Jan 6, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) scrambles on a play during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

There was a few time tables for RG3′s recovery after the knee injuries he suffered last season against the Baltimore Ravens and later on in the Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Robert Griffin The 3rd, last seasons rookie of the year was able to drop back, set his feet and throw passes. It appears that Griffin does not have any trouble moving around and passing, he just hasn’t done any full-speed running. But it is said if you were to see how he performed during OTA’s, you wouldn’t have known he suffered a major knee injury back in January.

“If it was just an ACL, it would probably be six months. But it’s a revision and a meniscus and an LCL repair, so I would think that they are going to add some time to that. Does that take him to the seventh or eighth month timeframe? Probably. And that’s presuming his knee looks really good.” - Dr. Ben Shaffer 

There is a huge different between non-contact drills and playing in an actual game and it appears that Griffin is working with other players who are rehabbing their own injuries. This is a good sign for Washington Redskins fans and RG3 himself, after having a few recovery time tables being tossed around. It is still up in the air, if the 2012 Rookie of the Year will be ready by the time they open up their regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 9th.

“If somebody might get injured, it’s your gut to take somebody out. Sometimes it changes from year to year. I know mine does with different players. Every situation is different. Sometimes you make the right call. Other times you don’t. At the end of the day, you’re always hoping you learn from your mistakes, whatever they are. At the end of this year, we go into next year, one thing we will make sure of is that Robert (RG3) never plays if he’s not 100%.” - Head Coach Mike Shanahan 

If Griffin were to get medical clearance seven months after his knee surgery, it could possibly put him on the practice field and able to fully participate on August 8th, the day the Washington Redskins open up their pre-season against the Tennessee Titans. I’m pretty sure this young newlywed is excited to be back on the field, in hopes of making it in time for the regular season to begin. Quarterbacks who are mobile like RG3, tend to take bigger risks of injuring themselves whenever they turn into a ball carrier and take off down field.

The way that RG3 plays his game may change as soon as he is 100% recovered and is back on the field with his team ready for full contact. Designed quarterback keep plays may be cut down, as any hit RG3 takes, may cause the coaching and medical staff, along with his fans and teammates, holding their breath. Good to see this kid back on the field, one step closer to full recovery.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rice told the Baltimore Sun, ”Now that guys know that I’m a threat out of the backfield, I got to use my hands a little more. I get pushed a lot coming out of the backfield, and that’s a sign of respect, but if I can get my hands and get out on pass routes and continue to get open for Joe Flacco.

The main point here is that Rice realizes that his immense success as a pass-catcher is obviously leading to more teams scheming against him and hitting him up in the backfield early and often on pass plays. Rice will not only have to be astute in holding onto the football once he makes the catch, but he will also have to use the traits that make him a successful running back in order to continue to get yardage after the catch. Defenses will continue to key in on Rice, and that means it’s going to be harder for him to get open and to get loose after making the reception.

Last season, Rice hauled in 61 passes, but that was actually the lowest in his career since his rookie season. Rice had 78, 63, and 76 receptions respectively in the three previous years, so the numbers seem to back up the fact that Rice is getting tougher looks in coverage from defenses.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

More importantly, Kluwe was at the forefront of controversial issues, including gay rights. While the move was mostly based on Minnesota’s need to sign a younger, cheaper option at the position, Kluwe’s release will soon say a lot about some NFL teams. Kluwe, 32, is a more than capable punter and surely would be a good pick for some teams. However, the interest, or lack of interest from some teams will tell the true story regarding the NFL’s perspective on the gay rights/gay athletes issue.

Like Kluwe, Brendon Ayanbadejo is not gay, but is an outspoken advocate for gay rights. Also like Kluwe, Ayanbadejo, 36, is currently without a job in the NFL. After his release in early April, Ayanbadejo accused the Ravens of releasing him due to his outspoken view on gay rights rather than for football reasons. Though, he has since retracted that accusation.

What is truly interesting is that both Kluwe and Ayanbadejo are at the tail-ends of their careers. Kluwe, as a punter, can probably go well into his late-30′s as a player in the league. However, he’s not the most talented punter out there, especially at his age. In a league where punters and kickers have no leverage whatsoever, Kluwe is not on any team’s immediate radar.

Former Jets and Cardinals Safety Kerry Rhodes has been accused of being gay in recent reports by his ex-lover. Rhodes has vehemently denied any accusations against him of being gay.

As an eight-year veteran who is not at the tail-end of his career, Rhodes, like Kluwe and Ayanbadejo, is also currently looking for work in the NFL.

He will find a job, as will Kluwe and Ayanbadejo. But, the two eccentric advocates for gay rights and the player accused of being gay are sadly not players known more for their football talents. They do not evoke media presence like that of Tom Brady, Arian Foster, Peyton Manning, or an up-and-coming league star like Robert Griffin III.

