Archive: September 2006
Long-Term Outlook for Kearse Promising After Surgery
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse underwent knee surgery Thursday to have the injuries that ended his season repaired. Surgeon John Uribe repaired cartilage damage and placed Kearse's left leg in a cast because of a broken tibia. Uribe determined that the ligament damage in Kearse's knee did not...
By Mark Maske | September 29, 2006; 8:54 AM ET | Email a Comment
League Does Not Seem to Believe that Owens Violated Drug Policy
IRVING, Tex.--NFL officials don't seem to believe at this point that any violations of the league's drug policy have occurred in the case of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens. The policy prohibits the abuse of prescription medication, but the league's view at this point appears to be that...
By Mark Maske | September 29, 2006; 8:41 AM ET | Email a Comment
Eagles Shorthanded, Especially in Secondary, on Practice Field Today
Safety Brian Dawkins missed the Philadelphia Eagles' practice today because of a concussion, adding to their injury woes in the secondary. The Eagles also were without two cornerbacks, Lito Sheppard and Rod Hood. Hood has been playing with a heel injury in place of Sheppard, who has a sprained...
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 11:03 PM ET | Email a Comment
Owners to Consider More Overseas Games
The NFL is considering a proposal to play two games overseas annually. The team owners are to consider the proposal at a meeting scheduled for next month in New Orleans. League officials considered a proposal to play a game in London this season, but scrapped the idea. Last season,...
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 10:48 PM ET | Comments (2)
R. Wayne Rejoins Colts
Wide receiver Reggie Wayne rejoined the Indianapolis Colts, as expected, today. He's scheduled to play Sunday against the New York Jets. Wayne left the team last Sunday after learning that his older brother Rashad had been killed in an auto accident....
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 10:37 PM ET | Email a Comment
Patriots Perhaps Looking for Veteran Backup QB
The New England Patriots seem intent upon adding a veteran quarterback behind Tom Brady. They worked out Vinny Testaverde this week after auditioning Tommy Maddox and Todd Bouman previously. After Doug Flutie's offseason retirement, the Patriots were left with youngster Matt Cassel backing up Brady....
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 10:24 PM ET | Comments (1)
T. Green Says He'll Miss At Least Two More Games
Injured Chiefs quarterback Trent Green spoke to reporters today in Kansas City and said he will miss at least two more games. Green suffered a concussion during the Chiefs' season-opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was taken from the field on a stretcher and hasn't played since. Green...
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 10:17 PM ET | Email a Comment
Owens Case Now Classified as Accidental Overdose
IRVING, Tex.--The Dallas police department announced today that it was classifying Tuesday's incident involving Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens as an accidental overdose instead of an attempted suicide. David Kunkle, the police chief, made the announcement at a late-afternoon news conference. He said he supported the initial report filed...
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 7:30 PM ET | Email a Comment
Decision About Owens's Playing Status Not Likely Until Saturday, Parcells Says
IRVING, Tex.--Dallas Cowboys Coach Bill Parcells said today it's possible that wide receiver Terrell Owens will play Sunday at Tennessee. Parcells said that Owens participated fully in today's practice but a decision about his playing status probably wouldn't be made until Saturday....
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 6:00 PM ET | Email a Comment
Week 4 Picks
Local Teams Jaguars at Redskins At least for now, it's still possible to view the Redskins as a good team that simply started out playing badly for two games. Pick: Redskins Chargers at Ravens The Chargers have to fly cross-country at the end of a tumultuous week in which...
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 3:00 PM ET | Comments (10)
Owens Practicing
IRVING, Tex.--Wide receiver Terrell Owens was on the practice field with the Dallas Cowboys here this afternoon, a day after denying an account in a Dallas police report that he tried to commit suicide Tuesday by overdosing on prescription pain medication. Owens caught passes from quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe and...
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (11)
Buccaneers, League Discussing Wallace Hit on Simms
Tampa Bay Buccaneers officials are talking to members of the league office about the hit they believe caused quarterback Chris Simms's injury during last Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers. Buccaneers officials believe that Simms most likely was hurt on a fourth-quarter hit by Panthers defensive end Al Wallace....
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 11:21 AM ET | Email a Comment
Next Question: Will Owens Practice Today?
IRVING, Tex.--The next issue in the Terrell Owens saga will be whether the wide receiver is able to participate in the Dallas Cowboys' practice today. Owens said Wednesday he thinks he can practice today and play Sunday at Tennessee. That vow came as he denied an account in a...
By Mark Maske | September 28, 2006; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (4)
Chargers' Kiel Won't Play This Weekend Following Arrest
Safety Terrence Kiel is not accompanying the San Diego Chargers to Baltimore for their game Sunday against the Ravens following his arrest this week on felony drug charges. The Chargers plan to pay Kiel but have told him to stay home. Kiel was arrested Tuesday on two counts of...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 11:05 PM ET | Email a Comment
R. Wayne Scheduled to Rejoin Colts Thursday
Wide receiver Reggie Wayne is scheduled to rejoin the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday and might play this weekend. Wayne left the team Sunday after learning that his older brother Rashad had been killed in an auto accident in Louisiana....
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 10:51 PM ET | Email a Comment
Vikings Sign Henson to Practice Squad
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Drew Henson, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys before the season, to their practice squad. Henson joins Brad Johnson and Brooks Bollinger as the Vikings' healthy quarterbacks. Rookie Tarvaris Jackson is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery....
