Larry Johnson of Kansas City Chiefs to file appeal of suspension Friday; agent, team discussing settlement

Larry Johnson's appeal of his suspension by the Kansas City Chiefs will be filed on Friday, his agent, Peter Schaffer, told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The hearing on the suspension, which followed Johnson's criticism of coach Todd Haley on Twitter and twice using a gay slur -- once in a Twitter posting and again in front of reporters -- is expected to be held by Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the two sides are continuing to talk to see if they can find a way to bridge any differences to avoid the hearing.

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Johnson has been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team through Nov. 9, meaning he will miss one game -- and about $600,000 in wages -- unless a deal is struck or the suspension is set aside on appeal.

In an e-mail on Thursday, Schaffer told The Kansas City Star that while the appeal of the suspension moves ahead, he and the Chiefs are working on a settlement that could affect the two-time Pro Bowl running back's future.

Asked if that settlement could involve Johnson leaving the Chiefs, Schaffer replied, "Not necessarily," according to the Star's report.

When reached by the newspaper by phone Thursday night and asked whether he expects Johnson to play for the Chiefs again, Schaffer said, "Larry Johnson is a member of the Chiefs right now."

Schaffer declined to detail the settlement discussions, according to the report.

"The best-case scenario is we find a way to keep it positive," he said, according to the Star. "There's a lot of things in play, and nothing has been decided."

In 2007, Johnson signed a five-year contract extension that guaranteed him about $19 million and could be worth as much as $45 million. If the Chiefs released him, they would be on the hook for the rest of his 2009 contract, according to the Star.

Johnson, who needs just 75 yards to break the team's career rushing mark, first used the gay slur on his Twitter account in an exchange with one of his followers last weekend. Earlier, he had posted comments that called Haley's qualifications into question.

Then, in a whispered remark Monday after telling reporters in the locker room he was not talking, Johnson repeated the slur, according to the Star, which has posted audio of the alleged comment.

Johnson issued an apology on Tuesday, almost exactly 12 months after apologizing to the team and its fans and ownership for two incidents in Kansas City nightspots that led to his pleading guilty to disturbing the peace.

Those problems caused him to be benched for three games in 2008 and suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell for an additional game.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Larry Johnson questions head coach Todd Haley’s credentials on TwitterCapel talks delayed

Report: Vince Young to start for Tennessee Titans against Jacksonville Jaguars

Vince Young will start for the winless Tennessee Titans on Sunday when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field, according to a report in The (Nashville) Tennessean.

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Titans coach Jeff Fisher is scheduled to announce after practice Thursday that Young has gotten the nod over incumbent Kerry Collins. The two split the work evenly at practice Wednesday.

The Tennessean reported this week that Titans owner Bud Adams spoke to Fisher during the bye week, telling the coach he preferred that Young start against the Jags (3-3) over Collins, who went 2 for 12 for minus-7 yards and an interception in a 59-0 loss to New England on Oct. 18.

It was the largest margin of defeat since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Young went 0 for 2 with an interception in relief of Collins.

For "competitive reasons," Fisher has declined to say who his starter will be. Tennessee hasn't scored a touchdown in eight quarters.

"We've had a week to do some different things. And especially considering the circumstances we're in right now with the record, there's things that you need to do differently," Fisher said. "Let's just say I'm not going to be as specific and [will be] open-ended from a competitive standpoint."

The Titans (0-6) have carried only two quarterbacks since cutting Patrick Ramsey after Week 3 but Wednesday had John David Booty added to the practice squad, presumably to take a share of scout-team reps while the situation with the starter was sorted out. Young had referred to himself as the scout-team quarterback since Ramsey's departure.

Young replaced Collins during an 0-5 start in 2006, and he went on to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors as the Titans finished 8-8. He regressed the following season, throwing nine TDs while getting picked off 17 times.

Young lost his starting job in the team's 2008 opener, a 17-10 win over Jacksonville after injuring his knee. Collins went 12-3 as the starter, but Tennessee lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Adams has long considered Young to be the Titans' quarterback of the future. He is due a $4.25 million roster bonus in 2010 when his salary cap number is slated to be $14.21 million.

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams tells coach Jeff Fisher he wants Vince Young to startRaul wants Euro success

Coach Jeff Fisher to reveal Tennessee Titans' QB plans on Thursday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher declined to share the snap distribution of his quarterbacks at practice Wednesday, saying he'd reveal his plan for the position Thursday after practice.

"I'm not going to discuss the quarterback situation today for competitive reasons but I'll have an answer for you tomorrow," Fisher said.

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Incumbent Kerry Collins could be pulled for Vince Young. The Tennessean has reported that owner Bud Adams told Fisher he wants Young in the lineup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at LP Field.

Neither quarterback spoke to the media Wednesday, an unusual development for a team whose players are routinely at their lockers and willing to talk after practice. Collins typically has a media session Wednesday.

Players didn't tip their hands on any information they may have.

Keith Bulluck said he has continued faith in Collins and believes him to be the guy, but at least one other player, receiver Justin Gage, indicated a change is in the air.

Bulluck said Adams can call the shots but pointed out he's seen such decision-making from on high fail to pan out elsewhere.

"What do I think about Bud Adams saying that he wants to see Vince Young play?" Bulluck said. "If you are the owner of a team, you have the right to do whatever you want, because you're paying everyone under that umbrella. That's how I look at it.

"But what I've seen from other teams when the owner tries to step in and says he wants certain moves made and certain things done, it doesn't always work out the way those teams have wanted it to," he said.

The Titans have carried only two quarterbacks since cutting Patrick Ramsey after Week 3 but Wednesday had John David Booty added to the practice squad, presumably to take a share of scout-team reps while the situation with the starter is sorted out. Young had referred to himself as the scout-team quarterback since Ramsey's departure.

Tight end Bo Scaife, a close friend of Young's who was his teammate at Texas, said he expects Young to be ready if called upon.

"I know he's been waiting patiently, I know he's excited and if the chance comes I know he's going to make the best of it," Scaife said. "I hope he's ready. Only Vince knows if he's ready. He's been looking good at practice, he looked good at training camp. Practice is different than the game."

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Hey, hot dog man! Mark Sanchez gives to hungry

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is trying to turn Hot Dog-Gate into an opportunity to help the less fortunate in New Jersey.

Sanchez

Sanchez has bought 500 hot dogs and 500 hamburgers, along with buns and rolls, through A&P supermarket, and donated them to the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, N.J.

Sanchez was the subject of criticism -- and he later issued an apology -- when he was caught on camera Sunday eating a hot dog on the sideline during the Jets' 38-0 victory against the Raiders.

Sanchez was criticized two weeks ago for looking dejected on the sideline after throwing five interceptions in an overtime loss to Buffalo. He was happy enough after his performance Sunday, in which he threw for a touchdown and ran for another, but this time, he was caught by television cameras trying to discreetly eat a hot dog at the end of the blowout.

"I want to apologize for that," he said. "I wasn't feeling very good and didn't eat much before the game, so I was feeling a little queasy. Toward the end of the game, I probably should have eaten one of those bars or something, but someone offered [a hot dog], so I grabbed it and tried to be discreet about it, but obviously not discreet enough. So I shouldn't have done that, and it won't happen again."

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Washington Redskins' Chris Cooley faces surgery; return up in air

ASHBURN, Va. -- There's a chance Chris Cooley will be back this season after all.

Cooley

A doctor's second opinion on the Washington Redskins tight end's broken right ankle Tuesday gave Cooley hope that he can return to the field in a month.

The two-time Pro Bowl player underwent surgery Wednesday. Prior to the procedure, he gave details via his Twitter feed: "3 pins go in the ankle tomorrow. Hopefully be back in 4 weeks. Thanks for all the support."

