Time for a look at the top morning headlines from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Guard Phillipkeith Manley has been getting some work at left tackle. He’s not a threat to challenge Sam Baker, but becoming more versatile would only help Manley’s chances of sticking on the roster.
The folks at Pro Football Focus gave cornerback Desmond Trufant a low grade for his performance in the preseason opener.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Receiver Domenik Hixon said he’s about a week away from returning from a hamstring injury. Hixon needs to get back on the field as soon as possible. He had been ticketed for the No. 3 receiver spot. But Armanti Edwards and Ted Ginn Jr. have performed well in his absence.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Bradley Handwerger writes that defensive end Jay Richardson, who has bounced in and out of the league in recent years, is keeping an eye from a distance on his insurance firm as he tries to make the roster. Richardson, who also can play linebacker, might have a shot after Kenyon Coleman and Victor Butler suffered season-ending injuries.
Linebacker Martez Wilson, who has been dealing with an arm injury, said he has no doubt he’ll be ready for the regular-season opener.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
It’s no surprise that the Bucs have eight players from Rutgers on their roster, because that’s where Greg Schiano coached previously. But the surprising thing is that New England has nine former Rutgers players on its roster.
