Lockett returns to practice
Wide receiver Tyler Lockett has returned to practice for the Seattle Seahawks for the first time since December when he broke both bones in his lower right leg. The former Tulsa Washington High School and Kansas State star did individual drills and fielded punts on Friday.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett’s memories of Christmas 2016 are fuzzy, the result of major surgery and pain medication.
The speedy, undersized pass catcher for the Seahawks returned to practice Friday for the first time since December when he broke both bones in his lower right leg against the Arizona Cardinals. Lockett was activated off the physically unable to perform list, putting behind him the memories of a forgettable Christmas spent in a hospital room recovering from surgery.
The former Tulsa Washington standout’s work was limited.
He did individual drills and fielded punts on special teams — where he was a Pro Bowl selection as a returner in 2015 as a rookie. Basic steps, yes, but progress toward the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.
Shepard’s ankle healing quickly
The left ankle that New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard rolled in a training camp practice earlier this week is on the mend.
Shepard walked into a post-practice media session Friday and said his ankle is feeling pretty good.
An MRI was negative and the final diagnosis was a rolled ankle and a bone bruise, Shepard said.
The second-year wide receiver, who was the team’s second-leading receiver as a rookie, said he walked well on an underwater treadmill Friday.
He had no timetable for getting back to practice.
Surgery an option for Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill sat in the team cafeteria Friday, his left leg in a brace and propped on a chair as he watched practice from afar with a sullen stare.
He has again been demoted to the role of spectator, perhaps for the entire season.
Knee surgery is an option for the Miami Dolphins quarterback, although it’s possible an operation can be avoided, coach Adam Gase said.
But even then Tannehill is expected to be sidelined at least six weeks.
Tannehill, who missed the final four games of last season with two sprained ligaments in his knee, reinjured it in practice Thursday.
An MRI was inconclusive, and the Dolphins are consulting with a multitude of specialists.
Brady mum on concussion
Tom Brady says he prefers to keep any medical issues in his past private, including whether he had a concussion last season.
In his first comments since the Patriots opened training camp, the quarterback said Friday he is “not blind” to issues such as CTE, but remains confident in how he tries to avoid injury.
Brady’s wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, told “CBS This Morning” in May that Brady played through a concussion on his way to a fifth Super Bowl title. She also alluded to other concussions he has had during his career.
Steelers sign Tomlin to extension
Mike Tomlin’s strong first decade with the Pittsburgh Steelers has earned the coach the chance to work well into a second decade with the organization.
Tomlin and the team have agreed to an extension that will keep the 45-year-old in Pittsburgh through the 2020 season.
Tomlin is 103-57 in 10 years with the Steelers, who have captured one Super Bowl, been to another and earned five AFC North titles during his tenure.
He is one of eight coaches to win 100 games in their first 10 seasons.