
NFL Training Camp News: Elvis Dumervil Done, Andre Johnson Gets Paid
Thursday's NFL headlines are once again dominated by Brett Favre and Albert Haynesworth, but there are plenty of other noteworthy developments worth discussing.
It starts in Denver, where the Broncos' hopes for the upcoming season took a serious blow. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil suffered a torn pectoral muscle during practice and is expected to miss at least four months. Dumervil, who led the NFL in sacks last season, is seeking a second opinion to determine his recovery time.
On the financial front, contract talks between the Texans and Andre Johnson had been progressing in recent days. The negotiations culminated Thursday with a seven-year, $73.5 million deal that made arguably the NFL's best wide receiver the highest-paid at his position.
Meanwhile, as Brett Favre continues to throw passes to high schoolers, Albert Haynesworth continues to battle knee issues.
The Redskins have reportedly sent Haynesworth for an MRI in hopes of determining whether or not he is ready to attempt the fabled conditioning test.
Here's a look at some of the other training camp news throughout the NFL.
Buffalo Bills: C.J. Spiller Still Unsigned, Aaron Schobel to Houston?
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For the fourth time in five years, the Bills are among the last NFL teams to agree to terms on a contract with a first-round pick.
Talks with C.J. Spiller are continuing, but for the moment the two sides are not believed to be close to an agreement.
After cutting ties with defensive end Aaron Schobel Wednesday, Bills general manager Buddy Nix told the Buffalo News that the team was content to grant Schobel his release.
Schobel spent the offseason contemplating retirement, but all signs point to him playing one more season.
The Texans could use some depth along the defensive line and could make overtures to Schobel, who lives near Houston.
Miami Dolphins: Kory Sheets Tears Achilles, Chad Pennington on the Block?
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The Dolphins lost some depth Thursday when reserve running back Kory Sheets reportedly suffered a torn Achilles that will end his season.
Sheets was considered an early favorite to win the kick return job for the Dolphins.
As the Brett Favre retirement saga trudges painfully onward, rumors that the Vikings could deal for Pennington have added a twist to Dolphins camp.
Pennington was rewarded with a $1.5 million trade bonus in the offseason after Chad Henne was named the starter and, of course, tabbed as the next Dan Marino.
The Vikings have made no known inquires for the former New York Jet but could certainly look to the trade winds if Favre walks away.
New York Jets: Rex Ryan Praises Darrelle Revis, Erik Ainge to Rehab
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Darrelle Revis has one gigantic supporter in Jets camp: head coach Rex Ryan.
Ryan has repeated his desire for both sides to strike an agreement and has grown increasingly annoyed when discussing the situation with reporters.
There has yet to be any known progress made between the two sides.
Elsewhere, third-string quarterback Erik Ainge has reportedly checked himself into rehab for recreational issues. Ainge was placed on the reserve list by the Jets prior to the start of training camp.
Dallas Cowboys: Martellus Bennett Still Bothered By Ankle Injury
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Martellus Bennett continues to be hampered by a balky ankle that could keep him out of the Cowboys' preseason opener against Terrell Owens and the Bengals Sunday night.
Bennett has been undergoing treatment and is expected to be completely healthy by the start of the regular season. He participated in almost all drills throughout training camp.
New York Giants: Osi Umenyiora Says He Was Selfsih, Hakeem Nicks Healthy
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Osi Umenyiora found himself in the doghouse and spent some of last season on the sidelines. Now, he is apparently willing to spend more time on the bench.
Umenyiora said he was "selfish" last season and appears likely to share time with Mathias Kiwanuka this season.
Meanwhile, star receiver Hakeem Nicks is reportedly 100 percent after being carted off the practice field Tuesday with a knee injury. An MRI revealed no structural damage.
Cincinnati Bengals: Rookie Jermaine Gresham to Suit Up in Canton
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After finally agreeing to a contract with the Bengals on Tuesday, Jermaine Gresham has been incorporated into the mix at a rapid pace.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said expects Gresham to see the field Sunday night in the Hall of Fame Game, although he didn't elaborate on how many snaps the rookie will get.
Cleveland Browns: Shaun Rogers Not Close to Return
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Shaun Rogers still isn't quite ready.
The massive defensive tackle has done light work during training camp but hasn't passed a physical and has yet to be cleared to practice.
Rogers suffered a broken ankle late last November and is believed to be a couple weeks from returning.
The Browns should find out how severe of a suspension Rogers will face from the NFL in the coming days.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben Suspension Won't Be Less Than Four Games
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Roger Goodell has yet to decide on whether or not he will suspend Ben Roethlisberger for six or four games. One thing is certain: The suspension won't be less than four games.
When asked if the suspension could be less than four games, Goodell told reporters that he will make a decision at the end of the month. His answer appeared to suggest that the suspension could be less than four games.
Thursday, the NFL clarified its position and said that the suspension will be for a minimum of four games.
Chicago Bears: Offensive Line Still Needs Much Improvement
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One of the biggest reasons for Jay Cutler's struggles last season was an inconsistent offensive line that struggled to protect the passer.
The Bears did little to address the issue in the offseason but continue to hope that practice makes perfect.
To this point, at least, it hasn't.
The Bears have been shuffling pieces at both guard positions throughout camp and don't appear to be close on determining a final combination.
The line has struggled with penalties during camp, especially in the case of veteran Frank Omiyale.
Green Bay Packers: Atari Bigby to Undergo Surgery on Ankle, Miss Time
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Maybe Albert Haynesworth isn't that crazy after all.
