NFL News and Notes Week 5

Colts take brunt of tough day for injuries in the NFL
ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Indianapolis Colts won with a few of their biggest playmakers on the sidelines.

Eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Marvin Harrison bruised a knee and running back Joseph Addai injured a shoulder during the Colts' 38-20 victory over Denver on Sunday, a big day for injuries among big-name players in the NFL.

Among those also injured were: San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith (separated shoulder), Tampa Bay running back Carnell ''Cadillac'' Williams (knee), Oakland running back LaMont Jordan (back), Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu (abdomen) and St. Louis wide receiver Isaac Bruce (hamstring).

At Indianapolis, Harrison was hurt when two players ran into him while he was blocking for Addai late in the first quarter. Harrison limped off the field, missed one play, then caught his first pass. He remained on the field for the final four plays of Indy's first touchdown drive. After coming off following the drive, he consulted with team doctors and went to the locker room.

Addai, who had 136 yards on 19 carries, didn't play after hurting his shoulder in the second half. He was replaced by Kenton Keith, who had 80 yards on 10 carries.

Colts linebacker Rob Morris, who missed the last two games with an abdominal strain, was carted off the field after injuring his left knee. Denver tight end Daniel Graham was blocking him on a running play when Morris crumpled to the ground, took off his helmet and put his hands on his face before being helped onto a golf cart and taken off the field.

Former Colts Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders missed most of the second half with a rib injury.

Denver was without receiver Javon Walker, who didn't play because of swelling in his right knee. Safeties John Lynch (groin) and Hamza Abdullah (hip), and running back Mike Bell (concussion) were also inactive.

At San Francisco, Smith was driven hard to the ground on a sack by Seattle's Rocky Bernard on the 49ers' first drive and didn't return.

''It's frustrating,'' Smith said. ''I came out here to win the game. I prepared all week and I couldn't be out there.''

Coach Mike Nolan said it was unlikely he would be able to play next week against Baltimore. Smith was expected to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the degree if separation in the shoulder.

Smith was replaced by Trent Dilfer, who went 13-of-33 for 128 yards and two interceptions.

''It's hard,'' Dilfer said. ''It's like seeing your little brother go down. I feel badly for him. But at the same time, there's really no time for sympathy in this league.''

At Charlotte, N.C., Williams was carted off the field late in the first quarter after he took a hit from safety Chris Harris following an 18-yard gain. The blow forced Williams backward as his right leg bent under him awkwardly, and Williams immediately clutched the knee as he lay on the ground after the play.

''He will be missed,'' quarterback Jeff Garcia said. ''But like Coach said, we need to find a way to regroup and move on. He'll be with us in spirit and support. We'll be supporting him through this rehab process.''

Left tackle Luke Petitgout limped off early in the second quarter after defensive tackle Kris Jenkins fell into his leg at the line. He missed the rest of the game, and coach Jon Gruden said he didn't know the severity of the injuries.

At Miami, Jordan was hurt when he was tackled following a 7-yard reception shortly before halftime of Oakland's 35-17 win. He was helped off the field, then went to the locker room sitting up on a cart.

Bruce strained his left hamstring, and the Rams also lost linebacker Raonall Smith, defensive end Leonard Little and offensive guard Adam Goldberg to sprained knees in their 35-7 loss at Dallas.

Starting safety Corey Chavous left in the fourth quarter with a strained left pectoral muscle.

Arizona's Anquan Boldin (hip) and Pittsburgh's Hines Ward (knee) were inactive with injuries, and the Steelers lost defensive starters Troy Polamalu (abdomen) and Casey Hampton (hamstring) early in the third quarter of the Cardinals' 21-14 victory.

Philadelphia played the New York Giants without halfback Brian Westbrook, who was sidelined with a pulled abdominal muscle and did not practice this week. Offensive tackle William Thomas, cornerback Lito Sheppard and safety Brian Dawkins were also inactive.

Buffalo, ravaged by injuries this season, had three more in its 17-14 win over the New York Jets. Cornerback Ashton Youboty's status is uncertain after he twisted his ankle, linebacker Kevin Harrison limped off with an undisclosed knee injury and free safety Jim Leonhard injured a calf.

Other players injured Sunday included: Minnesota defensive end Ray Edwards (bruised hip); Green Bay defensive backs Nick Collins (knee) and Al Harris (hand); Carolina kick returner Nick Goings (concussion); and Chicago safety Kevin Payne (arm) and offensive lineman John Tait (ankle).