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 10:42 PM ET | Email a Comment
Seahawks Not Relenting Even Though Alexander Wants to Play
The Seattle Seahawks plan to keep tailback Shaun Alexander sidelined for Sunday night's game at Chicago even after public comments by Alexander that his ailing foot might have healed sufficiently for him to play. Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren announced Monday that Alexander, the reigning league most valuable player, would...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 10:38 PM ET | Email a Comment
Thurman's Suspension Extended
The NFL today extended the suspension of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman for the remainder of the season. Thurman, already serving a four-game suspension for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy, was arrested early Monday on a drunk-driving charge. Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis sharply criticized Thurman and...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 10:27 PM ET | Email a Comment
Owens Says He's Not Depressed and Didn't Attempt Suicide
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens denied an account in a police report that he tried to commit suicide Tuesday by overdosing on pain medication. "There was no suicide attempt," Owens said at an afternoon news conference at the Cowboys' training facility. Owens rejoined the Cowboys after being released...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 4:04 PM ET | Email a Comment
Parcells Says He Doesn't Have Owens Details
Dallas Cowboys Coach Bill Parcells said at an afternoon news conference that he didn't know the details of the Terrell Owens incident. "I'm really not sure I know all of it right now, and that's the truth," Parcells said. "I saw some reports and stuff this morning just right...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 3:17 PM ET | Email a Comment
Owens Released from Hospital, Publicist Denies He Attempted Suicide
Terrell Owens's publicist denies that the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver attempted to commit suicide Tuesday. The publicist, Kim Etheredge, told Dallas-area newspapers that Owens had a negative reaction to painkilling medication and supplements that he took. A police report obtained by several news organizations said that Owens attempted to...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 1:52 PM ET | Email a Comment
Owens Reportedly Attempted Suicide
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens attempted suicide Tuesday night, according to a report by a Dallas television station. WFAA-TV reported that a Dallas police report it had obtained said that Owens was depressed and took prescription pain pills. Earlier reports by another Dallas TV station and newspapers had...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 9:56 AM ET | Comments (24)
Owens Reportedly Hospitalized
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens was hospitalized Tuesday night after suffering an allergic reaction to pain medication he was taking, according to reports by a Dallas-area television station and newspapers. Owens reportedly was taken by a fire rescue squad to the emergency room at Baylor University Medical Center...
By Mark Maske | September 27, 2006; 7:30 AM ET | Email a Comment
Cardinals to Play at University of Phoenix Stadium
The Arizona Cardinals' new home in Glendale, Ariz., will be called the University of Phoenix Stadium. The name was unveiled today as part of a 20-year, $154.5 million naming-rights deal....
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 7:02 PM ET | Email a Comment
League, Union Officials Seem to Believe that Buccaneers Acted Properly
League and NFL Players Association officials seem to believe that, based on what they've heard at this point, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers followed proper safety and medical procedures Sunday when dealing with quarterback Chris Simms's injury. Simms underwent emergency surgery to have his spleen removed following the Buccaneers' loss...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 7:01 PM ET | Email a Comment
Green Announces Warner, Not Leinart, Is His Starter This Week
Arizona Cardinals Coach Dennis Green announced today that he's sticking with Kurt Warner as the team's starting quarterback. Warner has fumbled eight times in three games this season. He threw three interceptions and lost a costly fumble in the closing minutes of last weekend's two-point loss at home to...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 4:52 PM ET | Comments (1)
Week 4 Rankings
No, the Saints aren't the best team in the NFL. But they are greatly improved. They're exciting and, for this week at least, they deserve the top spot in the rankings after Monday night's emotional and decisive triumph in the reopening of the Superdome. The Colts and Bengals gave...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 3:15 PM ET | Comments (14)
Numbers
There are seven unbeaten teams and seven winless teams three weeks into the season. Through three weeks, road teams have a record of 25-21, including 10-4 this past weekend....
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 1:45 PM ET | Email a Comment
Vikings Rookie QB Has Knee Surgery
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is to be sidelined about a month after suffering a knee injury in practice last week and undergoing surgery to repair meniscus damage. The Vikings are left with two healthy quarterbacks, Brad Johnson and Brooks Bollinger. They were making plans to possibly add...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 1:34 PM ET | Email a Comment
Smoot May Have Been Benched as Disciplinary Matter
Cornerback Fred Smoot may have been benched for the Minnesota Vikings' opening defensive series of Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears as a disciplinary measure. Coach Brad Childress did not give a reason for Smoot's absence from the Vikings' lineup at the outset of the game, saying during his...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 1:31 PM ET | Email a Comment
Amid Celebration of Superdome Reopening, Still No Promises About Saints' Future in New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints have Reggie Bush. They're 3-0. They reopened the Superdome in grand style Monday night with a lopsided victory over the Atlanta Falcons, and they've sold out their entire home schedule. Still, their long-term future remains unclear. NFL officials continue to take a wait-and-see approach about...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 11:45 AM ET | Comments (5)
Chargers Extend Kicker's Contract
The San Diego Chargers signed kicker Nate Kaeding to a five-year, $12.2 million contract extension that includes about $3.5 million in guaranteed money. The third-year kicker connected on 21 of 24 field goal attempts last season and is 6 for 6 this season....
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 10:56 AM ET | Email a Comment
Some Superdome Thoughts
It was impossible to watch the Superdome's reopening Monday night without having Hurricane Katrina-related scenes on your mind. I had two personal experiences pop into my head particularly vividly. The first was from early last September. I had gone to Oakland to cover the Saints' preseason game there right...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 10:29 AM ET | Email a Comment
Titans Sticking With K. Collins... For Now
The Tennessee Titans are winless and are headed nowhere, but Coach Jeff Fisher indicated Monday that he's sticking with Kerry Collins as his starting quarterback. There had been speculation that Fisher might switch to rookie Vince Young this week, but Young likely will continue his apprenticeship with small doses...
