Below are the practice participation and injury reports for Thursday, September 29, 2011:
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Carolina
Doubtful: CB Chris Gamble (head)
Questionable: T Jeff Otah (back)
Probable: S Charles Godfrey (head)
Chicago
Out: WR Earl Bennett (chest), T Gabe Carimi (knee)
Questionable: S Chris Harris (hamstring), TE Matt Spaeth (calf)
Probable:RB Marion Barber (calf), RB Kahlil Bell (back), S Major Wright (head, neck)
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo
Out: CB Terrence McGee (hamstring), LB Chris White (hamstring), CB Aaron Williams (chest)
Doubtful: G Kraig Urbik (knee)
Probable: WR Steve Johnson (groin), LB Kirk Morrison (hamstring), DT Torell Troup (back), RB Johnny White (ankle)
Cincinnati
Out: LB Dontay Moch (foot)
Doubtful: G Otis Hudson (knee)
Probable: DL Jonathan Fanene (knee), DE Robert Geathers (shoulder), S Jeromy Miles (groin), DT Pat Sims (elbow), S Gibril Wilson (knee)
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Tennessee
Doubtful: LB Gerald McRath (knee)
Probable: S Chris Hope (shoulder)
Cleveland
Questionable: LB Titus Brown (ankle), CB Sheldon Brown (groin), WR Joshua Cribbs (groin), S Eric Hagg (knee), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (ankle), OL Tony Pashos (ankle), LT Joe Thomas (knee)
Probable: LB Chris Gocong (groin), RB Peyton Hillis (illness), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger)
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Detroit
Out: WR Rashied Davis (foot), LB Justin Durant (concussion), DT Nick Fairley (foot), T Jason Fox (foot)
Questionable: CB Aaron Berry (groin), DE Lawrence Jackson (hamstring), S Amari Spievey (toe), WR Maurice Stovall (hand), S John Wendling (knee), CB Eric Wright (groin)
Probable: S Louis Delmas (abdomen), WR Calvin Johnson (ankle), LB DeAndre Levy (knee), TE Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder)
Dallas
Out: WR Miles Austin (hamstring), K David Buehler (groin), G Derrick Dockery (knee), DE Jason Hatcher (calf), CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle)
Questionable: WR Dez Bryant (thigh), FB Tony Fiammetta (hamstring), QB Tony Romo (ribs)
Probable: C Phil Costa (knee), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), RB Felix Jones (shoulder), LB Anthony Spencer (shoulder)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Pittsburgh
Out: DE Brett Keisel (knee), C/G Doug Legursky (shoulder), T Jonathan Scott (ankle)
Questionable: LB Chris Carter (hamstring)
Probable: WR Arnaz Battle (knee), DT Steve McLendon (illness), WR Mike Wallace (ribs)
Houston
Out: RB Derrick Ward (ankle, shoulder)
Doubtful: CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring)
Questionable: CB Kareem Jackson (knee)
Probable: G Thomas Austin (knee), LB Bryan Braman (wrist), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), TE Joel Dreessen (knee), RB Arian Foster (hamstring), WR Andre Johnson (knee, toe), WR Jacoby Jones (knee), LB DeMeco Ryans (knee, elbow), RB Ben Tate (back, hip), RB Lawrence Vickers (illness), WR Kevin Walter (shoulder), LB Mario Williams (knee)
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans
Out: LB Will Herring (hamstring), C Olin Kreutz (knee), T Zach Strief (knee), TE David Thomas (concussion), LB Martez Wilson (neck, shoulder)
Questionable: WR Marques Colston (shoulder), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)
Probable: S Jonathon Amaya (shoulder), WR Adrian Arrington (knee), LB Jonathan Casillas (foot, knee), S Roman Harper (neck, shoulder), DT Tom Johnson (calf), CB Tracy Porter (calf), DT Shaun Rogers (elbow)
Jacksonville
Out: DE Aaron Kampman (knee), RB Montell Owens (knee)
Doubtful: CB Derek Cox (groin), S Courtney Greene (neck), WR Kassim Osgood (hamstring)
Questionable: DT Leger Douzable (thigh), T Eugene Monroe (shoulder), G Jason Spitz (quadriceps)
Probable: DT Tyson Alualu (knee), DE Matt Roth (neck)
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota
Questionable: LB E.J. Henderson (knee), S Jamarca Sanford (thigh)
Probable: CB Asher Allen (toe), CB Chris Cook (groin), S Tyrell Johnson (hip), TE Jim Kleinsasser (elbow), RB Adrian Peterson (calf), DT Kevin Williams (foot)
Kansas City
Out: WR Jon Baldwin (thumb)
Questionable: CB Brandon Flowers (ankle), S Jon McGraw (shin)
Probable: DE Brandon Bair (illness)
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco
Out: WR Braylon Edwards (knee), RB Moran Norris (fibula)
Questionable: RB Frank Gore (ankle), S Donte Whitner (hip)
Probable: WR Michael Crabtree (foot), G Mike Iupati (neck)
Philadelphia
Out: CB Brandon Hughes (hamstring), DE Juqua Parker (ankle)
Doubtful: DE Darryl Tapp (pectoral)
Probable: S Nate Allen (knee), WR Riley Cooper (concussion), TE Clay Harbor (biceps), T Winston Justice (knee), WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), WR Steve Smith (knee), QB Michael Vick (right hand)
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Washington
Questionable: WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)
Probable: WR Brandon Banks (knee), DE Stephen Bowen (elbow), TE Chris Cooley (knee), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), C Will Montgomery (knee), CB Josh Wilson (back)
St. Louis
Questionable: WR Danny Amendola (elbow)
Probable: TE Michael Hoomanawanui (back), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep), DT Darell Scott (thumb), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring)
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
NY Giants:
Out: CB Prince Amukamara (foot), WR Brandon Stokley (quadricep))
Questionable: LS Zak DeOssie (back), DE Justin Tuck (groin, neck), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee)
Probable: WR Hakeem Nicks (knee), WR Mario Manningham (concussion)
Arizona:
Out: TE Jim Dray (pectoral)
Questionable: KR LaRod Stephens-Howling (hand), WR Chansi Stuckey (hamstring), RB Chris Wells (hamstring)
Probable: TE Todd Heap (ribs), LB Paris Lenon (groin)
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta
Out: DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), DE Cliff Matthews (knee), LB Stephen Nicholas (calf), RB Jason Snelling (concussion)
Questionable: WR Roddy White (thigh)
Probable: T Sam Baker (ankle), CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), LB Curtis Lofton (foot)
Seattle
Out: G Robert Gallery (groin)
Doubtful: S Kam Chancellor (quadriceps), CB Byron Maxwell (ankle)
Probable: OT Jarriel King (ankle), LB Matt McCoy (head, shoulder), FB Michael Robinson (ankle)
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
Denver
Out: WR Eddie Royal (groin), WR Demaryius Thomas (finger), TE Julius Thomas (ankle)
Questionable: CB Champ Bailey (hamstring), DE Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), DT Marcus Thomas (groin)
Probable: RB Knowshown Moreno (hamstring), LB D.J. Williams (elbow)
Green Bay
Out: T Bryan Bulaga (knee), S Nick Collins (neck), DE Mike Neal (knee), RB Ryan Grant (kidney), LB Frank Zombo (shoulder)
Questionable: LB Brad Jones (hamstring), LB Jamari Lattimore (shoulder), CB Patrick Lee (back)
Probable: T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Jermichael Finley (ankle), LB Clay Matthews (quadriceps), DE Ryan Pickett (foot), LB Vic So'oto (back)CB Tramon Williams (shoulder), CB Charles Woodson (foot, knee)
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
New England
Out: TE Aaron Hernandez (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back), DE Mike Wright (concussion)
Questionable: CB Kyle Arrington (chest), CB Leigh Bodden (groin), S Patrick Chung (hand), CB Ras-I Dowling (hip), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), LB Gary Guyton (hamstring), DE Albert Haynesworth (back), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), C Ryan Wendell (calf)
Probable: S Josh Barrett (thumb), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
Oakland
Out: CB Chris Johnson (hamstring), WR Louis Murphy (groin)
Questionable: LB Ricky Brown (concussion), WR Jacoby Ford (hamstring), S Michael Huff (concussion), S Michael Mitchell (knee), RB Marcel Reece (ankle), DE Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder)
Probable: S Jerome Boyd (knee), QB Jason Campbell (foot), CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), S Matt Giordano (shoulder), LB Quentin Groves (quadriceps), RB Darren McFadden (shoulder, groin), CB DeMarcus Van Dyke (knee)
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Miami
Out: DE Tony McDaniel (hand)
Questionable: CB Vontae Davis (hamstring), LB Koa Misi (neck), RB Daniel Thomas (hamstring)
Probable: CB Will Allen (hamstring), G Vernon Carey (shoulder), WR Roberto Wallace (quadriceps)
San Diego
Out: DE Luis Castillo (tibia), DE Jacques Cesaire (knee)
Doubtful: TE Antonio Gates (foot), CB Quentin Jammer (hamstring)
Questionable: WR Malcom Floyd (groin), WR Vincent Jackson (abdomen)
Probable: LB Na'il Diggs (groin), DE Corey Liuget (ankle), RB Ryan Mathews (foot)
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
NY Jets
Out: WR Logan Payne (wrist)
Questionable: C Nick Mangold (ankle)
Probable: WR Plaxico Burress (hamstring), CB Antonio Cromartie (ribs), DE Mike DeVito (shoulder), LB David Harris (toe), WR Santonio Holmes (shoulder), DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder)
Baltimore
Out: WR Lee Evans (ankle), S Haruki Nakamura (knee), WR David Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (ankle)
Doubtful: LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh)
Questionable: CB Chris Carr (thigh), G Ben Grubbs (toe)
Probable: C Matt Birk (knee), DE Cory Redding (toe)
Monday Night Football
Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis
Out: QB Peyton Manning (neck)
Did not participate: QB Kerry Collins (head), G Ryan Diem (ankle), TE Brody Eldridge (knee), DT Fili Moala (ankle), G Joe Reitz (ankle), LB Ernie Sims (knee)
Full participation: S Antoine Bethea (heel), DE Dwight Freeney (ankle)
Tampa Bay
Did not participate: LB Quincy Black (ankle), T James Lee (knee), TE Zack Pianalto (calf), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot), TE Kellen Winslow (knee)
Limited participation: QB Josh Johnson (ankle)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Buccaneers Announce MNF Sellout
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that Monday night's home game against the Indianapolis Colts will be televised locally.
As of Tuesday, the Buccaneers needed to sell 2,000 tickets by 8:30pm ET tonight to avoid an 11th straight local television blackout.
Coming off a 10-6 season, the Buccaneers' first two home games (against the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons) had a combined paid attendance of just 98,269, with nearly 20,000 unsold seats for last week's game against their NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons.
The Buccaneers have another prime time home game scheduled for December 17 against the Dallas Cowboys.
As of Tuesday, the Buccaneers needed to sell 2,000 tickets by 8:30pm ET tonight to avoid an 11th straight local television blackout.
Coming off a 10-6 season, the Buccaneers' first two home games (against the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons) had a combined paid attendance of just 98,269, with nearly 20,000 unsold seats for last week's game against their NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons.
The Buccaneers have another prime time home game scheduled for December 17 against the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Affirms Terrelle Pryor Suspension
The NFL has upheld, or affirmed, the five-game suspension of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor for manipulating of NFL eligibility rules.
"Based on Mr. Pryor’s actions, I believe it is a fair conclusion that he intentionally took steps to ensure that he would be declared ineligible for further college play and would be able to enter the NFL via the Supplemental Draft," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in his decision to affirm the suspension. "Taken as a whole, I found that this conduct was tantamount to a deliberate manipulation of our eligibility rules in a way that distorts the underlying principles and calls into question the integrity of those rules."
Pryor had been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 college season for selling memorabilia for cash and services before forgoing his senior season and leaving Ohio State University amid further investigation into him receiving improper benefits.
"In my judgment, allowing players to secure their own ineligibility for college play in order to avoid previously determined disciplinary consequences for admitted conduct reflects poorly not on college football – which acted to discipline the transgressor – but on the NFL, by making it into a sanctuary where a player cannot only avoid the consequences of his conduct, but be paid for doing so
Selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2011 Supplemental Draft, Pryor is eligible to be activated to Oakland's 53-man roster following their October 9 road game against the Houston Texans.
Pryor signed a four-year contract worth $2.746 million, with the five-game suspension costing him $110,294 in base salary this season.
Other quotes from Goodell regarding the decision:
"Mr. Pryor – not Ohio State or the NCAA – made the judgment that he was ineligible for college play, and then took a series of affirmative steps that were intended to, and had the effect of, accomplishing that result. Moreover, Mr. Pryor did so in order to avoid the consequences of his conduct while in college – conduct to which he had admitted and for which he had accepted a suspension – and to hasten the day when he could pursue a potentially lucrative professional career in the NFL.
