Dave Richard chat replay (12/23)
Report: J.D. Walton's season in doubt
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
Hakeem Nicks noncommittal on future with Giants
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
Nicks also said he did promise coach Tom Coughlin he would attend voluntary OTA workouts but skipped them because he didn't want to open himself up to injury. Nicks broke his foot at OTA workouts last year. The receiver said he did apologize to his coach.
"At the end of the day, there's stuff that's mandatory and there's things that are not mandatory," he said. "From my eyes, anytime you can let your body rest [is good]. Football is a physical sport, and it's a long season, too. Anytime you can let your body rest, I feel like that's always a blessing."
Vincent Jackson backs Josh Freeman
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
The Tampa Tribune reports that Jackson said Freeman has returned as a far more comfortable and confident quarterback in Year 2 of offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan's system.
Ronnie Hillman wants bigger role
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
"You get that when you're a smaller guy," Hillman said, according to NFL.com. "You can't take the pounding, but I just brush it off. Of course you hear things. I'm not going to sit hear and say I don't hear what they say, but you just got to let it go. Obviously, getting 22 carries in negative 13-degree weather against the Ravens (in the divisional playoffs), they shouldn't have much else to say about that if they're paying attention."
The report says Hillman put on 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and now weighs 200 pounds. He said the Broncos actually want him to drop weight and play in the 190-to-195 range.
Hillman is competing for the starting job with rookie Montee Ball. Knowshon Moreno is also in the mix for playing time now that Willis McGahee has been released.
Vonta Leach close to finding team
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
"I know I can play in this league, and I've got some teams that are courting me," Leach said, according to the Daily Reflector. "In the next two weeks, I know where I'll be playing."
Leach has called a return to the Texans, where he earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2010, his first choice. He visited with the Dolphins last week. Nearly every team that features a fullback has been connected to Leach at some point in the last week.
"There are a lot of teams out there that want me; about seven teams," Leach said. "Me and my agent are going to take our time and see what's the best fit for me. I'm probably going to play three more years before I hang it up."
Christian Ponder scrutinized at minicamp
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
ESPN Radio in Minnesota was on the scene for Tuesday's practice and the reviews were not good. Per observer Judd Zulgad, a long-time beat writer for the Vikings, Ponder's footwork wasn't good and his passes weren't sharp. While he wasn't impressed, Zulgad did caution that this was minicamp and the Vikings are still installing plays and tinkering with the offense.
Matt Cassel was signed by the Vikings to back up Ponder, but there's slowly growing belief he could push for the starting job at some point.
Victor Cruz, Giants differ on compensation
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
The New York Post reports that it is believed the Giants are offering $12-15 million in guaranteed money, and Cruz is seeking $15-18 million in guaranteed money.
If Cruz did not sign the restricted free agent tender offer he was given he could have held out of training camp with no repercussions, as the Giants could not fine him because he would not have had a contract. That leverage is now gone for Cruz, who would incur fines of $30,000 for every day he held out of training camp.
Justin Smith signs two-year extension
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
Daryl Washington walking 'thin line'
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
Should that case reach a conclusion before the start of the 2013 season, Washington could face discipline from the league under the Personal Conduct Policy and that might extend his early season absence beyond the four-game suspension Washington will serve for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
"Well, it’s all up to him. He's had double incidents and, as an organization, that throws a red flag up," Arians said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "But I think Daryl is a very bright young man who understands the mistakes he's made, and he's walking a very thin line in the league right now. Super talented, but you have to adhere to the rules."
Vikings expecting John Sullivan back by camp
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
"Hopefully there are no setbacks between now and then," Frazier said. "Then when we get there we will plug him in right away. Unless they tell us there are some restrictions, we plan on plugging him in and going full speed ahead. From what I've been told there should not be any restrictions."
Sullivan has started every game he's played the last five years.
