A revolving door of coordinators (among other things) has made life difficult for Alex Smith in San Francisco. But don't write off the former No. 1 pick. At 24, Smith still has a lot of football in front of him, writes Mark Kreidler.

The Arizona Cardinals are expected to name Kurt Warner as the team's starting quarterback, a team source said.

Matt Leinart's poor perfomance Saturday night against the Raiders probably sealed the decision.

Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman will forgo knee surgery and play this season for the San Diego Chargers despite the fact he has two torn ligaments in his left knee.

Jaguars first-round pick Derrick Harvey ended his 33-day holdout Wednesday after reaching agreement on a five-year contract that could be worth $30 million.

Kyle Boller is having his shoulder checked for a serious injury that could require surgery, possibly sidelining him out for season, sources told ESPN.com's John Clayton.

In need of defensive line help, the Baltimore Ravens went back to an old friend, trading for Buccaneers defensive end Marques Douglas.

Now Peyton Manning can start fine-tuning the mechanics, timing and rhythm.

The NFL has maintained a steady number of black head coaches, while slightly increasing the ranks of minority players, earning a B+ in an annual diversity study.

Claude Humphrey and Bob Hayes were nominated by the seniors committee Wednesday as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly Jr. faces a Sept. 16 court date on a felony drug possession charge, according to court records.

Michael Strahan has decided to remain retired.

NFLPA interim executive director Richard Berthelsen said he is committed to leading or assisting the union through the duration of the pending negotiations for a new deal with the NFL.

New York Jets coach Eric Mangini says he's leaning toward not playing quarterback Brett Favre in the team's preseason finale at Philadelphia.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't ready to write Cadillac Williams off for the entire 2008 season.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called his meeting with Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and his four brothers about the franchise's ownership situation "productive."

Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback Carson Palmer will not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall was in New York on Tuesday to appeal his three-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.