NFL Today - Week 4
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SCOREBOARD Monday night, Sept. 24
New England (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2). The Patriots have looked invincible thus far and now face one of the NFL's most porous defenses.
STARS
Passing
- Brett Favre, Packers, threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns, the first a 16-yarder to Greg Jennings that moved him past Dan Marino for first on the career list. Green Bay beat Minnesota 23-16.
- Daunte Culpepper, Raiders, threw for two touchdowns and ran for three more in a 35-17 victory over the Dolphins.
- Tony Romo, Cowboys, was 21-of-33 for 339 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-7 victory over winless St. Louis. Romo also ran for a score.
- Trent Edwards, Bills, was 22-of-28 for 234 yards in place of injured starter J.P. Losman, and threw the deciding touchdown as Buffalo beat the Jets 17-14 for its first win.
- Peyton Manning, Colts, threw for 193 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in a 38-20 victory over Denver. Manning also ran for a touchdown.
Rushing
- Justin Fargas, Raiders, ran for a career-high 179 yards on 22 carries in place of injured LaMont Jordan during a 35-7 victory over Miami.
- Joseph Addai, Colts, rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown in a 38-20 win over Denver.
- Larry Johnson, Chiefs, carried 25 times for 123 yards in a 30-16 victory over San Diego. He'd gained only 140 yards on 50 carries, a 2.8-yard average, through the first three weeks.
- Edgerrin James, Cardinals, ran for 77 yards and a touchdown as Arizona hung on for a 21-14 victory over previously unbeaten Pittsburgh.
- Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham, Buccaneers, combined for 138 yards on 32 carries with a touchdown in place of injured Carnell ''Cadillac'' Williams in a 20-7 win over Carolina.
Receiving
- Patrick Crayton, Cowboys, caught seven passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-7 win over the Rams. Crayton had caught six passes for 78 yards through the first three weeks.
- Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown in a 30-16 victory over San Diego. The first-round pick from LSU has 13 catches for 235 yards the past two weeks.
- Deion Branch, Seahawks, caught seven passes for 130 yards in a 23-3 win over the 49ers.
- Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, caught 11 passes for 123 yards against Pittsburgh. He also recovered an onside kick with 1:49 remaining after the Steelers got within 21-14.
- Ike Hilliard, Buccaneers, caught seven passes for 114 yards in a 20-7 win over Carolina.
- Dallas Clark, Colts, caught six passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-20 victory over Denver.
Special Teams
- Steve Breaston, Cardinals, returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in a 21-14 win over Pittsburgh. It was the Cardinals' first punt return for a touchdown in 14 years.
- Morten Andersen, Falcons, kicked four field goals in a 26-16 victory over Houston. The 47-year-old came up short on a 42-yard attempt that appeared to be nicked.
- Jon Ryan, Packers, faked a punt and eluded several Vikings defenders to convert a fourth down during a 23-16 win over Minnesota. He also averaged 49 yards on his four punts.
- Shaun Rogers, Lions, blocked a 52-yard field goal attempt by the Bears, giving him an NFL-high 11 blocked kicks since 1991.
- Devin Hester, Bears, returned a kick 97 yards for a touchdown, his seventh kick or punt return for a score in one-plus seasons.
Defense
- Osi Umenyiora, Giants, had six of New York's NFL record-tying 12 sacks in a 16-3 victory over Philadelphia.
- Terrence McGee, Bills, intercepted Chad Pennington's pass at the Buffalo 31 with 6 seconds left, preserving a 17-14 victory over the Jets.
- Tyron Brackenridge, Chiefs, a rookie free agent, raced 50 yards for a score after Philip Rivers was sacked and fumbled in the fourth quarter of a 30-16 victory over San Diego.
- Adrian Wilson and Ralph Brown, Cardinals, each intercepted Ben Roethlisberger. Wilson's pick in the end zone prevented a touchdown, and Brown's clinched a 21-14 win over Pittsburgh.
- Marcus Trufant, Seahawks, had a pair of interceptions in a 23-3 victory over the 49ers.
- Jared DeVries, Lions, had five tackles and forced two fumbles in a 37-27 victory over Chicago.
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MILESTONES
The Packers' Brett Favre broke Dan Marino's record for career touchdown passes, hitting Greg Jennings with No. 421 in the first quarter of a 23-16 victory over the Vikings. Favre started his 241st consecutive game, moving him into second place on the all-time list, and broke another Marino record when he threw the 8,359th pass of his career. He finished the game with 422 TD throws. ... The Lions scored an NFL-record 34 points in the fourth quarter, and combined with Chicago for 48 points - also a league record. ... The Raiders' 299 yards rushing against Miami was their fourth highest since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, and highest since 1987. ... Denver kicker Jason Elam scored eight points to pass Jan Stenerud for eighth on the career scoring list. Elam has 1,702 points; Stenerud finished with 1,699. ... Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez caught the 62nd touchdown of his career, tying him with Shannon Sharpe on the all-time list at his position.
