Seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace is close to returning from a shoulder injury but will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Rams coach Scott Linehan said yesterday the team would be conservative with Pace, who tore the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder in the second quarter of the 2007 season opener against Carolina.

Linehan spoke to media as the team prepares to open training camp at Concordia University in Wisconsin. The first workout is Friday afternoon.

Pace missed the remainder of the season, and his injury was among several that left the offensive line in shambles, a big reason for the Rams' dismal 3-13 record.

It was the second consecutive season with a significant injury for the first overall pick of the 1997 draft. Pace had a season-ending left triceps tear in Seattle in the 10th game of the 2006 season.

Linehan said Pace will be on the 80-man training camp roster but will be brought along slowly. "He'll be close, but I think we have to be a little conservative with our approach just because of what has happened," Linehan said. "He's in pretty good shape right now. His weight is right where we want it and it's just a matter of when we decide."

A preliminary target date for Pace's return is the Aug. 9 preseason opener at Tennessee.

Texans

Houston signed three draft picks: third-round running back Steve Slaton of West Virginia, third-round cornerback Antwaun Molden of Eastern Kentucky and fifth-round choice, Frank Okam of Texas.

Slaton, the third-leading rusher in West Virginia history despite leaving after his junior season, went to the Texans with the 89th pick. He set school records for career rushing touchdowns (50) and single-season rushing yards (1,774 in 2006).

Bengals

Coach Marvin Lewis emphatically closed the door on the possibility of receiver Chris Henry rejoining Cincinnati. The Bengals released Henry in April after he was arrested for the fifth time, and the NFL suspended him indefinitely. His court case ended in a mistrial and prosecutors dropped the charges, prompting Henry to seek reinstatement.

"I'm not interested," Lewis said. "I don't think it would be productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there's responsibilities to being an NFL player. It's a privilege, it's not a right."

Patriots

New England signed second-round pick Terrence Wheatley leaving only top pick Jerod Mayo unsigned among their draftees two days before the start of training camp. Wheatley started 28 games in four seasons at cornerback for Colorado and had 14 interceptions, two for touchdowns.

Chargers

Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2014 valued at about $43 million. The deal will pay Castillo a guaranteed $17.5 million in signing and roster bonuses. Castillo's contract, signed as a rookie in 2005, had been due to expire after the '09 season.

Raiders

Oakland agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Kansas City Chiefs safety Greg Wesley, adding depth to the position on the eve of training camp. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said Wesley was happy to remain in the AFC West and looked forward to playing against the Chiefs twice this season.