Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart’s January surgery was designed to remove a bone spur pressing into his Achilles tendon while also alleviating bursitis and tendonitis by shaving away excess calcium deposits and cleaning out his bursa sacs. Stewart originally thought he’d be limited to six games last season before requiring surgery, but his high pain threshold allowed him to get through the season. Though he had hoped to be cleared for OTAs, Stewart won’t begin running until June. The Carolina Panthers still expect to have him ready for training camp, but he could be limited early on — just as he’s been for the first two seasons of his career.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Free agent K Neil Rackers will visit with the Jets on Tuesday. Rackers reportedly turned down a $2 million-per-year offer from the Arizona Cardinals, and he doesn’t figure to do better with a Jets team that wanted Jay Feely to take a paycut. The Jets apparently aren’t ready to turn the job over to Nick Folk after all.

Philadelphia: Responding to a report that the Washington Redskins inquired about Donovan McNabb, the Washington Post says the team’s interest was “much earlier in the process.” Though Jay Glazer offhandedly “tweeted” the information, he did add that the Redskins’ interest was “more than just mild … they even talked players.” Mike Shanahan’s vote is reportedly “the only one that really counts” at Redskins Park right now, and he’s not believed to be seriously interested in McNabb. Glazer also reiterated that the Eagles have received offers from Buffalo and Oakland, but Andy Reid isn’t willing to banish McNabb to either team.

St. Louis: The player rep for Marc Bulger revealed that “there are a few teams waiting” for the quarterback to get released this offseason. Scheduled to receive $8.5 million, Bulger is as good as gone if the St. Louis Rams select Sam Bradford. GM Billy Devaney would trade him if he could, but no team is going to take him on at that salary. The Bears (with Mike Martz), Panthers, and Bills make the most sense as potential landing spots.

Baltimore: Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron expressed confidence that Oniel Cousins has “starter ability” at right tackle. “If Oniel Cousins winds up being the starter, we are playing with a starter,” said Cameron. “We’re not playing with a backup.” The team’s confidence in Cousins helps explain their apparent willingness to part with Jared Gaither for the right price. Cousins held his own in two games last season before LaMarr Woodley devastated him in a third game.

Donovan McNabb

Rams GM Billy Devaney shot down reports that his club might acquire Donovan McNabb Wednesday, calling the rumors “absolutely false.” “Nothing to it,” another high-ranking Rams official informed Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Rams Post-Dispatch. “It’s utterly ridiculous,” Devaney added.

“I haven’t talked to Philadelphia about any of their players.” “They may have a trade offer, but not from us,” yet a third Rams source said. “Why would we trade for McNabb and then go watch (Sam) Bradford throw on Monday?” Expect McNabb to get traded on or around draft week.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Pittsburg: KDKA 2 in Pittsburgh reports that the woman accusing Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault has declined to be re-interviewed by police. Police already lack key physical evidence (Big Ben’s DNA), and now have an uncooperative key witness.

The woman skipped one previously scheduled interview. “Bottom line is, no cooperative victim under these circumstances, probably no crime,” said Robert Del Greco, an unbiased Pittsburgh defensive attorney. No charges would probably also mean no NFL suspension.

Carolina:  Panthers coach John Fox confirmed that the team has no interest in trading Jonathan Stewart or DeAngelo Williams. There were some rumors that Williams would be available thanks to Stewart’s breakout down the stretch in 2009, but they were quickly shot down.

Stewart is coming off another Achilles’ surgery and the Carolina Panthers need two elite backs anyway to implement their smash mouth style

Washington: Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was noncommittal when asked Wednesday if Jason Campbell will be the team’s starting QB in 2010. “There’s competition at every position,” Shanahan said. “Rex Grossman was with Kyle [Shanahan] in Houston, he understands the system.

We’re going to…have all these guys compete.” Campbell should win a camp battle with Grossman handily, but any true competition would limit his offseason reps

Jacksonville: Free agent Torry Holt indicated Wednesday that he’s receiving little interest on the open market. Holt claims he spoke to a few teams recently, but he’s still in wait-and-see mode at this time. The 34-year-old also reiterated his desire to play for Mike Martz in Chicago, but the Bears aren’t showing strong interest in him.

Holt probably needs at least another year of solid production to solidify a spot in the Hall of Fame. Things may pick up for him after the draft.