Earlier Tuesday, coach Jim Zorn said Cooley would be sidelined a minimum of six to eight weeks and would probably be placed on season-ending injured reserve. But Zorn also said Cooley was awaiting a "final evaluation" from another doctor to make sure. A source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Cooley was definitely headed to the IR, but that was before the tight end saw another doctor for a second opinion.

The two-time Pro Bowl player was hurt in Monday night's 24-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I don't think we can hold the roster spot open," Washington coach Jim Zorn had said earlier Tuesday, "so we'll be looking for another tight end to come in and help us out."

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Zorn said two backups who play regularly, linebacker H.B. Blades and cornerback Byron Westbrook, sustained knee injuries that are being re-evaluated. He anticipates neither being available for the game at Atlanta following the off week.

Cooley, the team's most reliable pass-catching threat, stumbled to the turf without contact on the first play of the second quarter against the Eagles. Cooley, who has never missed a game since the Redskins (2-5) drafted him in the third round in 2004, has 29 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns this year.

"It's just devastating," Zorn said. "Much like the other really good players we have on our team, he brings the fight on the field, and it's going to be a big loss for us."

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The Redskins are already without right guard Randy Thomas, out for the year with a torn right triceps, and left tackle Chris Samuels, who will likely go on injured reserve this week with a neck injury that has jeopardized his career.

"It all builds, but we have to make the best of it, and we will," Zorn said. "The bottom line is to win, and nobody really cares that guys get injured. You feel bad, but the team moves on, and the team stays together and the team will put out great effort to pick up that slack."

Other injuries from the Eagles game include sprained ankles on four players: quarterback Jason Campbell, running back Clinton Portis, fullback Mike Sellers and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Tackle Stephon Heyer stretched a ligament in his knee and was wearing a brace Tuesday, and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin sprained an elbow.

The off week will give most of those six players time to heal. Heyer could be the most limited when practice resumes.

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New York Jets' Braylon Edwards charged with assault for incident

CLEVELAND -- Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards has been charged with misdemeanor assault over accusations he punched a man outside a Cleveland nightclub, an incident that prompted his trade to the New York Jets.

Cleveland city prosecutor Victor Perez filed the charge Monday. It carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. An arraignment was scheduled for Nov. 17 in Cleveland Municipal Court.

Patrick D'Angelo, an attorney for Edwards, said his client will plead not guilty.

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The Jets said in a statement that the team was aware of the allegations before the trade and will let the legal process run its course. An NFL spokesman told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the league will review the matter.

Edwards is accused of punching promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA star LeBron James, following an argument Oct. 5 on the sidewalk outside View Ultralounge & Nightclub on Prospect Avenue. James called Edwards' actions "childish" and presumed the NFL player was jealous of him and his friends.

Two days later, Browns coach Eric Mangini traded Edwards to the Jets for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two undisclosed draft choices. Edwards also faces possible punishment from the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Edwards' tenure with the Browns was marked by incidents on and off the field, and the alleged assault was the last straw for Mangini. While with Cleveland, Edwards, who is in the final year of his contract, dropped passes, criticized the team's play-calling, argued with teammates and famously took a helicopter to the Ohio State-Michigan game in 2006 despite being told not to go.

Edwards was also out partying in March with teammate Donte' Stallworth, who later that night struck and killed a a 59-year-old pedestrian while driving drunk in Miami. Stallworth is suspended for the season.

In his debut with New York, Edwards had five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown in a 31-27 loss to Miami. He has nine catches for 118 yards since joining the Jets. Edwards made the Pro Bowl in 2007, when he caught 80 passes for 1,289 yards and 16 TDs.

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Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams tells coach Jeff Fisher he wants Vince Young to start

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Coach Jeff Fisher has stayed away from aquarterback controversy through the Tennessee Titans' dreadful start.

Now, team owner Bud Adams reportedly has inserted himself into the scenario.

Adams informed Fisher that he would like to see Vince Young start this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to The (Nashville) Tennessean.

Adams apparently told Fisher his preference after the Titans' 59-0 demolition last week at the hands of the New England Patriots, according to the report.

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But during the Titans' bye week, Adams was more insistent about starting Young, The Tennessean reported.

"I have been wanting [Fisher] to play Vince Young more because Collins has been having his problems out there," Adams told The Tennessean last week. "I just think we need to find out how well [Young] can do.

"If you don't play the guy and lose all your games, it is hard for you to see what he can do for you. Vince has won a lot of games for us.''

On Monday, Fisher declined to say whether Young or Kerry Collins would start against the Jaguars, citing "competitive reasons."

"Both quarterbacks had a good week, but [Collins] had anespecially good week last week," Fisher said. "I'm not going togo into details about the lineup changes. Those are competitiveissues."

The Titans (0-6) are one of three remaining winless teams in theleague -- St. Louis and Tampa Bay are both 0-7. Fisher does want toshake up things for a team that has lost eight straight gamesdating to last season, after Tennessee sprinted to a 10-0 starten route to the NFL's best mark at 13-3.

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"We've had a week to do some different things. And especiallyconsidering the circumstances we're in right now with the record,there's things that you need to do differently," Fisher said."Let's just say I'm not going to be as specific and [will be]open-ended from a competitive standpoint."

Collins has completed 108 of 197 passes with five touchdowns andeight interceptions this season. His receivers also have dropped anumber of passes, stalling drives and contributing mightily to all of the losses.

"It's really no different than what we've been saying sinceWeek 1. We have to improve around him. We have to get open. We haveto make the tight catch," Fisher said of the team around Collins."We have to run after the catch. We have to make more plays. He'sputting the ball where he needs to put it for the most part, and wejust need to help him."

The Titans have been down this path before, as Young replacedCollins during a winless start in 2006. Young went on to winOffensive Rookie of the Year, helping Tennessee finish 8-8 after an0-5 start.

Collins was signed just before the '06 season. He went12-3 as the starter in 2008 and signed a two-year, $14 million deal thisoffseason to return.

Since injuring his knee in last year's season opener,accompanied by a bizarre incident a day later in which police werecalled to search for him, Young has not had any meaningful playingtime for the Titans. His only appearances this season came late inthe last two blowout losses.

Raul wants Euro successTennessee Titans stand behind quarterback Kerry Collins despite 0-4 start

Larry Johnson issues apology for using gay slur on Twitter, with reporters, is told to stay away from team

The Kansas City Chiefs have told Larry Johnson to stay away from the team pending a probe into his use of a gay slur, the same day Johnson issued an apology for using the word in a Twitter posting and out loud with reporters on Monday.

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The Chiefs have told Johnson to stay away from practice and "other team activities" until a review of the incident by the team and the league is complete, the team said Tuesday.

Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, said it would be inaccurate to describe the Chiefs' move as a suspension. He said the Chiefs told Johnson to go home Tuesday while they were looking into the situation.

"It's the bye week, so there is no urgency," Schaffer said. "I have not been told of a suspension."

In a statement issued by Schaffer, the two-time Pro Bowl running back apologized to the league and commissioner Roger Goodell, to coach Todd Haley and to his teammates for using the slur on Twitter and as he told reporters to leave him alone.

"I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate," Johnson said. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said.

"I also want to apologize to all the kids who view athletes as role models. I was not a good role model yesterday and hopefully I can become a better role model."

Tuesday, the Chiefs said they and the NFL are continuing to investigate Johnson's alleged comments.

"Until that review is complete, the Chiefs have instructed Larry to refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities," the team said in a statement. "A decision regarding Larry's status will be made once the investigation has concluded."

The president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation,Jarrett Barrios, said the NFL and Chiefs need to take disciplinaryaction. Barrios says the slur is used to ridicule and harass younggay and transgender athletes.

