Former Patriots Alleges More Rules Violations

Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Ross Tucker backed up the allegations made by former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh that New England violated league rules by using practicing players who are placed on injured reserve.

"I had heard the Patriots did this before I signed with them in 2005 and I saw it firsthand during my time there. I asked veteran receiver Troy Brown about it one time and he responded, 'Every team in the league does that.' I quickly let him know none of the three teams I played for previously had done so."

For the record, how many other teams has Troy Brown played for? None.

Unlike the Spygate issue, there is no debate that anyone could "misinterpret" this rule, or deny that a team would gain an advantage by violating it. Since players on IR are frequently healthy enough to practice before the season ends, using late season practices to develop players on IR, and to also give veterans a break, creates an advantage in both the short and long-term.

Unless you're a fan of passing out, don't hold your breath waiting for the league to look too deeply into this.

NFL News and Notes

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will be inducted into the Wesleyan University Hall of Fame this weekend.

Buffalo Bills season-ticket sales are the highest they've been in 15 years.

New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini is impressed with first-round tight end Dustin Keller's speed. Jets guard Alan Faneca wants to be "the rock" between D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter doesn't think he was used effectively in the Dolphins' 4-3 scheme last year.

As he attempts to replace Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu knows he has some big shoes to fill.

Losing cornerback Davin Holly is a big blow to the Cleveland Browns, writes Tony Grossi. The Browns have signed veteran cornerback Terry Cousin.

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham is selling Matt Maupin memorial dog tags to benefit the Yellow Ribbon Supper Center and Fallen Heroes.

After finishing his rookie season on IR, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver John Broussard is trying to knock the rust off during the team's OTA's this week. Jaguars defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson believes in yelling.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young apologized for the photographs of him that surfaced online recently, and added that an athletes private life might not be so private anymore.

Houston Texans defensive end Anthony Weaver wants to prove that he can still rush the passer. Texans owner Bob McNair is still hunting to bring a Super Bowl back to Houston.

The injury to Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler creates a bigger opportunity for back-up tight end Nate Jackson to play. The Broncos have shut defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson down for the remainder of passing camp.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards didn't want Larry Johnson to run on artificial turf, so they held him out of practice on Thursday.

With the release of Stuart Schweigert, Oakland Raiders safety Michael Huff will switch to his more natural free safety position. Jerry McDonald of the ContraCosta Times thinks the Raiders should consider putting a claim on linebacker Odell Thurman. Free agent quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo is heading back to Oakland.

The Dallas Cowboys are encouraged by how ready wide receiver Terry Glenn is. In other Cowboys receivers news, Terrell Owens isn't worried about his contract situation.

The game is slowing down for Philadelphia Eagles second-year quarterback Kevin Kolb. Eagles undrafted rookie quarterback Casey Hansen is used to sticking out in a crowd.

Wide receiver Bill Schroeder, who has been out of football for three years, signed a one-day contract to retire as a Green Bay Packer. The Packers are pleased with how their '07 draft class is improving this off-season.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield wants to finish his career in Minnesota. Running back Maurice Hicks has been getting the bulk of the work during the Vikings' OTA's this week.

Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli believes he's purged the locker room of players he thought were a bad influence on the team. Despite having no NFL experience, the Lions hired Scott Loeffler to coach their quarterbacks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham can't win his contract dispute with the team, writes John Romano. Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden was in a yelling mood when his offense wasn't sharp. (Yeah, because he's so serene when they're doing well.)

New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant posted $10,000 bond after turning himself in on involuntary manslaughter charges.

The Carolina Panthers should re-sign Dan Morgan so he can retire as a Panther.

The Atlanta Falcons are not interested in former Georgia Bulldog Odell Thurman, who was released by Cincinnati earlier this week. His Falcons teammates are giving Matt Ryan some playful ribbing about the size of his contract.

Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley will assume the play-calling duties from head coach Ken Whisenhunt this season.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee answered some San Francisco 49ers-related questions yesterday.

The key to the St. Louis Rams offensive success is to get the whole offensive line to play as hard as Richie Incognito, writes Jim Thomas.