The story for tomorrow's paper is about the offensive line so I figured I'd add a few extra tidbits about the offensive line here:
*During Sunday's practice rookie offensive tackle took exception to defensive end Tommie Hill going after his legs and let him know that with his fists.
"It happens, man," Barksdale said. "That was actually self defense. I didn't start that, if you were watching. But it happens, it's unfortunate. We are teammates and at the end of the day we're still cool. It gets hot. Things happen."
Barksdale has been receiving plenty of praise from coach Hue Jackson.
There were concerns about rookies adjusting without a training camp, but I'm not sure how much that really affects an offensive lineman. It might slow his progress in learning the plays, but it's not like linemen can hit during minicamps and I'm of the belief it's not fair to judge them when they can't go all out.
For all the praise he's received publicly, Barksdale said his coaches aren't always so kind in the meeting rooms.
"Oh, yeah, it's not a coaches job to uplift you," Barksdale said. "It's their job to try to help make you better. That's what I want. I don't want somebody to tell me I'm doing a great job when I'm not. I'm here to get better and do whatever I can to help this football team."
*Stephon Heyer appeared to be making a good impression but sat out Sunday's practice after straining his right triceps blocking in Saturday's practice.
Before the injury Heyer was playing guard and a lot of right tackle.
"I felt good," Heyer said. "Moving around better. Felt like I'm in good shape right now. Definitely was making strides at either position. Just a minor setback. I'll get some time here to heal up a little bit and get back to work."
*Offensive lineman Bruce Campbell (knee) practiced for the second consecutive day Sunday. At times he didn't look comfortable moving around while wearing a sleeve on his right knee.
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