New York Jets 09/30/2006 10:20 AMThe Star-Ledger reports as the Jets attempt to solve the puzzle that is their struggling running game, one thing is clear -- rookie C Nick Mangold is part of the solution, not the problem. Mangold, a first-round pick (29th overall) out of Ohio State, was forced into the starting lineup during training camp when veteran C Trey Teague suffereda broken left ankle in June. The last time a Jets rookie was forced to replace a starter during camp was 2003, when Dewayne Robertson took over for veteran Josh Evans, who was suspended four games for substance abuse. Robertson, like Mangold, took his lumps. Mangold, however, is giving as much as he is receiving, despite playing one of the most demanding positions on the field. He must make all the line calls and battle cagey veterans in the NFL trenches.Read more
Atlanta Falcons 09/30/2006 10:20 AMThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Falcons DE John Abraham did not practice again Friday, and though he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Arizona at the Georgia Dome, signals are he won't play again until the Oct. 15 home game against the New York Giants. Minus Abraham, the Falcons' pass rush has not been as imposing. Atlanta had four sacks in a 20-6 season-opening victory at Carolina, with Abraham contributing two. In the next two games, the Falcons managed two combined sacks.Read more
Miami Dolphins 09/30/2006 10:17 AMThe Palm Beach Post reports CB Travis Daniels should see more playing time, and might even start, against Houston after his return as a reserve last week, Dolphins HC Nick Saban said Friday. Daniels, who missed the first two games of the season with a severe ankle sprain, sealed Miami's 13-10 win against Tennessee last week with an interception with two minutes left. Daniels returned to the first-team defense Wednesday and has said his ankle did not bother him after his return against Tennessee.Read more
Philadelphia Eagles 09/30/2006 10:14 AMThe Trenton Times reports while there is little doubt S Brian Dawkins will rebound from a concussion sustained last week and start Monday night against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field, the injury-depleted Eagles' secondary could be in for an added boost. But only if CB Lito Sheppard, out since suffering a high ankle sprain against the Texans during Week 1, is able to make it back to the practice field today.Read more
