Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins

Gruden doubts tackle Williams will be traded

RICHMOND, Va.

Jay Gruden is doing his part to quiet trade buzz swirling around the Washington Redskins and holdout Trent Williams.

Asked if the team would trade its starting left tackle, Washington’s coach said Saturday, “I would seriously doubt that, so no.”

But exactly what it will take to get Williams to training camp remains something of a mystery.

Williams is reportedly upset about the team’s handling of his health, including the removal of a growth on his head this year. Williams has two years left on his contract, but the standoff appears more complicated than other holdouts around the league because money isn’t the only focus.

The team last week denied a report that Williams no longer trusts Redskins President Bruce Allen or the medical team and informed the Redskins he didn’t intend to play for them again.

Last month, Allen said only this about Williams’ status: “He has a contract. I’ll leave it that Trent and I have talked.”

Williams is being fined $40,000 for each day of camp he misses. And he is very much missed by teammates.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Raiders sign free-agent RB Mack Brown

NAPA, Calif.

The Oakland Raiders have signed running back Mack Brown, a free agent who spent part of last season on the Washington Redskins’ practice squad.

Brown has also played for Minnesota, appearing in 13 games over three seasons. For his career, he has 16 rush attempts for 111 yards and one score, while adding two receptions for 9 yards.

The 27-year-old Brown is 5-foot-11 and 213 pounds. He played at college in Florida and was not drafted.

The Raiders on Saturday also waived guard Lukayus McNeil, who signed with the team this past spring as an undrafted free agent.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Saints add Rodgers, waive Rob Kelley

METAIRIE, La.

The New Orleans Saints are giving veteran running back Jacquizz Rodgers a chance to make his third different team in the NFC South Division.

The 29-year-old Rodgers, who practiced with New Orleans on Saturday for the first time, has been added to the roster in place of former Washington Redskins and Tulane running back Rob Kelley. The Saints waived Kelley after bringing him in earlier this week.

Rodgers says signing with the Saints was a “no-brainer” because New Orleans consistently has fielded one of the NFL’s top offenses under coach Sean Payton and has a history of making good use of versatile running backs as both rushers and receivers.

Rodgers has played eight seasons in the NFL with Atlanta, Chicago and Tampa Bay. Last season he gained 410 yards from scrimmage, with 304 yards coming on receptions.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Metcalf, Barton sit out first scrimmage

BOTHELL, Wash.

Rookie wide receiver DK Metcalf and rookie linebacker Cody Barton sat out the Seattle Seahawks’ scrimmage Saturday with minor injuries.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Metcalf suffered an oblique strain on the final play of Friday’s practice. Barton is being bothered by a groin strain suffered in practice earlier this week. Carroll was hopeful Metcalf would return to practice on Monday, while Barton will need a few more days. It’s unclear if either would be available for Thursday’s preseason opener against Denver.

Tight end Ed Dickson also sat out with a knee injury. Carroll said Dickson had an MRI but had no further details.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was a full participant a day after missing practice to attend the funeral of his grandfather in Virginia. It was believed to be the first training camp or regular season practice Wilson missed.

Associated Press