While many media outlets have headlined Tim Tebow’s non-quarterbacking drills early in New England Patriots camp — such as a catch-and-run drill and lining up as a punt protector — offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels clarified to the Boston Globe yesterday that Tebow is on the Patriots roster to be a quarterback, not any “slash” athlete.
McDaniels said that Tebow has spent “ninety-nine percent” of his time in New England learning to play quarterback in its system, and that he only partakes in other drills to strengthen various facets of his quarterbacking abilities.
“He’s just practicing his open-field running,” McDaniels said, explaining why Tebow practiced the catch-and-run drill.
“I know the defensive guys enjoy the challenge of trying to get him to the ground, but I think it’s good for everybody. It’s a normal procedure we go through in training camp.”
EAGLES: Donovan McNabb’s No. 5 will be retired. He’ll become the ninth player in franchise history to receive that honor.
At Philadelphia’s training camp, linebacker Jason Phillips tore his right ACL in yesterday’s practice, two days after starting wide receiver Jeremy Maclin tore his right ACL.
TEXANS: Houston signed linebacker Joe Mays to a one-year deal, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Mays, who the Broncos waived last week, hit Texans quarterback Matt Schaub so hard on a play last year that Schaub’s helmet flew off and he lost a piece of his ear. Mays was suspended for one game and fined $50,000.
BILLS: Wide receiver Brad Smith, a former Jet, restructured the final two years of his contract to have a better shot at making Buffalo’s roster.
BEARS: Defensive end Turk McBride ruptured an Achilles tendon in practice and is out for the season.
McBride has 24 career starts and 9.5 sacks.
—With Associated Press