Camp Update, Jul 21 - Poteat Signs, Henry Hurt

The big news, of course, was the presence of rookie #1 pick Plaxico BurRess. Also, late Friday nite, former Pitt star Hank Poteat signed a multi-year deal that includes the split contract the 1^st year, which is what Poteat didn�t want. I still have no fault with Poteat for his short holdout; he had a legit beef and he fought for it. It�s a relief to have him in camp, since he�s a guy who will do far more for the return game than do the "dance & dive" made so unpopular by Will Jackwell.

Kevin Henry is having minor artho-surgery on his knee � a quick clean-out. He�s expected to miss no more than 3 weeks, although don�t hold your breath. This is a bit of a loss, since Henry at least gives us some stability, and some knowledge with our schemes. This puts Sullivan in the driver's seat for one starting DE job, and a youngster could pounce on the opportunity created by more reps and PT.

A brief synopsis of some individual efforts on Fri ,based on various reports:

Edwards, Kimo, and Lucas stood out. This bodes well for our NT job, if Kimo and Lucas can continue to progress. Perhaps a platoon could be worked out with these 2, or rookie K. Clancy, which would enhance freshness and stamina. Yes, this is a radical concept for a team like the Stillers, but it�s something ya gotta do when you�re not blessed with all-pro�s up and down the roster.

Conrad continued to stink, as did Anthony Brown. Both of these men should hopefully be moving on to their life�s work, and soon. D-linemen Staat and Smith were also getting punished and abused. For sure, at least one of these men should get a visit soon from the Turk, and I�d shed no tears if both of these stiffs were sent packing.

Pourdanesh struggled a wee bit in the run test, but true to his nature, he gritted it out and survived. To repeat what I've said a few times, Shar should start the 1^st couple regular season games, and then gradually give way to Ferris or Smith. Early in the season, Shar will give us some grit and savvy while Ferris/Smith are still being groomed and still learning. And, if Shar is playing solidly, then there'd be no need to rush the greenhorn Ferris/Smith into the lineup. This would be a win-win for everybody. It says here that Cowhead should make this decision soon after the 1^st preaseason game is over, and stick by it. That will give us some rare continuity, which clearly has not happened the last 2 camps. Of course, progress &/or digress by these any/all of these men in the next 10 days could alter this.