CLEVELAND -- Ryan Pontbriand, regarded as one of the NFL's premier long snappers, signed a four-year contract extension Tuesday with the Cleveland Browns, a deal that will keep the specialist with the club through 2011.
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Former Browns coach Butch Davis was laughed at when he used a fifth-round draft pick (No. 142 overall) in 2003 to select Pontbriand, who played at Rice. Typically, teams will use one of their backup linemen to handle snapping duties.
But Pontbriand has been steady and nearly flawless while snapping for punts, field goals and extra points in 59 games since '03.
Last season, Pontbriand helped punter Dave Zastudil record a career-high 44.0-yard average. In 2005, the 6-foot-2, 255-pound Pontbriand handled the snaps when kicker Phil Dawson made a career-high 27 field goals and scored 100 points.
The Browns have given long-term deals to several of their top special teams players, including Zastudil, Dawson and punt/kick returner Joshua Cribbs.
Eagles unsure of Andrews, Smith for opener
PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb is healthy and ready to go, having answered questions about his surgically repaired knee early in training camp.
The status of his top blocker and safety-valve receiver isn't so clear going into the Philadelphia Eagles' season opener at Green Bay on Sunday.
All-Pro guard Shawn Andrews and tight end L.J. Smith missed the entire preseason, but took part in a light practice Monday. The real test comes when they wear full pads Wednesday and Thursday. If both players return, it'll be a big boost for the offense.
Andrews sustained a high ankle sprain last month.
Smith had surgery for a sports hernia in the offseason, then injured his groin early in camp. He was slightly less optimistic about the opener than Andrews.
Rams taking it easy with Bennett, Incognito
ST. LOUIS -- Drew Bennett did not practice Tuesday for the St. Louis Rams but the wide receiver said he expects to play in Sunday's season opener against the visiting Carolina Panthers.
Bennett, a free agent signee, has a strained quad muscle.
The Rams have high expectations for Bennett, who led the Tennessee Titans in receptions the last two seasons. He signed a six-year contract to become the team's third receiver behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.
Left guard Richie Incognito is still nursing a high ankle sprain sustained in a preseason game with San Diego. He had his practice time limited Tuesday.
Coach Scott Linehan said Incognito remains questionable for the opener.
Broncos release LB Mallard
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos released linebacker Wesly Mallard to make room for free agent defensive end Simeon Rice.
Mallard, entering his sixth NFL season, joined the Broncos as a free agent July 29.
The Broncos signed Rice to a one-year, $3 million deal on Monday. Rice was released earlier this summer by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Entering his 12th NFL season, Rice has 121 career sacks, second most among active players to Michael Strahan of the New York Giants.
Panthers settle, release TE Gaines
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers released former starting tight end Michael Gaines after reaching an injury settlement.
Gaines, a four-year pro, was placed on injured reserve Saturday but wanted an opportunity to play elsewhere this season and elected to take the injury settlement.
A seventh-round draft pick in 2004, Gaines started 21 games and played in 42 for the Panthers over the last three seasons. He was used primarily as a blocking tight end. He caught 31 passes for 335 yards with two touchdowns.
With Gaines gone, the Panthers have three tight ends on their roster that have combined for one career catch. Jeff King, the starter, has that lone catch - a touchdown from Chris Weinke in 2006 - but Dante Rosario and Marcus Freeman are rookies.
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