Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald has five things to watch in tonight's New England Patriots-Atlanta Falcons game.

Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd is out indefinitely after undergoing groin surgery.

New York Jets center Nick Mangold returned to practice on Wednesday.

Newly signed Miami Dolphins guard Randy Thomas is out to show that he's not done.

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Oniel Cousins was carted off the field on Wednesday.

Three Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers, including two mid-round 2010 draft choices, are vying for one spot on the 53-man roster, reports Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard is close to securing a starting job, writes Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Mike Nugent is frustrated by an injured groin.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai knows the team needs more production from the running game.

Tennessee Titans undrafted rookie offensive lineman Kevin Matthews chose to try to make his father's old team over playing for his father.

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Anthony Smith embraces his role as a physical player.

Houston Texans first-round cornerback Kareem Jackson think he'll benefit from practicing against Andre Johnson.

37-year old Kansas City Chiefs center Casey Wiegmann is trying to prove that he can still play, writes Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star.

Denver Broncos first-round quarterback Tim Tebow's bruised ribs knocked him out of Wednesday's practice.

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is sidelined with an Achilles' injury.

Oakland Raiders quarterback Kyle Boller is taking advantage of his increased playing and practice time.

Less than a year after shredding right knee, Seattle Seahawks fourth-round cornerback Walter Thurmond has had an impressive training camp, writes Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune.

The San Francisco 49ers released wide receiver Brandon Jones on Wednesday.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson is working on his mechanics.

St. Louis Rams fourth-round wide receiver Mardy Gilyard hopes to be healthy enough to play on Saturday night against Cleveland.

The Green Bay Packers could have a nice mix of veterans and younger players on the 53-man roster, writes Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre says his teammates were the driving force behind his return for a 20th season.

Busy day for the Detroit Lions, highlighted by the acquisition of 2008 first-round pick Lawrence Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks.

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Matt Toeania plays to make his brother proud, writes Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times.

New Orleans Saints coaches used guard Carl Nicks to send a message to the team about mental mistakes during Wednesday's practice.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback E.J. Biggers is a potential long-term replacement for Ronde Barber.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff brought some lessons learned in New England with him to the Atlanta Falcons.

Quarterback Matt Moore has been one of the stars of Carolina Panthers training camp.

Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis plead guilty to two misdemeanors, reports Rich Campbell of the Free Lance-Star.

The Philadelphia Eagles starters will play the first half against Cincinnati on Friday night.

New York Giants quarterback Rhett Bomar was the only healthy quarterback at Wednesday's practice.

Dallas Cowboys guard Kyle Kosier will miss four-to-six weeks with a sprained knee.

Today's NFL birthdays: Falcons rookie wide receiver Tim Buckley (22), Bills defensive tackle John McCargo (27), Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson (29), Chiefs running back Thomas Jones (32) and defensive tackle Shaun Smith (29), Dolphins linebacker J.D. Folsom (26) and defensive end Philip Merling (25), Patriots safety Patrick Chung (23) and defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick (23), Saints offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod (26), Titans linebacker Will Witherspoon (30), free agent fullback B.J. Askew (30), cornerback Brannon Condren (27), long-snapper Brad St. Louis (33), and retired wide receiver David Patten (36).