2007 NFL Preseason Notes
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Last Updated: 8/31/07
NFL clubs trimmed their rosters to 75 players on Aug. 28. The final cutdown to 53 players is Sept. 1.
FRIDAY'S GAMES 8/31/07
Baltimore Ravens - QB Rotation: Steve McNair (1-2 series), Kyle Boller, rookie Troy Smith.
The Ravens' starters are expected to play the first quarter tonight, leaving the majority of the game to the players fighting for their NFL livelihood.
Brian Billick declined to say how long the starters would play Friday but said the lack of playing time in the weather-shortened loss to the Redskins affected the coaches' ability to evaluate the other players. "That hurt because it took away substantial snaps," he said. "Rookie guard Ben Grubbs got five snaps, and he was set to go the whole second half. So we've got to find a way to make it up, and we will do it this week."
Offensive line thin: With guard Chris Chester (foot) and tackle Steve Edwards (knee) nursing injuries, the offensive line featured a few different looks. At times, Jason Brown would move from left guard to center and Keydrick Vincent would fill the vacancy. Another look included Mike Flynn at center, Brown at left guard and Vincent at right guard.
OT Jonathan Ogden (turf toe) has not been practicing and first-round pick Ben Grubbs sprained his knee.
WR Mark Clayton will miss the remainder of the preseason because of a sprained ankle. Demetrius Williams will make his third straight start.
Secondary thin. Free safety Ed Reed (thigh bruise) likely won't play. With Samari Rolle expected to miss the final preseason game with an ankle injury, the Ravens have decided to start David Pittman at cornerback, the team's most surprising move this preseason. Pittman, a third-round pick in 2006, was a major disappointment last season when he failed to take control of the nickel back job and fell to the bottom of the depth chart.
Unlike many teams that play vanilla defense in the preseason, the Ravens are turning up the heat on quarterbacks. In their preseason opener, they blitzed linebackers and cornerbacks from every angle, punishing the Philadelphia Eagles with five sacks. "We don't make apologies to anybody," defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "It's not our job to protect your quarterback."
One justification for their aggressive style in meaningless games is evaluation purposes. "We're not out there to scrimmage," Ryan said. "We're out there to play a football game. And that's how we play. Playing passive is somebody else's defense."
RB Willis McGahee has struggled to hit his stride this preseason, gaining 35 yards on 14 carries (2.5-yard average).
The Ravens are playing the second leg of a three-game road stretch. They won't play at home until Sept. 16 against the New York Jets.
Atlanta Falcons - QB Rotation: Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, Casey Bramlet.
HC Bobby Petrino indicated that the starters would sit against the Ravens. He also said that players on the bubble of making the team could improve their position with a strong showing. They'll get their chance.
While Joey Harrington said he's used to playing twice in a short period of time thanks to his Thanksgiving Day games with the Lions, it's unlikely he will play Friday. The rest of the starters might not, either. Petrino prepared the starters for Minnesota on Wednesday, then sent them off for conditioning while the backups prepared for Baltimore.
"We haven't really decided yet, but we're leaning toward no," Petrino said when asked if the starters will play Friday. "That's a real quick turnaround -- Monday to Friday -- and the fact that they played into the third quarter on Monday."
QB D.J. Shockley is lost for the season to a left knee injury.
Defense banged up: Safety Lawyer Milloy was spotted with a boot on his foot and won't play. LB Keith Brooking (calf) and defensive end John Abraham (hip flexor) are out. The news wasn't so good for defensive back Chris Crocker and return man Allen Rossum. Rossum suffered a concussion against Cincinnati on Monday, and is extremely doubtful.
Bobby Petrino is the new head coach, coming over from Louisville.
A Petrino camp is a more business-like place, almost corporate. "He's all about football," owner Arthur Blank said of Petrino.
Petrino has not been hesitant to put his stamp on this team, either by promoting or demoting players, opening competition, moving players or by kicking them to the curb. The release of WR Fred Gibson three days into training camp sent a warning that there is no tolerance for not doing things the right way.
Indianapolis Colts - QB Rotation: Peyton Manning, Jim Sorgi, Josh Betts.
After going through pregame warm-ups, many of the Colts' marquee players are expected to watch. QB Peyton Manning and more than a dozen other starters have been held out of the preseason finale the past two years, and will also be against the Bengals.
"Most of the first team will not play," Dungy said. "There will be some guys, especially some of our younger guys, who will play and we're going to try to monitor that.
Tight ends thin.
D-Line weak: DT Anthony McFarland will miss the season after a serious knee injury. Defensive lineman Corey Simon was let go.
