NFL Notes for Tuesday

With a couple days off and no premium football picks on taps for members here is some NFL news for today.

After a 2 week holdout the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner inked a six-year contract that guarantees him $14 million late Monday night. the contact could also bring the rookie quarterback up to $51 million over the duration of the deal if all bonuses are met. Leinart was ripped by Denny Green hours before the deal went through for turning down “a more than generous” offer. Matt had his press conference today, and noted “It has been hard on me, everyone around here knew I wanted to be in camp”. I understand Leinart wanting to get a great deal, but 14 million guaranteed for the 10th pick in the draft is unheard of.

Terrel Owens missed his 13th straight practice today. TO noted “I feel better, it is still day to day.” Bill Parcels has expressed his frustration with Owens not being on the practice field and maintains that if Terrel doesn’t practice, than he doesn’t play.

San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles will miss the rest of the preseason after fracturing his left fibula in the Chargers preseason opener against Green Bay on Saturday. Sproles had surgery today and will likely be out 4 weeks while the injury heals.

Meanwhile Lee Suggs will be going back to Cleveland after flunking his physical for the Jets. Cornerback Derrick Strait will also be returning to the Jets since the deal has fell through. “We have a whole series of tests that we do, and we were very thorough with the process,” Jets coach Eric Mangini said. “He just didn’t pass those tests. … Each team has a criteria they set up that they believe is what’s important and what’s needed to be competitive. I’m very comfortable with the tests we have set up.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday that it has ceased talks with Bill Cowher on signing an extension so he can focus on coaching the returning Super Bowl champions. The team, which has had just two coaches in 38 seasons, has long had a policy of not negotiating contracts during a season, but wants to renew talks with Cowher once the season ends.