By Mark Maske | September 26, 2006; 10:01 AM ET | Email a Comment
Cardinals Reportedly Switching to Leinart
The Arizona Cardinals plan to switch to rookie Matt Leinart as their starting quarterback this week, ESPN reported tonight. Kurt Warner threw three interceptions in Sunday's two-point loss at home to the St. Louis Rams. He also lost a fumbled snap at the Rams 18-yard line with less than...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 9:30 PM ET | Email a Comment
Morris Takes Over at RB for Seahawks as Curse of Super Bowl Loser Possibly Lives
Maurice Morris takes over as the Seattle Seahawks' starting tailback for Sunday night's game at Chicago, with reigning league most valuable player Shaun Alexander sidelined for at least a couple weeks because of a broken bone in his foot. A bone scan taken today showed a small crack in...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 9:17 PM ET | Comments (3)
M. Lewis Critical of Arrested Linebacker
Cincinnati Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis was highly critical today of his linebacker, Odell Thurman, who was arrested early this morning on a drunk driving charge while serving a four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. "I am not pleased," Lewis said, according to the Associated...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 9:16 PM ET | Email a Comment
Broken Bone in Foot Sidelines S. Alexander
Seattle Seahawks tailback Shaun Alexander will be sidelined for a few weeks because of a broken bone in his left foot, Coach Mike Holmgren announced today. The reigning league most valuable player missed practice time last week because of soreness in his foot. Alexander played Sunday against the New...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 6:08 PM ET | Comments (1)
Colts WR Wayne With Family In Louisiana Following Death of Brother
Wide receiver Reggie Wayne left the Indianapolis Colts after Sunday's victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars to return to his home state of Louisiana following the death of his older brother, Rashad, in an auto accident. Rashad Wayne was killed Sunday when the delivery truck he was driving crashed into...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 4:22 PM ET | Email a Comment
T. Green Out At Least Another Week
Injured quarterback Trent Green might visit his Kansas City Chiefs teammates this week but has been ruled out of playing in Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He suffered a concussion during the Chiefs' season-opening game....
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 4:18 PM ET | Email a Comment
Niners Rookie TE Davis Has Broken Right Leg
Rookie tight end Vernon Davis suffered a fractured fibula in his right leg during the San Francisco 49ers' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Davis is expected to be sidelined about a month. The University of Maryland product hurt himself while chasing Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson on...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 3:04 PM ET | Email a Comment
Bengals LB Thurman Arrested
Suspended Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman was arrested on a drunk driving charge early today. Thurman's blood alcohol level reportedly was measured at 0.18 percent, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Thurman is serving a four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 2:59 PM ET | Email a Comment
Shockey's Criticism of Coughlin Sounds Familiar
New York Giants players simply don't like their coach, Tom Coughlin. That was evident again Sunday when tight end Jeremy Shockey criticized Coughlin following the Giants' loss at Seattle. Shockey said the Giants got "outplayed and outcoached," then instructed reporters to "write that down." Shockey's comments echoed the criticism...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 2:52 PM ET | Comments (3)
Gruden Says Simms's Career Is Not in Jeopardy
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden visited quarterback Chris Simms at a Tampa-area hospital this morning. Gruden said later at a news conference that Simms's prognosis is promising after the quarterback underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured spleen following Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers. Gruden said that Simms's...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 2:36 PM ET | Comments (1)
Champs Not Panicking About 1-2 Beginning
PITTSBURGH--The reigning Super Bowl champions have a record of 1-2 after Sunday's loss here to the Cincinnati Bengals. They're two games behind the unbeaten Bengals and Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. But the Pittsburgh Steelers weren't panicking in the aftermath of the 28-20 defeat to the Bengals. Even...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 10:53 AM ET | Email a Comment
C. Johnson Keeps Lip Zipped as Bengals Show Offensive Versatility
PITTSBURGH--Perhaps it's setting the bar low when an NFL player earns praise from his teammates--and from himself--simply for acting like an adult rather than a spoiled child. But the Cincinnati Bengals will take their progress where they can get it when it comes to wide receiver Chad Johnson. Bengals...
By Mark Maske | September 25, 2006; 10:16 AM ET | Comments (3)
Hargrove Meets With Rams Officials
Defensive end Anthony Hargrove reportedly met with St. Louis Rams officials late Friday night and Saturday after missing two days of practices and team meetings in what was termed an unexcused absence. Hargrove didn't play today but was scheduled to rejoin his teammates on Monday....
By Mark Maske | September 24, 2006; 1:21 PM ET | Comments (1)
Exhibition Game in China Set
The NFL has completed plans to have the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots face one another in an exhibition game next year in China as a precursor to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a source said. The league planned to announce the scheduling of the game later today....
By Mark Maske | September 24, 2006; 1:01 PM ET | Email a Comment
Groin Injury Sidelines Vinatieri
Kicker Adam Vinatieri missed the first game of his 11-year NFL career because of a groin injury. The Indianapolis Colts used Martin Gramatica to replace Vinatieri....
By Mark Maske | September 24, 2006; 12:58 PM ET | Email a Comment
Branch Added to Seahawks' Roster
The Seattle Seahawks added wide receiver Deion Branch to their 53-man roster Saturday. The Seahawks had gotten a two-week roster exemption after obtaining Branch in a trade with the New England Patriots, and they'd opted against adding him to the roster for their first game after the trade....
By Mark Maske | September 24, 2006; 12:56 PM ET | Email a Comment
Hargrove Still Absent From Rams, Won't Play Sunday
Defensive end Anthony Hargrove was absent from the St. Louis Rams for a second straight day, and Coach Scott Linehan told reporters that Hargrove will be fined and won't play on Sunday at Arizona. Linehan indicated he'd spoken to Hargrove around 4 p.m. Thursday and told Hargrove to meet...
By Mark Maske | September 22, 2006; 2:45 PM ET | Email a Comment
S. Smith Practices Again, Appears Ready to Play for Panthers
It appears that wide receiver Steve Smith is prepared to return to the Carolina Panthers' lineup on Sunday at Tampa. He practiced for a second day in a row today, although Coach John Fox indicated that Smith's availability will be a game-time decision. Smith has missed the Panthers' first...
By Mark Maske | September 22, 2006; 1:42 PM ET | Email a Comment
Marinelli, Martz In Test of Wills With M. Williams
The Detroit Lions' first-year coach, Rod Marinelli, and his offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, are having a test of wills with second-year wide receiver Mike Williams, a first-round draft selection last year. Williams has been inactive for each of the Lions' first two games this season after being fined for...
By Mark Maske | September 22, 2006; 9:53 AM ET | Comments (3)
Niners Finish Another Extension
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their second contract extension in two days, signing offensive tackle and guard Adam Snyder to a four-year deal running through the 2011 season. The contract is worth $10.5 million, including a $4 million signing bonus. The deal came a day after the team...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 11:02 PM ET | Email a Comment
Dayne Likely to Start at RB For Texans Against Redskins
Houston Texans Coach Gary Kubiak told reporters today that he's leaning toward starting Ron Dayne at tailback Sunday against the Washington Redskins. Rookie Wali Lundy started the Texans' first two games but totaled only 57 rushing yards. Lundy inherited the starting job when the club placed Domanick Davis on...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:58 PM ET | Comments (1)
Bucs Get Presidential Visit
President Bush attended the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice today. He spent about a half-hour at the team's training facility and gave a fundraising speech at nearby Raymond James Stadium....