With McFarland out, the Colts will move forward with Raheem Brock at one starting defensive tackle spot. The list of replacements for the other spot is long, but short on pedigree. Darrell Reid and Dan Klecko have appeared in a combined 62 games but share only four starts. Four of the other five prospects are rookies, including third-round draft pick Quinn Pitcock and seventh-rounder Keyunta Dawson, who has been moved inside after spending most of the offseason at end.
Cincinnati Bengals - QB Rotation: Carson Palmer, Doug Johnson, rookies Jeff Rowe and Jeff Smith.
Neither team is expected to play its starters very long, if at all. Carson Palmer and most of the Bengals' first offense probably won't play more than one series.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said, "Our goal is to get to Sept. 10 and be the best team we can be. We've gotten some good work in this preseason. It's a matter of playing with speed and energy. Guys are competing to be guys on the back end of the roster. Our goal is Sept. 10."
Second-round draft pick RB Kenny Irons is out for the season with a torn ACL. Irons was expected to provide depth behind Rudi Johnson this year.
Offensive line changes: Gone are center Rich Braham and left guard Eric Steinbach from 2006. Eric Ghiaciuc takes over at center, while either Stacy Andrews or Andrew Whitworth will play left guard. 12-year right tackle Willie Anderson has not been practicing. The Bengals will benefit more if he doesn't have to take all the rigors of a normal training camp.
Depth on the defensive line is a concern.
Young linebackers: The Bengals' starting three linebackers are: Ahmad Brooks in the middle and Landon Johnson and Rashad Jeanty on the outside. Newcomer Lemar Marshall adds depth and experience to a youthful group. Only Ed Hartwell has played more than three previous seasons in the league.
THURSDAY'S GAMES 8/30/07
Buffalo Bills - QB Rotation: J.P. Losman (1-2 series), Craig Nall (1-2 series), rookie Trent Edwards (will finish the game).
Coach Dick Jauron said that QB J.P. Losman and the rest of the veteran starters would play two series "at the most." Jauron said Craig Nall would relieve Losman at quarterback and play a series or two, depending on how the game goes. Rookie Trent Edwards then would play the rest of the game.
Cornerback Terrence McGee will not play due to the concussion he suffered against Tennessee Friday. WR Lee Evans (sore calf) is very likely to sit out.
Secondary hurting: Backup cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas is expected to play in the preseason finale despite dislocating a finger on his left hand Monday. Buffalo will play without starting cornerback Terrence McGee, who is recovering from a concussion last week.
Jauron said that even with the opening game against Denver just two weeks away, he hasn't decided who the team's starting right guard will be.
The offensive line is starting to get hit with some injuries. Second-year man Brad Butler, who was involved in the competition at right guard, has been out almost a week with a hamstring injury, and as he continues to limp. Now second-year man Aaron Merz is sitting out with a shoulder injury.
The Bills plan to use more three-and four-receiver formations because they know they must involve WRs Reed and Parrish.
Cornerback depth a concern: They dealt Nate Clements in the offseason, and 8-year veteran CB Jason Webster has missed two practices with a leg injury. Other CB options are Kiwaukee Thomas, Ashton Youboty and Jabari Greer. "Webster is ahead of those guys, but we need depth at that position," Bills defensive backs coach George Catavolos said.
Detroit Lions - QB Rotation: J.T. O'Sullivan, Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky, Phil Horvath (see below).
J.T. O'Sullivan will start and play most of the game. Lions QB Jon Kitna (back spasms) won't play. QB Dan Orlovsky didn't practice or play last week because of turf toe.
At least 10 starters won't play, including QB Jon Kitna, WRs Roy Williams and Mike Furrey, defensive tackles Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding, and LB Ernie Sims.
Secondary thin: Daniel Bullocks, whose range and tackling had upgraded the free safety position, is out for the season because of a knee injury sustained Saturday. Idrees Bashir and rookie Gerald Alexander will compete for the job.
The Lions have increased the amount of game-plan preparation for the last two exhibition games, but the emphasis is still on how they perform, not the opponent.
NY Giants - QB Rotation: Eli Manning (1-2 series), Jared Lorenzen (most of the snaps), Anthony Wright, Tim Hasselbeck.
It's a cameo appearance by the starters in the preseason finale in New England. QB Eli Manning figures to play no more than one or two series. Jared Lorenzen will get the most time, while either Anthony Wright or Tim Hasselbeck will mop up. Tom Coughlin said Reuben Droughns will play both FB and RB against New England.
