Packers' Jolly receives six-year prison term

State District Judge Denise Bradley imposed the sentence despite tearful pleas from Jolly and his mother, Phyllis Jolly, to allow the 6-foot-3, 325-pound lineman to be treated for his addiction to codeine instead of going to prison. Jolly's aunt, agent and drug counselor also testified on his behalf.

Browns RB Hardesty tests calf injury outdoors

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Montario Hardesty tested his injured calf by running outside Wednesday as his teammates practiced. Hardesty has missed Cleveland's past two games after tearing a muscle in his right calf Oct. 30 against San Francisco. Hardesty's injury was a double blow to the Browns because they were already without starter Peyton Hillis, who will miss his fifth straight game this week with a hamstring injury. While the Browns practiced inside their field house Wednesday, Hardesty went outdoors with a trainer.

He ran sprints at half-speed and worked on some agility drills. Hardesty rejoined his teammates but stood to the side as they began installing the game plan for Sunday's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Pat Shurmur expects Hardesty to practice at some point this week and hopes he can play Sunday. Without Hillis and Hardesty, the Browns have started Chris Ogbonnaya at tailback the past two weeks. Ogbonnaya, who was signed off Houston's practice squad Oct. 18, rushed for 90 yards in Sunday's loss to St. Louis. Shurmur said starting strong safety T.J. Ward had his cast removed to undergo more tests, which revealed a foot sprain. Shurmur believes Ward, who was fitted with a new cast, to return this season. Ward was injured in the Nov. 6 loss at Houston. Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi practiced after missing two games with symptoms from a concussion sustained Oct. 23. During the portion of practice open to reporters, Massaquoi took part in drills and didn't seem to be limited. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Redskins put two on IR, bring back Stallworth

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins have placed receiver Leonard Hankerson and defensive end Kedric Golston on injured reserve and re-signed receiver Donte' Stallworth and defensive end Darrion Scott. Third-round pick Hankerson tore the labrum in his right hip, and Golston injured a pair of knee ligaments in Sunday's 20-9 loss to Miami. Hankerson was hurt during his first 100-yard receiving game in the pros, while six-year veteran Golston has played in all nine games this season and was a regular part of the defensive line rotation. Tuesday's moves make Hankerson and Golston the sixth and seventh Redskins players on IR this season.

Stallworth and Scott both were cut by the Redskins as part of a flurry of roster moves last week. Stallworth has five catches this season, while Scott has not played. The team also waived safety Kareem Moore, who was on the physically unable to perform list with knee injury and has not played this season. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Bills center Wood (ACL) out for rest of 2011

Wood confirmed what the Bills feared, that he tore a ligament a day earlier in a 44-7 loss at Dallas. He added doctors are waiting for the swelling to subside before determining when to have surgery. It'll be the second season-ending operation Wood's had in his three years in Buffalo; he broke two bones in his left leg during his rookie season. "It's definitely not something I wanted to go through again, another long rehab process," Wood said. "But I'll do it.

And I'll just look to come back stronger next year." The initial prognosis is Wood will miss up to nine months, though the center said he's aiming to be ready for the start of training camp next summer. The second of Buffalo's two first-round draft picks in 2009, Wood was hurt after Ryan Fitzpatrick threw his first of three interceptions late in the third quarter. Turning to chase down Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman, Wood said he was attempting to sidestep a Dallas player when he ran into linebacker DeMarcus Ware and fell awkwardly. Wood was not the only player the Bills lost to a season-ending injury Sunday. Coach Chan Gailey said rookie linebacker Chris White will also have surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee. White did it covering a punt earlier in the third quarter. Gailey added that receiver Steve Johnson is day to day after he hurt his left shoulder in the fourth quarter and did not return. The status of safety George Wilson (stinger) is also uncertain this week as the Bills (5-4) prepare to travel to play Miami (2-7). Wood's injury is the most significant, and latest blow to a team that's lost three of its past four and is losing ground in the AFC playoff hunt. It's also a blow to an offense that's suddenly sputtering. After opening the season by scoring 20 or more points in its first seven games, Buffalo has combined for 18 in its past two. Buffalo's offensive line is already depleted. Left guard Andy Levitre has spent the past three games starting at left tackle filling in for both starter Demetrius Bell (shoulder) and rookie backup Chris Hairston (ankle). Bell has not practiced since being hurt six weeks ago, while Hairston was left inactive the past two weeks. Gailey said, Levitre will likely make yet another positional switch and take over at center for Wood. Hairston is expected to return at left tackle. Wood becomes Buffalo's third regular placed on injured reserve in as many weeks. Defensive tackle Kyle Williams (foot) went on the list last week, while linebacker Shawne Merriman (Achilles tendon) also is out for the year. And that doesn't include veteran kicker Rian Lindell, who's out indefinitely after breaking a bone in his right shoulder in a 27-11 loss to the New York Jets on Nov. 6. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Haynesworth starts Sunday for Bucs in defeat

He was credited with five tackles (four solo) but the Buccaneers were crushed by the Houston Texans 37-9 to fall to 4-5 on the season. Haynesworth started even though he didn't practice with his new team until Thursday. The 350-pound defensive tackle said Thursday he was motivated to leave behind two-plus disappointing seasons with Washington and New England and prove he can still be a productive player. The 10th-year pro developed into one of the league's top defensive linemen during seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans, but has underperformed since rejecting an offer from Tampa Bay as a free agent in 2009 and signing a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Redskins. New England obtained him in a July trade, but Haynesworth had little impact in a part-time role and lasted just eight games with the Patriots.

Coach Raheem Morris and general manager Mark Dominik believe Haynesworth still has the talent to excel in a 4-3 defensive scheme after struggling in Washington and New England. Haynesworth is in the lineup Sunday against the Houston Texans, filling in for the injured Gerald McCoy. McCoy tore his right biceps last week and his backup, Frank Okam, is inactive with a sore calf. Receiver Andre Johnson was inactive for the Texans with right hamstring injury that's sidelined him more than a month. Quarterback T.J. Yates, cornerback Sherrick McManis, safety Danieal Manning, guard Thomas Austin, tackle Andrew Gardner and tight end Garrett Graham were Houston's other inactives. Cornerback Anthony Gaitor, linebacker Dekoda Watson, tackles Derek Hardman and James Lee, receiver Micheal Spurlock and defensive end Tim Crowder were inactive for the Bucs. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Titans' Washington, Cook, Hall back at practice

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Wide receiver Nate Washington, tight end Jared Cook and fullback Ahmard Hall were back on the practice field for the Tennessee Titans on Friday and will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Carolina. Linebacker Barrett Ruud sat out again Friday with his injured groin, but will be questionable and will be a game-time decision for the Titans. Rookie linebacker Colin McCarthy, just back from a hamstring injury, could get his first NFL start if Ruud cannot go. Safety Chris Hope, who has practiced fully this week in returning from a broken forearm, will be listed as questionable.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (knee) will be probable, while defensive end Dave Ball is out with a concussion. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Bills' Johnson misses practice, expected to play

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills top receiver Steve Johnson didn't practice Friday because he was sick, but the illness shouldn't keep him out of Sunday's game against the host Dallas Cowboys. Johnson came to the practice facility for medication Friday morning before returning home to rest. He leads the team with 42 catches for 523 yards, and hasn't missed a game despite a nagging groin injury. Rookie cornerback Aaron Williams (chest) is questionable after missing the past five games.

Left tackle Demetrius Bell (shoulder), linebacker Chris Kelsay (calf), and kicker Rian Lindell (shoulder) all are out. The game is the first of three straight on the road for the Bills (5-3). Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Browns safety Ward likely out against Rams

Ward missed his second day of practice Thursday with the injury he sustained last week in Houston, and coach Pat Shurmur said there's a "very good chance" the hard-hitting safety will not play Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. "I don't want to rule him out yet," Shurmur said. But that seems inevitable with Ward's foot still in a cast, just three days from kickoff. The Browns have not provided any specifics of Ward's injury or the results of an MRI taken Monday.

Ward's injury is the latest blow for the banged-up Browns (3-5), who had eight players sit out Thursday's practice with four others limited. Cleveland's running attack has been slowed to a crawl because of injuries to running backs Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty, both of whom will sit out for the second straight game. Hillis has missed Cleveland's past four games, depriving him a chance to convince the Browns -- or a team in free agency -- that he deserves to be paid as one of the NFL's top backs. Last week, the offensive backfield was weakened. This week, the team's defensive backs are hurting. Not only is Ward injured, but Usama Young, who splits time at free safety with Mike Adams, has been slowed by an aching hip that has kept him out of practice the past two days. His status is unknown for Sunday's game as is nickel back Dimitri Patterson, who didn't practice and may have to sit out his second consecutive game with a knee injury. Young's injury could force the Browns to give rookie Eric Hagg his first career start. Hagg was inactive for Cleveland's first six games after undergoing knee surgery in the preseason. He made his pro debut two weeks ago at San Francisco and played in a limited role and on special teams last week in the 30-12 loss to the Texans. Hagg has worked with the Browns' starting defense during the portion of practice open to reporters the past two days. If he's asked to start on Sunday, Hagg's ready. "I've just been working hard, listening to what the coaches have to say, listening to the vets, what they have to say," Hagg said. "There's a couple mistakes out there here and there, but when you watch film, watch them on tape, get your corrections made, I feel pretty comfortable. I'm just learning." The Browns selected Hagg in the seventh round. They had hoped to work him into their rotation earlier, but he got hurt defending a pass during a training camp practice and underwent surgery on Aug. 15. Now healthy, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Hagg has been steadily getting better with every practice. "Eric is one of our young players that improves and sees something new every day," Shurmur said. "He's a very aware guy. He's a physical tackler and at least the practices and competitive situations I've seen him in in training camp, we felt really good about the progress he was making in those competitive situations, which is pretty much the last time we saw him do that. We're anticipating he'll play well." Adams has been impressed with Hagg's progress, and is confident he can handle starting if necessary. "He's growing," he said. "It's just trying to get the game to slow down for him. Out there (in a real game) is 10 times faster than practice. Just getting the game to slow down for him and calm down a little bit. He'll be fine." Ward has been playing well in his second season. His 35 tackles are third on the club and he's been making some of the teeth-rattling hits that drew the Browns to him and prompted them to draft him in the second round last year. Ward also excels on special teams. "You don't want to lose anybody," said defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. "Unfortunately on any football team when you lose a starter it has an effect on the entire team because clearly somebody's got to move up and it affects special teams, and the whole thing gets affected as you move people. "You don't want anybody out. T.J.'s a tough guy. They all are, but T.J's got unusual skills. He can deliver a blow, he likes to deliver a blow. He plays hard and he was moving along in the way we do things and doing a nice job. Injuries never come at good times, but it's not a great time for us or for him." Notes WR Mohamed Massaquoi continues to have post-concussion symptoms. He was sent home for the second straight day after not feeling well. Massaquoi suffered his second head injury in 13 months on Oct. 23 against Seattle. He missed one game, returned to practice last week but left the game in Houston after getting dizzy. "He's receiving the attention he needs from our medical people," Shurmur said. "We're doing everything we can to make sure he's going to be right." ... Kicker Phil Dawson was also sent home with a migraine headache, but Shurmur expects Dawson, who has made six field goals beyond 50 yards, to play Sunday. ... RT Tony Pashos (ankle), LB Kaluka Maiava (knee), DE Jayme Mitchell (chest/ankle) and DB Ray Ventrone (hamstring) were limited in practice. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Steelers' Clark fined $40K, takes jab at Goodell

