and evaluate each week," the lion coach Jim Caldwell said. "This is looked at closely snapper between cells, play the holder, so all watched closely.

"We are trying to assess, if we see the problem we don't punches can be a problem. Of course we identify it and solve it. I think he is very good." Martin said that if he played in the game so far he has not asked to do so, the backups of four points Dan Orlovsky holder. Martin also said other players, including starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, sometimes work of emergency. Martin also said that he never debugging holder while playing football.

Goodell treat Lofton has double standards

Add in the New Orleans saints defender Curtis Lofton chorus team and analysts don't think football commissioner Roger Goodall the same standard, he held the players and teams in the past. Lofton told ESPN Josina Anderson said, "There is no accountability" and "this is a double standard." he does not believe a person should have such power. "I think you can't handle is a way, but when you participate in the opposite. I don't think it is the responsibility. Need to change something," said Lofton, in 2012 he joined the saint, in the middle of the bounty, the NFL history some of the most serious punishment was distributed, through an appeal.

"A person's all ability and no checks and balances. So need a change, it needs to start," Lofton continued. "I think the frustration as a player, you are upset, because whenever a man muss, have consequences, and we are advocating a shield, a shield. But when the commissioner does not protect shield, what is it? What consequence, his face and his deal? Nothing. So I think this is a double standard." Anderson also reported that former saints defender Jonathan Vilma via text message told her that he didn't even "wasting time" see Goodell at a press conference on Friday.

Former Saints who were affected by the bounty scandal like Vilma, Scott Fujita, greer and Scott Shanle vocal and criticism in recent weeks the same double standard. Coach Sean payton, however, the quarterback clear soup and other current most Saints retain their comments Goodell processing of rice. Attack, the best solution to Zack Strief summarize things last week he said he didn't know what Goodell should responsible for, he should not be in the latest survey. But he quickly added that he would "always feel" Goodell "100%" error in his bounty the investigation and handling of the saints Goodell proved wrong, all his players suspended vacated the appeal by the former commissioner Paul Ty.

Casey Hayward sits out

Defensive coordinator, two days after the Dom Capers beans suggest what's ailing green bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward of aircraft in Sunday's game, third grade professional not practice on Wednesday. Hayward smacked didn't play any defense to open in Sunday's win, although he seems to have his work at ordinary times special team. Hayward, almost missed three games last season, because of a hamstring injury.

Defender Brad Jones in the quadriceps injury to his opposition to the plane didn't respond to practice on Wednesday. The only other players don't practice is Andy Mulumba, he said he had an ACL. Correctly solve Brian Bulaga practice last week but did not play on the plane after is listed as questionable because of a knee injury, back to the court. Safety is Micah Hyde, he sustained a knee injury. Can practice after complete damage report.

Chiefs's wounded bad luck continues

Bad news injuries continue to pile up the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Andy Reid said offensive lineman Jeff Allen elbow surgery may be necessary, this season is not likely to return. At the same time, the rookie running back De'Anthony Thomas has been ruled out against Denver Broncos on Sunday, because of a hamstring injury.

Allen began in the regular season to Tennessee correctly solved. Left back when he started training camp, but switch position correctly solve Donald Stephenson was suspended for the first four games this season due to a violation of the NFL's policy banned substances.

Allen's spot right on Sunday will be signed by the veteran Ryan Harris and leaders on the eve of training camp. Allen's starter's original point left back, Mike McGlynn joined leaders announced in late August after Washington. If Allen is to missed the rest of the regular season, he will starter lost in the third year from the game of Tennessee. Defender Derek Johnson and defensive end in Mike DeVito every Achilles tendon rupture.

Defense of the saints: "it's not who we are

First of all, the New Orleans Saints need to be solved Better, everyone is quick to point out after 37-34 loss to Atlanta Falcons. It is According to the professional football focus, missed a total of 23 Saints solution on Sunday, the most in the NFL. It is On Monday accused and the player's effort and skill. The saints also need to get more pressure on the quarterback. It is According to Sean Payton, they just a bag and a fast an unacceptable, even though most of them insist on four. "We cannot let Matt Ryan threw 400 yards. This is ridiculous", the defender Junior Galette said. "We have to do a better job. Especially if (defensive coordinator, said Rob Ryan) is the four of us rushed there to trust. It just won't happen again. "CAM (Jordan) and I discussed last night, and we don't have. This feeling I last night, for the past five years, I have never this feeling." Saints defence also need to hold up better, to play with more effort, better communication. Mention your name, this is Gary Payton or player on Monday.