Like Hayneworth, Packers safety Atari Bigby skipped offseason workouts and conditioning programs. Despite seeking a contract extension, Bigby showed up to training camp and suffered an ankle injury in a mandatory conditioning test.
Now, he might not be able to play at all this season.
Bigby will undergo a procedure this week in North Carolina and isn't expected back prior to the season opener. Given his history of ankle problems, it appears entirely possible Bigby could miss the entire season if the surgery fails to yield improvement.
Minnesota Vikings: Jasper Brinkley Seeing Time at Middle Linebacker
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But what about Brett Favre?
The news on the Favre front remains unchanged as the Vikings continue training camp in Mankato.
The team has been impressed with second-year linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who has made strides during camp. The Vikings could use Brinkley for long stretches this season, especially if E.J. Henderson isn't able to bounce back from his leg injury.
Detroit Lions: Louis Delmas Won't Have Surgery, at Least Not Yet
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One day after multiple reports suggested that Lions safety Louis Delmas would need surgery to repair a nagging groin injury, Delmas himself dispelled the rumor.
The second-year defensive back said that surgery has been discussed but hasn't been decided upon as of yet. He hasn't practiced since June, and there is no timetable for his return.
Delmas is the key cog in the Lions secondary, which means that his health is of paramount importance to the fate of the team this season.
Houston Texans: Andre Johnson Finally Strikes a Deal
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The Houston Texans stepped up and made a commitment—a huge commitment.
Johnson signed a seven-year, $73.5 million deal with the club, a move that will keep both him and the Texans happy as the team looks to become a playoff contender.
Indianapolis Colts: The Quest for a Clear No. 2 Starter
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The Colts have an abundance of talent at the wide receiver position, which could create a problem for new offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen.
Pierre Garcon is expected to start opposite Reggie Wayne, but the return of Anthony Gonzalez and the presence of reliable Austin Collie should make for an interesting battle in training camp.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Help Wanted at Defensive Tackle
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The Jaguars have already awarded first-round pick Tyson Alualu a starting position at defensive tackle but continue to look for a player to fill the spot alongside him on the line.
Fellow rookie D'Anthony Smith was a favorite to win the job before sustaining an Achilles injury in Monday's practice.
At the moment, the Jaguars will choose between journeymen Walter Curry and Atiyyah Ellison to start until Terrance Knighton gets his weight under control.
Atlanta Falcons: Dunta Robinson Continues to Battle Hamstring Problem
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Robinson's nagging hamstring issue is likely to keep him out of the Falcons' first preseason game on August 13.
The team is taking a cautious approach to Robinson's health. He would likely be able to play with such an injury if it was the regular season.
Carolina Panters: Jeff Otah Undergoes Knee Surgery
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Panthers starting tackle Jeff Otah had surgery on his left knee in Charlotte Wednesday and could miss the regular season opener against the Giants.
Otah underwent arthroscopic surgery in what was believed to be a precautionary measure. He had yet to be cleared to practice with the Panthers.
The health of the massive right tackle is critical to the Panthers, who will lean heavily on the running game this season.
New Orleans Saints: Jeremy Shockey Returns to Practice Field
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Jeremy Shockey's sore knee has cleared up enough to enable him to practice Thursday after he had missed seven prior sessions.
Shockey participated fully in Thursday's activity, but the Saints will certainly monitor his health closely and could limit his reps in the preseason.
Denver Broncos: Life After Elvis Dumervil, Life With LenDale White
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The Broncos are reeling from the news that Elvis Dumervil has suffered a torn pectoral muscle.
The NFL's reigning sack king is expected to miss at least four months, but a return this season seems doubtful.
Meanwhile, the team picked up former Titans star LenDale White in an effort to add depth behind the injury-prone tandem of Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.
White, a Denver native, is running out of chances and is likely to fight hard for a roster spot.
Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey Improving?
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According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, second-year wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has shown tremendous improvement throughout the summer and is poised for a breakout season with new quarterback Jason Campbell.
Aside from Mortensen's comments, there has been little documented evidence of Heyward-Bey's improvement. It will be interesting to watch the Raiders offense in the preseason, which should provide a adequate snapshot of the former Terp's improvement.
San Diego Chargers: Donald Butler Done for the Season
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Linebacker Donald Butler will have to wait another year to make his NFL debut.
The 2010 second-round pick suffered a torn Achilles that will sideline him for the entire season.
The Chargers were hoping to use Butler heavily on special teams but should be fine with James Holt and Antwan Applewhite ready to fill the void.
Kansas City Chiefs: Tony Moeaki Turning Heads
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The Chiefs are looking for help at tight end and may have found it in the form of rookie Tony Moeaki.
The former Iowa tight end shined during Wednesday's practice and impressed head coach Todd Haley.
Moeaki figures to get plenty of playing time as a rookie, especially if he impresses the Chiefs with his ability to block in the running game.
San Francisco 49ers: Mike Iupati Getting Worked in
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With David Bass sidelined Wednesday, the 49ers worked top pick Mike Iupati with the first team offense for the entire practice.
Iupati might not begin the season as a starter but should move into the lineup at some point during his rookie season.
St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford Having His Ups and Downs
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Not surprisingly, Sam Bradford has looked good and bad during the opening days of Rams camp.
The richest rookie in NFL history has spent most of his time working with the second-team offense. The Rams will likely give him plenty of snaps with the first team unit throughout the preseason.
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