Football Shorts

J.T. O'Sullivan has won the 49ers QB battle, edging out former no.1 overall draft pick Alex Smith. According to coach Mike Nolan, Smith will not be cut, though it remains to be seen whether Smith will bide his time and hope for O'Sullivan to struggle, or whether he will seek a trade immediately.

Kyle Orton put up a good display against the 49ers on Thursday night. The Bears' new starting Quarterback was 10/17 for 142 yards and threw 2two Touchdowns to Receiver Rashied Davis in a 37-30 loss.

Broncos Centre Tom Nalen underwent Arthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday. The five time Pro-Bowler has been bothered by a persistent knee injury throughout the off-season, and Coach Mike Shanahan did not sound confident when addressing the press: ""If it is serious, at least we've got it done. And we haven't been able to get him back as quickly as we'd like. So, there's something in there."

Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was impressive in last night's victory over the Broncos, going 18/22 with no interceptions and a TD. Rodgers described the performance as 'a step forward' for the Packers Offence.

In the same game, Broncos Receiver Brandon Marshall showed why the team will miss him so much during his four game personal conduct suspension, catching a 49yd TD from Jay Cutler.

Steelers Linebacker James Farrior was surprisingly rewarded with a new five year deal, aged 33. With Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley waiting to step into the Steelers 3-4 scheme, the move was unexpected.

The Patriots have now lost three Pre-Season games, after last night's defeat to Philadelphia. With Tom Brady expected to miss the next game, it seems likely that Matt Guttierez could beat out Matt Cassel for the number two job in New England. Guttierez impressed after replacing Cassel, throwing for more than 200yds and 2 TD's - neither of which Cassel has achieved in his three starts.

The Texans Offence looks good. QB Matt Schaub and receiver Kevin Walter have developed an effective partnership, and Rookie RB Steve Slaton is looking like a steal in the third round of this year's draft. Despite that, the Texans lost by a single point to Dallas - after attempting a 2pt conversion that would have won them the game with just two minutes left.

The Cowboys are starting to get into a rhythm. QB Tony Romo was 15/19 for a touchdown and an interception last night, while Terrell Owens caught four passes for 43yds. Running Back Marion Barber took on the bulk of the workload, rushing 13 times for 75yds and a TD.

Finally, tonight's games:

Cleveland 4:00
Detroit PM ET

NY Giants 7:00
NY Jets PM ET

Kansas City 7:30
Miami PM ET

Jacksonville 7:30
Tampa Bay PM ET

Washington 7:30
Carolina PM ET

New Orleans 7:35
Cincinnati PM ET

Baltimore 8:00
St. Louis PM ET

Pittsburgh 8:00
Minnesota PM ET

Arizona 9:00
Oakland PM ET