LB Kawika Mitchell, who strained his groin on Saturday is likely out and LB Gerris Wilkinson is recovering from a knee injury suffered early in camp. LB Reggie Torbor will be the starter on the weak side for now.
Cornerback Sam Madison, who pulled his hamstring, will probably be out. Safety Will Demps is expected to miss two weeks with a dislocated right elbow. At corner, Madison's absence will most likely be filled by Corey Webster, the team's second-round pick in 2005. The other options are rookie Aaron Ross and second-year corner Kevin Dockery.
WRs thin. Plaxico Burress has back trouble and spent the entire practice session getting treatment inside the Giants' locker room. With so many injured players already to deal with, coach Tom Coughlin admitted that it's troubling not to have his No. 1 wide receiver on the field for the final practice before the preseason finale. WR Sinorice Moss (ankle) is hurting along with WR David Tyree (out). WR Michael Jennings is out for the season. WR Amani Toomer is still testing his reconstructed knee. TE Jeremy Shockey is experiencing "tightness" in his hamstring.
HC Tom Coughlin brought in Chris Palmer as QB coach and moved Kevin Gilbride over to offensive coordinator.
New England Patriots - QB Rotation: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel, Vinnie Testaverde, rookie Matt Gutierrez.
QB Matt Cassel figures to take most of the snaps for the Patriots.
Bill Belichick previously noted that many of the players who suited up for last Friday's victory over the Panthers won't see as much action tonight. So don't expect to see most first-stringers for long, if at all.
WRs thin: Jabar Gaffney was sidelined for the second day in a row with what appeared to be a leg injury, while Randy Moss remained out of practice, as he has since pulling up Aug. 1
NY Jets - QB Rotation: Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens, Marques Tuiasosopo, rookie Brett Ratliff.
The final preseason game should go a long way in clearing up the backup QB situation. Kellen Clemens has solidified the No. 2 spot, but either Marques Tuiasosopo or Brad Smith could be named third-string.
QB Chad Pennington, who has led the Jets to just one TD and two field goals in 14 series this preseason, insisted he's not worried about the offense. Coach Eric Mangini said he's undecided on whether the starters will play vs. the Eagles. He said he'll likely decide on a "case-by-case" basis.
RB Thomas Jones (leg) is still ailing and won't play. RB Leon Washington has been starting, but the Jets are looking for a third back, and rookie free agent Danny Ware could be their guy. Rookie free agent Alvin Banks and veteran Tony Hollings are also in the mix.
With Pete Kendall traded late last week to the Redskins, the offensive line, which strives on chemistry and continuity, has become a significant question mark after weeks of rotating left guards in and out of the lineup.
They will turn over the left-guard job to rookie Jacob Bender or Adrien Clarke, whose NFL resume consists of only 13 games and four starts, all with the Eagles in 2005. Clarke started the first two preseason games, but Bender, a sixth-round pick from Nicholls State, is working with the regulars this week. The Jets have brought back retired offensive lineman Lomas Brown to work with D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
The offense is in the second year of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's high-tech scheme that features an array of shifts and motions.
Philadelphia Eagles - QB Rotation: A.J. Feeley (will start), Donovan McNabb, rookie Kevin Kolb (see below).
A.J. Feeley will be the starting quarterback, but rookie QB Kevin Kolb should see most of the action. The majority of the projected opening-day starters will be on the sideline.
RG Shawn Andrews (ankle), DT Ian Scott (knee), SS Sean Considine (concussion) and LaJuan Ramsey (ankle) will not dress. OG Scott Young (knee) is expected to play. TE L.J. Smith (groin) is questionable.
Last week, it was an emotional one for the Eagles, as LB Jeremiah Trotter, one of the more popular players in team history and a four-time Pro Bowler, was released in a surprising move. Following an emotionally charged 20 hours that culminated with a tearful meeting with his former teammates and coaches, Trotter agreed that the decision made by head coach Andy Reid to let him go was the correct one. "This one hit me like a ton of bricks," Brian Dawkins said. "I was shocked," QB McNabb said.
Defensive line thin: DTs Montae Reagor and Ian Scott continue to miss practice time with knee injuries.
Washington Redskins - QB Rotation: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Mark Brunell, rookie Jordan Palmer (see below).
After injuring his left knee in the Washington Redskins' second preseason game on Aug. 18, QB Jason Campbell is set to start.Campbell said he hopes to get into a "quick rhythm" against the Jaguars and does not expect to play too long.