"This smacks of a calculated effort to manipulate our eligibility rules in a way that undermines the integrity of, and public confidence in, those rules. Mr. Pryor made an affirmative decision to remain in college and play for Ohio State in 2011. He later reconsidered and decided that he wanted to enter the NFL. In order to do so, he needed to forfeit his remaining college eligibility and took steps to ensure that would happen. Based on the specific facts presented here, I conclude that Mr. Pryor’s actions warranted imposition of conditions on his entry into the NFL, namely, that he serve the same five-game suspension that he had previously agreed to while at Ohio State."
"Based on Mr. Pryor’s actions, I believe it is a fair conclusion that he intentionally took steps to ensure that he would be declared ineligible for further college play and would be able to enter the NFL via the Supplemental Draft," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in his decision to affirm the suspension. "Taken as a whole, I found that this conduct was tantamount to a deliberate manipulation of our eligibility rules in a way that distorts the underlying principles and calls into question the integrity of those rules."
Pryor had been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 college season for selling memorabilia for cash and services before forgoing his senior season and leaving Ohio State University amid further investigation into him receiving improper benefits.
"In my judgment, allowing players to secure their own ineligibility for college play in order to avoid previously determined disciplinary consequences for admitted conduct reflects poorly not on college football – which acted to discipline the transgressor – but on the NFL, by making it into a sanctuary where a player cannot only avoid the consequences of his conduct, but be paid for doing so
Selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2011 Supplemental Draft, Pryor is eligible to be activated to Oakland's 53-man roster following their October 9 road game against the Houston Texans.
Pryor signed a four-year contract worth $2.746 million, with the five-game suspension costing him $110,294 in base salary this season.
Other quotes from Goodell regarding the decision:
"Mr. Pryor – not Ohio State or the NCAA – made the judgment that he was ineligible for college play, and then took a series of affirmative steps that were intended to, and had the effect of, accomplishing that result. Moreover, Mr. Pryor did so in order to avoid the consequences of his conduct while in college – conduct to which he had admitted and for which he had accepted a suspension – and to hasten the day when he could pursue a potentially lucrative professional career in the NFL.
"This smacks of a calculated effort to manipulate our eligibility rules in a way that undermines the integrity of, and public confidence in, those rules. Mr. Pryor made an affirmative decision to remain in college and play for Ohio State in 2011. He later reconsidered and decided that he wanted to enter the NFL. In order to do so, he needed to forfeit his remaining college eligibility and took steps to ensure that would happen. Based on the specific facts presented here, I conclude that Mr. Pryor’s actions warranted imposition of conditions on his entry into the NFL, namely, that he serve the same five-game suspension that he had previously agreed to while at Ohio State."
Nick Collins Underwent Neck Surgery
Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins underwent successful neck surgery on Thursday night, Charley Casserly of CBS Sports reports.
According to Casserly, it was a "single fusion in his neck vertebrae", and the club is optimistic that he'll play in 2012. Collins' agent, Alan Herman, says whether or not Collins can continue his NFL career won't be known for six months.
"There’s no answer right now. We’re not going to know for six months," Herman said via Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee. "But there’s no a doubt in my mind Nick Collins wants to play football provided he’s healthy. He’s 28 years old and has got a bunch of years ahead of him if he recovers from this. But he’s also a smart guy, and if Dr. Cammissa says there’s a risk of potentially hurting himself, then Nick will make the right decision.:
The Packers have yet to place Collins on injured reserve, but that transaction is inevitable and could occur before Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
Collins was injured on September 18 when he was attempting to tackle Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, who landed on Collins' head after his attempt to hurdle the three-time Pro Bowl safety. Collins spent the night in a Charlotte hospital, but returned to Green Bay the following day.
As part of his three-year, $22.8 million contract extension from 2010, Collins has $300,000 available in per game roster bonuses. In order to receive those $18,750 weekly payments, Collins needed to be on the 45-man (now 46-man) active roster.
According to Casserly, it was a "single fusion in his neck vertebrae", and the club is optimistic that he'll play in 2012. Collins' agent, Alan Herman, says whether or not Collins can continue his NFL career won't be known for six months.
"There’s no answer right now. We’re not going to know for six months," Herman said via Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee. "But there’s no a doubt in my mind Nick Collins wants to play football provided he’s healthy. He’s 28 years old and has got a bunch of years ahead of him if he recovers from this. But he’s also a smart guy, and if Dr. Cammissa says there’s a risk of potentially hurting himself, then Nick will make the right decision.:
The Packers have yet to place Collins on injured reserve, but that transaction is inevitable and could occur before Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
Collins was injured on September 18 when he was attempting to tackle Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, who landed on Collins' head after his attempt to hurdle the three-time Pro Bowl safety. Collins spent the night in a Charlotte hospital, but returned to Green Bay the following day.
As part of his three-year, $22.8 million contract extension from 2010, Collins has $300,000 available in per game roster bonuses. In order to receive those $18,750 weekly payments, Collins needed to be on the 45-man (now 46-man) active roster.
Colts QB Curtis Painter To Make First NFL Start
Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell named third-year quarterback Curtis Painter the starter for Monday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star reports.
Painter, a 2009 sixth-round pick out of Purdue, will be making his first NFL start.
In three career NFL games, Painter has completed 13-of-39 pass attempts (33.3 percent) for 143 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions for a career passer rating of 23.8. Painter has also been sacked four times and lost three fumbles.
Painter replaced a concussed Kerry Collins in Sunday night's 23-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 5-of-11 attempts for 60 yards. Collins is still being evaluated for a concussion and has not practiced this week.
The Colts re-signed veteran Dan Orlovsky earlier in the week to be the No. 2 if Collins is unable to dress for the game. Orlovsky has started seven NFL games during his career and went to training camp with the Colts this season. Painter has more experience within the offense, though, which is why he was kept on the 53-man roster and why he'll start on Monday night against the Buccaneers.
Painter, a 2009 sixth-round pick out of Purdue, will be making his first NFL start.
In three career NFL games, Painter has completed 13-of-39 pass attempts (33.3 percent) for 143 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions for a career passer rating of 23.8. Painter has also been sacked four times and lost three fumbles.
Painter replaced a concussed Kerry Collins in Sunday night's 23-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 5-of-11 attempts for 60 yards. Collins is still being evaluated for a concussion and has not practiced this week.
The Colts re-signed veteran Dan Orlovsky earlier in the week to be the No. 2 if Collins is unable to dress for the game. Orlovsky has started seven NFL games during his career and went to training camp with the Colts this season. Painter has more experience within the offense, though, which is why he was kept on the 53-man roster and why he'll start on Monday night against the Buccaneers.
Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis Knows Catches Come In Bunches
In the first three weeks of his five-year, $34 million contract extension, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis has just four receptions for 43 yards.
Despite the lack of production, the 2010 Pro Bowler recognizes that, as a team leader, he cannot sulk in the locker room, Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union reports.
"In my heart, I hate to lose more than I love to win," Lewis said. "For me being a leader, they can't see me with my head down and I don't have a smile on my face. I feel it's my job to always be upbeat because it could be a lot worse. We have good chemistry here with good coaches who care about the players. That keeps us going."
Lewis, who had 10 receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns last September, knows that his production could jump on any given Sunday.
"You know what kind of heart I've got. I'm not selfish. They (catches) come in bunches. I could have seven catches Sunday with two touchdowns," said Lewis.
The Jaguars host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. In last week's win over the Houston Texans, the Saints allowed tight ends Owen Daniels and James Casey to catch 10 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite the lack of production, the 2010 Pro Bowler recognizes that, as a team leader, he cannot sulk in the locker room, Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union reports.
"In my heart, I hate to lose more than I love to win," Lewis said. "For me being a leader, they can't see me with my head down and I don't have a smile on my face. I feel it's my job to always be upbeat because it could be a lot worse. We have good chemistry here with good coaches who care about the players. That keeps us going."
Lewis, who had 10 receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns last September, knows that his production could jump on any given Sunday.
"You know what kind of heart I've got. I'm not selfish. They (catches) come in bunches. I could have seven catches Sunday with two touchdowns," said Lewis.
The Jaguars host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. In last week's win over the Houston Texans, the Saints allowed tight ends Owen Daniels and James Casey to catch 10 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
Cowboys QB Tony Romo Still Not 100%
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo took some more shots, but made it through Monday night's 18-16 win over the Washington Redskins. Romo is improving, but knows he won't be 100 percent for awhile, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
"I'm not back to where everything is back to normal yet, but it's definitely on its way," Romo said. "It feels good to keep the improvement side of it continuing to go."
Romo suffered a fractured rib and punctured lung in a Week 2 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to taking another pain-killing injection, Romo will continue to wear a kevlar vest to protect his ribcage.
"I'm not back to where everything is back to normal yet, but it's definitely on its way," Romo said. "It feels good to keep the improvement side of it continuing to go."
Romo suffered a fractured rib and punctured lung in a Week 2 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to taking another pain-killing injection, Romo will continue to wear a kevlar vest to protect his ribcage.
NFL News and Notes - September 30, 2011
The Buffalo Bills must learn to deal with success, writes Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News.
New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo knows it's time for the defense to step up.
New York Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine questioned his players' effort against the Raiders.
Cornerback Vontae Davis is close to returning to the Miami Dolphins' lineup.
The upcoming bye week will factor in the Baltimore Ravens' decision to play left guard Ben Grubbs (toe) on Sunday night.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cornerbacks Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen will be ready if needed, writes Ralph Paul of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis defended his decision to not play with strep throat last Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals ticket sales manager Andrew Brown says the lockout has hurt ticket sales this season.
True or not, Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell does not appear to have full control over who plays, writes Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty wants to join his twin brother in the Pro Bowl.
Jacksonville Jaguars 43-year-old punter Matt Turk is adjusting to a new punting style this season.
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is looking for answers to the offense's problems in the red zone.
After an offseason without OTAs or mini-camps, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe isn't surprised by the team's slow start.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd is staying patient despite a lack of targets in the team's run-heavy offense.
The Oakland Raiders have sold out consecutive home games for the first time since 2008.
San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler responded well to his role as a two-down player, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The Arizona Cardinals offensive line will be challenged by the Giants' pass rush.
A poor passing attack is hurting the San Francisco 49ers' running game, writes Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.
Seattle Seahawks first-round right tackle James Carpenter says the game has slowed down for him the last couple of weeks.
The St. Louis Rams are concerned about hits on quarterback Sam Bradford.
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is happy with the play of wide receiver Bernard Berrian, writes Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal hopes to return from his knee injury by the end of October.
Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz believes in his system, but Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times wonders where the results are.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is eager to play on national television in Jerry World.
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck is a little bit concerned that the pain in his neck hasn't gone away.
The Philadelphia Eagles could use Nnamdi Asomugha against 49ers tight end Vernon Davis this Sunday.
Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett will continue to rely on blitzes to get to opposing quarterbacks, writes Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post.
Dallas Cowboys left tackle Doug Free concedes his 2011 performance has been average.
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is pleased with the play of first-round defensive end Cameron Jordan.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has struggled in the red zone this season, writes Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times.
After missing two weeks with a hamstring injury, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kelvin Hayden returned to practice on Thursday.
Though he experienced tightness in his back this week, Carolina Panthers right tackle Jeff Otah expects to play this Sunday.
Today's NFL birthdays: Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (28) and practice squad defensive tackle Jason Shirley (26), Broncos practice squad safety Kyle McCarthy (25), Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (24), Jets practice squad defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert (25), 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (32), Rams linebacker Chris Chamberlain (25), Titans fullback Quinn Johnson (26), free agent linebacker H.B. Blades (27) and Arnold Harrison (29), wide receiver Taj Smith (28)
Retired defensive tackle Brentson Buckner (40), running back Jamal Anderson (39), linebackers Greg Favors (37) and Wayne Walker (75).
New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo knows it's time for the defense to step up.
New York Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine questioned his players' effort against the Raiders.
Cornerback Vontae Davis is close to returning to the Miami Dolphins' lineup.
The upcoming bye week will factor in the Baltimore Ravens' decision to play left guard Ben Grubbs (toe) on Sunday night.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cornerbacks Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen will be ready if needed, writes Ralph Paul of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis defended his decision to not play with strep throat last Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals ticket sales manager Andrew Brown says the lockout has hurt ticket sales this season.
True or not, Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell does not appear to have full control over who plays, writes Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty wants to join his twin brother in the Pro Bowl.
Jacksonville Jaguars 43-year-old punter Matt Turk is adjusting to a new punting style this season.
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is looking for answers to the offense's problems in the red zone.
After an offseason without OTAs or mini-camps, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe isn't surprised by the team's slow start.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd is staying patient despite a lack of targets in the team's run-heavy offense.
The Oakland Raiders have sold out consecutive home games for the first time since 2008.
San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler responded well to his role as a two-down player, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The Arizona Cardinals offensive line will be challenged by the Giants' pass rush.
A poor passing attack is hurting the San Francisco 49ers' running game, writes Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.
Seattle Seahawks first-round right tackle James Carpenter says the game has slowed down for him the last couple of weeks.
The St. Louis Rams are concerned about hits on quarterback Sam Bradford.
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is happy with the play of wide receiver Bernard Berrian, writes Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal hopes to return from his knee injury by the end of October.
Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz believes in his system, but Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times wonders where the results are.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is eager to play on national television in Jerry World.
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck is a little bit concerned that the pain in his neck hasn't gone away.
The Philadelphia Eagles could use Nnamdi Asomugha against 49ers tight end Vernon Davis this Sunday.
Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett will continue to rely on blitzes to get to opposing quarterbacks, writes Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post.
Dallas Cowboys left tackle Doug Free concedes his 2011 performance has been average.
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is pleased with the play of first-round defensive end Cameron Jordan.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has struggled in the red zone this season, writes Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times.
After missing two weeks with a hamstring injury, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kelvin Hayden returned to practice on Thursday.
Though he experienced tightness in his back this week, Carolina Panthers right tackle Jeff Otah expects to play this Sunday.
Today's NFL birthdays: Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (28) and practice squad defensive tackle Jason Shirley (26), Broncos practice squad safety Kyle McCarthy (25), Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (24), Jets practice squad defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert (25), 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (32), Rams linebacker Chris Chamberlain (25), Titans fullback Quinn Johnson (26), free agent linebacker H.B. Blades (27) and Arnold Harrison (29), wide receiver Taj Smith (28)
Retired defensive tackle Brentson Buckner (40), running back Jamal Anderson (39), linebackers Greg Favors (37) and Wayne Walker (75).
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Seahawks Open To Dealing Aaron Curry
The Seattle Seahawks are open trading linebacker Aaron Curry, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports.
Seattle's previous front office/coaching staff used the fourth overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft on the former Wake Forest standout, who signed a six-year, $60.068 million contract that included $34.01 million in guaranteed money.
Curry started 30 of his first 32 games, totaling 145 tackles, 5.5 quarterback sacks and eight passes defensed before he was demoted to the second-team last week in favor of 2011 fourth-round pick K.J. Wright. Curry raised some eyebrows with his comments on Twitter before declaring himself at peace with his demotion and was committed to earning his starting job back.
Last month, Curry agreed to a renegotiated contract, voiding the final two years of the deal to hit free agency sooner in exchange for voiding the guarantee from the $5.7575 million base salary he is due in 2012. Curry's $5,076,250 salary this season remains guaranteed.
La Canfora adds that the Seahawks have not yet shopped the 6-foot-2, 254-pound linebacker around the league.
Seattle's previous front office/coaching staff used the fourth overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft on the former Wake Forest standout, who signed a six-year, $60.068 million contract that included $34.01 million in guaranteed money.
Curry started 30 of his first 32 games, totaling 145 tackles, 5.5 quarterback sacks and eight passes defensed before he was demoted to the second-team last week in favor of 2011 fourth-round pick K.J. Wright. Curry raised some eyebrows with his comments on Twitter before declaring himself at peace with his demotion and was committed to earning his starting job back.
Last month, Curry agreed to a renegotiated contract, voiding the final two years of the deal to hit free agency sooner in exchange for voiding the guarantee from the $5.7575 million base salary he is due in 2012. Curry's $5,076,250 salary this season remains guaranteed.
La Canfora adds that the Seahawks have not yet shopped the 6-foot-2, 254-pound linebacker around the league.
Saints WR Marques Colston Expected Back This Week
Three weeks after suffering a broken collarbone, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston is expected to return to the lineup this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune reports.
"I wouldn't anticipate him getting 50 snaps but he is cleared," head coach Sean Payton said. "He is in the plan."
Colston, who has been a limited participant in practice this week, caught six passes for 81 yards in the season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers. Colston was injured while hauling in a critical 23-yard pass on the team's final drive and was expected to miss about four weeks.
The 2006 seventh-round pick out of Hofstra has an incentive to get back on the field: 2011 is the final year of the 28-year-old's contract.
"I wouldn't anticipate him getting 50 snaps but he is cleared," head coach Sean Payton said. "He is in the plan."
Colston, who has been a limited participant in practice this week, caught six passes for 81 yards in the season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers. Colston was injured while hauling in a critical 23-yard pass on the team's final drive and was expected to miss about four weeks.
The 2006 seventh-round pick out of Hofstra has an incentive to get back on the field: 2011 is the final year of the 28-year-old's contract.
NFL Injury Report - 2011 Week 4 (Thursday)
Below are the practice participation and injury reports for Thursday, September 29, 2011:
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Carolina
Did not participate: CB Chris Gamble (head)
Full participation: S Charles Godfrey (head), T Jeff Otah (back)
Chicago
Did not participate: RB Kahlil Bell (back), WR Earl Bennett (chest), T Gabe Carimi (knee), S Chris Harris (hamstring), TE Matt Spaeth (calf)
Full participation:RB Marion Barber (calf), LS Patrick Mannelly (hip), S Major Wright (head, neck)
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo
Did not participate: CB Terrence McGee (hamstring), G Kraig Urbik (knee), LB Chris White (hamstring), CB Aaron Williams (chest)
Full participation: WR Steve Johnson (groin), LB Kirk Morrison (hamstring), DT Torell Troup (back), RB Johnny White (ankle)
Cincinnati
Did not participate: S Jeromy Miles (groin), LB Dontay Moch (foot), S Gibril Wilson (knee)
Limited participation: DL Jonathan Fanene (knee), DE Robert Geathers (shoulder), G Otis Hudson (knee)
Full participation: S Chris Crocker (not injury related)
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Tennessee
Did not participate: LB Gerald McRath (knee)
Full participation: S Chris Hope (shoulder)
Cleveland
Limited participation: LB Titus Brown (ankle), CB Sheldon Brown (groin), WR Joshua Cribbs (groin), S Eric Hagg (knee), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (ankle), OL Tony Pashos (ankle), LT Joe Thomas (knee)
Full participation: LB Chris Gocong (groin), RB Peyton Hillis (illness), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger)
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Detroit
Did not participate: WR Rashied Davis (foot), LB Justin Durant (concussion), DT Nick Fairley (foot), T Jason Fox (foot)
Limited participation: CB Aaron Berry (groin), S Louis Delmas (abdomen), DE Lawrence Jackson (hamstring), WR Calvin Johnson (ankle), TE Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder), S Amari Spievey (toe), WR Maurice Stovall (hand), S John Wendling (knee), CB Eric Wright (groin)
Full participation: LB DeAndre Levy (knee), QB Matthew Stafford (right forearm)
Dallas
Did not participate: WR Miles Austin (hamstring), WR Dez Bryant (thigh), K David Buehler (groin), G Derrick Dockery (knee), FB Tony Fiammetta (hamstring), DE Jason Hatcher (calf), CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle)
Limited participation: QB Tony Romo (ribs)
Full participation: C Phil Costa (knee), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), RB Felix Jones (shoulder), LB Anthony Spencer (shoulder)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Pittsburgh
Did not participate: WR Arnaz Battle (knee), DE Brett Keisel (knee), C/G Doug Legursky (shoulder), DT Steve McLendon (illness), T Jonathan Scott (ankle)
Limited participation: LB Chris Carter (hamstring)
Full participation: WR Mike Wallace (ribs)
Houston
Did not participate: CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring), RB Lawrence Vickers (illness), RB Derrick Ward (ankle, shoulder)
Limited participation: TE Joel Dreessen (knee), CB Kareem Jackson (knee), WR Andre Johnson (knee, toe), WR Jacoby Jones (knee), WR Kevin Walter (shoulder), LB Mario Williams (knee)
Full participation: G Thomas Austin (knee), LB Bryan Braman (wrist), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), RB Arian Foster (hamstring), LB DeMeco Ryans (knee, elbow), RB Ben Tate (back, hip)
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans
Did not participate: LB Will Herring (hamstring), C Olin Kreutz (knee), T Zach Strief (knee), TE David Thomas (concussion), LB Martez Wilson (neck, shoulder)
Limited participation: LB Jonathan Casillas (foot, knee), WR Marques Colston (shoulder), DT Shaun Rogers (elbow), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)
Full participation: S Jonathon Amaya (shoulder), WR Adrian Arrington (knee), S Roman Harper (neck, shoulder), DT Tom Johnson (calf), CB Tracy Porter (calf)
Jacksonville
Did not participate: RB Montell Owens (knee)
Limited participation: CB Derek Cox (groin), DT Leger Douzable (thigh), S Courtney Greene (neck), DE Aaron Kampman (knee), T Eugene Monroe (shoulder), WR Kassim Osgood (hamstring), DE Matt Roth (neck), G Jason Spitz (quadricep)
Full participation: DT Tyson Alualu (knee), RB Greg Jones (not injury related), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related), TE Marcedes Lewis (calf), CB Rashean Mathis (not injury related), LB Clint Session (wrist)
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota
Limited participation: LB E.J. Henderson (knee), S Tyrell Johnson (hip), TE Jim Kleinsasser (elbow), RB Adrian Peterson (calf)
Full participation: CB Asher Allen (toe), CB Chris Cook (groin), S Jamarca Sanford (thigh), DT Kevin Williams (foot)
Kansas City
Limited participation: WR Jon Baldwin (thumb), CB Brandon Flowers (ankle), S Jon McGraw (shin)
Full participation: DE Brandon Bair (illness)
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco
Out: WR Braylon Edwards (knee), RB Moran Norris (fibula)
Limited participation: WR Michael Crabtree (foot), RB Frank Gore (ankle), S Donte Whitner (hip)
Full participation: G Mike Iupati (neck)
Philadelphia
Did not participate: CB Brandon Hughes (hamstring), DE Juqua Parker (ankle)
Limited participation: WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), DE Darryl Tapp (pectoral)
Full participation: S Nate Allen (knee), WR Riley Cooper (concussion), T Winston Justice (knee), WR Steve Smith (knee), QB Michael Vick (right hand)
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Washington
Limited participation: WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)
Full participation: WR Brandon Banks (knee), DE Stephen Bowen (elbow), TE Chris Cooley (knee), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), C Will Montgomery (knee), CB Josh Wilson (back)
St. Louis
Limited participation: WR Danny Amendola (elbow), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (back), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep)
Full participation: DT Darell Scott (thumb), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring)
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
NY Giants:
Did not participate: CB Prince Amukamara (foot), LS Zak DeOssie (back), WR Hakeem Nicks (knee), WR Brandon Stokley (quadricep), DE Justin Tuck (groin, neck)
Limited participation: WR Mario Manningham (concussion), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee)
Arizona:
Did not participate: TE Jim Dray (pectoral)
Limited participation: LB Paris Lenon (groin), WR Chansi Stuckey (hamstring), RB Chris Wells (hamstring)
Full participation: TE Todd Heap (ribs), KR LaRod Stephens-Howling (hand)
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta
Did not participate: DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), DE Cliff Matthews (not injury related), LB Stephen Nicholas (calf), RB Jason Snelling (concussion), WR Roddy White (thigh)
Limited participation: CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring)
Full participation: T Sam Baker (ankle), LB Curtis Lofton (foot)
Seattle
Out: G Robert Gallery (groin)
Did not participate: S Kam Chancellor (quadriceps), CB Byron Maxwell (ankle)
Full participation: OT Jarriel King (ankle), LB Matt McCoy (head, shoulder), FB Michael Robinson (ankle)
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
Denver
Did not participate: WR Eddie Royal (groin), WR Demaryius Thomas (finger), TE Julius Thomas (ankle)
Limited participation: CB Champ Bailey (hamstring), DE Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), DT Marcus Thomas (groin)
Full participation: RB Knowshown Moreno (hamstring), LB D.J. Williams (elbow)
Green Bay
Out: S Nick Collins (neck), DE Mike Neal (knee), LB Frank Zombo (shoulder)
Did not participate: T Bryan Bulaga (knee), RB Ryan Grant (kidney), LB Brad Jones (hamstring), CB Charles Woodson (foot, knee)
Limited participation: TE Jermichael Finley (ankle), LB Jamari Lattimore (shoulder), CB Patrick Lee (back), LB Clay Matthews (quadriceps), CB Tramon Williams (shoulder)
Full participation: T Chad Clifton (knee), DE Ryan Pickett (foot), LB Vic So'oto (back)
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
New England
Did not participate: DE Albert Haynesworth (back), TE Aaron Hernandez (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back), DE Mike Wright (concussion)
Limited participation: CB Kyle Arrington (chest), CB Leigh Bodden (groin), S Patrick Chung (hand), CB Ras-I Dowling (hip), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), LB Gary Guyton (hamstring), G Logan Mankins (illness), LB Jerod Mayo (thigh), P Zoltan Mesko (left knee), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), C Ryan Wendell (calf)
Full participation: S Josh Barrett (thumb), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
Oakland
Did not participate: LB Ricky Brown (concussion), S Michael Huff (concussion), CB Chris Johnson (hamstring), WR Louis Murphy (groin), RB Marcel Reece (ankle), DE Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder)
Limited participation: QB Jason Campbell (foot), CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), WR Jacoby Ford (hamstring), S Michael Mitchell (knee)
Full participation: S Jerome Boyd (knee), S Matt Giordano (shoulder), LB Quentin Groves (quadricep), RB Darren McFadden (shoulder, groin), CB DeMarcus Van Dyke (knee)
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Miami
Did not participate: DE Tony McDaniel (hand)
Limited participation: CB Vontae Davis (hamstring), LB Koa Misi (neck), RB Daniel Thomas (hamstring)
Full participation: CB Will Allen (hamstring), G Vernon Carey (shoulder), WR Roberto Wallace (quadricep)
San Diego
Practice not complete. Check back for update.
