Specialist spots still in flux, as Vikings add kicker/punter

EAGAN, MINN. >> The Minnesota Vikings have spent the first part of training camp in an all-too-familiar search for stability with their specialists for the kicking game, an issue that has persisted over most of the time sixth-year head coach Mike Zimmer has supervised the team.

Their latest attempt to address the problem could wind up as a dual solution, if Kaare Vedvik can develop into a reliable NFL performer in a pressure-packed role.

For now, though, regardless of who lines up to kick and drops back to punt in the regular season and beyond, the priority for Zimmer and new special teams coordinator Marwan Maalouf over the rest of the month will be to first establish a rhythm with those ever-important snaps and holds.

If the ball doesn’t arrive just right, after all, a booming leg doesn’t matter much.

To make room for Vedvik, who was acquired Sunday in a trade with Baltimore, the Vikings made the long-expected move of releasing long snapper Kevin McDermott to formally hand the job to rookie Austin Cutting. McDermott, a seventhyear veteran, held that role for the past four seasons, even returning to one game last year after losing a fingertip in the scrum on the line of scrimmage.

Raiders receiver Antonio Brown loses grievance over helmet

ALAMEDA >> Oakland Raiders receiver Antonio Brown has lost his grievance with the NFL over his use of an old helmet that is no longer certified as safe to use for practice or play.

The arbitrator issued the ruling Monday after holding a hearing last week with Brown, representatives from the league and the players’ union.

Brown said in a statement on Twitter that he disagreed with the decision. He also said he looks forward to getting back on the field as soon as he is fully healthy.

Broadway Joe a fan of Jets’ “respectfully humble” Darnold

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. >> Broadway Joe remains the standard for every quarterback that takes a snap for the New York Jets.

Joe Namath is the face of the franchise, a larger-thanlife figure even 50-plus years after delivering the team its first — and still, only — Super Bowl victory. He likes what he has seen so far from second-year QB Sam Darnold.

So, there’s hope, that maybe — just maybe — he could be the one.

“When I met him, I liked his demeanor,” Namath said Monday during a visit to Jets training camp. “We didn’t go to dinner or anything like that, but the few times that I’ve been in his presence and talking with him, he gives you a good vibe, a good feeling.

“He’s respectfully humble. Physically, he can play as well as anybody. He just needs to keep polishing himself, and the team needs to polish up.”

That has been the Jets’ hope for decades as a long string of quarterbacks have tried and fallen short of having the success of Namath’s glory days. Patriots’ Wynn takes live drills, game action could be next