Tailback Clinton Portis, who has missed nearly all of training camp with tendinitis in his right knee, returned for Tuesday's practice and also could play. Joe Gibbs said that Portis ideally would be able to get four or five. carries
Left tackle Chris Samuels (knee sprain) still is not practicing fully and will not play, while left guard Pete Kendall, acquired from the Jets last week, practiced with the Redskins for the first time and will play with the starters. Cornerback Shawn Springs (Achilles' tendon) expects to be back for the game, while LB Marcus Washington (dislocated elbow) returned to practice but will not play in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Rotation: Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, Quinn Gray, Lester Ricard (see below).
The first-stringers will only play a series or two. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said No. 3 QB Quinn Gray will take the majority of the snaps Thursday.
The first-team offense's opportunities to continue testing the new plays have been virtually eliminated. Against the Redskins, the first-team offense will see little action.
Del Rio said that the players that missed last week's game at Green Bay will not play on Thursday.
Inconsistent and struggling appears to be the current state of the club's first-team offense. The Jaguars are averaging 348 yards per game, with 242.3 coming from the passing game so far this preseason. But Leftwich's completion percentage (50 percent) and 77.3 passer rating have drawn scrutiny, especially when comparing his numbers to those of backup David Garrard, who is completing 78.4 percent of his passes and has a 118.4 passer rating.
Jacksonville has a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter, the former Boise State and Arizona State pass-happy coach.
DE Paul Spicer will sit out of Thursday's preseason finale because of recurring back spasms.
Rookie safety Reggie Nelson has been hurting. Second-year player Jamaal Fudge and veteran Sammy Knight have replaced him.
Jaguars center Brad Meester broke a bone in his right foot and will be sidelined at least 7 weeks. Meester has started 108 games for Jacksonville in seven years.
Cleveland Browns - QB Rotation: Charlie Frye (1-2 series), Derek Anderson (will follow), rookie Brady Quinn (extra playing time), Ken Dorsey (see below).
Coach Romeo Crennel said Charlie Frye will start in Chicago and Derek Anderson will come in next. Because the starters usually only play a series or two, Brady Quinn might get a fair amount of playing time.
Rob Chudzinski is the Browns new offensive coordinator.
Browns center LeCharles Bentley was placed Tuesday on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, meaning he will have at least the first six weeks of the season. Starting left guard Eric Steinbach (knee) is back at practice but not 100%.
The O-line has been in flux with right tackle Ryan Tucker getting suspended the first four games of the season because of steroid use. That bumped rookie Joe Thomas up to the starting job at left tackle and moved Kevin Shaffer from left to right. Backup guard/center Lennie Friedman has worked in Steinbach's place.
Browns DE Orpheus Roye, a 12-year pro, will undergo arthroscopic on his right knee and be lost for the rest of the preseason. It's a blow to their 3-4 defense. While Roye is out, four players will try out in his place: backup NT Shaun Smith, J'Vonne Parker, Simon Fraser and Orien Harris.
Chicago Bears - QB Rotation: Rex Grossman (2-3 series), Brian Griese, Kyle Orton, rookie Chris Leak (see below).
Lovie Smith said starters will play a quarter at the most, and don't be surprised if their workload is less than that. His strategy for this game is that it's more about evaluating the back end of the roster.
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris is expected to see his first action, which will be good to gauge where his stamina is with the opener at San Diego 10 days away.
The Bears have remained mostly healthy through the first three games and figure to use this game as a measuring stick for one or two final cuts and decisions about the practice squad. The roster must be cut to 53 by Saturday.
Love Smith likes the depth: "It's the deepest team we've had. We have to see how it turns out, but we talk a lot about getting our 53-man roster as strong as we could. I would definitely say that is the case. We have good backups."
Dallas Cowboys - QB Rotation: Tony Romo, Brad Johnson, Richard Bartel and Matt Moore (see below).
QB Tony Romo and the rest of the starters won't play much in the preseason finale at Minnesota. Former Vikings QB Brad Johnson will return to the Metrodome and should see plenty of playing time. Wade Phillips wants to give several players who are fighting for roster spots an opportunity to prove themselves. QB Matt Moore is one of those players who could use one more game of extended time.
The Cowboys don't have a lot of decisions left to make. All of the starting jobs have been decided.
With Terence Newman hobbled and questionable for the season opener, the Cowboys need to find someone they can count on to fill in at one corner. They have little confidence in Aaron Glenn, Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas, Nate Jones, Alan Ball and Quincy Butler. They all will get a chance to step up against the Vikings. If not, the Cowboys might be scanning the waiver wire for help.
