LATROBE, Pa. — If Ben Roethlisberger’s offseason troubles are bothering him, Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians certainly hasn’t noticed.
Less than a week into training camp, Arians’ assessment of his quarterback: He’s never been better.
Arians said he can’t remember Roethlisberger being in such good shape or throwing the ball this well so early during any of his previous six camps. He has yet to be intercepted during team drills, and Roethlisberger has gone entire practices without throwing an incompletion.
“He’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen him,” Arians said Tuesday. “His arm is live and he has no interceptions and very few incompletions unless they were dropped. This may be the best I’ve ever seen him right now.”
Roethlisberger is quickly alleviating any Steelers worries that he might be distracted or preoccupied with the offseason accusation that he sexually assaulted a Georgia college student. He was not charged following the March incident, but was suspended by the NFL for six games — a punishment that could be shortened to four games.
Suh and Lions united
DETROIT — Ndamukong Suh and the Lions agreed to terms on a five-year contract worth $40 million guaranteed.
The contract could be worth as much as $68 million for the former Nebraska defensive tackle selected with the second overall pick in April’s draft.
• Lions place-kicker Jason Hanson, the team’s all-time leading scorer, underwent knee surgery but is expected to be back in time for the regular season.
NFL: No discipline for Vick
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told Michael Vick he will not face disciplinary action following a shooting at the Eagles quarterback’s birthday party six weeks ago.
“He understands the responsibility he has and the position he’s in, and he has to make good decisions,” Goodell said.
Peterson hampered by leg issues
MANKATO, Minn. — Adrian Peterson continued to do only limited work in training camp as he deals with tightness in his left leg.
The Vikings’ Pro Bowl running back has been held out of most team drills since his leg tightened Saturday morning. Peterson, however, said he isn’t concerned about the injury and is just being cautious.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Peterson said. “I did experience some tightness, so just playing it safe right now. Few days I’ll be OK. No one knows my body better than me.”
Jaguars could lose Smith for season
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars rookie D’Anthony Smith, a defensive tackle and third-round draft pick from Louisiana Tech, has an Achilles tendon injury that will require surgery and could force him to miss the season.
Footnotes.
The NFL suspended Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux for one game after his arrest last year on marijuana charges. He will miss the Falcons’ Sept. 12 opener at Pittsburgh.
• Dolphins rookie linebacker A.J. Edds, a fourth-round draft pick from Iowa, will miss the entire season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
• Bills rookie left tackle Ed Wang is out indefinitely after having surgery to repair a hand injury.
• Giants Pro Bowl center Shaun O’Hara missed practice to have his swollen left ankle examined. Doctors and trainers will try to reduce the swelling so O’Hara can regain mobility. Also, the Giants said receiver Hakeem Nicks, their first-round draft choice last season, hyperextended his right knee at the end of practice and will undergo an MRI today.
• Suspended Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly made a deal with prosecutors in Houston to avoid trial on a felony drug charge and have the case against him dismissed if he stays out of trouble for the next year.
• Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin left practice on a cart after injuring his left knee. He will be further evaluated today.
Denver Post wire services
