Bears' Long Cleared, Will Start Conditioning Soon, NFL News

(Bourbonnais, IL) -- The Bears say second-year guard Kyle Long has been cleared by doctors to begin conditioning. Long contracted a viral infection early last week and has not practiced in training camp. Coach Marc Trestman says Long could be in pads by Saturday night's practice.

Bears receiver Brandon Marshall has confidence in quarterback Jay Cutler. Marshall told reporters at the team's training camp practice Wednesday that Cutler could win the NFL MVP Award if he plays in all 16 games this year. Marshall adds that Cutler is way different this year.

Rams Back On The Practice Field Friday

(Earth City, MO) -- The St. Louis Rams are enjoying their second straight day off today, but return to work Friday at their practice facility in Earth City. Friday's practice will be followed by the team's open scrimmage Saturday. The Rams have four more practices before they open up their preseason slate at home against the New Orleans Saints next Friday.

Carter, Irvin Selected as Alumni  Captains For Pro Bowl

Hall of Fame  wide receivers Cris Carter and Michael Irvin have been selected as alumni captains for the 2015 Pro Bowl. Deion Sanders and Jerry Rice served as captains for last year's NFL All-Star Game  under the revised format, in which players are placed into a pool and drafted into two teams. Both Carter and Irvin will also be assisted in the selection process by two active player captains and one NFL.com  fantasy football champion. This season's Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, Jan. 25 in Glendale, Arizona, a week before the Super Bowl at the same site -- University of Phoenix Stadium.