Darren Sharper remains optimistic as he rehabs from offseason microfracture surgery, but admitted he has “no idea” when he’ll return to the practice field.

Much has been made of the offseason acquisitions by the Detroit Lions, and the addition of Tony Scheffler may be the most unheralded.

There is a lot of optimism for the Falcons this season, and I am high on a number of the Falcons fantasy stars, including QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner. NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan was in Falcons camp today and he believes that Ryan and Turner are poised for huge seasons.

This is obviously not on the level of ‘Favre Watch,’ but one of the other rites of training camp is the popular refrain, “This is the year Alex Smith puts it all together.”

The leg injury to Browns CB Eric Wright may lead some to believe that rookie Eric Haden could crack the starting lineup in the team’s preseason opener on Saturday.

Pierre Garcon is listed as a starting wide receiver opposite Reggie Wayne on the Colts’ unofficial depth chart, which was released today.

Wes Welker took another step in his recovery from offseason knee surgery on Tuesday when he took part in a joint practice session against the Saints.

Behind Mike Sims-Walker, the Jaguars have some questions at receiver. The latest reports suggest Mike Thomas is strengthening his hold on the No. 2 receiver job.

So far, so good for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who is not only preparing for opposing defenses, but also looking to repair his battered image.

Who are the top fantasy quarterbacks this season? We discuss that on the NFL.com Fantasy Preview Show, which airs tonight at 9 p.m. ET. I’m a little skeptical of Peyton Manning this season, based on the performance of past Super Bowl losers. Take a look at this list.

Judging by the reports out of Rams camp, it might be difficult to keep first overall draft choice Sam Bradford out of the starting role for long.

Thanks to Brett Favre, the absence of WR Sidney Rice from Vikings’ practices has been pretty much overlooked through the first couple weeks of training camp.

Be sure to stop by and check out my live chat on Tuesday, starting at 2 p.m. EST here on NFL.com!

Defensive end Aaron Schobel, on the street after nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills, is a no-nonsense Texas boy who plays the game with a high motor and intensity. With plenty left in the tank, he will give you all he’s got on Sundays, and that’s plenty. But he needs to be in a 4-3 scheme.

It might be too early to count out Dwayne Jarrett in the competition for the Panthers’ No. 2 receiver spot.