Says Giants owner John Mara of his conversation with Michael Strahan, “I said to him, ‘You can still play at a very high level. You know you can still play this game.’ But he just felt like it was time.”

The Giants expect to use Mathias Kiwanuka as a linebacker most of the time but switch him to defensive end on passing downs.

Bills rookie WR Steve Johnson seems to make a play in every practice.

Dolphins OT Vernon Carey is making the adjustment to right tackle after Jake Long took the spot on the left.

Says Patriots DE Richard Seymour of the defensive rookies, “Those guys have been doing great for us. In the meetings, the coaches have been coaching them up and they’ve been attentive, which is all you can ask for at this point.”

Says Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan of how head coach John Harbaugh runs practices, “It’s a great dynamic, and a lot of excitement out here on the practice field, a lot of energy and that obviously stems from John.”

Harbaugh expects LT Jonathan Ogden to make his retirement decision official this week.

The Eagles have promoted Jon Sandusky to director of pro personnel.

Says Winston Justice of the Eagles’ coaches moving him to guard, “I just need to get more reps at it.  It’s such a different position than tackle.  I think it’s just making reps.”

Bengals RB Rudi Johnson says he’s ready to go after a lingering hamstring affected him in 2007.

Redskins S Reed Doughty says his 22-month-old son is doing well after a kidney transplant.

Explains Browns WR Joshua Cribbs of his dropped passes in practice, “I wasn’t focused enough.”

Asked if he’s ready to play, Browns C LeCharles Bentley said, ”Oh, no doubt in my mind. ‘Zero doubt, absolutely I will be playing somewhere, starting in ‘09. . . .  ‘08, sorry. You know what I meant.”

If the Bears add a running back, Kevin Jones may be the best option.

Says Bears RB Matt Forte of the role he’ll play on the offense, “I’m a pass-catcher, runner and a pass-blocker.”

Packers CB Charles Woodson enjoys spending his off-season in Green Bay.

Says Broncos RB Selvin Young of the departure of Travis Henry, “It hasn’t affected me none whatsoever.  My job is to come out and be prepared and ready to go, no different if I was behind a guy.”

Broncos rookie RB Ryan Torain is confident he’ll be in the mix with Young and Michael Pittman.

The Panthers are considering carrying two kickers and a punter on their 53-man roster.

Says Panthers DE Stanley McClover of trimming his hair, “I mean to anybody else it’s just your average haircut.  But I’ve been having that hair since I’ve been in high school.”

Chiefs rookie OT Branden Albert is limping with a sprained ankle.

NFL Films is hosting a broadcasting boot camp to teach players how to get into the TV business.

A lawsuit involving current and former Chargers team doctors has been settled.

Says Cardinals rookie LB Ali Highsmith, “Not getting drafted was very disappointing.  I took it kind of hard, but after a while you get over it and then do what you have to do.”

Newly acquired Rams QB Bruce Gradkowski was on the field Tuesday for organized team activities but didn’t take part in team drills.

Says 49ers coach Mike Nolan of RB DeShaun Foster, “He’s got soft hands.  I think he adds to the passing game as much as the running game.”

Marshall Faulk covered 49ers practice as an NFL Network reporter, but he also spent some time mentoring RB Frank Gore.

Seahawks defensive backs coach Jim Mora is impressed with the development of CB Kevin Hobbs.

RIP Tom Catlin.