Cleveland Browns:

• "Rookie running Trent Richardson ‘very close’ to practicing, coach Pat Shurmur says" (Beacon Journal) - "Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson appeared on the practice field Saturday for the first time since Aug. 7, two days before he had arthroscopic surgery to repair a piece of loose cartilage in his left knee, but he wasn’t back in full force by any means."
• "Tom Heckert: Rookies deserved their spots on roster" (Chronicle-Telegram) - "Browns general manager Tom Heckert admits keeping 15 rookies on a 53-man roster might not be the smartest move for his job security. However, he is adamant that it is the best move for the team."
• "As new season beckons, team has plenty of questions in need of answering" (Plain Dealer) - "Browns coach Pat Shurmur has attempted to project an air of confidence with so much uncertainty swirling around him. From changes at the top -- the ownership group -- to a lack of depth at the bottom of the injury-depleted roster, it has been an unsettling six weeks for Shurmur and staff."
• "History not working in Weeden's favor" (AFC North Blog) - "When the Cleveland Browns drafted quarterback Brandon Weeden, they did so with the hope he would help turn around a franchise that has lost at least 11 games in four straight seasons."

NFL:

• "Maurice Jones-Drew ends holdout" (ESPN) - "Maurice Jones-Drew remains as passionate as ever about his value. So when the Jacksonville Jaguars running back ended his 38-day holdout Sunday -- without a new contract -- he had no apologies, no regrets and no concerns about his standing with the franchise."
• "Hakeem Nicks: 'I'm playing' in opener" (ESPN) - "Hakeem Nicks was held out of practice on Sunday as a precaution but says he will play on Wednesday against Dallas. Head coach Tom Coughlin said Nicks felt sore but expects the receiver to practice on Monday."
• "Panthers WR Smith, LB Beason back to practice" (AP) - "Panthers coach Ron Rivera said wide receiver Steve Smith and linebacker Jon Beason are expected to play in the team's Sept. 9 regular season opener against Tampa Bay after both returned to practice Sunday."
• "Referees union claims league is spreading 'misinformation'" (AP) - "The NFL referees union says the league is "engaged in a misinformation campaign" following unsuccessful negotiations earlier in the weekend."