NFL Notes: Cowboys, Lions, Packers & Saints

Cowboys

According to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, Justin Durant will “likely be the first-team middle linebacker” at the start of Cowboys’ training camp.

“When the Cowboys open camp, Justin Durant will likely be the first-team middle linebacker,” Archer writes. “He took the first-team snaps in the minicamp and during most of the organized team activities after Sean Lee suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.”

The Cowboys just traded for former first-round pick Rolando McClain this past week and have DeVonte Hollman and rookie Anthony Hitchens competing for playing time as well.

However, Archer believes it’s unlikely that McClain will be ready to compete for the starting job when camp gets underway.

Lions

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew mentioned that he will take on more of a blocking-oriented role after the team used their first-round pick on TE Eric Ebron.

“Whatever it is, I’m a team guy,” said Pettigrew, via Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. “You know that. Everybody here has the same goal. We’re trying to win.“

Pettigrew, 29, signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Lions this offseason, despite finding interest from other tight end-needy teams like the Jets.

Last year, Pettigrew caught 41 passes for 416 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Packers

Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com continues his “Time to step up” series with ILB Brad Jones and DE Jerel Worthy.

Jones, 28, is entering the second year of his three-year, $11.75 million contract, but is unfortunately coming off of a disappointing 2013 season.

Demovsky expects Jamari Lattimore to push Jones for playing time in training camp. However, the Packers have maintained that Jones is expected to be their starter for Week 1.

“Brad’s our starter until I’m told otherwise,” LBs coach Winston Moss said previously. “Brad has fought through injuries as of late, but when Brad was healthy and Brad was dialed in, Brad was playing his [expletive] off.”

As for Worthy, Demovsky writes that “[he] remains a mystery to the Packers” and is now heading into this third season with the team.

Worthy, 24, suffered a serious knee injury last year and has missed all of the offseason practices this year, according to Demovsky.

Green Bay has added depth at defensive line this offseason, so their patience could be running low with the former second-round pick.

Saints

Saints WR Marques Colston recently mentioned that the foot injury that hampered him for much of the 2013 season is no longer an issue him.

“I feel really good,” said Colston. “The foot I know was addressed earlier in the offseason. It’s really not an issue. I’ve been able to get out here with really no restrictions and just run around and feel good.”

Colston, 31, is entering the third year of his five-year, $36.3 million contract that included $17.7 million guaranteed. He stands to make $5.5 million for the 2014 season.

Even with the foot injury, Colston managed to record 75 receptions for 943 yards and five touchdowns, but this was only the second time in his NFL career that he had less than 1,000 yards receiving.

New Orleans added Brandin Cooks in the first round of this year’s NFL draft, but Colston remains a mismatch for opposing defenses based on his size.