Bucs RB Williams, OT Petitgout to have season-ending surgery
ASSOCIATED PRESS

TAMPA, Fla. -- Running back Carnell ''Cadillac'' Williams and tackle Luke Petitgout both will undergo season-ending knee surgery this week, a major setback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Williams injured his right knee when he was tackled by Carolina safety Chris Harris at the end of an 18-yard run during the first quarter of Sunday's 20-7 victory over the Panthers. Petitgout limped off the field after defensive tackle Kris Jenkins fell into his right leg in the second quarter.

''That's a big blow. ... We have some people who need to step up,'' coach Jon Gruden said Monday.

The Bucs (3-1) will use of a combination of Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham to replace Williams, the 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Tampa Bay's leading rusher the past two seasons. They finished Sunday with 138 of Tampa Bay's 189 yards rushing.

Petitgout, a ninth-year pro who spent the first eight seasons of his career with the New York Giants, was signed during the offseason to stabilize an offensive line featuring three starters in their first or second year in the NFL.

Donald Penn, a second-year pro, will take over Petitgout's spot at left tackle. The Buccaneers travel to Indianapolis in Week 5 to take on the Colts.

Veteran receiver McCardell signs with Redskins
October 1, 2007

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -Keenan McCardell signed with the Washington Redskins on Monday, adding depth to a team with only one healthy wideout who has caught a pass this year.

McCardell has 861 career catches with Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and San Diego. The two-time Pro Bowl selection was cut by the Chargers after last season and nearly signed with the Redskins in July, but opted instead for Houston because he wanted to play in his hometown. The Texans released him at the end of preseason.

McCardell, 37, has a Super Bowl ring from the Redskins. He was chosen by Washington in the 12th round of the 1991 draft and spent his rookie season on the injured reserve list while the Redskins won the NFL title.

Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are the only Redskins wideouts with a catch after three games. Moss strained a groin in the loss to the New York Giants and his status is uncertain for this week's game against Detroit.

Brandon Lloyd, who began the season as the No. 3 receiver, has been getting little playing time. James Thrash is primarily a special teams player, and Reche Caldwell has yet to appear in a game after being signed following the season opener.

To make room for McCardell, the Redskins released safety Omar Stoutmire.

RB Ricky Williams applies for reinstatement to NFL
October 1, 2007

MIAMI (AP) -Suspended running back Ricky Williams applied for NFL reinstatement Monday, his agent said.

``Ricky is extremely excited about the prospect of playing in the NFL again,'' Leigh Steinberg said.

Williams has played in only 12 NFL games since the start of the 2004 season, but rushed for 3,225 yards in 2002-03. His current suspension began in April 2006 after he violated the league's drug policy for the fourth time. He tested positive for marijuana this April, again delaying his return.

Williams remains under contract with Miami, where he won the NFL rushing title in 2002. But new coach Cam Cameron has not indicated whether he wants Williams to stay with the Dolphins, who fell to 0-4 Sunday.

The 1998 Heisman Trophy winner spent an extended vacation in Australia and India during a yearlong retirement in 2004. He played in the Canadian Football League in 2006 and taught yoga in California.

Williams' attorney did not immediately return phone messages Monday.

Niners QB Alex Smith out for Sunday, but won't need surgery
ASSOCIATED PRESS

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Quarterback Alex Smith will miss the San Francisco 49ers' game against Baltimore on Sunday, but won't need surgery on his separated right shoulder.

Coach Mike Nolan said Monday the 49ers won't set a target return date for Smith until Thursday, when the swelling subsides in his shoulder.

Though similar injuries sometimes require two to three months of recovery, Nolan expressed hope Smith might even return by Oct. 21, when the 49ers visit the New York Giants in their first game after a bye week.

Smith was hurt on the third play of the 49ers' 23-3 loss to Seattle on Sunday when 308-pound defensive tackle Rocky Bernard landed on him while sacking him.

Trent Dilfer, who got his first game action since 2005 in relief of Smith, will get the start against the Ravens, the team Dilfer led to its only Super Bowl victory.

Rams' Jackson to miss another week
October 1st, 2007

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson will miss his second straight game because of a partial tear of his groin.

Rams head coach Scott Linehan made the announcement at his Monday press conference, adding that Jackson's injury is improving.

