JOESAM2002

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL



Wednesday August 20, 2003





Temperature: Morning practice moved indoors.

Heat index: Morning practice moved indoors.


Attendance: Morning workout closed to public.


In the spotlight: Right defensive end

Depth chart

No. Player Ht. Wt. Exp.

93 Darren Howard 6-3 281 4

96 Melvin Williams 6-2 269 R

95 Greg White 6-3 268 1

Howard is the returning starter. A bone bruise in his right knee will sideline him for the next couple of weeks, but the injury is not considered serious. Coaches expect a big year from Howard, who has been plagued by nagging injuries throughout his four-year career. Williams, a fifth-round pick, reminds coaches of Howard. Both are from Kansas State, and both have natural pass-rushing skills. Williams has made a surprisingly quick recovery from a December surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. He had three sacks in the fourth quarter against the Jets and has moved past White on the depth chart.


GET TO KNOW:

SHAWN DRAPER

Position: OL

Height/weight: 6-3, 295

Experience: 2

Age: 24

College: Alabama

Hometown: Huntsville, Ala.

Did you know? Originally played tight end. . . . Was selected by Miami in the fifth round of the 2001 draft. . . . Spent the final two weeks of the 2002 season on the active roster of the Carolina Panthers. . . . In two years, he's spent time on the practice squads of the Dolphins, Panthers, Eagles and Vikings. . . . Started at three different positions at Alabama: defensive tackle, tight end and offensive tackle. Roomed with Saints defensive tackle Kenny Smith for two years in college. . . . Majored in special education. . . . Was an all-city basketball player at Huntsville Butler High School.

He said it: "I've been in the playbook every chance I get off the field. It's been a big challenge trying to get caught up over the last two weeks. That's the quickest way out of here, not knowing your playbook."

WHO'S HOT: LB Darrin Smith continues to shine at middle linebacker and has assumed the leadership role on the young defense. His knowledge and experience help keep the defense settled and in the proper alignment.


WHO'S NOT: CB Fakhir Brown has not played in either exhibition game because of a shoulder injury and has lost valuable time in the competition for the No. 5 cornerback spot. He has returned to workouts this week.

PLAY OF THE DAY: CB Dale Carter blanketed WR Talman Gardner stride-for-stride on a go route during the morning workout. Talman tried to beat Carter deep but the veteran corner was there to break up J.T. O'Sullivan's bomb. Carter has shown no ill effects from the tendinitis that sidelined him for two weeks of camp.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "At this stage, we're throwing paint against the wall. More of it stuck Saturday than it did against Philadelphia. But in no way are we ready to paint the Sistine Chapel." -- defensive coordinator Rick Venturi.

INJURY REPORT:

RB Tavian Banks (hamstring)

DT Jovon Bush (knee)

CB Keyuo Craver (hip)

DT Henry Ford (ankle)

S Corey Hall (hamstring)

LB Curtis Holden (knee)

DE Darren Howard (knee)

LB J.J. Jones (knee)

OT Scot Osborne (knee)

G Melvin Paige (hamstring)

WR Donté Stallworth (hamstring)

TODAY'S SCHEDULE: Morning, weightlifting; evening, practice (full pads), 3 p.m.