NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

This morning was highlighted by a story from ESPN that we mentioned earlier which talked about Brett Favre needing surgery on his ankle.

Favre was apparently not happy with some assumptions that this article created int he minds of football fans and took to his official website to clarify matters.  Here is the full text:

I want to add to the information provided in the article that was published this morning on ESPN's website. Given the reaction to the article, and the typical conclusion jumping, I thought I'd clarify a few things.

While my ankle has been bothering me, the injury is not debilitating. For example, I'm able to work around my property without any problems. Sure – certain exercises cause some ankle pain, but it's nothing that I haven't experienced (or played with) before. In fact, many people don't realize that I injured my ankle before the NFC Championship game. I've had surgery on this ankle twice before, and I've played with the pain before. The hits I took throughout the 2009 season, including the Saints game, just added to the ankle pain and likely caused some bone spurs.

I don't believe major surgery on the ankle would be required for me to return in 2010. I've consulted with Dr. Andrews on the phone, and a relatively minor procedure could be done to improve the dexterity of the ankle, and to relieve the pain. I've put up with pain worse than this in my career, and I didn't want anyone to assume that the possibility of surgery was the sole factor that would determine whether I return or not. Some people reacting to the ESPN story have made this assumption. I don't blame them for doing so, given that the term "surgery" often covers a variety of procedures, some more complex than others.

The ankle pain is a factor, but one of many factors that I'll need to consider in making my decision. Other factors include the input of my family, and the wonderful experience that I had last year with the Vikings.

– Brett Favre

So, in other words, Favre's ankle hurts but only sort of and it may or may not be a part of his decision making process when it comes to un-re-re-un-re-un-retiring again.

Offense adds playmakers

When QB Joe Flacco lines up under center this coming season he'll have some additional weapons at his disposal.

Remember last year? Fans were screaming for the Ravens to draft a playmaker. Depth at Tight End was dismal and Derrick Mason was getting boxed out of games with double coverage. Now heading into the upcoming season options are there, take a look at how the roster is shaping up for the team.

The "Go To" Guys, Plus

The "go to" guys are running backs Ray Rice, LeRon McClain, Willis McGahee, Tight end Todd Heap, and receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. That's already a dynamic list of offensive players and they will continue to be a huge part of the offense.

Now add the new acquisitions, receivers Anquan Boldin and Dante Stallworth, along with the recently drafted Tight Ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta. The team has doubled its efforts to obtain playmakers with much needed depth at both the receiver and tight end positions.

5 for Flacco

The draft also brought WR David Reed into the mix.  Reed will compete with Demetrius Williams and Marcus Smith (coming off injured reserve) for the fifth receiver spot.  Three receivers added and two tight ends, a total of 5.  We may or may not see all the rookies get substantial playing time, even so it demonstrates the team is serious about having additional playmakers for Flacco.

Darren Urban posted a great blog on the Cards' official website regarding the Cardinals' first day of minicamp today (Friday).  The Cardinals have two practices on Friday, two on Saturday, and one Sunday morning.

Of all the onfield issues currently swirling through the Tempe complex, I agree with Urban that offensive line is the most intriguing.  With Fancea on board, there's just so many ways that the team could go in compiling the starting five.  The Cardinals coaching staff continues to stress that it's an open competition with Russ Grim saying recently "we will play the best five."  It's seems more accurate, however, to say that they're looking for the best two left after LT Levi Brown, LG Alan Faneca, and C Lyle Sendlein.  Whether the right side will include Brandon Keith, Deuce Lutui (still hasn't signed tender), Reggie Wells, Herman Johnson or Rex Hadnot remains to be seen, but that's a lot of people fighting for two spots.  My money is on Lutui at RG and Brandon Keith at RT.

The other "storyline" I'm anxious to see played out is how quickly Dan Williams and Daryl Washington (the top two draft picks) will crack the starting lineup.  On paper, Gabe Watson and Paris Lenon are the likely starters at nose tackle and weak side inside linebacker respectively.  Make no mistake, however, the Cardinals want Williams and Washington to force themselves into the starting lineup and I suspect they will be given the opportunity to do so; when is a trickier question.  It will be interesting to see how Whisenhunt will treat the rookies, knowing how the head coach likes the make first year guys earn every snap.

Urban points out that the cornerback situation is also worth noting.  With McFadden thankfully gone, it's clearly time for Greg Toler to step up and own the starting position opposite DRC.  If Toler struggles, however, the defense could be in trouble.  Despite a lot of bodies at the position, there isn't much legitimate starting talent after DRC and Toler.  If DRC gets injured or Toler doesn't pan out, the team may find itself chasing down a veteran free agent at some point.

Finally, Urban makes note of the quarterback situation.  Honestly, there isn't much to say here that hasn't been said before.  Leinart's the starter and no one knows exactly what he's going to bring to the table.  If he falters, Derek Anderson will be licking his chops, ready to step in.  Also, I'm interested to see how John Skelton looks lined up with NFL talent coming from a school like Fordham.

• Faneca's radio interview on XTRA Sports 910 (Phoenix), if you're so inclined