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
NY Jets
Out: WR Logan Payne (wrist)
Did not participate: C Nick Mangold (ankle)
Limited participation: WR Plaxico Burress (hamstring), DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder)
Full participation: B Antonio Cromartie (ribs), DE Mike DeVito (shoulder), LB David Harris (toe), WR Santonio Holmes (shoulder)
Baltimore
Did not participate: LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh), WR Lee Evans (ankle), S Haruki Nakamura (knee), WR David Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (ankle)
Limited participation: G Ben Grubbs (toe)
Full participation: C Matt Birk (knee), DE Cory Redding (toe)
Monday Night Football
Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis
Out: QB Peyton Manning (neck)
Did not participate: QB Kerry Collins (head), G Ryan Diem (ankle), DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), DT Fili Moala (ankle), LB Ernie Sims (knee)
Limited participation: S Antoine Bethea (heel), G Joe Reitz (ankle)
Full participation: TE Brody Eldridge (knee)
Tampa Bay
Did not participate: WR Dezmon Briscoe (not injury related), T James Lee (knee), TE Zack Pianalto (calf), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot), TE Kellen Winslow (not injury related)
Full participation: LB Quincy Black (ankle)
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Carolina
Did not participate: CB Chris Gamble (head)
Full participation: S Charles Godfrey (head), T Jeff Otah (back)
Chicago
Did not participate: RB Kahlil Bell (back), WR Earl Bennett (chest), T Gabe Carimi (knee), S Chris Harris (hamstring), TE Matt Spaeth (calf)
Full participation:RB Marion Barber (calf), LS Patrick Mannelly (hip), S Major Wright (head, neck)
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo
Did not participate: CB Terrence McGee (hamstring), G Kraig Urbik (knee), LB Chris White (hamstring), CB Aaron Williams (chest)
Full participation: WR Steve Johnson (groin), LB Kirk Morrison (hamstring), DT Torell Troup (back), RB Johnny White (ankle)
Cincinnati
Did not participate: S Jeromy Miles (groin), LB Dontay Moch (foot), S Gibril Wilson (knee)
Limited participation: DL Jonathan Fanene (knee), DE Robert Geathers (shoulder), G Otis Hudson (knee)
Full participation: S Chris Crocker (not injury related)
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Tennessee
Did not participate: LB Gerald McRath (knee)
Full participation: S Chris Hope (shoulder)
Cleveland
Limited participation: LB Titus Brown (ankle), CB Sheldon Brown (groin), WR Joshua Cribbs (groin), S Eric Hagg (knee), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (ankle), OL Tony Pashos (ankle), LT Joe Thomas (knee)
Full participation: LB Chris Gocong (groin), RB Peyton Hillis (illness), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger)
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Detroit
Did not participate: WR Rashied Davis (foot), LB Justin Durant (concussion), DT Nick Fairley (foot), T Jason Fox (foot)
Limited participation: CB Aaron Berry (groin), S Louis Delmas (abdomen), DE Lawrence Jackson (hamstring), WR Calvin Johnson (ankle), TE Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder), S Amari Spievey (toe), WR Maurice Stovall (hand), S John Wendling (knee), CB Eric Wright (groin)
Full participation: LB DeAndre Levy (knee), QB Matthew Stafford (right forearm)
Dallas
Did not participate: WR Miles Austin (hamstring), WR Dez Bryant (thigh), K David Buehler (groin), G Derrick Dockery (knee), FB Tony Fiammetta (hamstring), DE Jason Hatcher (calf), CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle)
Limited participation: QB Tony Romo (ribs)
Full participation: C Phil Costa (knee), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), RB Felix Jones (shoulder), LB Anthony Spencer (shoulder)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Pittsburgh
Did not participate: WR Arnaz Battle (knee), DE Brett Keisel (knee), C/G Doug Legursky (shoulder), DT Steve McLendon (illness), T Jonathan Scott (ankle)
Limited participation: LB Chris Carter (hamstring)
Full participation: WR Mike Wallace (ribs)
Houston
Did not participate: CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring), RB Lawrence Vickers (illness), RB Derrick Ward (ankle, shoulder)
Limited participation: TE Joel Dreessen (knee), CB Kareem Jackson (knee), WR Andre Johnson (knee, toe), WR Jacoby Jones (knee), WR Kevin Walter (shoulder), LB Mario Williams (knee)
Full participation: G Thomas Austin (knee), LB Bryan Braman (wrist), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), RB Arian Foster (hamstring), LB DeMeco Ryans (knee, elbow), RB Ben Tate (back, hip)
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans
Did not participate: LB Will Herring (hamstring), C Olin Kreutz (knee), T Zach Strief (knee), TE David Thomas (concussion), LB Martez Wilson (neck, shoulder)
Limited participation: LB Jonathan Casillas (foot, knee), WR Marques Colston (shoulder), DT Shaun Rogers (elbow), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)
Full participation: S Jonathon Amaya (shoulder), WR Adrian Arrington (knee), S Roman Harper (neck, shoulder), DT Tom Johnson (calf), CB Tracy Porter (calf)
Jacksonville
Did not participate: RB Montell Owens (knee)
Limited participation: CB Derek Cox (groin), DT Leger Douzable (thigh), S Courtney Greene (neck), DE Aaron Kampman (knee), T Eugene Monroe (shoulder), WR Kassim Osgood (hamstring), DE Matt Roth (neck), G Jason Spitz (quadricep)
Full participation: DT Tyson Alualu (knee), RB Greg Jones (not injury related), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related), TE Marcedes Lewis (calf), CB Rashean Mathis (not injury related), LB Clint Session (wrist)
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota
Limited participation: LB E.J. Henderson (knee), S Tyrell Johnson (hip), TE Jim Kleinsasser (elbow), RB Adrian Peterson (calf)
Full participation: CB Asher Allen (toe), CB Chris Cook (groin), S Jamarca Sanford (thigh), DT Kevin Williams (foot)
Kansas City
Limited participation: WR Jon Baldwin (thumb), CB Brandon Flowers (ankle), S Jon McGraw (shin)
Full participation: DE Brandon Bair (illness)
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco
Out: WR Braylon Edwards (knee), RB Moran Norris (fibula)
Limited participation: WR Michael Crabtree (foot), RB Frank Gore (ankle), S Donte Whitner (hip)
Full participation: G Mike Iupati (neck)
Philadelphia
Did not participate: CB Brandon Hughes (hamstring), DE Juqua Parker (ankle)
Limited participation: WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), DE Darryl Tapp (pectoral)
Full participation: S Nate Allen (knee), WR Riley Cooper (concussion), T Winston Justice (knee), WR Steve Smith (knee), QB Michael Vick (right hand)
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Washington
Limited participation: WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)
Full participation: WR Brandon Banks (knee), DE Stephen Bowen (elbow), TE Chris Cooley (knee), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), C Will Montgomery (knee), CB Josh Wilson (back)
St. Louis
Limited participation: WR Danny Amendola (elbow), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (back), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep)
Full participation: DT Darell Scott (thumb), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring)
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
NY Giants:
Did not participate: CB Prince Amukamara (foot), LS Zak DeOssie (back), WR Hakeem Nicks (knee), WR Brandon Stokley (quadricep), DE Justin Tuck (groin, neck)
Limited participation: WR Mario Manningham (concussion), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee)
Arizona:
Did not participate: TE Jim Dray (pectoral)
Limited participation: LB Paris Lenon (groin), WR Chansi Stuckey (hamstring), RB Chris Wells (hamstring)
Full participation: TE Todd Heap (ribs), KR LaRod Stephens-Howling (hand)
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta
Did not participate: DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), DE Cliff Matthews (not injury related), LB Stephen Nicholas (calf), RB Jason Snelling (concussion), WR Roddy White (thigh)
Limited participation: CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring)
Full participation: T Sam Baker (ankle), LB Curtis Lofton (foot)
Seattle
Out: G Robert Gallery (groin)
Did not participate: S Kam Chancellor (quadriceps), CB Byron Maxwell (ankle)
Full participation: OT Jarriel King (ankle), LB Matt McCoy (head, shoulder), FB Michael Robinson (ankle)
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
Denver
Did not participate: WR Eddie Royal (groin), WR Demaryius Thomas (finger), TE Julius Thomas (ankle)
Limited participation: CB Champ Bailey (hamstring), DE Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), DT Marcus Thomas (groin)
Full participation: RB Knowshown Moreno (hamstring), LB D.J. Williams (elbow)
Green Bay
Out: S Nick Collins (neck), DE Mike Neal (knee), LB Frank Zombo (shoulder)
Did not participate: T Bryan Bulaga (knee), RB Ryan Grant (kidney), LB Brad Jones (hamstring), CB Charles Woodson (foot, knee)
Limited participation: TE Jermichael Finley (ankle), LB Jamari Lattimore (shoulder), CB Patrick Lee (back), LB Clay Matthews (quadriceps), CB Tramon Williams (shoulder)
Full participation: T Chad Clifton (knee), DE Ryan Pickett (foot), LB Vic So'oto (back)
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
New England
Did not participate: DE Albert Haynesworth (back), TE Aaron Hernandez (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back), DE Mike Wright (concussion)
Limited participation: CB Kyle Arrington (chest), CB Leigh Bodden (groin), S Patrick Chung (hand), CB Ras-I Dowling (hip), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), LB Gary Guyton (hamstring), G Logan Mankins (illness), LB Jerod Mayo (thigh), P Zoltan Mesko (left knee), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), C Ryan Wendell (calf)
Full participation: S Josh Barrett (thumb), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
Oakland
Did not participate: LB Ricky Brown (concussion), S Michael Huff (concussion), CB Chris Johnson (hamstring), WR Louis Murphy (groin), RB Marcel Reece (ankle), DE Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder)
Limited participation: QB Jason Campbell (foot), CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), WR Jacoby Ford (hamstring), S Michael Mitchell (knee)
Full participation: S Jerome Boyd (knee), S Matt Giordano (shoulder), LB Quentin Groves (quadricep), RB Darren McFadden (shoulder, groin), CB DeMarcus Van Dyke (knee)
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Miami
Did not participate: DE Tony McDaniel (hand)
Limited participation: CB Vontae Davis (hamstring), LB Koa Misi (neck), RB Daniel Thomas (hamstring)
Full participation: CB Will Allen (hamstring), G Vernon Carey (shoulder), WR Roberto Wallace (quadricep)
San Diego
Practice not complete. Check back for update.
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
NY Jets
Out: WR Logan Payne (wrist)
Did not participate: C Nick Mangold (ankle)
Limited participation: WR Plaxico Burress (hamstring), DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder)
Full participation: B Antonio Cromartie (ribs), DE Mike DeVito (shoulder), LB David Harris (toe), WR Santonio Holmes (shoulder)
Baltimore
Did not participate: LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh), WR Lee Evans (ankle), S Haruki Nakamura (knee), WR David Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (ankle)
Limited participation: G Ben Grubbs (toe)
Full participation: C Matt Birk (knee), DE Cory Redding (toe)
Monday Night Football
Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis
Out: QB Peyton Manning (neck)
Did not participate: QB Kerry Collins (head), G Ryan Diem (ankle), DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), DT Fili Moala (ankle), LB Ernie Sims (knee)
Limited participation: S Antoine Bethea (heel), G Joe Reitz (ankle)
Full participation: TE Brody Eldridge (knee)
Tampa Bay
Did not participate: WR Dezmon Briscoe (not injury related), T James Lee (knee), TE Zack Pianalto (calf), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot), TE Kellen Winslow (not injury related)
Full participation: LB Quincy Black (ankle)
Jaguars Receive 24-Hour Extension To Avoid Blackout
The Jacksonville Jaguars have received a 24-hour extension from the National Football League to avoid having their Week 4 home game against the New Orleans Saints blacked out on local television, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports.
Gagnuli adds the Jaguars have approximately 1,805 tickets remaining for Sunday's game.
After having seven of their eight home games blacked out in 2009, the Jaguars ramped up their ticket sales efforts and avoided blackouts for their entire 2010 home schedule. The Jaguars' home-opener against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 was also a sellout.
The Jaguars have lost two straight by a combined score of 48-13 and made a change at quarterback, replacing veteran Luke McCown (who replaced longtime starter David Garrard) with first-round pick Blaine Gabbert. Sunday would be Gabbert's first regular season start in front of the home crowd.
Receiving a 24-hour extension usually indicates that the tickets will be purchased and the blackout lifted.
Gagnuli adds the Jaguars have approximately 1,805 tickets remaining for Sunday's game.
After having seven of their eight home games blacked out in 2009, the Jaguars ramped up their ticket sales efforts and avoided blackouts for their entire 2010 home schedule. The Jaguars' home-opener against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 was also a sellout.
