(on signing Raheem Brock)
Yeah, we also brought in Chris Harrington. We're light at the defensive end position right now and it's unfair to go into a game with three or four defensive ends right now. Marcus Howard had season-ending surgery on his tricep so we waived him to create one of the roster spots. We also let Phillip Morris go to free up the other roster spot. This is what sometimes happens at this time of training camp. You have injuries and you have to move people around so you can get to the preseason games.
(on whether the newly signed players will create more competition at the defensive end position)
We have great competition there. It should be enough so they can show us what they can do.
(on Raheem Brock's fitness)
Yeah he is very well conditioned and Chris (Harrington) has been in camp so we're in good shape there. We are unfortunate because of the nicks and injuries but fortunate that two of these guys were available.
(on whether Raheem Brock can play defensive end and defensive tackle)
No, he is an end.
(on whether seeing Raheem Brock over the years influenced the signing)
Yeah, you have to do the physical and see what kind of shape he is in and all of that. He passed with flying colors and he's excited about joining our team.
(on whether the coaches prepare the rookies differently from the rest of the team before their first preseason game)
Yeah, there's a lot that is discussed. We've started but we've got some other things we need to talk about.
(on Stafon Johnson's excitement to return to the field after his injury last year)
Well his face just about cracked from smiling as he finished his first practice with the rookie mini-camp. That was a tremendous accomplishment for him and this is the next step. I'd imagine he will feel about the same way, especially when he has his first carry.
(on snap distribution for quarterbacks in Saturday's game)
We're going to start with 10 (Vince Young) and try to get 5 (Kerry Collins) some reps, and if we don't, then we will split the remainder of the game with the other two.
(clarification that Kerry Collins might not get any reps on Saturday)
There's a chance. We will see how the series go.
(on whether the coaches talk to the rookies about not trying to 'overimpress' on Saturday)
No, what you have to make clear to them is this. They are going to be playing a lot on offense and defense, but they are also going to be covering kicks and many of their opportunities will be determined by their ability to contribute on special teams. You can't discount that, it's important. We've got to rest and make sure they are keeping fluids in their bodies because they get a lot of snaps. The most important thing is to know what you're supposed to do and where you're supposed to be.
