Rams’ Pace finally ends holdout
Orlando Pace really cut it close this year.
The five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle will get only four days of practice to prepare for the St. Louis Rams’ opener after signing a one-year contract for $7.02 million late Sunday night and hitting the field Monday.
Pace missed most of training camp last year and all of it this season in retaliation for being designated with the franchise tag. The first overall pick of the 1997 draft has been seeking a long-term contract.
“We’re all excited to have Orlando back and I know he feels good about being back, too,” coach Mike Martz said. “It’s a relief to have him here and we’re all just very pleased he’s here and we can get going.”
Shockey says he’s ready to go
After sitting out training camp and all four preseason games with an injured foot and a hamstring problem, New York Giants Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey declared himself fit Monday.
Shockey said he could have played in the Giants’ final preseason game against Baltimore but decided to rest until the season opener against NFC East rival Philadelphia Sunday. He vowed to start.
“I never doubted that I would be back,” Shockey said before an unscheduled light workout. “I feel pretty good right now and I’ve felt better each day.”
Colts interested in Couch
The Indianapolis Colts were still fine-tuning their roster Monday, and one option is quarterback Tim Couch.
After announcing 12 player cuts Monday, one day after the NFL deadline to trim rosters to 53, coach Tony Dungy acknowledged the Colts were interested in Couch, the No. 1 pick in 1999 who was cut Sunday by Green Bay.
“I’m sure we’ll take a look at Tim Couch,” Dungy said. “He played in a similar system to what we have when he was in Cleveland.”
Dungy’s comments came on the same day the Colts made a surprise move by waiving guard Steve Sciullo, who started 13 games last season, so they could claim Ryan Lilja off waivers from Kansas City.
Brees keeps starting job
Drew Brees was selected the starting quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, a move that was expected after he followed last season’s miserable performance with a solid exhibition season.
Doug Flutie, 41, will be the backup, and Philip Rivers, the fourth pick in April’s draft, will be the third-stringer. The Chargers also will carry Cleo Lemon on the active roster.
Around the league
Former Eastern Washington standout Lamont Brightful was awarded to the Dolphins, who claimed him off waivers from the Ravens. … Arizona defensive tackle Wendell Bryant has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. … Injured Browns running back Lee Suggs did not practice, raising doubts about his availability for the season opener against Baltimore. … Broncos wide receiver Adrian Madise has been suspended for four games for using anabolic steroids. … The Jaguars canceled practice because of Hurricane Frances.