AFC North: Training camp
AFC North update: Tressel visits Bengals
August, 18, 2011
8/18/11
6:00
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
Here are the latest happenings Thursday evening in the AFC North:
- Former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel visited the Cincinnati Bengals on the final day of training camp.
- Will the Cleveland Browns pursue former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft?
- A lot is riding on rookie right tackle Jah Reid's development for the Baltimore Ravens.
- Here are more things to look for in the Pittsburgh Steelers' second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
AFC North update: Cam, Sweed and Hillis
August, 17, 2011
8/17/11
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
Here are the latest happenings Wednesday in the AFC North:
- The Pittsburgh Steelers waived former second-round pick Limas Sweed.
- Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti reaffirms his confidence in offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
- Ravens receiver Lee Evans officially changed to No. 83 on Wednesday.
- Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis tweaked his hamstring in practice.
- Here's a new one: Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis shoots down Brett Favre rumors.
- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was fined $20,000 for slamming Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton last week.
The AFC North blog is in Georgetown, Ky. with the Cincinnati Bengals. But let's take a look at the latest happenings with the other teams in the division:
- The status for Baltimore Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth (knee) is up in the air for Thursday's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- New Ravens running back Ricky Williams will wear jersey No. 38 this season.
- Cleveland Browns tight end Evan Moore continues to shine in coach Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense.
- Shurmur wants Browns defensive end Marcus Benard to lose weight.
- Former Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly is visiting with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Cleveland Browns enter 2011 training camp with injuries to two key offensive starters. Starting left guard Eric Steinbach and No. 1 receiver Mohamed Massaquoi will begin the season on the non-football injury/active list.
Steinbach has a knee injury and Massaquoi reportedly wore a boot on his ankle Saturday. It is unknown how either player suffered their ailments.
The time frame for recovery will be key, particularly for Massaquoi. The lockout has hindered Cleveland from working much in the new West Coast offense, and Browns second-year quarterback Colt McCoy needs as much time as possible with his top receiver before the start of the regular season.
Update: Browns tight end Ben Watson also suffered a blow to the head and was knocked out of practice Saturday.
Morning take: Will Mason and Heap return?
July, 26, 2011
7/26/11
8:00
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC North:
- Following their pending release, the Baltimore Ravens reportedly want receiver Derrick Mason and tight end Todd Heap back at a lower price.
- Is Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco next to be released?
- Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II said he isn't sure at this point if his players will receive NFL discipline.
- The Cleveland Browns are set to open training camp on Friday.
Here are the latest happenings Thursday evening in the AFC North:
- Running back Willis McGahee tweeted that he's unsure of his future with the Baltimore Ravens.
- Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison is getting close to 100 percent following offseason back surgery.
- The Cleveland Browns are preparing for training camp at their facility in Berea, Ohio.
- The Cincinnati Bengals are tentatively planning for a report date of July 28 at Georgetown (Ky.) College.
Here are the latest happenings Monday evening in the AFC North:
- As of Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still planning to hold training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.
- Cleveland Browns No. 1 receiver Mohamed Massaquoi is seeking offseason advice from top receivers.
- Is Joe Flacco the best quarterback in Baltimore Ravens history?
- How valuable is re-signing tailback Cedric Benson to the Cincinnati Bengals?
- Former Bengals running back David Turner was shot and killed by police in California.
Even if Adam Jones avoids suspension and is correct in claiming he was wrongfully arrested over the weekend, it appears the Cincinnati Bengals might have additional concerns with the embattled cornerback.
Jones, who missed the final 11 games in 2010 following a season-ending neck injury, wore a neck brace and did not look like a player who will be ready for full contact in training camp at the end of the month. In fact, Jones revealed in a television interview with WCPO in Cincinnati that he recently had surgery.
"I've been in a neck brace for four weeks," Jones admitted. "I just had surgery."
Neck injuries are always concerning, and because of the lockout, Jones has not been able to rehab with the Bengals this offseason. Cincinnati is counting on Jones this season, especially if the team refuses to pay market value for pending free-agent corner Johnathan Joseph.
Jones' legal and health situations certainly will be something to keep an eye on this summer.
Here are the latest happenings Friday in the AFC North:
- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has some impressive pictures from his recent wedding.