" So it's going to turn into if you're going to fine me $40,000, I might as well put him to sleep for real or I might as well blow his knee out. " -- Ryan Clark Also, the NFL fined Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Steelers receiver Hines Ward in the same game. Lewis wouldn't disclose the amount of the fine but a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the linebacker was docked $20,000 for the hit. Clark was flagged for his hit on Baltimore Ravens tight end Ed Dickson late in the first half. Clark hit Dickson in stride, appearing to lead with his shoulder, but both players' helmets made contact.

"There wasn't anything malicious about it," Clark said. "It wasn't a spear. It wasn't a forearm to the head. It wasn't any of those things and to be fined $40,000 for that? To me it's either targeting me as a single player or it's targeting this team." The Steelers have been fined 13 times for more than $182,000 this season, with Clark's latest the biggest of the bunch. Clark's agent told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that his client will appeal the fine. Clark said that coach Mike Tomlin informed him of the fine and told him the hit was used by Tomlin on Monday as an example of a good hit in the team's film review. "I was actually expecting to get a call back and say that it wasn't wrong, because it wasn't," Clark said. "I did everything I was asked to do and (NFL commissioner Roger) Goodell and all those other guys, they sit in their office with their suits and make these decisions on what a split-second reaction by the player is and this time it's wrong." This is the second straight week that Clark has been disciplined by the league. Clark, the team's representative to the NFL Players Association, was fined $15,000 for a hit out of bounds on New England tight end Rob Gronkowski two weeks ago. "This time it's wrong, not that I respected Roger before this," Clark told the Post-Gazette. Steelers linebacker James Harrison also is expected to receive a fine for a helmet-to-helmet hit in the game, a source has told Schefter. The Steelers aren't into conspiracy theories, but they're also the only team in the league that voted against the CBA. Clark, who serves as the team's union player representative, believes NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith should get involved. His teammates don't think it's a bad idea. "That's his job. I think he should do something because right now it seems like they can do whatever they want to," Harrison said. The NFLPA did not immediately return a request for comment from The Associated Press. Regardless, Clark argues if the hit against Dickson was against the rules, he's not sure what's legal anymore. "Am I supposed to let him catch it and then wait for him and hug him?" Clark said. "Should I throw a pillow at him? Should I blow a whistle? 'Hey look, I'm about to tackle you.' No, that's not football." The Ravens' Lewis agrees. "You can't stop playing defense the way defense has always been created to play," Lewis said. "When the receiver has the ball, your job is to disengage him from the ball. You never want to hurt nobody. I've been in this business too long. I just think once you start getting into these fines I don't know how they come up with the numbers most of the time." Neither does Clark, who threatened to go out and blatantly earn the fine next time. "So it's going to turn into if you're going to fine me $40,000, I might as well put him to sleep for real or I might as well blow his knee out," Clark said. Information from ESPN NFC North blogger Jamison Hensley and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Bucs DT McCoy (biceps) out for rest of 2011

TAMPA, Fla. -- The struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to pull out of a midseason funk without Gerald McCoy. The second-year defensive tackle was placed on injured reserve Monday after tearing his right biceps during the opening quarter of a 27-16 loss to New Orleans that dropped the Bucs (4-4) into third place in the NFC South. McCoy had just returned to the lineup after sitting out the previous two games because on an ankle injury. "That's football.

That's the unfortunate part of our game," coach Raheem Morris said Monday, adding that Sunday's subpar performance against the division-leading Saints provided a snapshot of how much the 6-foot-4, 295-pound McCoy means to a defense rebuilt around him. New Orleans rushed for 195 yards, averaging 7 yards per carry with McCoy and the 23-year-old tackle's backup, Frank Okam, on the sideline Sunday. Okam missed the game because of a sore calf, forcing Morris to fill McCoy's spot by committee with ends Michael Bennett, Da'Quan Bowers and George Johnson. It's the second straight year McCoy's season is ending prematurely because of an arm injury. The third pick in the 2009 NFL draft missed the final three games of his rookie year with a torn left biceps. "You can see the difference in our play up front when he's out of the game, and how it affects our get off and some of the things we're able to do positively on defense," Morris said. "You're talking about a top three pick. You're talking about a guy who gets off the ball, causes disruptions. When he's played, he's been playing really well for us. He's done a great job for us versus the run. He's done a great job as far as the explosion and the get off. He makes game plans change." McCoy finished with 13 tackles, including one sack. He had three sacks during a rookie season that was considered disappointing. Ever since the former Oklahoma star got off to a slow start and didn't earn a sack until his 10th game as a pro it was clear the value of a player at McCoy's position is not determined by statistics alone. The coach said Monday that he doesn't feel McCoy, who'll wind up missing 10 games, is injury prone. The latest injury occurred in the first quarter when he was reaching out to his right to try to make a tackle on Saints running back Chris Ivory, who gained 3 yards before being taken to the ground by another defender. "It's football," Morris repeated. "Matt Stafford missed two seasons for the Detroit Lions and he is probably putting up his best season. (McCoy) has to come back, he has to go rehab, get his mind right and come back ready to play. And be ready to play a 16-game season." The injury leaves just two players on the roster who are listed as true defensive tackles: 2010 second-round draft pick Brian Price, the club's other starting tackle, and backup Roy Miller. The Bucs also used their first two picks in the 2011 draft on defensive linemen, selecting ends Adrian Clayborn and Bowers. Morris said help will be brought in from the outside before Sunday's home game against the Houston Texans. In addition to placing McCoy on injured reserve, the club released running back Chad Spann and guard-center Zane Taylor. "Hopefully we can get Frank (Okam) back this week. He had the (calf) strain last week in practice and we have to see where he is health wise. That is an issue right now," Morris said, adding it's not ideal to move one the team's backup ends inside to fill in. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Vick reportedly most disliked NFL player in poll

Michael Vick has come all the way back from prison to star in the NFL again. But he apparently still won't win a popularity contest among the league's fans. Forbes.com reported Monday that Vick is the NFL's most disliked player, according to a poll by Nielsen and E-Poll Market Research. Forbes.com reports that 60 percent of those polled picked said they "dislike," "dislike somewhat," or "dislike a lot" the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback. Second on the list was New York Jets receiver Plaxico Burress at 56 percent, who also has returned from a prison stay, followed by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was accused of sexual assault last year but wasn't charged.

New England Patriots defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who disappointed with the Washington Redskins after signing a $100 million contract before his trade to New England, came in at No. 4 at 46 percent and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who had his toughness questioned after leaving the last season's NFC Championship Game early with an injury, finished fifth at 38 percent. The rest of the top 10: Patriots receiver Chad Ochocinco (35 percent), Eagles backup QB Vince Young (32 percent), Oakland Raiders QB Carson Palmer (31 percent), Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey, who both were at 29 percent. Only active NFL players who had a 10 percent "awareness level" with the public were considered for the poll, Forbes.com reported.

Chargers' Mathews, Floyd, Phillips out vs. Pack

SAN DIEGO -- Running back Ryan Mathews, wide receiver Malcom Floyd and linebacker Shaun Phillips are among the San Diego Chargers' inactive players against the Green Bay Packers. Guard Kris Dielman is missing his second straight game with a concussion. The other inactives are linebackers Na'il Diggs and Everette Brown, and defensive end Luis Castillo. Rookie Vincent Brown is expected to start for Floyd. The Packers' inactives are tackle Chad Clifton, cornerback Davon House, linebackers Robert Francois, Jamari Lattimore and Vic So'oto, offensive lineman Ray Dominguez, and defensive end Mike Neal.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Vikings Stadium drama stoking fears of move

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A YouTube video making the rounds at the Minnesota Capitol these days shows a man slowly opening a gift box as ominous music thumps in the background. He folds back the flaps, reaches in and pulls out a foam rubber cheesehead -- a symbol of the hated Green Bay Packers next door. "Some things are too sickening to imagine," warns the video.

