NFL FanHouse

Report: Matthew Stafford Will Start

Chris Burke — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, NFL Injuries, NFL Quarterbacks

(Update, Nov. 26: In a somewhat unlikely development, injured Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will start Thursday, according to a report on MLive.com.)

The Lions would love nothing more than to trot their new franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, out for a national-television audience on Thanksgiving Day. But it looks like everyone will have to settle for Daunte Culpepper.

Stafford, who injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder one play prior to tossing a game-winning TD to beat Cleveland last Sunday, was listed as doubtful by the Lions for Thursday's game against Green Bay.

Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz did not sound optimistic about Stafford's playing status following the team's Tuesday practice, and apparently, nothing changed over 24 hours.

More: Lions Try to Break Thanksgiving Drought

"If it's the way it was [Tuesday], a lot of guys wouldn't have been able to play, but you don't want to rule anyone out this time of the week," Schwartz said. "He's still sore, but he's getting better. It's something we anticipated getting better. Whether it's something that will be better on Thursday -- it's still too early to tell. If he was the way he is today, he'd be unlikely to play; but things can change so we don't want to rule anything out."

Stafford did not participate in practice at all this week for Detroit. Neither did star wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who is dealing with hand and knee injuries. Johnson is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest.

Should Stafford be unable to go, Culpepper would return to the starting lineup; he started two games for Detroit earlier this season with Stafford nursing a knee injury. Culpepper actually has a Thanksgiving Day win to his credit -- way back in the 2000 season, Culpepper led the Minnesota Vikings to a 27-15 win at Dallas.

Detroit has not won a Thanksgiving Day game since beating Green Bay in 2003, a stretch of five consecutive losses. That streak has contributed to the growing movement that wants the league to take the annual Thanksgiving games away from Detroit (and, to a lesser extent, Dallas) and allow other teams to rotate into hosting duties.

Report: Matthew Stafford Will Start originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marc Bulger Injured, Out 3-6 Weeks

Matt Snyder — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Rams, NFC West, NFL Injuries, NFL Quarterbacks

According to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Rams will be without starting quarterback Marc Bulger for at least three weeks, and possibly the rest of the season. Bulger injured his knee in Sunday's loss to the visiting Arizona Cardinals. The injury is actually a fracture in the knee area, termed a tibial plateau fracture. The Rams are expecting to lose him for three-to-six weeks -- and there are only six weeks left in the season.

Kyle Boller will take the helm for the Rams. The team is 1-9, but has improved its play on both sides of the football as of late -- hanging with two of the better NFC teams in each of the past two weeks (New Orleans and Arizona). Boller appears to be a step down from Bulger, albeit a slight one.

It was quite a rough weekend for Bulger, who also reportedly underwent an MRI to the groin area and had to have some neurological tests done due to a blow to the head. Ouch. It's like he was in a car accident or something.

Regardless, the Rams could be facing the unenviable task of evaluating what to do with the most important position on the field this offseason while possibly not having seen if Bulger can come back strong and productive. The team is being rebuilt by Steve Spagnuolo and they will have one of the first picks in the 2010 draft -- if not the first overall. With a few possible franchise passers in the draft, the Rams may be inclined to pull the trigger and end the Bulger era.

In the meantime, Boller will have a chance to audition for the Rams' 2010 job. He's four years younger than the banged up Bulger and has been blessed with better physical tools. The Rams could always choose to draft a quarterback and bring him along slowly behind either Boller or Bulger next season.

Marc Bulger Injured, Out 3-6 Weeks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mangini Says Lions Faked Injuries to Slow Down Browns' Assault

Bruce Ciskie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, Lions, NFL Injuries

There was little on Sunday that matched the drama of the Cleveland-Detroit showdown. Yes, two 1-8 teams gave us a gripping game filled with highlights and lowlights from both sides.

After Matthew Stafford found Brandon Pettigrew for the game-winning touchdown on an untimed down that followed a defensive penalty, Browns coach Eric Mangini -- never one to shy away from controversy -- decided to accuse the Lions of faking injuries during the game.

Mangini brought it up after the game, then repeated the accusations Monday at his weekly press conference.

"There were multiple, multiple, multiple injuries throughout our no-huddle process," Mangini said Sunday.

