Gronkowski says ankle is "great"

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 18, 2012, 4:21 PM EDT

Reuters

Four months after his ankle was the No. 1 story during the week of hype prior to the Super Bowl, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowskisays his ankle isn’t a story at all.

Asked at a charity golf tournament today to describe the status of his ankle, Gronkowski needed just one word: “Great.”

The Patriots, who just signed Gronkowski to a contract extension, obviously don’t think his ankle is going to cause him any long-term problems. And Gronkowski’s one-word description of his ankle today more or less matches what he said a couple of weeks ago, when he declared that the ankle feels better every week.

Still, the ankle isn’t great enough for Gronkowski to practice yet: He stayed off to the side with the injured players while his healthy teammates were taking part in last week’s minicamp. That Gronkowski still isn’t all the way back five months after hurting his ankle in the AFC Championship Game demonstrates just how serious an injury Gronkowski was playing through in the Super Bowl.

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Aqib Talib's criminal case dismissed

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 18, 2012, 4:45 PM EDT

Getty Images

Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano has admitted that he’s concerned about the legal issues facing cornerback Aqib Talib. But he may not need to be concerned any longer.

Talib’s lawyer, Frank Perez, told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that the charge against Talib for assault with a deadly weapon has been dismissed by prosecutors in Texas.

Talib had been scheduled to go on trial on June 25 in connection with an incident last year in which he was accused of shooting a gun at his sister’s ex-boyfriend. Talib’s mother was also charged in the incident. Assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

2012 NFC North NFL Season Preview

Guest Post by Niles Pender - NFL Fan Appeal

The NFC North is one of the most polarizing divisions in football, and they have been for years. The division always seems to have at least one team on the brink of greatness, whether it’s the Bears 2006 Super Bowl run, the Vikings coming within one play of making the Super Bowl in 2009, or the Packers’ Super Bowl win a couple of years ago. Just last year, the Packers were only one game away from completing a perfect season. Let’s take a look at each team’s chances for success in 2012.

There’s not much that can be said about the Packers that hasn’t already been discussed. According to statistics and most analysts, Aaron Rodgers was the best quarterback in football last season and has been for quite some time. There’s no reason to think that this won’t remain the case during the upcoming season. The balance in Rodgers’ game is just as impressive as his arm strength. He always throws it to whoever’s open and doesn’t lean on one player or another during possessions. Whether it’s Jordy Nelson or Greg Jennings, Rodgers finds whoever is open.

Brian Banks runs 4.77 forty

Posted by Evan Silva on June 18, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT

AP

It’s okay to be skeptical about former USC Trojans recruit Brian Banks’ chances of making it in the NFL. He’s spent the last decade reeling from a false rape accusation that landed Banks in prison for five years. Banks is now trying to bounce back.

And he has athleticism on his side.

According to Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterbackcolumn, Banks ran a 4.77 forty-yard dash time at 6-foot-2 1/2, 239 pounds during his Chiefs tryout earlier this month. Keep in mind Banks just began working out extensively on May 24, after he was exonerated.

Banks still needs to get in much better shape, a goal he’s taken steps toward by training with FOX Sports reporter and mixed-martial arts maven Jay Glazer.

Banks will try out for the 49ers on Monday.

Keep in mind the 26-year-old Banks has practice squad eligibility for the 2012 season. So even if he’s not a realistic 53-man roster candidate, Banks’ developmental athleticism could keep his dream alive.

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2012 AFC North NFL Season Preview

Guest Post by Niles Pender - NFL Fan Appeal

The AFC North established itself as one of the powerhouse divisions of football during the 2011 season. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers continued their normally strong play, each going 12-4 behind a strong defensive approach and team football. Even the Cincinnati Bengals got in on the action, posting a surprising 9-7 record. Let’s take a look at how each team will measure up during the 2012 season, which is now just a few short months away from kickoff.

Baltimore is the team that will be on everybody’s radar, and rightfully so. Thanks to a third-ranked defense that featured a handful of players who are All-Pro talent, Baltimore stormed its way to a 12-win season and a berth in the AFC Championship Game last season. While they fell short to a feisty Patriots team led by Tom Brady’s stellar play, they still managed to show the world that they are a contender.

Monday morning one-liners

Posted by Josh Alper on June 18, 2012, 9:11 AM EDT

Getty Images

Bills coach Chan Gailey says that he’s excited about increased expectations for the team.

Should the Dolphins try to swing a trade for WRJames Jones?

LaDainian Tomlinson’s retirement ends a long history of games against the Patriots.

A review of who looked good during Jets minicamp.

Apparently there are some people who think the Ravens are doomed because QB Joe Flacco became a father.

Bud Shaw of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has some thoughts on the relationship between Jim Brown and Browns president Mike Holmgren.

LaDainian Tomlinson to retire as a Charger

Posted by Josh Alper on June 17, 2012, 11:14 AM EDT

Getty Images

Admit it, you thought there was no way LaDainian Tomlinson would ever sign another contract with the Chargers as long as A.J. Smith was the team’s General Manager.

There was more than a little bit of acrimony when the best running back in franchise history left the team after the 2009 season and nothing much seemed to have changed this offseason when Tomlinson looked to continue his career after a two-year stint with the Jets. Check to see if any pigs are gliding by your window, though, because Tomlinson’s going to sign a contract with the Chargers.