Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:
- With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger serving a conditional six-game suspension, are the Pittsburgh Steelers an 8-8 team?
Morning take: According to the Baltimore Sun, only the … ahem … Ravens will finish above .500 this season.
- Speaking of the Ravens, safety Ed Reed isn’t rushing his return.
Morning take: The Ken Hamlin signing speaks volumes, because he is more of a free safety. That tells me Baltimore also is concerned about Reed’s chances to play in Week 1.
- Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback, and No. 7 overall pick, Joe Haden wants to be in training camp on time.
Morning take: There will be a lot of money involved in this negotiation. I wouldn’t put Haden’s on time arrival as a sure thing just yet.
- Could the Cincinnati Bengals draft a running back in the first round in 2011
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?Morning take: On the surface, I would think not. But Cedric Benson is in the final year of his contract, and with legal issues it’s up in the air if he’s going to get an extension.
