Oakland Raiders
Just days after the San Francisco Chronicle speculated Dominic Rhodes would be the starter at tailback; NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reported Josh McCown is likely to be the Raiders’ starting quarterback Week 1. After Vince Young, Jay Cutler and Matt Leinart all became starters at some point during their rookie campaigns, it’s safe to assume JaMarcus Russell is going to get a shot at some point in ’07. Although with Oakland’s line, he might not want to rush McCown off the field too soon.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers signed running back Kevan Barlow to a one-year deal according to Rotoworld.com. It’s amazing how much Barlow’s production has dipped since a 1,024-yard season in ’03. He had just 370 yards on 131 carries for the Jets last year, and was so bad he was a healthy inactive at times during the season. At best, Barlow is Pitt’s third best option in the backfield behind Willie Parker and Najeh Davenport.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons got good news Wednesday when head coach Bobby Petrino told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that starting weakside linebacker Demorrio Williams might have a chance to start Week 1. Surgery was required after Williams tore a pectoral muscle while participating in offseason workouts two weeks ago. Petrino also told the AJC that defensive tackle Rod Coleman – who tore his quadriceps muscle in a watercraft accident two weeks ago – might miss the first three games of the ’07 season.