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STREAKS
The Colts have beaten Denver in five of the last seven meetings. They've won nine in a row overall, counting last year's playoff games, to tie a franchise record. ... Oakland had lost six games in a row to the Dolphins and beat them for the first time since 1996. ... For the first time since 1995, the Dolphins have allowed at least 30 points in three consecutive games. ... Atlanta's 26-16 victory over Houston was its first since last Dec. 10 at Tampa Bay. ... The Cowboys are 4-0 for the first time since 1995, the year of their last Super Bowl title. The Rams are 0-4 for the first time since 2002, the year after they lost in the Super Bowl. ... The Cardinals ended Willie Parker's string of four consecutive 100-yard rushing games, limiting the Pittsburgh running back to 37 yards on 18 carries. ... The Chiefs have not allowed a second-half touchdown this season.
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STATS
The Bills produced their most points, total yards (304), yards passing and first downs (19) of the season in a 17-14 victory over New York. ... The Dolphins had possession for a measly 24:53 as Oakland ground out a 35-17 victory. ... LaDainian Tomlinson had 116 yards rushing in the first half as San Diego went ahead of Kansas City 16-6. But he managed only 16 yards in the second half, when the Chiefs rallied for a 30-16 win. ... The Chargers are 1-3 after going 14-2 last season, dropping new coach Norv Turner's record to 59-85-1 in three NFL head coaching stints. ... The Panthers managed only 236 yards in a 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay.
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SWINGS
Chad Pennington was 32-of-39 for 290 yards, and was leading the Jets to a potential tying field goal when he was intercepted with 6 seconds left in a 17-14 loss to Buffalo. ... The Lions are 3-1 for the first time since 2004 after beating Chicago 37-27. ... The Falcons overturned two fourth-quarter calls with replay challenges. One of them took away a Houston touchdown, and one play later Kris Brown yanked a field goal attempt wide left. ... A year after going 4-12 and finishing last in its division, Tampa Bay is 3-1 after beating Carolina 20-7. ... Chicago and San Diego, who had the best records in their conferences last season, both are 1-3.
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SLOPPY
The Bears pulled within three of Detroit with 52 seconds left, but the onside kick bounced to the Lions' Casey FitzSimmons and he returned it for a TD to seal the win. ... St. Louis got its first interception of the year, but didn't get any points off it because Jeff Wilkins missed a 28-yard field goal. ... Ravens coach Brian Billick threw his red flag too late to challenge a Cleveland touchdown. TV replays appeared to show Jamal Lewis failed to cross the goal line. ... Trent Dilfer threw two picks and lost a fumble in place of injured Alex Smith as San Francisco lost 23-3 to Seattle.
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SACKS
Osi Umenyiora had six sacks, one shy of Derrick Thomas' NFL record, and the New York Giants finished with a record-tying 12 in a 16-3 win over Philadelphia. ... Julian Peterson had three of Seattle's six sacks in a 23-3 win over San Francisco. ... Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had two of Green Bay's four sacks in a 23-16 win over Minnesota. ... The Chiefs' Derrick Johnson sacked Philip Rivers in the fourth quarter, and rookie Tyron Brackenridge returned the fumble 50 yards for the clinching touchdown in a 30-16 victory over the Chargers.
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SIDELINED
Alex Smith left the 49ers' 23-3 loss to the Seahawks in the first quarter with an injured right shoulder. ... Carnell Williams was carted off the field with a right knee injury in the first quarter of Tampa Bay's 20-7 win over Carolina. The Bucs also lost left tackle Luke Petitgout to a right knee injury. ... The Colts' Joseph Addai left in the third quarter of a 38-20 win over Denver with a shoulder injury. Safety Bob Sanders missed most of the second half with a rib injury, and receiver Marvin Harrison and linebacker Rob Morris each sustained knee injuries. ... LaMont Jordan left shortly before halftime of the Raiders' 35-17 win at Miami with a back injury. ... The Steelers lost Troy Polamalu (abdomen) and Casey Hampton (hamstring) in a 21-14 loss to Arizona.
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SPEAKING
''What's he going to guarantee next week? It's tough when you run your mouth.'' - Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp, after Miami linebacker Joey Porter failed to deliver on his guaranteed win.
''He cares about the record, but it's not the most important thing. He cares about winning.'' - Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, after Brett Favre broke Dan Marino's record for career touchdown passes.
''I think the players owe the fans an apology. I would be as upset as they are if I had to sit in the stands for four quarters and look at that garbage. ... As a team collectively we have no heart. We have no energy. We have no drive.'' - Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins after a 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay.
''They have a right to voice their opinion, just like everybody else. They showed their frustration with us, the way we've been playing. I can't say that I blame them.'' - LT, after fans booed at the en
d of the Chargers' 30-16 loss to Kansas City
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.