Training Camp Notes

[Mr. Television]

NFL camps: Eagles say Terrell Owens isn't faking groin injuryFriday, August 5, 2005 Updated at 2:33 AM EDT

Associated Press

New York — Disgruntled All-Pro receiver Terrell Owens isn't faking a groin injury, Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid says.

Owens left the morning practice after injuring his left groin Thursday and did not return for the team's afternoon workout in Bethlehem, Pa.

“It's a legitimate injury,” Reid said. “This guy would never do that. He's not that type of guy. He would never go in that direction.”

Owens is still hoping the Eagles will redo his contract. He's beginning the second season of a seven-year deal worth just under $49-million (U.S.).

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Reid said groin problems are a chronic condition for Owens.

“I'm being cautious with it,” Reid said. “I don't want it to get worse. It's a constant battle.”

During the morning practice, Owens walked to the medical tent before being carted off the field. Reid said he's day-to-day.

Last season, Owens had 77 receptions for 1,200 yards and a franchise-record 14 touchdowns before severely injuring his ankle late in the season. He missed the final two regular-season games and the first two playoff games before returning for the Super Bowl, in which he had nine receptions for 122 yards.

Ravens

Jamal Lewis' return to the Ravens has hit a snag over technicalities regarding his probation on a federal drug conspiracy charge.

The former All-Pro running back was released Tuesday from an Atlanta halfway house. He was expected to report to the Ravens on Thursday, but his lawyer, Jerome Froelich, said Lewis has to meet with his probation officer in Atlanta.

“I'm going to have to bite my tongue on this one,” Baltimore coach Brian Billick said at camp in Westminster, Md. “We'll continue to deal with the process that he has to deal with. It seems to be ever-changing at times.”

Lewis pleaded guilty last October in federal court in Atlanta to using a cell phone to try to set up a drug deal in 2000, shortly after the Ravens drafted him fifth overall.

Colts

Wide receiver Brandon Stokley dislocated his left shoulder during practice for the American Bowl in Japan and could be sidelined up to four weeks.

Stokley, who caught Peyton Manning's record-setting 49th touchdown pass last year, might miss Indianapolis' regular-season opener against Baltimore on Sept. 11.

“It's going to be tight, it sounds like,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said in Tokyo.

As Manning's third option last season, Stokley caught 68 passes for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Panthers

Safety Mike Minter was taken off the field after practice with his left knee heavily wrapped in ice.

Carolina coach John Fox said Minter sprained his knee, but added the extent of the injury will not be known until possibly Friday.

The injury occurred during live goal-line drills late in Spartanburg, S.C.

Considered the emotional leader of the defence, Minter has started 109 games with that unit, more than any player in team history.

Dolphins

Video co-ordinator Dave Hack was shaken up after lightning struck near where he was working atop a tower during Miami's afternoon practice in Davie, Fla.

Hack, who has worked in the team's video department for 32 years, was treated and not seriously injured. He was not hospitalized.

The strike hit about 40 minutes into a planned two-hour workout, the remainder of which was cancelled.

Severe thunderstorms and high winds moved through much of South Florida during the afternoon.

Broncos

Injury-prone defensive lineman Courtney Brown dislocated his left elbow and is expected to miss three to six weeks.

Brown was injured toward the end of a play during a practice that was moved indoors because of rain.

Coach Mike Shanahan said X-rays showed no breaks.

“He's done everything in the off-season to get himself ready, and his previous injuries are feeling great, so to have something like this happen to him I'm sure is disheartening,” Shanahan said.

Brown, the first pick of the 2000 draft, has played only one full season. Last year, he missed 14 games with an injured foot. Other injuries have been to his elbow, biceps, neck, knee and ankle.

Seahawks

Seattle traded cornerback Kris Richard to Miami for defensive end Ronald Flemons.

Richard, a third-round draft pick in 2002, spent his first three seasons with the Seahawks as a backup and special teams player.

“Kris was on the bubble for us,” general manager Tim Ruskell said at camp in Cheney, Wash. “We're always looking for defensive linemen.”

Flemons has played in six games in four seasons with Atlanta and Miami.

Browns

Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon missed another practice because of migraine headaches, and running back Reuben Droughns sat out with a pulled hamstring.

McCutcheon, one of only two Cleveland players left from the 1999 expansion team, has not been able to get on the field for workouts because of the headaches, which were bothering him before he reported to camp.

There's no word on when McCutcheon might return.

“I would hope that he's experienced enough to help us when he comes back,” coach Romeo Crennel said from camp in Berea, Ohio.

Droughns, acquired in an off-season trade with Denver, was hurt in practice Wednesday.

49ers

Left tackle Jonas Jennings will undergo surgery Friday to repair a broken right index finger. He'll be out six-to-eight days, leaving the 49ers without three of their projected starters on the line just one week into training camp.

Rookie Patrick Estes took Jennings' place with the first team Thursday and broke a bone in his left hand during the morning practice. Estes' injury will not require surgery and he'll be able to practice with his hand wrapped.

“It's part of the game,” 49ers coach Mike Nolan said at camp in Santa Clara, Calif.

The 49ers also are without two-time Pro Bowl centre Jeremy Newberry and rookie David Baas, the team's projected starter at right guard. Newberry has a knee problem that could force him to miss the season. Baas, the team's second-round draft pick, pulled a hamstring last week and could be out until September.

Lions

Detroit's 2004 Pro Bowl kick returner Eddie Drummond ended his one-week holdout and signed a one-year, $1.4-million contract.

Drummond sought to negotiate a multiyear deal after the team offered the one-year contract. But the Lions said they would not discuss any options until Drummond signed the one-year deal.

Last season, Drummond returned two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns. He broke his right shoulder in a loss to Indianapolis on Thanksgiving and missed the rest of the season.

[Dutabi84]

Owens needs to quit bitching about a contract that HE HIMSELF SIGNED just a year ago. I cannot name a whinier professional athlete than him. I didn't know people suspected him of faking his injury, even though he's had the same injury throughout his career.

[Mr. Television]

Originally Posted by Dutabi84

Owens needs to quit bitching about a contract that HE HIMSELF SIGNED just a year ago. I cannot name a whinier professional athlete than him. I didn't know people suspected him of faking his injury, even though he's had the same injury throughout his career.

He likes the focus to be on him. He doesn't care about his teammates. The media loves him though. They constantly make excuses for him. I don't understand why they stick up for him and bash Randy Moss when they have the same type of personality. I don't know if he's faking or not but nothing surprises me with him.