2010 NFL Draft: Opinions of Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour’s passing were reportedly “mixed” after he threw for evaluators at his Pro Day. LeFevour didn’t throw to moving targets in Indianapolis, so he needed a big day to motivate his draft stock. However, LeFevour “struggled throwing the ball downfield,” which isn’t surprising considering his lack of ideal arm strength.

Receivers reportedly had to slow down their routes frequently to haul in his throws, with some “out-running LeFevour’s deep passes altogether.”

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Tennessee: Eagles failed to match Tennessee’s one-year, $1 million offer sheet for free agent DE Jason Babin, making Babin a Titan. The Tennessee Titans need defensive ends, but Babin managed just five QB pressures and 2.5 sacks off the bench in Philadelphia last season. The 30-year-old isn’t suddenly going to turn into an every-down player. He’ll be a situational pass rusher, rotating with speedy Jacob Ford and trusty Dave Ball.

Carolina: DeAngelo Williams says he is happy and thankful that the Carolina Panthers will keep him in a timeshare with Jonathan Stewart going forward. “The front office and coaching staff are single-handedly prolonging my career and (Jonathan Stewart’s) career. Thirty is like the new 50 in the NFL, especially when it comes to tailbacks,” said Williams, who turns 27 next month. “We’re each about 220 or 230 carries a year. I’d rather have that than 300-plus carries a year. It’s going to be close to a 50-50 split no matter want.”

Miami: A league source has informed Profootballtalk.com that Ricky Williams intends to continue playing beyond 2010. Williams doesn’t have a contract for 2011 and turns 33 in a couple of months, but he’s still playing at a very high level. He’s also in a whole lot of debt, and needs money. Williams, in a contract year, is due $4.35M in 2010.

2010 NFL Draft: Indiana (PA) CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah ran the forty-yard dash in 4.33 and 4.41 at his Pro Day workout. At 6’1/207, Owusu-Ansah has Raiders measurables. Also an interception machine in the D-IAA ranks, he has production to match. Owusu-Ansah is a legit second-round prospect, and it wouldn’t surprise if he went in the top 50.

2010 NFL Draft: NFL Network’s Mike Mayock predicts that Florida DE Carlos Dunlap will not be drafted in the first round. “His problem is he has a lot of average tape,” Mayock says. “I don’t see him going in the first round due to his lack of consistency.” Dunlap is a physical freak at 6’6/277 with 4.6 speed, but the depth of this talent-rich draft figures to work against him. He may be the biggest boom-or-bust player this year.

Free Agency: Free agent Pacman Jones did work out for NFL teams on Friday, after all. New Orleans Times-Picayune reporter James Varney was in the wrong spot when he reported that Pacman was a no-show. “He’s running the 40 right now and just did an interview with the camera crew we have there,” according to NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora. Only five teams showed up to Pacman’s workout.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Cleveland: The Browns are reportedly involved in trade talks for quarterbacks with “more than one team.” “It appears the Browns have concluded they are more apt to upgrade the quarterback position through trade rather than free agency,” according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The paper doesn’t have details, but hints that Brady Quinn could be part of an outgoing deal. The Cleveland Browns have been linked to Kevin Kolb, Matt Hasselbeck, and Donovan McNabb since season’s end.

Carolina: The Panthers have assigned a first- and third-round tender to restricted free agent Matt Moore. He’ll make over $3 million in 2010. While the move seems obvious from the Panthers’ standpoint, it’s also an acknowledgement from Carolina Panthers that Moore at least might be the team’s quarterback of the future. Moore has certainly shown enough promise to be a league average starter someday, particularly when play-caller Jeff Davidson has let him get aggressive. Moore has very sound pocket presence, an adequate arm, and underrated athleticism. He’s sure to beat out Jake Delhomme in any training camp competition.

Chicago: The Chicago Sun Times disputes multiple reports that Greg Olsen is on the trading block. Initial reports, via NBC Chicago and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, linked Olsen to the Patriots and Cardinals. The fits are odd on paper, though, because neither of those teams uses tight ends often in the passing game, and Olsen isn’t a blocker.

Indianapolis: Peyton Manning underwent surgery to relieve pain from a pinched nerve in his neck Tuesday in Chicago. The Indianapolis Colts call the surgery minor, but anything neck-, much less Manning-related is a big story. The team issued a statement saying he’ll be ready for offseason workouts, though it’s still a situation to monitor.

