DeSean Jackson quits moaning, reports to Eagles camp
Rather than “cry” or “moan” about not getting a new contract – as he put it – DeSean Jackson ended his holdout from Eagles training camp on Monday.
The Pro Bowl wide receiver never did explain why he skipped the first 11 days of practice, choosing, he said, “to move forward.” But Jackson’s motivation for holding out was as clear as that of his agent Drew Rosenhaus showing up in Bethlehem, Pa., along with his client.
Jackson wants the Eagles to rework his deal – he has one year remaining on a four-year contract – and to give him a significant raise.
“I think that’s obvious,” Jackson said. “As far as how we go about getting it done – it’s the biggest thing.”
Jackson called his first three seasons “off the chart.” In 2009, he became the first NFL player to make the Pro Bowl at two positions (receiver and punt returner). That same year he tied a league mark with eight touchdowns of more than 50 yards.
Last season, he became the first player to score a game-winning punt return when he raced 65 yards to cap a comeback victory over the New York Giants.
ELLIS SWITCHES SIDES
Defensive end Shaun Ellis switched sides in one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection signed with the New England Patriots after 11 seasons with the New York Jets.
Ellis, 34, had become the longest-tenured player on the Jets since he was taken 12th overall with a pick that New York obtained as compensation for letting coach Bill Belichick sign with the Patriots. The Jets said this offseason that they wanted Ellis back but offered only the veteran minimum of $910,000.
“I’m sad he went there,” Jets linebacker Bart Scott. “I think he deserved the opportunity to retire as a Jet.”
ORTON NO. 1 QB
Denver released its depth chart, and quarterback Tim Tebow is listed as Kyle Orton’s backup.
Tebow has been in more of a contest with Brady Quinn for the No. 2 job than with Orton for the starter’s role.
LIONS LOSE BACK
Detroit running back Mikel Leshoure tore his left Achilles’ tendon, ending his season before it began.
“He’ll have surgery very soon,” Lions coach Jim Schwartz said of the second-round draft pick.
BOMAR’S SORRY
Minnesota quarterback Rhett Bomar apologized to the team after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving over the weekend. A fifth-round draft pick in 2009 out of Sam Houston State, Bomar is a long shot to make the team.
CARDS SAFETY HURT
Arizona safety Adrian Wilson has a torn right biceps tendon and will try to rehabilitate the injury to avoid surgery. Coach Ken Whisenhunt would give no timetable for Wilson’s return other than to say he expects the four-time Pro Bowl player to play this season.
EXTRA POINTS
Jacksonville reserve offensive lineman Kevin Haslam injured a knee in a scrimmage and will be placed on season-ending injured reserve. … Rookie offensive tackle James Brewer had to leave the New York Giants’ practice on a cart after an injury to his lower right leg. … Colts linebacker Ernie Sims is expected to miss a couple of weeks after having an appendectomy. … Baltimore signed veteran running back Ricky Williams to replace Willis McGahee.
This story was originally published August 9, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "DeSean Jackson quits moaning, reports to Eagles camp."