NFL Notes: Vick says he’s ‘close’ to signing

Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick, who served 18 months for running a dogfighting ring, said yesterday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.

The former Virginia Tech star made the comment to reporters as he left a courtroom after a hearing in his bankruptcy case. Asked about his progress in signing with a team, Vick said: "We're getting close." He declined to answer additional questions.

Vick was conditionally reinstated Monday by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The rejection notices for Michael Vick came from Lovie Smith, Jeff Fisher and Tom Cable yesterday.

But Patriots coach Bill Belichick isn't saying whether his team is interested in the quarterback.

As the Chicago Bears began training camp, Smith said Vick deserves another opportunity in the NFL. The coach just doesn't see it happening with the Bears even though they lack an experienced backup to newly acquired Jay Cutler.

The Titans, coming off the best record in the 2008 season, also like what they have in aging starter Kerry Collins and inconsistent backup Vince Young, the No. 3 overall pick in 2006 out of Texas.

Cable's Raiders have JaMarcus Russell, the first pick in the 2007 draft, and veteran Jeff Garcia.

"We like who we have, so let's move forward," Oakland's coach said.

After New England's first practice of training camp, Belichick was asked about Vick's possible return to the NFL. He praised Vick's athleticism, but left it at that.

Giants' Pierce testifies in Burress gun case

NEW YORK - New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce appeared before the grand jury investigating gun charges against former teammate Plaxico Burress and was expected to return today.

Pierce did not comment as he left the courthouse. His testimony yesterday came one day after Burress appeared before the grand jury in hopes of persuading the panel not to indict him on charges of carrying an unlicensed firearm.

Skins' top pick skips first two practices

ASHBURN - Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache did not sound too pleased that No. 1 draft pick Brian Orakpo missed the first two practices of training camp Thursday because he hasn't agreed to a contract.

"He's not getting better. We are not getting better as a team," Blache said. "When a guy holds out - doesn't help him, doesn't help the football team."

Coach Jim Zorn said he had no new information on the talks with the only member of Washington's roster who was not on the field Thursday.

Brady goes full bore in Patriots' practice

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Quarterback Tom Brady was back on the first day of New England's training camp, taking snaps just as he did before he was knocked off the field for the 2008 season by a left knee injury in the first quarter of the opener.

He dropped back and threw a 20-yard pass that bounced off Ray Ventrone's hand, a sideline pass that just eluded receiver Wes Welker, and a long completion over the middle to seventh-round draft choice Julian Edelman. He made handoffs and faked others.

Vikings' Udeze announces retiremtent

MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze has decided to retire, ending a remarkable comeback from leukemia. The Vikings announced that Udeze has been placed on the reserve/retired list.

Minnesota's first-round draft pick in 2004, Udeze was a starter for four years and tied for the team lead with five sacks in 2007. He was diagnosed in February 2008 with the disease.

Jets' Washington absent as camp opens

CORTLAND, N.Y. - New York Jets running back Leon Washington, in a contract dispute while seeking a big raise, was a no-show as players reported for the start of training camp. Washington, a Pro Bowl selection last season as a kick returner, 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.

Patriots' Warren placed on PUP list

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - New England defensive end Ty Warren is one of five Patriots starting training camp on the active physically unable to perform list. The team also put cornerback Shawn Springs and wide receiver Brandon Tate on the active non-football injury list.

Rams, Smith reach terms on contract

ST. LOUIS - The Rams signed offensive tackle Jason Smith, the second overall pick of the draft. The 6-5, 306-pound Smith is expected to be an immediate starter for the Rams, 2-14 last season and with only five wins over the past two seasons. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Other signings:

• The Baltimore Ravens and rookie offensive tackle Michael Oher agreed to a five-year, $13.8 contract. Oher was homeless for a time as a teenager in Memphis, Tenn., with his mother addicted to crack cocaine before he was adopted and embraced by a wealthy family. Oher became an All-American at Ole Miss and was the 23rd overall pick in the draft.

• Rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has agreed with the Oakland Raiders on a five-year contract that will guarantee him at least $23.5 million. Heyward-Bey was the seventh overall pick.