NFL

Take this with a grain of salt as there's just one source and an issue of semantics looms. It's possible Hernandez hasn't been ruled out simply because he hasn't yet told his story to the authorities. The report also states that the victim is Odin Lloyd, 27, of Dorcester. Lloyd was a linebacker for the semi-pro Boston Bandits. State police detectives knocked on Hernandez's door Wednesday morning, but no one answered. They made a brief phone call and then left. On Tuesday night, police spent hours inside Hernandez's home and emerged with a box.

During OTAs and minicamp, Mendenhall ran as the clear feature back. Arians appears to have zero interest in giving Ryan Williams, Stepfan Taylor or Andre Ellington a legit chance to compete. "He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver," Arians said of his former first-round pick in Pittsburgh. "He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

With Michael Crabtree (Achilles') out, Anquan Boldin only capable of playing the slot and a host of question marks battling for the X receiver spot, we knew Davis was going to have a big role in the passing game. By learning the wide receiver positions, he'll have more scheme versatility come Sundays. Davis can line up as an in-line tight end, a move tight end, in the slot and out wide. The 49ers' dominant offensive line frees him from too many blocking responsibilities. They're going to be a run-heavy team, but when they pass we expect Davis to be featured heavily.

During OTAs and minicamps, the Panthers did not practice very many option plays. The franchise wants Cam Newton to make plays from the pocket first and use his legs to create opportunities in the scrambling game. Essentially, Shula is planning on running more of a conventional offense that features base runs to the backs. It's a good thing for Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, but it could lead to deflated rushing stats for Newton. In his first two NFL seasons, he's rushed 253 times for a jaw-dropping 1,447 yards and 22 touchdowns.

The Bears were also rumored to have interest in Bishop at one point, but have likely moved on after using a second-round pick on Jon Bostic. Bishop's addition would suck the life out of interim MLB Erin Henderson's prospective IDP value. After missing all of 2012 with a ruptured hamstring, Bishop insists he's 100 percent healed. The Vikings will make sure during their forthcoming physical.

It's notable because Foster is suggesting there's a chance he won't be ready for camp, even if it's a slight one. It was widely assumed when Foster went down in late May that he'd be 100 percent for camp, which is still over a month away. Foster has spent time in a hyperbaric chamber in an attempt to speed his recovery. It sounds like he would have missed multiple games were it the regular season. Foster has missed just three contests since 2010, but his increasing propensity for leg ailments is a concern going into his age-27 campaign.

Cruz was initially seeking $11 million annually. He's dropped his price tag some, but the Giants have yet to meet the $9 million-per-season price. Per the NY Daily News, the club's latest offer is worth an average of more than $8 million a year. Beat writer Ralph Vacchiano does acknowledge Cruz "seems unlikely" to hold out of training camp after signing his one-year, $2.879 million tender.