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Tuesday NFL Notes

Written By: Luke Hoover on 8/15/2012 12:06 AM

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Roy Helu is dealing with tendinitis in his left Achilles tendon – Helu openly admitted that the injury, which he’s experienced in the past, has never caused him as much discomfort. After also fighting a hamstring injury in the spring, it’s starting to look like there’s just too much risk in this talented young back. Even though he has all the physical skills to become a star, the consistent nagging injuries and the craziness that is Mike Shanahan are major obstacles to overcome. To add insult to injury for Helu, Shanahan also announced Tuesday that Tim Hightower (knee) could begin taking team reps as soon as Friday. Until then, it looks like Helu’s reps will drop and it’s a likelihood he sits out Saturday’s contest with the Bears.

Alex Green (knee) is cutting and sprinting confidently in practice – The timing couldn’t be more right for the Packers to see the second-year back regaining the strength and confidence in his repaired ACL. James Starks (turf toe), Brandon Saine (hamstring) and John Kuhn (ankle) are all expected to miss Thursday’s matchup with Cleveland. Moreover, the newly acquired Cedric Benson is likely to sit as well until he’s up to speed with his conditioning and understanding of the offense and, in particular, his pass protection assignments. Look for Green to see a good amount of action, provided his knee can withstand it, and for undrafted rookie Marc Tyler to take the rest of the carries once Green is rested for the night.

Matt Flynn will start on Saturday versus Denver – Although the Seahawks are still preaching competition, the stating gig appears to be Flynn's to lose. The team is expected to employ the same plan they used in their first preseason game when Flynn got the first half and Russell Wilson took over in the second. That means Tarvaris Jackson’s days in Seattle could be numbered. If he’s not the starter, he’s unlikely to make the final roster with Wilson earning the coaches’ confidence and promising project Josh Portis expected to be kept on the active roster.

Justin Blackmon may play an entire half in his first preseason game Friday versus the Saints – Blackmon has been impressive in Jaguars camp despite being the final first-round pick to sign his rookie deal. It looks like he’ll start on Friday and the coaches will leave it up to him how much he plays. If he does not get too fatigued, expect him to go the entire first half.

Stephen Hill injured his right index finger – This doesn’t look particularly serious but is noteworthy given the various nagging injuries that seem to have befallen every significant Jets receiver. Hill is fighting for a starting position, so even though the X-rays were negative, if the issue causes him to struggle catching the football, he and the Jets quarterbacks could have a tough time making an impact over the rest of the preseason.

Ronnie Hillman aggravated his hamstring injury – Hillman needs to get healthy in a hurry if he wants to earn the No. 2 job behind Willis McGahee. He missed the team’s first preseason game and this setback makes it hard to believe he’ll be getting his first action on Saturday against the Seahawks. With veterans Lance Ball and Knowshon Moreno crowding the backfield, the hamstring woes may put Hillman at the end of a logjam to start the season despite the Broncos’ high hopes for him.

Sidney Rice (shoulders) practiced without his red “no contact” jersey – It’s unclear if Rice will actually participate in contact drills, but he’s at least up to the point of being able to make diving catches, which are sure to test his surgically repaired labrums. He’ll still sit out the matchup with Denver on Saturday, but if he begins contact drills soon, it’s possible he could get some live game reps before the preseason is over.

Jonathan Dwyer (shoulder) returned to practice – It’s important to note that Dwyer is back practicing after what appeared to be a sprained shoulder held him out for a few days. With Rashard Mendenhall almost a sure bet to start 2012 on the PUP list and Isaac Redman far from a proven commodity, Dwyer has a nice opportunity to show off the ability that made him the 2008 ACC Player of the Year. That is of course if he can just stay healthy.

Kevin Kolb will start Friday versus the Raiders – The Cardinals are doing their due-diligence with their quarterback “competition.” Even though John Skelton has looked significantly better through two preseason games than Kolb, the coaching staff will likely refrain from a clear commitment until just prior to Week 1, or possibly the third preseason game at the earliest.

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