NFL Notes: Tom Brady, Bears, Broncos, Falcons, & Lions

Tom Brady

• Tom Brady‘s appeal of his four-game suspension was expected to be heard by Wednesday, which happens to be the 10-day deadline.
• However, Brady’s case won’t be heard this week as no date has been set, according to ESPN’s sources.
• The collective bargaining agreement requires an appeal to be set within a 10-day window, so any delay in the process would likely be a mutual agreement.

Bears

• John Mullin of CSN Chicago writes that the Bears could end up starting either Jeremiah Ratliff or Ego Ferguson at defensive end in their new 3-4 defense following the release of DL Ray McDonald.

Broncos

Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes that the Broncos face a decision regarding veteran DT Antonio Smith, who is currently under investigation for alleged child abuse in Texas.

No chargers have been filed up to this point, and the Broncos have said that they’re aware of the situation.

Renck mentions that even if the case against Smith is ultimately dropped, he could still face discipline from the NFL.

Falcons

• Vaughn McClure of ESPN reports that Falcons WR Julio Jones will attend OTAs, even there have been no talks yet regarding a new deal.

Lions

• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that Lions S James Ihedigbo is ending his absence and will report to OTAs this week.