Johnson refused to speak with reporters Monday, a day after the Chiefs' 37-7 home loss to the San Diego Chargers. Sitting in front of his locker, he turned away and muttered the slur in telling reporters to get "out of here," according to the Kansas City Star, which recorded the comment.

On Sunday, Johnson belittled Haley on Twitter in a series of posts that also included the same gay slur.

The tweets were posted to the "Toonicon" account, an online alias the Star reported Johnson has said is his. The account includes a link to Johnson's personal Web site. Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore said the team could not verify that is Johnson's account.

The Twitter remarks were posted after San Diego routed the Chiefs (1-6).

One tweet read: "My father got more creditentials than most of these pro coaches." That was followed by: "My father played for the coach from "rememeber the titans". Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn."

Haley, hired earlier this year to replace the fired Herm Edwards, did not play high school or college football and attended college on a golf scholarship. He did not enter coaching until he was in his 20s. He was hired as Kansas City's head coach after serving as offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals in their Super Bowl run last year. His father, Dick Haley, is one of the NFL's most distinguished scouts and personnel men, having helped build the Steelers dynasty in the 1970s.

The tweets drew responses, including one that referred to a nightclub incident in which Johnson was accused of spitting in someone's face.

Johnson's response included a three-letter gay slur. The final post read: "Make me regret it. Lmao. U don't stop my checks. Lmao. So 'tweet' away."

Johnson's account since has been made private.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Johnson was benched for three games by Edwards last year for an unspecified violation of team rules. Goodell suspended him for the fourth game for violating the league's player conduct policy in connection with incidents involving two women in bars.

Johnson then was sentenced to two years' probation after pleading guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace. One woman accused him of throwing a drink on her and another said he had pushed her head at a Kansas City night spot.

A judge earlier this year suspended the sentence and said he would remove the guilty plea from the public record if Johnson finished the probation period without further incidents.

Johnson was one of the best running backs in the NFL in 2005 and '06, rushing for more than 1,700 yards in each season. In 2006, he set an NFL record with 410 carries, but his production fell to 559 yards the following season after he sat out training camp in a contract dispute.

Blues don’t interest Real aceKansas City Chiefs’ Larry Johnson questions head coach Todd Haley’s credentials on Twitter

Kansas City Chiefs' Larry Johnson questions head coach Todd Haley's credentials on Twitter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has belittled his rookie head coach on what appears to be his Twitter account, saying Todd Haley has "nuthn" when it comes to NFL-quality credentials.

The remarks were posted several hours after the Chiefs (1-6) were routed at home 37-7 by San Diego.AFC West blog

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One tweet read: "My father got more creditentials than most of these pro coaches." That is followed by: "My father played for the coach from "rememeber the titans". Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn."

Haley did not play high school or college football. He attended college on a golf scholarship. He was hired by first-year general manager Scott Pioli to replace the fired Herm Edwards.

"I talked to Larry about it and he was focusing more on pumping up his father than anything else," Johnson's agent Peter Schaffer said. "He wasn't trying to downgrade anyone ... yes, everyone is frustrated after a loss like this but I wouldn't put too much into it."

Johnson had 49 yards on 16 carries in the Chiefs' defeat. Kansas City has a bye next week.

A spokesman for the Chiefs said Monday it was not certain if the tweets, posted under the alias of "Toonicon" were posted by Johnson. The Kansas City Star reported, however, that Johnson had said the online alias is his and the account includes a link to Johnson's personal Web site.

The final post read: "Make me regret it. Lmao. U don't stop my checks. Lmao. So 'tweet' away."

The tweets drew responses, including one that referred to a nightclub incident in which Johnson was accused of spitting in someone's face. Johnson's response include a three-letter homophobic slur.

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Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson bruises chest against San Francisco 49ers

HOUSTON -- Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson bruised his chest in the Texans' 24-21 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

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Johnson was taken to a Houston hospital, treated and discharged, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

A team official told Schefter that Texans coach Gary Kubiak would reveal more about the extent of Johnson's injury Monday, but the official said the injury is not serious.

"We're concerned," Kubiak said. "He could not go at the end and so there is concern until we see."

Johnson was shaken up on a play in the fourth quarter and remained on the field on his hands and knees for a few minutes before walking to the sideline. He returned for one play a few minutes later, but was held out of the Texans' next series.

He was seen talking to Houston's medical staff for several minutes before he was escorted off the field.

Johnson had two receptions for 62 yards.

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New York Jets' Leon Washington out with broken leg

OAKLAND, Calif. -- New York Jets running back Leon Washington broke his right leg in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday and underwent surgery after the game.

Washington

Team sources told ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Washington is out for the rest of the season.

Washington went down on his only carry of the day when a defender rolled up on his right leg after a 6-yard run. Teammates said the bone broke through the skin, and it was visible on the field. Washington was helped off the field by two trainers and then taken away on a cart.

He was diagnosed with a broken right fibula and underwent surgery immediately after the Jets' 38-0 victory.

"That's unfortunate," coach Rex Ryan said. "It's obviously a severe injury, but hopefully he'll be joining us sooner than later."

Washington, who made the Pro Bowl last season as a kick returner, is also New York's second-leading rusher with 330 yards on 71 carries. He also has 15 catches for 131 yards and takes direct snaps when the team runs out of the seminole formation.

In his absence, rookie Shonn Greene excelled, carrying 19 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Greene, a third-round pick out of Iowa, had only eight carries for 31 yards coming in.

Starter Thomas Jones ran for 121 on 26 carries as New York finished with 316 yards on the ground. After gaining 318 yards rushing last week, the Jets became the sixth team to top 300 in consecutive games, and first since Buffalo did it in 1975.

"Anytime we have a game like that, you want to cherish and enjoy it, but it's kind of hard to do that with Leon's injury," Jones said. "I think a lot of the team is devastated. He's one of my best friends. He's a great teammate and a great person. From the time he left the game, every couple plays I kept thinking about him. I haven't stopped thinking about it, and my prayers are going out to his family."

It's the second major injury to a key player for the Jets in as many games. Nose tackle Kris Jenkins was lost for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in New York's 16-13 overtime loss to Buffalo last Sunday.

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Oklahoma Sooners' Sam Bradford plans to enter NFL draft after surgery

NORMAN, Okla. -- Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford will have season-ending surgery and expects to enter the NFL draft in April.

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Bradford will hold a news conference at 6 p.m. Monday.

"I dreamed about coming to Oklahoma my whole life," Bradford said in a statement. "That's the reason I came back for this season. And I came back to play, not sit on the bench. That's the reason I tried to play after the injury. I'm very disappointed that it didn't work out differently.

"Under these circumstances, and after talking to several people, this is the right thing for me to do at this point."

The Oklahoma quarterback injured his right, throwing shoulder twice this season, most recently against Texas on Oct. 10.

The school announced Sunday that Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala.

Bradford added that he intends to enter the draft if the recovery goes as anticipated. The rehabilitation time for the surgery is estimated at four to six months.

Bradford owns 15 school records at Oklahoma. He is the career passing (8,403 yards) and career passing touchdown (88) leader.

Landry Jones has replaced Bradford. Jones is 119-of-192 for 1,363 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

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Sources: Minnesota Vikings' Antoine Winfield likely out 4-6 weeks

Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield will miss Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and is expected to miss four to six weeks with a foot injury, NFL sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

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The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Winfield has a fractured right foot. The Vikings are encouraged, however, because the the injury is not a lisfranc injury, which could have sidelined Winfield longer, sources told Mortensen.

The Vikings had no immediate comment on reports that Winfield might be sidelined until late November or early December.

Winfield was injured last Sunday against Baltimore and did not practice all week. Benny Sapp likely will start in place of Winfield.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco picked apart Winfield's sub, Karl Paymah, last week after the hard-hitting cornerback went down in the second quarter. Flacco threw for 196 yards in the fourth quarter alone, but the Vikings (6-0) held on for a 33-31 win to remain undefeated.

