Denver needs Davis for its 2001 playoff run.

Broncos halfback Terrell Davis, recovering from a serious foot problem and a stress fracture, started running for the first time in six months last week and reports his only aches come from muscle atrophy. For more than six months, the former 2,000-yard running back was ordered by doctors not to do what he does best – run.

Vick knows the drill
Those who doubt whether Michael Vick can make a quick conversion into the NFL should research his training. His Newport News, Va., high school coach, former WFL MVP Tommy Reamon, worked with him on fundamental passing drills since ninth grade that taught Vick how to be evasive like a running back and throw accurately on the run in complex offenses. They're the same drills that helped another pupil, Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks, become a promising NFL player. Reamon's next success story likely will be high school senior-to-be Marcus Vick, one of the nation's top quarterback prospects who is one inch taller than his brother and has equal arm strength.

Nothing safe about being free-agent safety
Jason Belser (free safety, Colts), Keith Lyle (free safety, Rams) and Brock Marion (free safety, Dolphins) are finding out that being a thirtysomething free safety means having no job safety. This trio hits the free agent market at a time when the average salary has declined to $1.2 million a year. More than a third of the total dollars for NFL starting free safeties are tied up in three players – Darren Sharper of the Packers, Rod Woodson of the Ravens and Kim Herring of the Rams. There are only five starting free safeties left in their 30s.

Falcons' line enjoys the lighter side of life
With the addition of 370-pound Leonard Davis, the Arizona Cardinals are boasting about an offensive line that averages 340 pounds per blocker. You won't find the Atlanta Falcons doing the same. Falcons coach Dan Reeves is installing the Denver Broncos' light, athletic system, and he immediately put Bob Whitfield and his linemates on diets. Before the season, they must drop their 315-pound plus bulk into the 280s and 290s with 18 percent body fat.

John Clayton is the senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.