When trouble comes, Buddy Ryan calls home - or at least his last home.
Trouble for the Arizona Cardinals was losing two safeties to injuries during Thursday's practice. Ryan's remedy was to quickly sign another of his former players.This time, the Cardinals signed Andre Waters, an 11-year veteran whom the Philadelphia Eagles didn't offer a contract during the off season. He becomes the sixth former Eagle, and fourth on defense, to reunite in Arizona with Ryan, who coached Philadelphia from 1986 through 1990.
"You know what kind of player he is," Ryan said. "Takes no prisoners."
In the morning practice, Terry Hoage twisted his right knee and Brent Alexander sprained his left foot.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Elbert Ellis last played football when he was in the eighth grade. The Steelers think he can make the jump.
Mostly, it's the way Ellis can catch passes. He has shown an ability to hang onto passes despite tight coverage. So far, most of his problems have been of technique, such as getting his feet inbounds along the sidelines and running precise patterns.
Indianapolis Colts
Rookie linebacker Trev Alberts signed a reported six-year, $8 million contract Monday and practiced with the team Tuesday morning. But the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft from Nebraska missed the next four practices when questions arose concerning the contract.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive tackle Tony Casillas, who signed a $6 million free-agent contract in the offseason, reportedly is being treated for high blood pressure.
Casillas, who won the Lombardi Trophy at Oklahoma in 1985, spent five years with the Atlanta Falcons before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1991.
Dallas Cowboys
Wide receiver Alvin Harper injured his tender right shoulder again in practice Thursday and might not be available for the Cowboys exhibition game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday night in Texas Stadium.
Harper caught a pass and fell on the shoulder.
"There's no separation, according to the doctors," coach Barry Switzer said. "He just got it stung again. "
Philadelphia Eagles
Free-agent linebacker Jock Jones sprained his right ankle tackling Herschel Walker during a coverage drill. He was taken off the field on a motorized cart.
William "The Refrigerator" Perry consistently finished last during field-length sprints at the end of the practice. By the time he ran his fourth sprint, Perry, listed at 335 pounds, was 35 yards behind the next slowest player.
Miami Dolphins
When he was 16, Jim Ballard got an autographed picture of Dan Marino. Six years later, Ballard plays golf with Marino and is trying to become the third name behind Marino and Bernie Kosar on the depth chart.
Ballard will have to beat out Kelly Stouffer, who started 16 games for Seattle from 1988-1992, and Doug Pederson, who played seven games for the Dolphins last season.
San Francisco 49ers
Fullback William Floyd, the second of the 49ers' two first-round picks, is finally in the fold. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.78 million.
Fullback Marc Logan, who started 12 games last year in place of the injured Tom Rathman, was among four players waived. He was expected to re-sign with the team today at a reduced salary.