Early injuries to receivers hurting 49ers assessments

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A.J. Jenkins, Ricardo Lockette, Kyle Williams and Quinton Patton are among the receivers hurt in Niners training camp so far, throwing a cloud over the competition for a starting job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Feeling-the-Pain-of-Injured-Receivers-217767811.html

Flynn has been sharp in early Raiders camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt Flynn, the presumed No. 1 QB for the Raiders in 2013, has so far been very sharp in training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Matt-Flynn-Has-Been-Sharp-217762711.html

No pain... no fun? For tower runners, running up skyscrapers is a painful yet challenging experience they see as the ultimate test

Running up stairs in dank, dusy stairwells -- with no views, no spectators and no way to know how you're faring -- may not seem like much fun. But to the growing number of tower runners on the global tower-running circuit (yes, there is one), it's the ultimate challenge. My story on tower runners and the tower running phenomenon for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9513011/endurance-sports-tower-running-gaining-steam-globe

49ers' Ian Williams performing well at nose tackle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ian Williams wasn't the presumed starter at nose tackle going into 49ers training camp, but the way he's performing may lead to a big role in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Ian-Williams-Has-Been-Impressive-at-Nose-Tackle-217605431.html

Ausberry looks like leader in Raiders' TE battle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's a five-way battle for the vacant starting spot at tight end, but David Ausberry appears to have the early lead. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ausberry-May-Have-Early-Edge-in-Tight-End-Battle-217599611.html

Boldin having a positive impact on the 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Teammates and coaches see veteran receiver Anquan Boldin as being a positive force in many ways for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Boldin-Making-Impact-on-Niners-217396131.html

Has Terrelle Pryor taken a big step forward for Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor took a course in passing mechanics from Tom House this offseason and now says he never knew how to throw a football. So far in training camp, the results have been much better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Sharper-Pryor-May-be-in-Raiders-QB-Mix-217390871.html

She keeps Oceanside's Thursday night market rolling along by juggling 1,000 jobs every week

Cathy Nykiel has been in charge of Oceanside's weekly Sunset Market for several years now, and each week is a challenge she says -- juggling vendors, logistics, last-minute cancelations and rules and regulations. But, so far, she's kept the train on its tracks. Her story, for my "On the Job" series for the North County section of U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jul/27/tp-woman-keeps-oceansides-sunset-market-rolling/

49ers' Justin Smith shows he's back to 100 percent

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin Smith, coming back off an injury, surgery and rehab, shows on Day 1 of training camp that he's back to being Justin Smith. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/One-Question-Answered-Justin-Smith-is-Good-to-Go-217107491.html

Raiders' Bergstrom has guarded optimism about 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After a year of being shuffled around, Raiders' top draft pick of 2012 Tony Bergstrom is getting a chance to shine at left guard. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bergstrom-Getting-Chance-to-Win-Left-Guard-Spot-217103581.html

Gore knows 49ers need to be even better in 2013

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Frank Gore knows the 49ers were good enough to get to the Super Bowl last year, but says if they're not better this year, they might not even win the NFC West. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Need-to-Be-Even-Better-in-2013-says-Gore-216932921.html

Veteran linebacker Burnett begins Raiders camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are counting on Kevin Burnett to add some experience and ability to linebacking corps this season. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/22647852/nfl-division-power-rankings-nfc-west-takes-top-slot

Harbaugh is excited (of course) to start training camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: To Jim Harbaugh, the first day of training camp "is better than Christmas." http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/To-Harbaugh-Start-of-Training-Camp-is-Better-Than-Christmas-216766031.html

Give edge to Kluwe in Raiders' duel of punters

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chris Kluwe or Marquette King? Give the edge to Kluwe in the duel of punters going into Raiders training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Kluwe-Has-a-Leg-Up-on-King-216760791.html

Niners' Reid is back to pounding in pads

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: What does Eric Reid like best about football? Hitting. So he was excited to be in pads Monday in his first day in 49ers training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Reid-Happy-to-be-Hitting-Again-216593711.html

Raiders, three top picks still negotiating

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Top pick D.J. Hayden, plus second-rounder Menelik Watson and fourth-rounder Tyler Wilson still have not come to terms yet with Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Three-Draft-Picks-Still-Negotiating-216588541.html

