Truth & Rumors > NFL

07:02 AM ET 06.18 | When one thinks of slot receivers, Denver's Wes Welker comes immediately to mind. [Welker] is the quintessential slot receiver, with a dynamic game built on quickness, toughness and guile. The former undrafted free agent has led the NFL in receptions three times. ... [Welker] is undoubtedly responsible for the heightened profile of slot receivers across the league. He has put together a remarkable six-season run of unrivaled productivity as a pass catcher while revolutionizing how offensive coordinators utilize slot receivers in the passing game. However, Victor Cruz has surpassed Welker as the premier slot receiver in the NFL, with a combination of skills that makes him indefensible between the hashes.

NFL.com

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07:01 AM ET 06.18 | At the very least, Desmond Bishop didn't have to wait very long or go very far for his next chance. [Bishop], who was released by the Green Bay Packers on Monday, told ESPN Wisconsin that he will visit the Vikings on Tuesday. An NFL source told 1500 ESPN that Bishop actually will workout for the Vikings on Wednesday. The Vikings lost starting middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley to Arizona in free agency and have been using Erin Henderson in the middle during Organized Team Activities. ... Bishop's release did not come as a surprise. There were reports last week that the Packers wanted to either restructure the 28-year-old's contract or they would release him. Green Bay also explored the option of trying to trade Bishop.

1500espn.com

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08:48 PM ET 06.17 | The NFL could have its first full-time female official as early as 2014. Sarah Thomas, who was the first woman to referee a Division I NCAA football game in 2007, will likely be that woman, as she has already began the development program required for all officials to become eligible to ref an NFL game. She will need a current referee to retire or leave the NFL in order for a spot to open up, and at that point it's still not a foregone conclusion that she will be next. However, it sounds like this is not far away.

CBS Sports

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08:40 PM ET 06.17 | Despite his status as one of the best kick returners in NFL history, Devin Hester will have to fight for his roster spot with the Bears when he gets to training camp. Earl Bennett has been returning kicks during minicamps, and Hester's age and salary could contribute towards a potential exit from Chicago. Hester will turn 31 this fall, and makes just under $2 million base salary, and new head coach Marc Trestman declined to say the returner job was Hester's for sure.

CSN Chicago

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08:26 PM ET 06.17 | Bengals cornerback Adam "Pac-Man" Jones will speak at the NFL Rookie Symposium for the second straight year this July, despite being arrested for assault several weeks ago. Jones spoke to NFL rookies last year, and reportedly came off well during his speech. Maurice Clarett is also scheduled to speak at the symposium, giving the young NFL players two cautionary tales for handling NFL stardom at a young age. Jones allegedly hit a woman in a nightclub in Cincinnati on June 5th, but he has pled not guilty to the offense.

ESPN

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