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Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill is out a few weeks with a knee injury. Considering he could face further suspension from the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy, and considering he hasn't lived up to his big contract as of late, this injury basically solidifies his backup status.

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley could be on the roster bubble in Denver. It's okay, though, whether he's on a team or not, we can still describe him as "scrappy" (i.e. "white").

Hard Knocks viewership is up 37 percent this year. Nearly ¼ homes with HBO in the New York area tuned in to Wednesday’s premier.

Dolphins cornerback Will Allen will miss the rest of the preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Allen has been having problems with the knee he blew out last October.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post says, based on what he’s heard, Elvis Dumervil is expected to return from his torn pec sometime during the regular season.

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Christensen will be on the sideline during games, not up in the booth. Indy’s previous playcaller, Tom Moore, preferred the sideline as well.

Will Brinson apparently already posted this in yesterday's Hot Routes, but since port-a-potty is a super-hyphenated term we rarely get to use on this blog, I'm going with it again. So...Chiefs assistant coach Maurice Carthon used a port-a-potty for one of the running back drills. It was meant to develop hand-eye coordination. Click here if you can’t resist an explanation.

Colts say there’s no timetable for Manning’s contract talks.

Speaking of Mannings…if you’re interested in reading about what it’s like to be married to Eli, click here.


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After a second run-in with the law prompted the Seahawks to tell Leroy Hill to stay away for much of the offseason, the outside linebacker rejoined his teammates today. Hill’s return is somewhat curious given he still has a domestic violence case scheduled for June 23.

But don’t assume that Hill’s future is secure in Seattle. He is due to make $6 million in 2010, which is a hefty sum for an inconsistent player who has modestly regressed in recent years.

Most damning to Hill's starting prospects is that the Seahawks absolutely have to get David Hawthorne on the field this season. The undrafted third-year pro was phenomenal filling in for an injured Lofa Tatupu at middle linebacker in ’09. Tatupu is too good to bench, so Hawthorne would have to fill the weakside slot that recently became vacant when Aaron Curry switched to his collegiate strong side position. Hawthorne’s downhill speed and proclivity for infiltrating the backfield make him an ideal fit for the weak side. Hill is certainly athletic enough for this role, as well, but he doesn’t begin to have Hawthorne’s playmaking prowess.

---Andy Benoit

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @cbssportsnfl