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Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels denies retirement report

Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels is denying the report he will retire, saying Friday night that he will need a couple of months before deciding whether he can play again.

The six-time Pro Bowler released a statement that essentially rules himself out for the rest of the season, even as he contemplates retirement because of a serious neck injury.

"I will continue to seek medical advice," he said in a statement. "I hope to see where I am physically over the next couple months. At this time, I have not made a decision, but I love playing for the Redskins and hope to be back."

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League sources told The Washington Post that Samuels shared his decision to retire with some members of the team after consulting a specialist in California.

Samuels was injured when he banged heads with a defensive player while blocking early in the first quarter of Washington's loss to Carolina two weeks ago. The collision caused Samuels to go limp and caused a tingling sensation around his neck.

For many years, Samuels has had a condition called stenosis, a narrowing of the spine that prompted him to wear a large neck brace for extra protection.

Officially, the Redskins had only ruled Samuels out on a week-to-week basis, but it was clear from the nature of the injury that it could be career-threatening. Samuels sought multiple medical opinions before releasing his statement.

Even if he does decide to resume playing, Samuels would have good reasons to take his time and not return this year. The Redskins (2-4) are in last place in the NFC East and are just getting to the tough part of their schedule.

Samuels' injury has been a serious blow to the offensive line, which had already lost right guard Randy Thomas to a season-ending arm injury. The Redskins have shuffled several players around, and the makeshift fivesome has allowed safeties in back-to-back games.

The No. 3 overall draft pick from Alabama in 2000, Samuels earned Pro Bowl nods in 2001-02 and 2005-08. The 32-year-old Samuels was a starter from the first game of his rookie season and has started all 141 games in which he has played. Injuries have limited him in recent seasons, however, and he entered this season coming off surgeries for a sore knee and a torn right triceps.

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Jim Zorn to finish season as Washington Redskins coach, VP Vinny Cerrato says

Jim Zorn will remain the head coach of the Washington Redskins for the rest of this season, a team executive said Friday.

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Team executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato made the announcement Friday morning on his show on ESPN 980 Radio in Washington, D.C. Zorn has one year remaining on a three-year contract.

Zorn, who has been widely criticized as the Redskins have struggled, essentially was forced to relinquish his offensive play-calling duties Monday, a day after Washington lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Although he didn't say he was given an ultimatum, Zorn said then that he would comply with the request "because I want to stay here andwin ... Sometimes we have to do things that are uncomfortable."

Zorn's friend and former Seattle Seahawks teammate, Hall of Fame receiver Steve Largent, said during a radio interview Tuesday that Zorn considered resigning when that decision was made, but ultimately decided not to quit on the team.

Former longtime NFL assistant Sherman Lewis, recently hired out of retirement as a consultant, will call plays for the Redskins (2-4) for their Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Team owner Daniel Snyder initially hired Zorn as offensive coordinator before promoting him to head coach. Zorn enjoyed success as the quarterbacks coach for the Seahawks, but he had never been a coordinator.

Report: Players want Washington Redskins to endorse Jim ZornLa Liga round-Up

Brady Quinn may lose nearly $11M on Cleveland Browns' sideline

Not only is Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn disappointed with his playing status, but the former first-round pick could lose millions if he doesn't play this weekend against the Green Bay Packers.

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According to Quinn's contract, he needs to play 70 percent of Cleveland's offensive snaps this year to earn two bonuses worth a combined $10.95 million. Quinn played 2 games (10 quarters) this season before being benched in favor of Derek Anderson.

Depending on the amount of offensive snaps the Browns take this weekend, Quinn could fall under the 70 percent threshold by sitting on the sidelines Sunday against the Packers. Quinn would miss a $5 million bonus this year without the playing-time incentive and $5.95 million in 2010.

Quinn was on pace to earn those large bonuses when he won Cleveland's starting quarterback job in the preseason, but he threw for just 400 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in three regular-season starts. The Browns were 0-3 in that span before turning to Anderson, who statistically hasn't done much better but led Cleveland (1-5) to its only win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.

It is unknown if either quarterback will be leading the Browns in 2010. ESPN.com reported recently that Quinn put his Cleveland-area house for sale, further sparking speculation about his future with the Browns after this season.

Questions arise how Cleveland Browns rookie James Davis was injuredEspanyol shocked by Tamudo

Dallas Cowboys starters DeMarcus Ware, Marion Barber have injuries

IRVING, Texas -- The injury bug hit two Dallas Cowboys starters Wednesday, and the status of another is in doubt.

Coach Wade Phillips said running back Marion Barber has a fractured left thumb and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has a stress fracture in his left foot.

Barber thought he just jammed against Kansas City before the bye week. An X-ray revealed the break.

Phillips said the right-handed Barber didn't appear to have trouble carrying the ball or catching it in practice Wednesday.

Phillips said Ware had been complaining about soreness in his foot for a couple of weeks, and an MRI revealed the stress fracture.

Wide receiver Roy Williams is still recovering from three bruised ribs, and Phillips said he's not sure about his status.

All three players practiced in the rain on Wednesday with no major issues, but Phillips said he wanted to see how Williams felt after practice before committing him to the starting lineup.

Williams was sore after Monday's practice, and that raised a concern.

If Williams, who missed the game at Kansas City, is out, expect Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin to start against the Atlanta Falcons.

The biggest concern among the injuries is that Barber is banged up again.

Since being named the starter last season, Barber has battled toe, thigh and now a thumb injury. In 2007, the year he was a backup to Julius Jones, Barber rushed for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns on 204 carries. He missed no games because of injury.

In 2008, his first season as a starter, Barber battled a toe injury that forced him to miss one game and limited his ability to make plays toward the end of the year. He rushed for just 15 yards in the last three weeks of the 2008 season.

Phillips said he wasn't concerned about Barber's durability.

"I'm looking at the future, and he had legitimate injuries and he can get injured in this league," Phillips said. "And it wasn't the same thing, and it's possible to get banged up and he hasn't missed anything with the [thumb], whether its an injury or not. He didn't miss a game, and he's not going to miss a game. If you miss him for games and its the same thing every time, then you worry about those things."

As for Ware, Phillips said he should be fine and that the injury has nothing to do with him having just two sacks through five games this season.

"It's been bothering him for a couple of weeks and his foot was sore," Phillips said. "But he played the last game and he did all right, I thought, and he's been playing well. It's not a major injury, its one you can play with."

All 10 players on the latest injury list, the first the Cowboys have had to release since before the Kansas City game, fully participated in practice Wednesday.

That included receiver Wililams, running back Felix Jones (strained left knee) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (right thumb). All three missed the Kansas City game.

Jones, who has missed two games, wore a brace in practice and might wear one in a game for the first time. Phillips said the protection didn't appear to slow down Jones, who had 190 yards rushing in the last two games he played.

The others hurt but practicing were offensive linemen Marc Colombo (ankle), Leonard Davis (thumb) and Andre Gurode (knee); safety Michael Hamlin (wrist); and linebacker Curtis Johnson (hamstring).

Ronaldo wants swift returnDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tashard Choice will get more carries

Patriots LB Adalius Thomas discusses his recent deactivation

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Linebacker Adalius Thomas, speaking publicly Wednesday for the first time since he was a healthy scratch in the Patriots' 59-0 win over the Titans, said he was surprised by the decision and has not spoken with coach Bill Belichick about the reason for his deactivation.

Asked if the decision fires him up, Thomas said, "I don't need something like this to fire me up. This isn't kindergarten. I don't play [those] games."

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Thomas' answers were short and to the point. He appeared upset.

Thomas said he found out about the deactivation from linebackers coach Matt Patricia the morning of the game. He didn't want to relive the experience when asked to review how he found out.

