San Francisco 49ers 10/25/2007 9:26 AMThe Mercury News reports the Alex Smith Watch yielded positive news Wednesday. The 49ers' third-year quarterback practiced without restrictions for the first time since separating his passing shoulder last month, putting him on course to return Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. "It was great to be back out there on the field and in the huddle, and not be sitting there watching," Smith said. "I shook a little rust off, because it's been a few weeks since I was able to take some reps and get comfortable with the shoulder." Barring any setbacks, Smith said he "absolutely" expected to start Sunday, when the 49ers will try to halt a four-game losing streak. The skid has been marked by a floundering offense that has put the 49ers' high expectations for this season on the ropes.Read more
Houston Texans 10/25/2007 9:24 AMThe Houston Chronicle reports WR Andre Johnson took another step toward returning to the Texans' lineup by joining the other receivers in individual drills for the first time since he sprained his knee the second week of the season at Carolina. But Texans coach Gary Kubiak noted Johnson won't be active against the Chargers. "I'd say that's still a reach until he gets out here in a competitive environment," Kubiak said. "We'll see how he responds (today)."Read more
Atlanta Falcons 10/25/2007 9:22 AMThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the surprise release of veteran NT Grady Jackson did not go over well in the Falcons locker room Wednesday. Coach Bobby Petrino said the decision was football-based, which stunned many players who felt the move was further validation of veterans being phased out under the new coaching regime. Several players declined comment, including TE Alge Crumpler, who three weeks ago said he felt veterans were being minimized. Two-time Pro Bowl selection CB DeAngelo Hall did not refuse comment. He critically summed up much of what other players would only say off the record.Read more
Jacksonville Jaguars 10/25/2007 9:19 AMThe Florida Times-Union reports when the Jaguars made the surprising decision to cut QB Byron Leftwich nine days before the start of the season and elevate QB David Garrard to starting quarterback, one factor tended to be overlooked. In the process, the Jaguars also promoted third-string QB Quinn Gray to the No. 2 job, even though the 28-year-old had played in just three NFL games. So when Garrard suffered a high ankle sprain Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts, Gray became the Jaguars' No. 1 quarterback, and the fifth-year pro from Florida A&M will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Read more
