RB job up for grabs
The only certainty in the Denver Broncos’ offensive backfield is that Ron Dayne has his work cut out for him this week as he tries to make the roster after missing most of training camp.
The former Heisman Trophy winner was the projected starter when camp began but he quickly lost that status to undrafted rookie Mike Bell and then got hurt in the first preseason game.
His injury, however, opened up the door for all the others to make a case for carries.
So, just who’s going to be taking handoffs from Jake Plummer this season and who might end up as a waiver wire pickup for some other team?
•Cedric Cobbs is the Broncos’ leading rusher this exhibition season, carrying 28 times for 161 yards, a 5.8-yard average. His numbers have come against backups.
•Mike Bell is next with 113 yards on 26 runs (4.3), two TDs and a team-best 34-yard run. Another solid game Sunday night would have cemented his hold on the starting job, but now it appears tenuous.
•Tatum Bell has rushed for 86 yards on 22 carries (3.9) and a touchdown and could still end up as the featured back if he can convince his coaches he won’t fade late and can be more consistent early.
•Damien Nash is averaging 5.1 yards a carry (14 for 72) and also scored a TD. Again, his numbers didn’t come against the opponents’ top line of defenders.
•And Dayne gained just 12 yards on five carries before getting hurt. The Broncos will have to determine if the gimpy veteran is worth keeping around while so many others have taken turns making a splash.
Raiders sign George
The Oakland Raiders signed Jeff George to a contract, bringing back a player who hasn’t thrown an NFL pass in five seasons.
George, the No. 1 overall pick by Indianapolis in 1990, joined the team in time for Monday’s afternoon practice. He previously played for the Raiders in 1997-98, starting 23 games and throwing 33 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
NFL looks to China
The NFL is negotiating to play an exhibition game in China next summer, the first game of its kind in that country.
League spokesman Greg Aiello said a decision on the game and the teams to be involved will be made by the end of September. He said the league is negotiating both with Chinese officials and with several teams, including Seattle and New England.
The game would be played in the Olympic Stadium in Beijing, which will play host to the Olympics the following year.
Holmes’ future in doubt
The odds of seeing Priest Holmes on the field this season got much longer when the Kansas City Chiefs put the three-time Pro Bowl running back on the “physically unable to perform” list.
Holmes missed the last nine games of the 2005 season after taking a hard hit from San Diego’s Shawne Merriman that caused trauma to the head and neck, and doctors have still not given him medical clearance to practice or play.