- Is Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy the long-term solution?
- The Pittsburgh Steelers provided a statement on their status of holding training camp this summer in Latrobe, PA.
- Here is a checklist of things to do for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Morning take: Ed Reed over Troy Polamalu?
July, 7, 2011
7/07/11
7:00
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:
- Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed responds to his No. 5 ranking on the NFL Network's top 100, which was voted by the players.
- Speaking of the Steelers, they continue to keep their options open for training camp.
- Will quarterback Jake Delhomme become a cap casualty for the Cleveland Browns?
- Cincinnati Bengals receiver Terrell Owens wants to do a television sitcom loosely based on his life.
Will Steelers, Bengals cancel camp sites?
July, 6, 2011
7/06/11
11:00
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The Baltimore Ravens were the first AFC North team to drop out the race. Due to labor uncertainty, the Ravens pulled the plug on holding their annual training camp in Westminster, Md.

Are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals next?
Each day that goes by without a new collective bargaining agreement, Latrobe, Pa., and Georgetown, Ky., get closer and closer to missing NFL football this summer. Both small towns look forward to the Steelers and Bengals bringing excitement and business every year.
But with camps scheduled to start at the end of the month, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati may have a tough decision to make. Holding training camp away from the practice facility can be a logistical nightmare if time is an issue. The Ravens backed out primarily because they didn't feel they could properly plan and ship all the equipment to Westminster in a short period of time.
With a new CBA still uncertain, a reduced training camp also could factor in the decision. If camps and preseason games are sliced in half, for example, it's probably not worth it for teams to train away from its facilities this year.
These next two weeks are huge for labor negotiations. If there's not enough progress after that point, expect teams like the Steelers and Bengals to start backing out of their training camp commitments.

Are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals next?
Each day that goes by without a new collective bargaining agreement, Latrobe, Pa., and Georgetown, Ky., get closer and closer to missing NFL football this summer. Both small towns look forward to the Steelers and Bengals bringing excitement and business every year.
But with camps scheduled to start at the end of the month, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati may have a tough decision to make. Holding training camp away from the practice facility can be a logistical nightmare if time is an issue. The Ravens backed out primarily because they didn't feel they could properly plan and ship all the equipment to Westminster in a short period of time.
With a new CBA still uncertain, a reduced training camp also could factor in the decision. If camps and preseason games are sliced in half, for example, it's probably not worth it for teams to train away from its facilities this year.
These next two weeks are huge for labor negotiations. If there's not enough progress after that point, expect teams like the Steelers and Bengals to start backing out of their training camp commitments.
Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC North:
- Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis called New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady "the greatest of greats."
- Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Ramon Foster said he talked to several players who said their teams didn't vote for the NFL Network's top 100.
- Georgetown College is still preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals' arrival this summer.
- Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Colt McCoy held a camp for kids.
On Friday we took at look at the most underrated players in the AFC North division. The list included left tackle Andrew Whitworth of the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Jarret Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Benjamin Watson of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel.
But those aren't the only players under the radar. Here is a look at several more players in the division to keep an eye on in 2011:
Jordan Shipley, WR, Bengals
Analysis: The Bengals were looking for a slot receiver in last year's draft and found a good one in Shipley. Cincinnati has struggled in that area since the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but Shipley did well with 52 receptions for 600 yards and three touchdowns in 2010. The rookie quickly became a favorite of quarterback Carson Palmer, who liked Shipley's smarts, good routes and sure hands. The Bengals are switching to a new West Coast offense this season under Jay Gruden, and it will be important to keep Shipley involved.
Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers
Analysis: Redman, who was undrafted in 2009, impressed Pittsburgh's coaching staff in training camp and on the practice squad as a rookie. But he finally received a shot to make the Steelers 53-man roster as a backup last season and made the most of his opportunities. Spelling Rashard Mendenhall, Redman punished defenses to the tune of 4.8 yards per carry in 2010. The Steelers probably will use him more in the offense this season. Redman is strong between the tackles and good at getting tough yards to move the chains.
Scott Fujita, LB, Browns
Analysis: Fujita was an under-the-radar signing by Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, and it worked out in the first year. Fujita brought much-needed toughness and leadership to Cleveland's defense and finished with 51 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception in nine games. A knee injury eventually ended his season, and it was no coincidence Cleveland's defense went downhill after losing Fujita in November.
