The winner of the No. 5 wide receiver spot for the Atlanta Falcons must play a key role on special teams. WRs Michael Calvin, Kevin Cone, Drew Davis, Marcus Jackson, James Rodgers, Kenny Stafford and Tim Toone are battling for the spot in training camp and the preseason.
Falcons | Special teams essential to No. 5 WR role

Atlanta Falcons RB Antone Smith, who came out of Florida State with 4.3 40-yard speed, is expected to get a look on punt and kick returns during training camp and the preseason. ‘Antone is an interesting dynamic for us on special teams, because he’s such a good cover guy, he’s such a good blocker, but he’s also got the speed to be a returner,’ head coach Mike Smith said Monday, July 30. On offense, Smith is competing for the No. 4 running back job.
Falcons | Antone Smith might factor into return game

Atlanta Falcons DL Peria Jerry (knee) has been healthy during the offseason, and he has an opportunity to see more snaps in training camp and the preseason. A significant knee injury ended his rookie season in 2009 early, and he has struggled to re-gain momentum ever since. ‘I feel like I’m over the hump now,’ Jerry said Monday, July 30. ‘The only thing I can do is go out there and show everybody why I’m here.’
Falcons | Peria Jerry making progress

Atlanta Falcons WR Kerry Meier (knee) has been turning heads early in training camp, and he appears to have a leg up for the No. 4 receiver job. He still must be a factor on special teams if he wants to secure a roster spot. ‘Kerry’s done a great job, he really has,’ QB Matt Ryan said Monday, July 30. ‘I think last year coming off the knee injury, he came back in and did a good (job) and played in some spot roles for us. I think this year his confidence is back in his leg.’
Falcons | Kerry Meier making run at No. 4 WR job

The Denver Broncos and OT Ryan Clady mutually decided Monday, July 30, to end contract negotiations until after the season. Clady is set to make $3.5 million in the final year of his five-year rookie contract.
Broncos | Team, Ryan Clady break off contract talks

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch has yet to speak to the media about his pending DUI charge. It’s uncertain if he will face discipline from the National Football League.
Seahawks | Marshawn Lynch yet to speak to media

Seattle Seahawks DL Alan Branch (OL James Carpenter (knee), DL Jason Jones (undisclosed), WR Jermaine Kearse (undisclosed), LB Jameson Konz (undisclosed), CB Danny Liskowski (undisclosed), TE Anthony McCoy (undisclosed), LB Matt McCoy(undisclosed), CB Ron Parker (undisclosed), CB Walter Thurmond (foot) each did not participate in practice Monday, July 30.
Seahawks | Several miss first padded practice

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Monday, July 30, that he has a timetable in his head as to when he will announce the team’s starting quarterback. QBs Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson and Russell Wilson are each jockeying for position on the depth chart.
Seahawks | Pete Carroll has timetable for QB decision

Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson took snaps with the first-team offense Monday, July 30, the first day the team was in pads. He is still working on perfecting the timing and rhythm that comes with the speed of the NFL game. ‘No matter what the situation was, I was going to come in and compete,’ Wilson said. He is locked in a three-way battle with QBs Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson.
Seahawks | Russell Wilson gets bulk of first-team reps