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:53 PM ET | Email a Comment
Calf Injury Hindering Jets' Coles
Wide receiver Laveranues Coles sat out full team drills during the New York Jets' practice for a second day in a row. Coles is suffering from a calf injury and is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report. Jets Coach Eric Mangini--like his mentor, New England Patriots...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:46 PM ET | Email a Comment
Hargrove Absent From Rams
Defensive end Anthony Hargrove missed the St. Louis Rams' practice and team meetings today. Hargrove's absence was termed unexcused but a club security official told the Associated Press that the player was home tending to a personal matter....
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:42 PM ET | Email a Comment
Stiff Back Causes Burress to Miss Practice
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress sat out the New York Giants' practice today because he had back stiffness. But the Giants expect him to practice Friday and play Sunday in Seattle....
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:41 PM ET | Email a Comment
Deliberations Between League, Union On Drug-Testing Program Are Ongoing
Conversations between the league and the NFL Players Association about possible changes to the sport's steroid-testing program will continue. A league spokesman said that no agreements were reached during today's meeting between Commissioner Roger Goodell and Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the union. But the dialogue between the...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:34 PM ET | Email a Comment
New Injury For Colts
The Indianapolis Colts already had a lengthy list of injuries this week, and they incurred a new one today when offensive tackle Ryan Diem hurt his hamstring during practice. The severity of Diem's injury wasn't immediately clear....
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:34 PM ET | Email a Comment
Gruden, K. Johnson Getting Together
When the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers play on Sunday in Tampa, it will be the first game involving Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden and Panthers wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson since Gruden de-activated Johnson for the final six games of the 2003 season for insubordination. The two coexisted peacefully...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 4:54 PM ET | Comments (1)
Pace Does Some Practicing
Left tackle Orlando Pace participated in portions of the St. Louis Rams' practice today. Pace suffered a concussion during last weekend's loss at San Francisco and was scheduled to undergo follow-up tests later today. The Rams upgraded his playing status for this weekend from doubtful to questionable on their...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 4:45 PM ET | Email a Comment
Panthers Seem Likely to Have S. Smith on Sunday
Wide receiver Steve Smith likely will return to the Carolina Panthers' lineup on Sunday at Tampa. Smith participated in the Panthers' practice today. He hadn't practiced the previous two weeks and missed the Panthers' first two games of the season because of an injured hamstring muscle. The Panthers and...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 4:34 PM ET | Email a Comment
No Major Announcements From Goodell-Upshaw Meeting
Officials said there were no major developments to announce following today's meeting between NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association chief Gene Upshaw. Goodell and Upshaw met to discuss a variety of issues, including possible changes to the league's steroid-testing program. Goodell said in recent weeks that he had...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 2:50 PM ET | Comments (2)
Week 3 Picks
Local Teams Redskins at Texans There's still a chance that the Redskins are a good team temporarily playing badly. The Texans are a bad team. Pick: Redskins Ravens at Browns The Ravens are for real. Pick: Ravens Lock of the Week Titans at Dolphins Jeff Fisher says that Billy...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 2:30 PM ET | Comments (1)
Colts Beat Up
The Indianapolis Colts are beat up this week as they prepare to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The Colts listed 21 players as questionable Wednesday on their official injury report. Defensive end Dwight Freeney has a strained gluteus muscle and didn't practice Wednesday. The Colts brought in Martin...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 12:59 PM ET | Email a Comment
Alexander Has Sore Foot But Is Likely to Play Against Giants
Tailback Shaun Alexander sat out the Seattle Seahawks' practice Wednesday because of a sore foot, but the reigning league most valuable player is likely to be in the lineup Sunday against the New York Giants at Qwest Field....
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 12:50 PM ET | Email a Comment
Polamalu Hurting, and It Shows
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is playing with an ailing shoulder. The injury affected Polamalu during Monday night's loss at Jacksonville. He didn't play with his usual abandon, and the Steelers changed their defensive play-calling a bit to try to protect Polamalu. It's a situation that's worth monitoring. The...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 12:46 PM ET | Email a Comment
Giants Return to Scene of Noise Bowl
The New York Giants play Sunday in Seattle, the site of the memorable game last season when they lost in overtime after committing 11 false-start penalties amid the din of the Qwest Field crowd. The Giants also watched their kicker, Jay Feely, miss three potential game-winning field goals. Feely's...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 11:12 AM ET | Comments (4)
Patriots, Raiders Look at Maddox
The New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders auditioned former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox in recent days. Maddox worked out for the Patriots on Tuesday and for the Raiders on Wednesday, but wasn't immediately signed by either team. The Raiders' quarterback situation is particularly dire, with Aaron Brooks sidelined...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:49 AM ET | Comments (2)
Lewis Making Sure Bengals Players Remember Steelers' Taunts
The Cincinnati Bengals play in Pittsburgh on Sunday, the first meeting between the AFC North rivals since the Steelers won a first-round playoff game in Cincinnati last season and left Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer with a severe knee injury. These teams appear to be among the best in football,...
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 10:39 AM ET | Comments (5)
Niners Extend Contract of CB Spencer
The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Shawntae Spencer to a five-year contract extension worth about $17.5 million, including a $6 million signing bonus. The deal runs through the 2012 season. His contract previously was to expire following the 2007 season....
By Mark Maske | September 21, 2006; 9:53 AM ET | Email a Comment
Titans Too Busy Blaming Others For QB Woes To Acknowledge Their Mistakes
Tennessee Titans Coach Jeff Fisher assailed traded quarterback Billy Volek today, saying during his news conference that Volek "threw this organization under the bus, along with a number of his teammates." Fisher was angry that Volek, after being traded Tuesday to the San Diego Chargers, told reporters he couldn't...
