SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by Matt Verderame

• Denard Robinson (sort of) ties his shoes for the Jags

• What's Andy Reid's place in NFL coaching history?

• Will Juron Criner be the Raiders' new red zone target?

Rashard Mendenhall named starting RB for Arizona Cardinals

2013-06-19T14:08:33Z

The Arizona Cardinals have named newly acquired running back Rashard Mendenhall as the starter, according to Chris Wesseling.

The Cardinals have had all kinds of problems finding a reliable back over the years, despite taking Beanie Wells in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Wells has never lived up to expectations, either under-performing or, more often than not, sitting out with injuries.

New head coach Bruce Arians, Mendenhall's former offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers, believes Mendenhall is "an every-down player" and primed for an "outstanding season", from his NFL AM appearance.

The other backs behind Mendenhall aren't likely to create a ton of competition. Ryan Williams is the most likely to take some carries from him, but the former second-round pick out of Virginia Tech has never been able to stay on the field.

One player to keep an eye on is rookie Andre Ellington from Clemson. The 200-pound back rushed for 1,081 yards his senior season in 2012 while gaining 5.1 yards per carry. Ellington also had 59 receptions during his time with the Tigers.

SB Nation's blog Revenge Of The Birds says the Cardinals' history in Arizona parallels their history with running backs:

The history of running backs. It's mostly a mess, like the franchise's history here. Go figure.

In fact, only Ottis Anderson in the late 1970s and early 80s and Edgerrin James have ever had multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the franchise.

Mendenhall had been very productive throughout his career before suffering a torn ACL in December of 2011. Last year, the University of Illinois product only gained 182 yards in a limited role.

With Arizona, Mendenhall will be given every chance to succeed after being brought in as one of the bigger free-agent signings by new general manager Steve Keim.

More from SB Nation:

• Denard Robinson (sort of) ties his shoes for the Jags

• What's Andy Reid's place in NFL coaching history?

• Will Juron Criner be the Raiders' new red zone target?

Chad Greenway injury: Vikings LB has successful surgery

2013-06-19T13:34:45Z

The Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl linebacker Chad Greenway went in for an operation on his left knee last week and everything went well, according to ESPN.

Greenway only needed a minor arthroscopic surgery, so he should be back in time for training camp which begins at the end of July. Per the report:

"There will be no doubt in my mind unless I get in a car accident or something," said Greenway, who watched Tuesday's practice with a wrap on the knee. "From the knee perspective, it'll be 100 percent, good to go."

All of this is terrific news for Minnesota and its fans considering how important Greenway is to the defense. Outside of Jared Allen, nobody makes more of an impact for Leslie Frazier's group than Greenway, who amassed 148 tackles last season to rank second. Only Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly had more with 164.

More: Extended Vikings coverage at Daily Norseman

After missing his entire rookie season of 2006 with a torn ACL, Greenway has played every game for the Vikings, providing stability for a team that has reached the playoffs three times in his tenure, including a trip to the NFC Championship Game in 2010.

More from SB Nation:

• Denard Robinson (sort of) ties his shoes for the Jags

• What's Andy Reid's place in NFL coaching history?

• Will Juron Criner be the Raiders' new red zone target?

Star Lotulelei impresses in Panthers minicamp

2013-06-19T13:22:51Z

According to the Charlotte News-Observer, Carolina Panthers first-round pick Star Lotulelei was looking quite good in minicamp earlier this month. That's good news for a team that needs instant impact from its young players along the defensive front.

In the weeks leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft, Lotulelei was positioned as one of the top prospects to come off the board. After some teams were scared off by reports of heart dysfunction, the Carolina Panthers had a "dream scenario" fall to them at No. 14.

More: Extended Panthers coverage at Cat Scratch Reader

Head coach Ron Rivera came to Carolina with a defensive resume, having been the defensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers previously. Lotulelei now joins second-year inside linebacker Luke Kuechly in the middle of the defense to form a potentially dominant tandem.

Panthers fans have to be hoping for a return to times when the defensive line was terrific, led by standouts such as Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins during their Super Bowl season of 2003. Lotulelei is a building block toward that direction, alongside end Charles Johnson.

Last year, the Panthers finished 7-9, tied for last place in the NFC South.

More from SB Nation:

• Denard Robinson (sort of) ties his shoes for the Jags

• What's Andy Reid's place in NFL coaching history?

• Will Juron Criner be the Raiders' new red zone target?

Rob Gronkowski injury: Back surgery 'went well' for Patriots TE

2013-06-19T12:49:45Z

New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent successful surgery on his back on Tuesday, and the operating physician made a statement on the actual procedure. The statement was issued through Boston's WEEI:

"New England Patriots' tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy surgery performed by Dr. Robert Watkins at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles. The surgery went well. The timing of his return to football will depend on his progression through the rehabilitation program.

The question becomes whether or not Gronkowski will be able to play in the season opener for New England on Sept. 8. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, it's still thought to be a possibility if no serious setbacks occur.

More: Extended coverage of the Patriots at Pats Pulpit

Gronkowski has been suffering from all kinds of medical issues since the middle of the 2012 season, when he broke his forearm while playing on special teams against the Indianapolis Colts. Upon returning to the lineup for the AFC Divisional game against the Houston Texans in January, Gronkowski broke the arm in the first quarter.

Since that time, Gronkowski has needed three surgeries mostly due to infection and now has had his back worked on. Many in the organization were particularly worried about the back ailment, considering it's the part of his body that broke down in college, forcing him to slide to the second round in the draft.

More from SB Nation:

• Denard Robinson (sort of) ties his shoes for the Jags

• What's Andy Reid's place in NFL coaching history?

• Will Juron Criner be the Raiders' new red zone target?