Truth & Rumors > NFL

04:35 PM ET 06.19 | A report out of Phoenix last week noted that free-agent acquisition Rashard Mendenhall already had established himself as the No. 1 running back for the Arizona Cardinals, separating from Ryan Williams. Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM" on Wednesday, coach Bruce Arians confirmed "there's no doubt" that Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today. "Rashard is just 25 years old (he turns 26 on Wednesday)," Arians said. "He took me personally to a Super Bowl, and I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

NFL.com

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04:27 PM ET 06.19 | Star Lotulelei ??? The All-American nose tackle from Utah showed up in good shape and was everything the Panthers thought they were getting when they drafted him 14th overall. Maybe a little more. On draft night, the Panthers said Lotulelei needed to improve as a pass rusher. And with second-round pick Kawann Short more accomplished in that area, it was thought Lotulelei might come out in certain passing situations. But he was on the field a lot during minicamp. Rivera says Lotulelei already has ???come a long way??? as far as using his hands to shed blockers.

Charlotte Observer

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04:22 PM ET 06.19 | San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman figures to be one of the hottest names on the head coaching market next offseason. If he doesn't find a new gig, he'll be well taken care of in San Francisco Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Wednesday that the 49ers signed Roman to a two-year extension, according to two people informed of the contract. Financial terms are not known, and the 49ers have not commented. Roman's new contract with the 49ers takes him through the 2015 season. This was the 49ers' way of rewarding Roman after two incredibly productive seasons with coach Jim Harbaugh. Alex Smith's career took off under Roman, and Roman's creative schemes helped Colin Kaepernick explode onto the NFL scene.

NFL.com

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04:17 PM ET 06.19 | Dr. Robert Watkins, who operated on Rob Gronkowski???s back Tuesday in Southern California, issued a statement regarding the procedure on Tuesday evening. ???New England Patriots??? tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy surgery performed by Dr. Robert Watkins at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles. The surgery went well. The timing of his return to football will depend on his progression through the rehabilitation program.??? Watkins, who performed a different type of back surgery on the tight end when he was a collegian at Arizona in 2009, executed the same procedure on Giants??? defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul earlier this month.

WEEI.com

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07:09 AM ET 06.19 | So dispiriting was the Cardinals' season that it helped drag Larry Fitzgerald down with it. Enter new coach Bruce Arians, who is focused on returning Fitzgerald to greatness with the help of quarterback Carson Palmer. During a Tuesday appearance on NFL Netowrk's "NFL Total Access," NFL.com's Ian Rapoport discussed a recent conversation with Arians. ... Arians told Rapoport the blueprint is to move Fitzgerald all over the field in an effort to take full advantage of his special talent. First downs will be the time to get on the outside and look for the home run. On third down, Fitzgerald could be moved into the slot for more conservative, move-the-chains work. Fitzgerald has been learning the nuances of three wideout positions during offseason activities.

NFL.com

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