NFL.com reports that “Denver Broncos star wide receiver Brandon Marshall severed an artery, a vein and a nerve in his forearm along with tendons to five muscles in a freak accident last weekend.” Full article here.

Monster Take: Marshall is now expected to miss three months before he can begin strength training. Marshall and his teammates were earlier joking around about this injury and it didn’t seem like it was going to be much of an issue. Three months recovery is a much different matter. We’ll have a better idea about lingering effects of the injury at the start of Broncos camp at the end of July.

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports, “In the most bizarre off-season injury to date, Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall said he slipped on a McDonalds bag and wound up with his arm wrapped in a cast.” Full article here.

Monster Take: What a crazy story. At this point the injury does not seem to be serious and our expectations are that Marshall will have a great year with the Broncos in 2008. The Broncos might want to take a look at the “dangerous activities” clause in their contract to see if it needs re-working.

The AP is reporting that “the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with Jason Elam, the record-setting kicker who is leaving Denver after 15 seasons with the Broncos.” Full article here.

Monster Take: We don’t recommend drafting kickers or most defenses until the end of your draft. That said, this may be one to watch. Elam’s production even with the handicap of Denver’s weather has been strong. If Atlanta can generate any offense he could do well in the Georgia Dome.

NFL.com reports that “San Francisco coach Mike Nolan made it clear on Wednesday that there will be an open competition for the team’s starting quarterback position in training camp and the preseason between Smith and Shaun Hill, who was given a three-year contract in early February after leading the 49ers to consecutive late-season victories in 2007 over Cincinnati and Tampa Bay.” Full article here.

Monster Take: This situation has changed significantly from last off season to this off season. Optimism abounded leading up to the 2007 season that Smith had turned the corner and would have a breakout season. Those expectations never materialized and now he is fighting to regain his starting position. This is a situation to avoid going into fantasy drafts in 2008.

Reported on ESPN.com. “In an appearance Tuesday on “ESPN First Take,” Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson said he remains undecided about his future with the team. ” Full article here.

 Monster Take: Chad Johnson has been making rumblings about wanting a trade for some time now. This could get very messy with potential for a holdout. There’s still lots of time between now and the start of the season, but we’ll be following this one very closely.

ESPN.com news services reports that “the Carolina Panthers came to terms Monday with Seattle free agent D.J. Hackett on a two-year, $3.5 million deal.” Full article here.

Monster Take: First Muhsin Muhammad and now Hackett, the Panthers seem determined to relieve some of the double team pressure that Steve Smith goes up against every week. This could be a very good signing for the Panthers if, and this is a very big if, Hackett can stay healthy. He could do very well in this system with all of the attention that Smith draws.

The AP reports that “the San Francisco 49ers landed their seventh free agent on Friday when former Cardinals receiver Bryant Johnson agreed to a one-year deal.” Full article here.

Monster Take: Johnson is a very good receiver who has put up decent numbers in spite of playing behind two of the league’s best, Fitzgerald and Boldin. He has delivered when asked to fill in for injuries. However, the quarterback situation in San Francisco is a mess. Let’s see how this sorts out in camp and preseason.

The AP reports that “Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White has been cited with destruction of property, disobedience to a lawful order/interference and resistance.” Full article here.

Monster Take: White is coming off a productive 2007 season with 1,110 rushing yards and 7 TD’s and is positioned to build upon those stats in 2008. Unfortunately he seems to put himself in bad situations. Last season he arrived at camp out of shape and some questioned his dedication. We’re thinking that this will blow over with little consequence. His conditioning upon arrival at camp this year will say a lot.