• There were concerns that Chargers WR Vincent Jackson could face a suspension this season after receiving his second DUI arrest earlier this year, but he looks to be in the clear for the 2009 campaign. Jackson recently filed an appeal in his DUI case, which probably will delay the hearing until after the season. Although he's not completely out of the woods, the Bolts' wideout at least will be able to play out the season without a possible suspension hanging over his head.

• We hear QB Kyle Orton has quickly earned the respect of his teammates by displaying an excellent work ethic in the months since he was traded from the Bears as part of the Jay Cutler deal. Orton is still working out the kinks with his receivers in training camp, and it remains to be seen whether he can be more than a functional quarterback, but he has established a solid foundation with his new crew in a short period of time, according to sources close to the situation.

• The chances of Raiders WR Javon Walker becoming a major contributor this season continue to diminish. He was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of training camp while he continues to rehab from offseason knee surgery, and he told reporters that it will be two or three weeks before he's able to participate. Head coach Tom Cable indicated he had no specific time in mind for his return, but it's clear the team is prepared to move forward with Chaz Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookies Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy as its top four receivers.

• Sports hernia surgery has set Bills rookie S Jairus Byrd back even further in his bid to claim a starting spot. When the Bills snagged Byrd in the second round, they knew it might take some time for him to get up to speed considering he was switching positions after playing cornerback at Oregon and because the school's late academic year kept him from participating much in the spring program. Now, he now faces even tougher odds in unseating Bryan Scott.

• Despite the fact that Thomas Jones led the AFC in rushing last season, it's just as big a relief to the Jets that Leon Washington reported to Jets camp — albeit one day late — as it is that Jones also did. Both have been peeved about their contracts. Washington is expected to play a far more prominent role this season, with his receiving skills being of particular excitement to an offense without much experience out wide.

• Although the Patriots return all five starting offensive linemen from last season, the unit — including starters and reserves — will be heavily scrutinized throughout camp. In all probability, only the ORG post will have legitimate competition for the starting job, given how badly injuries have plagued Stephen Neal, but the numerous youngsters on the depth chart could make things interesting if the line doesn't show improvement following its substandard 2008 performance.

• One of the positive developments of the Steelers' offseason, we're told, is the ever-growing chemistry between QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Santonio Holmes. Holmes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, looks poised to be better than ever, the way we hear it. 

• That Browns WR Braylon Edwards landed on the non-football injury list with an undisclosed ailment took at least one daily club observer by complete surprise. Edwards, who was banged up during offseason workouts in June and missed some practice time, wasn't believed to have an injury of any real significance, but it was of enough concern for the Browns to require him to report early to camp — and enough of a hindrance as to cause him to fail a physical.

• Don't be shocked if the Browns are starting at least three ex-Jets on defense in Week One. SS Abram Elam and ILB Eric Barton are the obvious ones, but DEs C.J. Mosley and Kenyon Coleman also look as though they rate an edge as the Browns begin their regular-season preparation in earnest.

• It came as no surprise that Texans CB Dunta Robinson did not report to Texans camp on July 31. The way we hear it, don't be surprised if Robinson, who was unhappy with being given the franchise tag this offseason, misses a good deal of training camp. However, we're hearing it's rather unlikely his holdout would extend into the season, given that he would start being docked game checks at that point.

• To hear it from one source close to the club, the Texans really don't have an ideal backup plan at strong-side linebacker if first-round pick Brian Cushing doesn't pan out. Alas, the rookie will get every chance to prove he can play.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.