By Mark Maske | September 20, 2006; 10:24 PM ET | Comments (1)
Crennel Tells Winslow To Stop Airing Complaints Publicly
Cleveland Browns Coach Romeo Crennel met with tight end Kellen Winslow after Winslow criticized the club's offensive play-calling Monday. Crennel told reporters today that he's in charge and if Winslow has any problems, he should seek to have them addressed internally. Winslow declined to speak to reporters today. On...
By Mark Maske | September 20, 2006; 10:07 PM ET | Comments (3)
Parcells Says It's Possible Owens Won't Miss Any Games
Coach Bill Parcells told reporters today he's not ruling out the possibility that wide receiver Terrell Owens will be in the Dallas Cowboys' lineup the next time they play a game. Owens underwent surgery Monday for a broken finger he suffered during Sunday night's triumph over the Washington Redskins....
By Mark Maske | September 20, 2006; 9:57 PM ET | Comments (1)
Westbrook Sits Out Eagles' Practice
Philadelphia Eagles tailback Brian Westbrook sat out practice today because of a sore knee. Westbrook missed two days of practices last week because of a swollen knee but played last weekend against the New York Giants. He had 68 rushing yards and 56 receiving yards but had a key...
By Mark Maske | September 20, 2006; 2:54 PM ET | Email a Comment
S. Smith Doesn't Practice But Inches Closer To Return
Wide receiver Steve Smith didn't participate in the Carolina Panthers' practice today but did some agility drills and some light running on the side. Coach John Fox told reporters that Smith's status is day to day and the Panthers listed him as questionable on their official injury report for...
By Mark Maske | September 20, 2006; 2:37 PM ET | Email a Comment
Falcons Sign 46-Year-Old Kicker Andersen
The Atlanta Falcons signed 46-year-old kicker Morten Andersen on Tuesday. Andersen, the second-leading scorer in NFL history, previously kicked for the Falcons between 1995 and 2000. He also kicked for the Falcons' next opponent, the New Orleans Saints, between 1982 and '94. He last kicked in the league with...
By Mark Maske | September 20, 2006; 9:36 AM ET | Comments (6)
Saints Sell Out Entire Season At Superdome
The New Orleans Saints have sold out the entire season at the Superdome, a first in franchise history. Saints owner Tom Benson made the announcement Tuesday as the team and city prepare to reopen the Superdome with a game Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Benson called on local...
By Mark Maske | September 20, 2006; 9:30 AM ET | Comments (2)
Cowboys Sign LB James to Contract Extension
The Dallas Cowboys signed inside linebacker Bradie James today to a five-year, $20 million contract extension that includes an $8 million signing bonus. The deal was negotiated by Cowboys executive Stephen Jones and James's agent, Jimmy Sexton, and keeps James, the team's leading tackler last season, from being an...
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 9:35 PM ET | Comments (2)
Dolphins Lose Guard Anderson
Miami Dolphins guard Bennie Anderson underwent season-ending surgery today for a torn triceps tendon. Kendyl Jacox probably will become the Dolphins' new starter at right guard. Anderson will become the third Dolphins' right guard placed on the injured reserve list, following Seth McKinney and Joe Toledo....
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 9:02 PM ET | Email a Comment
Browns Place CB McCutcheon on IR
The Cleveland Browns placed cornerback Daylon McCutcheon on the injured reserve list today because of a knee injury, ending his season....
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 8:15 PM ET | Email a Comment
Roethlisberger Was Sick, Rusty Monday Night
Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Bill Cowher said today that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a temperature of 100.4 degrees Monday, not the 104 degrees that was reported initially. According to Cowher, Roethlisberger was suffering from a cold and his fever and other symptoms were not related to the emergency appendectomy that...
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 8:05 PM ET | Email a Comment
Week 3 Rankings
The Colts stay planted at the top. The Steelers drop only to fifth after their loss Monday night in Jacksonville. It was Ben Roethlisberger's season debut, after all. The Ravens look like they're for real and jump into the top 10. The winless Panthers get a little bit of...
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 3:00 PM ET | Comments (14)
Titans, Chargers Agree to Volek Trade
The Tennessee Titans and San Diego Chargers have agreed to a trade that sends quarterback Billy Volek to San Diego for a draft pick. Volek began training camp as the Titans' starter but was dropped to third-string, behind Kerry Collins and rookie Vince Young, after Tennessee signed Collins shortly...
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 1:10 PM ET | Comments (4)
Goodell, Upshaw To Meet Thursday
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association chief Gene Upshaw are scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss a variety of topics, including possible changes to the league's steroid-testing program. Goodell has said it's possible that the program will be strengthened, perhaps by testing players more frequently or adding...
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 10:05 AM ET | Comments (1)
Parcells Overheats
How crazy are NFL coaches in general, and the Dallas Cowboys' Bill Parcells in particular? Parcells became ill on the sideline during Sunday night's win over the Washington Redskins because he was wearing a lined rain suit on a steamy evening. Why didn't Parcells shed some layers of clothing...
By Mark Maske | September 19, 2006; 12:02 AM ET | Comments (5)
Colts Waiting for MRI Results for Freeney, Vinatieri, Stokley
The Indianapolis Colts today were awaiting the results of MRI exams performed on defensive end Dwight Freeney, kicker Adam Vinatieri and wide receiver Brandon Stokley. Freeney hurt a leg muscle Sunday. Vinatieri suffered a groin injury and Stokley reinjured a previously sprained ankle....
