German_Force » returning late last season.“Still working

LAKE FOREST Rock Ya-Sin Jersey , Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears exercised their fifth-year option on linebacker Leonard Floyd on Wednesday, locking him up through the 2020 season.The move was expected after Floyd played in all 16 regular-season games last season and recorded four sacks, a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown in Week 9 at Buffalo and then added a sack in the wild-card playoff loss to Philadelphia. The Bears were third in the NFL with 50 sacks and ranked No. 1 in a number of categories, including fewest rushing yards allowed (80.0 per game) and fewest points allowed (17.7).Floyd was the No. 9 overall pick in 2016 and is entering his fourth year with the Bears. He was slowed by hamstring and calf issues and twice exited games because of concussions, fueling questions about his durability in an otherwise promising rookie season. He also had surgery on both shoulders at Georgia.The following year, Floyd was placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury in November 2017. He has started 38 games and has 15.5 sacks http://www.indianapoliscoltsteamonline.com/ben-banogu-jersey , 23 tackles-for-loss and 32 quarterback hits overall.The Bears also hired Brad Childress as senior offensive assistant, bringing back the former Minnesota Vikings head coach for a second stint in Chicago. Childress was a Bears consultant during the 2018 offseason and training camp, and before that spent five years in Kansas City alongside Matt Nagy, now the Chicago head coach. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Defense looked to be a rising strength for the Atlanta Falcons in their 2016 Super Bowl season and especially in their return to the playoffs in 2017.A wave of devastating injuries that began with the opening game of 2018 crushed that momentum.Now that the injured players are healing, linebacker Deion Jones said the Falcons’ defense has to prove itself again.“That chip is on our shoulders and we can’t wait to get back” and show everyone Parris Campbell Jersey , Jones said Wednesday after the second day of the mandatory three-day minicamp.Jones was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken right foot in the Falcons’ loss to Philadelphia to open the 2018 season. Another key starter, safety Keanu Neal, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the same game. The Falcons’ other starting safety, Ricardo Allen, also was lost for the season before the first month was over.Jones returned for the final five games , but it was too late to save the depleted Falcons from a 7-9 finish.The Falcons are being cautious with some key players in the offseason. Jones and Allen have been observers in the minicamp but are expected to be cleared for next month’s training camp. Of the defensive starters returning from injuries Will Harris Jersey , only Neal has participated in the minicamp, and coaches have limited his snaps.Jones’ path to full health has been unusual. He had surgery following the injury before making his return late last season and then moving back into a rehab schedule.“I’m feeling real good,” Jones said. “I just can’t wait to get back out there with my boys and run around.”Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett also has been an observer in the minicamp after he skipped organized team activities (OTAs).Coach Dan Quinn has taken over the defense this season. He is looking forward to having the full unit healthy for the first time in almost a year.“I think we’ve had really good practices, the nine OTAs and into the minicamp and I would imagine it would get that much better,” Quinn said. “Already some really good practices that will be even better adding Grady and Deion and Ricardo and Keanu back into it in a full-time swing.”Perhaps no player is more important to Atlanta’s hopes of a defensive resurgence than Jones, the signal-caller for the unit whose speed provides big-play potential. He tied for fourth in the league with 138 tackles in 2017.At 6-foot-1 http://www.detroitlionsteamonline.com/austin-bryant-jersey , 222 pounds, Jones ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds at his pro day at LSU in 2016. It was good news for Jones and the Falcons when he returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in a win over Arizona after returning late last season.“Still working on it,” said Jones of his rehab. “But yeah, for sure, the speed is still there.”NOTES: Quinn said CBs Jayson Stanley and Rashard Causey, rookie OT Kaleb McGary and RB Ito Smith were players who stood out in the practice. “I’ve been pleased with the attitude and the intensity and the learning that is taking place Max Scharping Jersey ,” Quinn said. … Quinn said WR Russell Gage has been an offseason surprise. Gage’s value is boosted by his ability to play multiple spots and his role on special teams.