Harden felt soreness in his surgically-repaired shoulder while throwing a few weeks ago, and hasn't progressed much since suffering that setback. It's starting to look like a longshot that the oft-injured right-hander will ever make an impact for the Twins.
Rich Harden's rehab not going very well
Rich Harden | MIN
(May 17, 2013 8:38 PM EDT)
According to Twins' GM Rob Antony, Rich Harden's rehab has been "slow" and "not very well to be honest".
Source:
Rhett Bollinger on Twitter
Mark Ellis leaves rehab assignment early
Mark Ellis | LA
(May 17, 2013 8:27 PM EDT)
Mark Ellis (quad) was scheduled to play four innings and receive two at-bats during his rehab game with Double-A Chattanooga on Friday, but was removed from the game after just three innings and one at-bat.
No word yet on the cause for the early exit, but the Dodgers should release an update on his status later in the evening. It's possible they were just playing it safe due to the weather conditions.
Source:
Ken Gurnick on Twitter
Padres have no intention of trading Headley
Chase Headley | SD
(May 17, 2013 8:25 PM EDT)
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Padres don't intend to trade Chase Headley.
Headley has remained firm in his stance that he doesn't want to discuss a contract extension during the season, but that hasn't caused the Padres to panic. The 28-year-old third baseman won't become a free agent until after the 2014 season, so there is still plenty of time for the two sides to work out an agreement. And if they can't, the Padres can always explore the possibility down the road.
Source:
CBSSports.com
Shaun Hill recovering from foot surgery
Shaun Hill | DET
(May 17, 2013 7:14 PM EDT)
Lions backup QB Shaun Hill is recovering from a minor offseason foot surgery.
Hill had surgery to repair a "nagging" injury. He expects to participate in some portions of OTAs and should be 100 percent by training camp. Hill, now 33 years old, is entering a contract season. As Matthew Stafford stayed healthy in 2012, Hill came off the bench for just one appearance, completing 10-of-13 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in a September loss to Tennessee.
Source:
Dave Birkett on Twitter
Moise Fokou arrested for DUI in January
Moise Fokou | TEN
(May 17, 2013 6:58 PM EDT)
Titans LB Moise Fokou was reportedly arrested in January for driving under the influence of alcohol.
It's unclear if the Titans knew of Fokou's arrest when they signed him to a two-year, $2.8 million deal in March. Fokou was formally charged on February 4, and the news came to light recently only because he entered a not guilty plea. The case will go to trial on October 22. An NFL suspension seems unlikely. Fokou maintains his innocence and has never been arrested in the NFL before.
Source:
The Washingtonian
Gronk's back recovery to take about 10 weeks
Rob Gronkowski | NE
(May 17, 2013 5:49 PM EDT)
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Rob Gronkowski's back surgery recovery is expected to take ten weeks.
There are about 16 weeks left before Week 1. Profootballtalk has reported the back surgery will occur roughly 3-4 weeks following Gronkowski's Monday arm procedure, putting a tentative return timetable at 2-3 weeks before the season, assuming all healing proceeds without setbacks. At this point, we can't expect Gronkowski to participate at all in the preseason, but he still has a shot to be ready for Opening Day. The Pats open Sunday, September 8 at Buffalo.
Source:
ESPN.com
Cameron, Davis working with Browns starters
Jordan Cameron | CLE
(May 17, 2013 5:21 PM EDT)
Jordan Cameron and Kellen Davis are running as the first-team tight ends at Browns Organized Team Activities.
In Rob Chudzinski's Panthers offense, Ben Hartsock and Greg Olsen were the first-team tight ends. Hartsock was the blocker, a role now to be played by Davis. Olsen (now Cameron) was the pass catcher and finished last season as the No. 6 overall fantasy tight end. Cameron's breakout candidacy remains on schedule.
Source:
Akron Beacon-Journal
Gronkowski 'probably' will need back surgery
Rob Gronkowski | NE
(May 17, 2013 4:49 PM EDT)
A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk.com that Rob Gronkowski will "probably" require back surgery after receiving a second opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins.
It's confirmation of NFL Network's previous report that the surgery "looks likely." Per PFT, the back surgery will take place in 3-4 weeks following Monday's surgery on Gronkowski's forearm. Doctors don't want to schedule the two surgeries too close together. Although the back surgery is considered "minor" in comparison to the operation that cost him the entire 2009 college season, Gronkowski's Week 1 availability is now very much in doubt.
Source:
Profootballtalk on NBC Sports
Opening at No. 3 receiver in San Francisco
A.J. Jenkins | SF
(May 17, 2013 4:43 PM EDT)
The Sacramento Bee considered the 49ers' No. 3 receiver job "wide open."
Keep in mind San Francisco's third receiver rotation wasn't productive in 2012 as Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams rotated behind Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss. Still, there is some opportunity for A.J. Jenkins behind Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. The 2012 first-rounder has reportedly added muscle this offseason. Jenkins will be competing with Quinton Patton, Williams, and Ricardo Lockette.
Source:
Sacramento Bee
Falcons sign Stansly Maponga
Stansly Maponga | ATL
(May 17, 2013 4:36 PM EDT)
Falcons signed fifth-round DE Stansly Maponga to a four-year contract.
The latest mid- to late-round speed rusher stab by GM Thomas Dimitroff, Maponga will hope to pan out better than Lawrence Sidbury, Cliff Matthews, and Jonathan Massaquoi. Dimitroff did hit on one, stealing Kroy Biermann out of Montana in the 2009 fifth round. Maponga will initially compete for special teams snaps. He only registered four sacks as a TCU senior, playing hurt.