Secondary thin: Cornerback was already a concern, and made worse by CB Terence Newman nursing an acute plantar fascia injury. Saturday's game exposed nickel corner Aaron Glenn, who was trying to replace Newman, for what he is: an aging, undersized corner who can't cover the bigger, more physical receivers. And Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas and Alan Ball still look raw and unpolished.
Look for more blitzing: The Cowboys were a read-and-react defensive scheme under Bill Parcells, but Phillips and new DC Brian Stewart bring in more of an attacking, disruptive philosophy. They also want defensive players to take third-down conversions personally.
Phillips has tweaked the 3-4 defensive scheme, moving strong safety Roy Williams closer to the line of scrimmage and allowing outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware, and when healthy, Greg Ellis to blitz more.
Wade Phillips is the new coach (Chargers' defensive coordinator in 2006).
Minnesota Vikings - QB Rotation: Tarvaris Jackson (one series), Brooks Bollinger, Kelly Holcomb, Tyrus Thigpen (see below).
QB Jackson is expected to play only the first series with the other starters. Brooks Bollinger will replace Jackson but the plan is to get the newly obtained Kelly Holcomb some work as well.
Bollinger has played his way out of the competition with Jackson with a 30.4 passer rating, including two interceptions at Seattle on Saturday.
Safeties Mike Doss (calf) and Tank Williams (unknown) and receiver Bobby Wade (ankle) might sit out the preseason finale on Thursday. Linebacker Vinny Ciuricu (finger) is expected to return after missing a game.
QB Brooks Bollinger played four series last week and completed six of 11 passes for 52 yards with two interceptions and one sack. Bollinger appeared indecisive, a major no-no in a scheme that stresses quick decision-making, and posted a dismal 27.7 quarterback rating.
The Vikings acquired veteran QB Kelly Holcomb in a trade with the Eagles on Monday. Holcomb, 34, is entering his 12th season and has 21 career starts, nearly twice as many as the other three quarterbacks on the Vikings' roster combined.
The Vikings have a new defensive coordinator in Leslie Frazier.
Green Bay Packers - QB Rotation: Brett Favre (2-3 series), Aaron Rodgers, rookie Paul Thompson.
Coach Mike McCarthy said QB Brett Favre would play two and possibly three series in Tennessee. He had considered not using him at all. Green Bay's top two running backs are out, so Noah Herron will get the start and rookie DeShawn Wynn will get a long look as well.
RB Noah Herron will start at running back for injured Brandon Jackson, backed by rookie DeSahwn Wynn and Corey White. Vernand Morency, who has been sidelined since July 28 with a patellar strain, has hopes of playing against the Eagles.
The Packers lost Pro Bowl WR Donald Driver to a foot sprain. James Jones will start at flanker for injured Donald Driver. When the Packers use three wide receivers, Greg Jennings will replace Driver in the slot and Ruvell Martin will work at split end.
Coach Mike McCarthy's decision to withhold starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson against the Titans means Jarrett Bush and Will Blackmon will start and the others will play even more than usual.
Cornerback Tramon Williams will return punts Thursday in Tennessee. On kickoffs, Stock said he'd go with David Clowney, Noah Herron and DeShawn Wynn against the Titans.
Out of the Tennessee game are wide receivers Donald Driver (foot) and Shaun Bodiford (knee), tackle Tony Moll (stinger), guards Jason Spitz (calf) and Tony Palmer (hamstring), running backs Vernand Morency (knee) and Jackson, defensive ends Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) and Montgomery, linebackers Spencer Havner (back) and (knee), and rookie Aaron Rouse.
Tennessee Titans - QB Rotation: Vince Young (first half and into the 3rd Q), Kerry Collins, Tim Rattay (see below).
The first-team offense is expected to get its most extensive playing time of the preseason. Most starters will play into the third quarter. Defensive tackle Corey Simon, signed on Tuesday, should get his first action as a Titan.
RB Chris Henry (hamstring) and defensive end Antwan Odom (hip flexor) did not practice Tuesday, but Fisher said they have a chance to play Thursday night in the preseason finale against the Packers.
Fisher added about the defense: "We are limited. We have 60 minutes and probably 70 defensive plays and we are going to play a lot of people."
With the emergence of Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan, it's almost certain the Titans will have two new starting cornerbacks in the regular season opener. That would end Reynaldo Hill's run of two years as a starter. He missed a significant portion of training camp with a groin injury. Nick Harper is the starter on the left side and Griffin's recent play could have the rookie in line to start on the right side.
