March 2011 - Football Wiretap
DeSean Jackson: Health Is No. 1 Priority
Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson had some pointed comments when asked how he deals with his failed contract holdout during the offseason.
Management refused to restructure Jackson's rookie contact, which pays him $600,000 this year. He has just four catches for 51 yards in his last two games.
"Whether I have the ball in my hands or not, I feel like I already established myself in this league as one of the great receivers," Jackson said.
"I just gotta go out there and keep doing what I can do. Stay healthy is the biggest thing. As long as I can stay healthy, regardless of where I'm playing, I think I'll be alright. Just stay healthy and go out there and do my thing."
Jackson took out an insurance policy before the season to protect himself against injury, but he certainly would stand to make more money next year if he can avoid any major incident in 2011.
"That's the No. 1 priority is to stay healthy," said Jackson. "I wouldn't be able to play the game if I wasn't healthy. In my book, that's the No. 1 priority. Winning is next in that category. As long as I'm healthy and we're winning, regardless of my numbers, I think I'll be very happy."
Moreno, McGahee Expected To Split Carries
The Broncos are expected to split carries between running backs Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee this Sunday against the Packers.
Moreno was a full participant in practice on Thursday despite a hamstring injury, but McGahee is expected to start.
Denver has totaled only 228 yards on the ground this year, good for fifth worst in the NFL.
Gore Likely To Play With Reduced Workload
49ers running back Frank Gore is expected to face the Eagles on Sunday afternoon, but he will likely have a reduced workload.
Gore is dealing with an ankle injury.
Fewer carries for Gore would mean more carries for running backs Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon.
Nick Collins Has Neck Surgery
Packers safety Nick Collins underwent neck surgery Thursday night in New York City to have a herniated disk in his neck repaired, according to a league source.
It will take about six months to determine whether he will be able to resume his NFL career.
Osi Umenyiora Feels 'Disrespected'
Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora says he is motivated by constant disrespect.
Umenyiora may make his season debut on Sunday against the Cardinals.
"I always have a chip on my shoulder," Umenyiora said.
"I feel I'm constantly disrespected. I always feel the need to prove myself, and this season's no different than last season or the season before. And it's probably gonna be the same way next season. Something's going to happen and I'm gonna be disrespected again, and I'm going to have to prove myself all over again. That's just the way it is."
Umenyiora, who has missed the first three games of the season with swelling in his surgically repaired right knee, was asked by whom he felt disrespected.
"Just in general," he replied.
Packers Won't Have Grant Against Broncos
Packers running back Ryan Grant has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos because of a bruised kidney.
Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said the medical staff didn't believe Grant's kidney passed enough tests to put him on the field.
NFL Upholds Terrelle Pryor's Suspension
The NFL upheld Terrelle Pryor's five-game suspension on Friday, a ruling that will trigger a non-injury grievance on Pryor's behalf by the NFL Players' Association.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told Pryor of the decision on Friday afternoon.
"I believe it is a fair conclusion that he intentionally took steps to ensure that he would be declared ineligible for further college play and would be able to enter the NFL via the supplemental draft," Goodell said in a news release.
"Taken as a whole, I found that this conduct was tantamount to a deliberate manipulation of our eligibility rules in a way that distorts the underlying principles and calls into question the integrity of those rules."
Harbaugh Jokes That Vick Should Rest
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, coming off a concussion and a bruised non-throwing hand, has vowed to play against the 49ers on Sunday.
However, San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh suggested otherwise in a rare moment of humor.
"He's a great player," Harbaugh said. "I think with the (concussion) he had two weeks ago, with the hand injury this week, it would probably be the prudent thing to rest him for a week."
Cromartie Calls Out Rookie Torrey Smith
Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie returned to practice on Thursday and had a few things to say about rookie Ravens receiver Torrey Smith.
Cromartie suffered bruised ribs and a bruised lung recently.
He will likely cover Smith, who had five catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns last week in his first start, in Sunday's game between the Jets and Ravens.
"He had one big game," Cromartie said dismissively. "That's it. He has five catches for his whole career."
Jacobs: People That Doubt Giants Lead 'Miserable Lives'
Giants running back Brandon Jacobs has some choice words for people that don't believe in his club.
New York is 2-1 to begin the season.
"The people outside that want to say they're fans and don't believe in us, I couldn't care less if they ever believed in us," Jacobs said.
"They don't mean anything to us if they didn't believe in us. They can go back and finish living their miserable lives as they've been living and hoping that they lose and whatever."
Seahawks Open To Trading Aaron Curry
Aaron Curry restructured his contract prior to the season.
Released Cornerback Claims Caldwell Isn't Calling Shots
Justin Tryon suggests that Colts head coach Jim Caldwell isn't making all the decisions when it comes to who plays and who doesn't.
Fox Sticking With Orton At Quarterback
Despite the outcry for Tim Tebow, Broncos coach John Fox says he is sticking with Kyle Orton at quarterback.
Coordinator Calls Out Jets Defense
The Jets played poorly defensively against the Raiders last Sunday.
Congress Wants To Discuss HGH With NFL
Congress is stepping up its efforts to push the NFL and its players toward an agreement on testing for HGH.
Ryan Mathews Misses Practice
Chargers running back Ryan Mathews missed practice Thursday because of an injured left foot.
Hillis Defends His Position To Sit
Peyton Hillis defended the decision for him to miss last week's game, and said he's isn't concerned if others feel he should have played despite his illness.
Romo May Need More Pain Injections
Tony Romo said he might still need an injection for Sunday's game against the Lions.
Ditka Doubts Payton Book
Mike Ditka has dismissed the author of a new book on Walter Payton as "totally gutless."
Steven Jackson Hopes For Larger Role
Rams running back Steven Jackson has been hobbled by a strained quadriceps muscle.
McNabb Defends His QB Mechanics
Vikings QB Donovan McNabb says he doesn't believe a change in his motion or footwork is necessary.
Mankins Returns To Practice, Haynesworth Sits Out
Pats tackle Albert Haynesworth was not spotted for the media access portion of Thursday's practice.
Cromartie, Mangold Dress For Practice
Jets CB Antonio Cromartie and C Nick Mangold returned to the practice field on Thursday.
Nicks, Tuck Nursing Injuries
Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks sat out the early portion of practice on Thursday.
Colts Preparing Painter To QB Monday
The Colts are preparing as though Curtis Painter will start at QB at Tampa Bay on Monday night.
RealGM's NFL Picks For Week 4
The AFC features several battles of 2-1 teams, with the Raiders/Patriots, Jets/Ravens, Steelers/Texans and Browns/Titans looking to go 3-1.
Colston Cleared To Practice
Saints receiver Marques Colston has been medically cleared to practice and will play Sunday against the Jaguars.
Troubled Walter Payton Had 'Dark Side'
Bears great Walter Payton had a dark side, according to a biography to be released October 4.
Brady Cuts Shaggy Hair After Loss
Tom Brady's hair was freshly cut for his weekly meeting with the media on Wednesday.
Foster Should Be 'OK' For Remainder Of Season
Arian Foster, who has missed two games with a hamstring injury, practiced on Wednesday.