Saints, however, does not need to do one thing at a time, and will not be panic. They have very good players. They have a good coordination. They have a good record. The biggest long-term focus on (my) may be in the team's depth. But then again, the Saint not face many crime, diversified falcon, those who can take advantage of this. Galette, defense support Kenny Vaccaro and Keenan Lewis declared on Sunday and Monday, week 1 performance would not tolerate or repetition. They have the most valuable lessons learned to Sunday, however, believe that is not enough. This is the New Year, they must start to prove himself. "It's not who we are," said Galette." We usually than, run to the ball. Usually about six, seven guys solve every play. It doesn't exist... reference, plan, it isn't. It's high and hard to solve better. "We absolutely. But we must be on now. These people don't just want to roll over, let's have it. We have to go out."

Now the Lions defense at the edge of the mysterious

Advantage will disappear with the passage of time, in the Detroit Lions play more games and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin began to unload more of his plan and the script. Now, enter the game, Austin has the advantage of as much as possible, he will be a disadvantage, because he had never called the NFL. Simple, because he is had never called in the NFL. Yes, there are four preseason games to learn the New York Giants. From the past two games of the season, when he was manager of Baltimore's secondary because there is things Eli Manning can read data to Austin how to use his defense. There is a season when Austin at the University of Florida in 2010 his plays. However, it is still a mysterious elements of the giant, and others will see on Monday night. "Always when you is a problem, in fact, there are not many," the giant said Coughlin coach Tom. "You choose your spot in the preseason games and learn basic when there noticed something different or unusual stress or cover or adjust the cover.

"But beyond that, we have to play and play our game, ready to adjust no matter what happens." Coughlin said we should go to "giant has come back, trying to break Austin may be his defense in 2014. The Detroit giant would also look at last season's competition, this is typical of try and understand the players they will face, even if the plan may be different. "They may have a bit of pressure and bring some different look than Detroit in the past, "said manning." We must see (Monday) what is their plan, they will be displayed. "From austen shows that so far, it's fair to expect more friends from the lion's defender than last season, when the team a drunken, 19.6% of the time in the third lowest. Expect some diversity, like a lion from a base 4-3 defense to 4-4 typical nickel and professional in the preseason defenses. Also hope that a lot of attention to defensive solve Ndamukong Suh, who can create damage attack each other if you stay single shield coverage. The Giants of the offensive line has always been a problem so far in 2013 and 2013."They are a very, very good defenders, "said Coughlin." They are very aggressive. They are the intruder. They are powerful. "So they sure are you going to major issues."

Thomas standing with teammates

Vote in the flavor of the substance over style, Denver Broncos are clear wide receiver Demaryius Thomas standing in the team's locker room. Thomas often lack exaggerated and long-term performance - was one of his teammates voted on Monday to five captain of the season. Another attack is captain Peyton Manning. So, in view of such a company, even when Thomas vote count a little surprised. "I don't know if you really know, but I really don't talk in front of the team, I like to lead by example," Thomas said, laughing." But now I feel I have a more important role, so now I am going to figure out what I need to do, but I think it will be good.... I'm very honored to and tell you the truth... I don't think I will be a captain. "The broncos players showed the strongest voice don't always the biggest among them. Team is choose DeMarcus Ware, Terrance Knighton writes in not in, as a captain in the defence and David Bruton. Especially row the second year, the team leader. Captain Knighton writes in not in and Thomas is the first time."It's humbling, it was just a good feeling in the locker room for a walk, and know that you respected a particular way, your teammate, your organization is one of the best captain in the NFL," says Knighton writes in not in. "Everyone is subscribed to you, once you know you have a 'C' on your shirt, you almost have a duty to do the right thing, do you want to do the right thing, because people should follow this is not a problem for me. Like I said, I am the same man, every day men know what they want to get that from me every day is very easy for me."

Whispers of Thomas progress from 2010 in the first round rookie with huge potential marquee receiver in his fifth season record offense. Thomas now have back-to-back seasons at least 90 conference, 1400 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also will go into his first contract with the broncos last year. Team is in recent weeks and his representative proposed exchange trying to finalise a long-term extension. On Monday to ask what he wants to be leader, Thomas run all those he had seen in the locker room in his horse, from the leader of the alpha dog. "To tell you the truth, I want to be like Peyton," Thomas said. "I think it will be my is hard to say what, because he always says," this is what we need to do better, "and so on. But he has been here since I always looked at Payton. Before Payton, I looked at several other people. I used to see Kyle Orton when I first came to here, because he is my first quarterback. It's about it. You know, Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey. Title is quiet, but I think he is a leader. Everyone noticed him."

The new regime is full of trust for Kathy

New employees in place, a large number of Tennessee Titans show what they can do to get a chance in the long run. But he played a season before the new staff, defensive lineman Jurrell Casey won a four-year contract, said his agent, valued at $36 million, for $20.5 million., k rookie contract last year, require a base salary of $1.431 million. He is the third pick in 2011 at the university of southern California.4-3 k is a solution to the team's first three seasons, it is now over basic 3-4, transfer on nickel. He brought a great strength and speed, is expected to build 10.5 bag he did a year ago.