The Jaguars have lost two straight by a combined score of 48-13 and made a change at quarterback, replacing veteran Luke McCown (who replaced longtime starter David Garrard) with first-round pick Blaine Gabbert. Sunday would be Gabbert's first regular season start in front of the home crowd.
Receiving a 24-hour extension usually indicates that the tickets will be purchased and the blackout lifted.
Janikowski Rounds Out Player Of The Month Awards
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastien Janikowski rounds out the conference "Player of the Month" honors for the month of September.
Janikowski was 5-for-6 on field goal attempts, including 2-of-3 from beyond 50 yards. Janikowski's 63-yard field goal in the season-opening win over the Denver Broncos tied an NFL record.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick earned AFC's Offensive Player of the Month honors, while Cleveland Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson took home the Defensive Player of the Month award.
Janikowski was 5-for-6 on field goal attempts, including 2-of-3 from beyond 50 yards. Janikowski's 63-yard field goal in the season-opening win over the Denver Broncos tied an NFL record.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick earned AFC's Offensive Player of the Month honors, while Cleveland Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson took home the Defensive Player of the Month award.
Aaron Rodgers, Sean Lee, Jason Hanson Earn NFC Player Of The Month Honors
The National Football League has announced that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee and Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson are the NFC's Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams players of the month for September 2011.
Rodgers completed 71.8 percent of 103 pass attempts for 917 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception for an NFL-high 120.9 passer rating this month. Rodgers topped 300 yards the first two weeks before passing for 297 yards against the Chicago Bears in Week 3.
A second-year player out of Penn State (Linebacker U.), Lee has not only earned a starting role in Rob Ryan's defense, he's played a starring role for the Cowboys. Lee leads the team with 28 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries over the first three weeks of the season.
The 41-year-old Hanson is 8-for-8 on field goal attempts for the 3-0 Lions, but perhaps more impressively, is 3-for-3 on attempts from over 40 yards and 2-for-2 on 50+ yard field goal attempts. Hanson also has 11 touchbacks on his 21 kickoffs, nearly matching the 12 touchbacks he recorded on 169 kickoffs over the previous three seasons.
Rodgers completed 71.8 percent of 103 pass attempts for 917 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception for an NFL-high 120.9 passer rating this month. Rodgers topped 300 yards the first two weeks before passing for 297 yards against the Chicago Bears in Week 3.
A second-year player out of Penn State (Linebacker U.), Lee has not only earned a starting role in Rob Ryan's defense, he's played a starring role for the Cowboys. Lee leads the team with 28 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries over the first three weeks of the season.
The 41-year-old Hanson is 8-for-8 on field goal attempts for the 3-0 Lions, but perhaps more impressively, is 3-for-3 on attempts from over 40 yards and 2-for-2 on 50+ yard field goal attempts. Hanson also has 11 touchbacks on his 21 kickoffs, nearly matching the 12 touchbacks he recorded on 169 kickoffs over the previous three seasons.
Bills Extend Training Camp Deal With St. John Fisher College
The Buffalo Bills announced that they have reached a multi-year agreement to hold their training camp at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, New York.
Specific terms as to the length of the agreement were not available.
"We are excited to have come to an agreement to continue our Training Camp at St. John Fisher College," Bills CEO Russ Brandon said in a statement released by the club. We believe Fisher offers us the best place to prepare our football team, continue our regional business initiatives and to serve our great fans.
"We would like to thank President Bain, the Fisher Staff and the Board of Directors for their continued commitment to host the Bills into the future."
The Bills have held training camp at the school since 2000.
Specific terms as to the length of the agreement were not available.
"We are excited to have come to an agreement to continue our Training Camp at St. John Fisher College," Bills CEO Russ Brandon said in a statement released by the club. We believe Fisher offers us the best place to prepare our football team, continue our regional business initiatives and to serve our great fans.
"We would like to thank President Bain, the Fisher Staff and the Board of Directors for their continued commitment to host the Bills into the future."
The Bills have held training camp at the school since 2000.
Browns LB D'Qwell Jackson Named AFC Defensive Player Of The Month
Cleveland Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson posted 30 tackles, 2.5 quarterback sacks and had one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a pass defensed to earn AFC's Defensive Player of the Month honors for the month of September.
Jackson missed most of the 2009 and all of 2010 with pectoral injuries, but was re-signed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million before the lockout in March.
Manning the middle linebacker spot in Dick Jauron's 4-3 defense, Jackson is well on pace to break his career-high of 154 tackles (2008) and has already set a personal-best for quarterback sacks.
Jackson missed most of the 2009 and all of 2010 with pectoral injuries, but was re-signed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million before the lockout in March.
Manning the middle linebacker spot in Dick Jauron's 4-3 defense, Jackson is well on pace to break his career-high of 154 tackles (2008) and has already set a personal-best for quarterback sacks.
Browns TE Evan Moore Surprised By Lack Of Playing Time
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Cleveland Browns tight end Evan Moore has logged less than 10 snaps in each of the last two games, a lack of playing time that has surprised Moore.
"Yeah, it has (surprised me), but I can't control that," Moore said. "There's 13 games left, and I'm going to do everything I can to be on the field as much as I possibly can.
"Based on how it went last week, it's not my job to make those calls," added Moore. "I just do everything I possibly can on the plays that I'm in there and try to get more the following week. We'll see how it goes."
Ben Watson is the clear No. 1 tight end on the Browns, tying for the team-lead with 10 receptions which have gained 125 yards and include a 34-yard touchdown in a Week 1 game where Moore also caught a touchdown pass. For the season, Moore has been targeted just 10 times, catching six passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
Before the 2011 season, the Browns signed Moore, a restricted free agent, to a two-year, $6.515 million contract extension that has a first-year base salary of $2.55 million, which is $130,000 higher than Watson's $2.42 million salary.
The lack of two-tight end packages under first-year head coach Pat Shurmur should not be a surprise, though. According to the last two Football Outsiders Almanacs, Shurmur's St. Louis Rams offenses used two-tight ends on 22 percent of plays in each season, ranking 28th in 2010 and 25th in 2011.
"Yeah, it has (surprised me), but I can't control that," Moore said. "There's 13 games left, and I'm going to do everything I can to be on the field as much as I possibly can.
"Based on how it went last week, it's not my job to make those calls," added Moore. "I just do everything I possibly can on the plays that I'm in there and try to get more the following week. We'll see how it goes."
Ben Watson is the clear No. 1 tight end on the Browns, tying for the team-lead with 10 receptions which have gained 125 yards and include a 34-yard touchdown in a Week 1 game where Moore also caught a touchdown pass. For the season, Moore has been targeted just 10 times, catching six passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
Before the 2011 season, the Browns signed Moore, a restricted free agent, to a two-year, $6.515 million contract extension that has a first-year base salary of $2.55 million, which is $130,000 higher than Watson's $2.42 million salary.
The lack of two-tight end packages under first-year head coach Pat Shurmur should not be a surprise, though. According to the last two Football Outsiders Almanacs, Shurmur's St. Louis Rams offenses used two-tight ends on 22 percent of plays in each season, ranking 28th in 2010 and 25th in 2011.
Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick Named AFC Offensive Player Of The Month
Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Month for September, the team announced.
Fitzpatrick completed 72-of-111 (64.9 percent) pass attempts for 841 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions for a 103.5 passer rating in leading the Bills to a 3-0 record.
To get to 3-0, the Bills have needed to erase deficits of 18 and 21 points the last two weeks at home against the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots. Fitzpatrick had three second-half touchdown passes against Oakland, and was 7-of-12 for 145 yards and a touchdown in the second-half against New England.
"The highest compliment you can pay a quarterback is that he wins," head coach Chan Gailey said. "It doesn't matter whether we're up or down or what, he keeps playing well. He's a winner, obviously."
Fitzpatrick is the first Bills player to win the award since Drew Bledsoe in September of 2002.
Fitzpatrick completed 72-of-111 (64.9 percent) pass attempts for 841 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions for a 103.5 passer rating in leading the Bills to a 3-0 record.
To get to 3-0, the Bills have needed to erase deficits of 18 and 21 points the last two weeks at home against the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots. Fitzpatrick had three second-half touchdown passes against Oakland, and was 7-of-12 for 145 yards and a touchdown in the second-half against New England.
"The highest compliment you can pay a quarterback is that he wins," head coach Chan Gailey said. "It doesn't matter whether we're up or down or what, he keeps playing well. He's a winner, obviously."
Fitzpatrick is the first Bills player to win the award since Drew Bledsoe in September of 2002.
Redskins LB Ryan Kerrigan Named NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Month
Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan has been named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Month for September.
Selected with the 16th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, the former Purdue defensive end quickly transitioned to outside linebacker in the Redskins' 3-4 defense, earning a starting role coming out of his first NFL training camp.
In his first NFL game, Kerrigan recorded five tackles, forced a fumble and returned an interception nine yards for a touchdown. In the two remaining games in September, Kerrigan totaled seven tackles, 1.5 quarterback sacks and two passes defensed.
Selected with the 16th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, the former Purdue defensive end quickly transitioned to outside linebacker in the Redskins' 3-4 defense, earning a starting role coming out of his first NFL training camp.
In his first NFL game, Kerrigan recorded five tackles, forced a fumble and returned an interception nine yards for a touchdown. In the two remaining games in September, Kerrigan totaled seven tackles, 1.5 quarterback sacks and two passes defensed.
NFL News and Notes - September 29, 2011
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden practiced fully on Wednesday, dismissing concerns about his groin injury.
San Diego Chargers second-round cornerback Marcus Gilchrist will continue to get more playing time, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
After missing the last weeks with a shoulder injury, Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil is likely to play this week.
Kansas City Chiefs first-round wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin is eager to make his NFL debut.
Houston Texans tight end James Casey is showing his versatility at fullback, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Veteran Jacksonville Jaguars center Brad Meester took part of the blame for the bad snaps in Week 3's loss to the Panthers.
Second-year wide receiver Damian Williams will replace Kenny Britt in the Tennessee Titans' starting lineup.
The Indianapolis Colts placed a pair of veteran defenders on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson is focused on football, writes Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Gocong signed a three-year contract extension.
Though he did not appear on the team's practice participation report, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made an early exit from yesterday's practice.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle is not discouraged by his lack of playing time, writes Edward Lee of The Baltimore Sun.
Buffalo Bills right tackle Erik Pears has happily flown under the radar this season, writes Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News.
New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes could be the key to stopping the Raiders' ground game, writes Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.
Linebacker Aaron Maybin is thankful for his second opportunity with the New York Jets.
Running back Reggie Bush is looking for more opportunities in the Miami Dolphins offense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers young defensive line is bringing more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
New Orleans Saints second-year offensive tackle Charles Brown will likely make his first NFL start at right tackle for the injured Zach Strief, reports Mike Triplett of The Times-Picayune.
The Atlanta Falcons offensive line is looking to regain its swagger, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Facing the team he played and coached for is a big game for Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera.
Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman wants more touchdowns, fewer turnovers.
As he prepares to make his first NFL start, Philadelphia Eagles sixth-round linebacker Brian Rolle isn't short on confidence, writes Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has adjusted quickly to new personnel at the receiver position.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month for September.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett is adjusting to Ray Horton's offense.
Hobbled by a sprained ankle, San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore may have a reduced role against the Eagles.
Seattle Seahawks fourth-round linebacker K.J. Wright's hard work is behind his rapid ascension up the depth chart.
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford and running back Steven Jackson both practiced on Wednesday.
Green Bay Packers safety Morgan Burnett is filling Nick Collins' role as the ball hawk in the back-end of the secondary, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb doesn't think he needs to change his mechanics.
The Chicago Bears are confident they can get their running game going, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Detroit Lions first-round defensive tackle Nick Fairley may not be ready to make his NFL debut this week.
Today's NFL birthdays: Bengals practice squad quarterback Zac Robinson (25), Packers offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse (23), Vikings rookie tight end Allen Reisner (23), and Titans safety Chris Hope (31). Free agent linebacker Eric Barton (34), kicker Brandon Coutu (27), defensive tackles Tony Brown (31)and Atiyyah Ellison (30), cornerback Bryan McCann (24).
Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox turns 69.
Retired linebacker and Seahawks linebacker coach Ken Norton (45), linebacker and Ravens Director of Player Development O.J. Brigance (42), cornerback Ray Buchanan (40), wide receiver Dedric Ward (37). Former NFL safety Jimmy Patton would have turned 78 today, while running back Altie Taylor would have turned 64.
San Diego Chargers second-round cornerback Marcus Gilchrist will continue to get more playing time, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
After missing the last weeks with a shoulder injury, Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil is likely to play this week.
Kansas City Chiefs first-round wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin is eager to make his NFL debut.
Houston Texans tight end James Casey is showing his versatility at fullback, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Veteran Jacksonville Jaguars center Brad Meester took part of the blame for the bad snaps in Week 3's loss to the Panthers.
Second-year wide receiver Damian Williams will replace Kenny Britt in the Tennessee Titans' starting lineup.
