PITTSBURGH — A slimmed-down Ben Roethlisberger whistled practice passes to his receivers for the first time in five weeks, and a teammate didn’t need to watch video tape to know what he’d just seen.
“He’s been working hard at home,” defensive end Brett Keisel said. “He wants to be great this year. So, hopefully, he will.”
Even if considerable repair work needs to be done, on the field and off it.
The two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback didn’t talk to reporters after practicing Tuesday for the first time since drawing a six-game suspension April 21 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The penalty resulted from a Georgia college student’s allegation that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her in a nightclub, and though he does not face criminal charges in the case, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the quarterback’s drinking and carousing failed to meet the league’s expectations for player behavior.
Roethlisberger took part in voluntary practices April 19 and 20, but was barred from working out again until he underwent a league-ordered behavioral evaluation and was cleared by Goodell to resume team activities. The commissioner still hasn’t decided if Roethlisberger’s suspension will be reduced to four games.
Eagles’ Jackson tears tendon
PHILADELPHIA — Eagles defensive back Marlin Jackson has ruptured his right Achilles’ tendon an indoor practice. Jackson, who was competing for a starting spot at free safety, was hurt on Tuesday. An MRI exam revealed the extent of the injury, the team said. A 2005 first-round draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts, Jackson signed a two-year deal with Philadelphia in March. He is coming off a pair of season-ending knee injuries.
Broncos claim Davis off waivers
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos have claimed linebacker Bruce Davis off waivers from New England. The third-year pro spent most of last season on the Patriots’ practice squad after playing in five games as a rookie in 2008 for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had made him a third-round draft selection out of UCLA. Davis was waived by the Patriots on Thursday.
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