Can Carlos Hyde stay fit and become an elite back?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is Carlos Hyde the brittle back he's been with the 49ers, or the iron man he was at Ohio State? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Fit-Healthy-Hyde-Could-Have-Special-Season-for-49ers-388668082.html

Nelson eager to get going in a silver and black uniform

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Reggie Nelson is completely fit and ready for action. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Rehab-Complete-Raiders-Nelson-Returns-to-Field-388670652.html

As veterans report, Del Rio taps brakes on hype

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio loves the potential of this Raiders team but says potential means nothing, as training camp begins. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/As-Veterans-Report-Raiders-Del-Rio-Eager-to-Begin-Work-388546402.html

Ex-Michigan St. standout Rush a long shot to make 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Outside linebacker Marcus Rush is a long shot to make the 49ers, but there is a slight opening on the roster that may allow him to force his way in. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Michigan-State-Standout-Ready-for-Challenge-388552252.html

Raiders hope to see more of Neiron Ball

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Neiron Ball was just getting rolling after two starts when his rookie season came to an end. Now the linebacker is healthy and ready to roll into 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Neiron-Ball-Hopes-to-Build-on-Brief-Rookie-Season-388387532.html

Kaepernick cleared to participate fully in training camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Colin Kaepernick is fully recovered from three offseason surgeries and is ready to compete for the starting job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Doctor-Gives-49ers-Kaepernick-the-Green-Light-388384312.html

Is it realistic to believe Davis can step in at right tackle?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Anthony Davis says he's coming out of retirement for the 49ers. Will he help? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Can-Anthony-Davis-Provide-a-Boost-to-49ers-Offensive-Line-388273722.html

Del Rio eager to see what McGill can do at safety

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio believes Keith McGill has a future at safety with the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McGill-Could-Emerge-as-Solid-Safety-for-Raiders-388269482.html

Sooner or later, we all face the loss of a loved one and will have to find a way to cope with our grief

Grief is something all of us will experience at some point in our lives, and there's no set formula to help us cope. It's not a one-size-fits-all thing. But experts who deal with grief and bereavement offer some universal advice, based on experience. My story for the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jul/18/coping-grief-death-survivor-grieving-health/

Hang gliding champion Kari Castle has had a happy life skimming across the sky

Kari Castle doesn't consider herself fearless, yet for 30 years she's flown thousands of feet in the air suspended only by wind power and her harness. Castle has won national and world championships as a hang glider and paraglider and wouldn't trade her life for anyone else's. My story for ESPNW.com's Weekend Warriors series: http://espn.go.com/espnw/life-style/article/17120560/weekend-warriors-kari-castle-legend-hang-gliding

Alex Boone believes Gabbert will emerge as 49ers starter

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-49ers starting guard Alex Boone says Blaine Gabbert proved in 2015 he can be a solid NFL QB. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-49er-Boone-Says-Gabbert-Will-Take-the-Reins-at-Quarterback-388144962.html

Buckner believes 49ers are the perfect spot for him

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: DeForest Buckner is ready to roll into training camp with a smile on his face for a number of reasons. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buckner-Believes-Hes-in-Position-to-Thrive-387937522.html

It's not automatic that Kaepernick will beat out Gabbert

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some analysts see Blaine Gabbert as the man to beat in the QB battle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Some-Believe-Kaepernick-Wont-Beat-Out-Gabbert-387799711.html

Jerome Simpson faces tough odds to make 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can wide receiver Jerome Simpson finally assert himself with 49ers? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Simpson-Will-Have-to-Fight-to-Earn-a-Job-With-49ers-387643672.html

Is worst to first a pipe dream for Kelly's 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2013, Chip Kelly took the Eagles from last place to first place in the NFC East. Can he do the same thing in 2016? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Could-Kellys-49ers-Go-From-Worst-to-First-387470902.html

When Lynch is out, who will step in for 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Eli Harold may have a chance to start the first four games of 2016 following a suspension of Aaron Lynch. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Suspension-Opens-the-Door-at-Outside-Linebacker-387286551.html

Has Aldon Smith made another critical mistake?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A new social media post may put Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith in a bad light. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Development-Puts-Cloud-Over-Aldon-Smiths-Future-388140522.html

Carr embracing leadership role for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Aside from improving as a quarterback, Derek Carr says he's better as a leader, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Eager-to-Embrace-Bigger-Leadership-Role-387932062.html

Watson has slight edge over Howard at right tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In the duel between Menelik Watson and Austin Howard to play right tackle for the Raiders, give Watson a slight edge. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Watson-May-Have-Edge-Over-Howard-in-Duel-to-Start-at-Right-Tackle-387807921.html

The one Raiders constant: Seabass keeps kicking

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sebastian Janikowski is the link from Raiders' future to past. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Janikowski-Ready-for-One-More-Training-Camp-387636642.html

Penn happy he stayed with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Donald Penn is excited to have a chance to play for what he believes is a team on the rise. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Penn-Happy-Excited-to-Have-Stayed-With-Raiders-387462512.html

Raiders reward Amerson with new contract

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders show confidence in David Amerson with new contract. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Show-Confidence-in-David-Amerson-387279881.html

Will this be an up or a down year for 49ers' Brock?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Tramaine Brock regain the form he had in an outstanding 2013 season? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Brock-Eager-to-Improve-and-Lead-Young-Cornerback-Corps-386980371.html

