-Seahawks players were raving today about the surprise visit they received Thursday night from Celtics legend Bill Russell. The NBA great, who lives in suburban Washington, gave the team an hour-long talk on what it takes to win as a team.

-Seattle got some bad news on the practice field Friday when center Chris Spencer was carted off filing a pile-up in a blocking drill. Coach Jim Mora said Spencer had suffered a left ankle injury that appeared to be minor.

-49ers coach Mike Singletary said that wide receiver Brandon Jones is expected to miss eight weeks because of a fractured right shoulder, according to the Sacramento Bee.

-The Bears have decided that Devin Hester will not return kicks this season, choosing instead to use him exclusively as a wide receiver and turn the kick return job to Danieal Manning.

-Broncos first-round pick Knowshon Moreno missed his 13th training camp practice after the running back's agent and the team failed to work out final details of a contract expected to include $13 million in guarantees.

-Another unsigned first-round draft pick, Packers selection B.J. Raji from Boston College, is spending time in Green Bay fixing up his new townhouse while he waits for his agent and the team to conclude a deal.

-The Jaguars signed offensive lineman Drew Miller and waived linebacker David Holloway.