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Thursday, August 21, 2008

..:: News in the west ::..

Denver Broncos

Broncos Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
A solid week of practice against the Dallas Cowboys and a strong performance against them in a preseason game gave the Denver Broncos some confidence. The Broncos are coming off a 7-9 season and most pundits have modest expectations for them this season. The Cowboys came to Denver before the second preseason game for a couple days of joint practices against the Broncos. Last year, the Broncos went to Dallas for practices and a game, and the Cowboys looked very impressive on their way to a 13-3 season. The Broncos trailed 24-6 at halftime of that game last year. Many of their defensive problems were exposed and never got better. This year was a different story. The team was happy with its workouts against the big, physical Cowboys, and the Broncos dominated the...

Broncos' Tom Nalen needs another knee surgery (AP)
Five-time Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen is headed back to the operating table. The only player left from the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl teams of the late 1990s, Nalen needs another operation on his left knee after surgery in June failed to put him back on the field without pain. The 37-year-old Nalen will undergo another arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Thursday, said coach Mike Shanahan, who...

Rookie stands out for all the right reasons (AP)
Receiver Eddie Royal's goals were twofold entering the Denver Broncos' training camp: Stand out, but not for being a rookie. He's 2-for-2. The 42nd overall pick in the NFL draft was projected to make his mark this season as a returner, not a receiver, but he's already surpassed veteran free agent newcomers Darrell Jackson, Keary Colbert and Samie Parker to earn a starting spot opposite Brandon...

The biggest battle with the Broncos is at punter (AP)
Nowhere on the Denver Broncos does the competition appear closer than at punter. Brett Kern and Sam Paulescu are vying to replace Todd Sauerbrun, who was sent packing last December after he got into a confrontation with a taxi driver and police told coach Mike Shanahan that he was belligerent with them.

Correction: Cowboys-Broncos story (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=11t4p05bf/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20080816007&prov=ap"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080817/thumb.388567070d924a67a1f8e2849c665a36.cowboys_broncos_football_codz111.jpg" width="130" height="99" alt="Dallas Cowboys running back Alonzo Coleman, left, is dragged down after a short gain by Denver Broncos linebacker Jordan Beck, center, and defensive tackle Alvin McKinley in the third quarter of the Broncos' 23-13 victory in an NFL exhibition football game in Denver on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. " align="left" border="0"></a>In an Aug. 17 story about the Dallas Cowboys-Denver Broncos preseason game, The Associated Press reported erroneously that cornerback Adam Jones was in coverage on Brandon Marshall's touchdown catch. The cornerback was Mike Jenkins. 

Broncos' running backs ranks are thinning (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=12e28jnjh/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-cowboys-broncos&prov=ap&type=lgns"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080815/thumb.b47f1b2b74bf4279b11567e0afe8f42d.cowboys_broncos_camp_football_codz110.jpg" width="130" height="102" alt="Denver Broncos running back Andre Hall talks with reporters after the Broncos took part in a light workout in Englewood, Colo., on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. The Broncos and Dallas Cowboys will face each other in an NFL exhibition football game on Saturday in Denver. " align="left" border="0"></a>With the boom of thunder shaking the bubble roof overhead, Selvin Young took the handoff at the Denver Broncos' walkthrough in their indoor facility Friday and jogged around the right side when he tripped over his own feet. "I just heard the thud," coach Mike Shanahan said. "Looks like he's OK." It's been that kind of month for the Broncos' beleaguered backfield. 

Patriots add hard-hitting Lynch to secondary mix (Yahoo! Sports)
A second shot at John Lynch has put him in the New England Patriots ' secondary. Four years ago, the Patriots...

Wilson understands Cutler's challenge (AP)
Dallas Cowboys assistant Wade Wilson sought out Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler to impart some advice after one of their teams' joint workouts this week. It wasn't about avoiding blitzes, reading defenses or mastering a play book. The Cowboys' quarterbacks coach and 19-year NFL veteran signal-caller wanted to speak to his fellow Type 1 diabetic about managing his disease along with the...

S Lynch talking to Patriots (PA SportsTicker)
DENVER (Ticker) - John Lynch may be a nearing an agreement to play for the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots.