Denver: The Broncos have assigned first-round restricted free agent tenders to Brandon Marshall and Kyle Orton. Orton won’t get much interest, but as ESPN’s Adam Schefter points out, Denver has essentially extended an “invitation” for teams (mostly at the back end of the draft) to sign Marshall to an offer sheet. Should the Broncos not match, they’d receive that team’s first-round pick as compensation. The club is clearly willing to move on without Marshall by opting against giving him the first- and third-round tender. The Ravens should have immediate interest, and we wouldn’t rule out the Cowboys, Patriots, or Bengals making a move.

Philadelphia: According to Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post, the Philadelphia Eagles will not trade Michael Vick unless they get a second-round pick in return. Lombardi’s stance has softened since predicting early last month that the Eagles no longer planned to trade Vick. Now, he says Philly knows it could get a third-round compensatory pick in 2011 should Vick stay on the roster this year, and sign elsewhere next offseason. We still have a hard time believing any third-string QB is worth Vick’s $5.25 million scheduled pay.

Choice is seemingly “stuck” as a third-stringer, but the Cowboys need him with Marion Barber apparently breaking down. They are also not in immediate need of a defensive back that can’t tackle. The rumors may persist because of Wade Phillips’ San Diego ties to Cromartie, but look for the Dallas Cowboys to shop Barber first, if any of their backs truly go on the trade block.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

San Diego: Chargers beat reporter Kevin Acee predicts that the Chargers will wait until March 4 to release LaDainian Tomlinson. Acee admits the transaction may happen sooner, but GM A.J. Smith has been known to wait as long as possible in this type of situation. The NFL will also be buzzing with transactions and restricted free agent tendering at the time, decreasing the bad publicity San Diego gets for cutting its longtime MVP.

Tennessee: Beat reporter Gary Eastwick doesn’t see Chris Johnson getting as many snaps in 2010 as he did in 2009. Johnson was on the field for virtually every offensive snap in 2009 as LenDale White and Javon Ringer became innocent bystanders. The Tennessee Titans have already hinted that they want to preserve Johnson even though he’s missed just one game in two seasons.

Arizona: Two people in contact with the Dolphins could “envision” the team offering a draft pick for Anquan Boldin, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The pick would be a third-rounder or later. Jackson is a columnist — not a reporter — but this is the second time in a week we’ve heard substantial rumors about Boldin and the Dolphins. Boldin is big and as tough as they come, fitting VP of football operations Bill Parcells’ profile, and would fill a glaring need as a play-making No. 1 receiver for Chad Henne. Jackson adds that the Dolphins aren’t interested in Brandon Marshall.

Carolina: During a radio interview, Julius Peppers said he doesn’t want a long-term extension from the Carolina Panthers. Panthers beat writer Darin Gantt says “it’s becoming more and more clear that Peppers isn’t going to be here next year.” Peppers is upset that the Panthers are giving him and his agent the “silent treatment.” Gantt suggests that the Panthers should put the franchise tag on Peppers with designs on trading him. The Eagles, Patriots and Falcons are rumored as possible landing spots.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Sources tell ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli that the Bills will indeed consider Michael Vick for their starting quarterback job. This confirms beat writer Allen Wilson’s speculation earlier this week. New coach Chan Gailey likes mobile quarterbacks and the Bills can’t enter 2010 with Trent Edwards as their starter. The Buffalo Bills would likely only have to give up a conditional sixth- or seventh-round pick to land Vick.

Philadelphia: A high-ranking Eagles official told ESPN.com that “the odds are pretty good [that] [Donovan McNabb] isn’t going anywhere.” We tend to agree, but that doesn’t mean the Eagles aren’t listening to offers. If someone blows them away with a solid veteran on defense and a first-round pick, they’d be hard-pressed to reject a trade. The Philadelphia Eagles front office will deny they are shopping McNabb for many reasons, including their quarterback’s fragile ego. Kevin Kolb continues to wait patiently for his era to begin.

Minnesota: Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie has been dismissed from the NFC Pro Bowl squad after going AWOL late in the week. McKinnie has shown up for only one meeting and even missed the team picture.

Carolina: Julius Peppers said he “doesn’t have a preference” about where he plays next season. “I’m just trying to get on a team right now,” Peppers said. “I just want to get a contract.” Peppers’ fate for 2010 is still very much up in the air. The Carolina Panthers could pay an absurd $20.1 million to put the franchise tag on Peppers again, do a long-term deal or let him walk without any compensation. Just about every team in the league would jump at the opportunity to sign Peppers.