Asked if he thought the Lions were trying to slow down the no-huddle, Mangini said, "They all came back. I have no idea."

Mangini brought up the accusation against Monday. When pressed on if he was really accusing the Lions of faking injuries, Mangini said, "I'm saying there were a lot of them."

The Browns were quite the offensive juggernaut Sunday. Brady Quinn threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns, and they did some serious damage with a 27-point first half. It was clearly the best the Browns have looked all season, which meant it was bound to go south at some point.

Mangini might have a point. Studying the official play-by-play for the game, there are six instances where play was stopped for a Detroit defensive injury. Four of those times, the Browns were working without a huddle. The play-by-play listed the returns of four players as "probable," and one was "questionable."

Jim Schwartz scoffed at the notion during his Monday meeting with the media.

"He's way out of bounds on that," Schwartz said. "That couldn't be further than the truth. There was no need to do that to slow the pace down, because the officials were doing a really good job of standing over the ball for us and them.

"We used a lot of no-huddle also, and I thought that the crew did a really good job of making sure that substitutes were allowed to come from either side if the offense substituted. So that game was under control that way.

"There was no need to do any of that stuff. That couldn't be further from the truth."

Reality is that it's hard to imagine a coach using such a tactic during a game. Schwartz is surely looking for an edge to help his team, but it doesn't make any sense to have guys faking injuries. The Browns were effective moving the ball in the first half, no matter if they used a huddle or not. After the Lions made some adjustments at halftime, they were able to hold Cleveland to a single touchdown in the second half.

The inability of the Browns to put the game away had more to do with their own limitations than any sandbagging being done by the Lions.

Mangini Says Lions Faked Injuries to Slow Down Browns' Assault originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chargers Nearly Drive Broncos to Blows

Nancy Gay — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:24:00 EST

Filed under: Broncos, Chargers, AFC West, NFL Injuries, NFL Quarterbacks

DENVER -- Four consecutive losses have dropped the once impressive Denver Broncos into the middle of the AFC pack.

The San Diego Chargers (7-3) all but ensured they will win the AFC West with a 32-3 rout Sunday at Denver's Invesco Field, and only the second-quarter emergence of injured Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton off the bench sparked any life in the disillusioned home team.

Hobbling on a badly sprained left ankle, Orton was a better option than struggling backup Chris Simms, who started the game but almost immediately lost the ball on a sack and fumble and ultimately failed to move Denver's offense effectively.

With 4:10 left before halftime, Broncos first-year coach Josh McDaniels gave Simms the hook and called on Orton. The Invesco Field crowd roared its approval. Orton, who finished with 171 yards and an interception on 15 of 29 passing, fired off back-to-back long completions to Brandon Marshall and Jabar Gaffney, setting up a Denver 1st-and-goal at the 4-yard line.

Then ... disaster. And a potential rift to the once-chummy Broncos' team chemistry came out of the ensuing goal line pileup.

With the Broncos trailing 13-0, rookie running back Knowshon Moreno took a handoff from Orton and gained three yards before losing the football in a collision with Chargers defensive end Jacques Cesaire.

The turnover, which came just ahead of the two-minute warning, was reviewed and upheld. With that, Marshall -- the Broncos' volatile playmaker -- put his facemask directly into Moreno's facemask and let the rookie have it verbally.

Moreno physically pushed back, and two of the Broncos' most explosive players nearly came to blows. Afterward, both of them called it a momentary exchange of heated emotion. But neither offered an apology.

"I don't regret anything. This is a playoff game," said Marshall, who approached this contest that would break a first-place tie between the two division rivals as such. "This is probably the most frustrating game I've ever played in. I approached it like it was a playoff game. I'm frustrated that we lost.

"I think everybody needs to look at themselves first. I'm going back and looking at film from last year, see if I've changed anything, and go from there."

The Moreno fumble? "Those are plays that kill drives," Marshall said.

And what did Marshall tell Moreno when the two were facemask-to-faceask?

"That we need to pick it up."

Said Moreno, "Nothing big. But everyone was heated. Nothing long-term. Just heat of the moment."