Jackson suffered the injury in Week 3's 24-3 loss at Tampa Bay. He ended the game with a 115 yards on 30 carries, but was hurt after making a cut late in the game. He has rushed for 233 yards on 69 carries in three games this season

Linehan added at his press conference that the team was still awaiting MRI results on players who were injured in Sunday's 35-7 loss at Dallas. The most notable of the injured was wide receiver Isaac Bruce, who was initially diagnosed with a hamstring strain.

Also, defensive end Leonard Little is awaiting MRI results on his right knee.

In other news, Linehan said that he will continue to stick with Marc Bulger at quarterback despite the signal-caller's rib injury that he has played with most of the season.

"He (Bulger) was feeling better and had a much better week at practice last week," said Linehan. "I go back on past experience with the player and he played extremely well. We have to get him playing good again. That's a big part of what we have to do. He's getting healthier.

"We have to pick up the pieces. He's won a lot of games for us. He played extremely well for us last year and we haven't got him off and running yet this year. I take responsibility for that."

St. Louis is 0-4 this season and has scored just 39 points, which is the fewest among teams that have played four games this season.

Dolphins DT Holliday out 1-2 weeks
October 1st, 2007

Davie, FL (Sports Network) - Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday is expected to be sidelined the next 1-to-2 weeks due to a fractured right ankle.

Holliday hurt the ankle in the first quarter of a 35-17 loss at home against Oakland on Sunday.

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said linebacker Channing Crowder, who suffered a sprained ankle, will be evaluated on Wednesday to determine his playing status for Sunday's game at Houston.

Seahawks' Pearman out for season, Wilson 1-2 weeks
October 1, 2007

Associated Press

KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Alvis Pearman, emerging as a valuable special teams player for the Seattle Seahawks, will miss the rest of this season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Pearman, a third-year player signed just before the season, will have surgery once the swelling goes down, coach Mike Holmgren said. Pearman was hurt in a pileup at the end of a special teams play during Sunday's 23-3 victory at San Francisco, which gave Seattle (3-1) early control of the NFC West.

He has played on kick coverage and returned three kickoffs this season.

"We are looking right now, as we speak, for someone to come in and replace him," Holmgren said. "Right now, he was kind of a unique guy and a very good special teams player. We'll see (about the impact).

"It's too bad. He was playing well."

Josh Wilson, the team's top draft choice in April who had three kickoff returns and was trying to break into the defensive secondary as a nickel back, will probably miss one-to-two weeks with an ankle injury.

Holmgren said he didn't know who would return kickoffs Sunday at Pittsburgh (3-1). Nate Burleson, who helped win the opening game against Tampa Bay with a 56-yard punt return, has also returned two kickoffs this season. Fellow wide receiver Ben Obomanu, who ran back a kickoff 22 yards against the 49ers, could also be a candidate.

Another special teamer, offensive lineman Ray Willis, will likely miss six weeks with a sprained knee. Holmgren said Willis, who was competing early in training camp for a starting job at right guard or right tackle, was blocking during a kick when someone hit him.

Running back Shaun Alexander is playing despite a cracked left wrist. The cast was smaller during the game at San Francisco, in which Alexander carried 25 times for 78 yards, but Holmgren said Alexander will continue to wear it indefinitely.

Bears sticking with Griese
October 1, 2007

Associated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- Different quarterback, same result.

The Chicago Bears hoped Brian Griese would spark their offense. Instead, he was no better than Rex Grossman.

Griese's performance in Sunday's 37-27 loss at Detroit probably raised as many questions as it answered, but coach Lovie Smith clarified a few issues on Monday.

"Brian is our quarterback, yes," he said when asked if Griese will start the next game.

Panthers notes | Morgan likely to miss Saints game
charlotte.com

Carolina Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan said Monday he has a partially torn Achilles tendon in his right heel, but he does not expect to be out long.

Morgan said the tear is small and he wasn't sure when he would be able to play again. He is expected to miss Sunday's game at New Orleans.

"I messed it up a little bit," Morgan said of the tendon. "I didn't tear it all the way, but I tore it a little bit. It's nothing that's season-threatening."

He was wearing a cast on the foot.

"I get it off sometime this week," he said. "After that I'm not sure (on recovery time)."

He injured the heel in the Atlanta game on Sept. 23, but said he has had some inflammation in the area since training camp.

"I never experienced any Achilles' (problems), so I wasn't sure what it was, but I felt something," he said.