Extension shows the basic parts of Titan prepare and are willing to invest. Casey is a very good player, the best defense, it seems, although three preseason games, the lack of fire. There is no other players from the 2011 NBA draft class is an extension of candidates. Giant refused to carry out an expensive quarterback Jake Locker, choose to play 2015 to prove that he is a man who is beyond this season.

Tjong-A-Tjoe and tore his ACL

Boise state of undrafted rookie free agent 13:06 left in the game injured in trying to solve the 49 ers ran back to Glenn Winston. McCoy said, defensive solve Kwame Geathers suffered a knee injury in the first half of the game in San Francisco, are further testing by medical staff team, so he didn't know his injured degree. Geathers injured in 23 mark of the season 4 - yard by running back Carlos Hyde in San Francisco. Charger has thin along the arc, and the two injuries further weaken the depth of the charger on defense. Began to solve Sean Lissemore defense (ankle) and Lawrence's backup defense guy (shoulder) missed the game in San Francisco. Charger, however, make some moves to strengthen the depth of the team, said the defensive end Joe Kruger Philadelphia eagles released on Saturday. At 6-6 and 290 pounds, Kruger was a seventh-round pick by the Eagles in the 2013 draft. Kruger injured his shoulder during the 2013 preseason, and spent his entire rookie season on the injured reserve list. Kruger will likely work as a defensive end in San Diego's 3-4 defensive front. After waiving 11 players on Monday, the Chargers have 80 players on the roster, and must cut down to 75 by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. "It's the tough part of the business," McCoy said. "It's not a fair business, but it's all part of our jobs." McCoy was asked about center Nick Hardwick, who left the game in the first half with a neck injury. Hardwick dealt with neck stingers the second half of last season, but McCoy said his veteran center is fine. I do not provide the return of the other players schedule missed Sunday's game, including Jahleel Addae, Vincent Brown, Marcus Cromartie and Manti Te'o. However, Te spirit is thought to go in the dressing room no protection guide feet on Monday. Himself in the state of the attack is still vague a lineman Jeromey Clary of the genus salvia, who is unable to perform list in the body. Plants of the genus salvia didn't practice since the start of training camp, he from rehabs off-season shoulder and hip surgery. But the Charger must decide whether the first week of the regular season activities on the list of plants of the genus salvia or reserve him short list." From the first day we discuss his surgery, until today, what is our plan," said McCoy.", will let you know when we make a decision." Asked him if he had any setbacks, I did not answer the question, said only that the clary work better every day.

Players Ndamukong Suh, don't want to fight

As part of our NFL confidential survey, players are required to peers who in the end, they must be at least in a fight in the middle. Consider a season ago, Ndamukong Suh was rated as most concerned about the players on the pitch NFL for what he does, Detroit lions solve the defensive player in the league is not surprising that the guy is not willing to combat. Staple, got 18% of the vote, from the 82 survey players, followed by the Houston defense J.J. Watt, 11. They are the only two players to get more than 10% of the vote.
However, if you think about it, someone will really want to make a Suh? And he had nothing to do with the behavior. He is a physical specimen height 6 feet 4 inches, about 300 pounds. In and of itself, this is daunting. And then realize the most is the perfect muscle, including a huge arms and torso, if he can get a punch in you, may not be the second. He also trains ruthless and work to increase muscle and reduce body fat, he wasn't even a prizefighter could really want to have a ring. It doesn't matter if you don't have any combat experience.

Panthers' Cam Newton

Cam Newton may have stripes, even at his best. This is why it is no surprise to see Newton began to slow in his first action on Sunday because of an ankle surgery. Newton left the game, fans have a reason to smile. Carolina grade has four quarterback surprisingly long led drive continuous landed in pre-season outing the Panthers 28-16 beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Panthers offense a total of only one yard of the first three drives, Newton be better protected and connected to the front.

The final number is not large, 4 September 65 yards, the two bags and some passes, But surprisingly, Newton discovered his receiver open, running back Jonathan Stewart running when he entered the game.

We must see Newton know how much he really trust his ankle during the regular season. He avoided defender under pressure on Sunday but seems in no hurry to cut it loose in the preseason. We don't blame him. Newton wanted to practice do pockets in practice games. Newton may have only one more pre-season appearance is about to start the real thing.

