NFL Media's "" series asked this week which defense is best equipped to challenge the Seattle Seahawks for superiority this season.
With the additions of three impact starters in free agency and the return of All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller, the Denver Broncos would have made for an interesting dark horse candidate.
Jack Del Rio's defense just took an uppercut, though, as starting weakside linebacker Danny Trevathan in the bone below his knee in Tuesday's practice. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports the team is targeting a return for Trevathan.
When Miller was sidelined during the , Trevathan emerged not just as the Broncos' best linebacker, but also . Not many linebackers possess the speed to hang with running backs and tight ends in coverage and the power to fight through trash at the line of scrimmage.
Although Trevathan should be recapturing pre-injury form by midseason, his early-season absence presents a stumbling block. General manager John Elway acknowledged in April that his team will have to "" with three matchups (, , ) against teams that made the playoffs in 2013.
- The BrownsRex Grossman with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday, releasing Tyler Thigpen in the process. Coach Mike Pettine confirmed that Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer. The starter won't be named until later this week.
- Just when you thought defensive play , the Cowboys lose cornerback Orlando Scandrick to a for ingesting Molly laced with amphetamines.
- Among the big names activated from the physically unable to perform list were Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) and Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (foot).
- The Cardinals reportedly expect John Abraham to return to the team . The veteran pass rusher has been away from teammates since a late June arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Coach Bruce Arians also said Tyrann Mathieu is "" to returning from reconstructive knee surgery.
- Jets running back Chris Ivory is for after suffering a rib cartilage injury in the .
- Returning from neck surgery, Ahmad Bradshaw isn't sure when he will get the green light to play in . He is confident, however, that he will be by .
- Coach Gus Bradley confirmed that rookie Blake Bortles will see first-team snaps this summer, "but the team has really rallied around Chad (Henne)."
- Rex Ryan's reaction to the prospect of entering the season with the worst collection of cornerbacks in his coaching career: "." Never change, Rex.
- The Titans pinned the "Just A Guy" label on talented young wide receiver Justin Hunter -- .
- The Seahawks stated Tuesday that recent allegation of assault and personal property damage against Marshawn Lynch are "."
- Former Colts president Bill Polian calls the Jaguars' Paul Posluszny the best middle linebacker in the league "."
- Two sources have told Jason Cole of Bleacher Report that Raiders owner Mark Davis is attempting to raise funds to for a new stadium.
*The latest highlights the from the first week of preseason action. *
