News

NFL.com reports, “The Tampa Buccaneers reached agreement Sunday with running back Earnest Graham on a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Even though there has been a lot of buzz about Cadillac Williams continued recovery, Earnest Graham should be the featured back in Tampa Bay this year. Starting 10 games last season he ran for almost 900 yards and punched it in 10 times.

The Rocky Mountain News reports that Marshall “was cleared to fully participate in team activities this week. Marshall resumed full weightlifting and conditioning work to augment his rehabilitation regimen Monday.” The article goes on to say “he started freely catching passes with both hands and encountered no problems.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Marshall indicated that he still has some numbness on the back of his hand, but that it won’t affect his ability to catch the ball. He seems to be ahead of schedule in his recovery. Now, if he can just get his personal life in order he should be set for a very good season.

ESPN reports, ” Johnson packed on 15 pounds of muscle to increase his durability and is running like the Johnson of old in early practices.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Let’s hope that Rudi returns to his previous production levels. If he does, he could be a bargain this year. He’s going as the 30th overall RB on average in early drafts. If he continues strong through training camp his stock will climb, but he could still be a good value as a number 2 or 3 back this year. We’ll wait until we see more in training camp before we bump him up the boards.

The AP reports, “Bills running back Marshawn Lynch had his driver’s license revoked in traffic court on Friday after saying he didn’t know he hit someone while driving on a Buffalo street last month.” Full story here.

Monster Take: You can play football without a driver’s license; however, we’ll be interested to see whether commissioner Goodell takes any league action. He said that the league will “see what the facts are and then we’ll decide whether it’s a violation or if it has any involvement in our personal conduct policy.”

The Denver Post reports, “Marshall could be suspended by the NFL under its Personal Conduct Policy because of multiple arrests and alleged incidents.” Full story here.

Monster Take: The league has been cracking down on personal conduct issues without waiting for convictions. The fact that the league is looking into Marshall’s conduct is cause for concern.

The Tennessean reports that six months after surgery for a broken ankle Roydell Williams “still isn’t practicing. He’s still hurting. His sights are set on training camp, but with the notion he’s going to have to play in pain.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Williams was in position to have a good 2008 after building some momentum in 2007. Now, Justin McCareins appears to have the inside track to win the starting job.

The AP reports on Javon Walker’s injury. “The info that I have is he’s going to be fine,” Kiffin said. “Training camp won’t be an issue. … But until our guys look at him, I don’t want to say (the extent of Walker’s injuries).” Full story here.

Monster Take: We’ll let you know when the team has a chance to examine the extent of Walker’s injuries. It sounds like he’s going to be fine for training camp, but right now that’s based on a phone call between Walker and Kiffin.

The AP reports, “Johnson had his troublesome right ankle cleaned out Wednesday. He is expected to be ready for the start of training camp on July 27.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Sounds like all systems are go for Johnson. We’re also hearing that his attitude is coming around - well as much as it can anyway given that it is Chad Johnson we’re talking about here.

ESPN reports regarding the Cowboys demand that WR Terry Glenn sign an injury waiver. “I’m not signing any waiver,” said Glenn, who said he wants to move on with his career if the Cowboys no longer want him. Full story here.

Monster Take: The Cowboys are unlikely to bend on this. They have options other than Glenn and his ability to contribute is no given with the after-effects of the injury.

NFL.com reports that “Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson is scheduled to undergo ankle surgery Wednesday. Full story here.

Monster Take: From the sounds of things, this should just be a minor procedure. It should have been taken care of during the offseason, but better now than hampering his production during the season.