For Jerel patriot trade value, the bass point in the depth of the DT

Eleven months ago, defensive solve Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga even in the New England Patriots. Now, their injury has become so important, the patriots felt it necessary to supplement their depth map. After the two trades, Patriots who supported their depth point, there are two solution. According to his agent Chafie Fields, Jerel Worthy from green bay packers joined in New England. Nick Eatman Dallas cowboys also reported that Ben bass processing from the Dallas cowboys. The trades are both pending physicals, so it's possible that one or both could still fall through, but the message is clear, The Patriots are hoping to create more competition for roster spots at defensive tackle. "I wouldn't say we're thin," said defensive tackle Tommy Kelly. "We're alright. We have enough to get things done. I like our depth. I like the way coach is using us so far. Everything feels fine to me. "Trades can help the depth but they still gotta make the team. Wouldn't be the first time Bill traded for somebody and released him at the same time. So I mean, he can trade for you but he can also send you back home, too. You still gotta make the team." Kelly may be fine with the depth, but the picture tells another Marcus Forston spent most of his career in the patriots practice, although Eathyn Manumaleuna, L.T. Tuipulotu hasn't made any wave in training camp. Jones has missed the last three practice after an ankle injury to the Washington redskins in the first preseason game. Siligainjured left hand joint during practice in Richmond, Virginia, was found at the scene on the CBS wearing gear fox Paul, his hand and arm in plaster. Rookie defensive solve Dominique recently began to participate in practice, although only in individual training this. He also spent about half of the practice time for practice. With any luck, Mr Leon appears to be on a path to prepare for the first week. However, a timetable has not yet recovered.

In this sense, says in the form of a cavalry worth and bass is an interesting decision. Worth tore his ACL last game in his rookie season, suffered a back injury rehabilitation, although at present from his weightlifting earlier this offseason. Bass landed in separate shoulder injury reserves last season, due to a hamstring injury, his cowboy practice this summer. Said, it is possible, the patriots. Value is a coveted player in the NFL draft in 2012, where he was 51 in the second round as a whole

The first patriots impression: let's Darrelle Revis

This will be a process, because it always. It’s Few decisions after four days of training camp. But for those curious about some of the New England Patriots first impression, That’s only a place to start. We think tc team the key to the development of D's super bowl of hope. The first four practice to strengthen the train of thought. Assuming relatively healthy, to be fair this defense has a chance to one of the best, Bill Belichick and it starts to the location of the team. Wreaking havoc Brandon Browner accepted Darrelle Revis quarterback Tom Brady, on Saturday has been depressed, such as when he had two for receiver Julian Edelman, Revis intercept.

Specific to Revis, one of the things that stands out is how he's seldom in bad position. Belichick has already noted his instincts, as there have been times when Revis is breaking on a route before the receiver has done so. At the line of scrimmage, his punch has jarred receivers. His footwork is especially fluid with little wasted movement. His ball skills are obviously solid, too. In the words of Belichick, I'd say Revis "is similar but different" to when we watched receiver Randy Moss in 2007 training camp. It just looks different everything is on a much higher level than you're used to seeing. At the same time, the Browner becomes the Harrison type in the field of practical physical existence. On Sunday, he in a 11 on 11 DE cleated rookie running back James white diamonds, white falls behind in his crowd together more than 13000 Browner to yourself. Long term patriot followers might remember how Harrison droning training camp in the first team in 2003, he's tough on the style of the required/strength, the distinction between the edge of the precious teammates crosshair friendly fire. From the skin that is what we see, if cooperate with Revis can help change a Patriot NFL ranked 26th in the third season. These are some of the first impression, by carefully touching. We want to transfer what we see, at a time when, let things under the right circumstances. After all, only four practice.

A lineman Malliciah Goodman's falcon's Good - man

See long arm, firmly establish a defensive lineman Malliciah ancient DE man bang the gap will only make the Atlanta falcons coach covet.They see a player with great benefits, allows the defensive coordinator mike Nolan's player and his defense is even more peculiar. Goodman is in his second year, every day.

He is likely to be one of the players stand out when the Falcons for their first practice on the afternoon of Monday.  "Malliciah, I think, is going to be a guy that can play a number of our packages and play different roles," coach Mike Smith said. "I think that Malliciah will play in our base package, he'll have a certain role. In our big sub-package, he'll have another role. In our sub-package, he'll have another role. So I think those are good questions that we have to answer because he can line up in many different places. "I think as we go through the preseason, I think his strengths are going to become more defined. And we're going to be able to put him in those places where he's going to be able to play to his strengths." Speaking of strength, Goodman bulked up this offseason in preparation for being more physical up front. "I'm about 288, 290 right now," the 6-foot-4 Goodman said. "I was in the mid-270s last year. I've just been eating, working out, putting the right things in my body. I've been having a high intake of calories and protein. Just working hard. My max weight really improved. I feel a lot better in the trenches going against the guys." Goodman played in 14 games last season. He played just 29 percent of the defensive snaps. With the Falcons switching to a 3-4 base scheme and attempting to be multiple with their other looks, Goodman continues to try to find his comfort zone despite moving around a lot. New defensive line coach Bryan Cox has helped the adjustment. "I'm getting very comfortable playing inside with the 3-technique," Goodman said. "Last year, the national defense is a little different. Now I'm playing 3 and 4, 5 - playing technique.