"Minnesota as Green Bay Packer country is one of them." These are scary days for Vikings fans, who wonder if they are on the brink of losing the state's most popular team if it doesn't get the new stadium it wants. A long-simmering push for a publicly funded stadium is suddenly boiling over, with a lease that expires after this season, a fat new market in California beckoning and state leaders reluctant to pony up amid chronic budget deficits and spending cuts. For those who fear the worst, there's good reason. This is the state that already lost one team to California -- the Minneapolis Lakers left decades ago -- and watched the NHL's North Stars decamp to Dallas. The NBA's Timberwolves nearly left before a rescue effort in the mid-'90s kept them in town. "My observation is, the Indianapolis Colts used to be the Baltimore Colts," said Gov. Mark Dayton, who has emerged as the chief cheerleader for some kind of stadium package. "The St. Louis Rams used to be the Los Angeles Rams. The Los Angeles Lakers used to be the Minneapolis Lakers. "Teams leave when they can't get satisfactory resolution to where they're currently located," said Dayton, who has recalled attending as a teenager the Vikings first-ever regular-season home game in 1961 (they beat the Chicago Bears). There are powerful reasons to believe the Vikings aren't going anywhere for now. NFL officials have called the Minnesota market (read: TV) a valuable one. Vikings ownership would be on the hook for a hefty relocation fee likely to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars, too. And if Vikings owners want to move in 2012, they'd have to notify the league in writing by Feb. 15, a relatively short window. Two business groups proposing football stadiums in Los Angeles haven't broken ground yet, though there are NFL-ready stadiums in the L.A. area. No Minnesota political leader wants to be blamed for losing the Vikings, but hopes of settling the issue soon seemed to dim this week after Kurt Zellers, the Republican House speaker, called it unworthy of a special session prior to a regularly scheduled legislative session that begins in late January. Stadium supporters fear that taking up a stadium funding issue in January could be even tougher. Minnesota government shut down over the summer as Dayton and Republican lawmakers disagreed on how to eliminate a $5 billion deficit, and the picture isn't expected to be much better three months from now. An expansion of legal gambling is emerging as the most politically palatable way to complete a deal, though powerful factions in the Legislature oppose it. And some longtime stadium foes are against any state money being laid out for sports. "The dollar amounts of these things keep getting bigger, while government is getting more and more pinched for money," said John Marty, a Democratic state senator who represents a suburban area north of St. Paul. "It's absolutely outrageous. If it was outrageous before, it's even more outrageous now." The Vikings have wanted out of the Metrodome for more than a decade, calling the 30-year-old stadium obsolete and unprofitable compared to most NFL venues. The team's latest push has centered on building a $1.1 billion stadium on a suburban plot of land about 10 miles northeast of the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, but at least three downtown sites appear to still be in play. The suburban plan, in Arden Hills, calls for a state contribution of as much as $650 million. On Friday, the Metrodome's landlords said they believe a clause deep in the team's lease could require it to stay one more season, potentially buying more time. That clause calls for a one-year extension if the team is forced to play elsewhere for part of a season. That's just what happened last year when the Metrodome roof collapsed in a snowstorm, but the Vikings maintain that this is the last year of the lease. Dayton and other stadium negotiators said no one with the Vikings has directly threatened a move to Los Angeles or anywhere else. The team declined to make owner Zygi Wilf available for an interview for this story; Vikings vice president Lester Bagley has told The Associated Press that both Los Angeles business groups have been in contact, but has continued to stress that the team's main focus is securing a deal to stay in Minnesota. Representatives of both firms, Anschutz Entertainment Group and Majestic Realty Co., did not return phone messages from the AP. The Vikings aren't the only franchise on relocation alert, but the team's tie to its current city appears to be the loosest in the near term. The St. Louis Rams have a possible out after the 2014 season. The Oakland Raiders are under lease through 2013. The Buffalo Bills intend on staying put as long as the founding owner -- 93-year-old Ralph Wilson -- is alive. The Jacksonville Jaguars would need to exercise a special escape clause to leave Florida but would owe the city for lost taxes and parking revenue for years to come. In San Diego, where the Chargers have been seeking a new stadium since 2002, the team has its eyes on a new downtown site but lack financing. The Chargers could get out of a lease starting in February if a better deal surfaces elsewhere, but the team is building toward a 2012 ballot measure. In the meantime, a lot of Vikings fans are feeling nervous. Tyler Richter, a 30-year-old Twin Cities media consultant, made the Vikings/cheesehead video in his garage and uploaded it last week. Richter said he's a Republican and no fan of government handouts to business, but his love for the Vikings trumps that. "Don't hate the player, hate the game," Richter said. "In this day and age, the reality is these deals don't get done without a public component. Love it or hate it, that's what it is." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Bengals sell out, ending 7-game blackout streak

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have sold out their Nov. 13 home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaking their streak of seven straight games blacked out on local television because of less-than-capacity crowds. Cincinnati (5-2) failed to sell out its last four games in 2010 and the first three this year. The Bengals drew only 41,142 fans for a win over Buffalo on Oct. 2, the smallest regular-season crowd in Paul Brown Stadium's 12-year history.

The team's unexpectedly strong start has revived fans' interest. Plus, thousands of Steelers fans make the five-hour drive to Cincinnati each year, filling the stadium. The last time the Bengals sold out a regular-season home game was Nov. 8 last year, when the Steelers were in town for a 27-21 win. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Colts' Manning wants to play in '11 if feasible

Manning said Thursday he hopes to return to practice this year and still holds out hope of playing if doctors say he is finally healed from his Sept. 8 neck surgery. Irsay, the team owner, said he expects the four-time NFL MVP still has some good years in that right arm. There are some big questions looming in Indy. The Colts (0-8) must decide whether to opt out of Manning's five-year contract or pay a $28 million bonus to keep him on the roster.

And if they have a high draft pick next year, Indy also will have to decide whether to take Manning's heir apparent, someone like Andrew Luck or Landry Jones. "It's something you talk about and scenarios, who could be behind Peyton and how long you want him to sit and how much money you have committed to quarterbacks," Irsay said. "I think theoretically, you could have Peyton for two or three more good years and then have someone behind him, but that's theoretical." Manning hasn't played since having surgery to repair a damaged nerve that caused weakness in his throwing arm. It was his third neck procedure in 19 months, a series of operations that has forced Colts fans to debate when -- or if -- Manning will return. "I think it's too early to bury this era," Irsay said during a 40-minute interview. "I think to say that Peyton is done and the era is over is, to me, way, way too premature. I've always sort of known that era would be decided when Peyton is here. But I don't feel like that era is done." A few hours earlier, Manning made his second impromptu locker room appearance of the season, telling reporters that he's spending every day in rehab and that he hopes to practice with his teammates in December and play in a game later this season. But he hasn't been cleared for football activity by the doctors. Irsay said there was less than a 50 percent chance Manning would appear in a game this season. "We're still waiting for the fusion to take place, it's still going slow with that and we still have some issues with the nerve and the regeneration of the nerve," Manning said. "There's really not a schedule, a timeline of where I am." Doctors who were not involved with Manning's surgery said it was likely to take two or three months before Indy's franchise quarterback could make it back to practice, which is consistent with Manning's comments. Without their franchise quarterback, the Colts are 0-8 for the first time since 1997, and many think it would be foolish to bring Manning back for some meaningless late-season games. Manning disagrees. "I miss playing, I really do. If I get cleared to play and I'm good enough, would I play? Absolutely," he said. "I'd love to because that's how I'm wired, that's my job and I love my job. "If the doctor says you can go, then I'd like to do that," Manning added later. Manning addressed a variety of topics, calling coach Jim Caldwell a "friend," dismissing speculation about the No. 1 pick and even discussing the option clause in his contract. The Colts signed Manning to a five-year deal worth $90 million in late July when it looked as if he would still be ready to play this season. The $18 million annual average matches New England's Tom Brady for the richest deal in the league. Manning thinks the Colts should see him in action, if possible, before making their decision. "It's a one-year deal with a four-year extension," Manning said. "The team has a right to know where you are physically and where your health is." Irsay said he has no intention of releasing Manning and the two sides could work out a new deal if the quarterback still was not healthy. How close is Manning to returning? Nobody knows. "What you want to see is for him to keep making progress, to get back to the point where you can say he's making all the throws and doing the things he needs to do," Irsay said. "The truth is it's a slow progression and to say that he would hit a ceiling on Dec. 15 or Jan. 1 and he's not going to get any better, that's really uncertain." Manning's health and finding a successor are only part of the equation. Some outsiders want a complete overhaul -- getting rid of Caldwell, vice chairman Bill Polian or general manager Chris Polian. Irsay told reporters he wouldn't give up on the Polians, who turned the franchise from an also-ran into a perennial Super Bowl contender, because of eight losses. He also voiced support for Caldwell, saying "not just any guy" could have led the Colts to the AFC title two years ago or four straight wins to clinch the AFC South last year. Manning hopes to have more answers next month. "If I'm at a level where I'm cleared to practice, then the greatest venue to see where you are is on the practice field," Manning said. Until then, Irsay is pleading for patience. "We have not had this much uncertainty in a long, long time, but I think it's exciting," Irsay said. "I'm more interested in getting back to greatness and having a chance to sustain it. I'm not interested in middling around at 8-8 or 9-7 and sneaking into the playoffs for the next decade." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Vikings official warns state about delaying vote

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A Minnesota Vikings executive warned Wednesday that delaying until next year a state legislature vote on financing for a new stadium would increase the project's already hefty cost and would leave the football franchise without a lease binding it to Minnesota. Vice president Lester Bagley's reaction came to newly voiced opposition from House Speaker Kurt Zellers to an emergency session. Zellers told his 71 GOP colleagues in an email Tuesday night that the issue should wait until lawmakers convene the 2012 session in late January.