Where are those types of players in this gay rights debate? I understand these players don’t want to ruffle feathers, lose a paycheck, or even worse, get cut. However, players like Manning and Brady have all the leverage in the world. Though a statement regarding their views on gay rights would invite sickening media coverage, it should not affect their paychecks or leverage as they are some of the best football players in the NFL.

Simply put, guys like Manning and Brady are leaders of their respected teams. A statement about this controversial issue would most likely disrupt a locker room, cause some tension, and could ultimately impact the results of a season.

The NFL wants to avoid controversy. It’s just good business. But the NFL has a responsibility to its customers, most of whom grew up, or are growing up, watching the sport. When the league has that type of impact, they have a responsibility with it.

Winning is all that matters in the NFL, right? However, when society moves past this issue and wonders why the NFL stood idle, the NFL will have some questions to answer. When the ever-growing sport employs as many role models to the youth of America as it does today, what message is the NFL sending across?

Right now, that message is blank and is being avoided to save face. Is that the message you want to be sent? At what point is a NFL athlete allowed to say something about gay rights or gay athletes without repercussions from a NFL team? At what point will a top NFL athlete say something and face the issue at hand?

Unlike the NFL, the NHL has endorsed gay rights. Although the NHL is not as popular and in the news as often as the NFL, they have no problem making a statement. Just one year ago at a Ottawa Senators game, two gay women stood on the ice before the game. Christina, a Senators fan, asked Alicia, a Maple Leafs fan, to marry her in front of a packed Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. The Ottawa Senators mascot then held up a sign that said “She said yes.” The place erupted in cheers.

The world is changing, and the NFL is trying to remain silent. Plenty of athletes made simple 140 character statements on Twitter after NBA big-man Jason Collins announced he was gay in late April. Most supported Collins, while others (like Steelers WR Mike Wallace) stated their displeasure:

Who in the NFL has the guts to make the change? Obviously some players do, but where is the athlete in his prime who is willing to make a stand? Kluwe and Ayanbadejo are trying, and although they should be applauded for their efforts, they are not going to change the landscape of politics in the game by themselves.

NFL athletes and teams are trying hard to keep their mouth shut. They are scared to say anything. They are protective of their image. Sooner or later, their silence will impact their image. Hopefully, they’re not too late to change that.

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie (78) lines up against the New England Patriots defense in the second quarter of the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers seemed to be locked into a bidding war for Bryant McKinnie’s services. But the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a suitor for the left tackle’s services according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

Bryant McKinnie update, per source, offers from Chargers, Dolphins; Cowboys have made inquiry about left tackle as well.

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) May 2, 2013

The Dallas Cowboys have a underproductive yet expensive Doug Free playing right tackle at the moment. They could do one of several things to make room for McKinnie. They could release Free and his large contract. Or they could release one or both of Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings, guards that signed free agent deals last offseason, and move Free to guard. Ryan Cook and first round draft pick Travis Frederick would play guard and center.

And while McKinnie is accustomed to playing on the left side of the line he’d fall into the right tackle spot. But Tyron Smith played his first NFL season on the right side of the line and could be moved back to the right side for McKinnie to play left tackle.

That would be the third straight season Smith changed positions.

All signs point to Doug Free being released to clear way for McKinnie if the Cowboys bid and win.

November 25, 2011; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive linemen Tevita Finau (97), Star Lotulelei (92), and Dave Kruger (44) look to the sideline during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice Eccles Stadium. Colorado defeated Utah 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

There are around 350 combinations of brothers who have either played together or against one another in the National Football League. Now that the Cleveland Browns have signed undrafted rookie free agent defensive tackle Dave Kruger and the Philadelphia Eagles drafting the younger brother of both Joe Kruger, you can add the Kruger’s to the list of siblings who have played professional football. All 3 Kruger’s attended the University of Utah and played the same (Defensive End) position.

The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of Dave Kruger, along with 17 other undrafted rookie free agents that will head to the organizations mini camp next week. Young brother Dave, was a captain at Utah for his senior season just like his older brother Paul. He played all 4 years at the University of Utah, where he collected a total of 116 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 3.5 sacks.

October 20, 2012; Corvallis, OR, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Joe Kruger (99) looks on before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Also joining Dave and Paul Kruger in the National Football League is not so little brother out of all, another defensive end, Joe Kruger. All 3 brothers are apart of teams who are looking to rebuild their franchises and if the new Kruger rookies play anything like their Super Bowl champion sibling Paul Kruger, their teams will be happy they decided to sign them.

Joe who stands at 6’7 and 280 pounds was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round, #212 overall was a top 25 defensive end prospect listed by Rivals.com. He played 3 years at Utah, racking up 9 sacks, 1 interception which resulted in 1 touchdown, 3 forced fumbles and 69 total tackles.