I've been working on that with Cox. He has left me." I with three more comfortable, just because of repeated. Go back to look at the script and looked at Jonathan Babineaux and tyson Jackson, just learn them, and see how they are playing with blocks, they how to strike the guy. I just learn about leverage and the first step, to see what. You have to stop in defender and see you guys, don't be too eager to jump. Just be patient."

49ers and guard Alex Boone remain far apart on terms for a new contract

The San Francisco 49ers and guard Alex Boone remain far apart on terms for a new contract, and Boone won't attend the start of the team's training camp on Wednesday unless a deal is made, multiple sources familiar with the situation told Yahoo Sports.

It's unclear the amount of a salary raise Boone is seeking. What is clear is one serious holdup in the team and player getting a deal done is related to where the two sides believe Boone should be rated among starting guards in the league. Boone is scheduled to earn a base salary of $2 million and $1.2 million in the final two years of his current deal. Currently, out of 64 starting guards in the league, Boone's compensation ranks him as the 43rd highest paid based on a three-year average of the guards' first three seasons of their deals. Among the top 20 guards in the league, the highest paid based on that same three-year average is Carl Nicks at $10.66 million; at No. 20 is Chris Chester at $4.16 million.

Boone wants a deal that is reflective of the value he believes he has brought to the team over the last two years as a starter and a projection of the value he'll bring to the team moving forward.

The 49ers view Boone as worthy of top-20 money at his position, sources said, which would have him making somewhere north of an average of $4.1 million per year over the course of a multi-year deal.

Tackle Joe Staley's recent contract extension was, in part, intended to serve as a message to Boone, sources say, that early extensions can be struck but will be considered only for players who attend team activities. The team, in recent years, has proven unwilling to reward a player who is holding out with a deal, in part, because it would set bad precedent. Boone skipped the Niners' voluntary offseason workouts and mandatory three-day minicamp.

Boone's agents, Jonathan Feinsod and Neil Schwartz, have proven their willingness to hold clients out in order to obtain what they believe to be fair contracts for their players. Two of their players who have held out during contract disputes are New England's Darrelle Revis (whose holdout with the New York Jets lasted 35 days) and Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (whose holdout with the Chargers lasted 10 games into the 2010 season).

Schwartz and Feinsod could not be reached for comment. The 49ers also could not be reached for comment.

Quote:Alex Boone (born May 4, 1987) is an American football guard for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Saints on Tuesday confirmed a multiyear contract with Jimmy Graham

The New Orleans Saints on Tuesday confirmed a multiyear contract with Jimmy Graham, ending a protracted holdout for the star tight end.

Graham skipped all of the Saints' voluntary and mandatory practices and workouts - and challenged the NFL's franchise tag process through arbitration.

The odds of Graham leaving the Saints were slim since the club in late February placed its franchise tag on the player.

The NFL Players Association filed a grievance, contending Graham was used as a wide receiver often enough to qualify for the more lucrative receiver tag, worth about $5 million a year more than the $7 million tag for a tight end.

A hearing was held in June and earlier this month. Arbitrator Stephen Burbank sided with the NFL, ruling Graham was capable of continuing to perform specific tight end duties while lined up in the slot or within 4 yards of an offensive tackle.

Once the ruling was in place, Graham had a choice of appealing or trying to reach a long-term contract by a July 15 deadline - after which he would have to play next season for his franchise tag number. A favorable ruling from Burbank would have further enhanced negotiating leverage for Graham, who last season led the Saints with 86 catches for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Graham, a former college basketball player who played one year of football at Miami, was the Saints' third-round draft choice in 2010. In his second season, Graham caught 99 passes for 1,310 yards. That total stood briefly as a yards receiving record for tight ends. That same day the mark was broken on the final day of that season by New England's Rob Gronkowski, who finished with 1,327.

Graham has led the Saints in catches the past three seasons and led them in yards receiving and touchdowns in two of the last three seasons. For the past three regular seasons, he has 270 catches for 3,507 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Quote:Jimmy Graham born November 24, 1986 and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina is an American football tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He played six months (13 games) of college football at the University of Miami. He was considered one of the top tight end prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft.

The scheme was widely known in the sales department

The truck-stop company owned by Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has agreed to pay a $92 million penalty for cheating customers out of promised rebates and discounts, authorities announced Monday.