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:56 PM ET | Comments (1)
Seahawks Ready to Add Branch to Lineup, Must Replace Injured Womack at Guard
The Seattle Seahawks plan to add wide receiver Deion Branch to their roster this week and play him this weekend against the New York Giants. The Seahawks got a two-week roster exemption for Branch after obtaining him in a trade with the New England Patriots last week and didn't...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:51 PM ET | Email a Comment
Titans Closer to Trading Volek As Collins Remains Starter
The Tennessee Titans and San Diego Chargers continued discussing a trade today that would send Titans quarterback Billy Volek to San Diego, an NFL source said. The Chargers are looking for an experienced backup for starter Philip Rivers. That job currently belongs to rookie Charlie Whitehurst. The Chargers are...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:44 PM ET | Comments (1)
Walter Takes Over as Raiders' QB After Injury to Brooks
The Oakland Raiders are to be without starting quarterback Aaron Brooks for two to four weeks because of a strained pectoral muscle. Andrew Walter takes over as the starter. Marques Tuiasosopo is the backup and it's possible the club could re-sign Jeff George after signing and then releasing him...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:39 PM ET | Comments (1)
Torn ACL Ends E. James's Season
Erasmus James, the Minnesota Vikings' second-year defensive end, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Sunday's victory over the Carolina Panthers. The injury ends the season for the former first-round draft pick....
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:35 PM ET | Email a Comment
Texans Must Reshuffle O-Line for Redskins Game
The Houston Texans' offensive line has allowed quarterback David Carr to be sacked nine times in two games, and now it will be shorthanded for this weekend's meeting with the Washington Redskins. Rookie left tackle Charles Spencer had his season ended by a broken leg suffered during Sunday's lopsided...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:35 PM ET | Comments (2)
Bengals Place Pollack on IR
The Cincinnati Bengals placed linebacker David Pollack on the injured reserve list today, ending his season, because of the neck injury he suffered during Sunday's triumph over the Cleveland Browns. Pollack was taken off the field on a stretcher with his head immobilized after suffering the injury. But Coach...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:28 PM ET | Email a Comment
Eagles Lose Kearse But Have DE Depth to Compensate
The Philadelphia Eagles, as they'd feared, lost defensive end Jevon Kearse for the rest of the season because of the injury to his left knee he suffered during Sunday's loss to the New York Giants. Kearse, according to the Eagles, suffered severe sprains of the medial collateral, lateral collateral...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:19 PM ET | Comments (1)
T.O. Has Surgery For Broken Finger
Wide receiver Terrell Owens underwent surgery this evening for the broken ring finger on his right hand that he suffered during the Dallas Cowboys' triumph Sunday night over the Washington Redskins. He had a metal plate and three screws inserted during the procedure. Owens is to be sidelined two...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:09 PM ET | Email a Comment
Blocking Concerns for Giants
PHILADELPHIA--The New York Giants got an uplifting comeback win Sunday in Philadelphia, but they were left with some issues on their offensive line to work out. Quarterback Eli Manning was sacked eight times, and the tailback Tiki Barber found little running room. Barber was limited to 17 rushing yards...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:45 AM ET | Email a Comment
Even In Defeat, Eagles Show Something
PHILADELPHIA--The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a gut-wrenching defeat to the New York Giants here Sunday, yes. But they also demonstrated that they are not to be overlooked when talking about the playoff contenders in the NFC East. For all the bad things that happened while the Eagles were squandering a...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 11:03 AM ET | Email a Comment
Eagles Awaiting Results of MRI Exam On Kearse's Knee
PHILADELPHIA--The Philadelphia Eagles probably will be without defensive end Jevon Kearse for a while, perhaps the remainder of the season. Kearse left Lincoln Financial Field on crutches after injuring his left knee during the Eagles' overtime loss to the New York Giants. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 10:35 AM ET | Comments (1)
Signs of Greatness By E. Manning
PHILADELPHIA--Two games into his third pro season, Eli Manning has arrived as an honest-to-goodness NFL star. The youngest member of quarterbacking's first family has been closely scrutinized by NFL observers, of course, since the buildup to the draft when his refusal to play for the San Diego Chargers helped...
By Mark Maske | September 18, 2006; 10:14 AM ET | Email a Comment
Panthers Without S. Smith
The Carolina Panthers played a second straight game without wide receiver Steve Smith. He remained sidelined by a sore hamstring muscle after failing to practice for a second week in a row....
By Mark Maske | September 17, 2006; 3:00 PM ET | Email a Comment
Seahawks Don't Activate Branch
The Seattle Seahawks decided against activating newly acquired wide receiver Deion Branch. The Seahawks were granted a two-week roster exemption after obtaining Branch last Monday in a trade with the New England Patriots, and didn't add him to the roster this weekend. He should be ready to play after...
By Mark Maske | September 17, 2006; 2:59 PM ET | Email a Comment
Sims, Dockett Fined for Week 1 Hits
Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Ernie Sims was fined $7,500 for a Week 1 hit on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Sims drove his helmet into Hasselbeck after the quarterback slid to protect himself at the end of a run. Ray Anderson, the NFL's senior vice president of football operations,...
By Mark Maske | September 17, 2006; 2:56 PM ET | Email a Comment
Raiders Have Porter Inactive Again
The Oakland Raiders had wide receiver Jerry Porter on their inactive list for a second game in a row. Porter was accused of laughing on the sideline when quarterback Aaron Brooks was sacked during the Raiders' season-opening loss last Monday night, and denied the report by saying it couldn't...
By Mark Maske | September 17, 2006; 2:53 PM ET | Email a Comment
No Abraham for Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are playing without defensive end John Abraham because of a groin injury....
By Mark Maske | September 17, 2006; 2:52 PM ET | Email a Comment
Spikes Out of Bills' Lineup
The Buffalo Bills are playing without linebacker Takeo Spikes because of a pulled hamstring muscle....
By Mark Maske | September 17, 2006; 2:51 PM ET | Email a Comment
Westbrook Doesn't Practice But Is Expected to Play Sunday
Tailback Brian Westbrook missed the Philadelphia Eagles' practice today because of a swollen knee but is expected to play Sunday against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Westbrook also missed most of Thursday's practice....
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 3:43 PM ET | Comments (1)
Chargers, Chiefs In Running For Volek
The San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs apparently are the front-runners to trade for Tennessee Titans quarterback Billy Volek. The Chargers have a rookie, Charlie Whitehurst, backing up third-year pro Philip Rivers, who's in his first season as a starter. The Chiefs need quarterback help after starter Trent...
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 2:00 PM ET | Comments (3)
Bills Don't Know If Spikes Will Be Available
The Buffalo Bills are saying it will be a game-time decision whether they'll have linebacker Takeo Spikes in the lineup this weekend. Spikes didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday because of a slight hamstring pull....