The Indianapolis Colts placed a pair of veteran defenders on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson is focused on football, writes Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Gocong signed a three-year contract extension.
Though he did not appear on the team's practice participation report, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made an early exit from yesterday's practice.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle is not discouraged by his lack of playing time, writes Edward Lee of The Baltimore Sun.
Buffalo Bills right tackle Erik Pears has happily flown under the radar this season, writes Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News.
New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes could be the key to stopping the Raiders' ground game, writes Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.
Linebacker Aaron Maybin is thankful for his second opportunity with the New York Jets.
Running back Reggie Bush is looking for more opportunities in the Miami Dolphins offense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers young defensive line is bringing more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
New Orleans Saints second-year offensive tackle Charles Brown will likely make his first NFL start at right tackle for the injured Zach Strief, reports Mike Triplett of The Times-Picayune.
The Atlanta Falcons offensive line is looking to regain its swagger, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Facing the team he played and coached for is a big game for Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera.
Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman wants more touchdowns, fewer turnovers.
As he prepares to make his first NFL start, Philadelphia Eagles sixth-round linebacker Brian Rolle isn't short on confidence, writes Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has adjusted quickly to new personnel at the receiver position.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month for September.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett is adjusting to Ray Horton's offense.
Hobbled by a sprained ankle, San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore may have a reduced role against the Eagles.
Seattle Seahawks fourth-round linebacker K.J. Wright's hard work is behind his rapid ascension up the depth chart.
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford and running back Steven Jackson both practiced on Wednesday.
Green Bay Packers safety Morgan Burnett is filling Nick Collins' role as the ball hawk in the back-end of the secondary, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb doesn't think he needs to change his mechanics.
The Chicago Bears are confident they can get their running game going, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Detroit Lions first-round defensive tackle Nick Fairley may not be ready to make his NFL debut this week.
Today's NFL birthdays: Bengals practice squad quarterback Zac Robinson (25), Packers offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse (23), Vikings rookie tight end Allen Reisner (23), and Titans safety Chris Hope (31). Free agent linebacker Eric Barton (34), kicker Brandon Coutu (27), defensive tackles Tony Brown (31)and Atiyyah Ellison (30), cornerback Bryan McCann (24).
Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox turns 69.
Retired linebacker and Seahawks linebacker coach Ken Norton (45), linebacker and Ravens Director of Player Development O.J. Brigance (42), cornerback Ray Buchanan (40), wide receiver Dedric Ward (37). Former NFL safety Jimmy Patton would have turned 78 today, while running back Altie Taylor would have turned 64.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Arian Foster To Start For Houston
Sidelined last week with a lingering hamstring injury, Houston Texans running back Arian Foster will return to the starting lineup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.
"He's fine," head coach Gary Kubiak said of Foster. "He should be OK heading into the rest of the season now, hopefully. We'll keep our fingers crossed. He's chomping at the bit and ready to go, took his full load and we're okay."
The NFL's leading rusher in 2010, Foster was inactive in Week 1 before gaining 33 yards on 10 carries in the first half of a Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. Foster spent the second half of the Dolphins game on the bench and did not play in last week's loss to the New Orleans Saints.
With Foster out, 2010 second-round pick Ben Tate, who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, posted back-to-back 100-yard games the first two weeks and was well on his way to another 100-yard effort (19 carries for 82 yards, 80 through three quarters) before the Texans abandoned the run in the fourth quarter against the Saints.
"He's fine," head coach Gary Kubiak said of Foster. "He should be OK heading into the rest of the season now, hopefully. We'll keep our fingers crossed. He's chomping at the bit and ready to go, took his full load and we're okay."
The NFL's leading rusher in 2010, Foster was inactive in Week 1 before gaining 33 yards on 10 carries in the first half of a Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. Foster spent the second half of the Dolphins game on the bench and did not play in last week's loss to the New Orleans Saints.
With Foster out, 2010 second-round pick Ben Tate, who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, posted back-to-back 100-yard games the first two weeks and was well on his way to another 100-yard effort (19 carries for 82 yards, 80 through three quarters) before the Texans abandoned the run in the fourth quarter against the Saints.
Bengals RB Cedric Benson Says He's Playing This Week
After meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to appeal his three-game suspension, Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson says he's playing this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
"I’m playing this week. I know I am," Benson said via Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We had a good meeting yesterday. I had a lot of facts to back us and now we’ll hope for the best outcome and see what happens."
The league has not made a post-hearing ruling, which generally indicates that the matter is still under appeal and will remain so through the weekend.
Benson had 25 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, but has just 123 yards on 33 carries over the last two weeks, both of which the Bengals have lost. The 3-0 Bills have the NFL's 24th-ranked run defense, an improvement over 2010, when they ranked dead last against the run.
"I’m playing this week. I know I am," Benson said via Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We had a good meeting yesterday. I had a lot of facts to back us and now we’ll hope for the best outcome and see what happens."
The league has not made a post-hearing ruling, which generally indicates that the matter is still under appeal and will remain so through the weekend.
Benson had 25 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, but has just 123 yards on 33 carries over the last two weeks, both of which the Bengals have lost. The 3-0 Bills have the NFL's 24th-ranked run defense, an improvement over 2010, when they ranked dead last against the run.
Browns Sign LB Chris Gocong To Three-Year Extension
Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Gocong has signed a three-year contract extension, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
According to Schefter, Gocong's three-year extension is worth $16.8 million.
A third-round pick out of Cal Poly by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, was traded to the Browns last April. A restricted free agent in 2010, the Browns signed Gocong to a one-year, $3.124 million contract extension last June that originally included a $1.7 million base salary for this season.
Gocong started all 16 games for the Browns in 2010, totaling 75 tackles and a pair of quarterback sacks. His performance in 2010 added $300,000 to his 2011 base salary.
After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, Gocong has 253 tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks and 12 passes defensed in 66 games over the last 4+ seasons, including nine tackles and a share of a quarterback sack through three games this season.
According to Schefter, Gocong's three-year extension is worth $16.8 million.
A third-round pick out of Cal Poly by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, was traded to the Browns last April. A restricted free agent in 2010, the Browns signed Gocong to a one-year, $3.124 million contract extension last June that originally included a $1.7 million base salary for this season.
Gocong started all 16 games for the Browns in 2010, totaling 75 tackles and a pair of quarterback sacks. His performance in 2010 added $300,000 to his 2011 base salary.
After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, Gocong has 253 tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks and 12 passes defensed in 66 games over the last 4+ seasons, including nine tackles and a share of a quarterback sack through three games this season.
NFL Injury Report - 2011 Week 4 (Wednesday)
Below are the injury and practice participation reports for Wednesday, September 28:
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Carolina
Did not participate: CB Chris Gamble (head), T Jeff Otah (back)
Full participation: S Charles Godfrey (head)
Chicago
Did not participate: WR Earl Bennett (chest), T Gabe Carimi (knee), TE Matt Spaeth (calf)
Limited participation: LS Patrick Mannelly (hip)
Full participation: RB Marion Barber (calf), S Chris Harris (hamstring), S Major Wright (head, neck)
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo
Did not participate: WR Stevie Johnson (groin), CB Terrence McGee (hamstring), G Kraig Urbik (knee), LB Chris White (hamstring), CB Aaron Williams (chest)
Limited participation: RB Johnny White (ankle)
Full participation: LB Kirk Morrison (hamstring), NT Torell Troup (lower back)
Cincinnati
Did not participate: S Chris Crocker (not injury related), LB Dontay Moch (foot)
Limited participation: DL Jonathan Fanene (knee), DE Robert Geathers (shoulder), G Otis Hudson (knee), S Jeromy Miles (groin)
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Tennessee
Did not participate: LB Gerald McRath (knee)
Full participation: S Chris Hope (shoulder)
Cleveland
Limited participation: LB Titus Brown (ankle), CB Sheldon Brown (groin), WR Joshua Cribbs (groin), S Eric Hagg (knee), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (ankle), OL Tony Pashos (ankle), LT Joe Thomas (knee)
Full participation: LB Chris Gocong (groin), RB Peyton Hillis (illness), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger)
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Detroit
Did not participate: CB Aaron Berry (groin), WR Rashied Davis (foot), S Louis Delmas (abdomen), LB Justin Durant (concussion), DT Nick Fairley (foot), T Jason Fox (foot), WR Calvin Johnson (ankle), S John Wendling (knee), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (not injury related)
Limited participation: DE Lawrence Jackson (hamstring), TE Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder), LB DeAndre Levy (knee), WR Maurice Stovall (hand), CB Eric Wright (groin)
Full participation: QB Matthew Stafford (right forearm)
Dallas
Did not participate: WR Miles Austin (hamstring), K David Buehler (groin), G Derrick Dockery (knee), DE Jason Hatcher (calf), CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle)
Limited participation: WR Dez Bryant (thigh), FB Tony Fiammetta (hamstring), QB Tony Romo (ribs)
Full participation: C Phil Costa (knee), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), RB Felix Jones (shoulder), LB Anthony Spencer (shoulder)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Pittsburgh
Did not participate: WR Arnaz Battle (knee), LB James Farrior (not injury related), DE Brett Keisel (knee), C/G Doug Legursky (shoulder), T Jonathan Scott (ankle), DE Aaron Smith (not injury related), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
Limited participation: WR Mike Wallace (ribs)
Houston
Did not participate: WR Andre Johnson (knee, toe), CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring), RB Derrick Ward (ankle, shoulder)
Limited participation: TE Joel Dreessen (knee), CB Kareem Jackson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (knee), WR Kevin Walter (shoulder), LB Mario Williams (knee)
Full participation: G Thomas Austin (knee), LB Bryan Braman (wrist), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), RB Arian Foster (hamstring), LB DeMeco Ryans (knee, elbow), RB Ben Tate (back)
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans
Did not participate: LB Will Herring (hamstring), C Olin Kreutz (knee), T Zach Strief (knee), TE David Thomas (concussion), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee), LB Martez Wilson (neck, shoulder)
Limited participation: LB Jonathan Casillas (foot, knee), WR Marques Colston (shoulder)
Full participation: S Jon Amaya (shoulder), WR Adrian Arrington (knee), DT Aubrayo Franklin (thigh), S Roman Harper (neck, shoulder), DT Tom Johnson (calf), CB Tracy Porter (calf)
Jacksonville
Did not participate: DT Tyson Alualu (knee), DE Aaron Kampman (knee), RB Montell Owens (knee)
Limited participation: DT Leger Douzable (thigh), S Courtney Greene (neck), RB Greg Jones (not injury related), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related), CB Rashean Mathis (not injury related), T Eugene Monroe (shoulder), WR Kassim Osgood (hamstring), DE Matt Roth (neck), G Jason Spitz (quadricep)
Full participation: TE Marcedes Lewis (calf), LB Clint Session (wrist)
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota
Did not participate: LB E.J. Henderson (knee), RB Adrian Peterson (calf)
Limited participation: S Tyrell Johnson (hip), TE Jim Kleinsasser (elbow)
Full participation: CB Asher Allen (toe), CB Chris Cook (groin), DT Kevin Williams (foot)
Kansas City
Did not participate: DE Brandon Bair (illness)
Limited participation: WR Jon Baldwin (thumb), CB Brandon Flowers (ankle), S Jon McGraw (shin)
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco
Limited participation: WR Michael Crabtree (foot), RB Frank Gore (ankle), S Donte Whitner (hip)
Full participation: G Mike Iupati (neck)
Philadelphia
Did not participate: CB Brandon Hughes (hamstring), WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), DE Juqua Parker (ankle)
Limited participation: DE Darryl Tapp (pectoral)
Full participation: S Nate Allen (knee), WR Riley Cooper (concussion), T Winston Justice (knee), WR Steve Smith (knee), QB Michael Vick (right hand)
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Washington
Limited participation: WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)
Full participation: WR Brandon Banks (knee), DE Stephen Bowen (elbow), TE Chris Cooley (knee), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), C Will Montgomery (knee), CB Josh Wilson (back)
St. Louis
Did not participate: WR Danny Amendola (elbow)
Limited participation: TE Michael Hoomanawanui (back), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep), DT Darell Scott (thumb), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring)
Full participation: QB Sam Bradford (toe)
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
NY Giants:
Did not participate: CB Prince Amukamara (foot), DE Justin Tuck (groin, neck)
Limited participation: WR Mario Manningham (concussion), WR Brandon Stokley (quadriceps), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee)
Arizona:
Did not participate: TE Jim Dray (pectoral), WR Chansi Stuckey (hamstring)
Limited participation: TE Todd Heap (ribs), LB Paris Lenon (groin), RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hand), RB Beanie Wells (hamstring)
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta
Did not participate: DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), LB Stephen Nicholas (calf), RB Jason Snelling (concussion), WR Roddy White (thigh)
Limited participation: T Sam Baker (ankle), LB Curtis Lofton (foot), DE Cliff Matthews (not injury related)
Seattle
Out: G Robert Gallery (groin)
Did not participate: LB Matt McCoy (shoulder), S Kam Chancellor (quadriceps), S Byron Maxwell (ankle)
Full participation: T Jarriel King (ankle), FB Michael Robinson (ankle)
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
Denver
Did not participate: WR Eddie Royal (groin), WR Demaryius Thomas (finger), TE Julius Thomas (ankle)
Limited participation: CB Champ Bailey (hamstring), DE Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), DT Marcus Thomas (groin)
Full participation: RB Knowshown Moreno (hamstring), LB D.J. Williams (elbow)
Green Bay
Out: S Nick Collins (neck), DE Mike Neal (knee), LB Frank Zombo (shoulder)
Did not participate: T Bryan Bulaga (knee), RB Ryan Grant (kidney), LB Brad Jones (hamstring), CB Patrick Lee (back), LB Clay Matthews (quadriceps), CB Charles Woodson (foot, knee)
Limited participation: T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Jermichael Finley (ankle), DE Ryan Pickett (foot), CB Tramon Williams (shoulder)
Full participation: LB Vic So'oto (back)
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
New England
Did not participate: TE Aaron Hernandez (knee), G Logan Mankins (illness), T Sebastian Vollmer (back), DE Mike Wright (concussion)
Limited participation: CB Kyle Arrington (chest), CB Leigh Bodden (groin), S Patrick Chung (hand), CB Ras-I Dowling (hip), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), LB Gary Guyton (hamstring), DE Albert Haynesworth (back), LB Jerod Mayo (thigh), P Zoltan Mesko (left knee), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), C Ryan Wendell (calf)
Full participation: S Josh Barrett (thumb), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
Oakland
Did not participate: LB Ricky Brown (concussion), CB Chris Johnson (hamstring), WR Louis Murphy (groin), RB Marcel Reece (ankle), DE Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder)
Limited participation: QB Jason Campbell (foot), CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), WR Jacoby Ford (hamstring), S Michael Huff (concussion), S Michael Mitchell (knee)
Full participation: S Jerome Boyd (knee), S Matt Giordano (shoulder), LB Quentin Groves (quadricep), RB Darren McFadden (shoulder, groin), CB DeMarcus Van Dyke (knee)
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Miami
Did not participate: S Yeremiah Bell (not injury related), DE Tony McDaniel (hand), LB Jason Taylor (not injury related)
Limited participation: CB Vontae Davis (hamstring)
Full participation: CB Will Allen (hamstring), G Vernon Carey (shoulder), WR Roberto Wallace (quadricep)
San Diego
Practice not complete. Check back for update.