"That's over with, last Sunday is done," he said. "Let's move on to Tampa. It's bigger than me. These guys had a great game. We're trying to overshadow it by what happened to one person. No one person is bigger than the game. No one person is bigger than the team. I don't want to make it seem like it's about me, because it's not about me.

"Bill makes the decision. It is what it is, whether you like it or not, and I live with it."

When asked if he was given a reason for the decision, Thomas said, "Ask Bill. He has all the answers."

Asked if he felt his situation with the team could go forward productively, Thomas said, "I come to work every day, be a professional, do my job, and do what I'm asked to do."

Asked if he was still happy in New England, Thomas said: "I'm fine."

Thomas seemed to respect that reporters were asking questions about his situation, but shortly into the interview, he asked to change the topic.

"It's bigger than me," he said. "We went out, we had a good game, we won as a team, it was a great performance, the best game so far. So we're moving on to Tampa."

Iniesta set for new dealJoey Galloway released by New England Patriots; team re-signs Tully Banta-Cain

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones turned down 'significant offer' at trade deadline

IRVING, Texas -- Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones turned down a trade offer for one of his young players before Tuesday's trade deadline.

Jones, who didn't name any team or player involved, spoke directly to a club regarding a potential transaction.

"We had a significant offer for a key player that we turned down, and turned down in getting in more extended dialogue for," Jones said before Wednesday's practice. "So we did have that kind of activity . . . but I shouldn't name the player or the team. It was a very firm, significant offer for one of our young players that we had a chance for a lot of consideration if we had wanted to take it, and we didn't."

A league source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the deal in question was the Bengals attempting to acquire tight end Martellus Bennett, who was a second-round pick of the Cowboys in 2008. The source offered no other details of the proposed trade, which was ultimately turned down by Dallas.

Bennett responded to the report Thursday via Twitter. "Ha the bengals tried to trade for me?ochocinco Marty b woulda been a ruckus. I love being a cowboy tho this is home I love this team."

Multiple sources said several young Cowboys players -- including Orlando Scandrick, Miles Austin, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, Mike Jenkins and Bennett -- are deemed too valuable to let go for any possible blockbuster deal. None of those players is older than 25 or has more than two years full-time playing experience.

Jerry Jones said he thinks highly of other young players on the team such as wide receiver Kevin Ogletree, left tackle Doug Free and outside linebacker Anthony Spencer.

Jones said the team was offered at least one premium draft pick for a player.

"We could have probably made a 'now' impact and just bolstered a position, and significantly, and obviously we would have had a takeaway since it's a young player for the future," Jones said. "By the same token, and I'm talking about the type of consideration, first- or second-round type consideration, but the bottom line is this: Had I not thought that we needed that player right now as opposed to pushing forward in consideration for picks in the future, then I would have taken the pick option on it rather than the player."

Niguez has no regretsDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tashard Choice will get more carries

Report: New England Patriots rookie WR Julian Edelman breaks arm

Promising rookie receiver Julian Edelman sustained a broken arm Sunday in the Patriots' 59-0 win over the Titans, the Boston Herald reported Tuesday.

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Edelman's final play came in the fourth quarter when he caught a 4-yard pass from quarterback Brian Hoyer and was tackled by Tennessee cornerback Cary Williams. Edelman's right arm took the brunt of the fall on the play.

A seventh-round draft choice out of Kent State, Edelman is third on the team with 21 receptions for 188 yards. He was not spotted at the team's walk-through practice Tuesday and his chair was folded up at his locker when reporters arrived in the locker room.

With the team releasing Joey Galloway Tuesday, an injury to Edelman would leave the Patriots with Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Sam Aiken as healthy receivers. But New England has two open spots on the 53-man roster.

Coach Bill Belichick said Tuesday that the team is likely to fill those spots from within. Third-round draft choice Brandon Tate could be activated off the non-football injury list or Terrence Nunn could be promoted from the practice squad.

Espanyol line-up DominguezJunior Seau returns to play for the New England Patriots

Joey Galloway released by New England Patriots; team re-signs Tully Banta-Cain

The New England Patriots have released wide receiver Joey Galloway, the team announced Tuesday.

The Patriots also re-signed linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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Galloway, a 15-year NFL veteran, has seven receptions for 67 yards this season. He has not been on the Patriots' active roster for the past three weeks.

Galloway struggled with the offensive system and was inactive the last three games after catching just seven passes in the first three.

"He's had a great career and this is one of those things that just didn't work out," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "I don't think it's anybody's fault or anything that you just pinpoint."

The Patriots play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where Galloway, 37, spent the past five seasons. He was the eighth player drafted in 1995 and spent five years with Seattle before playing four with Dallas.

He caught 689 passes, which was eighth among active receivers, for 10,777 yards and 77 touchdowns.

Banta-Cain was unexpectedly cut loose Monday, but the Patriots agreed to a contract extension through 2011, a source familiar with the deal told ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.

Banta-Cain's extension boosts his 2009 base salary from $620,000 to $1.8 million, according to the source. He'll earn base salaries of $1.3 million in 2010 and $1.5 million in 2011, and will have a chance to earn additional money in the form of playtime and Pro Bowl incentives in the final two years of the pact.

Banta-Cain is the fourth Patriots player to sign an extension this season, joining special teams captain Sam Aiken (2011) and offensive linemen Nick Kaczur (2012) and Mark LeVoir (2011).

Banta-Cain is tied for the team lead with three sacks. He's played in all six games (13 tackles), with two starts, and has been a solid contributor on special teams as well.

The Patriots are in the process of striking a similar deal with linebacker Eric Alexander as well, multiple sources familiar with that negotiation said. Alexander's main contributions come on special teams.

In other moves, the Patriots released tight end Michael Matthews. He played in three games this season as a reserve tight end and on special teams.

"He came in late and started learning the stuff from the start of the regular season after missing all training camp" with the Patriots, Belichick said.

Those roster spots probably won't be filled before Friday, he said.

Two possibilities for those are tackle Mark LeVoir, who was on the physically unable to perform list, and wide receiver Brandon Tate, who was on the non-football injury list. Both participated in Tuesday's practice, a walkthrough, and must be activated within 21 days or go on a list that would keep them from playing the rest of the season.

They're almost certain to be back during those 21 days, but Belichick indicated it wouldn't happen this week.

"I don't know if a player, after a couple of days of practice, is going to be ready to play," he said. "It's a possibility, but I think it's a lot to ask."

The status of linebacker Adalius Thomas and running back Sammy Morris also was uncertain for Sunday's game.

Thomas, a healthy scratch in Sunday's 59-0 win over the Tennessee Titans for the first time since his rookie year in 2000, practiced Tuesday.

Asked if he was leaning toward activating him Sunday, Belichick said, "as we always do, we'll activate the players that we feel give us the best chance to win this game."

Morris didn't return after hurting his left knee on the Patriots' third offensive play against the Titans. Is Belichick confident he'll play again this season?

"Sure," he said. "If the player wasn't going to be back during the season, then we'd place him on injured reserve."

With Fred Taylor having missed the last two games following ankle surgery, the Patriots could be down to three running backs -- Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- against the Buccaneers.

"We've gone into games with three running backs before," Belichick said.

It's the game that counts more for Belichick than the Wembley Stadium venue as the NFL widens its visibility with its third game in London.

"I'm sure it'll be something we'll all remember," Belichick said, but "I'm just trying to coach a team. I'm not trying to solve the world's problems."

Junior Seau returns to play for the New England PatriotsRaul wants Euro success

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tashard Choice will get more carries

DALLAS -- Running back Marion Barber will continue to start for the Dallas Cowboys, but backup Tashard Choice will get more carries, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday on his weekly radio show.

