NFL Report: Chargers sign RB Mathews
Running back Ryan Mathews signed a five-year, $25.65-million contract with the San Diego Chargers Sunday, with just over $15 million in guaranteed money.
The heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, Mathews was expected to be at yesterday's late-afternoon practice. He missed seven practices, including three for rookies and selected veterans last week. San Diego moved up 16 spots in the draft to take Mathews out of Fresno State with the 12th pick overall.
Bills' O-line in braces
Under first-year Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey's orders, all 15 of the team's offensive linemen are required to wear a knee brace on each leg through training camp in a bid to prevent injuries. It's a practice Gailey and offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris first began considering more than 20 years ago when they were together with Birmingham of the World League of American Football.
Gailey said he didn't start implementing the mandate until about 11 years ago. Though he knows of no statistical evidence that demonstrates that knee braces prevent injuries, Gailey said he's seen enough visual proof to know they must help.
"I believe it because I know it,'' he said, "because I've seen it with my own eyes."
Steelers' Reed unhappy
Steelers kicker Jeff Reed isn't happy after learning he won't be signed to the multiyear contract he expected after being designated as the team's franchise player. The Steelers told Reed earlier in the year they wanted to work out an extended contract. Any chance that deal would get done apparently ended when right tackle Willie Colon was injured in June and Flozell Adams signed a two-year contract to replace him. - AP