" The strategy of avoiding a stadium issue has not worked. It only gets more costly and more difficult to resolve, especially if they allow the lease to expire with no action. " -- Vikings vice president Lester Bagley Bagley stopped short of saying the team would pull up stakes, but noted that after this season the Vikings "will be the only team without a lease." "The strategy of avoiding a stadium issue has not worked. It only gets more costly and more difficult to resolve, especially if they allow the lease to expire with no action," Bagley told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. The Vikings have four remaining home games in their Metrodome lease. Whispers of relocation have been present throughout the stadium discussion, but there has been little outward recruiting of the Vikings by Los Angeles or other cities seeking an NFL presence. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has said he is prepared to call a special session this month or next on the stadium. But a financing plan remains undefined. The Vikings have sought a replacement for the Metrodome for years, saying the Minneapolis venue no longer is sufficiently profitable. The team prefers building a new facility in the St. Paul suburb of Arden Hills but Minneapolis leaders are promoting three sites of their own. Such a project is expected to cost between $900 million and $1.1 billion depending on where it gets built. The team wants taxpayers to shoulder more than half of the cost. Bagley said winning authorization this year would enable builders to start a 40-month construction schedule sooner and have the stadium ready for the 2015 season. Delaying construction adds $50 million per year, according to a consultant's estimate. Dayton hoped to speak with Zellers about the timing for a special session, the governor's spokesman said. Michael Brodkorb, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, said she also wanted to confer with the House speaker before commenting. She has previously been open to a fall special session. Dayton doesn't need the Legislature's consent to call a special session, but lawmakers determine how long it lasts once they're back in St. Paul. Governors typically avoid calling a session without mutual agreement on an agenda. The state leaders have met frequently about how to structure a public subsidy. Dayton plans to release his own proposal next week. Republican Sen. David Hann, an opponent of a public stadium subsidy, said it would be wrong to rush a plan through in a special session. "What other billion-dollar things do we do in the Legislature in three weeks without ever having seen them before? I can't think of any," Hann said. "I would think that the public would not want the Legislature to act that way." One possible option fell away when Dayton and lawmakers effectively ruled out new local sales taxes to pay for a share of the expected stadium cost. They said a sales tax lacks the votes to pass the Legislature unless a public referendum is required; the earliest a referendum could be held is November 2012 and the Vikings oppose one. Discussions in recent days have focused on expanded gambling. There are several possibilities: authorizing a new casino in downtown Minneapolis; adding video slot machines at two horse-racing tracks near the Twin Cities; allowing bars and restaurants to shift from offering paper pull-tab gambling cards to electronic ones; and selling themed scratch-off lottery tickets. The pull-tab plan, which also envisions a bingo component, appears to have the most traction. Legislative researchers estimate it would raise up to $42 million a year. "I think the electronic pull-tabs probably has the most promise at this point in terms of drawing enough support in the Legislature," Dayton said. "My sense is that's probably the most immediately available and plausible source right now." Another possible approach would be to divert money from the state's "Legacy" sales tax, which was approved by voters in 2008 to dedicate money to arts and cultural programs, outdoor preservation and clean water initiatives. Dayton said that would not be his preferred approach but that he is not ready to rule it out either. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Safety panel to focus Tuesday meet on Dielman

A concussion and subsequent seizure suffered Oct. 23rd by San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl guard Kris Dielman will be the subject of intensive discussion when the NFL and NFL Players Association's Joint Committee on Player Safety and Welfare meets in New York on Tuesday. Dielman was injured early in the fourth quarter when he collided with New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace. Immediately following the play, Dielman wobbled and appeared disoriented but remained in the game. Mike and Mike in the Morning The nine-year veteran was evaluated for a possible concussion after the game but the team determined him fit enough to get on the team's cross-country flight home to San Diego.

However, Dielman suffered a seizure near the end of the flight and was hospitalized. "(Dielman) had the seizure as soon as the jet's wheels touched down and it's obviously a serious incident that everybody wants to avoid," said Dr. Thomas Mayer, the NFLPA's medical director. "I've looked at the play at least a hundred times," Mayer continued, "and not only does the broadcast footage provide a clear visual record, you can hear the collision loud and clear on the audio. It really was an unfortunate event, but this is a process and an opportunity to further strengthen our protocol. There are a lot of lessons to be learned here." Mayer, who is also a member of the union safety committee as mandated by the collective bargaining agreement, outlined some of those lessons, including the education of game officials. "You can see on the video when Dielman wobbles backwards that the umpire (Tony Michalek) is concerned and the referee (Ron Winter) notices something, too. Dielman waved off the umpire. I know he's one tough dude, but this is what we're trying to avoid. We can educate the officials to treat this like a significant injury, stop time and call for medical attention. When Dielman continued to play in the game, he was subject to further collisions by the nature of the sport and his position." Mayer said the Chargers' team physicians, Dr. Calvin Wong and Dr. David Chao, were unaware of the concussion when it occurred and were not alerted when Dielman came to the sideline. Wong was attending to another Chargers player and Dr. Chao had a poor sightline and believed Dielman may have simply suffered a turned ankle. Also, Mayer said that Dielman did not complain of a concussion when he returned to the bench area. The panel, which was scheduled to meet Tuesday before Dielman's injury, will also focus on the team's postgame treatment of the concussion. An unidentified Chargers player alerted the medical staff that he believed Dielman needed to be checked for a concussion. After evaluation, it was determined Dielman was fit enough to travel home with the team. "Dielman never underwent a CT Scan before he left New York and maybe that would have prevented him from getting on the plane and flying home," said Mayer. "Again, we will have to discuss whether this should be part of the mandatory protocol as we gather information and more opinions during the review." Also under discussion is whether teams will be required to have an independent neurologist on the sidelines. Presently, each team is assigned an independent neurologist in its home city who is included in the post-concussion evaluation process. Mayer emphasized an important part of the process was "not to point fingers but to gather information and be transparent as we seek solutions. It's a genuine collaborative process. I know (former NFL concussion expert) Dr. (Elliot) Pellman has been thorough on the NFL side and (the union) has been just as thorough. (NFLPA executive director) DeMaurice Smith has been informed and remains very much part of the process." Chris Mortensen is ESPN's senior NFL analyst.

Browns' Hardesty sidelined by torn calf muscle

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns are running out of running backs. Montario Hardesty tore a calf muscle in Sunday's loss at San Francisco, leaving Cleveland with just one healthy running back on its current roster. Coach Pat Shurmur said Hardesty will be out an indefinite period. "It will be games," said Shurmur, adding Hardesty is wearing a protective boot. "It will take him a little time to heal up from this injury.

I can't tell you how many (games)." Hardesty, who missed his rookie season following knee surgery and was starting because Peyton Hillis is injured, was injured on Cleveland's second series. Hardesty was making his second straight start because Hillis missed his second straight game with a strained hamstring. Shurmur said Hillis, whose season has been a disaster with his ongoing contract situation and injuries, did some light running and is day-to-day. Shurmur said Hardesty has a "moderate tear of a medial gastrocnemius" muscle, the large muscle at the back of his lower leg. "Any doctors in here?" Shurmur joked, attempting to lighten the mood during his news conference. The Browns (3-4) will bring in running backs for tryouts Tuesday at the team's training facility, Shurmur said. Currently, Chris Ogbonnaya is the only healthy back on the team's 53-man roster. Ogbonnaya has been with the club for less than two weeks, signed off Houston's practice squad on Oct. 18. On Sunday, Ogbonnaya was pressed into duty and ran for 37 yards on 11 carries and caught five passes. If he had gotten hurt, fullback Owen Marecic was the club's only available option at tailback. If Hillis can't play this week, Ogbonnaya may have to start when the Browns visit the Texans (5-3). Hillis traveled with the team to San Francisco, but was ruled out shortly before kickoff. He returned to practice last Wednesday for the first time since getting hurt on Oct. 16, but was sore the following day. It's not immediately known which running backs the Browns will have in for workouts. Cleveland's medical issues in the backfield began during the exhibition season when Brandon Jackson was lost for the season with a toe injury. The Browns have rookie Armond Smith on the practice squad, and Shurmur said wide receiver Josh Cribbs could be used at running back, but that seems unlikely. Shurmur made it clear the Browns can't use injuries as an excuse. Those don't work in the NFL. "Well, our list of runners has increased," he said. "We like to think that we can still run the football. Whoever's running the ball, whoever's lining up at tailback will have that opportunity. We've sustained some injuries and we've had our first, second and third guy get hurt. We just have to keep playing. "I've told the team this too, once you make the first excuse, it's a slippery slope. There are no excuses. The task at hand now is getting the team back, ready to play Houston. No excuses and we've got to go down there with a plan to try to beat them, regardless of who's playing." Injuries are only compounding the Browns' offensive woes in Shurmur's first season. Cleveland has scored just 16 points the past two weeks, quarterback Colt McCoy is facing constant pressure up front and the Browns don't have enough playmakers to help their young QB. Without a legitimate running game, the Browns are having to throw more and they're having to do so while playing from behind. On Sunday, the 49ers, helped by a strip sack of McCoy on Cleveland's second play, jumped to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Through seven games, the Browns have been outscored 44-3 in the opening quarter. The Browns have tried to avoid falling behind early, but to this point nothing has worked. "Our slow starts hurt us and it affects coach's ability to call the game the way he wants to," said tight end Evan Moore. "We get behind early, like yesterday, you know a turnover in our own territory basically gives them seven points. When you get behind like that it makes it pretty tough. When you have a lead, when you can run the ball and control the game clock which we haven't had this year, it makes it a lot easier on coaches and playcallers "We've just got to do a better job of starting better. I know you guys have heard that a thousand times." Notes Nickel back Dimitri Patterson is awaiting results of an MRI taken on his injured left knee. Patterson, who was injured in the third quarter Sunday, said his knee felt stiff but he's confident it's not seriously injured. "It looked worse than it was," he said. ... Shurmur said starting LB Chris Gocong sustained a neck stinger. He missed the entire exhibition season with a similar injury. ... Shurmur had high praise for his defense, which limited the 49ers to less than 100 yards in the second half. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

QB Whitehurst starts but gets pulled for Jackson

SEATTLE -- Seahawks coach Pete Carroll pulled a quarterback switcheroo Sunday, listing Tarvaris Jackson as the starter, but sending Charlie Whitehurst out for Seattle's first offensive series. Whitehurst's stint didn't last long, however, as Jackson entered the game with 10:41 left in the second quarter and the team already down 10-3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson was active after missing last week versus Cleveland with a chest pectoral injury. Whitehurst struggled in his place against the Browns, completing just 12 of 30 passes for 97 yards and an interception. The Seahawks lost 6-3.

Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham, who was listed as probable on the final injury report, has a hamstring injury and is unable to go. He's one of two starters out for Cincinnati with starting middle linebacker Rey Maualuga already ruled out with an ankle injury. Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams was a surprise inactive. There is no immediate word why Williams was scratched. He was a full participant in practice all week and wasn't listed on any injury report. Seattle is also thin in the secondary, with defensive backs Jeron Johnson, Kennard Cox and Ron Parker all inactive. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Heel injury sidelines Saints RB Ingram vs. Rams

As a result, the Saints will move running back Chris Ivory from the physically unable to perform list to the 53-man active roster, coach Sean Payton said Friday. The move swaps one leading rusher for another. Ingram leads the Saints with 329 yards and three touchdowns on 85 carries this season. Ivory, meanwhile, led the Saints in 2010 with 716 yards and five touchdowns. New Orleans must release a player to make room for Ivory, but hadn't announced a move as of Friday afternoon.

Ingram was unavailable for comment. Ivory said he had an idea early in the week that he would be activated but he wasn't sure until Friday. "After talking to coach, he wanted to make sure I knew everything as far as what plays I needed to know for this game and just the expectation of what we have going on," Ivory said. Despite spending the first seven weeks of the season on top of training camp on the PUP list, Ivory said he'll be ready and knows the offense. Ivory said that though he hasn't been hit or tackled yet, the physical aspect of the game won't take long to get used to, either. "Actually, after the first hit I'll be OK," Ivory said. "That's all it will take. And with pregame too I'll probably get a couple of thud hits and warm up. But I don't think it's going to take too long to get adjusted to the hits. I know I'll be sore afterwards. It's not going to take much to get adjusted to it." Game notes Tight end David Thomas (concussion) and right tackle Zach Strief (right knee) are questionable after being limited Friday. ... Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (left knee) and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (right ankle) were limited in practice and are listed as probable. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Out for a year, Pacman activated by Bengals

CINCINNATI -- Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was activated off an injury list on Friday, making him eligible for the Cincinnati Bengals' game in Seattle. Jones has been sidelined for approximately a year by a bulging disk in his neck that required two surgical procedures. He opened the season on an injury list, and was cleared to resume practice this week. He takes the roster spot of running back Cedric Benson, who is suspended for Sunday's game in Seattle because he violated the NFL's conduct policy. Jones was listed as questionable to play on Sunday, along with cornerback Morgan Trent, who has an ankle injury.

Jones was the Bengals' No. 3 cornerback last season. Starting cornerback Nate Clements was listed as probable with a sore knee. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Polian: Injuries, not coach, reason Colts 0-7

"How you evaluate (Caldwell) is what you do with what he has," Polian said. "You can't hold him responsible for injuries. You can't hold him responsible for an unforeseen surgery (to Manning) that no one anticipated would happen. The things that he can control, I think he's done a terrific job of, given where we are from a standpoint of personnel." The Colts (0-7) are coming off a 62-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Indyh is last in the NFL in total defense and have allowed the most points in the 32-team league.

Polian said he doesn't see an effort issue on defense, but wouldn't say what, or who, was the problem. "The players are playing hard, and it's hard for me to believe that Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney and Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner, and people who, on and on -- Fili Moala -- people who have played well in the past have all of a sudden fallen off the cliff," Polian said. "That's not been the case. That isn't the case. So we've got to figure out what's wrong and get it corrected." Mike and Mike in the Morning ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen says it is possible Colts QB Peyton Manning could request a trade if the team drafts Andrew Luck. Plus, Mortensen says NFL officials are calling too many penalties. More Podcasts " The Colts are one of three winless teams, along with Miami and St. Louis, who both are 0-6. Caldwell said he's not worried about where he stands with management. "There are no guarantees in this league, you know that," Caldwell said. "I have been around long enough to understand that every year is different, every year takes a lot of work and it's highly difficult. In terms of me personally, I don't get into all of that stuff. My personal feelings and all of those things don't matter. I'm more concerned about the guys that I coach, getting them to head in the right direction and trying to get this thing turned around. That's my impetus right now, that's my focus." There's one cure. "Winning at this point in time is extremely important," Caldwell said. "Any time of the season. Number one, we're measured by it. Number two, it's extremely important because when you've been struggling like our guys have, a win can work miracles. We need one." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Browns RB Hillis will start vs. 49ers if healthy

Hillis, who missed last week's game against Seattle with a strained hamstring, practiced Wednesday for the first time since getting hurt in Cleveland's Oct. 16 loss at Oakland. Since then, Browns president Mike Holmgren has said negotiations with Hillis on a contract extension have been put on hold. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Hillis will start this week at San Francisco if he's healthy. Shurmur feels Hillis can put past distractions behind him and still have a productive season.

On Sunday, Montario Hardesty started for Hillis and ran for 95 yards on 33 carries, an amount Hillis would like to get. Hillis also missed Cleveland's Sept. 25 game against Miami with strep throat on the advice of his agent. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Redskins place RB Hightower, TE Cooley on IR

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins have placed tight end Chris Cooley and running back Tim Hightower on injured reserve. Cooley's season comes to an end because of a balky left knee and a broken left index finger. He had knee surgery at the end of last season and never fully recovered, then hurt his finger in the loss to Philadelphia on Oct. 16.

He had his knee re-examined in the wake of the finger surgery to determine whether he should return this season. Cooley caught eight passes for 65 yards, by far his worst season. Fred Davis has picked up the slack and become the Redskins' top passing game threat. Hightower tore the ACL in his left knee in Sunday's loss to Carolina. His season ends with 321 yards on 84 carries. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Mayor has plan to keep Vikings in Minneapolis

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak made a pitch to Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday to keep the Minnesota Vikings in downtown Minneapolis, saying a new football stadium could be built more cheaply there than the team's preferred site in the suburbs.

Rybak emerged from a meeting with Dayton saying that he'd prefer a statewide sales tax increase, but the most realistic way to pay for the city's share of a new stadium is with a citywide sales tax increase. The hike Rybak envisions would also pay for renovations to the city-owned Target Center, where the NBA's Timberwolves play, and for property tax relief. The idea has some similarities with a proposal Rybak floated last May that would have raised about $200 million for a stadium and about $100 million for the arena. The mayor said he and his staff will spend the coming week putting together a more specific plan for the governor, who hopes to call a special session for Nov. 21. The push has taken on added urgency because the Vikings' lease on the Metrodome runs out after this season, and Los Angeles and other cities would love to snare an NFL team. Dayton told reporters he is still neutral on a site, but that those who favor Minneapolis will have to come up with a more attractive proposal than team owner Zygi Wilf's plan for a $1.1 billion stadium in Arden Hills, north of St. Paul. The Vikings have made clear that's their preferred site. "Minneapolis feels very strongly the Vikings should stay in Minnesota," Rybak said. "Because we feel so strongly about it we've stood back quietly for the past six months and been supportive of the Wilfs' favorite site. ... But it's also important for us to articulate and articulate more strongly that the best place for the Vikings to be is in downtown Minneapolis. We believe we have at least one and probably three great options that are all more viable than the current plan that's on the table." Dayton said he plans to unveil his own proposal at the end of next week to give lawmakers a couple weeks to study their options. Rybak said he prefers the current Metrodome site but didn't rule out two proposals on the other side of downtown, one where the Minneapolis Farmers Market now stands and another near the Basilica of St. Mary. He said he would oppose a referendum on a sales tax increase, which stadium opponents are pushing in Ramsey County, which includes Arden Hills. The Vikings, who have long said the Metrodome doesn't generate enough profits, have teamed up with Ramsey County Board members to push a plan to put a new complex on the site of a former Army ammunition plant in Arden Hills. The county would pay $350 million, likely through a half-cent countywide sales tax increase, while the Vikings would cover about $400 million of the cost plus any overruns. That would require the state to come up with $300 million. Since Republican legislative leaders say stadium money can't come from the state's general fund, the remaining possibilities could include special taxes tied to the game or revenue from expanded gambling, perhaps "racinos" at the suburban Canterbury Park and Running Aces horse tracks, a casino in the Block E mall in downtown Minneapolis, or something else entirely. Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson, who joined Rybak in meeting with Dayton, said she believes the council would approve a Block E casino. However, expanding gambling would face strong opposition among many legislators and from tribes with reservation casinos. Rybak said he wouldn't rule out a casino if it delivered some aid to the city's American Indians. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Browns' Massaquoi, Watson (head) leave game

Massaquoi and Watson were both injured in the closing minutes of the first half. Massaquoi was hit by Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner on an incompletion over the middle in the second quarter. The Browns announced at halftime he would not return. Early in the third, the team reported the injury to Watson. It's unclear when he got hurt.

Last season, Massaquoi missed one game with a concussion after he was hit by Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison, who was fined for the helmet-to-helmet blow. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Goodell: Some teams could be London regulars

LONDON -- The NFL is considering a plan to have a few teams play regularly in Britain to build an overseas following -- part of the league's evaluation about whether a franchise could be permanently based in London. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Saturday the league is looking into whether such a scenario would "advance our cause here by growing the fan base quicker." " We want as many teams to come over. We want to see the more popular teams come over. " -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell He is talking to several teams about becoming regulars in the British capital, a development he thinks would be "very powerful and lead us to what we ultimately would like to do -- have a franchise here in London." The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making their second trip in three years to Wembley to play the Chicago Bears on Sunday. It is the fifth regular-season game held in London since 2007.