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But Marshall, Denver's leading receiver who caught only three passes for 26 yards Sunday, admitted he was disappointed with what he felt was a lack of fire and passion from many of his Broncos teammates as San Diego got four field goals from Nate Kaeding and took further command in the second half.

"There were guys on the sideline that weren't angry, who didn't have a lot of emotion. And they need to look at themselves in the mirror," Marshall said. "This is a game where you've got to have it. And none of us can make any terrible plays."

The Broncos (6-4) would go on to make a bunch of them - three turnovers (two fumbles and the Orton interception) and countless offside and false start penalties that gave the surging Chargers, winners of five in a row, more momentum in an already lopsided affair.

Orton, who didn't practice all week after injuring his left ankle in Week 10's loss to the Redskins, came in Sunday listed as the No. 2 quarterback. Simms had replaced Orton at Washington but looked absolutely lousy doing it.

Simms, who got his first NFL start since rupturing his spleen in a 2006 game during his Tampa Bay Buccaneers' days, didn't fare much better Sunday, completing 2 of 4 passes for 10 yards and losing that first-quarter fumble at the Chargers 17-yard line on the Broncos' opening drive, following an 11-yard sack. San Diego then drove 69 yards to set up a 2-yard Philip Rivers touchdown pass to wide receiver Legedu Naanee.

Despite not being able to ignite the Broncos' offense, Simms admitted he was surprised to be yanked so soon.

"I was looking forward to [the start] and I felt comfortable out there," Simms said. "I know it was a little rocky start, but it's the NFL -- sometimes it does go rocky for a little bit. But I'll be OK and I'll continue to make myself better."

With Denver facing a short week before a Thanksgiving home game against the New York Giants, McDaniels said he had no regrets going with Simms as the starter -- and pulling him out as early as he did to go back to an injured Orton. Sensing a need to move out of the pocket-passing scheme with Simms and going to a shotgun offense with Orton went into McDaniels' decision making.

"We did a lot of decent things there early," said McDaniels, whose skidding team beat the Chargers 34-23 in San Diego on Oct. 19 and once held a 3 1/2-game lead in the AFC West. "Any time you get down there in the red zone four times and come away with three points ... I think we turned over the ball twice down there.

"Those are plays that if you make them, then you know you end up with points, maybe touchdowns and if you don't, obviously you have no momentum and you give away an opportunity."

So is Orton a Superman, or just a guy doing what the coach told him to do?

Adrenaline was a hell of a painkiller, Orton said.

"It helps. You forget about [the pain]," he said. "Guys did a good job of protecting me. I'm just thankful I didn't have to have anything set me back even more."

Others on the field could only admire Orton for his toughness, and respect his ability to make plays despite being in obvious pain at times.

"Kyle, he's very intelligent. He's really talented," Marshall said. "And he's our quarterback."

"I thought he played really well -- he obviously gave them a boost there for awhile," said Rivers, who completed 17 of 22 passes for a season-low 145 yards and one touchdown. "I told him, 'Hey, get healthy and get your guys going.' "

Chargers Nearly Drive Broncos to Blows originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Bad News for Redskins' Backfield

Matt Snyder — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:59:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Injuries

With star running back Clinton Portis already sidelined as he deals with the aftereffects of a concussion, the Redskins were hoping backup running back Ladell Betts could shoulder the load. Instead, Betts left in the first quarter Sunday against Dallas with a knee injury. As it turns out, Betts has torn the medial collateral ligament in his knee and will probably miss at least a month. Portis will also reportedly miss next week's game as well, meaning Rock Cartwright will be the featured back for the Redskins against the stingy Eagles' run defense in Week 12.

Sunday, Cartwright filled in admirably for Betts (and Portis). He ran the ball 13 times for 67 yards (5.15 yards per carry), but was also greatly involved in the passing attack. He caught seven passes for 73 yards.

Depth will likely be a concern for the Redskins, as they'll be working with just Cartwright, Quentin Ganther and Mike Sellers from the backfield. Sellers is a blocking back and Ganther has just six carries this season.

The Redskins have been particularly stricken with injuries this season. In addition to the backfield, they've dealt with injuries to Chris Cooley, Albert Haynesworth, Chris Samuels and even their punter (Hunter Smith). Sunday, they also lost guard Chad Rinehart for the rest of the season.

