NFL : Engram embraces more responsibility
Bobby Engram walked into Mike Holmgren’s office and told his coach he was ready for the larger, lead role the Seahawks need filled in their depleted passing game.
“When he walked in the door, I knew exactly what he was going to say: Everyone wants to play more,” Holmgren said of his veteran receiver, who will replace the injured Deion Branch as the starting flanker when Seattle (3-2) hosts New Orleans (0-4) on Sunday night.
But Engram’s plea was refreshing, not routine, to Holmgren.
“He wanted to convey to me that physically, he could handle more,” Holmgren said of the veteran who averaged 47 catches per season for Seattle from 2001 until a mysterious illness ruined his 2006.
This time last year, Engram couldn’t even handle walking across his living room. He was laid out on his couch.
“I just think it’s nothing short of a miracle,” Engram said, shaking his head while wearing a huge smile as he contemplated the rapid recovery that has others in awe.
In early October 2006, a virus and Graves’ disease overwhelmed Engram. The thyroid condition led to an accelerated heart rate and debilitating fatigue.
Engram, 34, lost about a dozen pounds off his playing weight of 192 and missed nine games while ingesting a potpourri of pills. Finally, doctors pinpointed the right combination of medicines to stabilize the condition without zapping Engram’s energy.
He returned for the final three regular-season games and both playoff games, catching 13 passes while still taking beta blockers and other drugs. By April, Engram was off the meds completely.
“The Seahawks placed Pro Bowl fullback Mack Strong on injured reserve Wednesday and signed veteran Fred McCrary, who played with the Atlanta Falcons last season.
Green remains upbeat
Miami Dolphins quarterback Trent Green flew to Kansas City for medical consultations and was optimistic about the recovery from his second severe concussion in 13 months.
“He went through some tests this morning, and he told me that it’s very encouraging,” coach Cam Cameron said. “He’s in Kansas City, dealing with the people he dealt with last year so they can make a direct comparison.”
More tests and a consultation with a neurosurgeon were planned.
Barnes gives two stories
Jacksonville offensive tackle Khalif Barnes gave police two versions of his recent one-car accident, according to a supplemental police report.
Barnes initially called police around 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 29 and said he crashed into a tree after falling asleep while driving to a mandatory treatment session. Four hours later, after police arrived at the scene and found Barnes gone, the player called back to report his 2007 Mercedes stolen.
When an officer told Barnes he had listened to the original 911 call, the player decided to stick with his original story, according to the supplemental report.
Panthers sign Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde won the Heisman Trophy the same year his new Carolina teammate Dwayne Jarrett was born. He was the No. 1 overall pick eight years before the Panthers entered the NFL.
He’s thrown more passes than have been thrown in Carolina’s history. He’s also nearly four years older than his offensive coordinator.
Yet the soon-to-be 44-year-old Testaverde – the man nicknamed “Dad” by his new teammates – could start Sunday for the banged-up Panthers at Arizona.
Around the league
Damon Huard‘s injured shoulder held up fine in practice and he will be Kansas City’s starting quarterback Sunday against Cincinnati. … Atlanta right tackle Todd Weiner had knee surgery that will keep him out for at least two weeks. … Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle practiced in full gear and expects to return to the starting lineup Sunday. … Tampa Bay signed running back Zack Crockett.