Maurice Jones-Drew expressed interest in a trade following comments by Jaguars owner Shad Khan – As if the situation weren't unsettled enough, Khan decided to call out his star player by saying about MJD's holdout, "The train is leaving the station. Run. Get on it." The first-year owner had already drawn a line in the sand by refusing to negotiate a new deal for MJD, but by publically calling out Jones-Drew he may have significantly worsened the team's relationship with last year's rushing leader. Hopefully the issue won't grow too contentious and lead to a prideful Jones-Drew demanding a trade or refusing to play under his current contract.
Mike Wallace is expected to join the Steelers this weekend – If the sources are correct, that would give Wallace a little less than two weeks of practice time to get ready for the team's Week 1 matchup with Denver. If he doesn't show, it's anybody's guess when or if he will. With new coordinator Todd Haley in town, it is important for Wallace to have as much time as possible to learn the new playbook going into the season so he's not just limited to go routes. Continue to draft him cautiously until he signs his one-year tender and joins his teammates.
Michael Vick escaped Monday's game with just a rib contusion – It is relieving to find that no cartilage damage was suffered, but Vick still figures to be in some serious discomfort from his bruised ribs when the season kicks off in just over two weeks. Even though he should be able to play through any pain without impacting his performance, it must be noted how poorly Vick has been protected through two brief preseason appearances. For a player who's struggled tremendously to stay on the field throughout his career, that is not a sign of good things to come.
Russell Wilson will start the Seahawks third preseason game on Friday versus the Chiefs – Wilson has outshone veteran Matt Flynn in the team's first two preseason games, albeit versus second and third-stringers. If he excels against a very strong first-team Kansas City defense that may all but seal up the starting job for him in Seattle and crush the sleeper candidacy of Flynn. If he is announced the Week 1 starter following Friday's game though, Wilson will launch a major sleeper campaign for himself as a mature-beyond-his-years dual-threat weapon.
Torrey Smith (ankle) is expected to play in Thursday's preseason matchup with Jacksonville – The second-year speedster has been able to practice without much limitation so far this week and looks like he'll give it a go for the Ravens' dress rehearsal third preseason game. Provided he is able to cut cleanly and accelerate well out of his breaks, Smith should continue to be viewed as a strong breakout candidate.
Brian Quick (back) returned to practice after sitting out Monday – Quick was forced from the Rams' second preseason game on Saturday with back spasms and missed Monday's practice as a precaution. If the issue does not act up again this week, expect him to get plenty of action in the team's third preseason game versus Dallas on Saturday.
James Harrison (knee) is optimistic he'll be ready for Week 1 – Harrison just had his knee scoped six days ago, so it may be a longshot for him to return by Week 1. Even if he did play, he may not be the savviest IDP option considering how few sacks Peyton Manning takes, historically speaking.
Bobby Wagner appears to be locked in as the Seahawks' starting middle linebacker – With the trade of veteran Barrett Ruud to New Orleans the starting job belongs Wagner. If former Niner and current Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson is even close to right on his comparison of Wagner to a young Patrick Willis then the rookie from Utah State could burst onto the IDP scene much sooner than later using his blend of size, speed and instincts to make a lot of plays.