Jets’ Washington returns to practice

Jets' Washington returns to practice

NEW YORK - New York Jets running back Leon Washington returned to the team yesterday after boycotting practice the past three weeks while in a contract dispute.

Washington, selected for his first Pro Bowl last season as a kick returner, was back on the field to start New York's final week of team activities. Agent Alvin Keels wrote on his Twitter page that Washington returned "while we continue to work on a contract extension for him. A move of good faith."

Washington is due to earn $535,000 this season, the final year of his rookie deal. He's believed to be looking for about $6 million a year, similar to deals that Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew and San Diego's Darren Sproles - players to whom he's often compared - have received.

While former Virginia star Thomas Jones is the starting running back - he rushed for an AFC-leading 1,312 yards last season - the elusive Washington provides a change of pace. He's one of the league's top game-changing players with the ability to score from just about anywhere on the field by run, catch or return.

Goodell: no timetable for labor agreement

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Headed into contract talks with the players' union, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says there is no timetable to reach a new agreement.

Goodell and the owners will meet with the NFL Players Association tomorrow to begin negotiations, although the initial session is expected to deal with procedural questions.

The collective bargaining agreement expires after the draft in 2011. But if the two sides don't reach an agreement by next March, the final year of the agreement calls for an uncapped year, something that has not happened since free agency and a salary cap were instituted in the 1993 contract.

Elsewhere

• The Philadelphia Eagles added former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart to their coaching staff. Stewart will be a special assistant to the defense, working primarily with the secondary.

• The Detroit Lions cut offensive tackle George Foster, paving the way to add former Redskins tackle Jon Jansen, who passed his physical and signed with the team. Foster was acquired before the 2007 season as part of a trade with Denver for Dre' Bly.

- From Wire Reports