In an agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Pilot Flying J has accepted responsibility for the criminal conduct of its employees, ten of whom have pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme.

For its part, the government has agreed not to prosecute the nation's largest diesel retailer as long as Pilot abides by the agreement. Among other conditions, Pilot has agreed to cooperate with an ongoing investigation of current and former employees. The agreement does not protect any individual at Pilot from prosecution.

The agreement was signed by U.S. Attorney Bill Killian on Thursday and attorneys for Knoxville-based Pilot on Friday.

Nashville criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor David Raybin, who has followed the case but is not involved, said the agreement most likely signals that Pilot CEO Jimmy Haslam will not face charges.

''No prosecutor would enter into an agreement like this, ask for this kind of sanction, unless they didn't have enough evidence to indict Haslam,'' he said. ''Also, Pilot would not agree to pay unless they felt the government would not prosecute him.''

FBI special agent Robert H. Root said in an affidavit filed in federal court last year that the scheme was known by a variety of euphemisms including ''manual rebates.'' Sales team members would make reduce the amount of money due to trucking company customers they deemed to be too unsophisticated to notice, according to the affidavit.

The scheme was widely known in the sales department, according to court documents, with supervisors teaching other employees how to do it.

Court records said the scheme lasted from at least 2007 until an FBI raid in April 2013.

Jimmy Haslam has said he was unaware of the scheme. Through a spokesman, he declined an interview on Monday, but issued a statement: ''We, as a company, look forward to putting this whole unfortunate episode behind us, continuing our efforts to rectify the damage done, regaining our customers' trust, and getting on with our business.''

Gov. Bill Haslam holds an undisclosed ownership share in the company but has said he is not involved in Pilot's day-to-day operations. Pilot has annual revenues of around $30 billion.

In May, several top executives abruptly left the company. Pilot officials have not said why the employees left, but the agreement with prosecutors acknowledges that the company has terminated or placed on leave employees who violated company policies. It also acknowledges that Pilot acted quickly to investigate problems with the rebate program and repay cheated customers with interest.

Pilot agreed in November to pay out nearly $85 million to settle claims related to the fraudulent withholding of fuel rebates and discounts in a class-action lawsuit with 5,500 trucking companies. Several companies have filed separate lawsuits against Pilot that are ongoing.

That random encounter brought together two athletes who have had their share of troubles

Charlotte Hornets rookie P.J. Hairston says he and Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl receiver Josh Gordon decided to swap vehicles following a chance meeting at a grocery store. Gordon was arrested for driving while impaired in Hairston's 2015 Cadillac Escalade in Raleigh.

That random encounter brought together two athletes who have had their share of troubles.

Hairston said Thursday he was at a Chapel Hill hotel last week and went to the nearby store where he recognized Gordon and struck up a conversation. When they went outside, Hairston said, Gordon saw his SUV and asked to switch cars for a day.

''He had a Mercedes and I said, 'OK, let's switch,''' Hairston said after summer league practice in Charlotte. ''I was just being generous. I have a thing for saying yes and felt like that wasn't a big deal. It was not like he was going to mess something up with my car if I had his car.''

But Gordon was arrested for DWI on Saturday. Then a day later, a high school basketball player said Hairston punched him during a pickup game at a YMCA in nearby Durham, leading to an August court hearing for Hairston.

Gordon's agent Drew Rosenhaus declined comment Thursday. It remains unclear why Gordon, a Houston native, was in the state.

Hairston said he was not with Gordon when he was arrested.

But the incidents also revealed both Hairston and Gordon are tied to Durham felon and party promoter Haydn Patrick ''Fats'' Thomas, who was involved in Hairston's exit from the Tar Heels men's basketball program last year. And it was the kind of weekend both athletes would rather forget.

''I'm still growing up,'' Hairston said. ''I still have a lot of growing up to do. In life, you make mistakes and it's something I will learn from again.''

Gordon was released on $500 bond and records show it was paid by Thomas, who declined comment Thursday when reached by The Associated Press about his relationship with Gordon. Last year, authorities twice cited Hairston in Durham - once leading to a later-dismissed misdemeanor marijuana possession charge - while driving vehicles rented under Thomas' name or address.

Hairston missed the first 10 games before UNC decided not to seek his reinstatement from the NCAA due to several violations, ending his college career.

''I wasn't disappointed because I didn't think it would get to the point where it is now,'' Hairston said. ''Once I realized that he had connections with people that had got me in trouble in the past, then I realized it's probably going to be a problem.''

Hairston played in the NBA Development League for the Texas Legends, then Miami picked him in the first round of last month's draft before trading him to the Hornets.

''What I told him the other day is we need to start having more meetings about his defense and shot selection,'' Hornets coach Steve Clifford said, ''and less about what he's got to do to be a dependable player.''