The league decided this month to keep playing in London through at least 2016, with an aim to play at least two games a year. Goodell said multiple games in Britain could happen as early as next year, and he hopes more teams will agree to make regular trips. "We want as many teams to come over. We want to see the more popular teams come over," Goodell said at a question-and-answer session with international fans. "Should we focus on just a couple of teams as consistently coming back here to build a fan base around those teams? The Bucs are coming back now for a second time in a five-year period of time. And the idea is, will that allow them to build a fan base quicker?" Goodell praised the Glazer family, which owns both the Bucs and Premier League team Manchester United, for taking a leading role in promoting the game overseas. He said the Bucs are one of several teams the league has been in discussions with over more London visits. "Obviously, the Glazer family has an interest over here with Man U," Goodell said. "And I think they want to see the Bucs become a global franchise. And I think that's a great thing for Tampa. I think it's a great thing for the NFL." The league's ambitions haven't been dampened by a decrease in ticket sales this year. Sunday's game is the first of the five regular-season games at Wembley that is not expected to be a sellout. Organizers say an estimated 75,000 tickets have been sold, with the stadium's capacity about 82,000. Goodell echoed organizers' claims that the lower sales were caused by the lockout, which meant tickets didn't go on sale until September -- several months later than usual. "We started late," Goodell said. "But we're thrilled with our ticket sales. We obviously love to sell as many as we have, and we're still selling." He said the NFL has no plans to play in other European countries in the near future, looking to establish as big a presence as possible in Britain first. "We want to bring our game to continental Europe. The issue is, we want to make a success out of it in the U.K.," he said. "We think this (London) has got all of the basics that we need to be successful. It's got an advanced fan base, a strong media market, a great stadium. We have a long history here. So all those things contribute, let's make it work. And if we can be successful here, then we can take that model, potentially, to continental Europe." Goodell was joined by Jerome Bettis, the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back who is one of several NFL stars who have flown to London to promote the game. "The Bus" was given a warm reception by a knowledgeable group of about 100 fans, but said he's had to tweak his nickname this week to fit in. "I'm a double-decker now," he said. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Palmer unlikely to start for Raiders, sources say

No final decision has been made. "I'm 95 percent sure he is not going to play," one source close to the situation said Friday afternoon. "Practicing Wednesday and Thursday, he felt he's not ready to make those high-velocity throws yet. Maybe they could decide something at the last minute, but I don't think he's going to play." When Oakland acquired Palmer this week, certain Raiders coaches expected their new quarterback would start Sunday, though head coach Hue Jackson has maintained Palmer will be a game-time decision. Raiders offensive coordinator Al Saunders even told a Kansas City radio station that if Palmer "is breathing, he's playing." But as the week has gone on, and Palmer has shared reps with both Kyle Boller and Terrelle Pryor, it has become obvious that it would not be a simple transition from injured Jason Campbell to Palmer.

Aside from the physical concerns with Palmer, who before this week had not practiced this season while holding out from the Cincinnati Bengals, there are mental ones as well. If the Raiders resisted the urge to start Palmer on Sunday, they then would have two weeks to prep him before their next game at home against the Broncos. Oakland's bye weekend is next weekend. Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider.

Holmgren: Talks between Browns, Hillis 'quiet'

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns president Mike Holmgren says contract negotiations with running back Peyton Hillis are "quiet now," but the team remains open to signing him to a long-term extension. Holmgren met with Cleveland's media for the first time since training camp Thursday and addressed a wide range of topics, including Hillis' future. Holmgren said the Browns never considered trading Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards last season. Holmgren added that the Browns and Hillis' representatives have decided to "let Peyton play, let the dust settle and see what happens." Holmgren said the drama surrounding Hillis, who missed a game with strep throat and is currently injured, has clouded his situation. Holmgren said the Browns will wait until after the season to evaluate quarterback Colt McCoy, whom he called "a pup." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Jaguars put TE Miller on IR with shoulder injury

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Oft-injured tight end Zach Miller is done for the season. The Jacksonville Jaguars placed Miller on injured reserve Tuesday because of a nagging shoulder injury. They replaced him by signing Martin Rucker off Dallas' practice squad. Rucker was a fourth-round draft pick by Cleveland in 2008.

The Jaguars also placed defensive end Austen Lane and cornerback Rod Issac on injured reserve, and waived receiver Jamar Newsome from the practice squad. Lane (shoulder) and Issac (hamstring) were injured in Sunday's 17-13 loss at Pittsburgh. The moves cleared the way for the Jaguars to sign receiver Mike Sims-Walker, who was released by St. Louis on Monday. Sims-Walker arrived in Jacksonville on Tuesday and was expected to practice Thursday in preparation for Monday night's game against Baltimore. Jacksonville also promoted rookie cornerback T.J. Heath from the practice squad and signed cornerback Walter McFadden to the practice squad. Miller, a third-year player from Nebraska-Omaha and a sixth-round draft pick in 2009, has missed several games in his short career because of knee and foot injuries. He also missed a game because of a concussion. Miller has 45 receptions for 470 yards and four touchdowns, but injuries have prevented him from taking the next step in his development and have his future with the franchise in question. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Saints coach Payton has surgery on leg injuries

[+] Enlarge J. Meric/Getty ImagesSean Payton, who tore his MCL and broke his leg in a sideline collision, tried to coach Sunday's game from the bench before bring carted off the field. "The surgery went very well," Saints orthopedic surgeon Dr. Deryk Jones said in a statement released by the team. "We plan to keep him overnight tonight for observations and have him home tomorrow." Payton should be able to return to work by Wednesday but probably won't be able to put weight on his left leg for about eight weeks, Jones said, adding that a full recovery could take three to six months.

Payton was hurt during New Orleans' 26-20 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday when Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was tackled into his coach along the sideline. Payton has said he expects to call plays from the booth when the Saints host Indianapolis on Sunday night. Assistant head coach Joe Vitt, who is also the linebackers coach, said the Saints are well-suited to adapt to the loss of their head coach from the sideline. "The core of our football team has won a world championship. The core of our football team has been through a lot, whether it's been displacement for (Hurricane Gustav in 2008), whether it's playing in London, whether it's playing in a Super Bowl," Vitt said. "So the foundation is here and the foundation is strong, and when you have these types of players on your football team, they aid in getting over any mini crisis that you may have because of their maturity, because of their commitment and their accountability." Vitt said Payton, who calls offensive plays, brings a unique combination of intensity, organization and awareness to the sideline, which the staff will do its best to replicate. "His ability to switch on and off to offensive play-caller, making offensive adjustments and then making critical calls in critical situations whether it be a challenge, whether it be a timeout, clock management -- those are things we work on," Vitt said. "He brings a lot to the table, obviously. He's taught us well and it has to carry over into the game." Vitt was overseeing the review of the loss at Tampa Bay and expected to be working with rest of the staff on the game plan for the Colts on Tuesday, when players will be off. Some details regarding Payton's involvement in upcoming meetings and practices remain unclear. "He's going to do what he always does. He's going to adapt to the situation. I think that's one of the things that makes him an elite coach," Vitt said. "We've got to see exactly where he is in the next day or two and it's going to be his call. But this coaching staff has been together for a long time and it's going to be up to us to work through these challenges and do what's right for our football team to win a football game." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Raiders' Campbell leaves with collarbone injury

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell left the game in the second quarter with an injury to his right collarbone. Campbell landed hard on his shoulder after being hit at the end of a scramble by Cleveland linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita on Sunday. Campbell stayed down on the turf after the hit and was then helped to the locker room. The Raiders said Campbell's collarbone is being evaluated.

Campbell was replaced by Kyle Boller. The Raiders have no other active quarterbacks on the roster with punter Shane Lechler serving as the emergency QB. Rookie Terrelle Pryor will be activated Monday. He got a one-week roster exemption after serving a five-game suspension to start his career. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Colts RB Addai part of trio not traveling to Cincy

Running back Joseph Addai, left tackle Anthony Castonzo and defensive tackle Drake Nevis will stay in Indianapolis, the team says. Addai left last week's game in the first quarter after hurting his hamstring. Castonzo missed last week's game with a sprained ankle. Nevis has been battling a back injury. When Addai went out last week, rookie Delone Carter got more playing time.

Indy could also use Donald Brown, their first-round pick in 2009, more. The Colts also have announced that Tom Zupancic, senior vice president of sales and marketing, has retired. Zupancic first joined Indy as a part-time strength coach in 1984. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Saints safety Harper fined $15K for late hit

Harper said the fine was worth it and that his decision to shove Smith as the receiver slowly crossed the goal line last Sunday was good for his team and got his point across. [+] Enlarge AP Photo/Bob LeveroneRoman Harper's late hit on Steve Smith started a scuffle between the Saints and Panthers and earned him a $15,000 fine. Smith says he slowed down not to disrespect anyone, but because he wanted to decelerate comfortably without concerning himself with padded walls surrounding the end zone. Harper's hit turned into a scuffle between the teams after several Panthers came to Smith's defense. The scuffle began after Smith leaped to beat cornerback Jabari Greer to a pass from rookie Cam Newton.

