Atlanta Falcons 09/05/2006 10:14 AMThe Atlanta Constitution-Journal reports faced with the possibility of replacing middle LB Ed Hartwell for the season opener against Carolina, the Falcons might slip back into their linebacker shuffle mode. One scenario has LB Keith Brooking moving from weakside linebacker to middle linebacker and Demorrio Williams playing weak side with Michael Boley remaining at the strong-side position. The Boley-Brooking-Williams trio started 11 games together last season after Hartwell suffered an Achilles tendon injury and was placed on injured reserve. Hartwell had arthroscopic surgery on both knees on Aug. 28. Falcons HC Jim Mora was noncommittal when asked about his starting linebacker situation.Read more
Washington Redskins 09/05/2006 9:24 AMThe Washington Post reports in announcing the backup to starting QB Mark Brunell, Washington Redskins HC Joe Gibbs yesterday unveiled a nuanced, multilayered compromise that acknowledged the respective positions of quarterbacks Todd Collins and Jason Campbell, as well as new associate head coach Al Saunders. Should Brunell suffer an injury during the course of a game, Collins would be the first to replace him. But Gibbs's decision of making Collins his primary backup came with one important condition: Should the Redskins be without Brunell for at least a full week of practice, Campbell would be the game-day starter, with Collins assuming the backup responsibilities.Read more
Cincinnati Bengals 09/05/2006 8:57 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports the Bengals had a feeling this might happen â where they'd lose a player they wanted to keep. They had RB DeDe Dorsey earmarked for the practice squad, but that plan got upset when the Indianapolis Colts claimed him off waivers for their 53-man, Opening Day roster.Read more
Indianapolis Colts 09/01/2006 8:56 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports although the Colts drafted CB Tim Jennings in the second round of this year's draft, the crown jewel may have come later when they took Howard S Antoine Bethea in the sixth round. Bethea appears to be on the fast track with the Colts and have caught the eyes of the coaching staff with his progress, and one coach in particular, Head Coach Tony Dungy. "Antoine is coming along," Dungy said. "He has been a real eye-catcher in practice and in summer school and all of the way through, and it's continued on. He's gotten in the games and been very productive. He's been, I won't say a pleasant surprise because we expected that, but he's done really well. He hasn't slipped up at all."Read more
