Huddle Up: Johnny Knox reeling in Chicago
An abbreviated look at what’s going on around the NFL on Thursday, Aug. 11:
• Johnny Knox has been dropped below recent acquisition Roy Williams on Chicago's WR depth chart, with offensive coordinator Mike Martz saying Knox "just was not ready" to start.
• And speaking of the Bears' depth chart, Roberto Garza is currently penciled in as the starter at center, replacing Olin Kruetz. Chicago signed ex-Seattle center Chris Spencer after letting Kruetz walk, but Garza has the edge so far.
• Matthew Stafford is expected to start in Detroit's preseason opener vs. Cincinnati Friday, but he may not have Calvin Johnson to throw to. Johnson sat out the second half of the Lions' Thursday practice with an ankle injury, putting his game status in doubt.
• Steelers rookie running back Baron Batch, who had been impressive thus far in camp, tore his ACL Wednesday and likely will miss the 2011 season.
• Osi Umenyiora's left knee is still a major concern for the Giants, but the veteran defensive end was able to participate in about 15 minutes worth of drills Wednesday.
• Brian Robiskie had just 29 catches for Cleveland last season. He's out to substantially increase that number this season, and so far, the former Ohio State star has been impressive in camp.
• Dallas Clark is back with the Colts after a wrist injury cost him the final 10 games of 2010. He says that he will probably wear a brace over his surgically-repaired right wrist throughout the 2011 season -- adding that the brace doesn't cause him any issues except that it "just looks stupid."
Clyde Gates
