AROUND THE NFL | Training camp news and notes

Bears: The Bears had been on the practice field for less than an hour Wednesday when new coach Lovie Smith saw four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher crumple to the ground. Urlacher stumbled out of a scrimmage drill and fell to the ground with an injury to his right hamstring. Trainers wrapped his leg with an ice pack and took him off the field on a golf cart. "He's got a pretty good pull," general manager Jerry Angelo said. "We'll know more tomorrow." Urlacher was scheduled to have an MRI Thursday morning, but Angelo and Smith weren't optimistic that he would be able to return soon. Off the field, the Bears agreed to terms with their two remaining unsigned rookies, first-round draft pick Tommie Harris and third-round pick Bernard Berrian.
Panthers: Not even a bitter split with the team he adored could taint Steve Beuerlein's love for the Carolina Panthers. Beuerlein signed with the Panthers on Wednesday and then immediately retired, ending his 17-year career where he holds every passing record in team history. "This in my mind was the way it was meant to be," he said. "I couldn't think of a better way to bring this 17-year run to an end. My heart has always been here with this organization and when I sat back and decided I wanted to step down, there was no doubt I wanted to do it as a Carolina Panther." Beuerlein, 39, was with the Panthers from 1996 to 2000, and went to the Pro Bowl in 1999 after passing for 4,436 yards and 36 touchdowns. Beuerlein began his playing career with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1987 and also played for Dallas, Arizona, Jacksonville and Denver. He finished his career with 24,046 yards passing and 147 touchdown passes.
Raiders: The Raiders are prepared to deal with what could be a lengthy holdout by star cornerback Charles Woodson. The Raiders placed the franchise tag on Woodson, a four-time Pro Bowl selection in February. With the franchise designation, he would make about $8.8 million this season, but Woodson hasn't signed the Raiders' tender. By not signing, he's technically not on the roster and can't be fined for missing practice once the team starts training camp Friday in Napa. Meanwhile, Oakland was close to signing top draft pick Robert Gallery, a 6-foot-7, 323-pound offensive tackle who's expected to compete for a starting job right away. He is considered the best offensive line prospect since Orlando Pace went No. 1 overall to St. Louis in 1997.
Redskins: A day after signing a 7-year, $18 million contract with the Redskins, rookie safety Sean Taylor sprained his right knee during practice on Wednesday. Taylor was taken to a local hospital for an MRI and the results were negative. Team trainers characterized his injury as day to day and said he could be on the field for the opening of training camp Saturday. The team's first-round draft pick was hurt as he rolled out of bounds while defending a play near the end of the practice, which came on the final day of a three-day passing camp. Also, rookie free agent Dennard Wilson injured his left leg during the practice and underwent surgery late in the afternoon. Coach Joe Gibbs did not have details of Wilson's injury, but he made it clear that it was more serious than Taylor's. Taylor, the No. 5 overall draft pick from Miami, was taking part in his first practice since signing his contract. He is projected as the opening day starter at free safety.
Eagles: Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and former Dolphins running back Ricky Williams will be forever connected in the minds of Philadelphia fans. In 1999, despite a public outcry for Williams, the Eagles chose to draft McNabb with the No. 2 overall pick. Williams was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Late Saturday night, Williams ended his career, announcing his retirement at the age of 27. It's a decision McNabb endorses. "I think we all are stunned, but I think one thing we have to realize is that he's his own man," McNabb said following the first practice at Eagles training camp. "No one has the right to say that he's selfish. No one has the right to say that what he did was wrong. He makes his own decisions. We don't know exactly what was going on in Ricky's mind. McNabb, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons, doesn't plan to join Williams in retirement any time soon. "I love this game. I know what it comes with," he said. "Obviously you're going to be sore sometimes. You're going to have some regret. You're also going to have some (times) when you're happy, and you can't wait to get out on the field. Everyone's different."
Broncos: The Denver Broncos signed first-round pick D.J. Williams, but are still trying to finalize a deal with second-rounder Tatum Bell. Williams, the 17th overall pick out of Miami, was not at the first practice of training camp because he had to fly in from Florida. The linebacker signed the six-year deal in the morning and practiced with the team in the afternoon. Williams is expected to compete for a starting spot after Ian Gold signed with Tampa Bay and John Mobley was released because of a neck injury. "He has all the God-given talent, he's mentally sharp, capable of athletically doing anything we would ask our linebackers to do and now it comes down to doing it every day at the highest level possible," The Broncos have signed nine of their 10 draft picks, including receivers Darius Watts and Triandos Luke; cornerbacks Jeremy LeSueur and Jeff Shoate; center Josh Sewell; quarterbacks Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt, and running back Brandon Miree.
Source: Associated Press