Cards notebook: Cards release safety Jackson
By Darren Urban and Dan Zeiger
Tribune
Dexter Jackson’s short tenure with the Cardinals ended Wednesday night when he was released from the injured reserve list.
Jackson, a safety, is now free to sign with any team.
The one-time Super Bowl MVP signed a five-year, $14*million free agent contract with the Cardinals prior to the 2003 season and had six interceptions in his lone season. But back problems kept him out of most offseason workouts and training camp, and he got into the doghouse of new coach Dennis Green.
Jackson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, declined to comment.
Quentin Harris was named the starting free safety after summer minicamps, irritating Jackson. He tried to come back once during training camp, but a back injury did not get better. Under the settlement with the Cardinals, Jackson did not receive any money in exchange for his release, a team spokesman said. The team will save the prorated portion of his $2.25*million salary. They will be on the hook for about $2.2*million that will count against the salary cap — $550,000 this season, $1.65*million next season — because of Jackson’s signing bonus.
The team also officially let linebacker Levar Fisher go Wednesday night under a similar settlement.
EMMITT’S BALL
The way the television cameras zoomed in on the individuals involved on Wednesday, one would have thought that Henry Aaron’s 715th home run ball was changing hands.
It was not anything close, but still of value to Emmitt Smith: The ball the running back threw on the first pass attempt of his career. It was completed for a touchdown to fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo against New Orleans Oct.*3.
Once feared lost when Ayanbadejo chucked it into the Sun Devil Stadium stands, the ball was returned to Smith by the man who retrieved it, Michael Taylor, a news copy editor for the Tribune.
“It’s very nice to know someone out there understood the significance of the ball,” Smith said. “I appreciate him bringing it back to me, and I’ll put it to good use.”
Smith has spent his career collecting almost every one of his touchdown balls, keeping many and using others to raise money for charity. Smith said he plans to auction this ball and donate the proceeds to hurricane victims in his hometown of Pensacola, Fla.
For his generosity, Taylor received a bag of Cardinals apparel, a football autographed by Smith and two tickets to Arizona’s game against Seattle Oct.*24. Smith also mentioned he planned on sending something additional to Taylor.
INJURY REPORT
With the Cardinals awaiting their bye weekend, it wasn’t surprising to see a number of key players skip practice Wednesday. Smith said he has not yet tested the strained groin that caused him to leave Sunday’s game at San Francisco. Cornerback Duane Starks, who has had a sore shoulder, said he was “fine” as he moved both arms in a circular motion.
Others sitting out were running backs Troy Hambrick (thigh) and Josh Scobey (knee) and linebacker James Darling (calf).
EXTRA POINTS
Green said injured receiver Anquan Boldin likely will be ready for a walk-through practice next week and then hopefully try a full practice beginning Oct.*25.**.*.*.
With the trade deadline looming next week, Green said determining potential roster additions — as well as depth-chart changes — is a daily process. No adjustments to the depth chart have been made this week, Green said.
“We are always looking at personnel,” Green said.**.*.*.
A statistics change has taken a sack away from defensive tackle Russell Davis three weeks ago against Atlanta. Defensive end Bertrand Berry was credited with the sack, and is tied with defensive end Calvin Pace with a team-leading four.**.*.*.
The Cardinals worked out a pair of defensive backs Wednesday, including
cornerback Vontez Duff, who was cut from the Miami practice squad last week.
Contact Darren Urban by email, or phone (480) 898-6525.
Contact Dan Zeiger by email, or phone (480) 898-6525.
By Darren Urban and Dan Zeiger
Tribune
Dexter Jackson’s short tenure with the Cardinals ended Wednesday night when he was released from the injured reserve list.
Jackson, a safety, is now free to sign with any team.
The one-time Super Bowl MVP signed a five-year, $14*million free agent contract with the Cardinals prior to the 2003 season and had six interceptions in his lone season. But back problems kept him out of most offseason workouts and training camp, and he got into the doghouse of new coach Dennis Green.
Jackson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, declined to comment.
Quentin Harris was named the starting free safety after summer minicamps, irritating Jackson. He tried to come back once during training camp, but a back injury did not get better. Under the settlement with the Cardinals, Jackson did not receive any money in exchange for his release, a team spokesman said. The team will save the prorated portion of his $2.25*million salary. They will be on the hook for about $2.2*million that will count against the salary cap — $550,000 this season, $1.65*million next season — because of Jackson’s signing bonus.
The team also officially let linebacker Levar Fisher go Wednesday night under a similar settlement.
EMMITT’S BALL
The way the television cameras zoomed in on the individuals involved on Wednesday, one would have thought that Henry Aaron’s 715th home run ball was changing hands.
It was not anything close, but still of value to Emmitt Smith: The ball the running back threw on the first pass attempt of his career. It was completed for a touchdown to fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo against New Orleans Oct.*3.
Once feared lost when Ayanbadejo chucked it into the Sun Devil Stadium stands, the ball was returned to Smith by the man who retrieved it, Michael Taylor, a news copy editor for the Tribune.
“It’s very nice to know someone out there understood the significance of the ball,” Smith said. “I appreciate him bringing it back to me, and I’ll put it to good use.”
Smith has spent his career collecting almost every one of his touchdown balls, keeping many and using others to raise money for charity. Smith said he plans to auction this ball and donate the proceeds to hurricane victims in his hometown of Pensacola, Fla.
For his generosity, Taylor received a bag of Cardinals apparel, a football autographed by Smith and two tickets to Arizona’s game against Seattle Oct.*24. Smith also mentioned he planned on sending something additional to Taylor.
INJURY REPORT
With the Cardinals awaiting their bye weekend, it wasn’t surprising to see a number of key players skip practice Wednesday. Smith said he has not yet tested the strained groin that caused him to leave Sunday’s game at San Francisco. Cornerback Duane Starks, who has had a sore shoulder, said he was “fine” as he moved both arms in a circular motion.
Others sitting out were running backs Troy Hambrick (thigh) and Josh Scobey (knee) and linebacker James Darling (calf).
EXTRA POINTS
Green said injured receiver Anquan Boldin likely will be ready for a walk-through practice next week and then hopefully try a full practice beginning Oct.*25.**.*.*.
With the trade deadline looming next week, Green said determining potential roster additions — as well as depth-chart changes — is a daily process. No adjustments to the depth chart have been made this week, Green said.
“We are always looking at personnel,” Green said.**.*.*.
A statistics change has taken a sack away from defensive tackle Russell Davis three weeks ago against Atlanta. Defensive end Bertrand Berry was credited with the sack, and is tied with defensive end Calvin Pace with a team-leading four.**.*.*.
The Cardinals worked out a pair of defensive backs Wednesday, including
cornerback Vontez Duff, who was cut from the Miami practice squad last week.
Contact Darren Urban by email, or phone (480) 898-6525.
Contact Dan Zeiger by email, or phone (480) 898-6525.
If dudes healthy play him!!!! don't cut him