Denver's Marshall draws comparisons to Owens (AP)
Brandon Marshall has never shied away from the moniker "Baby T.O.," and the real Terrell Owens doesn't mind the comparisons, either. Adam "Pacman" Jones apparently does. With the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos sharing the fields at Dove Valley this week, it was inevitable that the respective receivers with jaw-dropping moves and uncanny abilities to deke defenders would be compared to each...

Broncos sign DB Tyrone Poole (AP)
The Denver Broncos addressed their injury-riddled defensive secondary on Wednesday by signing 13th-year pro Tyrone Poole. To make room, the Broncos released fourth-year cornerback Christian Morton. Poole, who was cut by Houston last summer, has played for Oakland (2006), New England (2003-05), Denver (2002), Indianapolis (1998-2000) and Carolina (1995-97) since entering the NFL as a first-round...

Broncos sign DB Poole (PA SportsTicker)
The Denver Broncos on Wednesday re-signed veteran free agent defensive back Tyrone Poole, who previously played with the team in 2002.

After shedding pounds, Holland finally practices (AP)
Montrae Holland was winded, rusty and a step slow -- and he couldn't have been happier. He'd much rather be a pulling guard than pushing a sled. The Denver Broncos' incumbent right guard, who spent the first two weeks of camp pushing sleds on an adjacent field after reporting out of shape and overweight, practiced for the first time Monday after getting down to his playing weight of about 325...

Broncos a hurting bunch, and it's still early (AP)
Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan eased his grueling training camp routine this year in response to the NFL's reduced roster limits. It hasn't kept his players out of the training room. In the first seven snaps of Saturday night's 19-16 preseason loss at Houston, the Broncos lost starting linebacker Boss Bailey, their biggest free agent signing, with a sprained right ankle, and his backup, special...

Broncos LB Green leaves game on stretcher (PA SportsTicker)
Denver Broncos linebacker Louis Green was taken off the field on a stretcher with a neck injury and concussion suffered in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Brown kicks 4 field goals as Texans beat Broncos (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=11tehhlh8/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20080809034&prov=ap"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080810/thumb.446d62703f7849089f97120f066c011e.broncos_texans_football_htt111.jpg" width="99" height="129" alt="Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton carries the ball for 15 yards during the fourth quarter of their NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008 in Houston. " align="left" border="0"></a>David Anderson is far down Houston's depth chart at receiver, but he made the most of his opportunity in the Texans' preseason opener on Saturday night. Anderson caught six passes for 67 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown from Sage Rosenfels, in the Texans' 19-16 win over the Denver Broncos. Kris Brown kicked four field goals, including the 25-yard winner on the game's final play. 

Denver LB Green leaves game on stretcher (AP)
Denver Broncos linebacker Louis Green left the field on a stretcher with a neck injury and a concussion in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason game against Houston. The 6-foot-3, 237-pound Green collided with teammate D.J. Williams as the two converged to tackle Texans tight end Owen Daniels, who caught a short pass.

Torain could miss 3 months with elbow injury (AP)
Rookie running back Ryan Torain is expected to miss about three months after breaking a bone in his left elbow. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan announced Thursday that Torain would need surgery. Asked if the injury was a blow to the organization, he did not respond. Andre Hall, one of the Broncos' three remaining healthy running backs, said the loss of Torain "messes things up." "Ryan had the big body...

Broncos' Marshall has little to say on suspension (AP)
Brandon Marshall is content to let his actions -- and others -- do the talking for him. A day after the Denver Broncos' talented but troubled star was suspended for three games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's personal conduct code, Marshall sidestepped several questions about the matter, including whether he felt he needed counseling, which the league suggested.

Broncos RB Torain breaks elbow (PA SportsTicker)
Denver Broncos rookie running back Ryan Torain suffered a fractured left elbow during Wednesday morning's practice.

Marshall gets 3-game suspension; it could have been longer (Yahoo! Sports)
Had Denver Broncos star receiver Brandon Marshall been involved in so many off-field disturbances a year ago,...

Broncos WR Marshall gets 3-game suspension (AP)
The Denver Broncos will start the season without wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Marshall was summoned to Goodell's New York offices on July 18 to explain a series of off-the-field misdeeds over the past year, most notably his March 6 arrest on a domestic violence warrant filed...