New England: Pro Bowl LG Logan Mankins, who is set to become a restricted free agent, isn’t concerned about his contract situation. Mankins wants an extension, but appears to be resigned to his fate. As a RFA, the New England Patriots will hold all the cards on the excellent run blocker and can bring him back on a one-year deal worth around $3M.

2010 NFL Draft: Michigan DE Brandon Graham was named MVP of the Senior Bowl Saturday.
Graham dominated practices all week, and he was the most disruptive player in the game Saturday as well. He finished with two sacks and a forced fumble. Graham is a tad short at 6’1, but he’s drawn comparisons to fellow Michigan product LaMarr Woodley as a pass rusher.

The Cardinals are still alive for the No. 2 seed in the NFC following Chicago’s Monday night upset of Minnesota and most likely will decide to play all starters in Week 17 after all.

While it’s still a long shot for coach Ken Whisenhunt’s team, the Cards now have something to play for. In addition to beating the Pack, the Cards need the Vikings to lose at home to the Giants in Week 17 and the Dallas Cowboys to beat the Eagles. They’ll know which approach to take early, as the Vikings play at 1ET and Arizona hosts Green Bay at 4:15ET.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson is believed to be the first player in NFL history selected for the Pro Bowl as both a position player and a kick returner. Miles Austin and Sidney Rice are the reserve receivers in the NFC, with Jackson and Larry Fitzgerald as the starters. Percy Harvin had a very strong argument as the kick returner, but it’s hard to quibble with the most explosive player in football this season.

Carolina: Panthers DE Julius Peppers has been elected to the NFC Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career.
Peppers will earn a $1.5 million bonus, bringing his 2009 salary to $18.2 million. The Carolina Panthers defense has been on fire over the past six weeks, with Peppers leading the way. He’s up to 10.5 sacks on the season, with five forced fumbles.

Minnesota: Vikings CB Antoine Winfield admitted that he suffered a setback with his foot injury against the Bengals in Week 14. Winfield has been really bad in two straight games and it culminated with Devin Aromashodu burning him for the game-winning touchdown on Monday Night Football. Winfield clearly isn’t 100 percent. The Minnesota Vikings should consider shutting him back down until the playoffs.

Oakland: Raiders QB Charlie Frye will start for the Raiders against the Ravens Sunday. As expected, Frye gets the nod over J.P Losman and JaMarcus Russell. He threw for 333 yards last week, but was picked off three times and the Raiders didn’t score any touchdowns. Frye is not a long-term solution for the Raiders.

Oakland: RB Justin Fargas had his knee drained on Monday and is now questionable for week 17 against the Ravens.

Indianapolis: Colts WR Pierre Garcon has been ruled out for week 17 with a hand injury. Expect Hank Baskett to fill in for him.

Cincinnati: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has said that the results of the early games could have an impact on how much time the starts play on Sunday night. The Bengals would have a shot at the 3 seed if the Patriots lose to the Texans.

Kansas City: The Kansas City Chiefs have made it a goal to get RB Jamaal Charles to 1,000 rushing yards. He will need 139 to do it, so expect him to see alot of carries early and often. Since Larry Johnson was released, only Chris Johnson has more rushing yards.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Baltimore: According to his agent Ralph Cindrich’s Twitter account, backup QB Troy Smith has notified the  Baltimore Ravens that he wants to be traded. Smith “wants playing time” Cindrich writes and plans to “seek (a) trade” after the Ravens’ playoff run. One has to wonder why Smith decided to speak up a one week before his team attempts to secure a playoff birth against the Raiders on Sunday.

Tampa Bay: In an interview with Pewter Report, CB Ronde Barber threatened to retire if the Bucs do not retain head coach Raheem Morris. “Absolutely it will,” Barber said when discussing the impact Morris’ status has on his future. Morris has led his team to a 3-12 record and there is talk that Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be targeting target Bill Cowher as his replacement in the offseason.

New Orleans: X-rays came back negative on Pierre Thomas’ ribs Monday, though he remains questionable for Week 17 at Carolina. Thomas suffered the injury just before the half on Sunday and didn’t come back for the third or fourth quarters.

