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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Rodgers takes over as No. 1

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Miami's Davone Bess, a former University of Hawai'i standout, stretches to haul in a reception during the Dolphins' practice.

J. PAT CARTER | Associated Press

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Aaron Rodgers

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — With the Brett Favre standoff still simmering, Aaron Rodgers took his place yesterday as the Packers' new starting quarterback.

Rodgers is trying to ignore what has become a daily soap opera involving the three-time MVP. Favre is considering filing for reinstatement with the NFL and reporting to camp this week, a move likely intended to pressure Green Bay to grant him his release — something the Packers refuse to do — or trade him.

The NFL had not received reinstatement paperwork from Favre as of last night.

"I feel like this is really between Brett and the organization, and I'm just trying to stay focused on the things I can control," Rodgers said after the team's first practice at camp.

General manager Ted Thompson spoke twice with Favre on Saturday, for about 45 minutes each time. They decided it would be best for Favre to stay away from Green Bay for now.

"We still have not gotten to the point where we agree on what the best option is," Thompson said yesterday. "We have sort of agreed to disagree, and at that time he suggested he would probably delay coming to training camp for at least a couple of days to see how things worked out."

The Packers aren't going to allow Favre to play for an NFC North rival and aren't going to trade him without getting value in return. And Favre might not want to play for any of the teams showing interest, a group that includes Tampa Bay and the New York Jets. Thompson acknowledged talking to other teams.

"There have been some 'kicking of tires'-type conversations," he said.

Favre wants to be released, something Thompson opposes. The Packers hold Favre's rights until his contract expires after the 2010 season.

BENGALS

WR JOHNSON OUT

Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson didn't participate in Cincinnati's first practice of training camp because his right ankle hasn't fully recovered from surgery.

Johnson spent time yesterday rehabilitating the ankle, which was surgically cleaned out last month. The ankle is still sore and he runs with a pronounced limp.

Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Johnson is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.

BILLS

NO DISCIPLINE FOR LYNCH

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell personally informed Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch yesterday that he won't be disciplined by the league for a hit-and-run accident that left a woman injured.

"I think the facts are clear on the case at this point in time, and I don't plan any discipline," Goodell said during a visit to Bills training camp.

Goodell based his decision on the fact that Lynch eventually agreed to plead guilty to a traffic violation, which is not a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. Lynch initially faced more serious charges.

ELSEWHERE

Titans: Tennessee All-Pro placekicker Rob Bironas strained a groin muscle yesterday during a special teams drill. Bironas said he felt a little pull as he was kicking off, and trainers chose to be cautious and check out the injury. Backup punter Josh Miller also pulled a groin muscle, forcing the Titans to use third-string quarterback Ingle Martin to kick a few punts during the morning session.

Rams: St. Louis defensive end Victor Adeyanju will be sidelined two to four weeks after breaking his right middle finger in practice Sunday in Mequon, Wis. He broke his right forearm during his rookie season in 2006. Adeyanju, a fourth-round pick who started seven games last year, was sent back to St. Louis yesterday to have pins inserted. Coach Scott Linehan said it could be as short as two weeks and as long as a month before Adeyanju is cleared to return.

Cowboys: Dallas cornerback Terence Newman missed practice yesterday afternoon because of a strained groin sustained in the morning workout. Coach Wade Phillips said Newman got tangled up with a receiver during a play and twisted his leg awkwardly. Phillips doesn't consider the injury serious.

Jaguars: Center Brad Meester could miss the start of the season because of a strained right biceps. Meester sustained the injury during training camp Sunday, but it wasn't clear he was hurt until he missed practice last night. "We're still trying to determine how long he may be out," coach Jack Del Rio said.

Niners: San Francisco running back Michael Robinson will miss at least one week of training camp after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee yesterday.