Raiders QB? Don't gamble on Russell
If the Oakland Raiders had expected rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell to catapult them into contention in the AFC West, it's time they altered their plans. With each day the No. 1 overall draft pick fails to throw a pass at camp, it becomes less likely he will make a contribution this season.
Contract talks between the Oakland Raiders and JaMarcus Russell's agent have stalled. Two weeks into training camp, there are rumblings the holdout could extend into September. The two sides are talking, but the process has been described as "ugly."
JaMarcus Russell has missed two weeks of practice and meetings he can't get back. Even if the holdout ended today, he would be hard-pressed to be ready to play by October.
Rookie quarterbacks need time with coaches and teammates to have a chance for success. There are many in the league who believe the former Louisiana State star will have trouble adjusting to the NFL anyway because of his lack of accuracy and experience.
Digging in in New York
Don't expect talks between the other holdout first-round pick, the Jets' Darrelle Revis, to be resolved quickly. The Jets want Revis to sign a six-year deal, but Revis wants five years and is not budging. Those close to the University of Pittsburgh cornerback say he is entrenched and would just as soon go back into the draft next year - when he likely would be a top-10 pick - than take the Jets' current offer.
Strange days in K.C.
Star running back Larry Johnson is in the midst of his own holdout in Kansas City, and there appears to be no end in sight.
While both sides of the Johnson stalemate have been quiet, it seems the Chiefs need to come to the table if they don't trade Johnson. He is their offense. With Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard fighting for the quarterback job, the Chiefs have little reliable offensive firepower other than Johnson, who ran the ball a league-record 416 times last season. If ever a player were entitled to a raise, it would be Johnson.
If the season starts and Johnson isn't in Kansas City, expect this team to tumble. The Chiefs would be lucky to win six games without Johnson.
Unhappy late starters
Before training camp began, the Broncos and the 49ers talked to the league about starting camp earlier. Under league rules, teams can start camp only 15 days before their first preseason game. Monday night's game between the teams is the final game of the opening week of preseason games.
The teams thought it was unfair other teams were able to prepare earlier for the start of the regular season Sept. 9.
Around the league
Former Oakland head coach Art Shell is going back to New York to work for the league, starting Sept. 1. Shell will handle the process when players appeal fines. Before taking a one-year stint with the Oakland Raiders, Shell doled out discipline for the league. In his new role, Shell replaces Ted Cottrell, now the defensive coordinator in San Diego....Don't be surprised if former star running back Stephen Davis resurfaces in the league soon. He has been working out, and he will likely get a call before the start of the season.
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