Addition of Wright thickens 49ers' cornerback plot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Once again, 49ers show they like to put the pressure on competition in training camp, with addition of cornerback Eric Wright. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Once-Again-49ers-Sharpen-the-Roster-Competition-216440761.html

When police officer Jeff Skiba sheds his blues, there's a "USA" jersey underneath and plenty of Paralympic medals at his home

Jeff Skiba was born without a fibula in his left leg, which was amputated when he was an infant. Yet he's never let having one leg get in the way of his goals. The police officer was the best runner in his class at the academy, could dunk when he was in high school and is a Paralympic high jump champion. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2013/July/19/On-Patrol-Jeff-Skiba

Nightmare house becomes a dream home for one woman in San Diego's University Heights neighborhood

Others would have seen a house owned by a hoarder. The old Craftsman-style home in San Diego's University Heights was a mess. It was in disrepair, it was piled with belongings and it was "uninhabitable." But when Raven Fischer saw it, she could see the beauty beneath the beast. A year later, it's a thing of beauty. My story on the Fischer's love affair with her new home, and why she decided to take a chance on it, for U-T San Diego's Home & Gardens section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jul/19/craftsman-home-remodel/

Niners' long offseason is about to end

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After months of minicamps, workouts, trades, free agency, the draft and vacation, the 49ers are about ready to report to training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offseason-About-to-Come-to-an-End-216162501.html

Skuta is versatile addition for Niners

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Dan Skuta is an incredibly versatile addition for the 49ers this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Skuta-Adds-Depth-at-Both-Linebacker-Positions-216008211.html

Raiders' Allen may appear much smarter in 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Dennis Allen may seem as if he's gained a lot of IQ points in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Allen-May-Appear-Much-Smarter-in-2013-216002801.html

Raiders' Hayden should be ready for camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback D.J. Hayden had a setback this spring, but should be ready for the start of training camp next week. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hayden-Should-be-Ready-for-Training-Camp-215831001.html

Kaepernick has competition for ESPY 'Breakthrough' award

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Voting closes today for the ESPYs "Best Breakthrough Athlete" award, and Colin Kaepernick faces some tough candidates. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-a-Candidate-for-ESPYs-Best-Breakthrough-Athlete-215836381.html

Niners have their eyes on Austin Collie

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Austin Collie may be an option for 49ers after the start of training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-an-Insurance-Policy-at-Wide-Receiver-215669681.html

Raiders' Condo approaching 100th consecutive game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: How important is Jon Condo? Just revisit the one game the Raiders had to play without him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Condo-Approaching-100th-Game-215668531.html

Best is yet to come for Kaepernick, say observers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski says 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick isn't in the top 10 of NFL QBs yet ... but it's only a matter of time. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernicks-Best-is-Likely-Still-to-Come-215518901.html

Sizzling heat, tough climbs and 135 miles through the Death Valley desert? Yeah, it's one man's dream of doing the Badwater ultramarathon -- and a nightmare for anyone else

Army corporal Doug Long has been a long-distance runner for many years and has conquered quite a few ultramarathons. But the one he really wants to add to his achievement list is the Badwater ultra, the toughest in the world. Come next week, the veteran soldier will take off on his long-held quest to conquer the Badwater. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9472312/endurance-sports-long-prepares-world-toughest-race-death-valley

Well, at least the Raiders' uniforms are still good

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have fallen on hard times, but at least the team's uniforms remain possibly the best in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Are-Still-a-Top-Dog-in-Fashion-at-Least-215078791.html

Young 49ers waiting to step in at center after 2013 season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: This will be Jonathan Goodwin's final contract year with the 49ers, so at age 34 it also might be his last on the roster, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/This-may-be-Farewell-Year-for-49ers-Goodwin-215089151.html

Seahawks ready to pound 49ers' eardrums in September

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When the 49ers travel to Seattle for Game No. 2 of the 2013 season, the Seahawks' 12th Man may be even louder than usual. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-Heard-Seahawks-Message-Loud-and-Clear-214911931.html

