by Chris Mooney
The Wisconsin State Journal reports while Green Bay Packers seventh-round draft pick RB DeShawn Wynn has been getting all the attention after running for two touchdowns in last Sunday’s win over the New York Giants, second-round draft pick RB Brandon Jackson remains the starter. “Things don’t always work out for you individually, but as a team we’re having success right now, and that’s No. 1,” said Jackson, who has rushed for 75 yards on 32 carries (1.9-yard average) in the first two games. “Things are going to come for me. I just have to tough it out until it happens. My confidence level is still high. When you see a guy doing good at your position, of course you want to do the same. What he’s done, I would love to do. It’s just not going that way for me right now. I’m not worried.”
The Kansas City Chiefs’ official website reports Chiefs HC Herman Edwards indicated that RB Larry Johnson is unlikely to get 40 carries this Sunday. “I doubt that but he’s going to touch the ball. There are certain guys in our offense that have to touch the ball, he being one of them. A few other skill guys need to get it too. The only way you do it is by staying on the field. You can’t go three-and-out. You have to get some rhythm going in the offense,” said Edwards.
The Carroll County Times reports Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart is a streaky passer with three interceptions, two touchdowns, 56.9 percent accuracy and a 66.2 passer rating, but he still qualifies as a strong-armed threat. “If you allow him to have time and sit in the pocket, he can complete every pass on the field,” Ravens CB Chris McAlister said. “So, he’s a guy that we definitely respect in the secondary as being able to get the ball down the field.”
The Charlotte Observer reports Carolina Panthers RB DeShaun Foster has six regular-season 100-yard rushing games, and three have come in his past four outings against Atlanta. Over that stretch, he is averaging 113 yards on 21.3 carries — 5.3 yards per try. Remembering the final meeting last year, Foster said, “I don’t know how many times we ran it but we ran it a lot (52 carries by Carolina for 183 yards). It was exciting and we look forward to it and hope to do it again.”
The Washington Post reports Redskins WR Reche Caldwell, who was inactive against the Eagles, might be active for Sunday’s game against the Giants.
The San Francisco 49ers’ official website reports the 49ers finished the week of preparation for Pittsburgh with a lighter practice on Friday prior to their afternoon charter flight to play the Steelers on Sunday. Niners RB Frank Gore, who rejoined the team on Thursday after attending services for his mother in Miami, was announced by HC Mike Nolan as the team’s offensive captain. “It feels great just to be back,” said Gore. “I had a tough week so being back with my boys, I love that and it makes me feel better.” After missing significant practice time during training camp and again last week, Gore appreciates just being able to practice the last two days. “It’s been hard not getting the work because I always do better when I get to practice, so it’s been good for me to be out here getting some reps and a feel for my line. We’ve got a good test coming up, so we just have to stick together this week as a team and an offense.”