Time to start off this Labor Day with some links, including ones on the Cardinals recent acquisitions, and some news on how Peyton Manning could miss the first five games of the season.
Arizona Cardinals agree to terms with Chester Taylor
Coach Ken Whisenhunt promised last Friday that his first 53-man roster was written in pencil. On Sunday, the Cardinals began using both ends of that utensil. They agreed to terms on a one-year deal with running back Chester Taylor, released by the Bears on Saturday. They also were awarded waiver claims on two cornerbacks: Korey Lindsey from the Bengals and Crezdon Butler from the Steelers. Lindsey was a seventh-round pick this year, and Butler is in his second season. To make room for those two players, the team released tight end Stephen Spach and inside linebacker Quan Sturdivant, a sixth-round pick last spring. Sturdivant could join the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Cardinals' backfield no longer so green - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Arizona has long sought to attract senior citizens from cold-weather states. The state's NFL team has assembled quite a few NFL elders, including their newest running back, Chester Taylor. That wasn't the plan heading into training camp, but losing rookie running back Ryan Williams to knee surgery forced a change of plans upon the Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals nab two cornerbacks on waviers - ArizonaSports.com
The Arizona Cardinals needed depth at the cornerback position and they were not shy about snapping up players on waivers. Former Pittsburgh Steeler Crezdon Butler and Cincinnati draft pick Korey Lindsay are now apart of the Arizona Cardinals.
Word From the Birds Blog - Cards get Chester Taylor and cornerbacks
As long speculated, the Cards have acquired veteran running back Chester Taylor, at least according to multiple outlets (including his agent’s Twitter). That comes as no surprise. The Cards needed a veteran running back to join Beanie Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling. Taylor, even though he is older (will be 32 at the end of the month) and his numbers have been dwindling, seems a perfect fit. He can give you a few carries, he can catch the ball, he can block, he has long played a backup role (to Adrian Peterson and then Matt Forte) and most importantly, he was available. He was expendable in Chicago after the Bears signed Marion Barber.
Reports: Cardinals reach deal with Chester Taylor - ArizonaSports.com
There's a new running back on the way to the desert.
Arizona Sports News:
Ryan Roberts, Willie Bloomquist spark 8th-inning rally for Arizona Diamondbacks
There were no verbal nails being hammered into coffins here in the visitors' clubhouse late Sunday afternoon, only cliches about one game at a time and playing hard till the end of the season. The Diamondbacks might not have said much, but they didn't need to. Their play the past two days - and the past 3 1/2 months, really - said it all. In a game that fits neatly in the story arc of their season, the Diamondbacks were shut down early and dealt with adversity Sunday afternoon, but they rallied back for a crucial victory, beating the San Francisco Giants 4-1 to move a stunning seven games up in the National League West with 22 to play.
Diamondbacks' Ian Kennedy earning some attention for Cy Young
Right-hander Ian Kennedy might not be getting as much Cy Young love as other pitchers in the National League, but his teammates at least see him as just as viable a candidate for the award as anyone else.
NFL News:
No plans for more surgery on Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning, source says - ESPN
The Indianapolis Colts have no plans to attempt another surgery on Peyton Manning's neck, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The team is expected to make an announcement later Monday.
Peyton Manning Neck Injury Requires New Surgery, According To Report - SBNation.com
The Indianapolis Colts' worst fears may have come true, if a report by a radio host is to be believed. According to ESPN's 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis, Peyton Manning will need additional surgery on his neck. Some Colts fans describe the outlet as legit, but it's still just a report ... and other Colts fans aren't quite as convinced.
Peyton Manning Neck Injury Surgery Rumors Untrue, According To Report - SBNation.com
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is being re-evaluated by several doctors because of the slow progress in his rehab from offseason neck surgery. However, his sources said that no new procedure on Manning's neck is scheduled at this time, contrary to a rumor circulating.
Peyton Manning Will Not Have Another Neck Surgery, According To Report - SBNation.com
Well, this story just changes constantly. After reports emerged on Sunday afternoon that Peyton Manning required further surgery on his neck, those reports were refuted by ESPN's Chris Mortensen, who said that Manning was being re-evaluated but no decision about a new procedure had been made. Now, a source has told Adam Schefter of ESPN that Manning will not have another surgery on his neck.
Report: Cassel could miss opener with rib injury | ProFootballTalk
Kansas City’s preseason finale proved to be a fitting end to a miserable exhibition season.
Lots of little moves as rosters in flux - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Catching up with various moves around the edges of NFC West rosters Sunday:
Police investigating drowning at home of Antonio Smith - ESPN
A man has been found dead at the bottom of the swimming pool at the home of Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith.
Brandon Tate Claimed By Cincinnati Bengals, According To Report - SBNation.com
Adam Schefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have claimed former New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon Tate off waivers.
Brandon Meriweather Signs With Chicago Bears, According To Report - SBNation.com
The Chicago Bears have signed former Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather to a one-year contract, the Chicago Tribune reports. The Bears haven't been happy with their starting safeties, Major Wright and Chris Harris, and their other safeties, Chris Conte and Craig Steltz, have both had injuries recently, so it's unclear how much they'll be able to help in the first couple weeks of the season. Meriweather's addition therefore makes sense for the Bears, despite his flaws.
Herzlich’s story deserves more attention | ProFootballTalk
Not many men survive cancer to play in the NFL. For that reason alone, we should all find inspiration in the achievements of Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich, who has gone from cancer victim in 2009 to playing college football again for Boston College in 2010 to being undrafted in 2011 to signing with the Giants as a low-pedigree member of the 90-man-maximum roster to making it onto the 53-man collection of players.
Listen To Aaron Rodgers Talk About His Mustache For Seven Minutes - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Interesting...