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Barber suffered a thigh injury against the New York Giants on Sept. 20, and he's still not fully recovered heading into Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

"I can tell you Barber is going to be in better shape than he was last week or two weeks ago," Jones said. "But Tashard is certainly earned and going to get a big part of the load."

Choice's carries have fluctuated since Barber's injury. He carried 14 times for 33 yards in a loss at Denver on Oct. 4, but had just eight carries in the overtime victory over Kansas City on Oct. 11. His 92-yard effort against the Chiefs included a 36-yard touchdown run.

Choice started three games last season while Barber was injured and rushed for 234 yards and one touchdown on 53 attempts.

Choice was supposed to be the Cowboys' third-down back this season, but he's moved up the depth chart after injuries to Barber and Felix Jones (knee).

Jones participated in practice Monday and moved around pretty good. His status for Sunday's game against Atlanta hasn't been determined, though he expects to play.

"We were pleased with how Felix moved around [Monday]," Jerry Jones said. "But we don't know how sore he's going to be [Tuesday]. I think what we've got, the strength of our team is the running back position. It's the most strength that we've had at any spot and we need to use it and we will use it."

Marchena worried by injuryDallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams expects to play Sunday

Agent for Pittsburgh Steelers' Jeff Reed denies kicker resisted arrest

PITTSBURGH -- The agent for Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed denied his client tried to fight Sunday night with police outside a bar.

Don Henderson says Reed didn't raise his fists in front of police.

Police say Reed took a "fighting stance" when officers arrived to cite teammate Matt Spaeth for allegedly urinating in public, and became unruly when police tried to restrain him.

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Henderson denied that allegation in comments to Pittsburgh media outlets Monday, but declined to elaborate when asked about it by The Associated Press.

"We're contesting it," Henderson told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It involved somebody else on the team, he got out to try to help and basically got attacked by the police. He was with his parents. He got out and tried to help and evidently they didn't want to hear that. ... It was somebody else trying to do something and Jeff ended up getting slammed in the middle."

Reed is charged with simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. Police say two officers were needed to restrain Reed, who refused orders to get back into the SUV he had been in with his father, along with Spaeth.

This is Reed's second brush with the law this year.

He paid $543 in fines and restitution after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct and criminal mischief for damaging a paper towel dispenser in a convenience store bathroom in New Alexandria in February.

"He may try to talk him to death, but he's not going to try to hit him," Henderson said, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "That's just not his personality at all. He's about as non-confrontational a person I know."

The Associated Press could not immediately locate Spaeth's agent for comment Tuesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger seeks damages from accuser

Report: Michael Crabtree of San Francisco 49ers likely to start Sunday vs. Houston Texans

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree will make his debut in his home state of Texas, and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported there's a good chance he will start.

Singletary has long given Crabtree the benefit of the doubt, believing the former Texas Tech star will shine at this level. Even if that meant playing catch-up in the past two weeks after missing so much time with a contract holdout.

"There are some things that you can prepare him for, but there are other things that he just has to go through and I think that this is one of them," Singletary said of Crabtree's first game.

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"You have to let those guys line up against him and put their hands on you and see some of the complexities of the defense and how they are setting you up. You come to the sideline with your head on a swivel a little bit, but I don't think that it's going to be too big for him. To me, even though he's come in late, he looks like he's ready."

Crabtree's teammates seem to have moved past his prolonged contract impasse, more focused now on what he can do to help the team. San Francisco (3-2) leads the NFC West with wins already over the reigning NFC champion Arizona Cardinals and Seattle.

"I think he [Crabtree] can do well, man," running back Frank Gore said. "Just by watching him in college. He was one of the best players in college. Just watching him in the bye week, he looks how he's supposed to look. He has great hands and he runs good routes. Like I tell him: 'Just go out there and play football. As long as you know what you're doing, you'll be fine."'

According to Niners wide receiver Josh Morgan, Crabtree will start the game opposite Isaac Bruce, the Press Democrat reported.

"They gave him my spot," Morgan said, according to the report. "So if he's going to be in there, I might as well help him out so I can make sure he gets it right."

The evaluation process with Crabtree will be ongoing. Along with his work on the field last week, he spent time in the film room.

The 49ers like what they see so far on all fronts. Singletary and Co. know they'll learn much more about Crabtree during and after Sunday's game with the Texans.

"Obviously, once you get in the game when the real bullets are flying, that's when you can really tell that, 'You know what, are we helping or hurting his confidence? Is he ready for this? Do we need to back off a bit?"' Singletary said. "Or if, 'Hey he's ready, let's pick it up a little bit.' So, I think he'll tell us."

San Francisco 49ers, Michael Crabtree agree to contractRaul wants Euro success

Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin replaces Patrick Crayton in the starting lineup

IRVING -- Miles Austin and Roy Williams were the Dallas Cowboys' first-team wide receivers during Monday's practice.

Austin has replaced receiver Patrick Crayton, who had started the previous five games.

After Austin's franchise-record performance of 250 yards receiving on 10 catches during the game at Kansas City on Oct. 11, the team decided it was time for him to move into the starting lineup.

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"Patrick has no comment, he just wants to go out and do his job," Crayton's agent Fred Lyles said late Monday.

Williams missed the Kansas City game with three bruised ribs but said he expects to play Sunday against Atlanta. If Williams is unable to play because of a setback in his rehab this week, Crayton would return to the starting lineup.

However, it's Austin's job as of now.

In Austin's first career start, he scored two touchdowns, including a 60-yard catch-and-run to win the game in overtime. Austin's performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, and his yardage total was the most in the league this season by a wide receiver.

"He had a great game, but now we've got to forget about that one and get ready for this one, and this is a big game for us coming up," receivers coach Ray Sherman said before Monday's practice. "That game is in the past as far as we're concerned. It's good to see him have success and now, he's got to be able to keep that up."

The Cowboys had high expectations for Austin at the start of training camp, but he couldn't unseat Crayton for the starting job and fell behind Sam Hurd on the depth chart.

When the regular season started, Austin was able to show the team his big-play ability when he caught one pass for a 42-yard touchdown, breaking a tackle in the process, in the season-opener.

But Austin had just four catches the next three weeks before the Chiefs game. He moved into the starting lineup when Williams was hurt. He scored both of his touchdowns while breaking tackles.

He also dropped two balls in the end zone, but the team remains confident in his abilities.

Raul wants Euro successDallas Cowboys want to get WR Miles Austin more involved

Sources: Detroit Lions Matthew Stafford to have new MRI evaluated

Matthew Stafford's knee has the Detroit Lions a little nervous.

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Even though he was in uniform as the emergency third quarterback Sunday against the Packers, his injured knee underwent a new MRI that will be examined Monday by Dr. James Andrews, according to sources.

Stafford suffered a subluxation of his right knee against the Bears two weeks ago and did not play last Sunday. On Wednesday, he returned to practice, only to have the knee suffer more swelling, which prompted the team's medical staff to order a new MRI on the rookie quarterback.

The MRI result has been forwarded to Andrews, a noted orthopedic specialist, for exam.

Sources say the biggest concern is that Stafford's knee cap is loose enough to require surgery, which could jeopardize the rest of his season. However, the Lions hope and believe more rest Sunday and a bye week next Sunday will provide Stafford with the necessary healing.

Stafford, however, told reporters immediately after the Lions' 26-0 loss that he knew nothing about his tests being forwarded to Andrews for review.

Stafford also said that he's not worried that he might need surgery to repair the knee.

He missed four of five practices this week.

"I'm not going to discuss his prognosis or his status or anything else going forward," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said after the game. "He has a knee, he hasn't been able to play the last two weeks. He got to where he wasn't able to warm up today, but we'll see if we can get him back on the field next week and move forward."