More Bad News for Redskins' Backfield originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben Roethlisberger Goes Down in Steelers' Overtime Loss

Matt Snyder — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST

Filed under: Steelers, AFC North, NFL Injuries

After nearly throwing for 400 yards for the third time in his career (he hit on 32 of 42 passes for 398 yards and two touchdowns), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had to leave the Steelers game in overtime with what appeared to be either a right shoulder or head injury. The Steelers would eventually lose to the Chiefs without him, 27-24.

On a sack in overtime, Roethlisberger was sandwiched between Kansas City's Derrick Johnson and Andy Studebaker and laid on the ground for a few minutes before being helped off the field. He was replaced by Charlie Batch, who did help the Steelers gain one first down before Pittsburgh had to punt.

More: Check Box Score | Warner Hurt, Too | Giants Get OT Win

"He took a blow, needless to say, it was a concussion-oriented thing so I doubt he was going to come back into the football game,'' Tomlin said. "I don't have a lot of information in terms of where he is or his level of availability. We will have more information as we proceed.''

On the subsequent drive, the Chiefs needed just four plays -- due mostly to a 61-yard pass from Matt Cassel to Chris Chambers -- to get the ball all the way down to the Pittsburgh 1 before Ryan Succop connected on the game-winning 22-yard field goal. Kansas City was a winner for just the third time this season, and the Chiefs have now won two in a row to move to 3-7.

The Steelers got big games from Hines Ward (10 catches, 128 yards, touchdown) and Heath Miller (seven catches, 95 yards, touchdown) on offense, but turnovers doomed them. Two Roethlisberger picks -- including one in the end zone -- and a Mike Wallace fumble helped to squander a lot of those lofty yard totals.

Pittsburgh plays at Baltimore next week.

Ben Roethlisberger Goes Down in Steelers' Overtime Loss originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stafford Injured in Lions' Incredible Win

Bruce Ciskie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, Lions, NFL Injuries

When two bad teams get together, sometimes they can produce some great theater. Such was the case Sunday in Detroit, where a pair of 1-8 teams gave fans one of the day's best games.

At the end, a penalty that was called on the game's last play gave the homestanding Lions one untimed down from the Cleveland 1. They made it count, as rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford hit tight end Brandon Pettigrew for six, and a Jason Hanson extra point gave Detroit a 38-37 win.

With Detroit on the Cleveland 32 and eight seconds left, Stafford scrambled and bought plenty of time before heaving a pass to the end zone. Receiver Calvin Johnson was undercut in the end zone, drawing the pass interference call with no time on the clock and giving Detroit one more play.

After the throw, Stafford was hit by Browns tackle C.J. Mosley, who drove Stafford hard into the turf. Stafford landed on his left shoulder and didn't appear able to lift his arm up.

Backup Daunte Culpepper lined up under center in relief, but when the Browns called a timeout, Stafford was able to return to the game. He then threw a touchdown pass to Pettigrew on the untimed down that followed Cleveland's penalty.

"He just said, I'm ready,''' Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said. "He could walk.

"There was no one who was going to stop him from going back on the field. He had come way too far in that game to not finish it.''

After the pass, Stafford appeared to be in a high degree of pain -- reports said that X-rays on Stafford's shoulder were negative, but he would likely go for an MRI on Monday.

A successful extra point gave Detroit the win, and the crowd at Ford Field went crazy.

In helping Detroit improve to 2-8, Stafford set an NFL rookie record with five touchdown passes. He out-dueled Cleveland's Brady Quinn, who led the Browns to an early 24-3 lead before the Lions began their comeback.

Stafford Injured in Lions' Incredible Win originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Packers Face Defensive Disaster: Harris, Kampman Both Injured

Bruce Ciskie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, NFL Injuries

With a 30-24 win over San Francisco Sunday at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers thrust themselves into the thick of the NFC playoff race. At 6-4, Green Bay kept pace with the New York Giants, who also won, and jumped ahead of the team the Giants beat (Atlanta).

However, it was a costly win for the Packers.

The defense may have suffered a couple of major blows with potentially serious knee injuries to outside linebacker Aaron Kampman and cornerback Al Harris.