Broncos WR Marshall suspended for three games (PA SportsTicker)
The NFL on Tuesday suspended Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall for the first three games of the regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Capsule look at 6 Hall of Fame inductees (AP)
A capsule look at those to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday: Fred Dean Defensive End 6-3, 230 1975-1981 San Diego Chargers, 1981-1985 San Francisco 49ers. 11 seasons, 141 games. Selected by San Diego in the second round (33rd overall) in 1975 NFL draft. ... Played linebacker in college, moved to defensive line with the Chargers.

Bears not interested in John Lynch for now (Yahoo! Sports)
The Chicago Bears feel good enough about their biggest question mark on defense not to pursue free-agent safety...

Lynch's decision catches Broncos by surprise (AP)
John Lynch wasn't content playing a part-time role, not after four straight Pro Bowl seasons. The Denver Broncos couldn't promise him the playing time he was seeking. So Lynch and the Broncos agreed to amicably separate. "He wants to play every down," coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday. "Heck, I can't blame him.

Lynch, Broncos agree to part ways (Yahoo! Sports)
John Lynch's four-year run with the Denver Broncos has come to an end, with the safety asking for his release.

The 'Technician': Zimmerman gets call for Canton (AP)
When John Elway finally hoisted a Super Bowl trophy in the twilight of his career, much of the credit went to running back Terrell Davis. Yet the one protecting Elway's blind side and anchoring the stellar offensive line that opened all those holes for Davis was Gary Zimmerman, who will join Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame with his induction Saturday.

Did Jordan stick it to Davis by signing with Patriots? (Yahoo! Sports)
So, former Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan got his wish — his release Friday — and signed...

Slowik third Broncos defensive boss in 3 years (AP)
The hot seat? Sure. His comfort zone? You bet. Bob Slowik is settling in as Denver's third defensive boss in three years under coach Mike Shanahan and he doesn't have the time or the gumption to give his job security a second thought. "It's kind of like players. You don't tell them every day, 'Hey, if you don't start making plays or you're not getting the job done, you're not going to be here.' It's...

News around the league

Welcome to your new home for news around the AFC West. Come here to get all the up-to-date news about the other teams in the AFC West. Keep up with all the news about the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, and the San Diego Chargers. This is all the latest news for those NFL AFC West Football Teams. I hope you enjoy this new service from Chiefstalk.com. Your Kansas City Chiefs fan home.

Oakland Raiders

NFLPA head Gene Upshaw dies of cancer at age 63 (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=12alajj38/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-obit-upshaw&prov=ap&type=lgns"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080821/thumb.8cb4db9ea7c54459a48213ec6df5ed9f.obit_upshaw_ny115.jpg" width="94" height="130" alt="Gene UpShaw is seen in an Aug. 15, 1970 file photo when he was playing left guard for the Oakland Raiders. Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. Upshaw's death was announced by the NFL Players Association, which he headed for a quarter century. He was 63. " align="left" border="0"></a>Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who during a quarter century as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. He was 63. Upshaw died Wednesday night at his home in Lake Tahoe, Calif., of pancreatic cancer, which was diagnosed only last Sunday, the NFL Players Association said Thursday. 

Quotes on death of Gene Upshaw (AP)
Quotes on the death of NFL Hall of Famer and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw: "Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction. He was the rare individual who earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame both for his accomplishments on the field and for his leadership of the players off the field." -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Raiders Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
The Raiders are still waiting for Javon Walker to display the form that the Raiders are counting on to be the go-to receiver for quarterback JaMarcus Russell. In the meantime, tight end Zach Miller will do just fine. Miller, a second-year player out of Arizona State, caught four passes for 48 yards from Russell in a 17-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans. During a 61-yard, six-play scoring drive, Russell had catches of 22, 14 and 10 yards, with the last 10 yards converting a third-and-goal from the 7. It came when Russell broke to his left to avoid pressure and fired a bullet which Miller caught on a dive for the touchdown. "I feel like he trusts me to make the right decision on the field, whether he's scrambling, whether he's throwing it into tight coverage,...

Harris gets fresh start in Oakland (AP)
By the time Kwame Harris' tenure in San Francisco had come to an end his confidence had taken a huge hit. Harris went from being a first-round pick as an offensive tackle in 2003 to becoming the main target of fan criticism as he struggled with penalties and pass protection. He was eventually relegated to playing as a backup and on special teams last season with the 49ers.

