07-Nov-2009 20:31pm

RealTime Fantasy Sports

Breaston out to prove he's more than kick returner

By BOB BAUM - AP Sports Writer
2008-10-02 21:09

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -Steve Breaston speaks softly but carries a big grudge.

The speedster from Michigan has carved out a significant role as kick returner for the Arizona Cardinals. With Anquan Boldin probably out for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills, Breaston moves into the starting lineup at wide receiver.

It's his biggest opportunity yet to prove himself at the position he loves.

``It means a lot. I really feel that receiver is my primary position,'' Breaston said after Thursday's practice. ``I just want to prove a lot of people wrong.''

Breaston was a fifth-round pick, the 142nd player drafted, in 2007. Everyone knew he was fast - he's the Big Ten career leader in punt return yardage - but teams doubted that he could make it as a receiver.

As a rookie, he won the kick return job, and amassed a combined 1,786 return yards, fourth-most in franchise history. His 73-yard return for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers was the first by a Cardinals' rookie since 1986.

His time as a receiver last season was scarce, though, since the Cardinals had Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson ahead of him. Breaston caught eight passes for 92 yards.

Johnson left via free agency after last season, and the No. 3 receiver job was the most competitive fight of Arizona's training camp. Breaston emerged the leader, and has made the most of his opportunities.

``He had a good spring. He had a good camp. He's worked very hard,'' coach Ken Whisenhunt said. ``He was the guy that really stood out. It's not surprising he carried it over.''

In last week's 56-35 loss to the New York Jets, Breaston caught nine passes for 122 yards, both by far his career bests. Including kickoff and punt returns, his combined yardage of 324 was a franchise record.

``In the first half, I don't know how many big opportunities he had. It seemed like they were kicking off all the time,'' Fitzgerald said. ``He just kept coming no matter what. Guys were hitting him in the mouth, he gets up and comes back and does the two-minute (drill). Steve has really come such a long way. I'm just happy for him.''

Breaston has watched the way Boldin and Fitzgerald, with two Pro Bowl appearances apiece, go about their job.

``Whenever you have a chance to play with Pro Bowl-caliber receivers, great athletes like that and look at their work ethic and what makes them the players they are,'' he said, ``you take things from each one of them. It makes their game a lot better.''

As for those who doubted him and passed him by on draft day, Breaston figures he's only beginning to show them just how wrong they were.

``I do have a chip on my shoulder,'' the soft-spoken receiver said, ``just to go out there and try to be a receiver, and a good receiver. Like I said from day one last year, I just want to keep progressing, go forward, don't go backward with my play.''

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FOOTBALL HEADLINES

PAUR REPORT

PLAYER NOTES

Ryan McBeanNov 7 05:33p

Denver Broncos DE Ryan McBean (knee) did not participate in practice Saturday, Nov. 7. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Ryan HarrisNov 7 05:33p

Denver Broncos OT Ryan Harris (toe) did not participate in practice Saturday, Nov. 7. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Alvin PearmanNov 7 05:03p

Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans RB Alvin Pearman is expected to be the team's punt and kick returner in Week 9.

Muhsin MuhammadNov 7 04:43p

Panthers.com reports Carolina Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee) did not travel with the team for their Week 9 game.

Brad HooverNov 7 04:43p

Panthers.com reports Carolina Panthers FB Brad Hoover (ankle), FS Charles Godfrey (ankle) and TE Dante Rosario (knee) did not travel with the team for their Week 9 game.

Kendrick ClancyNov 7 04:33p

Adam Schefter, of ESPN.com, reports the New Orleans Saints have placed DT Kendrick Clancy (knee) on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season.

Travis KirschkeNov 7 04:23p

Mark Kaboly, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers DE Travis Kirschke (calf) and LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle) both said they will not be able to play in Week 9.

Jack WilliamsNov 7 12:03p

The Denver Broncos announced Saturday, Nov. 7, that they have waived CB Jack Williams.

Greg EllisNov 7 11:13a

Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders DL Greg Ellis (knee) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his arthritic knee. Head coach Tom Cable would not rule Ellis out [ More ]

Al HarrisNov 7 01:13a

The Associated Press reports Green Bay Packers DL B.J. Raji, DL Johnny Jolly and CB Al Harris have each been fined $5,000 by the NFL for their actions Week [ More ]

Jason FergusonNov 6 08:33p

Miami Dolphins DT Jason Ferguson (elbow) and LB Channing Crowder (shoulder) were limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6, but both are listed as doubtful for Week 9.

Devin HesterNov 6 08:33p

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9, [ More ]

Jack WilliamsNov 6 07:03p

Denver Broncos CB Jack Williams (illness) and SS David Bruton (groin) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. They are expected to play in Week 9.

Calvin JohnsonNov 6 07:03p

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) practiced Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9. He looked [ More ]

Scott StarksNov 6 07:03p

Jacksonville Jaguars CB Scott Starks (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Josh BarrettNov 6 06:53p

Denver Broncos FS Josh Barrett (undisclosed) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He will be a game-time decision for Week 9 but should play.

Kevin SmithNov 6 06:53p

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) practiced Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9.

Jeremiah RatliffNov 6 06:43p

Dallas Cowboys DT Jay Ratliff (knee) and SS Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. They are listed as probable for Week 9 and will be able to play.

Demetric EvansNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers DL Demetric Evans (shoulder) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and will not play in Week 9.

Takeo SpikesNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9.

Reggie SmithNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Reggie Smith (groin) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9. He will be a game-time decision.

Kelvin HaydenNov 6 06:23p

Indianapolis Colts CB Kelvin Hayden (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Stephen SpachNov 6 06:03p

Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals TE Stephen Spach (ankle) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9. He will be available, but might [ More ]

David StewartNov 6 06:03p

Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans OT David Stewart (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 26. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 and [ More ]

Nick FergusonNov 6 05:53p

Houston Texans DL Tim Bulman (ribs), LB Xavier Adibi (ankle), LB Kevin Bentley (shoulder) and SS Nick Ferguson (knee) are expected to play in the team's Week 9 game.

Benjamin WatsonNov 6 05:43p

New England Patriots TE Benjamin Watson (back) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 and will be a game-time decision.

Matt LightNov 6 05:33p

New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman (forearm), RB Fred Taylor (ankle), RB Sammy Morris (knee), OT Matt Light (knee) and DL Jarvis Green (knee) did not participate in practice [ More ]

Donald BrownNov 6 05:13p

Indianapolis Colts RB Donald Brown (shoulder) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is questionable for Week 9.

Pierre GarconNov 6 05:13p

Indianapolis Colts WR Pierre Garcon (ankle) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is questionable for Week 9.

Sinorice MossNov 6 05:13p

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants WR Sinorice Moss (foot) and WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) will be able to play in Week 9.

Chris CantyNov 6 05:13p

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants DT Chris Canty (calf) and LB Michael Boley (knee) are expected to play in Week 9.

Dominique BarberNov 6 05:13p

Houston Texans SS Dominique Barber (ankle) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and will not play in Week 9.

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