The Associated Press — Hines Ward became the Pittsburgh Steelers' first major holdout in 12 years Sunday, keeping his promise not to report to training camp without a contract extension that would make him one of the NFL's top-paid wide receivers.
Once Ward missed the reporting deadline, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said negotiations were over until Ward showed up - something the four-time Pro Bowl receiver has insisted that he wouldn't do without a new deal.
Ward, with one year remaining on a contract worth $1.66 million this season, apparently has two choices: end his holdout and continue talks, as Steelers Pro Bowl running back Barry Foster did in 1993, or sit out the season, as three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Merriweather did in 1988.
Several teammates made impassioned pleas for the team to re-sign Ward, with linebacker Joey Porter saying the Steelers "can't win without him." And Colbert himself seemed uncomfortable talking about a missing player he often has cited for his unselfishness and team-first attitude.
In other news:
Cardinals: Arizona agreed to a contract extension with receiver Anquan Boldin that will keep him with the team through the 2010 season. The six-year, $23.5 million contract includes signing bonuses of $5 million this year and $5 million in 2006. The Cardinals also agreed to terms with second-round draft pick J.J. Arrington.
Falcons: Atlanta signed first-round draft pick Roddy White to a five-year deal. The wide receiver from Alabama-Birmingham missed the first six days and nine practices of training camp.
Bills: Offensive lineman Ross Tucker missed his third practice because of a sore back. Coach Mike Mularkey said the team had placed Tucker on the physically unable-to-perform list prior to the start of camp, which opened Saturday. Mularkey listed Tucker as day-to-day. Starting right tackle Mike Williams missed his second straight practice after hurting his hamstring Saturday.
Lions: Former Southern California receiver Mike Williams remained a no-show at Lions training camp as attempts to sign him continued.
Browns: Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, one of only two Cleveland players left from the 1999 expansion team, missed his third straight day of practice because of migraine headaches.
Giants: New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress participated in both practice sessions, a day after leaving the field because of a hyperextended right knee.
Cowboys: Dallas' two first-round draft picks practiced for the first time after signing five-year contracts. Defensive end Demarcus Ware, the 11th overall pick, signed a $13 million deal which includes $10 million in guaranteed money. The deal for Marcus Spears, another defensive end taken 20th overall, was for $9.3 million, with $6.7 million of that guaranteed. Also, backup tight end Sean Ryan had surgery to repair a fractured bone in his left foot.
Chargers: Offensive tackle Courtney VanBuren is scheduled to have his balky right knee examined today. Also, the Chargers said talks continued with their two unsigned players, tight end Antonio Gates and top draft pick Shawne Merriman.
Panthers: Carolina will honor the late Sam Mills by retiring his No. 51 at halftime of their Aug. 13 preseason game.
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