Jaguars release veteran QB Garrard
The Jacksonville Jaguars released veteran quarterback David Garrard on Tuesday, a stunning move that will save the franchise $9 million this season.
Whether it saves coach Jack Del Rio's job remains to be seen. Team owner Wayne Weaver has said Jacksonville needs to make the playoffs for Del Rio to stick around for a 10th season. Del Rio made it clear late last season that he had grown tired of Garrard's inconsistent ways, but the coach remained steadfast through training camp and the preseason that Garrard was his starter.
That changed Tuesday, when the Jaguars parted ways with Garrard after nine up-and-down seasons.
Del Rio will turn the starting job over to Luke McCown, who outplayed Garrard and rookie Blaine Gabbert in the preseason. But McCown played mostly with and against second- and third-teamers.
Collins ready to take over: Kerry Collins came out of retirement to win a Super Bowl, and he picked Indianapolis so he could work with one of the NFL's greats and fill in, if needed.
He never imagined he would get the call in Week 1.
With Peyton Manning listed as doubtful for Sunday's season opener at Houston, Collins insists he is ready to face the next daunting task in his 17th NFL season - replacing Manning as Colts quarterback.
"I know what it takes to prepare and be successful in this league, so I'm going to do all those things, rely on all the experience that I have," Collins said. "I have a good idea of what I need to do to get ready to play and give a winning performance."
49ers sign Gooden: The San Francisco 49ers signed linebacker Tavares Gooden to a one-year deal, giving the team a reliable defender against tight ends.
To make room on the roster, the Niners released linebacker Antwan Applewhite ahead of their season opener Sunday against the defending NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks.
Talks with Forte on hold: Contract talks between the Chicago Bears and running back Matt Forte are on hold.
Forte was looking for an extension as he headed into the fourth and final year on his rookie contract, but general manager Jerry Angelo said talks are most likely off until after the season.
Fifth in the NFL with 4,731 yards from scrimmage since he entered the league, Forte had considered holding out at the start of training camp but decided against it. The Bears were willing to negotiate, but the talks are being tabled for now.