Wednesday Morning One-Liners

Brad Butler has been working overtime with Bills offensive line coach Sean Kugler to prepare for his move to right tackle. Said Dolphins G Justin Smiley, “I haven’t lost a step. I feel just as quick as I’ve ever been, and I’m just happy that the doctors did a heck of a job getting me right.” Patriots LB Shawn Crable and CB Terrence Wheatley are looking to make up for lost rookie seasons. Jets TE Bubba Franks said he has unfinished business after an injury-plagued 2008 season. The Ravens signed OL Robby Felix, who suffered a stroke shortly after his final game at UTEP but recovered enough to take part in the Scouting Combine. Said Bengals QB Carson Palmer of RB Cedric Benson, “He’s everything you want in a tailback. I wouldn’t stay we’re going to run the ball more than we ever have, but we’ll run the ball better.” Browns S Abram Elam feels his familiarity with coach Eric Mangini makes him more comfortable than some teammates during practice. Steelers WR Hines Ward was saddened by the suicide of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, whom he met during a trip to Seoul in 2006. Said Texans FB Boomer Grigsby, “I hope I can make [Vonta Leach] better or compete with him. If I can get on the field, I’m going to get on the field, but it’s also no secret I thought that I’d make a roster covering kicks.” Colts DT Ed Johnson says he’s matured after last year’s arrest for marijuana possession led to his release. Said Jaguars trainer Mike Ryan of RB Greg Jones, “To see what he went through and the work, blood, sweat and tears he put into his rehab, not just to make it back but be better than he was before. Here’s a guy who had two significant knee injuries, one before he got here and one when he got here. They don’t put that in the paper but that is something Greg should be very proud of.” Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean appreciates LB Ryan Fowler’s desire to win back his starting job, but doesn’t think there’s actually a competition. Broncos LB D.J. Williams hopes he’ll be medically cleared to return to practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs will start training camp in Wisconsin on July 31. Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times thinks Raiders RB Michael Bush still has to prove he’s more than an occasional thrill. A 2007 foot injury has helped Chargers C Nick Hardwick realize he needs to think about life after football. With LB Greg Ellis all but gone, the Cowboys will be counting on LB Anthony Spencer this season. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post wonders if there will be more buzz about a trade bringing WR Anquan Boldin to the Giants now that Boldin has parted ways with Drew Rosenhaus. Eagles QB Kevin Kolb is surprised people thought he made waves by saying he’d be frustrated if QB Donovan McNabb got a contract extension. Redskins T Mike Williams is down to 385 pounds in his quest to get into shape for training camp. Said Lions T Jeff Backus, “I’m always optimistic . . . I’m being realistic this time around. It’s early, we’ve got a new staff, and we’ve made a lot of roster changes. Who knows what the season has in store for us?” Should the Bears pursue free agent WR Matt Jones? Two brothers are locked in a court battle over their deceased father’s 13 Packers tickets. [Editor’s note: Newman suggests cutting each ticket in half.] A poll in Minnesota found that 44 percent of respondents said they’d be less likely to support public financing for a new stadium if the Vikings signed QB Brett Favre. Falcons DT Peria Jerry credits the discipline he learned in military school for directing his career. The Panthers signed CB Reggie Sullivan in advance of the start of OTAs on Wednesday. Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune still feels Saints TE Jeremy Shockey will put up some of the best numbers of his career. The Buccaneers have been using rookie DE Kyle Moore as a pass rusher from the under tackle position. Said Cardinals QB Kurt Warner of WR Anquan Boldin, “He busts his butt, he’s here every day, he’s a great leader for us, and he just wants to be compensated fairly for what he’s accomplished and what he brings to the table. None of us fault him for that. There’s no way in our book that he should ever have a bad reputation because of that.” Rams G Richie Incognito is hoping that he can repair his relationship with the team’s fans. 49ers LB Scott McKillop is keeping a diary of the offseason for the team’s web site. Nick Reed is trying to prove that he’s big enough for the Seahawks to play him at defensive end.