49ers still mulling quarterback options (AP)
Kyle Orton has a starting job and J.T. O'Sullivan will try to lock one up, too. While Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith declared Orton the winner in the race with Rex Grossman, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan wasn't quite ready to say O'Sullivan is the regular-season starter. Sure, he will take the first snaps at Soldier Field on Thursday night, but Nolan stopped short of declaring the...

Hall has ligament damage in hand (AP)
Oakland Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall has ligament damage in his right hand and may have to wear a protective cast for the rest of the preseason. "I talked to my doctor and he said I tore some ligaments or something," Hall said as he walked off the practice field Tuesday. "I don't know. We'll see how it goes." Hall was injured in training camp before the preseason started and initially was...

Raiders need better play from receivers (AP)
A slant pass from JaMarcus Russell went right through the hands of Javon Walker, leading to a punt on the first drive. Johnnie Lee Higgins later ran an in route instead of an out on third down, leading to another punt. For a team building its offense around hotshot quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the play of the receivers has coach Lane Kiffin worried.

Russell, Miller click in Raiders' passing attack (Yahoo! Sports)
The Oakland Raiders unraveled an actual passing game. It came on a broken play, on which quarterback JaMarcus...

Titans beat Raiders with last-second field goal (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=11tlu8n00/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20080815010&prov=ap"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080816/thumb.4510dfa16f8144a18091ea07b9d09ab8.raiders_titans_football_tnjr114.jpg" width="99" height="130" alt="Oakland Raiders kicker Aaron Elling (5) watches his kick go through the uprights with holder Jeff Otis (7) against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter during their NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee won 17-16. " align="left" border="0"></a>The Tennessee Titans know they can run the ball. What they want is some offensive balance and a passing threat with Vince Young. That remains a work in progress. John Vaughn, filling in for All-Pro Rob Bironas, kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired Friday night to lift the Titans to a 17-16 victory over the Oakland Raiders in an exhibition featuring the first quarterbacks taken in the 2006 and... 

Titans will test Oakland's rebuild run defense (Yahoo! Sports)
Take three returning linebackers, add strong safety Gibril Wilson, carry over Michael Huff to free safety,...

Higgins gains confidence in year two with Raiders (AP)
The fumbled punts, short returns and missed opportunities weighed on Johnnie Lee Higgins during his rookie year with the Oakland Raiders. A third-round pick out of UTEP a year ago who was expected to transform Oakland's return game, Higgins instead ended up losing his job midway through the season because he couldn't hold onto the ball or break off long returns.

Gonzalez gives Chiefs steady diet of lectures (Yahoo! Sports)
Where's the beef? All-Pro Tony Gonzalez proves that a neo-vegan can thrive in the rough and tumble NFL.

Raiders believe Walker is a changed man (Yahoo! Sports)
Two weeks ago, Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker contemplated retiring from the NFL after only six...

Raiders have many questions as they break camp (AP)
The Oakland Raiders wrapped up training camp on Wednesday in search of healthy cornerbacks and kickers and answers to the questions about how improved the team will be this season. The Raiders packed up to leave their summer home in Napa after three weeks and will be back at their regular facility near Oakland once they return from Friday night's exhibition game in Tennessee.

Oakland's Hall playing with broken hand (Yahoo! Sports)
Oakland Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall said he has a broken bone in his right hand and would like to give it...

Oakland tight end not concerned about catches (AP)
If JaMarcus Russell was the crown jewel of the Oakland Raiders' 2007 draft then tight end Zach Miller was their diamond in the rough. The second-round pick out of Arizona State not only proved to be a steady downfield threat, setting a franchise record for rookie tight ends, but Miller also developed into Oakland's best blocking tight end.

Raiders sign S Archuleta (PA SportsTicker)
NAPA, California (Ticker) - The Oakland Raiders on Monday bolstered their defense by signing veteran safety Adam Archuleta.

Raiders agree to terms with Archuleta (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=12g9qpdtn/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-raiders-archuleta&prov=ap&type=lgns"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080811/thumb.nyol57008112139.raiders_archuleta_football_nyol570.jpg" width="89" height="129" alt="In this July 29, 2007 file photo, Chicago Bears safety Adam Archuleta jogs to the field for team football practice in Bourbonnais, Ill. The Oakland Raiders agreed to terms on a contract with Archuleta on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008 in a move to add depth to their defense. " align="left" border="0"></a>The Oakland Raiders signed Adam Archuleta to a contract on Monday in a move to add depth to their defense. "I was just waiting for the right opportunity and the right team to play for and they came with some interest so I'm happy to be here," Archuleta said after his first practice Monday night. Archuleta had a try out in the morning and then took a physical before signing his deal. 