Sam Koch, P, Ravens
Analysis: Baltimore's kicking game was arguably the NFL's best last season, and half of that was due to Koch's punting. Place kicker Billy Cundiff received most of the publicity for his record-tying year with kickoffs and accurate field goals. But Koch was just as good punting the ball with an impressive 39 punts inside the 20. The Ravens showed their appreciation by signing Koch to a five-year extension before the lockout began this offseason.
But those aren't the only players under the radar. Here is a look at several more players in the division to keep an eye on in 2011:
Jordan Shipley, WR, Bengals
Analysis: The Bengals were looking for a slot receiver in last year's draft and found a good one in Shipley. Cincinnati has struggled in that area since the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but Shipley did well with 52 receptions for 600 yards and three touchdowns in 2010. The rookie quickly became a favorite of quarterback Carson Palmer, who liked Shipley's smarts, good routes and sure hands. The Bengals are switching to a new West Coast offense this season under Jay Gruden, and it will be important to keep Shipley involved.
Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers
Analysis: Redman, who was undrafted in 2009, impressed Pittsburgh's coaching staff in training camp and on the practice squad as a rookie. But he finally received a shot to make the Steelers 53-man roster as a backup last season and made the most of his opportunities. Spelling Rashard Mendenhall, Redman punished defenses to the tune of 4.8 yards per carry in 2010. The Steelers probably will use him more in the offense this season. Redman is strong between the tackles and good at getting tough yards to move the chains.
Scott Fujita, LB, Browns
Analysis: Fujita was an under-the-radar signing by Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, and it worked out in the first year. Fujita brought much-needed toughness and leadership to Cleveland's defense and finished with 51 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception in nine games. A knee injury eventually ended his season, and it was no coincidence Cleveland's defense went downhill after losing Fujita in November.
Sam Koch, P, Ravens
Analysis: Baltimore's kicking game was arguably the NFL's best last season, and half of that was due to Koch's punting. Place kicker Billy Cundiff received most of the publicity for his record-tying year with kickoffs and accurate field goals. But Koch was just as good punting the ball with an impressive 39 punts inside the 20. The Ravens showed their appreciation by signing Koch to a five-year extension before the lockout began this offseason.
Remember Limas Sweed?
Sweed He was a former second-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers who joined the team in 2008 with high expectations. But for the past three seasons, Sweed has experienced disappointments and injuries, and now he's the forgotten man among Pittsburgh's wide receivers.
Sweed has gone from a high-profile draft pick to a player who enters training camp this summer on the roster bubble. At best, Sweed is currently sixth on the depth chart behind receivers Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, Antonio Brown and Antwaan Randle El. Pittsburgh also could add more competition once free agency begins.
The numbers game could be too much for Sweed. He has the talent, size and speed to make plays. But early issues catching the ball and not making the most of opportunities have put Sweed on a very hot seat. He's also in the final year of his rookie contract, which makes it easier for Pittsburgh to cut ties.
Can Sweed help the Steelers in 2011? A lot would have to go right.
For starters, Sweed needs to light up the preseason to begin earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. Sweed also needs to prove he is recovered from last year's Achilles injury and may need an injury or two at receiver to provide another quality opportunity. But it is clear Sweed is down to his final chance in Pittsburgh.

Sweed has gone from a high-profile draft pick to a player who enters training camp this summer on the roster bubble. At best, Sweed is currently sixth on the depth chart behind receivers Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, Antonio Brown and Antwaan Randle El. Pittsburgh also could add more competition once free agency begins.
The numbers game could be too much for Sweed. He has the talent, size and speed to make plays. But early issues catching the ball and not making the most of opportunities have put Sweed on a very hot seat. He's also in the final year of his rookie contract, which makes it easier for Pittsburgh to cut ties.
Can Sweed help the Steelers in 2011? A lot would have to go right.
For starters, Sweed needs to light up the preseason to begin earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. Sweed also needs to prove he is recovered from last year's Achilles injury and may need an injury or two at receiver to provide another quality opportunity. But it is clear Sweed is down to his final chance in Pittsburgh.