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
NY Jets
Out: WR Logan Payne (wrist)
Did not participate: CB Antonio Cromartie (ribs), C Nick Mangold (ankle)
Limited participation: LB David Harris (toe), DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder)
Full participation: DE Mike DeVito (shoulder), WR Santonio Holmes (shoulder)
Baltimore
Did not participate: C Matt Birk (knee), LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh), WR Lee Evans (ankle), G Ben Grubbs (toe), S Haruki Nakamura (knee), DE Cory Redding (toe), WR David Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (ankle)
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Carolina
Did not participate: CB Chris Gamble (head), T Jeff Otah (back)
Full participation: S Charles Godfrey (head)
Chicago
Did not participate: WR Earl Bennett (chest), T Gabe Carimi (knee), TE Matt Spaeth (calf)
Limited participation: LS Patrick Mannelly (hip)
Full participation: RB Marion Barber (calf), S Chris Harris (hamstring), S Major Wright (head, neck)
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo
Did not participate: WR Stevie Johnson (groin), CB Terrence McGee (hamstring), G Kraig Urbik (knee), LB Chris White (hamstring), CB Aaron Williams (chest)
Limited participation: RB Johnny White (ankle)
Full participation: LB Kirk Morrison (hamstring), NT Torell Troup (lower back)
Cincinnati
Did not participate: S Chris Crocker (not injury related), LB Dontay Moch (foot)
Limited participation: DL Jonathan Fanene (knee), DE Robert Geathers (shoulder), G Otis Hudson (knee), S Jeromy Miles (groin)
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Tennessee
Did not participate: LB Gerald McRath (knee)
Full participation: S Chris Hope (shoulder)
Cleveland
Limited participation: LB Titus Brown (ankle), CB Sheldon Brown (groin), WR Joshua Cribbs (groin), S Eric Hagg (knee), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (ankle), OL Tony Pashos (ankle), LT Joe Thomas (knee)
Full participation: LB Chris Gocong (groin), RB Peyton Hillis (illness), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger)
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Detroit
Did not participate: CB Aaron Berry (groin), WR Rashied Davis (foot), S Louis Delmas (abdomen), LB Justin Durant (concussion), DT Nick Fairley (foot), T Jason Fox (foot), WR Calvin Johnson (ankle), S John Wendling (knee), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (not injury related)
Limited participation: DE Lawrence Jackson (hamstring), TE Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder), LB DeAndre Levy (knee), WR Maurice Stovall (hand), CB Eric Wright (groin)
Full participation: QB Matthew Stafford (right forearm)
Dallas
Did not participate: WR Miles Austin (hamstring), K David Buehler (groin), G Derrick Dockery (knee), DE Jason Hatcher (calf), CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle)
Limited participation: WR Dez Bryant (thigh), FB Tony Fiammetta (hamstring), QB Tony Romo (ribs)
Full participation: C Phil Costa (knee), CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder), RB Felix Jones (shoulder), LB Anthony Spencer (shoulder)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Pittsburgh
Did not participate: WR Arnaz Battle (knee), LB James Farrior (not injury related), DE Brett Keisel (knee), C/G Doug Legursky (shoulder), T Jonathan Scott (ankle), DE Aaron Smith (not injury related), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
Limited participation: WR Mike Wallace (ribs)
Houston
Did not participate: WR Andre Johnson (knee, toe), CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring), RB Derrick Ward (ankle, shoulder)
Limited participation: TE Joel Dreessen (knee), CB Kareem Jackson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (knee), WR Kevin Walter (shoulder), LB Mario Williams (knee)
Full participation: G Thomas Austin (knee), LB Bryan Braman (wrist), G Mike Brisiel (shoulder), RB Arian Foster (hamstring), LB DeMeco Ryans (knee, elbow), RB Ben Tate (back)
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans
Did not participate: LB Will Herring (hamstring), C Olin Kreutz (knee), T Zach Strief (knee), TE David Thomas (concussion), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee), LB Martez Wilson (neck, shoulder)
Limited participation: LB Jonathan Casillas (foot, knee), WR Marques Colston (shoulder)
Full participation: S Jon Amaya (shoulder), WR Adrian Arrington (knee), DT Aubrayo Franklin (thigh), S Roman Harper (neck, shoulder), DT Tom Johnson (calf), CB Tracy Porter (calf)
Jacksonville
Did not participate: DT Tyson Alualu (knee), DE Aaron Kampman (knee), RB Montell Owens (knee)
Limited participation: DT Leger Douzable (thigh), S Courtney Greene (neck), RB Greg Jones (not injury related), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related), CB Rashean Mathis (not injury related), T Eugene Monroe (shoulder), WR Kassim Osgood (hamstring), DE Matt Roth (neck), G Jason Spitz (quadricep)
Full participation: TE Marcedes Lewis (calf), LB Clint Session (wrist)
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota
Did not participate: LB E.J. Henderson (knee), RB Adrian Peterson (calf)
Limited participation: S Tyrell Johnson (hip), TE Jim Kleinsasser (elbow)
Full participation: CB Asher Allen (toe), CB Chris Cook (groin), DT Kevin Williams (foot)
Kansas City
Did not participate: DE Brandon Bair (illness)
Limited participation: WR Jon Baldwin (thumb), CB Brandon Flowers (ankle), S Jon McGraw (shin)
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco
Limited participation: WR Michael Crabtree (foot), RB Frank Gore (ankle), S Donte Whitner (hip)
Full participation: G Mike Iupati (neck)
Philadelphia
Did not participate: CB Brandon Hughes (hamstring), WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), DE Juqua Parker (ankle)
Limited participation: DE Darryl Tapp (pectoral)
Full participation: S Nate Allen (knee), WR Riley Cooper (concussion), T Winston Justice (knee), WR Steve Smith (knee), QB Michael Vick (right hand)
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Washington
Limited participation: WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)
Full participation: WR Brandon Banks (knee), DE Stephen Bowen (elbow), TE Chris Cooley (knee), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), C Will Montgomery (knee), CB Josh Wilson (back)
St. Louis
Did not participate: WR Danny Amendola (elbow)
Limited participation: TE Michael Hoomanawanui (back), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep), DT Darell Scott (thumb), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring)
Full participation: QB Sam Bradford (toe)
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
NY Giants:
Did not participate: CB Prince Amukamara (foot), DE Justin Tuck (groin, neck)
Limited participation: WR Mario Manningham (concussion), WR Brandon Stokley (quadriceps), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee)
Arizona:
Did not participate: TE Jim Dray (pectoral), WR Chansi Stuckey (hamstring)
Limited participation: TE Todd Heap (ribs), LB Paris Lenon (groin), RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hand), RB Beanie Wells (hamstring)
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta
Did not participate: DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), LB Stephen Nicholas (calf), RB Jason Snelling (concussion), WR Roddy White (thigh)
Limited participation: T Sam Baker (ankle), LB Curtis Lofton (foot), DE Cliff Matthews (not injury related)
Seattle
Out: G Robert Gallery (groin)
Did not participate: LB Matt McCoy (shoulder), S Kam Chancellor (quadriceps), S Byron Maxwell (ankle)
Full participation: T Jarriel King (ankle), FB Michael Robinson (ankle)
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
Denver
Did not participate: WR Eddie Royal (groin), WR Demaryius Thomas (finger), TE Julius Thomas (ankle)
Limited participation: CB Champ Bailey (hamstring), DE Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), DT Marcus Thomas (groin)
Full participation: RB Knowshown Moreno (hamstring), LB D.J. Williams (elbow)
Green Bay
Out: S Nick Collins (neck), DE Mike Neal (knee), LB Frank Zombo (shoulder)
Did not participate: T Bryan Bulaga (knee), RB Ryan Grant (kidney), LB Brad Jones (hamstring), CB Patrick Lee (back), LB Clay Matthews (quadriceps), CB Charles Woodson (foot, knee)
Limited participation: T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Jermichael Finley (ankle), DE Ryan Pickett (foot), CB Tramon Williams (shoulder)
Full participation: LB Vic So'oto (back)
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
New England
Did not participate: TE Aaron Hernandez (knee), G Logan Mankins (illness), T Sebastian Vollmer (back), DE Mike Wright (concussion)
Limited participation: CB Kyle Arrington (chest), CB Leigh Bodden (groin), S Patrick Chung (hand), CB Ras-I Dowling (hip), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), LB Gary Guyton (hamstring), DE Albert Haynesworth (back), LB Jerod Mayo (thigh), P Zoltan Mesko (left knee), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), C Ryan Wendell (calf)
Full participation: S Josh Barrett (thumb), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
Oakland
Did not participate: LB Ricky Brown (concussion), CB Chris Johnson (hamstring), WR Louis Murphy (groin), RB Marcel Reece (ankle), DE Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder)
Limited participation: QB Jason Campbell (foot), CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), WR Jacoby Ford (hamstring), S Michael Huff (concussion), S Michael Mitchell (knee)
Full participation: S Jerome Boyd (knee), S Matt Giordano (shoulder), LB Quentin Groves (quadricep), RB Darren McFadden (shoulder, groin), CB DeMarcus Van Dyke (knee)
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Miami
Did not participate: S Yeremiah Bell (not injury related), DE Tony McDaniel (hand), LB Jason Taylor (not injury related)
Limited participation: CB Vontae Davis (hamstring)
Full participation: CB Will Allen (hamstring), G Vernon Carey (shoulder), WR Roberto Wallace (quadricep)
San Diego
Practice not complete. Check back for update.
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
NY Jets
Out: WR Logan Payne (wrist)
Did not participate: CB Antonio Cromartie (ribs), C Nick Mangold (ankle)
Limited participation: LB David Harris (toe), DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder)
Full participation: DE Mike DeVito (shoulder), WR Santonio Holmes (shoulder)
Baltimore
Did not participate: C Matt Birk (knee), LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh), WR Lee Evans (ankle), G Ben Grubbs (toe), S Haruki Nakamura (knee), DE Cory Redding (toe), WR David Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (ankle)
Chargers Sign DL Tommie Harris; Place Bob Sanders On IR
The San Diego Chargers announced the signing of defensive lineman Tommie Harris, and that safety Bob Sanders has been placed on injured reserve.
Harris was the 14th overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. A starter in 90 of his 104 games in the NFL, Harris posted 213 tackles and 28.5 quarterback sacks and went to three straight Pro Bowls (2005, 2006, 2007) before leg injuries reduced his effectiveness the last three seasons.
The Bears released Harris in February and the veteran went to training camp with the Indianapolis Colts. A 4-3 tackle for his entire career, Harris will likely play defensive end for the Chargers and move inside on passing downs. Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo suffered a broken leg in the season-opener and is not close to returning. 2011 first-round pick Corey Liuget has been dealing with an ankle injury, and his replacement, Jacques Cesaire, could miss a few weeks with a strained knee.