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 12:56 PM ET | Email a Comment
Too-Familiar Refrain for Panthers: S. Smith Doesn't Practice
A second straight week has gone by without Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith practicing. Smith's ailing hamstring kept him out of the Panthers' practice again today, seemingly diminishing the chances even further that he'll play this weekend....
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 12:52 PM ET | Email a Comment
Volek Trade Nearing?
Tennessee Titans quarterback Billy Volek hinted Thursday that he might be traded soon. Asked by reporters if there were any developments on the trade front, Volek said that there were but he planned to keep them confidential. The Titans' opponent Sunday, the San Diego Chargers, is among the teams...
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (2)
Jaguars Defense Short-Handed on Practice Field
Three defensive starters for the Jacksonville Jaguars--tackle Marcus Stroud, end Paul Spicer and linebacker Mike Peterson--sat out Thursday's practice with nagging injuries. It was unclear if any were in any serious jeopardy of missing Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jaguars already will be without end Reggie...
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 12:05 PM ET | Email a Comment
Packers Might Rush K. Robinson Into Action
Wide receiver Koren Robinson signed with the Green Bay Packers just this week, but it's possible that he'll be in uniform for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson was to the be the Minnesota Vikings' No. 1 receiver this season but was released by the club in...
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 12:00 PM ET | Email a Comment
RBs Nicked Up
Running backs already are getting nicked up early in the NFL season. Carnell (Cadillac) Williams sat out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice Thursday because of back spasms. Williams also was plagued by back problems during training camp and during last weekend's season-opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when he...
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 11:08 AM ET | Email a Comment
Strained Calf Muscle Sidelines Raiders' Gallery
As if the outlook wasn't bleak enough for the Oakland Raiders already, they've lost left tackle Robert Gallery for two to three weeks because of a strained calf muscle. Gallery got hurt during practice Wednesday. It's another setback for the player selected second overall in the 2004 NFL draft....
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 10:09 AM ET | Email a Comment
Jaguars CB Williams Facing Possible Discipline By League
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Brian Williams is subject to being disciplined under the league's personal conduct policy after entering a no contest plea to a drunk-driving charge. Williams was sentenced to six months probation and 50 hours of community service. He was arrested 13 days ago and, according to the...
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 9:59 AM ET | Email a Comment
Chiefs Accepting Roaf's Retirement Decision As Final
The Kansas City Chiefs finally are accepting the fact that left tackle Willie Roaf isn't coming back to play this season. Chiefs President Carl Peterson had a long talk with Roaf this week and plans to place him on the reserve-retired list. When Roaf abruptly retired before training camp,...
By Mark Maske | September 15, 2006; 9:46 AM ET | Email a Comment
Prosecutors Want To Test Foley Blood Sample for Steroids
Prosecutors are seeking a blood sample from San Diego Chargers linebacker Steve Foley, who reportedly was shot three times in the leg by an off-duty police officer 11 days ago, to test it for the presence of steroids, according to an affidavit for a search warrant. According to prosecutors,...
By Mark Maske | September 14, 2006; 6:56 PM ET | Comments (2)
S. Smith Remains On Shelf
Wide receiver Steve Smith's hamstring woes kept him out of the Carolina Panthers' practice again today, seemingly diminishing the chances that he will play this weekend. He sat out last weekend's season-opening loss to the Atlanta Falcons and hasn't practiced this week....
By Mark Maske | September 14, 2006; 4:55 PM ET | Email a Comment
League Regards Vikings' Communications-System Failure As "Non-Issue"
The NFL is not investigating a failure of the Minnesota Vikings' communications system during their triumph Monday night over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field, a league spokesman said today. The league considers the episode a technical mishap and a closed matter, the spokesman said. "It's a non-issue," said...
By Mark Maske | September 14, 2006; 4:44 PM ET | Email a Comment
Week 2 Picks
Local Teams Redskins at Cowboys (Sunday night) Gregg Williams's defense should find a way to disrupt Drew Bledsoe and force him into mistakes, and that's the key to beating the Cowboys. Both teams need this one, but the Cowboys might not solve their problems until they make a QB...
By Mark Maske | September 14, 2006; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (13)
Polamalu, Like Roethlisberger, Eases Concerns By Practicing
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger isn't the only prominent Pittsburgh Steelers player who eased concerns about his playing status this week by practicing Wednesday. Safety Troy Polamalu, who hurt his shoulder during last Thursday night's season-opening triumph over the Miami Dolphins, participated in the practice and appears set to play Monday...
By Mark Maske | September 14, 2006; 10:33 AM ET | Email a Comment
Cowher Thought Geathers's Hit on Green Not "Ill-Intended"
League officials aren't the only ones who thought the hit by the Cincinnati Bengals' Robert Geathers last Sunday that left Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green hospitalized for two days with a concussion was clean. A neutral observer, Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Bill Cowher, said earlier this week that he...
By Mark Maske | September 14, 2006; 9:58 AM ET | Email a Comment
Brady Says Branch Situation Was Distraction to Him
Quarterback Tom Brady said he allowed the uncertainty about wide receiver Deion Branch's status to affect him leading up to a mediocre performance in last Sunday's closer-than-expected win over the Buffalo Bills to open the season. "Last week I spent a lot of energy thinking about it," Brady said...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 9:01 PM ET | Comments (1)
Falcons' Abraham Sits Out Practice With Groin Injury
Defensive end John Abraham sat out the Atlanta Falcons' practice today because of a groin injury and it's unclear if he'll play this weekend. He had two sacks against the Carolina Panthers last weekend in his Falcons debut....
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 8:34 PM ET | Email a Comment
Dolphins Keeping Rogers In Mind
The Miami Dolphins didn't sign Charles Rogers after the wide receiver worked out for them Tuesday--at least not immediately. "When we bring guys in [for workouts], we're evaluating not only for right now but also for the future and how we can help make our team better if on...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 8:29 PM ET | Email a Comment
Texans, Packers Trade Reserve RBs
The Houston Texans, still looking for help at tailback after passing over Reggie Bush in the NFL draft, swapped backup runners with the Green Bay Packers today. The Texans sent Vernand Morency to the Packers for Samkon Gado....
