NFL suspends Jolly indefinitely
The league has suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substance Abuse. Jolly will be suspended indefinitely, but will miss at least the 2010 season.
He was one of the centerpieces of the team’s top-ranked run defense in 2009, but the Packers have enough depth at defensive end to make up for the loss.
Hill suspended for one game
The NFL has suspended Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill for one game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He will miss the Seahawks’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on September 12.
Hill is allowed to participate in practice and can play in the team’s preseason games. He has started 61 of 67 games since he was drafted by the Seahawks in 2005. The suspension follows an arrest for misdemeanor marijuana possession in January 2009.
Ferguson retires
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jason Ferguson has announced his retirement after 13 years in the league. His decision comes in the wake of an eight game suspension the defensive lineman was facing for abusing the NFL’s policy against performance enhancing drugs.
Ferguson spent time with the Dolphins, the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys. He recorded 21.5 sacks, forced six fumbles and recovered two fumbles in his career.
Smith could be ready for final preseason game
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, who broke his arm in a flag football game, could be ready to play in the team’s final preseason game. The No.1 wideout will miss training camp, but could be ready before the regular season starts.
Smith caught 65 passes for 982 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The Panthers need him to lead the way in a relatively inexperienced receiving squad.
Landry should be ready for training camp
Washington Redskins safety LeRon Landry should be ready for training camp. The 25-year-old is recovering from toe surgery. He underwent the procedure June 23 in North Carolina, but seems to be on a good way to be ready for camp. He had 90 tackles, one sack and one interception last year.
Jackson might have to sit out all year
It has been speculated that Vincent Jackson, the Chargers’ No. 1 receiver, will sit out the first 10 games of the season in a contract dispute with the team. This would allow him to play in enough games to accrue a season in his contract and get closer to be able to leave the Chargers.
However, the Chargers could put him on the roster exempt list for three games under the current CBA, which would mean he wouldn’t receive pay and couldn’t accrue any time. This means the wide receiver would have to sign by Week 7 to make sure he will still get what he wants should the Chargers pull this option.