Defensive line thin: Needing depth for a unit hit hard by injuries, the Titans claimed former Panthers defensive end Jason Hall off waivers. The Titans have lost two rookie defensive linemen for the season: end Jacob Ford with a torn Achilles and tackle Antonio Johnson with an ACL injury.
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Houston Texans - QB Rotation: Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels, rookie Jared Zabransky (see below).
Because QBs Quinton Porter and Bradlee Van Pelt were waived Sunday, rookie Jared Zabransky is going to get extensive playing time against the Buccaneers. Matt Schaub isn't expected to play against the Buccaneers. Kubiak said, "It's obvious we're going to play Zabransky a great deal. How much Sage Rosenfels plays, I'll let you know."
30-year old RB Ahman Green hasn't played much. The bulk of the carries has been split between Wali Lundy and Samkon Gado, who are battling for the No. 3 job.
Secondary thin: Secondary coach Jon Hoke is taking volunteers to play safety in practice. Starters C.C. Brown and Jason Simmons suffered bruised shoulders against Dallas. Rookie Brandon Harrison suffered a concussion.
The Texans have lost starting strong safety Glenn Earl for the entire 2007 season.
New offensive coordinator Mike Sherman is putting in a plan for more balance to the offense this fall.
Tampa Bay Bucs - QB Rotation: Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms.
Chris Simms will get more playing time against Houston.
Offensive line problems: Rookie left guard Arron Sears is on crutches and out 10 days. Reserve guard Jeb Terry suffered an ankle injury against Jacksonville and center John Wade was overcome by the stifling conditions at the Buccaneers' complex last weel.
Jeff Garcia's presence has prompted Coach Jon Gruden to consider the shotgun as a legitimate option for his version of the West Coast attack. Gruden is eager to expand his playbook in terms of rollouts and bootlegs to capitalize on Garcia's mobility.
Defensively, the Bucs are considering new packages in an effort to disrupt timing and generate more heat on opposing quarterbacks. Last season, QBs feasted against Tampa Bay's defense, posting a cumulative 91.0 rating.
Don't be surprised if new MLB Jerry Mackey sees substantial playing time in the final preseason game.
Mackey, 22, was reacquired in a trade with the Jets on Tuesday, three days after Antoine Cash suffered a season-ending knee injury at Jacksonville.
Gruden has been preaching for an aggressive team. "We've got to be a more physical football team," Gruden said. "That was an area that got away from us a bit last year. This year, I want to see us hit in most every practice. And I want us to hit hard."
K.C. Chiefs - QB Rotation: Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle, Casey Printers, rookie Jeff Terrell.
Damon Huard, who is nursing a sore calf, went through a full workout with his teammates Monday. But he still isn.5?t sure whether he'll play in the preseason finale at St. Louis. Herm Edwards has named Huard the starting quarterback over Brodie Croyle.
RB Larry Johnson said he intends to play in Thursday's preseason finale against St. Louis. The more likely scenario, coach Herm Edwards hinted, is that Johnson will only be in for a few series.
Edwards wants to see plenty of QB Brodie Croyle. "Brodie's going to get more snaps in the preseason," Edwards said. "Because he's a young quarterback, and Damon's a veteran. He doesn't need as many snaps."
Cornerback depth a concern. Veteran starters Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are fine, but the pickings are slim after that.
St. Louis Rams - QB Rotation: Marc Bulger, Gus Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brock Berlin.
In last year's exhibition finale, 20 of the 22 opening-day starters didn't play. Neither did No. 2 quarterback Gus Frerotte. Linehan is expected to take a similar approach tonight. The starting offense has yet to score a touchdown in the preseason.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a cracked rib and is unlikely to play. Brock Berlin gets another opportunity to impress the bosses.
RB Brian Leonard got in "just a couple of plays" at fullback vs. the Raiders. Leonard, who bruised both hands in the game, skipped contact drills Sunday. RB Steven Jackson has suited up, taken the field for the opening series, and then exited after one play in each of the past two exhibition games.
The Rams plan to use more two-tight end sets this season.
WR Torry Holt admits he isn't completely healthy. Holt had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. Six months later, he says the joint is "about 70, 80 percent."
They have a revamped defensive front with Leonard Little at left end; former Detroit Lion James Hall at right end; La'Roi Glover and rookie Adam Carriker at tackle.
Pittsburgh Steelers - QB Rotation: Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Brian St. Pierre, Bryan Randall.
Mike Tomlin will stick with the same starting lineup as the one that opened Sunday's game against Philadelphia. That means the offensive line with Willie Colon at right tackle and Sean Mahan at center and the secondary with Deshea Townsend at cornerback and Ryan Clark at free safety.