Greer fell to the ground, giving Smith an easy 30-yard run to the end zone. But as Smith coasted the final 5 yards and crossed the goal line, Harper sprinted in on the left side and knocked Smith to the ground. Smith jumped up and flipped the ball to the turf defiantly while players from both sides ran down and began shoving each other. Smith then locked up with Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins, shoving him to the ground and holding onto his face mask before the tussle ended. Harper's late hit was the only penalty called. Harper said after the game that he wasn't going to apologize. "If you're going to score, go score, but a guy is not going to try and just walk it in on us like that," Harper said. "You're going to have to pay for it as you get past the goal line." Smith said Thursday he hasn't heard from the NFL about a fine for his role in the fight. He also said he doesn't need an apology from Harper. "You best believe I'm not looking for an apology. I'm not looking for one, don't think I deserve one," Smith said, according to the Charlotte Observer. "I didn't lose any sleep over it, won't lose any sleep over it. And when we play them down there I'm not going to walk up to him and say, 'Hey, I expect an apology, or can we make amends?' It's football." Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he was "very pleased" that his team stuck up for Smith. "We are not going to take it. Like I said before, we may be the little brothers and we may get punched around a little bit but we are not going to take it," he told reporters. "We are going to fight back. I was very proud of them for that." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Colts RB Addai expects to sit out vs. Bengals

Addai was hurt on a carry late in the first quarter of last Sunday's game against Kansas City. He said Thursday he doesn't know when he will return to action. Addai had the same problem three years ago and said he came back too early. Addai has been one of the most productive Colts when healthy, but he has a history of injury problems. He has missed 14 games the past four years, including eight last season because of a shoulder injury.

Delone Carter and Donald Brown will get most of Addai's work. The Colts activated Darren Evans from the practice squad this week. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Locker-room game helping to build Chiefs unity

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Todd Haley's team was floundering. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn't won a game, and even though players insisted morale was fine, it was awfully hard to believe them. Their coach got to thinking about ways to loosen them up, something that might create some team unity. His mind drifted to summer vacations along the beach in Ocean City, Md., and a simple game played at just about every bar and honky-tonk along the boardwalk.

" We've been trying to figure out ways to create some togetherness. It's been great, another way to keep guys hanging around and interacting with each other. " -- Chiefs coach Todd Haley It's called "cornhole," or "bags," depending on where you live. The premise is simple: Two pieces of lumber are situated exactly 33 feet apart, with a hole drilled in each, and players try to lob four bean bags through the hole. You get three points for making it and one for landing the bag on the board, and the player with the most points wins. "We bought one at an auction this summer for a kid who was in an accident, and it was just painted up really nice, it had the name of the place we go to eat all the time," Haley said. "So when I started thinking about this, I called my wife. She called the people who owned the place and said, 'Can we get one that says Chiefs?' He had it here like, three days later. "We've been trying to figure out ways to create some togetherness," Haley said. "It's been great, another way to keep guys hanging around and interacting with each other." Must be working, too. Ever since the white playing boards with the Chiefs' logo showed up in the locker room, on the carpet right smack in the middle of it, Kansas City hasn't lost a game. True, the two wins were against struggling teams in Minnesota and Indianapolis, but that doesn't change the fact that the mood has changed dramatically the past couple of weeks as the Chiefs head into their bye week. Tension is gone. Chins are held higher. Smiles flow a little more freely. The defending AFC West champions lost their first two games by a combined 89-10, one of the most dismal starts the league has ever seen. But despite losing a constellation of star players to season-ending injuries, the Chiefs once again are playing with some swagger. It's the same swagger that's showing up in the locker room after every practice. That's when the competitive juices really start flowing. "When you want to beat the best, you come see me," said defensive back Travis Daniels, who has quite the cornhole rivalry going with wide receiver Steve Breaston. "It's all in how you throw it. I sort of short-stroke it and it pops up there," rookie wide receiver Jon Baldwin said. "We've been playing a few weeks now and we're getting pretty good at it." Just how seriously do the Chiefs take their cornhole? There's white athletic tape on the carpet to denote boundaries, the distance between the boards was measured exactly, and everything is done to the exact specifications of the American Cornhole Association -- yes, it really does exist. "We Googled it," Haley said. The third-year coach said he can hold his own, and Daniels admitted he's "pretty good." "But he can't beat me," Daniels added. The consensus is that long snapper Thomas Gafford or kicker Ryan Succop is the best. Must be something about those special teams guys, always over on the adjacent practice field, with all of that extra time to kill while the rest of the guys are hard at work. "I don't know who's the best," linebacker Andy Studebaker said. "Don't give it to Gafford. That'll puff his head up too much. He'll see your article and think he's the best. "Give it to Succop. He's pretty good." According to Succop, it's all in the motion. Safety Sabby Piscitelli throws the bags end-over-end, and they tend to hit hard and slide off the board. Others toss them like they're shooting a jumpshot in basketball, and that makes it difficult to find some consistency. Others throw them underhanded with sideways spin. Succop takes a small step forward, drawing his arm back breezily, and then lets the bag fly with a gentle follow-through. It floats through the air with hardly any spin, and it falls with a thump on the board, sticking right where it lands. Of course, the game won't be considered such a novel, team-building diversion if the Chiefs start losing. Then it'll be blamed for being a mindless distraction. "Winning helps that," Haley said with a smile. "Had we not been winning, I think they might be being used as firewood already." Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Browns' Benard charged after motorcycle crash

CLEVELAND -- Browns defensive end Marcus Benard was driving "at a high rate of speed" and crossed four lanes before crashing his motorcycle into a guardrail, according to a police report. Benard was thrown an estimated 241 feet after slamming his Can-Am Spyder into the guardrail on Monday after practice. Benard, who broke his hand in the wreck, has been charged with driving under suspension and reckless operation. Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis said Benard remains hospitalized at the Cleveland Clinic. Police said his three-wheeled vehicle traveled 687 feet before coming to rest.

The report does not estimate how fast Benard was driving before the crash on Interstate-71. Brooklyn Police Sgt. Scott Mielke said Benard is due in court Oct. 18 in Parma. A witness, who like Benard was driving northbound on I-71, told police that one of Benard's tires "came off the roadway" as he tried to gain control of the motorcycle, which has two front wheels and one rear wheel. The accident occurred about two hours after Benard left practice at the team's facility in Berea. The 26-year-old Benard led the Browns with 7½ sacks last season. He has played in all four of Cleveland's games this season. It's not yet known how long Benard will be sidelined or if he has other injuries. The team may choose to put him on injured reserve. Benard overcame long odds to make it to the NFL. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and spent the first nine weeks of his rookie year on Cleveland's practice squad. Last season, Benard fainted in the locker room before practice and was briefly hospitalized. Tests were negative and he attributed the health scare to stress caused by his son's birth. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

RB Hillis worries about long-term Browns future

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Peyton Hillis is beginning to wonder and worry if he has a future with Cleveland past the next 12 games. Hillis said Monday he has no regrets about sitting out Cleveland's game on Sept. 25 against Miami with strep throat, a decision -- reached with advice from his agent -- that fueled speculation he missed the game to protest not getting a contract extension from the Browns. Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards last season, is making $600,000 in the final year of his contract. His agent, Kennard McGuire, and the team have not been able to work out a new deal.

Hillis said he wants to stay in Cleveland, but is beginning to doubt he'll be with the Browns beyond 2011. "Whenever something's not set in stone, then I guess anything is possible, which means your career's not here," he said. "So, yeah, that definitely worries me." Last week, McGuire told The Associated Press that he cautioned his client not to play for fear Hillis had been weakened by the illness and could have gotten hurt. However, Hillis said he probably would have played without his agent's advice and that he "did the right thing for myself and the right thing for the team." "I am stubborn and I am hardheaded, and I like to go out there and play even though I was probably not up for it," said Hillis, who conducted an 11-minute interview with his fists clenched and his arms folded. Hillis said he has no bitterness toward Browns coach Pat Shurmur. He also believes team president Mike Holmgren's comment that the Browns were "trying like crazy" to sign him to an extension may have played a role in blowing the negotiations out of proportion. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Colts RB Addai hurts right hamstring vs. Chiefs

Addai was hurt on a carry late in the first quarter. He has six carries for 19 yards and one catch for 6 yards. Addai has a history of injury problems. The only season he made it through without missing a game was his rookie season in 2006. He missed eight games last season with a shoulder injury.

Delone Carter replaced Addai in the lineup. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Bills starting LB Kelsay ruled out vs. Eagles

Kelsay was injured during Thursday's practice, and coach Chan Gailey said Friday Kelsay would be "out for a little while." Starting cornerback Terrence McGee (hamstring) is expected to play after missing the past three games. His return would bolster a depleted Bills defensive backfield against an Eagles explosive offense led by quarterback Michael Vick. Rookie cornerback Aaron Williams will miss his second straight game because of a chest injury for the Bills (3-1). Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Gore says Eagles threw in towel as 49ers rallied

Cooley to critics: 'No remorse' for Romo talk

" While I feel an honest respect for all NFL players, I show no remorse in cheering against another team, especially the Cowboys. If it sounded like I was delighted by Tony Romo's failure last week, I was. " -- Chris Cooley, in blog posting In his blog post titled "Reigniting a Rivalry," Cooley writes that his comments made on 106.7 The Fan in Washington have "received 15 times the 15 minutes of fame it deserved." "In a league full of glad-handing and ass slapping between competing teams, I actually care about the organization and fan base that has supported me throughout my 8-year career," Cooley wrote. "While I feel an honest respect for all NFL players, I show no remorse in cheering against another team, especially the Cowboys. If it sounded like I was delighted by Tony Romo's failure last week, I was." In Sunday's loss to the Lions, two Romo interceptions were returned for touchdowns in the second half as Dallas blew a 27-3 lead on the way to a 34-30 loss to the Lions.