The arrest was particularly bad timing for Gordon, who is awaiting another possible NFL suspension for reportedly failing a drug test - a violation that could cost the 23-year-old a full season.

Gordon entered the league after a troubled career at Baylor as a second-round supplemental draft pick in 2012. He was suspended two games last season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, but still led the league with 1,646 yards receiving.

In May, he was ticketed in Strongsville, Ohio, for speeding and a passenger in his car was cited for marijuana possession. Gordon pleaded not guilty, and a pretrial hearing scheduled for Friday has been continued until Aug. 15.

Gordon was at the team's recent minicamp, but has declined interviews.

As for Hairston, he said he will stay away from Durham.

''I don't have a reason to be back there,'' he said. ''I have a job now so I can't risk my job any more. Now I have guys here I can play ball with so I don't need to be anywhere else.''

Quote:The Charlotte Hornets are a professional American basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA). They are part of the Southeast Division in the league's Eastern Conference. The team is largely owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, who acquired controlling interest in the team in 2010. The Hornets play their home games at Time Warner Cable Arena in center city Charlotte.

New Orleans Saints pass rusher Cameron Jordan placed just 99th on the NFL Network's The Top 100 Players of 2014

New Orleans Saints pass rusher Cameron Jordan placed just 99th on the NFL Network's The Top 100 Players of 2014 despite leading all 3-4 defensive ends in sacks (12.5) and quarterback hurries (50) last season.

In a Tuesday interview with NFL Media's Amber Theoharis and Shaun O'Hara at Nike The Opening, Jordan said his goal is to increase his sack total to 16 in 2014.

"I'd like to average one a game," Jordan said, "but what's really truly important is just the whole d-line getting after quarterbacks."

Asked about being mentioned in the same breath with the game's premier pass rushers such as J.J. Watt, Von Miller and Robert Quinn, Jordan insisted that winning the Super Bowl is a higher priority.

"It sounds bad, but I don't know if I care to be in that conversation," Jordan explained. "It's great that guys are having these astronomical numbers in different years and different stages, that just shows you the type of talent that was coming out in my year (2011)."

Jordan's desire to be the last team standing is amplified because it would represent a homecoming for the former three-star recruit out of Chandler, Arizona.

"I want a Super Bowl," Jordan emphasized. "I'm heading into my fourth year, I need it. And it's in Arizona this year. ... I'm from there, and I need it."

As Drew Brees recently suggested, Jordan has as good of a chance as any defensive star to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this year.

Quote:Cameron Tyler Jordan (born July 10, 1989) is an American football defensive end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was selected by the Saints with the 24th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Jordan was considered one of the top defensive lineman prospects for the 2011 Draft. The son of former Minnesota Vikings tight end Steve Jordan, he played college football at California.

Dion Lewis will need to find his way into the mix

Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine made it clear this spring that he doesn't see his backfield as a one-man show.

Ben Tate -- signed to a free-agent deal in March -- figures to see the most touches. Third-round pick Terrance West impressed coaches in OTAs and minicamp and will likely assume an immediate role.

Dion Lewis will need to find his way into the mix. The fourth-year scatback likely would've gotten his crack at the starting job last season after Trent Richardson was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately for Lewis, he broke his leg in the preseason and never got his chance.

Lewis was asked last month where he believes he stands in a Browns backfield that has transformed in the last year.

"I don't know," Lewis said, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "I'm still very excited to get back there and prove that I'm 100 percent recovered from the injury. With new coaches, everybody is learning a new system. So I feel like I've learned the system well, and I'm looking forward to getting out there and competing with the rest of the guys."

Lewis won't be around long for Cleveland if he can't get healthy. He sat out most of OTAs and all of mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury he said isn't related to last August's leg injury, which also included ligament damage. Lewis is optimistic he'll be ready for training camp on July 26.

He'll need to be to have any chance in Cleveland's RB derby.

Quote:Dion Lewis - Dion John Lewis (born September 27, 1990) is an American football running back for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh.

Dolphins announced the suspension Thursday

Dion Jordan of the Miami Dolphins has been suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for a stimulant prohibited under the NFL's policy on use of performance-enhancing substances.

The Dolphins announced the suspension Thursday. In a statement released by the team, Jordan took ''full responsibility'' for the positive test.

''I recently learned from the NFL that I tested positive for stimulants that are banned under the NFL policy,'' Jordan's statement read. ''I worked carefully with my advisors and the union to investigate the test results, and I take full responsibility for the test results.''

Jordan's statement also included an apology for the ''impact of this situation'' on his teammates, coaches, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, his fans and family.