WR Hines Ward has a broken nose and is likely out. Tight ends Heath Miller (shoulder) and Jerame Tuman (back) are hurting.
Fifth game for the Steelers, after opening in the Hall of Fame Game (8/5).
HC Mike Tomlin, the former defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, was hired by the Steelers. He is just their third coach in 38 years.
The Steelers plan to zone block more often this season.
Carolina Panthers - QB Rotation: Jake Delhomme, Dalton Bell, David Carr (see below).
Undrafted rookie QB Dalton Bell from West Texas A&M will likely get most of the snaps Thursday. Bell has had a lot more work the past two practices as the Panthers have lost Brett Basanez (wrist) for the season. Bell's quarterback coach last year at West Texas A&M was Ryan Leaf.
QB Brett Basanez suffered ligament damage in his right wrist and will sit out the season. Backup QB David Carr is playing with a broken small toe on his right foot.
The Panthers are using zone-blocking schemes this season, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style.
Offensive line shuffling. Fox has been saying since the start of camp he wanted to experiment with different combinations. Former second-teamer Geoff Hangartner slid into the first team at right guard, with Justin Hartwig moving back to center. Right tackle Jordan Gross, left guard Mike Wahle and left tackle Travelle Wharton stayed in the spots they've been in most of camp. But it's clear the Panthers haven't made any long-term decisions at center and right guard.
They opened camp with Jeremy Bridges working with the first team at right guard and Hartwig at center, but Bridges has been suspended for the first two games of the season. They put rookie Ryan Kalil at center and shifted Hartwig to right guard.
They have a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Davidson, who is revamping the Carolina offense from a year ago, when it was run by Dan Henning.
Miami Dolphins - QB Rotation: Trent Green, Cleo Lemon, rookie John Beck, Gibran Hamdan.
Although Cameron said last week he won't use any starters in the final preseason game against the Saints, he said there's a chance some could get in the game. Just don't expect any of them to be players like QB Trent Green or defensive end Jason Taylor.
Instead, the playing time could be reserved for guys who still are fighting for first-team jobs. "If any, very few will play," Cam Cameron said. "What we're going to do Thursday is predicated on how we practice Wednesday. We're still an improving team, and if we go out and shut it down for two days, there'll be a lot more guys playing Thursday night than we would anticipate."
They have a revamped offensive line.
Cam Cameron is the Dolphins new head coach, after being offensive coordinator of the Chargers in 2006.
Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. He should miss all the preseason.
New Orleans Saints - QB Rotation: Drew Brees, Jamie Martin, Matt Baker, rookie Tyler Palko, Jason Fife (see below).
Drew Brees won't play. Sean Payton said it's likely he'll keep other front-line players on the sideline as well. "I'm probably going to start Jamie Martin and give him a good half's worth of work, and go with Tyler Palko in the second half," Payton said. "There's a good chance I'll sit a number of guys."
Fifth game for the Saints, after opening in the Hall of Fame Game (8/5).
WRs thin: Saints WR Marques Colston (sore right knee) has missed two straight games and Devery Henderson (hamstring) is ailing.
First round pick WR Robert Meachem appears tentative. His progress during camp has been slow. Meachem has gotten his share of first-team reps, but he can't seem to make a breakthrough. When Devery Henderson and David Patten were out with injuries at the beginning of last week, Moore was running with the first group. Don't look for much from Meachem this season.
Arizona Cardinals - QB Rotation: Matt Leinart, Kurt Warner, Shane Boyd, Lang Campbell.
Ken Whisenhunt revealed said that the three biggest jobs up for grabs have been awarded: free-agent signee Roderick Hood will start at one corner opposite Eric Green; Calvin Pace will start as the strong side outside LB in place of injured Chike Okeafor; and another free-agent signee, Terrence Holt, will start at deep safety alongside Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson.
None of the decisions really came as a surprise. CB Antrel Rolle, the former first-round draft pick, has looked lackadaisical a little too often and his play have not impressed the new coaching staff.
Potential season-ending injuries to two starters have moved first-round draft pick Levi Brown into Arizona's starting lineup and triggered a battle for the outside linebacker job. Offensive right tackle Oliver Ross and outside LB Chike Okeafor were hurt and both might require surgery. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Brown, the No. 5 pick overall in this year's draft, would move to Ross' spot, with Darryl Blackstock and Calvin Pace competing for Okeafor's job.