More: Check Box Score | Lions Get Dramatic Win | Jags Rally Late

"Hopefully, these two injuries aren't as serious as we may think,'' Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported Sunday night that both Kampman and Harris had suffered torn ACLs and would be lost for the season. McCarthy told reporters that the team would know more Monday.

Kampman's left knee appeared to buckle while he was fighting off a block in the third quarter. He was helped off the field, then put on a cart and taken into the locker room.

Harris was running in coverage with San Francisco rookie Michael Crabtree near the Packers' end zone in the fourth quarter. According to Fox's Chris Myers, Harris planted his leg and "keeled over." He was placed on a cart and taken off for X-rays.

After the game, head coach Mike McCarthy didn't offer any specifics on either player, but said the injuries "don't look good."

On his Twitter page, linebacker Nick Barnett didn't get specific, either, but he asked fans to "pray for Kamp and Harris. The knee is serious!!"

The long-term loss of either -- or both -- could be disastrous for Green Bay. Kampman is slowly starting to look more comfortable in the Packers' 3-4 defense, while Harris is having another strong season covering top receivers. There is no question he has slipped a bit from the elite level, but as teams try to stay away from surefire Pro Bowler Charles Woodson, Harris has been getting picked on a little bit.

Now, if Harris is out for any length of time, it will be youngster Tramon Williams getting picked on. If the way Alex Smith and the 49ers picked apart the Green Bay secondary after Harris went down is any indication, it is not going to go well for the Packers.

Packers Face Defensive Disaster: Harris, Kampman Both Injured originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eric Wood Injury Too Brutal for TV Replay

Chris Burke — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bills, NFL Injuries

Bills rookie offensive lineman Eric Wood suffered an ugly injury in the third quarter of Buffalo's 18-15 loss to Jacksonville. The injury was so bad, in fact, that CBS opted not to show any replays of the play because it was too gruesome.

Wood was rolled up on during a Buffalo pass play, and his left leg bent at an extremely unnatural angle. According to the Bills, Wood fractured both his tibia and fibula, and stayed in Jacksonville to have immediate season-ending surgery. The injury was easily one of the worst in the NFL this season and could wind up keeping Wood out of the lineup for much longer than the final six weeks of 2009.

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You can see video of Wood's injury on YouTube, but be warned that the footage is very graphic.

Wood, who was selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, had been one of Buffalo's most consistent offensive linemen for an already-hobbled unit.

"No matter how much you work out, injuries are going to happen," fellow lineman Jonathan Scott said. "Unfortunately for us, we seem to get a lot of them at the same time. It's tough because the guys who went down are good guys, hard-working guys. We just have to persevere and try to get through this as best we can."

Wood's surgery replaced the fractured bones, and he is expected to return to Buffalo as soon as Monday. The Bills will almost certainly place Wood on injured reserve and fill his roster spot once Week 11 ends.

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Eric Wood Injury Too Brutal for TV Replay originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Simms to Start at QB for Broncos

Nancy Gay — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Broncos, NFL Injuries

DENVER -- Quarterback Chris Simms, who hasn't started an NFL game in three seasons, will take over for injured Kyle Orton today when the skidding Broncos (6-3) play host to the surging Chargers (6-3) for sole possession of first in the AFC West.

Orton sustained a severely sprained left ankle last week in Denver's 27-17 loss to Washington, leaving the game after the final offensive play of the first half. He hasn't practiced all week. After taking a last look at the former Bears starter, Denver coach Josh McDaniels made the decision Sunday morning to sit Orton. McDaniels is expected to activate rookie quarterback Tom Brandstater on the 45-man game day roster.

Orton will be listed as the No. 2 quarterback.

After the Broncos -- losers of three in a row after a 6-0 start -- dropped consecutive games against the Ravens and Steelers, Denver fans actually were calling for Simms to replace a struggling Orton. They may be re-thinking that after watching Simms' performance off the bench in Week 10.

He completed only 3 of 13 passes and tossed an interception that ultimately killed the Broncos' chances for a comeback. On 1st-and-10 at the Redskins' 46-yard line, Simms tried to go over the top to Brandon Marshall, who had caught two long scoring passes for Orton earlier. But DeAngelo Hall picked off the overthrown ball, setting up the Redskins' go-ahead touchdown.