In his radio appearance, Cooley said that it was "amazing to watch him choke like that." Cooley writes that he doesn't plan on changing. " ... as a player who has decided to share my real personality with the fan base, I make a clear choice with expressing my political incorrectness as an entertaining attempt to engage as a real person," he wrote. "I will not apologize if my sense of humor and hint of sarcasm is difficult to ascertain by the more serious NFL supporters. I will never make an apology to any offended Dallas fans and I expect every Redskin fan to cheer at the folly of a Cowboy." He also writes that he's surprised that his celebration of Romo's failure offended so many. " ... I have to say that the peculiar defense of 'America's quarterback' has completely blown me away. From genius talking heads like (ESPN's) Skip Bayless and former Maryland great Norman Esiason to the bible thumping twitter bullies, it's very clear that a cult like group of Dallas supporters has emerged to stand in defense of the epic Tony Romo. To them, my tongue-and-cheek opinions scream sacrilege and idiocy. It's a funny thing, the way simple lighthearted banter can change gears so quickly, but that's part of the amazing world of sports fanatics. You don't want me to be boring, but as soon as I'm entertaining I'm crossing a line. You can't have it both ways." He also thanks select followers on Twitter for their "clumsy charm and the outpouring of the appalling tweets (that) has inspired me to feed the fire of an NFL rivalry that seems in need the more flame." He finishes his post by responding personally to several tweets but first warns his readers, "For those of you opposed to profanity, I suggest stopping here."

Caldwell: Colts' Foster has successful surgery

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Eric Foster had successful season-ending ankle surgery Tuesday morning and will remain in a Florida hospital for three or four days, coach Jim Caldwell said during a conference call Tuesday. Foster suffered a dislocated right ankle in the second quarter of the Colts' 24-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Foster, in his fourth season out of Rutgers, was one of the key cogs in the middle of the defensive line and often played alongside rookie defensive tackle Drake Nevis, who also left Monday night's game with an injury. He entered the game with 12 tackles. "Every1 is back at work on 3 hours' sleep/Players must rest all day n get treatment,if need b..I'll bring Eric back home,on my plane,midweek," team owner Jim Irsay wrote on Twitter.

Caldwell said the team is likely to add a player from the practice squad, with the top candidates being Ricardo Matthews or Ollie Ogbu. The injury occurred with 52 seconds remaining in the half and the Colts leading 10-7. Foster got tangled up with the pile while trying to assist on a tackle and remained down after the play. He was immediately attended to by the training staff, fitted with an air cast and left the field on a cart. Foster pounded his chest and yelled to teammates as he left the field to applause. "I think you have to deal with injuries in this business," Caldwell said after the game. "They happen. You just have to find a way to overcome it. That's what we talk about -- the next man up. Somebody has got to fill in and be ready to play." Information from ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky, ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Banned Jolly arrested on another drug charge

HOUSTON -- Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly was jailed Monday after his third drug arrest in three years. Jolly was charged Saturday with possession of a compound containing codeine. He also was charged with tampering with evidence for attempting to conceal the substance from investigators, according to records. A Harris County sheriff's spokeswoman said no attorney was listed for Jolly and that a bond had not been set. He was held in the Harris County Jail.

Jolly grew up in Houston, still lives in the area and attended Texas A&M University. Jolly was arrested with two others during a traffic stop at 1:55 a.m. Saturday. Deputies said they pulled him over after Jolly was seen throwing a bag out a window. The bag wasn't recovered but during the stop Jolly dumped a cup believed to contain codeine on the floorboard. Officers also recovered two bottles believed to contain codeine. Jolly was selected by the Packers in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound lineman started all 16 games for Green Bay in 2008 and '09 but he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL in July 2010 and did not play for the Packers last year during their Super Bowl-winning season. In April, Jolly pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge and was sentenced to probation after striking the deal with prosecutors that wiped out a similar charge from March and spared him any time in prison unless he stumbled again. Jolly had faced up to 20 years in prison if he had been convicted of possessing at least 200 grams of codeine, a controlled substance. That arrest came outside a Houston club three years ago. The plea agreement called for five years of deferred adjudication, a form of probation that allowed the conviction to be removed from his record if he stayed out of trouble. State District Judge Denise Bradley also ordered Jolly to undergo drug treatment at an inpatient facility for 90 days, barred him from going to bars or nightclubs and ordered him not to drink or use drugs while on probation. She also warned Jolly that if he violated any terms of his probation, she'd send him to prison. The 2008 drug charge came after police said they found cups containing a codeine mixture in Jolly's car after he was arrested in the parking lot of a Houston club. Last March, Jolly was arrested and charged again after a traffic stop. Police said they found a bottle containing 600 grams of codeine under a passenger seat and another bottle containing an unidentified substance. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Sources: Rams WR Amendola to visit specialist

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola reinjured his triceps during practice last week and will visit a specialist on Monday, according to team sources. The concern is he could be out indefinitely. Amendola is out this week versus the Washington Redskins, but that was the Rams' expectation anyway. Amendola, the Rams' reception leader last season, hasn't played since dislocating his left elbow in the opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and didn't practice Friday.

In Sunday's game, St. Louis Rams guard Jacob Bell and backup defensive tackle Gary Gibson were sidelined by injuries in the first half. Bell hurt his left hamstring and Gibson hurt his right hip. Tony Wragge replaced Bell. The Rams remained winless, losing 17-10 to Washington. Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Ex-Titans O-coordinator Heimerdinger dies at 58

"It is with a heavy heart, but a trust in God, that we say goodbye to our beloved Dinger who lost his courageous battle with cancer," Heimerdinger's wife, Kathie, said in a statement Saturday. "Mike approached cancer with the same vigor and tenacity that he approached any football game -- to win. Even in the final minutes he never gave up -- that was our Dinger." [+] Enlarge Brett Davi/US PresswireMike Heimerdinger was part of three playoff teams in his first five seasons with the Titans. He died after a nearly year-long battle with a rare form of cancer. Heimerdinger, who died while in Mexico to receive experimental treatments, had continued to coach before he was let go by the Titans in February, along with two other assistant coaches, after offensive line coach Mike Munchak was promoted to head coach.

"He was a great coach and a tough coach," Titans running back Chris Johnson said. "I know I wouldn't have become the player I am without his confidence and the trust that he showed in me. My thoughts go out to his family." Former Titans coach Jeff Fisher had brought Heimerdinger back in 2008 after two seasons in Denver. "It was a tough deal and Dinger was a tough guy to the end, which is no surprise to those who knew what type of competitor he was," Fisher said in a news release. "He was a man's man. No matter how weak he looked, how weak he sounded, he never had a complaint and fought this cancer as you would only expect him to fight it." Heimerdinger helped the late Steve McNair earn NFL co-MVP honors in 2003 and was part of three playoff teams in his first five seasons at Tennessee before taking the same job for one season with the Jets in 2005. "The coming days will be challenging for our family and we graciously and respectfully ask that you allow us to grieve privately," Kathie Heimerdinger said. Heimerdinger was diagnosed with cancer in November 2010 and began chemotherapy treatment five days after the diagnosis. At the time, Fisher said Heimerdinger had been very sick for three weeks. Heimerdinger made a trip to Houston with the team for that Sunday's game and was greeted on the field before the game by his son, an intern with the Houston Texans at the time. Heimerdinger also had a daughter. Heimerdinger was college roommates with former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and helped coach McNair to co-MVP of the NFL with Peyton Manning in 2003. "We lost a very special person and my best friend in Mike Heimerdinger," Shanahan, now the Redskins' coach, said in a statement. "I know the man upstairs needed a superstar so he took him earlier than we all wanted. His love for his family was unprecedented and I will forever miss him." In Denver, Heimerdinger coached dynamic wide-receiving tandem Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith during his first stint with the team from 1995 to 1999, helping the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in '97 and '98. In a statement, the Broncos said several members of their organization visited Heimerdinger last week before Sunday's game against the Titans in Nashville. "The Broncos extend their deepest sympathies and prayers to Mike's wife, Kathie, and the rest of his family and friends during this most difficult time," the team said. Broncos football chief John Elway, quarterback of the franchise's two Super Bowl teams, tweeted: "The world lost a great coach and a great man in the passing of Mike Heimerdinger. He was a big part of our championship years." Heimerdinger coached Manning in a couple of Pro Bowls, and they played golf together in the offseason, and Manning noted Saturday that Heimerdinger was close with Kerry Collins, now with the Colts, and a couple of other players in Indianapolis. "So it's sad around here today as well," Manning said in a statement. "He was a man's man. I appreciated his friendship. I am sorry and sad about his passing. He will be missed, and my prayers are with his family." Collins called Heimerdinger a great friend who will be sorely missed. "Those of us that were fortunate enough to know Dinger will always remember his passion for life and love of the game," Collins said in a statement. Jets receiver Derrick Mason sent his prayers to the Heimerdinger family on Twitter. Heimerdinger was Tennessee's offensive coordinator when Mason got the chance to play receiver in the NFL when he had been working just as a returner. "Dinger gave me a opportunity and I will forever thank him for that! Great teacher!!" Mason wrote. "You don't expect these types of things to happen and they shouldn't happen," Titans tackle Michael Roos said. "I felt confident that he was going to beat this after seeing his resolve last season in dealing with it. He was such a competitor and a fighter -- the things that made him such a good coach were also the traits that I thought would lead him to beat the cancer." Heimerdinger was born in Dekalb, Ill., and was a receiver and center fielder at Eastern Illinois, where he received a degree in history. He spent four years as a high school coach in McHenry, Ill., and then was a coach at the University of Florida, the Air Force Academy, North Texas State, Cal State-Fullerton, Rice and Duke. "He loved his family, he loved this game and all that came with it," Fisher said. "We've lost a great one." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. ESPN Conversations + Add your comment ALSO SEE MORE NFL HEADLINES MORE FROM ESPN NEW YORK MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM Most Sent " MyESPN NFL MLB NBA NHL NCAA FB NCAA BB NASCAR SOCCER GOLF TENNIS BOXING MMA MORE SPORTS INSIDER SN RADIO& MORE PAGE 2& COMMENTARY FANTASY& GAMES WATCH NFL Home Scores Schedule MNF Standings Stats Teams