Let’s check in on some this week’s news from around the NFL:

FAVRE TO JOIN VIKINGS IN AUGUST?
ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen speculates that quarterback Brett Favre will join the Vikings at Training Camp in early August.  The media has yet to devote the 24-hour coverage to the veteran this off-season, but it is coming.  The fact he had ankle surgery last month is the best indicator that the future Hall of Fame is not yet done playing football.

LEFTWICH APPEARS TO HAVE LEG UP
With starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger facing at least a four-game suspension; it appears as veteran Byron Leftwich is the leading candidate to start the season under center for the Steelers. Post-Gazette beat writer Ed Bouchette claims it has become “obvious” that Leftwich will start over backup Dennis Dixon.

T.O. READY FOR HOLLYWOOD
Wide receiver Terrell Owens remains without a team and one NFL General Manager said it is unlikely that he will land somewhere until at least training camp. ProFootballTalk.com reported that Owens wants to play one more year for a contender and then pursue an acting career.

WHERE’S WAYNE?
Colts’ wide receiver Reggie Wayne continues to position himself for a holdout. The Pro Bowler did not participate in the team’s OTA’s and now  has reportedly informed coach Jim Caldwell that he will not be attending Colts mandatory minicamp this weekend, according to NFL.com.

GRAHAM LANDS IN BALTIMORE
Former Bengals kicker Shayne Graham signed a deal with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week.  The Carroll County Times reports that Graham had a chance to re-sign in Cincinnati, but opted to go with the team’s AFC foes instead. The Bengals signed free-agents Mike Nugent and Dave Raymer earlier this off-season.

REDSKINS BACKFIELD TAKING SHAPE
Since his arrival in D.C., head coach Mike Shanahan has assembled one of the oldest and big-name backfields in the league, signing Larry Johnson and Willie Parker in free agency to accompany Clinton Portis. While it appears Portis will remain the team’s starter, Johnson has been working with the first team in short-yardage situations and is likely to be the team’s goalline back. Parker has yet to impress and may have problems even making the team. Washington has also made an offer to free agent Brian Westbrook, who remains unsigned.

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Let's take a look at the latest headlines from around pro football...

Broncos Suspend Marshall - The Broncos have suspended WR Brandon Marshall for conduct detrimental to the team. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Marshall is suspended until Sept. 6. If he behaves during that time, the team will bring him back for the regular season opener.

Cadillac Leads Bucs - Drawing his first start this preseason, Cadillac Williams rushed eight times for 54 yards against the Dolphins Thursday night. Caddy looked much more spry than he did in last year's abbreviated return.

Bucs QB's Both Struggle - Byron Leftwich finished 9-of-17 for 100 yards against the Dolphins Thursday night.It was an inconsistent performance, as Leftwich mixed accurate bullets with overthrows and misfires. However, he still managed to outplay Luke McCown.

Vick Receives Ovation - In his first performance with the Eagles, Michael Vick completed 4-of-4 passes for 19 yards and added one yard on one rushing attempt against the Jaguars Thursday. Vick entered to a rousing ovation on the second play of the game. He was limited to short passes on three of his four attempts, finally showing off his howitzer on a 13-yard completion to Hank Baskett.

Moreno Won't Be Ready by Week 1 - According to the Denver Post, Knowshon Moreno (MCL sprain) isn't expected to be "full speed" by Week 1. The Post believes Moreno's recovery and his football conditioning will be a concern in two weeks against the Bengals.

Cowboys List Williams as Day-to-Day - The Cowboys have listed Roy E. Williams (shoulder) as day-to-day.
It was feared that Williams had broken his collarbone, but the x-rays came back negative. The team is calling it a "shoulder contusion," also known as a bruise. He'll still likely sit out the rest of the preseason, but all signs point to Williams being ready to go for Week 1.

Saints' Thomas to Miss Remainder of Preseason - Saints coach Sean Payton said Thursday that Pierre Thomas could miss the rest of the preseason with his sprained MCL."I'm not as concerned other than the snaps he's missing," Payton assured. "I think he's going to recover fully.

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Fantasy Sports Girl Shay Lyn has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers preview...

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Let's check out some of the latest headlines from around pro football:

LEFTWICH SIGNS WITH BUCS (Tampa Tribune)
The team is expected to announce today the signing of free agent Byron Leftwich, whose weekend decision to accept a two-year contract was based on a guarantee he'll be given a chance to compete for the starter's job. Many believe that job will ultimately go to sixth-year pro Luke McCown, but the Bucs have made no secret of their desire to add an experienced veteran to at least push McCown for that job...MORE

BROWNS: EDWARDS, QUINN ON BLOCK (The National Post)
The Cleveland Browns have been engaging in talks to trade quarterback Brady Quinn and wide receiver Braylon Edwards. The website reports that the Browns have a first round pick on the table for Quinn, but may be looking for more.  Two teams are currently interested in Quinn’s services. In addition, there is speculation that the Browns have a first round pick on the table for wide receiver Braylon Edwards and will most likely trade him before the start of next season...MORE

BILLS' WHITNER ARRESTED (ESPN.com)
Bills safety Donte Whitner was arrested in downtown Cleveland early Saturday morning after police tried to break up a "near riot" in front of the House of Blues. Police used a Taser to subdue Whitner, who was arrested for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Whitner was released from his holding cell Saturday afternoon. Police Lt. Thomas Stacho said charges have not been filed...MORE

CHIEFS ADD THOMAS (Kansas City Star)
The Chiefs added another part to their defense Saturday when they agreed to contract terms with veteran linebacker Zach Thomas. Thomas turns 36 in September, but he has made seven trips to the Pro Bowl in his 13 NFL seasons. He started 14 games last year in his first season with Dallas after 12 years with the Dolphins...MORE

BURRESS LIKELY TO MISS 2009 (SI.com)
Peter King, who has been covering the NFL for two decades, was firm in his belief that free agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress will not play in the NFL in 2009. Burress is still battling an uphill battle with the legal system after charges filed following him shooting himself in the foot in a club late last season. The Giants cut Burress last month and at this point he's a free agent...MORE

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After returning to action last Monday night to help lead the Steelers to a victory, it appears as if Willie Parker will be out again in Week 10's match-up with the Colts.

Parker apparently suffered a shoulder injury during the second half of the game, but did not realize it until Tuesday morning. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the team has ruled him out for Sunday, but expect him back for Week 11.

Mewelde Moore will get the nod for the Steelers as the Colts come to town.

Meanwhile, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is listed as questionable and will likely be a game-time decision. Byron Leftwich would start should Big Ben need to sit. 

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