WitP: Purcell, Forney, Ingram, Veikune, McBriar, Colt

The Cleveland Browns waived Melila Purcell today. Hopefully he'll be a candidate for the practice squad or injured reserve.

Kynan Forney is expected to be back practicing by midweek.

# Head coach Norv Turner said he expects right guard Kynan Forney (neck) to practice by midweek.

# If so, it's a safe bet Forney holds onto his starting job. He's had a good camp, and Vasquez has some learning to do.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick addressed the long snapper competition today.

Q: [On the battle at the long snapper position between Nathan Hodel and Jake Ingram.]
BB: I think they’ve both done a good job. They’ve been pretty consistent and there are always little things that you’re always working to improve, or maybe perfect is a better word. It’s such a specialized spot and job, but overall I don’t think … Really, we haven’t had any problems with it. I’m not saying it’s been perfect. There’re things that could be improved. They’ve been efficient. It’s a good competition. The extent that they’ve played, the operations men have been good with both of them in there, including practice. It’s a pretty good competition.

Sounds like the same thing we've heard all preseason, which I think is good. The pressure doesn't seem to be getting to Jake, as he recently surfed off the New England coast.

A native of Hawaii, he recently borrowed a friend's board and did some surfing at Hampton Beach, taking advantage of the swells created by Hurricane Bill.

"The water's a little colder than Hawaii, but it was nice," he said.

Asked if anyone recognized him as a member of the Patriots while he was on the beach, the 23-year-old, who is vying for the long snapper position, said, "No."

The Cleveland Browns continue to play David Veikune at both inside and outside linebacker positions.

Mat McBriar again discussed the Cowboys' new low-hanging scoreboard today.

The punter who will be kicking more in the new Cowboys Stadium than anyone else isn't bothered by the huge video display boards looming over the middle of the field.

"Our game plan is to kick to the sidelines. So for myself it's not in my mind," Dallas Cowboys punter Mat McBriar said Monday. "I know it's there, obviously. But it's not something that catches my eye as much as guys who are kicking straight down the field."

Looks like Colt Brennan is officially battling Chase Daniel for Washington's third quarterback spot.

For the fourth consecutive season, Todd Collins will be the Redskins' backup quarterback, and Colt Brennan is in a battle with rookie Chase Daniel for the No. 3 job, Coach Jim Zorn said today after practice at Redskins Park.

When camp began, Brennan supposedly was competing with Collins for the right to be starter Jason Campbell's primary backup. But Collins, who will be in his 15th season, solidified his standing when he went 8 for 11 with 70 yards in a preseason-opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

"We saw that Todd was not willing to kind of bow down and give up his No. 2 spot," Zorn said. "So the competition is for the No. 3 spot, and Chase is making a statement about that."

Here's a quote from Colt:

"Last year, I wasn't playing solid football, but my stats were really, really, awesome," Brennan said. "This year, I'm not really playing bad at all. It's just, unfortunately, my stats really aren't that great.

"You only get so many chances in preseason, that why you've really got to capitalize. I've got two more opportunities coming up. I've just got to make sure to capitalize on these two more opportunities. We've got a game on television this week. I'm excited. I've got two more opportunities to make something happen."

The DC Sports Bog looks at the Colt vs Chase battle:

"The NFL dude, it's amazing what two weeks will do to you," Brennan said. "Two weeks ago, everyone's saying you're the most interesting battle for the No. 2 job in the NFL. Two weeks later, you're competing at No. 3 and supposedly dating a pop star. That's just the NFL, I guess. I can't wait 'til next week and the week after. Luckily there's still plenty of good that can still happen."

Here another article from NBC Washington.

Daniel's clearly outplayed Brennan so far. But is it enough? Will the undrafted guy beat out the second-year sixth-rounder? Coach Zorn says he's "right in the mix."

But Zorn also indicated that it's too early to make that final decision. The first-team offense will play the first half of the next pre-season game (they can certainly use the work!), leaving the final game as the Daniel/Colt showdown.

It'll be a great opportunity for Chase. It will certainly have the Cult of Colt munching on their fingernails.