So now that all 3 brothers are in the league at the same time, i’m sure the Kruger family and friends are pretty excited about the 2013 season which is just months away.

I mentioned at the beginning of the article, that there are over 350 siblings who have played together in the national football league. A good chunk of those brothers have become Super Bowl champions, franchise players and hall of fame if not future hall of fame players.

You have brothers like Bill and Martin Gramatica, Peyton and Eli Manning, Ronde and Tiki Barber, Santana and Sinorice Moss, Champ and Boss Bailey, Bruce and Clay Matthews, Clay Jr. and Casey Matthews, Shannon and Sterling Sharpe, Desmond, Isaiah and Marcus Trufant, Terry and Craig Bradshaw, Merlin, Phil and Orrin Olsen, Randall and Sam Cunningham, Vontae and Vernon Davis, Doug and Darren Flutie, Chris, Dan and Rob Gronkowski are a short list of names that make up that long list of talented brothers to play in this league.

Each and every one of these players contributed well to the teams they have played with through out their careers or will continue to do so as some siblings are still going strong in this league. It is always great to see brothers in the league together, especially having one on the same team as you. Not only does it bring you two closer, but it also brings your team together as a unit. That bond between brothers is one of the strongest bonds a man can have in his life.

Me and my younger brother John (who is 4 years younger than me) both played football and we both talked about how awesome it would be if we both have went onto college and  gone pro and even played on the same team together.

It just proves to show that this is more than a game, in a way, in certain house holds, football is more like a religion. This is truly a beautiful sport.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet on the bench against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the #32 and final pick in the 1st round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens have selected Matt Elam out of Florida.

They lost Ed Reed to the Houston Texans and Matt Elam was a guy they were interested in drafting if he was available, so in a way it works out. A hard hitting defender, has the potential to play like Ed Reed (not saying he will be Ed Reed, just throwing that out there). Has speed and awareness he needs to be a play maker for this defense, possibly a future captain of this defense as time goes on. Great pick up by the Baltimore Ravens as the 1st round comes to a close.

2nd round begins tomorrow, starting off with the Jacksonville Jaguars if they do if fact decide to keep the #33 pick.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens take the field prior to facing the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The team that usually wins the Super Bowl gets to host the season opener the following season. That isn’t the case this year as the Baltimore Ravens go on the road to the Denver Broncos in the first week of the season.

This is a rematch of a dramatic Divisional Round playoff game. Other tough contests include the week 3 match up against the Houston Texans who got off to a hot start last season. They also face a very tough NFC North division hosting the Green Bay Packers in week 6 and the Minnesota Vikings in week 14. They travel to face the Chicago Bears in week 11 and the Detroit Lions in week 15.

• Sep. 5 at Denver Broncos (Thurs) 8:30p
• Sep. 15 Cleveland Browns 1:00p
• Sep. 22 Houston Texans 1:00p
• Sep. 29 at Buffalo Bills 1:00p
• Oct. 6 at Miami Dolphins 1:00p
• Oct. 13 Green Bay Packers 1:00p
• Oct. 20 at Pittsburgh Steelers 4:25p
• Oct. 27 BYE
• Nov. 3 at Cleveland Browns 4:25p
• Nov. 10 Cincinnati Bengals 1:00p
• Nov. 17 at Chicago Bears 1:00p
• Nov. 24 New York Jets 1:00p
• Nov. 28 Pittsburgh Steelers (Thurs) 8:30p
• Dec. 8 Minnesota Vikings 1:00p
• Dec. 16 at Detroit Lions (Mon) 8:40p
• Dec. 22 New England Patriots * 8:30p
• Dec. 29 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00p

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (51)during the blackout against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brendon Ayanbadejo has been one of the most outspoken gay rights activists in all of professional sports let alone the NFL. After winning a Super Bowl he was released dyring the offseason.

Obviously as professional sports hasn’t been accepting of the gay community as no players have been public with their orientation, this led many to believe that Ayanbadejo’s activism could have played a role in his dismissal from the Ravens.

But Ayanbadejo isn’t one of those people.

“No, not at all,” Ayanbadejo told 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, via Sports Radio Interviews. “I just was saying, basically, when there’s an issue that’s bigger than the NFL — and the issue of equal rights and human rights is far more important than the sport, and it always will be — when it’s issues like that that are touched upon, teams don’t want to touch issues like that, meaning the league as a whole. And they’ve yet to even address equal rights as far as the NFL’s been around.”

He also thinks that while it seems the NHL has been the most publicly supported equal rights, but despite the belief that the NFL hasn’t done anything Ayanbadejo disagrees.

“NHL just did it now and the other sports have done it here and there, but I think the NFL’s made the biggest splash, but as a whole in sports culture, we haven’t made a splash on this issue of equal rights.”