Stafford was listed as Detroit's emergency quarterback against the Packers. Starting quarterback Daunte Culpepper hurt his right hamstring on a scramble on the Lions' first possession of the third quarter.

Culpepper wasn't hit on the play, but began limping just before he reached the sideline. He took one more snap before Drew Stanton relieved him. Culpepper wasn't having a good day even before the injury, going 6-of-14 for 48 yards, an interception and two sacks.

Schwartz said after the game if Stanton also had been injured, Stafford wouldn't have come in and he would have elected to send Culpepper back in a shotgun formation to help limit his movements with the ailing hamstring.

"It never got to that point," Schwartz said.

Schwartz also declined to say whether Stafford might be available after Detroit's upcoming bye week when the Lions play the Rams on Nov. 1.

"I don't think I've ever put a timetable on when he's coming back," he said.

Raul wants Euro successChicago Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije underwent arthroscopic knee surgery

Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger seeks damages from accuser

RENO, Nev. -- Ben Roethlisberger is seeking unspecified counter damages from a woman he says falsely accused him of rape in what his lawyer describes as a plan she hatched to seduce the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback in his Lake Tahoe casino-hotel room.

Roethlisberger

Andrea McNulty alleged in a civil suit filed in Washoe District Court in July that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her at Harrah's in July 2008 after he lured her there under the false pretense of needing his television repaired.

Roethlisberger's lawyer, John Echeverria, said in a response to the lawsuit filed this week that the woman made up the story because she knew it was against Harrah's policy for employees to visit a guest's room without a work-related purpose.

Her violation of the policy "was a deliberate step in her plan to seduce Mr. Roethlisberger," Echeverria wrote.

"At all times while she was in Mr. Roethlisberger's room, [the woman] acted voluntarily. Mr. Roethlisberger did not sexually assault, assault, batter, falsely imprison or otherwise commit any crime."

The response to the lawsuit includes counterclaims against the two-time Super Bowl winner's accuser for "extortion, abuse of process and defamation."

He seeks unspecified damages in excess of $10,000 to compensate for "lost opportunity for endorsement deals and other revenues, damage to his reputation, emotional distress and legal fees and costs."

McNulty "willfully, intentionally and maliciously made and published unprivileged defamatory statements including that Mr. Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her," Echeverria said.

Cal Dunlap, McNulty's lawyer, said Friday he had no comment on the new filing.

McNulty's lawsuit alleges hotel officials for Harrah's Lake Tahoe went to great lengths to cover up the incident. It seeks a minimum of $440,000 in damages from the quarterback, at least $50,000 in damages from the Harrah's officials and an unspecified amount of punitive damages "sufficient to deter" Roethlisberger and the others "from engaging in such conduct in the future."

The woman's lawsuit says she didn't file a criminal complaint because she feared Harrah's would side with Roethlisberger and she would be fired.

McNulty said once she went to Roethlisberger's room, she determined the TV was functioning properly but as she turned to leave, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound NFL star blocked her exit. She claims he grabbed her and started to kiss her, and she was "shocked and stunned that this previously friendly man, that appeared to be a gentleman in her previous contacts with him was suddenly preventing her from leaving, was assaulting her and battering her."

She said she feared he could or would physically harm her if she tried to fight him off, but that she objected and protested several times to no avail.

Echeverria said in the new filing McNulty "has a history of using sex and lies to get what she wants."

He said McNulty and her lawyer have engaged in a "conspiracy to wave a tangled web of lies, deceit and misdirection in the hopes of leveraging a quick and extortionate payoff from a celebrity known for his good character, athletic talent and generosity to his community.

"The resulting complaint is based on the fantastical imaginings of a desperate woman with significant credibility issues."

Former coworker says accuser bragged about being with Ben RoethlisbergerEboue proud of Barca link

Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade defensive end Gaines Adams to Chicago Bears for a 2010 draft pick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have traded defensive end Gaines Adams to the Chicago Bears for a 2010 draft pick, the team announced Friday night.

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Adams, the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft, had been a disappointment in his first two seasons under coach Jon Gruden. He was supposed to get a fresh start under coach Raheem Morris. Defensive coordinator Jim Bates spent much of the offseason working on pass-rush moves with the defensive end.

Morris singled out the 6-foot-5, 258-pound defensive end on the opening day of training camp, saying Adams would be considered a "bust" if he didn't post double-digit sacks this season.

But Adams had one sack and 10 tackles in Tampa Bay's first three games. That apparently caused the Bucs to give up on Adams as they go through a rebuilding process. Adams had six sacks as a rookie and 6 1/2 last year.

Stylez White likely will fill the opening in the lineup when the Bucs face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The Bears are expected to make a corresponding roster move Saturday to reach the maximum allotment of 53 players on their active roster.

Adams likely will play against Atlanta on Sunday night because defensive linemen Anthony Adams and Israel Idonije are dealing with injuries. The move also could provide insurance in the event Adewale Ogunleye and Mark Anderson leave via free agency at the end of the season.

Santana close to Atletico exitTampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Angelo Crowell is lost for season

Baltimore Ravens' Ray Lewis fined for hit on Cincinnati Bengals' Chad Ochocinco

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has been fined a total of $25,000 by the NFL for two separate violations in the fourth quarter of Baltimore's last-minute loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Nick WassChad Ochocinco lost only his helmet when the full force of Ray Lewis, right, met him in the fourth quarter on Sunday.

One fine is for Lewis' helmet-to-helmet hit on Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco. The other was for an incident on a pass play late in the game; the league said Lewis "unnecessarily kicked a Bengals player. It wasn't immediately clear whom Lewis kicked.

The hit on Ochocinco near the middle of the field sent the receiver's helmet flying. Sources said the NFL was primarily concerned with penalizing Lewis for unnecessarily striking a defenseless receiver.

The play came in the fourth quarter of Baltimore's 17-14 loss. Lewis was assessed a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness, which helped set up Cincinnati's winning touchdown with 22 seconds remaining.

After the game, the boisterous Ochocinco used his Twitter account to ask NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for leniency.

"Please don't fine Ray Lewis Mr. Roger Goodell, it was a clean hit, it's part of the game, save the fines for me," Ochocinco wrote.

AFC North blog

ESPN.com's James Walker writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

Asked Wednesday if he expected to be fined, Lewis replied, "Probably."

Earlier, ESPN reported that the fine was for the hit on Ochocinco only.

On Friday, Lewis said, "I'm not talking about no fine."

Coach John Harbaugh said, "I'm disappointed. You hate to see that."

Asked about the play in which Lewis allegedly kicked a player, Harbaugh said, "It was an inadvertent trip that happened.

Harbaugh added: "Ray Lewis is a tough, a physical guy. Ray Lewis is also as a great a sportsman as I've met. He plays good, clean football. I guarantee you the shot on Ochocinco was in the strike zone. I want to stand behind Ray in that sense."

The Bengals have won four straight games and lead the AFC North with a 4-1 record entering Sunday's game against Houston. The Ravens (3-2), who have lost two in a row, visit undefeated Minnesota.

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Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini says he has no interest in trading Josh Cribbs

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Eric Mangini says he has no interest in trading Cleveland special teams star Josh Cribbs.

Cribbs

Mangini made it clear on Friday that he doesn't plan to trade Cribbs, but he didn't address Cribbs' desire for a new contract. Cribbs is currently signed through 2012.

He has previously mentioned he would seek a trade if a new deal couldn't be reached. The trade deadline is Tuesday.

Media reports say at least five teams have inquired with Cleveland about Cribbs' availability. Cribbs signed a six-year extension in 2007 worth $6.77 million.

Source: Cleveland Browns players file grievances for finesChygrynskiy joy at ‘dream’ move

Report: Players want Washington Redskins to endorse Jim Zorn

Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn appears to be sitting on one of the hottest seats in the NFL.

