FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots quarterback Tom Brady expects to be on the field in exhibition games next month — his first action since injuring his knee in the 2008 regular-season opener.
“Yeah, I think I’ll play,” he said after practice Friday. “I mean, last year it wasn’t like I wasn’t supposed to play.”
Brady, who’s wearing a brace on the repaired knee during practices, admitted to some arm soreness as he works to get back into football shape.
“It feels pretty good, and then you come out and do four or five practices in a row and it doesn’t feel as hot, so it’s part of what training camp is about,” he said.
Walker ready for rebound
NAPA, Calif. — Receiver Javon Walker proclaimed himself a medical marvel, the Pro Bowl-caliber player he once was and primed to show the Raiders their decision to sign him was an astute one.
“When they let me loose, it’s on after that,” said Walker, who is in the final phase of his recovery from right knee surgery in April — so cutting edge he refused to divulge the procedure — which he said has left him pain-free for the first time since the 2005 season.
Walker, 30, played in eight games last season, but he caught only 15 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown before a broken left ankle required surgery and ended his season after eight games.
Seahawks guard Wahle fails physical, retires
RENTON, Wash. — Two-time Pro Bowl guard Mike Wahle retired after being released by the Seahawks for failing a physical before their first practice.
The 11-year veteran had surgery in December on the same right shoulder on which he had surgery in 2006.
Rob Sims, who primarily played right guard last season, and rookie second-round draft choice Max Unger are first in line to replace Wahle at left guard.
Seattle also placed 2007 Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Trufant on the physically unable to perform list with a minor back injury.
Footnotes.
Offensive tackle Jason Smith, whom the Rams selected with the second pick of the draft, signed a five-year deal worth as much as $62 million.
• Former Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman, taken 17th overall in the draft, and the Buccaneers agreed to a five-year deal worth $36 million.
• The Chargers signed linebacker Larry English, selected 16th overall, to a five-year contract.
• Vontae Davis, a cornerback out of Illinois taken 25th, and the Dolphins agreed to contract terms.
• The Lions signed first-round pick tight end Brandon Pettigrew to a five-year contract.
• The Redskins and defensive lineman Brian Orakpo, taken 13th overall out of Texas, agreed to a five-year, $20 million deal. Denver Post wire services
