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Horse Tracks: Aqib Talib and Steve Smith renew their rivalry

Good Morning Broncos Country

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Back in 2013 when cornerback Aqib Talib was with New England, and wide receiver Steve Smith was with the Carolina Panthers, the two players had a bit of an altercation.

Talib tackled Smith and held on him after the whistle. This lead to the feisty Smith to kicking himself free from Talib and knocking Talib's helmet off. There was shoving and jawing back and forth for the rest of the game. You can watch the entire thing right here.

Both are very physical players, so we could see something similar Sunday afternoon, but right now both players are saying all the right things.

Smith who is currently appealing a fine for fighting during the preseason also said there's no "animosity" between the two sides.

"We've had our battles," Smith said. "But there is no animosity. It's high competitive juices going. Obviously, with my Rule 12, Section 3 fine, I'll be well in tune of what they'll be looking for -- that I'm appealing."

So this will be a fun matchup to watch on Sunday.

Ware, Bruton and Manning named Captains:

The Denver Broncos announced their three captains for the 2015 season. Quarterback Peyton Manning, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, and safety/special teamer David Bruton were named captains.

Offense:
QB Peyton Manning (14th season as team captain—4th as Broncos captain) – Entering his 18th NFL season, the NFL’s only five-time MVP was named a team captain during each of his first four years with Denver and in each of his final 10 seasons with Indianapolis.

Defense:
OLB DeMarcus Ware (7th season as team captain—2nd as Broncos captain) – The eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro First Team selection enters his second year with Denver needing just 10 sacks to move into the Top 10 all-time in NFL history.

Special Teams:
S David Bruton (3rd season as team captain) – The seventh-year safety, who has amassed 43 special-teams tackles since he was drafted by the club in 2009, is the longest-tenured player on Denver’s active roster.

Horse Tracks:

Eli Manning, Giants make progress on new deal - NFL.com
Eli Manning is getting closer to getting a new deal with the Giants. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, there is optimism on both sides that a new deal could be reached by Sunday.

Redskins waiting on RGIII tests before backup decision - NFL.com
Jay Gruden told reporters he will wait until the written results on RGIII's latest neurological exam come back before making a decision on who will back up Kirk Cousins.

Patriots request reinstatement for suspended staffers - NFL.com
Following the nullification of Tom Brady's four-game suspension, the New England Patriots have made an effort to bring back the staffers involved in the deflated ball story that has dominated this offseason.

Patriots' Bryan Stork out for opener, placed on IR recall - NFL.com
After being mired in the league's concussion protocol, Bryan Stork was ruled out for Thursday's opener and was placed on IR Boomerang. Can Tom Brady thrive despite his offensive line?

Randall Cobb practices with Packers on Wednesday - NFL.com
Cobb, who sustained a shoulder sprain two weeks ago, was working on the field and participated in individual drills, according to ESPN.com.

Pagano: Colts plan to keep Frank Gore on pitch count - NFL.com
Frank Gore is a strong bet to match his 1,106 yards from last season, but at age 32, the veteran runner will be treated with care by a Colts coaching staff that wants him fresh for January.

Tim Tebow returns to role as SEC Network analyst - NFL.com
Tim Tebow is returning to broadcasting as an SEC Network analyst after being let go by the Eagles.

Les Snead: NFL clubs must adapt to college quarterbacks - NFL.com
The proliferation of the spread offense in college football is having an impact on young QBs in the NFL, and one GM suggests the onus is on the NFL to adjust to what the college game produces.

Pettine: Duke Johnson could play major role vs. Jets - NFL.com
Coming off a concussion, Browns rookie running back Duke Johnson has been cleared for Sunday's opener against the Jets. Coach Mike Pettine says the third-rounder could see plenty of work.

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman backs Tom Brady, New England Patriots -- 'It wasn't cheating'
Seven months after his team lost in the Super Bowl, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman has gone to bat for the opponent.

Todd Bowles of New York Jets cautious but OK with Brandon Marshall comments
A day after Brandon Marshall said race might influence the NFL's discipline process, Jets coach Todd Bowles said he had no problem with Marshall speaking his mind but that he should be careful.

Kirk Cousins of Washington Redskins says Robert Griffin III is not distraction, outside noise is
Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins says Robert Griffin III still being on the team isn't a distraction and he has to just ignore the "noise" from outside the building.

Extension talks between Sam Bradford, Eagles break down
The Eagles and quarterback Sam Bradford have suspended contract negotiations attempting to commit him to the team beyond the 2015 season, league sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

Kam Chancellor: I’m not asking for much, Seahawks should do it | ProFootballTalk
Seahawks holdout safety Kam Chancellor says the Seahawks could have him at practice tomorrow if they'd just meet him halfway on his contract request. Chancellor told NFL Network that he's not asking for much, and the Seahawks should meet him halfway.

Chargers TE Green being evaluated for possible concussion | ProFootballTalk
Chargers tight end Ladarius Green was being evaluated for a possible concussion Wednesday, four days before the already shorthanded Chargers open the season vs. the Lions.

Bowles told Marshall to cool it after racial comments | ProFootballTalk
Jets receiver Brandon Marshall spoke out this week about what he sees as a double standard in the NFL, with white players getting preferential treatment on discipline. Jets coach Todd Bowles wasn't happy about that.

Report: Browns have spoken to Montee Ball | ProFootballTalk
The Browns got running back Duke Johnson back at practice on Wednesday and coach Mike Pettine said that he is fully cleared after a concussion and could play "a significant role" on Sunday if he practices well the rest of the week.