Jaguars Decide to Cut Smith

The Jacksonville Jaguars waived defensive tackle Larry Smith on Wednesday, more than two weeks after he collapsed on the practice field because of heat exhaustion.

Coach Jack Del Rio said the fifth-year player, the team’s second-round draft pick in 1999, came into camp out of shape and was late to practice Tuesday, prompting the move.

“I’m not going to get into details on Larry Smith and his situation,” Del Rio said. “Clearly, we think he’s got the talent to play in this league, but at this point he’s not made the commitment we’re looking for.”

The Jaguars tried to trade Smith earlier in the week, but found no takers. He was supposed to compete with John Henderson for a starting spot.

But after the 6-foot-5, 310-pound lineman collapsed and was taken to the hospital, however, he never did get into playing shape. He sat out several practices in the ensuing two weeks, often held out for conditioning.

In another move, the Jaguars, as expected, signed quarterback Byron Leftwich.

After a 19-day holdout, the first-round draft pick from Marshall and the team agreed to a contract that will pay him between $23 million and $30 million over five years.

It’s actually a seven-year deal, but the final two seasons will be voided if he meets certain performance incentives.

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Pro Bowl defensive tackle Bryant Young will sit out the San Francisco 49ers’ next two weeks of training camp after he has surgery today to remove a bone spur from his left ankle.

Young, a 10-year veteran, should recover from surgery in time for the regular season, but he will sit out the 49ers’ next two exhibition games.

San Francisco plays host to the Oakland Raiders tonight, and the 49ers already are thin on the defensive line with the off-season release of Dana Stubblefield. Jim Flanigan has barely practiced during training camp because of leg problems that could be related to a back injury.

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Adrian Murrell signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, returning to the NFL after sitting out the last two seasons. He worked out for the Cowboys Wednesday morning, then signed a contract and took part in the afternoon practice.

Murrell played eight seasons, the last in 2000 for Washington when he had carried 20 times and gained 50 yards. He played for Cowboy Coach Bill Parcells in 1997 with the New York Jets, gaining 1,086 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.

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The Philadelphia Eagles might be without another running back.

With Duce Staley still a holdout, Brian Westbrook bruised a bone on his right knee while trying to catch a pass from Donovan McNabb during practice.

Westbrook bobbled the pass and reached back to grab the ball when safety Michael Lewis hit him. The knee gave out when he attempted to regain his footing.

Westbrook grabbed the knee immediately after going down and was helped off the field. But he walked out of the locker room on his own. He underwent an MRI and was scheduled to be examined by team physician Peter DeLuca.

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Running back Lee Suggs agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Cleveland Browns, who selected the former Virginia Tech star in the fourth round despite knowing he would need shoulder surgery.

The 6-foot, 205-pounder underwent surgery in May, and Brown Coach Butch Davis said the club won’t know if Suggs can play this season until he takes a physical.

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The St. Louis Rams broke camp in Macomb, Ill., and headed back to St. Louis with a new starting fullback.

Brian Natkin, who signed as a tight end two months ago, worked with the No. 1 unit this week at fullback and was declared the starter by Coach Mike Martz.

Free agent Chad Kuhns started the first exhibition game, a 7-6 loss to Oakland, but is injured.

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The Minnesota Vikings cut third-year receiver Cedric James and claimed wide receiver Robert Baker off waivers from Miami.

Baker, cut by the Dolphins on Tuesday, caught only one pass in the NFL last season, but played well with the NFL Europe’s Frankfurt Galaxy.

He was signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 1999 and was troubled with injuries throughout his career in Miami.

Baker finished tied for fourth in NFL Europe with eight touchdowns in 10 games. He averaged a league-best 19.2 yards per catch and 13.9 yards per punt return, which ranked second.

James had been primarily used on special teams last season. He returned 10 kickoffs last season for 228 yards and caught one pass for 29 yards.

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Wide receiver Charles Rogers, the Detroit Lions’ first-round draft choice, is expected to make his NFL debut in Saturday’s exhibition game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but defensive back Dre’ Bly and defensive lineman Robert Porcher will sit out the game with injuries.