After an impressive performance in the first preseason game, the Cardinals defense has yielded more than 400 yards and 30 points combined in the first halves of the past two preseason games.
Ken Whisenhunt, the 2006 Steelers offensive coordinator, is the new Cardinals head coach. Whisenhunt is going to call plays.
The new coach wants the Cardinals to be more of a run-oriented team.
Denver Broncos - QB Rotation: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey, Darrell Hackney, Preston Parsons.
The first team is not expected to play in the preseason finale.
RBs thin: RB Travis Henry has a sprained left knee and backup RB Mike Bell strained his left hip. Henry was able to walk without help to the locker room, and the MRI revealed he should return before Bell. Tests on Bell's hip delivered news he will be out two weeks, the rest of the preseason. Denver signed tailback Cedric Cobbs last week.
The Broncos have proved to be a running machine regardless of whether Chris Myers or Ben Hamilton is at left guard, Erik Pears or Chad Mustard is at right tackle, or Travis Henry or Selvin Young is at tailback.
Four of Cutler's projected top five receivers - Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, Brandon Stokley and Rod Smith - are banged up. Rod Smith is coming off hip surgery and out. The Broncos expect the No. 2 WR Brandon Marshall to play, but No. 3 WR Brandon Stokley continues to be bothered by a thigh injury.
Offensive line thin. Left guard Ben Hamilton has missed significant time with a concussion. Left tackle Matt Lepsis has been out with a pulled groin. Right guard Chris Kuper was replaced on the first-team by Montrae Holland.
Starting LB Ebenezer Ekuban suffered a torn Achilles tendon and is out for the season. That means more work for
first-round draft pick Jarvis Moss.
Mike Shanahan fired most of the defensive staff in the offseason, including DC Larry Coyer, and hired Jim Bates, whose M.O. is forcing turnovers by getting pressure on the quarterback.
San Fran 49ers - QB Rotation: Alex Smith (12 snaps), Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill (see below).
Mike Nolan said his first units will play "12 snaps or the first quarter, whichever comes first."
Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore (broken right hand) will not play.
That has meant running backs Michael Robinson, Maurice Hicks and Thomas Clayton have carried the load throughout the preseason.
RTs Kwame Harris and rookie Joe Staley will rotate every second series once again as the 49ers Thursday in San Diego.
The 49ers haven't sacked a starting quarterback this summer, and against the Bears the pass coverage was horrendous.
Starting NT Aubrayo Franklin (knee) will miss the entire preseason. He is the centerpiece of Nolan's three-year scheme to install a true 3-4 defense in San Francisco. Isaac Sopoaga and rookie Joe Cohen will get the first chance to replace Franklin.
The first-team defense, still playing without starting nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin and left end Bryant Young, surrendered all 31 points in the first half last week.
San Diego Chargers - QB Rotation: Philip Rivers (10 plays), Billy Volek (one quarter), Charlie Whitehurst (see below).
The starters will be in for about 10 plays. QB Billy Volek again will follow Philip Rivers at quarterback, but only for about a quarter, leaving the rest of the game to Charlie Whitehurst.
RBs thin: LaDainian Tomlinson will not play in Thursday's exhibition finale. Michael Turner would have carried a few times but now will not play. Turner suffered a high ankle sprain Saturday, though they injury was not major.
Norv Turner is the new head coach. He was the 49ers OC last year.
The Chargers will be without starting WR Eric Parker for as many as six games (toe surgery).
Oakland Raiders - QB Rotation: Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper, Andrew Walter, JaMarcus Russell (see below).
QBs Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper will continue to split reps with the Raiders' first offense in practice. Both will also share time in Thursday's preseason finale, with McCown starting and Culpepper coming in as his backup. The rest of the starters will play about one series.
"It's become a two-man race," HC Lane Kiffin said. "We'll let both guys play in this game. I don't have the exact reps (but) we'll play it by ear. We're still going to evaluate the two of them for the starting job."
The Raiders traded for Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren on last week.
Former USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, 31, is the Raiders new head coach.
Seattle Seahawks - QB Rotation: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, David Greene, rookie Derek Devine.
The starters should play just one series. The starting lineups on offense and defense are set for the Seahawks, so the emphasis in the last two exhibition games is determining who will round out the depth chart on the 53-man regular-season roster.
"We have some very competitive battles for the depth positions on the team, and in games three and four [of exhibition play] it's absolutely essential that we allow those young guys to play, to allow them to try and make the team," coach Mike Holmgren said last week. "That's my number one thing in games three and four."
Defensive coordinator John Marshall is devising more blitz schemes, involving more players.
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