NFL Notes: Broncos, Dolphins, Falcons, Giants, Packers, Patriots, Vikings

Bills

• QB Kyle Orton contract includes $3 million guaranteed that will be paid out as a signing bonus. (Adam Caplan)
• Orton’s 2014 base salary will be $2.5 million. (Adam Caplan)

Broncos

• Broncos signed long snapper Kevin McDermott to their practice squad. (Mike Klis)

Dolphins

• Dolphins signed DE Gerald Rivers to their practice squad and released DE D’Aundre Reed. (Adam Beasley)

Falcons

• Falcons RB Steven Jackson confirmed that he will play in Week 1. (Reid Ferrin)

“I’m extremely excited for Week 1,” Jackson said. “It’s been a training camp that I missed the majority of the time, but I’ve been working hard physically and mentally to prepare for this coming Sunday; I feel good about it.”

Giants

• The Giants brought in players including Ball State WR Willie Snead to tryout for final two practice squad spots. (Dan Graziano)

Packers

• TE Brandon Bostick did not practice on Tuesday and is unlikely to play in Week 1. (Wes Hodkiewicz)

Patriots

• HC Bill Belichick explained that the staff is still deciding on TE Rob Gronkowski‘s Week 1 availability, despite Gronkowski claiming on Monday that he will play. (Phil Perry)

“I’m glad that Rob’s optimistic about this situation,” Belichick said. “We’ll go through the week of practice and take a look at everything, everybody, and see where everybody’s at and try to do what we feel like is best for the team. With all due respect to Rob — I’m glad he feels the way he does — but, in the end, we’ll have to make the decision we feel like is best for the team and we’ll do that as we go through the week.”

Vikings

• Vikings signed G Austin Wentworth to their practice squad and have released DB Kendall James.