The oft-injured Sanders played in just nine games for the Indianapolis Colts after being named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. San Diego had signed to a one-year, $1.062 million contract in July, but after recording 12 tackles in his two games with the Chargers, Sanders missed last week's game with a knee injury.
"It didn’t work out for him or us, and we wish him the very best," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said of Sanders. "He was with us a very short time, but made a positive impact with our team in many ways, and I'll always appreciate that."
Veteran Steve Gregory started in place of Sanders next to Eric Weddle in last week's 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Harris was the 14th overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. A starter in 90 of his 104 games in the NFL, Harris posted 213 tackles and 28.5 quarterback sacks and went to three straight Pro Bowls (2005, 2006, 2007) before leg injuries reduced his effectiveness the last three seasons.
The Bears released Harris in February and the veteran went to training camp with the Indianapolis Colts. A 4-3 tackle for his entire career, Harris will likely play defensive end for the Chargers and move inside on passing downs. Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo suffered a broken leg in the season-opener and is not close to returning. 2011 first-round pick Corey Liuget has been dealing with an ankle injury, and his replacement, Jacques Cesaire, could miss a few weeks with a strained knee.
The oft-injured Sanders played in just nine games for the Indianapolis Colts after being named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. San Diego had signed to a one-year, $1.062 million contract in July, but after recording 12 tackles in his two games with the Chargers, Sanders missed last week's game with a knee injury.
"It didn’t work out for him or us, and we wish him the very best," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said of Sanders. "He was with us a very short time, but made a positive impact with our team in many ways, and I'll always appreciate that."
Veteran Steve Gregory started in place of Sanders next to Eric Weddle in last week's 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Colts Place Gary Brackett, Melvin Bullitt On IR
The Indianapolis Colts have placed linebacker Gary Brackett and safety Melvin Bullitt on injured reserve, owner Jim Irsay announced on Twitter.
Brackett, 31, has missed the last two weeks with a shoulder injury and may have played his final game in a Colts uniform. The veteran middle linebacker is due to earn $5 million in base salary in 2012, which he may need to reduce to return.
For the second season in a row, Bullitt's season ends on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Bullitt originally injured the shoulder last October, causing him to undergo season-ending surgery. The 26-year-old safety was re-signed to a three-year, $10.8 million extension in August and has 11 tackles and an interception in his two games this season.
To replace Brackett and Bullitt, the Colts officially re-signed quarterback Dan Orlovsky and signed linebacker A.J. Edds off the New England Patriots practice squad. Orlovsky was with the Colts during training camp and knows the offense enough to capably back-up expected starter Curtis Painter.
Edds joins former Iowa Hawkeye teammate Pat Angerer, who leads the NFL with 41 tackles after a 21-stop performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.
Brackett, 31, has missed the last two weeks with a shoulder injury and may have played his final game in a Colts uniform. The veteran middle linebacker is due to earn $5 million in base salary in 2012, which he may need to reduce to return.
For the second season in a row, Bullitt's season ends on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Bullitt originally injured the shoulder last October, causing him to undergo season-ending surgery. The 26-year-old safety was re-signed to a three-year, $10.8 million extension in August and has 11 tackles and an interception in his two games this season.
To replace Brackett and Bullitt, the Colts officially re-signed quarterback Dan Orlovsky and signed linebacker A.J. Edds off the New England Patriots practice squad. Orlovsky was with the Colts during training camp and knows the offense enough to capably back-up expected starter Curtis Painter.
Edds joins former Iowa Hawkeye teammate Pat Angerer, who leads the NFL with 41 tackles after a 21-stop performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.
Eli Manning, Darren McFadden Headline AFC And NFC Player of the Week Awards In Week 3
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 16-of-23 pass attempts for 254 yards with four touchdowns in the Giants' 29-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden's career-high 171 rushing yards and pair of touchdowns against the New York Jets earned him Offensive Player of the Week honors on the AFC's side.
A pair of 36-year-olds took home Defensive Player of the Week honors. Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber earned his eighth Player of the Week honor after recording an interception, fumble recovery and notching three pass break-ups in Tampa's 16-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis had 10 tackles, a quarterback sack and a forced fumble in the Ravens' 37-7 win over the St. Louis to earn AFC honors.
Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell's 12th game-winning field goal earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Dallas Cowboys rookie kicker Dan Bailey's six field goals in Monday night's 18-16 win over the Washington Redskins earned him Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
A pair of 36-year-olds took home Defensive Player of the Week honors. Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber earned his eighth Player of the Week honor after recording an interception, fumble recovery and notching three pass break-ups in Tampa's 16-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis had 10 tackles, a quarterback sack and a forced fumble in the Ravens' 37-7 win over the St. Louis to earn AFC honors.
Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell's 12th game-winning field goal earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Dallas Cowboys rookie kicker Dan Bailey's six field goals in Monday night's 18-16 win over the Washington Redskins earned him Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Titans Sign WR Donnie Avery
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with veteran wide receiver Donnie Avery, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reports.
The Titans have confirmed the signing.
Avery was a second-round pick out of the University of Houston by the St. Louis Rams in 2008. After catching 100 passes for 1,263 yards and eight touchdowns his first two seasons in the league, Avery tore his ACL before the 2010 season and spent the year on injured reserve.
Despite having his $638,750 base salary fully guaranteed, the Rams released Avery at the end of training camp.
The Titans lost No. 1 wide receiver Kenny Britt to a torn right ACL and MCL in Sunday's 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos. Britt has been placed on injured reserve.
On Tuesday, the Titans worked out veteran receivers David Clowney, Craig Davis, Mardy Gilyard, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Tiquan Underwood. Avery was part of a second group of wideouts that worked for the team on Wednesday.
Following his release from St. Louis, Avery had tryouts with the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers and worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.
The Titans have confirmed the signing.
Avery was a second-round pick out of the University of Houston by the St. Louis Rams in 2008. After catching 100 passes for 1,263 yards and eight touchdowns his first two seasons in the league, Avery tore his ACL before the 2010 season and spent the year on injured reserve.
Despite having his $638,750 base salary fully guaranteed, the Rams released Avery at the end of training camp.
The Titans lost No. 1 wide receiver Kenny Britt to a torn right ACL and MCL in Sunday's 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos. Britt has been placed on injured reserve.
On Tuesday, the Titans worked out veteran receivers David Clowney, Craig Davis, Mardy Gilyard, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Tiquan Underwood. Avery was part of a second group of wideouts that worked for the team on Wednesday.
Following his release from St. Louis, Avery had tryouts with the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers and worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.
Second Look At Elevated NFL Practice Squad Salaries
Earlier this month, we took at look at the increased practice squad salaries that Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell, New England Patriots safety Ross Ventrone and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Rudy Carpenter received from their clubs.
Ventrone has since been added to the 53-man roster, and some new practice squad players have joined Harrell and Carpenter in the Elevated Salary Club.
As originally reported by Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com, Buccaneers defensive end George Johnson should have been included in the first look. Johnson was initially earning $10,000 per week before the Bucs increased his weekly salary to $22,059 per week, which over a full 17-week season would be worth the league minimum salary for a player on the 53-man roster.
Another oversight on the initial list, and another practice squad player being paid as if he were on the 53-man roster ($22,059 per week), is Minnesota Vikings cornerback Domonique Johnson. In 2010, the Vikings paid several practice squad players (Seth Olsen, Thomas Welch) at an increased rate, so it's not surprising that they're doing so again this season.
The Patriots remain on the list as they are paying tight end Garrett Mills a practice squad salary of $14,062.50 per week. At that rate, if he remains on New England's practice squad for the full 16 weeks, he'll have earned $225,000 this season.
Rounding out the current look is New Orleans Saints running back Joique Bell. Waived and re-signed to the practice squad last week, Bell is earning a $10,000 per week salary on the practice squad. In addition to having what's essentially a nine-man practice squad -- I've lost count of how many times quarterback Sean Canfield has been released and re-signed to the practice squad over the last 20 weeks, but it's in the double digits -- the Saints are another team that has shown a willingness to compensate practice squad players at a higher rate. Offensive tackle Jermey Pernell and wide receiver Adrian Arrington received elevated salaries from the Saints last season.
Ventrone has since been added to the 53-man roster, and some new practice squad players have joined Harrell and Carpenter in the Elevated Salary Club.
As originally reported by Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com, Buccaneers defensive end George Johnson should have been included in the first look. Johnson was initially earning $10,000 per week before the Bucs increased his weekly salary to $22,059 per week, which over a full 17-week season would be worth the league minimum salary for a player on the 53-man roster.
Another oversight on the initial list, and another practice squad player being paid as if he were on the 53-man roster ($22,059 per week), is Minnesota Vikings cornerback Domonique Johnson. In 2010, the Vikings paid several practice squad players (Seth Olsen, Thomas Welch) at an increased rate, so it's not surprising that they're doing so again this season.
The Patriots remain on the list as they are paying tight end Garrett Mills a practice squad salary of $14,062.50 per week. At that rate, if he remains on New England's practice squad for the full 16 weeks, he'll have earned $225,000 this season.
Rounding out the current look is New Orleans Saints running back Joique Bell. Waived and re-signed to the practice squad last week, Bell is earning a $10,000 per week salary on the practice squad. In addition to having what's essentially a nine-man practice squad -- I've lost count of how many times quarterback Sean Canfield has been released and re-signed to the practice squad over the last 20 weeks, but it's in the double digits -- the Saints are another team that has shown a willingness to compensate practice squad players at a higher rate. Offensive tackle Jermey Pernell and wide receiver Adrian Arrington received elevated salaries from the Saints last season.
Ravens Place CB Domonique Foxworth On IR
The Baltimore Ravens announced that cornerback Domonique Foxworth has been placed on injured reserve.
Foxworth tore the ACL in right knee during last year's training camp, an injury that he is still recovering from. Though he was active for the first two games of the season, he was not pleased with his own performance and was deactivated for Sunday's 37-7 win over the St. Louis Rams.
Signed to a four-year, $27.2 million contract in 2009, the former Maryland standout had 53 tackles, four interceptions and 16 passes defensed his first season with the Ravens. After what will be most of the last two seasons on injured reserve, Foxworth will likely have to reduce his $5.6 million base salary to return in 2012.
Veteran linebacker Prescott Burgess is expected to replace Foxworth on the 53-man roster.
Foxworth tore the ACL in right knee during last year's training camp, an injury that he is still recovering from. Though he was active for the first two games of the season, he was not pleased with his own performance and was deactivated for Sunday's 37-7 win over the St. Louis Rams.
Signed to a four-year, $27.2 million contract in 2009, the former Maryland standout had 53 tackles, four interceptions and 16 passes defensed his first season with the Ravens. After what will be most of the last two seasons on injured reserve, Foxworth will likely have to reduce his $5.6 million base salary to return in 2012.
Veteran linebacker Prescott Burgess is expected to replace Foxworth on the 53-man roster.
Chris Long Restructures Contract
St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long has restructured the final two seasons of his rookie contract, a league source confirmed on Wednesday.
As the second overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, Long signed a five-year rookie contract that included $29 million in guarantees and had a maximum value of $55.75 million. Long's base salaries for 2011 and 2012 escalated by a total of $19 million, increasing to $11.335 million in 2011 and $12.06 million in 2012.
The renegotiation, which included no new money, was signed on September 17. Long received a $12.1 million signing bonus and lowered his 2011 base salary to $603,750 for the final 16 weeks of the regular season. Between the one week at his $11.335 million rate and 16 weeks at the lowered rate, Long will earn $1.235 million in base salary this season.
Long's 2011 cap number is now $9.482 million, freeing up $4 million in cap room this season.
In 2012, Long is scheduled to earn $10.06 million in base salary and due to the signing bonus, now has a cap number of $18.3075 million. An additional $2.9 million in base salary escalation is available for next season, which is tied to sacks, playing time and Pro Bowls.
Long is coming off a breakout 2010 season, posting a career-high 8.5 quarterback sacks after regaining his role as a full-time starter. Through three games in 2011, Long has three quarterback sacks.
As the second overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, Long signed a five-year rookie contract that included $29 million in guarantees and had a maximum value of $55.75 million. Long's base salaries for 2011 and 2012 escalated by a total of $19 million, increasing to $11.335 million in 2011 and $12.06 million in 2012.
The renegotiation, which included no new money, was signed on September 17. Long received a $12.1 million signing bonus and lowered his 2011 base salary to $603,750 for the final 16 weeks of the regular season. Between the one week at his $11.335 million rate and 16 weeks at the lowered rate, Long will earn $1.235 million in base salary this season.
Long's 2011 cap number is now $9.482 million, freeing up $4 million in cap room this season.
In 2012, Long is scheduled to earn $10.06 million in base salary and due to the signing bonus, now has a cap number of $18.3075 million. An additional $2.9 million in base salary escalation is available for next season, which is tied to sacks, playing time and Pro Bowls.
Long is coming off a breakout 2010 season, posting a career-high 8.5 quarterback sacks after regaining his role as a full-time starter. Through three games in 2011, Long has three quarterback sacks.
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