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Strahan Picks Up Pace, Targets Opener

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A Tribune wire report

Published: September 7, 2007

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Michael Strahan increased his workload in practice on Thursday and said if he continues to feel good that he expects to play in the New York Giants' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

Practicing for the third time since ending a holdout Monday, the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end said he ran every play during the defensive period and nothing was held back.

'I feel good,' Strahan said after practice.

But the decision on whether Strahan will play against the Cowboys rests with Tom Coughlin, and the coach has said repeatedly that he will wait until Saturday to make a decision.

BROWNS: Cornerback Leigh Bodden pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges less than 24 hours after police accused him of driving in reverse down a one-way street at an airport and becoming verbally abusive.

Bodden will play in Sunday's opener against Pittsburgh. Before Thursday's practice, he apologized to his coaches and teammates before meeting with reporters.

'You all know there are two sides to every story,' he said. 'Right now I can't comment on my side. My attorney will handle that. It's unfortunate that this is a distraction.'

JAGUARS: Jacksonville received a ticket-sales extension, hoping to avoid the first television blackout for a home opener in the team's 13-year history. The team needs to sell about 1,900 tickets by 4 p.m. today to avoid a blackout.

The team sold more than 1,000 tickets following last week's announcement that quarterback David Garrard would replace unpopular starter Byron Leftwich.

PATRIOTS: Quarterback Tom Brady missed a portion of practice because of his chronic right shoulder injury. Brady was on the field during the time the media was allowed to view practice, but the team later reported he had 'limited participation.'

Receiver Randy Moss, who missed all four preseason games with a leg injury, also was limited in practice, although the Patriots listed the reason as 'team decision.'

RAVENS: Baltimore agreed in principle to a one-year extension with quarterback Kyle Boller, who started 34 games during his first three seasons before settling into a backup role last year.

Boller's contract was to expire after this season. The extension will keep him in Baltimore through 2008 and end speculation that the Ravens were about to sign Byron Leftwich, who was released by Jacksonville this week.

VIKINGS: Pro Bowl defensive tackle Pat Williams said he will sign a three-year contract extension with Minnesota. Williams is making $2.65 million this season, the final installment of the deal he signed in March 2005.

Williams, 34, has had perhaps the two best seasons of his career, helping Minnesota finish with the second-fewest yards rushing allowed in one year since the 1970 merger.

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