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Huddle Up: McNabb, Vikings' QBs improve

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An abbreviated look at what’s going on around the NFL on Monday, Aug. 22:

• Minnesota's defense put the clamps on Seattle Saturday night, but the Vikings were more excited about the progress their QBs showed. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said Donovan McNabb, Christian Ponder and Joe Webb all stepped up their games.

• Donnie Avery's return from a serious knee injury has given Sam Bradford one of his biggest weapons back. Avery had two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown Saturday vs. the Titans.

• Jeff Backus, the "old man" along the Lions' offensive line, returned to practice Sunday after missing the first few weeks of camp with a partially torn pectoral muscle.

• Seventh-round draft pick Markus White has overcome plenty of obstacles en route to the NFL. His biggest challenge now is shifting from the defensive end spot he played at Florida State to outside linebacker in Washington's 3-4 attack.

Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer reported to camp at a bulky 259 pounds. He's since shed 20 pounds off that weight and looks like he could make an impact in Pittsburgh's offense this season.

• Thanks to the trade of Lee Evans and a string of injuries, the Billsfind themselves suddenly shorthanded at the receiver position.

• The Dolphins may not have it all figured out on offense, where questions still loom about QB Chad Henne, but they are more than stocked up on the defensive line. In fact, 2010 first-round pick Jared Odrick may lose his starting job before the season starts.

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