Raiders will have first full training camp practice July 29

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders excited as days near to start of training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Counting-Down-the-Days-to-Training-Camp-386974591.html

Three (and almost four) Raiders on NFL's Top 100 list

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One indication the Raiders are climbing is the number of players from the Oakland roster selected to the annual list of Top 100 players. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Multiple-Raiders-on-Annual-Top-100-Players-LIst-a-Good-Sign-386814381.html

Niners value rises while win-loss record plummets

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The past two years have been hard on the 49ers, yet the value of the franchise has skyrocketed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Ranked-Among-Most-Valuable-Franchises-386821451.html

Do Raiders have average or above-average receivers?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Where does the Oakland group of receivers rank in the NFL?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Receiving-Corps-Could-Evolve-Into-One-of-NFLs-Best-386644971.html

Has Brooks' time come to an end with the 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will Ahmad Brooks be able to hold onto job? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Brooks-Will-Be-Under-Pressure-to-Keep-Job-With-49ers-386638701.html

Walford could evolve into big-time playmaker

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will tight end Clive Walford be an elite player? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Walford-Flashed-His-Potential-in-a-Limited-Rookie-Season-386484721.html

Smelter could emerge as key receiver for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After sitting out a season with injury, DeAndre Smelter is an intriguing prospect for 49ers receiving corps. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/A-Healthy-Smelter-Could-be-Big-Player-in-49ers-Offense-386478161.html

Del Rio believes Washington can add "juice" to offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders love what they see so far from fifth-round pick DeAndre Washington, a RB from Texas Tech. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/DeAndre-Washington-is-Giving-Raiders-Some-Juice-386018591.html

Ex-Utah standout Fanaika hoping to earn spot on 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jason Fanaika is converting from defensive end to outside linebacker as an undrafted free agent from Utah, hoping to earn a job with San Francisco. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-Utah-Defensive-End-Eager-to-Prove-Himself-386022001.html

Men's U.S. Olympic water polo team going to Rio de Janeiro Games is riding a wave of momentum

U.S. national water polo coach Dejan Udivocic is known as a hard-nosed, straightforward leader. He took Serbia to two Olympic medals in his tenure before being hired by USA Water Polo in 2013. Now the team he has for Rio, announced in San Diego July 7, is playing better than it has in years and appears to be a medal contender. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/July/07/Hopes-Are-High-As-US-Olympic-Mens-Water-Polo-Team-Announced

Raiders' seventh-round pick Alexander is "a mauler"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: By the estimation of some scouts, LSU lineman Vadal Alexander had second-round talent, yet he slipped to the seventh round, where the Raiders grabbed him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Seventh-Round-Pick-Alexander-Has-Big-Potential-385868781.html

Pinion shows promise going into second season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Punter Bradley Pinion wasn't as good as his predecessor, Andy Lee, last season. But there are signs that he will continue to improve. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Believe-Pinion-Will-Continue-to-Improve-385864521.html

Fischer sisters, Aria and Makenzie, will help power U.S. women's water polo team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics

Makenzie and Aria Fischer are following their father, a 1992 Olympian, by making the U.S.  team for Rio de Janeiro this summer. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/July/06/Water-Polos-Fischer-Sisters-Makenzie-and-Aria-Gear-Up-For-Rio-Olympics-Together

Reid eager to play in 49ers' new scheme

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Eric Reid says 49ers defense will be less "reactive" in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reid-Feels-Good-in-New-49ers-Defensive-Scheme-385700361.html

Smith says Raiders will be a smart football team

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Malcolm Smith says Oakland has raised its "football IQ" this offseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Smith-Says-Team-Has-Increased-its-Football-IQ-385705881.html

Carrie may be Raiders' best slot cornerback

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: TJ Carrie has played a number of roles for the Raiders in his first two NFL seasons, but slot cornerback may be where he makes his biggest contribution in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrie-Growing-into-Slot-Cornerback-Role-385561601.html

Troy Huerta has pedaled right through the predictions that he'd someday be confined to a wheelchair

Troy Huerta was told as a young teen that he likely would be in a wheelchair by his late 20s because of a rare disease. But Huerta has worked hard to stay fit and active, and today, at 47, he's a terrific age-group cyclist and lives a healthy, active life. My story on Huerta for the Active San Diego series in the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jul/04/cycling-betrayed-a-dire-medical-prognosis/

Can Blake Bell fight through tight end logjam?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Blake Bell came on at the end of his rookie year to make an imapct for the Niners. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Blake-Bell-Flashed-Potential-as-a-Rookie-385566741.html

Osemele could be Raiders' best acquisition in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders added a lot of talent for 2016, but some believe Kelichi Osemele at guard will have the greatest impact. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Most-Valuable-Raiders-Addition-Could-be-Osemele-385461531.html

Kelly has golden opportunity to regain his reputation

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some NFL watchers see Chip Kelly as having a great chance with 49ers to show how good a coach he can be. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kelly-in-Position-to-Redeem-His-Reputation-With-49ers-385459401.html

McKenzie feels better with McGloin and Cook behind Carr

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The addition of Connor Cook makes GM Reggie McKenzie feel better about the QB depth on Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McKenzie-Likes-What-Cook-McGloin-Bring-to-Quarterback-Position-385215091.html

Kelly will begin his first 49ers training camp on July 31

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners will open training camp with their first full practice on July 31. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Tuning-Up-For-Start-of-Training-Camp-385210011.html