NFL
–According to Bill Huber of the Packer Report, the Packers are considering a trade for Browns’ QB Colt McCoy. Head coach Mike McCarthy was impressed by McCoy’s Pro Day two years ago, and with QB Matt Flynn gone, the team needs a West Coast backup.
In addition, Browns’ GM Tom Heckert suggested to ESPN’s Bob Holtzman that QB Brandon Weeden will start from Day One. ”You don’t take him if he’s not going to start,” said Heckert, who has already publicly acknowledged the Browns will talk about a Colt McCoy trade on Friday and Saturday. Heckert added that Weeden was ranked No. 13 on the Browns’ board. McCoy is likely to be moved.
– Profootballtalk confirms the Cowboys are “shopping” CB Mike Jenkins. Coming off shoulder surgery and entering the final year of his rookie contract, Jenkins would be probably only return a mid-round pick–per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, however, Dallas is hoping for a 2nd or 3rd-round pick.
– Vikings’ RB Adrian Peterson (ACL, MCL, meniscus surgery) finished first in wind sprints with teammates this week one month after beginning dryland running. Head coach Leslie Frazier said, ”I remember (backup quarterback) Joe Webb saying, ‘I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it.’ So, he’s doing great and we’re optimistic that he’s going to be ready for that first game.” Peterson’s big test will come when he tries to cut laterally.
MLB
– Padres’ OF Carlos Quentin (knee) took grounders in the outfield Thursday but is still a week from beginning a rehab assignment. He’s already been hitting for more than a week now. Quentin underwent arthroscopic surgery on March 19 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, and although the Padres were originally hoping to get him back into the lineup by late April, he shouldn’t miss too much of May.
– La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the Twins “will at least have a discussion” about pursing the recently released 3B Brandon Inge. Neal says the Twins “could decide that Danny Valencia would be better off working on his game at Triple-A Rochester,” leaving Inge to platoon with Sean Burroughs at third base. He also says Inge could interest Minnesota because he could catch. The Orioles also reportedly have interest in the veteran.
– Twins’ OF Delmon Young was arrested for allegedly assaulting a man early Friday morning in front of a Midtown hotel in New York. According to the report from the New York Post’s Larry Celona, cops were called to the hotel at 2:40 AM after a “highly intoxicated” Young pushed the man to the ground, resulting in scratches on the man’s arm. Young, who has had anger issues in the past, was charged with assault in the third degree and is in custody while awaiting arraignment.
– The Astros have placed RHP Kyle Weiland (right shoulder bursitis) on the 15-day DL retroactive to April 22. Weiland posted a 6.62 through his first 17 2/3 innings, but it’s unclear whether the shoulder was bothering him during any of his three outings.
NBA
– Grizzlies’ F Zach Randolph will start Game 1 for the Grizzlies on Sunday against the Clippers. ”I wanted Zach to get an opportunity to start to see if he can get into a flow and into a rhythm,” Lionel Hollins said. Z-Bo is no longer wearing his knee brace, and the expectation is that he’ll move back into the starting lineup permanently with the playoffs set to begin. Randolph also said that he’s in better shape, and he’s happy to shed his brace because it “kind of limited” him. He had a double-double in 26 minutes on Thursday when he was running with the starting five.
– Celtics’ G Ray Allen (ankle) has been listed as “probable” for Game 1 against the Hawks on Sunday. Allen didn’t play in Thursday’s regular season finale, and the Celtics haven’t had Allen on the floor since April 10. He’s had almost three full weeks to rest his ankle as his team gears up for the postseason, but Rivers’ description of Allen’s current condition leads us to believe that he’ll be at less than 100 percent. For what it’s worth, Danny Ainge is “unsure” what Allen will be able to bring upon his return.
– The Bobcats’ suffered a historic 104-84 loss to the Knicks on Thursday, becoming the NBA’s worst team ever by winning percentage.
NHL
– Senators’ F Daniel Alfredsson remains undecided on whether or not he’s going to retire. Alfy potentially played his final game on Thursday with a 2-1 loss to the Rangers in Game 7. “I will see how I feel physically and mentally after taking some time off. This year has been unbelievable. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been great to be part of a great group of guys. They kept me upbeat and happy when I’m a grumpy old man. They’ve made this year very enjoyable.” Stay tuned.
– According to reports, the Canadiens could name their next General Manager in 2-3 weeks. Patrick Roy’s name has been the most thrown around as a potential candidate.