Kiffin keeps tight reins on QB Russell (AP)
The first exhibition game gave the Oakland Raiders the chance to show off how good their running could be this year. As for how JaMarcus Russell will be throwing the ball, coach Lane Kiffin didn't give his prized quarterback many chances to pass in the 18-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Friday night.

Bush leads Raiders to 18-6 win over 49ers (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=11t4dsrac/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20080808013&prov=ap"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080809/thumb.2dc55d91ab58411593df027c6eb3ac9d.49ers_raiders_football_cata118.jpg" width="92" height="129" alt="Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin watches the game against against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a preseason NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Aug. 8, 2008. Raiders won 18-6. " align="left" border="0"></a>If the first preseason game is any indication, the Oakland Raiders can feel confident with any of their three top running backs. The San Francisco 49ers can't feel the same about the three quarterbacks competing for the starting job. J.T. O'Sullivan turned over the ball on his final two drives, and Alex Smith and Shaun Hill didn't perform much better as the 49ers committed four turnovers in an 18-6... 

Bush excited for Raiders exhibition opener (AP)
Michael Bush is tired of watching after spending nearly two years on the sideline while his teammates got to play football. Bush has not played in any game since breaking his right leg in the season opener of his final college season at Louisville in 2006. He missed the rest of that college season and all of his rookie campaign with the Oakland Raiders in the NFL, putting special meaning on his...

Marshall gets 3-game suspension; it could have been longer (Yahoo! Sports)
Had Denver Broncos star receiver Brandon Marshall been involved in so many off-field disturbances a year ago,...

Raiders Sands looks to improve on poor '07 (AP)
Terdell Sands was supposed to be the anchor of the Oakland Raiders run defense a year ago, a gigantic tackle expected to stuff holes in the middle of the field and disrupt the opposition. Instead, Sands was one of the biggest problems on a defense that was unable to stop the run all season. Sands was out of shape and too often out of position leading to countless big plays that helped doom the...

Niners' TE Davis sends warning to defensive coordinators (Yahoo! Sports)
Two weeks into training camp, Vernon Davis' confidence is in mid-season form. After testing his skills against...

Niners, Raiders hold joint practice (AP)
Moran Norris took offense after getting hit by Edgerton Hartwell, leading to a minor scuffle between the San Francisco 49ers offense and the Oakland Raiders defense. Oakland defensive tackle William Joseph got tangled up with San Francisco offensive lineman Chilo Raschal. Those two small tussles proved to be an exception at an intense but controlled joint practice Monday between the Bay Area rival...

Is Oakland's Javon Walker coming, or going? (Yahoo! Sports)
Oakland Raiders receiver Javon Walker told team officials he wanted to retire, only to be persuaded to stay by...

Raiders, 49ers will tangle in joint workouts (Yahoo! Sports)
If the San Francisco 49ers have practiced against the Oakland Raiders before, nobody can remember it.

Report: Walker wanted to retire from Raiders (AP)
Oakland Raiders receiver Javon Walker told the team he wanted to retire and offered to return his $11 million signing bonus before being talked out of it by owner Al Davis. ESPN, citing an unidentified source, reported Saturday that Walker told the team on Thursday of his intentions to retire. Walker has been at practice the past two days and apparently has had a change of heart.

Is DeBartolo worthy of spot in Hall? (Yahoo! Sports)
Presenter Eddie DeBartolo won five Super Bowls but alienated other owners along the way.

Burgess gets work on both ends of Raiders line (AP)
Derrick Burgess has had plenty of success in Oakland lining up as a pass rusher at left defensive end and pressuring the quarterback. While most elite pass rushers prefer playing on the other side of the line in order to be on a right-handed quarterback's blind side, Burgess has always felt more at home on the left side even if it means he often has to deal with a tight end and a tackle blocking...

NFL on Fox

Rams look for ways to turn things around
The Rams may be getting Steven Jackson back, but Gerry Fraley says that's still not enough to reverse the team's downward spiral.

Glazer: Favre loving New York
Jay Glazer wasn't convinced Brett Favre would be happy in New York. But his recent trip to Jets camp changed his mind.

