Friday morning one-liners

Said Bills RB Fred Jackson of getting the start on Monday night, “It shows that hard work and determination can get you to where you want
to be.  It can be a motivational story to tell
kids; tell them that guys from little colleges can get to where they
want to be.”

No one from the Dolphins is talking about how they’ll use QB Pat White.

The members of the revamped Patriots secondary is looking forward to their first test.

The Jets may rotate LB Vernon Gholston with rookie Jamaal Westerman during Sunday’s game.

Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun came up with three things that could go right for the Ravens, including a breakout season for RB Ray Rice.

Bengals WR Chris Henry didn’t practice on Thursday because of a thigh injury.

Browns coach Eric Mangini and DT Shaun Rogers both say their relationship has greatly improved since its rocky start.

Said Texans CB Dunta Robinson, “For the first time, we have a defensive coordinator we want to play for.”

Colts LT Charlie Johnson said that no one needs to worry about him protecting QB Peyton Manning’s blind side.

Neither Eben Britton nor Eugene Monroe cops to feeling the slightest bit intimidated by starting for the Jaguars as rookies against Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels called WR Jabar Gaffney “one of the toughest players” he’s ever coached.

The Chiefs aren’t tipping their hand about QB Matt Cassel’s status for Sunday.

Darren McFadden has been named the starter at running back for the Raiders.

The Chargers expect to have a more powerful pass rush this season. 

The Cowboys selected QB Tony Romo, TE Jason Witten, LB Bradie James, and LB DeMarcus Ware as their permanent captains along with a weekly special teams captain.

Rookie CB Bruce Johnson could see more action than expected because of injuries to other Giants cornerbacks.

Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott admitted to feeling anxious about his first game in that job.

Said Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El of being replaced in the starting lineup, “I congratulated Malcolm [Kelly] because that’s a big feat. Of course, there are mixed
feelings.  I know I did everything I could in camp [to keep the job]. 
But I’m for the team.  Wherever [coach Jim Zorn] wants me to play, I will.  I know
I did everything I could in camp.”

Bears RB Garrett Wolfe’s role in the offense has grown because of Kevin Jones’ injury.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz wasn’t willing to speculate on whether or not K Jason Hanson would play on Sunday.

Packers DT B.J. Raji is trying to convince coach Mike McCarthy to let him play against the Bears.  

Said Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe of QB Brett Favre, “He really feeds the tight end the ball, so I’m going to do everything I can to get open and make huge plays.”

Falcons DE John Abraham practiced on Thursday and is expected to be in the lineup on Sunday.

Panthers WR Steve Smith isn’t crazy about the idea of returning punts because of past injury.

Shutting down Lions WR Calvin Johnson is job one for Saints defensive backs on Sunday.

The Buccaneers promoted CB Kyle Arrington from the practice squad and released CB William Middleton.

The Cardinals will raise a banner commemorating the 2009 NFC Championship before Sunday’s game with the 49ers.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that LB Chris Draft paid the price for former Rams G.M. Jay Zygmunt’s bad business decisions.

The 49ers practiced with earplugs on Thursday to simulate not being able to hear the snap count.

Seahawks QB Mike Teel spoke to Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times about his memories of September 11, 2001 and those of his father, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer.