Around the AFC

By Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 27, 2000

BROWNS: RB Travis Prentice missed the first nine training camp practices while holding out for a bigger contract, and he has had to play catch-up since his arrival. He got his first chance to work with the starting offense Wednesday when Errict Rhett sat out with a sore knee. Prentice showed some good cutback moves and powered through tiny openings in the line. "That's the first time I've blocked for him," G Jim Pyne said. "He's a big, physical guy, and he runs hard. He's got some shake to him. I'm excited to see how he develops."

BRONCOS: Owner Pat Bowlen predicts Brian Griese, not Gus Frerotte, will be the starting QB when the regular season begins. Frerotte accepts his role as No.2 while he learns the offense. "I'm not frustrated," he said. "I know where I am on this team. I think if I play really well in the preseason games, they might give me a shot at going first team in a game. I guess we will just have to wait and see how it goes."

CHARGERS: S Rodney Harrison was back on a limited basis, but MLB Eric Hill, out since pinching a nerve in his neck in the opening practice Friday, was examined this week by a specialist in Phoenix and was awaiting news that could affect his future. "There may be a bone spur on the spinal column," coach Mike Riley said. Hill, a 12-year veteran, said he lost feeling in his left arm and leg. "When you can't control your limbs, that's scary," Hill said. ... G Kevin Gogan sprained his right ankle when he was hit from behind by 255-pound RB Jermaine Fazande during a nine-on-seven run drill. TE Freddie Jones dislocated a finger and was taken to a hospital after trainers couldn't pop it back in place. ... Thin at DE, the Chargers signed Jason Chorak, waived by Denver a week earlier, and brought back rookie free agent Seneca Knight, who was cut two days before camp started. DE Wayne Hampton (knee) was waived-injured, and rookie free-agent QB Mike Burton was released.

CHIEFS: Players and coaches were herded briefly into dormitory basements when a tornado was spotted 4 miles north of their training camp in River Falls, Wis.

COLTS: LB Rob Morris, a first-round draft pick from Brigham Young, signed a five-year contract worth $5.6-million, including a $2.5-million signing bonus. Morris will not play in the preseason opener Saturday but is still expected to start in the season opener Sept. 3.

JETS: QBs Vinny Testaverde, Ray Lucas and rookie Chad Pennington will play against the Saints on Saturday. ... After being upset with the past couple of practices, coach Al Groh said the tempo was picking up. ... LB Mo Lewis, who had his left knee wrapped and sat out much of Tuesday afternoon's practice, did not practice Wednesday. The team said it was a planned day off. ... DE Eric Ogbogu (shoulder), DT Jason Wiltz (elbow) and CB Ray Mickens are still out. Rookie DT Richard Seals left practice and had ice on his left elbow.

PATRIOTS: LG Derrick Fletcher, held out of practice when training camp began because he failed the team's running test, was singled out by coach Bill Belichick as someone who had the talent to help where it's needed most: the injury-depleted line.

RAVENS: The club is perplexed and more than a bit angry over the holdout of first-round pick Travis Taylor, who missed a third straight day of practice. Taylor, a wide receiver out of Florida, was the 10th pick in the draft. The Ravens have offered him a deal that falls somewhere between the five-year, $7.86-million contract signed by No. 9 pick Brian Urlacher of the Bears and the five-year, $7.14-million pact that Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne received from the Giants as the 11th choice. Taylor's agents, Steve Weinberg and David Canter, want more. President David Modell said the Ravens won't alter their offer.

SEAHAWKS: WR Sean Dawkins finally showed up. Dawkins, released for salary cap reasons in June, re-signed Sunday. However, his return was delayed because of his grandfather's illness.

TITANS: WR Carl Pickens agreed to a five-year deal for an undisclosed sum. "We are delighted to add a player of Carl's caliber to the roster," GM Floyd Reese said. "You always look for playmakers on both offense, and defense and Carl definitely qualifies as a playmaker." Pickens negotiated with the Titans by himself for two days. Asked whether he would have anyone look over the contract, Pickens said he knows what to look for after eight years in the NFL. "This is my third time going through this situation," said Pickens, who signed a five-year, $23-million contract with the Bengals last year, then was released after a dispute. ... The Titans might need to clear cap room if they have to find help for the secondary because CB Donald Mitchell hurt a knee in practice Tuesday. WR Chris Sanders, who caught 20 passes last season, could be targeted because his salary will count $1.4-million this season.

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