Raiders supplement speed with Pryor
Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, a controversial Oakland Raiders-type speedster straight out of central casting, is now an actual member of the Silver & Black.
The Raiders selected Pryor in the third round of the NFL’s supplemental draft Monday, giving up their corresponding pick in the 2012 draft for a raw player with outstanding size and freakish speed. The 6-foot-5, 232-pound quarterback ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds at a workout Saturday, the kind of time reserved for only the quickest receivers and running backs.
How the Raiders plan to use Pryor is unclear. They have a starting quarterback in Jason Campbell, and experienced veterans behind him in Trent Edwards and Kyle Boller. Given Pryor’s speed, the team might try him at receiver.
Giants 41, Bears 13
In East Rutherford, N.J., Brandon Jacobs scored on an 18-yard run, Domenik Hixon caught a 5-yard touchdown pass and New York cashed in on big special teams plays in a preseason victory over Chicago that was marred by the loss of Giants starting cornerback Terrell Thomas to a major knee injury.
Thomas tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee with 22 seconds left in the first half in a collision with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
Orton wins starting job
Denver Broncos coach John Fox has seen enough to name Kyle Orton his starting quarterback. What he hasn’t determined is who’s No. 2.
Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn have two more preseason games to impress Fox and win the job.
Browns sign Thomas
The Browns have reached agreement with Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas on a seven-year contract extension.
Agent Peter Schaffer said the sides had been working on the deal for some time and that he was pleased that Thomas will have long-term security. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Britt to see Goodell
Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt will meet today with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss his arrests during the lockout.
Gore frustrated
Two-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore says talks with the San Francisco 49ers over a contract extension are “going slow” and he would be upset if he does not get a new deal before the start of the regular season.
Around the league
Officials say the two men who were the most seriously injured in a series of attacks after a football game at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park are making a steady recovery at the hospital. … NFL defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth pleaded no contest to a charge of simple assault to resolve a case in which he was accused of touching a waitress’ breast while having drinks with friends at a Washington hotel. … Washington Redskins injured tight end Chris Cooley says he’s “extremely hopeful” to play in Week 1 of the NFL season. … The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran offensive lineman Trai Essex to a one-year contract. … The longest tenured St. Louis Rams player, long snapper Chris Massey, has been cut.