Gisele or Jessica? Who's NFL's first lady?
Is a good woman. But which is the best woman? Kevin Hench ponders whether Gisele or Jessica should be the NFL's "first lady."

Top 10 Draft Tips
Draft an RB immediately. Don't pick a QB too early. Defense? It's what Round 14 is for. That's just some of our fantasy advice.

Jackson ends holdout, will report to Rams
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson ended his holdout on Wednesday while his agent continues negotiations for a new contract.

Boldin asks Cardinals to trade him
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin asked to be traded, saying he doesn't feel his situation can be resolved and declaring he has no relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt. "I'm a football player. That's about it," Boldin said Tuesday when asked to characterize his dealings with the coach these days. A team spokesman said the Cardinals have no plans to trade the sixth-year standout and still hope to sign him to a contract extension.

Hasselbeck out of practice again with stiff back
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did not practice again because of a stiff back on Wednesday, and he may also miss his second consecutive preseason game against San Diego. Coach Mike Holmgren is trying to ensure Hasselbeck is ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at Buffalo. "Absolutely your starting quarterback has to be ready for the first regular-season game," Holmgren said after No.

NFL roundup

Ravens to start Smith: 'He needs those reps'
Troy Smith will be the Ravens starting quarterback for Saturday's preseason game against the St. Louis Rams, coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. The former Heisman Trophy winner may play as much as three quarters as the Ravens want to evaluate him as they try to determine who will be the QB in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. Former starter Kyle Boller is Smith's chief competition, yet he might not even play against the Rams.

San Diego Charges

Aching knee sends Chargers LB Merriman to Dr. Andrews (PA SportsTicker)
San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman traveled to Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday so famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews could examine his right knee, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Chargers LB Merriman gets sore knee examined (AP)
Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman had his knee examined Wednesday in Alabama after lingering soreness kept him out of practice for more than a week. Merriman underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage five months ago but has had persistent pain in the knee during training camp. He traveled to Birmingham to have the knee looked at by Dr.

Chargers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
Chargers fullback Michael Tolbert, an undrafted rookie, is opening some camp eyes by displaying his two biggest attributes. "Heart and desire," Tolbert said on how he'll be a Charger come opening day. "If you tell me I can't do something, that just pushes me harder because it comes from deep down. I can make those nonbelievers, believers by being the best back on and off the field." His field of NFL dreams is Chargers Park. His field of his college days is one Tomlinson never heard of. Go Coastal Carolina? Tomlinson did realize Tolbert's alma mater had a football team, right? "I did not," Tomlinson admitted. Tomlinson can't lie about something else—the undrafted Tolbert has done well. "I'm excited about his development and think...

Chargers' Hester lauded for toughness (AP)
Jacob Hester has proven to be exactly as advertised during Chargers training camp: Tough, durable and a true gamer. The third-round draft pick in April's draft will never pack the flash and dash of starting running back LaDainian Tomlinson but he certainly isn't shy about supplying lumber and thunder.

Chargers TE Gates practices for first time (PA SportsTicker)
The San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates returned to practice Tuesday after he was taken off the physically unable to perform list.

Chargers TE Gates returns to practice (AP)
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was taken off the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday and participated in parts of practice after passing a physical. Gates had surgery nearly six months ago to repair a tear in the plantar plate of his left foot. He injured his left big toe during a playoff game against Tennessee last January.

Tomlinson: Chargers have had great camp (AP)
LaDainian Tomlinson is having his typical training camp, working hard during practice and sitting out preseason games. The San Diego Chargers' star running back didn't take a snap in Saturday's loss to the St. Louis Rams and isn't expected to play in the final two contests. Tomlinson, the two-time defending NFL rushing champion, has run only 14 times in exhibition games throughout his career.

Rams win 7-6 as Chargers rest most starters (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=11thitj29/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20080816014&prov=ap"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080817/thumb.067dbca52ee34bddb0aa8c28702238c3.chargers_rams_football_mojr109.jpg" width="130" height="96" alt="St. Louis Rams' Brian Leonard (23) fights for yards after catching a pass for a 9-yard gain before being brought down by the San Diego Chargers cornerback DeJuan Tribble during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in St. Louis. " align="left" border="0"></a>The St. Louis Rams' first-team offense has yet to score a preseason touchdown in three years under coach Scott Linehan. The San Diego Chargers kept them off the board again, although Linehan was more than satisfied, given how tough wins have been to come by. A third-quarter 3-yard run by Travis Minor with all backups on the field was the difference in a 7-6 victory Saturday night. 