Faces of lockout: Browns' hotel manager
June, 1, 2011
6/01/11
11:00
AM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The NFL lockout has put players and owners in limbo. The ripple effects are also felt by people whose lives or business touch their teams. Here are their stories:
According to Bryan Shepherd, the NFL lockout is tough. But the situation still has the potential to get worse.
The general manager of Marriott hotel properties in Berea, Ohio, where the Cleveland Browns train, lost his biggest business client for the spring because of the lockout. But Shepherd is hopeful he won't lose the substantial amount of revenue he receives from the Browns later this summer when the team fills up his hotels during training camp.
"The Browns are still holding the rooms but it keeps getting pushed back," Shepherd said. "Chances are rookie camp [will be lost]. So we've worked hard on replacing business we might not have from the Browns right now. But the toughest thing is to anticipate and be there for them when they need the rooms."
Marriott owns a Courtyard, TownePlace Suites and Residence Inn in Berea and has been a partner with the Browns since the team returned to the NFL in 1999. The practice facility is close by, making it easy for players to get to and from practice during the warm spring and summer months.
For offseason workouts and minicamps, the Browns rent an estimated 20 to 25 rooms at the Courtyard property for up to 45 days for drafted and undrafted rookies and a few veterans without residences in the Cleveland area. During training camp, which lasts about five weeks, the Browns have rented as many as 94 rooms depending, according to Shepherd. It is annually the hotel's most reliable source of revenue in an unstable economy.
Shepherd says he is fortunate the NFL lockout did not take place last year or two years ago, when the travel industry hit a major dry spell and the financial loss would have been tougher to absorb. Business travel is finally starting to show growth nationally and in the Cleveland area.
"In 2009 and 2010, most hotels saw anywhere between a 10-18 percent decrease in total occupancy and rate," Shepherd said. "In 2011, research is showing people are traveling more and companies are starting to let their associates travel more."
With the lockout reaching its 78th day and counting, it appears the start of training camp could be in jeopardy. Shepherd, like all NFL fans, hopes the players and owners can reach a timely agreement before it gets to that point.
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Courtesy of Bryan ShepherdBryan Shepherd is the general manager of Marriott hotel properties in Berea, Ohio. His hotels could lose revenue if the lockout eats into training camp.
Courtesy of Bryan ShepherdBryan Shepherd is the general manager of Marriott hotel properties in Berea, Ohio. His hotels could lose revenue if the lockout eats into training camp.The general manager of Marriott hotel properties in Berea, Ohio, where the Cleveland Browns train, lost his biggest business client for the spring because of the lockout. But Shepherd is hopeful he won't lose the substantial amount of revenue he receives from the Browns later this summer when the team fills up his hotels during training camp.
"The Browns are still holding the rooms but it keeps getting pushed back," Shepherd said. "Chances are rookie camp [will be lost]. So we've worked hard on replacing business we might not have from the Browns right now. But the toughest thing is to anticipate and be there for them when they need the rooms."
Marriott owns a Courtyard, TownePlace Suites and Residence Inn in Berea and has been a partner with the Browns since the team returned to the NFL in 1999. The practice facility is close by, making it easy for players to get to and from practice during the warm spring and summer months.
For offseason workouts and minicamps, the Browns rent an estimated 20 to 25 rooms at the Courtyard property for up to 45 days for drafted and undrafted rookies and a few veterans without residences in the Cleveland area. During training camp, which lasts about five weeks, the Browns have rented as many as 94 rooms depending, according to Shepherd. It is annually the hotel's most reliable source of revenue in an unstable economy.
Shepherd says he is fortunate the NFL lockout did not take place last year or two years ago, when the travel industry hit a major dry spell and the financial loss would have been tougher to absorb. Business travel is finally starting to show growth nationally and in the Cleveland area.
"In 2009 and 2010, most hotels saw anywhere between a 10-18 percent decrease in total occupancy and rate," Shepherd said. "In 2011, research is showing people are traveling more and companies are starting to let their associates travel more."
With the lockout reaching its 78th day and counting, it appears the start of training camp could be in jeopardy. Shepherd, like all NFL fans, hopes the players and owners can reach a timely agreement before it gets to that point.