''We were disappointed to learn about Dion's suspension,'' Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said through the team. ''Dion has accepted responsibility for his actions and is committed to improving, both on and off the field, in preparation for the upcoming year.''

Jordan was the third overall pick in the 2013 draft out of Oregon. He says he added more than 15 pounds of bulk this offseason in an effort to improve his game, earning praise from Philbin for being able to play faster as well.

''I would never sacrifice my speed for weight,'' Jordan said last month.

He played in all 16 games with Miami a year ago, with 26 tackles and two sacks.

Jordan will be able to participate in training camp and preseason games. Once the regular season starts he will not be permitted to be part of the Dolphins' active roster until Sept. 29, according to an NFL spokesman.

Jordan will miss games against AFC East rivals New England and Buffalo, as well as matchups with Kansas City and Oakland. The first game he would be eligible for would be Oct. 12 against Green Bay, a game that follows the Dolphins' bye week.

''I will continue to work extremely hard during training camp and preseason,'' Jordan said. ''During the suspension, I will stay in top shape and will be ready to contribute upon my return.''

Quote:Dion Jordan - Dion Rory Jordan (born March 5, 1990) is an American football defensive end for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Oregon. He was considered the top outside linebacker prospect and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the third overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Graham's case is being closely watched around the league

The Saints' Jimmy Graham and the NFL Players Association were dealt a setback Wednesday when an arbitrator ruled that he can only be considered a tight end for the purposes of his franchise tag designation.

NFLPA had filed a grievance arguing that Graham was used as a wide receiver often enough to qualify for the more lucrative receiver tag. But arbitrator Stephen Burbank disagreed and now the NFLPA is reviewing his ruling, and will advise Graham on his options, which could include an appeal.

Graham's case is being closely watched around the league because it could set a precedent for negotiations involving players who fill diverse roles in their teams' offensive or defensive schemes. For example, some outside linebackers in a 3-4 defensive scheme could argue their right to receive the higher defensive end tag.

NFL franchise tags, which allow each team to keep one prized player who is due to become a free agent, were set this year at $7 million for tight ends and $12.3 million for receivers.

Burbank, who is also a University of Pennsylvania law professor, found that Graham could fulfill the standard duties of a tight end when he was lined up in the slot or within 4 yards of an offensive tackle, as he was for most of his snaps.

Burbank further pointed out that defenses usually accounted for Graham as a tight end, regardless of his alignment, by assigning a linebacker or safety to cover him.

''Like tight ends, wide receivers and running backs often line up in the slot,'' Burbank's ruling stated. ''The defense employed against any player so aligned turns on the player's position, not his alignment, because of the physical attributes and skill sets of the players in those positions.''

Burbank indicated there could be merit to the NFLPA contention that Graham cannot be considered a tight end when he does in fact line up as a wideout. However, because both sides stipulated that Graham lined up within 4 yards of an offensive tackle for nearly 55 percent of his snaps, Burbank said he did not need to address the minority of instances in which offensive formations employed by Saints coach Sean Payton placed Graham at a wider distance from the offensive line.

The NFL's collective bargaining agreement states that franchise tags should be applied according to the position at which a player lines up for the majority of his snaps.

Graham has skipped Saints offseason practices while holding out for a new, long-term contract. A favorable ruling from Burbank would have further enhanced negotiating leverage for Graham, who last season led the Saints with 86 catches for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said the club would have no comment on the ruling, and Sexton did not respond to a request for comment.

In its statement, the NFLPA said: ''We will also continue to assist Graham and his representation as necessary to help the player reach a fair long-term deal with the New Orleans Saints.''

Such disputes are not frequent, but draw lots of attention because of their potential to set a precedent.

Baltimore's Terrell Suggs, the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year, argued in 2008 that he should be tagged as an end, not a linebacker. The difference back then was about $800,000. That dispute ended when Suggs signed a new long-term contract with the Ravens. He later helped them win the 2012 NFL championship.

July 15 is the final day a team can sign 2014 franchise players to long-term extensions. Otherwise, they must play under their franchise tag designation for one season, after which they would be set to become free agents.

Quote:Jimmy Graham (born November 24, 1986) is an American football tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played only one year of college football for the University of Miami after playing four years of college basketball, and was drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
In his second season in the NFL, Graham had 99 receptions for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns. That year he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and was selected as an All-Pro player at his position. He became the first tight end in Saints history to have more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season.Graham set the Saints franchise record for receptions in a season while also tying the Saints franchise record for touchdowns in a season (tied with Marques Colston and Joe Horn). According to the 2012 NFL Top 100 annual player poll which ranks the 100 best players in the NFL, based on NFL players voting on their peers, as well as the votes of coaches, Jimmy Graham was ranked 14th overall in the NFL. Graham is also second all-time for most receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season.