Carr takes blame for stalled offense

Quarterback David Carr, who started in place of injured Jake Delhomme in Sunday's 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay, said the team's passing struggles were his fault."It'll be better next week; I know that," he said Monday. Carr was 19-for-41 for 155 yards.

"That was one of the worst games I've played in a while," he said. "I didn't feel like I was comfortable back there; I never really got in synch. I blame myself."

The biggest problem?

"Just consistency, man," he said. "We've just got to somehow get a little brainwave going between me and some of the wideouts. And that's just going to take time."

"It's more me. I've just got to get a feeling for what (receiver Steve Smith is) doing, because he's the best receiver in the NFL. And we've just got to find a way to get him the ball."

Peppers not slowed by illness, Fox says

Coach John Fox was asked if the illness Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers experienced in training camp might be responsible for what is perceived by many as a slow start. Peppers has no sacks through four games.

"Not to my knowledge," Fox said.

Had that illness reduced Peppers' strength at all?

"You'd have to ask him that," Fox said. "His weight is not way down from what it was."

Peppers was briefly in the locker room Monday, but declined to talk, saying he had to get to a meeting.

Note

Running back Nick Goings suffered a concussion Sunday.

Bengals put LB Marshall on IR
October 2, 2007

CINCINNATI (AP) -The Bengals placed linebacker Lemar Marshall on injured reserve Tuesday, a day after he tore the Achilles' tendon in his left leg during a 34-13 loss to New England.

The Bengals replaced him by claiming linebacker Corey Mays off waivers from New England. The second-year player appeared in eight games for the Patriots last season, and was placed on waivers before Monday night's game.

Marshall's injury left the Bengals decimated at linebacker. Middle linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Caleb Miller were inactive because of injuries, and linebacker Landon Johnson also sustained an eye injury during the game.

At times, the Bengals had only one linebacker on the field.

The Bengals (1-3) are in their bye week, giving them time to heal before a game at Kansas City.

Steelers expect Polamalu, Hampton to play vs. Seattle
October 2, 2007

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and nose tackle Casey Hampton, forced out of the Arizona game with injuries, are expected to play Sunday against Seattle.

"All indications are that they will be fine," coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

The Steelers aren't as certain about four-time Pro Bowl receiver Hines Ward, who missed only his fourth game in 10 seasons Sunday because of a sprained knee. He will begin the practice work week Wednesday listed as day to day.

"He had a good day of rehab," Tomlin said. "I spoke with him and he feels good. We will take it day to day and see where he is. We'll do what's smart in that area, but that decision will be determined later in the week."

While Polamalu and Hampton couldn't finish the Steelers' 21-14 loss to the Cardinals, Tomlin did not initially list them when he reviewed the team's injuries at his weekly news conference.

"We expect these guys to be OK," Tomlin said.

Also expected back is rookie tight end Matt Spaeth, who has missed two games with a bruised quadriceps after catching a touchdown pass in each of the Steelers' first two games.

However, the Steelers will go against the Seahawks (3-1) without cornerback Bryant McFadden, who has a severely sprained ankle that could sideline him a month.

McFadden, the primary backup to starters Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor, will be replaced in extra-back alignments by rookie William Gay or fourth-year defensive back Ricardo Colclough.

The injuries to Polamalu and Hampton left the Steelers (3-1) without two Pro Bowl defensive players during what became their first loss of the season, with Arizona rallying from a 7-0 deficit by scoring 21 consecutive points.

Polamalu strained an abdominal muscle while recovering a fumble in the second quarter and Hampton injured a hamstring.

Ben Roethlisberger also bruised his foot when someone stepped on it, but Tomlin said it "no big deal" although the quarterback may not go through a full practice Wednesday.

Feeling the Payne: Bears place safety on IR
October 2nd, 2007

Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bears placed safety Kevin Payne on injured reserve Tuesday with an arm injury.

Payne, a fifth-round pick in this year's draft out of Louisiana-Monroe, played in three games this season and started Sunday against Detroit. He totaled six defensive tackles and two special teams tackles.

To fill his spot on the roster, the Bears elevated safety Josh Gattis to the active roster from the practice squad.

Eagles guard Herremans has arthroscopic surgery on left knee
October 2, 2007

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia Eagles starting left guard Todd Herremans had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Tuesday.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Peter DeLuca, and the Eagles (1-3) said a timetable for Herremans' return will be decided next week.

Herremans, a fourth-round draft pick out of Saginaw Valley State in 2005, has started 22 consecutive games.