But while many think the locker room would be the biggest hurdle for a player coming out, Ayanbadejo points out the other hurdles.

“I think it would be easier in the locker room than it would be when you’re in an opposing stadium or when you’re out in public. You’ve got 60 guys in a locker room, pretty close-knit group — there definitely would be some bumps in the road, some things to talk about.”

It’s up to the public to be accepting, or maybe the gay community to be more involved in sports to make sure it’s a smooth transition. Either way it will happen one day according to Ayanbadejo.

“I think it’s gonna happen eventually, but I don’t think it’s gonna be as bad as people think. And the sooner we get through those walls, the easier it’s gonna be to transition out of it.”

Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) catches a touchdown over Texas A

26. Green Bay Packers – Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech – The Packers are pretty stacked at Wide receiver with Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb.  But with Aaron Rodgers’ huge contract they decide to add a true outside receiver.  Carrying LA Tech to a 9-3 season and putting up major numbers against the newest SEC powerhouse, Texas A&M; Patton has the potential to be one of the most underrated WRs in the draft. 

27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – The perfect fit for Houston at this point.  In college Hopkins orginally was Clemson’s #2.  When he got his opportunity with Watkins’ suspension, he proved that he could step it up and be the #1 threat.  This is the type of youngster the Texans should put next to Johnson to give this offense a much needed boost.

28. Denver Broncos – Kawann Short, DT, Purdue – Broncos build depth on their defensive line by taking Purdue’s Kawann Short.  In college Kawann was a team captain at Purdue and started for them since his freshman year, he’s shown great versatility in taking on different roles on the Boilermaker’s interior defensive line.  This makes for a great defensive player for a team who has the need like Denver to invest in for the long term.

29. New England Patriots – Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor – A great and very underrated WR in the draft this year, Williams proved to be productive even after Nick Florence came in to replace Griffin earning first team all american honors and leading the nation in receiving yards.  Also a great kick returner, Williams helps the Pats in multiple ways and impacts New England immediately.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons take a defensive lineman with great potential to learn the pro game and eventually become a star with guidance from free agent signee Osi Umenyiora.  Datone has had his bumps in the road with injury but posted a spectacular senior season at UCLA making 19 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.  If you add his prototypical NFL size and versatility, he proves to be a very high ceiling project who has the chance to start and make an impact his rookie year in Atlanta.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Eric Reid, FS, LSU - The 49ers get their guy to replace Dashon Goldson in this super stout safety class.  Eric Reid is a former all-SEC free safety who since his freshmen year was a great contributor to the Bayou Bengals’ defense.  A player like this is the perfect guy for a coach like Harbaugh to take in and mold into a great pro.  Eric Reid goes from being a playmaker on one of the best college defenses to one on one of the best pro defenses.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Ravens are looking to replace either Lewis or Reed here and have a way better value at the safety position.  Matt Elam was a playmaker in the Gator defensive backfield making 76 tackles (11 TFLs), 1 forced fumble and 4 interceptions.  He is definitely a potential franchise defensive player who can help Baltimore renew their intimidation factor on defense and fill in for Ed Reed in the defensive backfield right away.

Oct 16, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain (55) reacts during the game against the Cleveland Browns at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Browns 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

I had the Baltimore Ravens as the #2 team of who I thought Rolando McClain could end up with after he was waived by the Oakland Raiders last week.

Before McClain can sign his name on a Baltimore Ravens contract on Friday, he must first pass his physical and is set to meet with General Manager Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbough. This is an excellent decision made by General Manager Ozzie Newsome as they look to keep their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl Champions this coming season. The deal is to be said to be a 1 year contract worth around $700,000 as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.Com.

Rolando will have some big shoes to fill with the position he plays, having to come in and fill in the spot in which Ray Lewis played for the last 17 years. As long as their new additions to the team remain healthy, I think the Baltimore Ravens could make a strong push to becoming the top team in the AFC and possibly the league. I noted the additions of the team in previous articles about the Ravens, adding players such as Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, Elvis Dumervil and Michael Huff as Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger and Reed found other homes across the AFC.

A young linebacker who has the chance to step up and show the Baltimore Ravens this season, that he can be the replacement for Ray Lewis that they are looking for. If all goes well and McClain can produce well, he could get signed to a long term contract next off season. I believe this defense will look as if they won’t miss a beat, although they are missing a few players who helped them reach their 2nd Super Bowl championship. This is another move that I am excited about seeing how it plays out. Once again, awesome decision by the front office of the Baltimore Ravens, I am one fan of this league who is excited to see how well this defense is going to do this upcoming season.

Now it will be interesting to see what they decide to do with their picks for the draft, which is in a couple weeks.

LB Rolando McClain officially has reached agreement with Ravens. Still needs to travel to Baltimore to undergo physical.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 10, 2013