Will this be final year for Janikowski with Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski would like to remain a Raider, but will that be possible? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Janikowski-Heading-Into-Final-Year-of-Raiders-Deal-214904181.html

U.S. women's volleyball team excited about rare series on home soil in USA Volleyball Cup vs. Japan

Ordinarily, the U.S. women's volleyball team is a group of nomads, traveling the globe to play matches in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. But now players and new coach Karch Kiraly are looking forward to a three-match set vs. Japan in the new USA Volleyball Cup in San Diego, Long Beach and Orange County. My story for TeamUSA.org. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2013/July/10/Home-Sweet-Home

Niners' Dixon again will have to fight for a job

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Every year, it's the same story: running back Anthony Dixon must battle to maintain his spot on the roster. Can he be a winner again? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Dixon-Again-Faces-Fight-for-Job-214745151.html

Undrafted rookie QB Matt McGloin faces long odds

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt Flynn is No. 1 and Terrelle Pryor and fourth-round pick Tyler Wilson are right behind him on the Raiders quarterback depth chart. So where does that leave Matt McGloin? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Undrafted-McGloin-Faces-Long-Odds-With-Raiders-214743851.html

USA Hockey Development camps focus on the future

When Kenny Rausch watches the U.S. Olympic team take the ice at the Sochi Games this February, he'll see so many familiar faces he first came to know when they were young teens at the USA Hockey Development Camps. Rausch and so many other coaches at the camps, work to build a foundation for future success that has long paid off for U.S. hockey in the Olympics, World Championships and in the NHL. My story for USA Hockey: http://playerdevelopmentcamps.usahockey.com/news_article/show/269687?referrer_id=803951

Kaepernick motivated by skeptics and critics

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is heading into the 2013 season intent on showing he's not just a one-year wonder. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Motivated-to-Prove-Hes-Not-a-One-Year-Wonder-214610311.html

Raiders' rookie Watson trying to be 'assignment perfect'

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie offensive lineman Menelik Watson is working hard, trying to be 'assignment perfect' when he's on the field or in the study room. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Like-What-They-See-in-Watson-214605911.html

Crabtree has new look as he starts comeback work

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers wideout Michael Crabtree begins work toward his comeback with a freshly shaved head. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Look-Crabtree-Already-Working-Out-214382431.html

Raiders' returns on Cribbs could be plentiful

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Josh Cribbs is a low-risk, high-reward signing that could pay big dividends for the Raiders this coming season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Cribbs-May-Bring-Raiders-Many-Happy-Returns-214378061.html

Niners' corner Tarell Brown working to maintain edge

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Starting cornerback Tarell Brown has been overshadowed this offseason, but that doesn't take away from what he brings to the 49ers.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Brown-Aims-Even-Higher-214282541.html

VA's Paralympic program aiding veterans in new pursuits

Twelve members of the U.S. team going to Lyon, France, for the Paralympic World Championships this month are veterans or active-duty military members who have been able to get into adaptive sports and become elite competitors thanks to a Veterans Affairs program. My story for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic website: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2013/July/03/VA-Program-Fuels-Elite-Athletic-Careers

49ers have linebacking depth if they need it

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The questioning of linebacker Ahmad Brooks about an incident he was alleged to have been a part of prompts the question: How strong is the depth of the linebacking corps? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Linebacking-Corps-Has-Fine-Depth-214151371.html

McKenzie's 2013 draft class praised by analyst

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Greg Cosell of NFL Films says Reggie McKenzie's 2013 draft crop is a good one. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzies-Draft-Class-Earns-Some-Praise-214144441.html

Asomugha believes he's a good fit with Niners

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is feeling like he and the 49ers' defense have made a good fit. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Asomugha-Believes-49ers-are-a-Good-Fit-for-Him-213986181.html

'Contract year' could help spur Raiders' McFadden

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Darren McFadden needs to have a big season if he wants big money in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McFadden-Needs-to-Run-For-the-Money-in-2013-213980941.html

49ers' Lockette has key connection to Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ricardo Lockette may have an edge in his battle for a wide receiver spot on the 49ers: his friendship with QB Colin Kaepernick. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lockette-Has-it-all-Size-speed-and-chemistry-with-Kaepernick-213834891.html