| NFL: |
| NFLPA head Gene Upshaw dies at 63 (AP) |
Gene Upshaw, a towering lineman on the football field who went on to win untold millions of dollars for NFL players as their union leader, has died at age 63. Upshaw had a Hall of Fame career as a guard for the Oakland Raiders -- a team that won two of the three Super Bowls it reached during his 15 years in a black and silver jersey.
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| Rams RB Jackson signs 6-year, $44M deal (AP) |
Steven Jackson signed a six-year, $44 million contract, ended a 27-day holdout, and was on the field for practice with the St. Louis Rams on Thursday. And all was forgiven. Coach Scott Linehan, who conducted a month of practices without the centerpiece of the offense, joked that he gave Jackson "a big hug" and then asked for a loan.
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| Steelers give LB Farrior 5 years, $18.2M (AP) |
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker James Farrior to a five-year, $18.2 million contract extension that includes a $5 million signing bonus. Farrior was signed through this season, but the 12-year-veteran had hoped to sign an extension that would keep him in Pittsburgh until he retired. "That's the game plan, to finish out my career here," Farrior said.
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| Dolphins' Brown likely to miss next game (AP) |
| Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will likely miss Saturday's exhibition against the Kansas City Chiefs with a strained right thumb. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Thursday that Brown is not expected to play. Brown, who was injured in Saturday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been wearing a wrap around his thumb and has not participated in contact drills this week. |
| Patriots sign veteran OL Mike Flynn (AP) |
| The New England Patriots signed 10-year veteran Mike Flynn on Thursday in a move to shore up an injury-depleted offensive line. The 34-year-old played his entire NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens before he was released in February. He can play both center and guard. The Patriots have been battling injuries on the line throughout the preseason. |
| Broncos' Pittman adjusts to new role (AP) |
| When Michael Pittman arrived in Denver, he told the coaches he'd do whatever was asked of him. Little did he know they'd take him at his word. After spending the last decade as an NFL tailback, Pittman has been moved to fullback for the Broncos. He's not thrilled with the move, but he knows this: he'd rather be a lead blocker than a sideline spectator or even a former player. |
| Bengals hoping Henry avoids trouble (AP) |
Chris Henry's return hasn't made much of an impact on his Cincinnati Bengals teammates, who have tried many times already to help the troubled receiver change his life. Now, they say it's entirely up to Henry to make good on his latest, unexpected chance. "There's not too much you can do, to be honest with you," receiver T.J.
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| Seahawks QB Hasselbeck sits out again (AP) |
| Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did not practice again because of a stiff back on Wednesday, and he may also miss his second consecutive preseason game against San Diego. Coach Mike Holmgren is trying to ensure Hasselbeck is ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at Buffalo. "Absolutely your starting quarterback has to be ready for the first regular-season game," Holmgren said... |
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