Carolina Panthers 01/20/2007 8:36 AMThe Charlotte Observer reports after firing three assistant coaches Monday, the Carolina Panthers began rebuilding their staff Friday. Tim Lewis, a former defensive coordinator for the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, was hired to coach the defensive backs. Lewis replaces Rod Perry, who was fired Monday.Read more
Pittsburgh Steelers 01/20/2007 8:34 AMThe Post-Gazette reports the Steelers signed four more players to their 2007 roster, including P Mike Barr, who has been in their past two training camps. Barr will challenge veteran P Chris Gardocki, 37, for a job he has held with the Steelers the past three seasons. Others signed yesterday were WR Gerran Walker and linebackers Derek Rehage and Richard Koonce. The Steelers allocated all but Barr to NFL Europa along with DB Grant Mason.Read more
Minnesota Vikings 01/20/2007 8:30 AMThe Pioneer Press reports two days after doctors removed the wiring from his jaw, Vikings CB Fred Smoot broke his two-monthlong vow of silence. In an interview Friday, Smoot recapped his frustrating end to 2006 and his prospects for 2007, most notably whether he will return to the Vikings.Read more
Indianapolis Colts 01/20/2007 8:27 AMThe Indianapolis Star reports the Colts should be at full strength Sunday. LB Cato June, who suffered a concussion last Saturday at Baltimore, practiced all week and has been cleared to play. Starting strong-side LB Rob Morris missed Friday's practice with an undisclosed knee injury. He is listed as questionable but is expected to play. "We are really in very, very good shape, probably the best we've been healthwise,'' HC Tony Dungy said.Read more
