"Trust me. It's better than last year. But last year I was good," Williams said Tuesday. "The structure was good. But when it comes to nerves, it's time. And there's nothing at all you can do about it. It's time. Time passes and it gets better, so I'm better." Williams made waves in a March radio interview when he said the shoulder was a hindrance in 2012, but he now claims he was talking about 2011. The Packers haven't guaranteed Williams a starting job for 2013. Casey Hayward and Sam Shields were both better last season.
Tramon Williams says shoulder injury 'better'
Tramon Williams | GB
(May 21, 2013 6:05 PM EDT)
Packers CB Tramon Williams says his shoulder is "better."
Source:
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Emmanuel Lamur a breakout candidate?
Emmanuel Lamur | CIN
(May 21, 2013 5:55 PM EDT)
Bengals.com believes second-year LB Emmanuel Lamur is headed for a "breakout" season.
An undrafted free agent out of Kansas State last season, Lamur was overshadowed by Vontaze Burfict, but acquitted himself well in 136 snaps on defense. All of his snaps came after Week 9. Lamur isn't in the mix for a starting job, but could be the Bengals' top reserve linebacker while featuring on special teams.
Source:
bengals.com
Andre Smith absent from beginning of OTAs
Andre Smith | CIN
(May 21, 2013 5:46 PM EDT)
Recently re-signed RT Andre Smith was absent from the start of Bengals OTAs on Tuesday.
"He’s got to deal with some stuff that he has to take care of and when he gets it taken care of he will be back up here," coach Marvin Lewis said. The sessions are "voluntary," but it's not a good sign that Smith is a no-show for the Bengals' first workouts since he signed his three-year, $18 million deal. SI's Peter King reported before the start of free agency that teams were "scared" Smith would lose his motivation once he signed a a long-term deal. Cincinnati can only hope Smith doesn't revert to his old ways, and stays in shape.
Source:
bengals.com
Sam Shields misses start of Packers OTAs
Sam Shields | GB
(May 21, 2013 5:36 PM EDT)
Restricted free agent CB Sam Shields was absent from the start of Packers OTAs Tuesday.
It would have been surprising if Shields did report, as he's yet to sign his tender. "Sam Shields is a young player and our program speaks for itself and how young players develop year to year," coach Mike McCarthy said. "I wish Sam was here." Coming off a solid, if injury-marred, campaign, Shields is a candidate for a long-term deal.
Source:
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Kahlil Bell working out for Jags Wednesday
Kahlil Bell | FA
(May 21, 2013 5:29 PM EDT)
Free agent RB Kahlil Bell will work out for the Jaguars on Wednesday.
On the street for a majority of 2012, Bell rushed 29 times for 76 yards in four games for the Bears, flopping as a short-yardage back. He'd be a depth signing for a Jaguars team that's already four deep at running back.
Source:
Adam Caplan on Twitter
Chargers ink likely left tackle in Max Starks
Max Starks | SD
(May 21, 2013 5:20 PM EDT)
Chargers agreed to terms with OT Max Starks, formerly of the Steelers, on a one-year contract.
The longtime Steeler vaults to the top of the Chargers' depth chart at left tackle. OT Kevin Haslam was waived in a corresponding move. Haslam was part of the Bolts' revolving door on the blindside last season as Jared Gaither "battled" back and groin injuries. Starks was not effective for the Steelers in 2012, allowing a troubling 40 hurries according to Pro Football Focus' stats, but still has more to offer than King Dunlap. Left tackle remains a trouble spot for San Diego, which is likely looking at a long season under rookie GM Tom Telesco.
Source:
Josina Anderson on Twitter
Falcons sign fourth-round TE Toilolo
Levine Toilolo | ATL
(May 21, 2013 4:59 PM EDT)
Falcons agreed to terms with No. 133 overall pick TE Levine Toilolo on a four-year contract.
Toilolo checks in at a towering 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, but is expected to be used primarily as a blocker as a rookie. Coach Mike Smith views him as a potential option in the red zone, however. Toilolo isn't expected to be Tony Gonzalez's long-term replacement as a seam-stretching tight end, but could emerge on the fantasy scene if he establishes himself inside the 20-yard line.
Lamar Miller first-team RB in Dolphins OTAs
Lamar Miller | MIA
(May 21, 2013 4:53 PM EDT)
Lamar Miller was running with the first-team offense on the first day of Dolphins OTAs Tuesday.
As expected. Daniel Thomas is under the impression running back is an "open competition" for the Dolphins, but the team isn't. Miller is gunning for 1,500 yards and five yards per carry as a first-year starter. He's an intriguing RB2 in fantasy leagues.
Source:
Miami Herald
Packers' fourth-rounder questionable for '13
J.C. Tretter | GB
(May 21, 2013 4:42 PM EDT)
Packers fourth-round OL J.C. Tretter suffered a broken ankle in OTAs, and will be sidelined six months.
He'll likely miss the entire season. Tretter signed his contract just 11 days ago. A left tackle in college, Tretter was projected to contribute at center and guard. His rookie year will now amount to a "redshirt" campaign.
Source:
Jason Wilde on Twitter
Jeff King underwent knee surgery
Jeff King | ARZ
(May 21, 2013 4:37 PM EDT)
Cardinals TE Jeff King is recovering from knee surgery, but could be ready to resume practicing by early June.
The blocking tight end is sitting out OTAs, but sounds like he'll be ready for training camp. He's likely recovering from a scope. A seven-year veteran, King graded out as the third-worst tight end in the league in Pro Football Focus' ratings last season.
Source:
Kent Somers on Twitter