Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
NASHVILLE - Falcons quarterback Michael Vick said he doesn't expect to miss any time after pulling up limping during the first of four practices with the Titans on Thursday.
Vick made a sharp cut off his left leg and faked cornerback Samari Rolle on his way to the end zone. Afterward, he grabbed the back of his right leg, grimaced and clutched his leg.
It was the same leg he broke last preseason, keeping him out of 11 regular-season games.
"It doesn't hurt," Vick said. "I'm fine."
Also, a series of fights broke out during drills. Falcons tight end Jason Rader and Titans tackle Aaron McConnell got into one that turned into a scrum involving all of the linemen.
Atlanta center Todd McClure said it was only to be expected.
"Everybody sees new meat, and it's a matter of pride," he said. "You want to get the last push in, the last shove in. It'll keep going until we get on the buses and leave here."
BEARS: Defensive back and Pro Bowl kick returner Jerry Azumah will have neck surgery for a disc problem and miss 3-4 months. Azuma led the league in kickoff return average and ran two back for touchdowns last season. Coach Lovie Smith said it was premature to discuss if the injury is career-threatening.
COWBOYS: Two years after losing his starting quarterback job with the Jets, Vinny Testaverde said he is ready for his chance to be Dallas' starter.
"When people view an NFL player at 40 years old, they have different opinions, but time will tell," said Testaverde, who replaced Quincy Carter. "I know I've worked my butt off to give myself the best chance to go through a full season. I'm trying to take command of this team, of the huddle, of the offense."
The team remained vague why it released Carter, who led it to the playoffs last season. Owner Jerry Jones refused to address reports Carter failed a drug test, and coach Bill Parcells said he was focused on the future.
EAGLES: Terrell Owens acknowledged he is making too many mistakes, including a drop over the middle, perhaps because he still is adjusting. Philadelphia uses pads in morning sessions and runs more live drills than San Francisco, from where he was traded.
"I've just got to conform to the way they do things here," he said. "To go live, you take a risk of getting guys hurt, especially some of the key guys."
CARDINALS: Former Seminole defensive tackle and third-round pick Darnell Dockett signed late Wednesday. Coupled with the signing of second-round pick Karlos Dansby a few hours earlier, all picks are in camp.
LIONS: Cornerback Fernando Bryant strained his right hamstring. Coach Steve Mariucci said he hoped Bryant, a five-year starter in Jacksonville who signed during the offseason, would miss only a few days.
PANTHERS: Former first-round pick Rashard Anderson was waived. It came a few hours after the defensive back was reinstated by the league after a suspension of more than two years for violating the substance abuse policy. If Anderson, who was picked 23rd in 2000 and had 67 tackles and one interception in two seasons, isn't claimed by 4 p.m. today, he becomes a free agent.
VIKINGS: Center Matt Birk had a hernia operation, but coach Mike Tice said he is expected to play in the season opener. Birk had minor surgery Wednesday to determine the cause of the injury that caused him to miss three practices. He is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.
Also, Lewis Kelly was cut after four seasons with the team. He was competing to back up center Cory Withrow but was beat out by Anthony Herrera. And linebacker Grant Wiley, who tore a rotator cuff Wednesday, was released. Tice said if Wiley clears waivers, he might be brought back and placed on injured reserve. Center Billy Conaty and cornerback Reggie Austin signed to fill the roster spots.