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