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 8:22 PM ET | Comments (4)
Fine Seems Likely for Lions Rookie LB Sims
Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Ernie Sims probably should expect to be fined for his hit on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in Sims's first NFL game last Sunday. Ray Anderson, the league's senior vice president of football operations, said in a written statement released today that the play was...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 8:16 PM ET | Email a Comment
Bledsoe Still Cowboys' QB, At Least For Now
Coach Bill Parcells is resisting the temptation to make a quick quarterback switch after Drew Bledsoe threw three interceptions in the Dallas Cowboys' opening loss at Jacksonville. The clamoring for backup Tony Romo has begun, as expected, among the team's fans. But Parcells says he's sticking with Bledsoe for...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 4:00 PM ET | Email a Comment
S. Smith Still Hurting
Wide receiver Steve Smith sat out the Carolina Panthers' practice today, still sidelined by the ailing hamstring that kept him out of last weekend's season-opening loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Panthers will be without linebacker Dan Morgan this week because of the concussion he suffered in the Falcons...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 3:46 PM ET | Email a Comment
Branch Needs One More Week to Get Ready to Play
Coach Mike Holmgren told a Seattle radio station that the Seahawks' newly acquired wide receiver, Deion Branch, probably won't play this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals. Holmgren told KIRO that Branch, obtained Monday in a trade with the New England Patriots and signed Tuesday to a new six-year, $39...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 3:45 PM ET | Email a Comment
Bills Place T. Vincent on IR
The Buffalo Bills placed safety Troy Vincent on the injured reserve list today, ending his season. Vincent aggravated a hamstring injury during last weekend's loss to the New England Patriots. Rookie Ko Simpson probably moves into the starting lineup to replace Vincent. Linebacker Takeo Spikes missed the Bills' practice...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 3:24 PM ET | Email a Comment
Roaf in K.C. But Staying Retired
Retired Chiefs left tackle Willie Roaf is spending a few days in the Kansas City area and is scheduled to conduct a news conference Thursday. But Roaf apparently has no plans to return to the NFL. Chiefs officials have left open the possibility of Roaf returning to the team...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 3:00 PM ET | Email a Comment
Panthers Take Look at Henson
Quarterback Drew Henson, cut by the Dallas Cowboys during training camp, worked out Tuesday for the Carolina Panthers but wasn't signed....
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 1:30 PM ET | Comments (4)
Broncos Keeping Same RB Rotation
The Denver Broncos are staying with the same tailback rotation they used during last weekend's opening loss at St. Louis. Tatum Bell is to get the start, then split time with rookie Mike Bell....
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 12:58 PM ET | Email a Comment
Jags Moving DT Meier to End
The Jacksonville Jaguars are moving Rob Meier from defensive tackle to defensive end to replace Reggie Hayward, who was placed on the injured reserve list after suffering a ruptured Achilles' tendon during a season-opening triumph over the Dallas Cowboys, in the starting lineup. Meier had been backing up starting...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 12:45 PM ET | Email a Comment
Titans Sticking With K. Collins at QB
The Tennessee Titans are sticking with Kerry Collins as their starting quarterback this week. The Titans hurried Collins into the lineup, ahead of former starter Billy Volek and rookie Vince Young, after signing him shortly before the season. He struggled during last weekend's loss to the New York Jets...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (1)
WR Moves: Lions Sign Hakim, Vikings Negotiating With Q. Morgan, Dolphins Look at C. Rogers
The Detroit Lions signed veteran wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim on Tuesday. Hakim spent three seasons with the Lions between 2002 and 2004. He also is reuniting with his former coach in St. Louis, first-year Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz. There could be more wide receiver moves about to happen...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 10:34 AM ET | Email a Comment
Signs Pointing Toward Roethlisberger Return
Signs are pointing toward quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers' lineup Monday night in Jacksonville. The Steelers released rookie quarterback Omar Jacobs off their practice squad Tuesday, an indication that they probably believe Roethlisberger will be available this week along with the two other quarterbacks on the...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 10:10 AM ET | Email a Comment
Porter-Shell Relationship No Laughing Matter
Wide receiver Jerry Porter's relationship with the Oakland Raiders continues to deteriorate. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Porter reacted to the seventh sack of Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks during Monday night's loss to the San Diego Chargers by laughing and pumping his fist on the sideline. Porter denied...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 9:50 AM ET | Comments (2)
T. Green Out of Hospital
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green was released from a hospital Tuesday, two days after suffering a severe concussion during a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs plan to withhold Green from this weekend's game at Denver, and it likely will be several weeks before he plays. The...
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 9:43 AM ET | Email a Comment
Branch Signs New Contract, Set to Practice Today
Wide receiver Deion Branch signed his six-year, $39 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday. The deal includes about $13 million in bonuses. The Seahawks traded a first-round draft pick to the New England Patriots on Monday for Branch, who had been holding out in a contract dispute....
By Mark Maske | September 13, 2006; 9:28 AM ET | Email a Comment
Week 2 Rankings
Things get a little bit topsy-turvy after a crazy opening weekend. The Colts keep the top spot but the Steelers move up to second as they possibly prepare to welcome back Ben Roethlisberger. Three would-be NFC East heavyweights plummet. The Raiders and Packers perhaps should have a one-game playoff...
By Mark Maske | September 12, 2006; 4:45 PM ET | Comments (2)
Jags Place DE Hayward on IR
The Jacksonville Jaguars placed defensive end Reggie Hayward on the injured reserve list today after he suffered a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury Sunday. The Jaguars signed rookie defensive tackle Montavious Stanley off the St. Louis Rams' practice squad to fill their roster vacancy....
By Mark Maske | September 12, 2006; 2:27 PM ET | Email a Comment
Eagles To Be Without CB Sheppard
The Philadelphia Eagles likely will be without cornerback Lito Sheppard for at least a few weeks after he suffered a sprained ankle during Sunday's victory over the Houston Texans. Rod Hood moves into the starting lineup opposite Sheldon Brown....
By Mark Maske | September 12, 2006; 2:17 PM ET |