Ravens sign Lorenzo Neal (Yahoo! Sports)
The Baltimroe Ravens have signed four-time Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, adding much-needed versatility and...

Cowboys 17, Chargers 31 (AP)
<a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=11tdvaijk/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20080809024&prov=ap"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080810/thumb.87b97d8e0a3142df9724ecf404494cdf.cowboys_chargers_football_cadp107.jpg" width="130" height="100" alt="San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner talks with Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, before the Chargers pre-season NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, in San Diego. " align="left" border="0"></a>If first impressions are any indication, the San Diego Chargers should be pleased with rookie Jacob Hester. The rookie running back scored on a pair of short runs to help the Chargers to a 31-17 preseason win over the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night. Hester, the club's third-round draft pick from LSU, is competing with Darren Sproles to replace Michael Turner as back up to two-time defending NFL... 

Marshall gets 3-game suspension; it could have been longer (Yahoo! Sports)
Had Denver Broncos star receiver Brandon Marshall been involved in so many off-field disturbances a year ago,...

Capsule look at 6 Hall of Fame inductees (AP)
A capsule look at those to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday: Fred Dean Defensive End 6-3, 230 1975-1981 San Diego Chargers, 1981-1985 San Francisco 49ers. 11 seasons, 141 games. Selected by San Diego in the second round (33rd overall) in 1975 NFL draft. ... Played linebacker in college, moved to defensive line with the Chargers.

Cromartie's theatrics start on trampoline (Yahoo! Sports)
Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie's ability to pull off amazing feats begins with his unique offseason training.

Texas Gov. Perry selling San Antonio to Spanos, Chargers? (Yahoo! Sports)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, taking a break from politics, was watching another contact sport while vacationing this...

Charger-turned-Niner Fred Dean answers Hall's call (AP)
It was a trade that defined a career. Fred Dean already was a standout defensive end when the San Diego Chargers dealt him to the San Francisco 49ers during the 1981 season. Dean was depressed when the deal came down. That didn't last long because he was a hit from his first game with the 49ers. By the end of the season, he was a Super Bowl champion.

Chargers vow not to look ahead this season (AP)
The San Diego Chargers seem to have learned the difference between hype and reality. Even if they are good enough to get to the Super Bowl, they vow not to talk about it this summer. "There was so much hype last year, and so much expectation, and all training camp it was 'Super Bowl,' and we weren't afraid to talk about it," quarterback Philip Rivers said Friday after the Chargers held their first...

Chargers place TE Gates on PUP list (PA SportsTicker)
The San Diego Chargers on Friday placed Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates on the physically unable to perform list.

Cason signs with Chargers for $12M over 5 years (AP)
Chargers first-round draft pick Antoine Cason signed a five-year contract worth slightly more than $12 million Thursday night, assuring he will be in camp when the team holds its first full-squad practice. Cason was the team's final draft pick to agree to terms. He missed three days of rookie camp while the two sides finalized a deal that includes a signing bonus of roughly $6 million.

Chargers, first-round pick Cason agree to terms (PA SportsTicker)
The San Diego Chargers on Thursday agreed to terms with cornerback Antoine Cason, their first-round pick, on a five-year contract.

Chargers release Parker (PA SportsTicker)
The San Diego Chargers released veteran wide receiver Eric Parker on Wednesday.

Chargers release WR Eric Parker (AP)
The Chargers released wide receiver Eric Parker on Wednesday, two days before their first full-squad practice. The Chargers had been trying to trade Parker before veterans reported to camp Thursday night. Parker missed all of last season with a toe injury and became expendable after Chris Chambers was acquired in a midseason trade with Miami.

Bolts' Castillo gets $43M in 5-year extension (AP)
Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo came up with a huge sack on Tuesday -- a huge sack of money, that is. Castillo agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2014 valued at about $43 million. The deal will pay Castillo a guaranteed $17.5 million in signing and roster bonuses. "You know I am not usually short of words but today is different," Castillo said.

Chargers sign DE Castillo to seven-year deal (PA SportsTicker)
The San Diego Chargers on Tuesday signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a seven-year contract through the 2014 season.