Falcons OG Ojinaka suspended for season opener
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Quinn Ojinaka has been suspended for one game. The NFL suspended the 26-year-old according to its personal conduct policy. Ojinaka was arrested in May 2009 and charged with battery, after he allegedly threw his wife down the stairs and out of the house. His wife had confronted him about contacting a female friend on facebook.
Ojinaka, who started five games for the Falcons last season, is a backup this year. He will miss the team’s season opener in Pittsburgh on September 12. The Falcons will most likely face former QB Byron Leftwich who seems to be the favorite for the Steelers starting job while Ben Roethlisberger serves his suspension.
Revis holding out; doesn’t participate in Jets’ OTAs
Jets Cornerback Darrelle Revis is sitting out OTAs in hope of gaining ground in contract negotiations with the organization. Revis, arguably the best corner in the league, missed Thursday’s team activity.
His agent Neil Schwartz didn’t offer any comment on when Revis will be back with the team, but it is known that Schwartz’s clients hold out training camp if no contract agreement is reached. The Jets are trying to avoid a holdout, but it is unknown if they are able to pay Revis what he is asking for.
Ravens sign K Graham
The Baltimore Ravens signed kicker Shayne Graham to a one-year deal Thursday. Graham, who missed two important field goals from short distance in the Bengals’ playoff loss to the Jets last season, could have signed with his old team. He chose not to get back on with Cincinnati and told Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis that the two crucial misses were haunting him.
Graham will compete with Billy Cundiff for the starting job in Baltimore. Cundiff only posted a 78.3 percent field goal average last season. He played in five games with the Browns, making all six of his field goal attempts. He missed five times in 17 attempts while with the Ravens. Graham connected on 23 of his 28 field goal tries with the Bengals last season.
Chargers sign TE McMichael
The San Diego Chargers have signed veteran tight end Randy McMichael to a one-year contract. The 30-year-old started in all 16 games with the Rams last season. He caught 34 passes for 332 yards and one touchdown.
The Chargers needed depth at tight end with perennial pro-bowler Antonio Gates having problems with his right foot. McMichael is a known commodity to Chargers coach Norv Turner, who was the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator in 2002 and 2003 when the tight end played in Miami.
Rams’ second-rounder Saffold will miss rest of OTAs
Offensive tackle Rodger Saffold sprained his knee in one of the Rams’ training sessions and will sit out the rest of the team’s OTAs. Rams’ training staff confirmed that Saffold would be able to participate, but will sit out as a precaution.
Saffold has a good shot at being the team’s starter at left tackle and being responsible for protecting rookie QB Sam Bradford’s blind-side.
Broncos release Brandstater; name Tebow No. 3 QB
Tim Tebow is making his way up Josh McDaniel’s depth chart. The Broncos released third-stringer Tom Brandstater Friday and gave Tebow more snaps with the team. Tebow is now considered the No. 3 QB, behind Kyle Orton and newly acquired Brady Quinn.
McDaniels and the Broncos surprised many when they took Tebow with the 25th selection in this year’s draft. There are still questions about the Heisman Trophy winner’s throwing motion, and whether he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Bills sign LB Tarbor
The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Reggie Tarbor to a two-year contract Saturday. Tarbor played in all 16 games with the Dolphins last year, but got only two starts. He recorded 28 tackles and nine assists. The Bills’ new defensive coordinator George Edwards coached Tarbor in Miami.
