Jones-Drew skipping Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Jones-Drew skipping Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp ADVERTISING JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — One day after the Jacksonville Jaguars took a strong stance on Maurice Jones-Drew’s contract situation, the star running back made his feelings equally clear. And he
Jones-Drew skipping Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — One day after the Jacksonville Jaguars took a strong stance on Maurice Jones-Drew’s contract situation, the star running back made his feelings equally clear.
And he did it without saying a word.
Jones-Drew skipped the opening day of a mandatory minicamp Tuesday, showing just how disgruntled he is about his current deal, and has no plans to join the Jaguars for any part of the three-day practice session.
Coach Mike Mularkey can fine Jones-Drew up to $60,000 if he misses the entire camp.
Forte absent as Bears open minicamp
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears opened minicamp, and one key piece remained missing — Matt Forte.
The Pro Bowl running back was absent Tuesday as expected, with his franchise-player tender remaining unsigned. So the staredown with management continues, and coach Lovie Smith seems to be staying out of it.
Forte hasn’t signed his $7.74 million tender, and he has a July 16 deadline to agree to a multiyear deal with more guaranteed money. He is not required to attend minicamp because he’s not under contract, and Smith insisted he’s “having a blast” coaching the players who are. He wouldn’t say if he expected Forte’s situation to be resolved by now or in time for training camp next month.
Safety Ed Reed a
no-show at Ravens’ mandatory minicamp
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed skipped the Baltimore Ravens’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday.
Under the NFL collective bargaining agreement, Reed can be fined up to $63,000 if he misses all three days of practices.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he hasn’t spoken with Reed, adding, “I’m not sure what the situation is.”
Patriots claim TE Ballard off waivers from Giants
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have claimed tight end Jake Ballard off waivers from the New York Giants.
Also, the Patriots placed rookie tight end Brad Herman on injured reserve Tuesday.
Ballard, 24, spent two seasons with the Giants after being signed as a rookie free agent out of Ohio State in 2010. He was released by the Giants on Monday after he failed a physical. Ballard tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Giants’ Super Bowl victory over New England in February.
In his second pro season, Ballard had 38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. He had five catches for 43 yards in the postseason before being injured.
By wire sources
