ALL ACCESS: NEWS & NOTES

SPLITSVILLE
Shaun Hill and Alex Smith will alternate days running the 49ers' first-team offense when training camp commences. Hill will split first-team offense snaps with Alex Smith, the Sacramento Bee reports.

Mancini's Take: Both quarterbacks should prepare themselves to get hit early and often. If there's one thing that OC Mike Martz has proven is that he will forgo max protection for his quarterbacks in favor of getting more players out on pass patterns. Jon Kitna could tell you a thing or two about it since he was sacked 114 times over his past two seasons. Smith and Hill both present different skill sets. The lesser-known Maryland product has a quicker release and better accuracy.

Mandel's Take: Where's the Rev's guy, J.T. O'Sullivan in all of this? The Good Rev is correct--the two sub-par QBs will be splitting headaches as well as reps. By having the two alternate first team snaps, the team is basically saying whoever plays better in the pre-season games will win the starting job. I think that guy will wind up being Smith, despite the advantages that the Rev accurately mentioned.

RB MARKET UPDATE
The St. Petersburg Times reports free-agent RB Kevin Jones (Lions) met with the Pittsburgh Steelers Wednesday, July 9, according to Dr. D.S. Ping, who is helping with Jones' rehabilitation. He's also scheduled to meet with the Buccaneers next week and said he welcomes a running back by committee approach. Meanwhile, The Lions are reportedly interested in LaMont Jordan, MLive.com reports.

Mancini's Take: Why the Steelers expressed interest in the free agent is beyond me. What shocks me is why the Arizona Cardinals haven't kicked the tires on Jones since they desperately need some speed at the halfback position. Rookie Tim Hightower is very similar to the aging Edgerrin James, and shouldn't be expected to provide that missing ingredient.

Mandel's Take: Once again, I agree with the Rev. At least on the Cardinals aspect of this. The Steelers were just window shopping--there's nothing wrong with that--it doesn't cost them anything. However, for the Cards to think they're ready to take a giant step forward with James, Marcel Shipp and J. J. Arrington is a bit naive and Hightower isn't going to contribute at this point. Jones would add a much-needed dash of speed to that stable of mediocre backs.


JUREVICIUS LOSS TO IMPACT LEWIS
One AFC scout believes the Browns' potential loss of Joe Jurevicius (knee surgeries) could adversely impact Jamal Lewis. "He is a leader and a good blocker," the scout said. "Don't underestimate the loss of him in the running game. He is one of the few guys willing to go inside and dig out linebackers and safeties. His loss would impact Jamal Lewis' production."

Mancini's Take: A receiver's blocking ability is probably the most overlooked part of his game, but it can be vital. Having an athletic wide out run downfield to pick up downfield defenders can give runners that extra split second to scan what's ahead of him and extend his run. I'm sure Ross remembers how important Keyshawn Johnson's blocking was in helping Curtis Martin pound away for extra yardage back in the late nineties.

Mandel's Take: I do indeed remember and while I agree with the assessment above, I think Lewis will have a fine season running behind that offensive line and playing off the effective passing game of the Browns. Jurevicius' blocking will be missed, but it's not as if Lewis season is ruined by him not blocking for him. Lewis and the Browns offense will be just fine without Jurevicius...it's the defense that will determine the fortune of this team.


SUMMER HEAT CAUSES MIRAGE
The Titans were not planning to use Justin McCareins as a starter when they signed him but McCareins has changed their minds, says a team official. "He has been impressive," the official told SI.com. "He has done well with his opportunities. Despite being an older player, he still shows the ability to get down the field."

Mancini's Take: Is there any reason why this team official chose to remain anonymous? We all know McCareins can get downfield, but the million dollar question is: Can he catch the football? The underachieving athlete has a knack of dropping passes during the most crucial moments of games. Unlike Cris Carter, all he does is DROP touchdowns. Do you have anything positive to say in his regard, Ross?

Mandel's Take: What can I say? I can't make up positive things to say about this guy. He gets chance after chance because he can get downfield, but there's a reason he's never stood out as a stud receiver. He can't catch. If, by some miracle, he is able to secure the football this time around in Tennessee, he'll go for 60 catches and 8 TDs because the depth at the WR position simply isn't there for Vince Young. It's always a mistake to expect a leopard to change his spots.

BILLS TE UPDATE
Coach Dick Jauron confirmed that all the Bills' depth chart spots at tight end are up for grabs. Coming off knee surgery, Robert Royal may not be healthy enough to fully participate in training camp. "It's unsettled," Jauron said. The Bills anticipate Royal being 100% by the start of training camp, but he'll be pushed by Derek Schouman and Derek Fine.

Mancini's Take: None of these players should be considered dynamic playmakers, but Fine may be in line for lots of action this season due to his sure-handed pass catching prowess and his skills as a lead blocker. What do you say, Rosstradamus? Are we looking at the next Pete Metzelaars?

Mandel's Take: I wish HBO would do a Hard Knocks series just on the Bills TE competition--it's going to be that exciting! OK, seriously--Royal's knee surgery might force him to lose this battle initially, but eventually, I see him emerging as the most productive member of this undistinguished troika. However, if Royal's knee isn't good to go, I'd look for Schouman to emerge as Fine's receiving ability is limited.

GIANTS ADD LINEMAN
The Giants have signed ex-Chargers tackle Shane Olivea. Olivea will not be suspended for a June failed drug test, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Mancini's Take: Olivea's ability to fend off speed rushers makes him golden as a backup. The Giants have hit a home run here with a powerful masher who should fill in nicely in case of injury along the O-line despite not having a very long reach.

Mandel's Take: I like the signing, but I'm a bit wary of Olivea and his reputation. The guy was busted for using "illicit drugs" and was known as a partier, and not in a good way. The Giants believe he's gotten the help he needed to change his habits and if so, this is a steal and great insurance for the OL. If not, he'll be gone rather quickly. Olivea must realize this is his last chance.

BISHOP RELEASED UP NORTH
The Toronto Argonauts have placed quarterback Michael Bishop on waivers, according to TSN CFL Insider Dave Naylor in a report on globesports.com. Bishop, 32, had his best CFL season in 2007. After struggling to get playing time behind starter Damon Allen and then not performing consistently when he did get on the field throughout his first five CFL seasons, Bishop passed for 2,920 yards and 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a QB rating of 87.5 in 2007.

Mancini's Take: I'll always remember Bishop's storied collegiate career at Kansas State. He led his team to 22-3 record during his two-year stay, and who could ever forget his Fiesta Bowl victory over Syracuse? Bishop wasn't a scrambler in the mode of a Michael Vick, but made numerous plays with his legs when things broke down much like Steve McNair did during his heyday.

Mandel's Take: I remember watching Bishop live in 1998 as his 'Cats beat my Buffs at Folsom Field, 16-9. Bishop was dreadful in that game, but I never saw him produce another poor performance while he was playing Big XII football. Even when the immortal Sirr Parker caught a TD pass in double OT and the top-ranked 'Cats lost to Texas A & M in the Big XII title game in 1998, Bishop did all he could, amassing over 440 yards of offense in the disappointing loss. As a Big XII fan I'll always remember that game, and the one where Bishop led his 'Cats to their first win over hated Nebraska in what must have been 100 years. What a terrific college player.