Roundup 8/4

News & Notes: From My Blackberry To Your Eyes

SORRY MRS. JACKSON

The latest on Tarvaris Jackson is neither he nor the Vikings know exactly when he will rejoin the team in practice. But, he did do some light running on the side today and appears to be healing very quickly. Head coach Brad Childress told reporters this evening that Jackson will wear a knee brace to secure his knee more when he does return to practice. While Jackson has been out, Sage Rosenfels has taken the bull by the horns and put together a couple real good sessions that have really boosted his bid to be the Vikings starter come week 1.

PROBLEMS FOR THE SEAHAWKS

Walter Jones still isn't practicing after getting an MRI for his sore lower back pains. Jones has microfracture surgery in the offseason which cost him plenty of time in getting into optimum shape like he usually is. Jones is now 35 years old and one has to start to wonder if his body is starting to fail him. I once rated Jones as the best football player in the NFL during his golden years when he paved huge lanes for Shaun Alexander to run through. But those days are long gone now and what remains is a player who is starting the twilight of his career. The Seahawks don't have enough depth on the offensive line to afford to lose Jones especially after the retirement of Mike Wahle just a few days ago.

ADDAI STILL THE STARTER

For those of you who have been scared that rookie RB Donald Brown would unseat Joseph Addai as the starting RB for the Colts, you can relax. The Indianapolis Star reports that Addai is in no danger of losing his starting job despite the team wanting to get Brown involved in the offense. Addai will remain the primary ball carrier unless injured or not performing up to his standards. This news should help Addai move back up on draft boards to where he rightfully belongs.

A NEW DAY IN DETROIT

The Lions selection of Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in this year draft was just a part of the rebuilding of this franchise. But it was an awfully big part. Stafford has been everything the organization could have hoped for and more. He came to camp focused, prepared and in great shape. He has put in a ton of extra work in learning the playbook, working with receivers and watching film. The coaches rave about how bright and driven the kid is and say he's a natural leader.

I feel that the Lions are going to have a big season. I wouldn't doubt a playoff run if things break right for them. New head coach Jim Schwartz has the team working out hard this year both on and off the field. These players are no longer going to be out of shape or unprepared for games. The system the Lions will be running on both offense and defense are more suited to their current personnel and the players they brought in this offseason are big upgrades for the team.

Stafford should be the starting QB for the Lions and may win the job by week 3 of the regular season. When he gets in there I am very sure that he'll be able to get the ball into the hands of Calvin Johnson or Megatron as I like to call him. A smart QB will force the ball to Megatron every opportunity he gets. Solid fantasy numbers will come along with smart play and by using the most uncoverable player in football to your advantage.

VICK A CHEESE-HEAD?

Packers GM Ted Thompson created a buzz today by announcing the Packers were not ruling out going after Michael Vick. Thompson said that he would do whatever was necessary to upgrade his team and if that means signing Vick than so be it. Many sports news services are running with these comments and spinning them into the Packers want Michael Vick. They do not. They don't have a need for him and will not be the team that makes him an offer anytime soon. Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm are entrenched as the backups in Green Bay and without injuries I just don't see that happening.

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