With uncertainty surrounding their coach, some players would like the front office to give the embattled Zorn a public vote of confidence -- if it doesn't intend to fire him during the season, The Washington Post reported.

SportsNation: Approval Ratings

Only 12 percent of SportsNation approves of the job Jim Zorn has done with the Redskins this season. Just the Raiders' Tom Cable and Bills' Dick Jauron rank lower. Ratings

The newspaper talked with two prominent offensive players and a veteran defensive player who wished to remain anonymous.

"I wish someone upstairs would just say he's going to be our coach for the season," one of the unnamed players told the newspaper. "That way, we don't have to answer any more questions about it and everybody knows we're in this boat together."

The Redskins are last in the NFC East with a 2-3 record. The subpar record is even more glaring because each of their games -- including this week's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs -- has been against a winless team.

The team's three losses include a Week 3 defeat at Detroit, which ended the Lions' 19-game losing streak. The Giants, whom Washington lost to in Week 1, are the only team the Redskins have played so far that has a winning record.

Two of the players questioned by the newspaper said that even a "no comment" by Redskins management will lead to division within the ranks as players are attempting to salvage their season.

A Redskins official refused to comment when asked by the newspaper about Zorn's status on Wednesday. In a conference call last week, Redskins executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato chose not to give Zorn an endorsement.

Mike and Mike in the Morning

ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth talks about the former Redskins players speaking out about coach Jim Zorn. Schlereth says Zorn was set up to fail and it's the team's fault. Plus, Mike Greenberg moderates as Mike Golic joins Schlereth for True/False.

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Zorn has a career 10-11 record as the Redskins' coach.

Everyone from former stars Joe Theismann and John Riggins to peoplewriting for the team's official Web site is ripping the Redskins lately.

"A lot of us have sort of tempered ourselves, to be honest withyou. The expectations for this team were so much greater cominginto the year -- and they haven't come even close to living up toit," Theismann said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

"It's the little things that bother the living daylights out ofme more than anything. ... They waste timeouts at an astoundingrate. To me, that's disgraceful. That's Football 101," Theismannsaid. "Ultimately, where does it have to fall on? It has to fallon coaching and teaching."

Theismann, for one, said the team is "fundamentally not soundat all," referred to how Washington "mucks along in futility,"called the offense "inept," and added, "What is unacceptable isthe lack of effort to do more than just what is required."

“

You ... are not a head football coach in the NFL. High school? Definitely. You can coach in high school. You can coach my son in high school any time."

”-- John Riggins on Jim Zorn

Ex-players such as Hall of Fame members Sonny Jurgensen and SamHuff -- whose framed photos hang on a wall outside the locker roomat Redskins Park -- have questioned play calling and individualplayers' fitness on game-day radio broadcasts.

According to The Washington Post, Jurgensen was particularly critical ofquarterback Jason Campbell, saying during a pregame show lastweekend he would have used backup Todd Collins instead and that"I think Collins would have won all four of these games."

Campbell's response to such thoughts coming from ex-Redskins?

"You can't get mad," the quarterback said. "You can't agreeor disagree. They're entitled to their opinion."

Riggins, a Redskins teammate of Theismann's and member of theHall of Fame, spared no one in a diatribe he posted as a video onYouTube, then linked to on his Twitter feed.

Riggins on Cerrato: "You're a great guy, Vin, but you're noGM."

On Zorn: "You're out of your league, Jim," and "you ... arenot a head football coach in the NFL. High school? Definitely. Youcan coach in high school. You can coach my son in high school anytime."

Through a team spokesman, Cerrato declined to respond.

Source: Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn safe … for nowBarca set to close chequebook

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable could face NFL discipline, commissioner Roger Goodell says

BOSTON -- If Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable is implicated by police in their investigation of an alleged assault on an assistant coach, he will be subject to NFL discipline.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday that workplace violence is specifically identified in the league's personal conduct policy, and if Cable is charged with any crimes, he could be punished by the NFL.

Goodell expects to receive a report "in the next couple weeks" on the Napa, Calif., police investigation, which is in the hands of the district attorney. He said the league is "allowing the criminal process to go forward for some period of time" before the NFL might get involved.

AFC West blog

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson writes about all things AFC West in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

"What are the facts?" Goodell asked at the fall owners meetings. "There's a legal and criminal process going on to determine what are the facts."

Napa County district attorney Gary Lieberstein said his office continues to review the case and does not expect any announcement on whether charges will be filed this week.

Napa police presented the case to Lieberstein's office more than a week ago.

But criminal charges need not be brought against Cable for the NFL to discipline him, if Goodell determines Cable broke the league's conduct rules.

Defensive assistant Randy Hanson has alleged he was assaulted by Cable during training camp and his jaw was broken. Hanson also has claimed Cable threatened to kill him during the Aug. 5 attack.

Cable has denied the allegations and has been advised to stay silent.

The meetings began with Goodell delivering a report in which he emphasized the strong TV ratings the NFL has attracted through five weeks. Asked if the economic downturn actually has helped the NFL's popularity, Goodell said it was "one of the theories because we continue to be available on free television and fans are able to gather around the TV set."

But will they be able to do so in 2011? The owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement with the players last year, and if a new one is not reached, a labor stoppage is possible that year.

Plus, next season would have no salary cap, a situation Goodell reiterated the owners are preparing for.

The league and NFLPA have met several times, but no negotiations on major economic issues have taken place. Goodell said union leadership has not asked for teams to open their books during any negotiating sessions.

"Are you kidding me?" NFLPA spokesman George Atallah responded to The Associated Press.

Goodell said the league is looking into claims by the San Francisco 49ers that the New York Jets tampered with the Niners' first-round draft pick, Michael Crabtree. The receiver signed with the 49ers earlier this month after a lengthy holdout.

The NFL also is investigating whether Browns rookie running back James Davis was injured after a practice during which he was not wearing shoulder pads, but was hit by a player who was padded.

Romaric out of Rangers tieOusted Oakland Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson offers details of alleged attack by coach Tom Cable

Agent: Dallas Cowboys close to signing KR/DB Allen Rossum

The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of completing a deal to sign returner/defensive back Allen Rossum, according to his agent. The contract should be done Wednesday.

"This is a homecoming," Rossum's agent Joel Segal said. "We had interest from a hosts of clubs and decided to go to Dallas. He went because he respects the tradition of the Cowboys and has a home there."

Rossum, 33, was cut by San Francisco on Monday after playing in just three games. The move was made to make room for recently signed first-round pick Michael Crabtree.

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Calvin Watkins and Tim MacMahon have the Cowboys blanketed for ESPNDallas.com. Check in with their constantly updated coverage. Blog.

While Rossum is a defensive back, he's more noted as a kick and punt return specialist. In his 12-year career, he's averaged 23.3 yards per kick return and 10 yards per punt return and ranks second in league history with 14,987 return yards.

Rossum is also second all-time in kick return yards (11,931) and kick returns (513). He is in sixth place all-time, in punt return attempts (307) and ninth all-time in punt return yards (3,056).

The Cowboys are determined to improve their return units, which have struggled this season. Patrick Crayton muffed a punt in Sunday's overtime win at Kansas City. Terence Newman also misplayed another punt.

Miles Austin had been the kick returner, but the Cowboys expect him to see more playing time as a wide receiver after his breakout 10-catch, 250-yard performance against the Chiefs. Felix Jones, the other kick returner, is coming off a knee injury.

Kevin Ogletree returned kicks against the Chiefs and fumbled a return out of bounds.

Rossum is coming off one of his best seasons in 2008, having set career highs of 26.8 yards per kickoff return and 14.9 per punt return. The kickoff average ranked third in the NFC while the punt mark was second best in the NFL.

Rossum, who attended Skyline High School, has played with five NFL teams.

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