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• Chip Kelly teaches Michael Vick how to hold a football

• Ben Muth: How to generate pressure with 4 rushers

Jordan Gross, Jonathan Stewart likely out until Panthers training camp

2013-05-21T15:28:23Z

There's very little incentive for a team to rush an injured player back on the field early in the offseason, so it's not surprising that the Carolina Panthers are taking their time with some injured starters. Offensive tackle Jordan Gross, running back Jonathan Stewart and center Ryan Kalil are all said to be progressing well in their respective recoveries, but none are expected to return before training camp at the end of summer, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.

More: For more Panthers coverage, visit Cat Scratch Reader

Gross, 32, underwent surgery on his ankle in February and agreed to take a pay cut in March so he could remain with the Panthers. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Gross has made 151 starts in the 10 seasons since he was selected in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Stewart, 26, also underwent ankle surgery after the 2012 season that was plagued by injuries for the former-first round pick. Appearing in only nine games and making just six starts, The Stewart had a career-low in rushing yards and scored just one touchdown.

Panthers finished the 2012 season with a 7-9 record after winning their final four games of the season. The team ranked 18th in the NFL in both points scored and points allowed.

More from SB Nation:

• Chip Kelly teaches Michael Vick how to hold a football

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Maurice Jones-Drew injury: Jaguars RB continues rehab in Miami

2013-05-21T14:57:59Z

As Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew continues to rehab from a foot injury that ended his 2012 season early, he'll do so away from the team's facility and will instead travel to Miami to work with a foot specialist. On Monday, Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley told Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union that Jones-Drew was cleared to leave after he learned the team's new offense:

Bradley had said he wanted Jones-Drew to stay with the team while they installed the new offense.

"I said we need you here and he did that and he said, ‘OK, now that we've all the installs done let's take the next step.' ''

In Miami, Jones-Drew will work with Pete Bommarito, a trainer that he has worked with in the past along with former-Jaguars running back Fred Taylor. Jones-Drew, 28, is entering the final season of the five-year contract extension he signed with the team in 2009.

More: MJD rehabbing in Miami More Jaguars coverage from Big Cat Country

After holding out for a new contract for most of the 2012 offseason, Jones-Drew reported to the team without a new deal and played in a reserve role in Week 1. After just five starts, Jones-Drew suffered a broken bone in his foot that cost him the remainder of his season.

In seven seasons with the Jaguars, Jones-Drew has accumulated 7,268 rushing yards, 63 rushing touchdowns and 11 receiving touchdowns.

More from SB Nation:

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Carl Nicks injury: Buccaneers guard hopes to return by training camp

2013-05-21T14:31:36Z

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed Carl Nicks on the injured reserve in October, but the road to recovery may withhold the offensive lineman from participating in anything until training camp. On Monday, head coach Greg Schiano told Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times that Nicks is on pace to return in time for camp.

"Carl is on schedule but we planned that it would be a lengthy (timeline)," Schiano said. "... I think they're both on schedule for when we need them, and that's come training camp. If we get something more than that, then that's a bonus."

Still very early in the offseason workout program, teams are typically extra cautious regarding players with injuries participating with the team. Teams are even more careful with high-value players like Nicks, who was given a five-year, $47.5 million contract from the Buccaneers in the 2012 free agency period.

More: For more Buccaneers coverage, visit Bucs Nation

Nicks, 28, started in seven games for the Buccaneers before a torn plantar plate in his toe forced him out of the lineup for the rest of the season. The Buccaneers finished the year with a 7-9 record, including a five-game losing streak late in the season, although the offense finished ninth in total yardage gained.

More from SB Nation:

• Chip Kelly teaches Michael Vick how to hold a football

• Ben Muth: How to generate pressure with 4 rushers

Lane Johnson works with 2nd team at Eagles practice

2013-05-21T14:07:17Z

Philadelphia Eagles first-round selection Lane Johnson will have to earn his spot in the starting lineup, as the rookie offensive tackle is still behind Dennis Kelly at right tackle and continues to work with the second team at practice. After practice on Monday, both Johnson and Eagles head coach Chip Kelly spoke to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer and both downplayed the significance of the fourth-overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft playing in a reserve role in May.

"I think right now it's really early," Johnson said. "Training camp doesn't start until August. So you're trying to get as many reps as you can, learn the system, and that's where I'm at right now."

Dennis Kelly views the starting role on the right side opposite Jason Peters as his spot to lose, despite the presence of the highly touted rookie behind him on the depth chart. A fifth-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelly made 10 starts for the Eagles, but the team finished with the fourth-fewest points scored and a 4-12 record.

More: For more Eagles coverage, visit Bleeding Green Nation

Johnson is fully expected to take over for Kelly and, considering the cost of his draft selection, is likely the heir apparent at left tackle for Peters. A former quarterback, defensive end and tight end, Johnson was one of the NFL Combine's most impressive athletes in drills, considering his 6'6, 303-pound frame.

More from SB Nation:

• Chip Kelly teaches Michael Vick how to hold a football