Carolina: The Charlotte Observer reports that Carolina Panthers coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney will be “offered the opportunity” to stay with the organization in 2010 by owner Jerry Richardson. Fox, whose contract is up after 2010, will not be offered an extension. A potential NFL lockout in 2011 may have influenced Richardson’s decision, as the team could opt to reduce its expenses.

St. Louis: Rams RB Steven Jackson confirmed that he has a herniated disk but says that no surgery is needed and he plans on playing in Week 17. Jackson experienced new symptoms leading up to Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, and was inactive for the first time all season.

Miami: Despite missing most of the second half with a shoulder injury, Ricky Williams said after Sunday’s game, “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Ricky suffered the injury early in the third quarter, missing out on a 2-yard touchdown vultured by Lex Hilliard. He sat out the remainder of the game with the exception of a 3-yard catch with three minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Seattle Seahawks RB Julius Jones (ribs) returned to a full practice Thursday and is expected to play Sunday at Green Bay. Jones will likely start on Sunday against the Packers and get more carries than Justin Forsett.

Carolina: RB DeAngelo Williams missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle injury that has been bothering him over the last few weeks. Look for Jonathan Stewart to see the majority of the carries against the Giants on Sunday.

Carolina: Panthers placed QB Jake Delhomme (finger) on injured reserve, ending his season. Delhomme is scheduled to earn $13 million in guaranteed money next season, which means he will return but might be a backup. Matt Moore has made some strides in his three starts this season and the Carolina Panthers appear to be ready to go in a different direction.

Oakland: Oakland  Raiders RB Justin Fargas did not practice on Thursday because of a knee injury. It looks like Michael Bush will get the start on Sunday against the Browns.

Pittsburg: Hines Ward (hamstring) returned to a full practice Thursday. Ward reportedly had a setback with his hamstring last week, but he ended up catching seven balls for 126 yards. It doesn’t appear that he’s in any danger of missing this week’s game against the Ravens.

Buffalo: Bills RE Aaron Schobel indicated Wednesday that he may consider retiring after this season. Schobel, 32, is still a very productive player and has seven sacks on the season. “I don’t know my future really, what I’m going to do,” he said. He is second on the Buffalo Bills’ all-time sacks list, behind only Bruce Smith.

Washington: Redskins coach Jim Zorn confirmed Wednesday that Jason Campbell will start in Week 16 against Dallas. Campbell suffered a stinger and was rocked repeatedly by the Giants on Monday night, as New York defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan took a page from predecessor Steve Spagnuolo’s pressure-filled book. Campbell also came out of the game with a black eye. He figures to face similar protection breakdowns against a Dallas defense that humbled Drew Brees in Week 15.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Houston: Texans QB Matt Schaub said he “could see [Kevin Walter] catching more balls” with Owen Daniels (knee) out for the season. Schaub praised Walter for his willingness to go over the middle and his hands, but did indicate later that Daniels targets will be spread out amongst a number of players.

Houston: Texans RB Ryan Moats will start at running back for the Houston Texans Sunday, according to ESPN’s Bob Holzman. Holzman got the news from Texans coach Gary Kubiak and relayed it to Adam Schefter. This certainly isn’t a shock due in large part to Steve Slaton struggling to hang on to the football. Slaton and Chris Brown will both likely be involved in the offensive game plan, but Moats is a good add for fantasy owners looking for a RB.

Carolina: Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee) is out for Sunday’s game against the Saints. Muhammad did not travel to New Orleans with the team and will be replaced by the unproductive Dwayne Jarrett.

Kansas City: The Chiefs have released WR Bobby Engram. Engram, 36, only had five catches on the season and this appears to be the end of his career.

Kansas City: The Kansas City Chiefs have activated RB Kolby Smith (knee) from the PUP list. With Larry Johnson suspended, Smith will play behind Jamaal Charles and could take carries away from the new starting RB.
However, keep in mind that Smith is coming off major knee surgery and Charles is the better player.

Tampa Bay: Bucs WR Antonio Bryant said the long plane ride home from London was partially to blame for the setback he is having with his knee. It don’t do me no good to play for a game or two and then be right back and have to sit down again,” Bryant said. Its sounds as if Bryant’s attitude, not a bum knee or a plane ride, has already mailed in the season.

Washington: The Redskins have demoted Malcolm Kelly from his starting flanker job in large part because of his route running. At 6’4/227 Kelly was supposed to be a red zone target for Jason Campbell, but he has been a disappointment thus far in his career.