NFC

Sporting News, The, July 30, 2001

Detroit Lions www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/lions

LIMPING IN: Though QB Charlie Batch is fully and finally recovered from the broken right leg he suffered last June, the club will have a significant limp as it heads into training camp. Two starters (RT Aaron Gibson and CB Bryant Westbrook) and two backups (DE Jared DeVries and rookie DT Shaun Rogers) will start camp on the physically unable to perform list. Gibson (shoulder) should return within a week, but DeVries (rib surgery) will be gone for at least the first six games. The status of Westbrook (Achilles) and Rogers (ankle) is uncertain, but the Lions hope to have both available for the opener.... The Lions have private concerns about the durability of Gibson's shoulders. Both have been surgically repaired in the last two years, and the Lions don't know is they are finally repaired or if this will be a chronic problem.... The Lions are thin at end. James Hall is the only veteran backup, and coach Marty Mornhinweg hopes to bring in a free agent to solidify the position. LB Alien Aldridge will continue to be used occasionally as a pass-rush end in nickel situations.

BACKUP BATTLE: One interesting battle in camp will be at guard. At least one player with starting experience probably won't make the roster. Brenden Stai and Stockar McDougle are the starters, and Matt Joyce, Tony Sample and Kerlin Blaise will fight for two spots.... Rookie QB Mike McMahon has made big strides during offseason workouts. McMahon arrived with the reputation of hawing an inflated opinion of his abilities, but Mornhinweg performed an attitude adjustment. The basic message was: We like you and we traded up to get you, but it was still the fifth round. You have a long way to go. --Tom Kowalski

Minnesota Vikings www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/vikings

ONGOING BATTLE: The Vikings can't seem to make up their mind about a replacement for SLB Dwayne Rudd. The position has changed hands three times since Rudd left for Cleveland as a free agent in February. Craig Sauer was first picked to be Rudd's replacement, but Gabe Northern started during minicamps. However, coach Dennis Green called Saner the starter heading into training camp. What does it all mean? That the position is wide open. Look for a battle between the game-savvy and versatile Saner and Northern, a much-needed pass rusher, to last through training camp--and perhaps the season.... The team hopes to have all eight draft choices--all of whom have a legitimate chance to make the roster--signed by the reporting date. The most crucial signees will be RB Michael Bennett, a first-round pick, and DE Willie Howard, a second-round pick. Both are expected to make an immediate push for starting positions. Thus, the team can't afford for them to miss practice time because of contract squabbles.

HELP WANTED: The team still hopes and plans to sign a veteran defensive player, particularly a cornerback. Three players on the team's wish list are Dale Carter, James Hasty and Eric Davis. Carter is likely the team's top choice, but he must be reinstated by the league from a suspension and be released by the Broncos before anything can happen. The team maintains that it is prepared to play without any additions at cornerbrack, but in the past the Vikings have added players during camp if certain positions weren't panning out. The question is not whether the team will sign a free agent, but when. --Bill Williamson

New Orleans Saints www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/saints

GETTING DEEP: Veteran DeShone Myles was added to bolster linebacker depth and provide insurance for Charlie Clemons inside. Myles had been with the Seahawks but missed last year and most of 1999 because of knee injuries. Myles was a rising star with the Seahawks before his injuries. G.M Randy Mueller, who drafted Myles out of Nevada, liked Myles' versatility. At 6-3, 239, he has the size and speed to play inside or outside. He fills a major need for veteran linebacker depth entering training camp. The other primary reserves are second-round pick Sedrick Hodge and seldom-used third-year man Phil Clarke.

WILLIAMS READY: RB Ricky Williams took a while to report to the offseason conditioning program, but once he did, he hasn't left. Coaches and teammates say Williams is in great shape and on the verge of a stellar season.... FB Terrelle Smith has passed a major test in his rehabilitation from offseason back surgery. He reported no structural damage and said he should be ready for limited full-contact work by the start of camp. Smith bolsters an already strong position that includes fourth-round draft pick Moran Norris and free agent Derrick Harris, who has improved his chances of earning a roster spot with a strong offseason.... The competition at kicker has been whittled to two: Jeff Hall and Jon Hilbert. The Saints released undrafted rookie Kris Stockton, who struggled and never got on track after signing in April. The team still could sign one of the many veteran kickers on the market but probably will give Hall and Hilbert a couple of preseason games to show their skills before making a move. --Jeff Duncan