The Redskins' game was Simms' first start since his days with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a fateful Sept. 24, 2006 appearance, when he sustained a career-threatening ruptured spleen against Carolina and underwent emergency surgery a day later to remove it. He remained on the Bucs' roster in 2007 but never took a snap.

Now he'll face a Chargers team that has won four games in a row.

Chris Simms to Start at QB for Broncos originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Falcons Without Michael Turner

Bruce Ciskie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Giants, NFL Injuries

The Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants will play a very important game Sunday afternoon. Both teams are part of a 5-4 logjam in the NFC standings. The winner of this tilt is in a very good position to make the NFC playoffs, and the Giants are in desperate need of a win after four straight losses.

The Falcons will reportedly be missing a key player in the game Sunday, as running back Michael Turner will be inactive.

The news comes from ESPN's Rachel Nichols and John Clayton, who say Turner will be inactive. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the Falcons' loss to Carolina last week. Those injuries can be quite tough to bounce back from, and apparently Turner will miss at least this week.

Nichols reports that Jason Snelling will start in Turner's place, as No. 2 back Jerious Norwood is still battling a hip injury. Snelling, a late-round pick in 2007, will be making his first NFL start. He has rushed for 183 yards so far this season, while catching 14 passes. He has three career touchdowns.

(Pat on the helmet: PFT)

Report: Falcons Without Michael Turner originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steelers Should Survive Polamalu's Absence This Week

JJ Cooper — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:54:00 EST

Filed under: Chiefs, Steelers, NFL Injuries

Pittsburgh has several easy games on the schedule over the final seven weeks of the season, but it's hard to think of a better week for strong safety Troy Polamalu to miss than this week's game against the Chiefs.

Polamalu will miss the game with a knee injury, although the Steelers are saying he should be back before too long. But even without Polamalu, the Steelers' secondary should be able to handle the Chiefs.

Kansas City is without wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, who was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug rules. Without Bowe, Kansas City lacks a viable No. 1 or No. 2 receiver. Chris Chambers, who becomes the team's No. 1 receiver, has only been a Chief for three weeks--he was picked up off the waiver wire when San Diego waived him. No. 2 receiver Lance Long was promoted to the active roster until three weeks ago as well. Tight end Sean Ryan is a true journeyman--he's playing for his fourth team in the past two years.

In other words, if there was ever an offense that is tailor-made for Dick LeBeau's defense, the Chiefs would appear to be the team. The playbook can't get too complicated because the players are either inexperienced (Long) or too new to the club. The Steelers start every game defensively by trying to make their opponent one dimensional by shutting down their running game--they are No. 1 in the league against the run.

If Pittsburgh can do that again on Sunday, it's hard to believe that the Chiefs' passing game will be able to consistently outsmart LeBeau's D even if Polamalu is standing on the sideline in sweats.

Steelers Should Survive Polamalu's Absence This Week originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giants Lose Antonio Pierce Indefinitely

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Giants, NFL Injuries

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely after an MRI exam on Friday surprisingly revealed a bulging disk in his neck.

The Giants said their defensive captain underwent the test in New York and was examined by team physician Dr. Russell Warren and Dr. Frank Camissa, chief of the spinal surgical services at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

The 31-year-old Pierce originally sustained a burner when the Giants played Arizona on Oct. 25. He had very little discomfort until practice this week, when the club's medical staff scheduled the MRI exam.

"I'm shocked with what I heard from the doctors this afternoon," Pierce said in a statement released by the Giants. "I had no idea that what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the field. I didn't think it was that serious.

"I'm going to do everything the doctors tell me to do so I can get back out on the field as soon as possible."

The Giants (5-4) will host Atlanta on Sunday. New York, coming off its bye week, has lost four straight games.

Pierce, in his ninth NFL year and fifth with the Giants, has 55 tackles one sack, and one forced fumble in nine games this season. He was looking forward to trying to help New York snap its losing streak on Sunday against the Falcons (5-4).

"This game means a lot to us," Pierce said earlier Friday. "For one, we need a win to get out of this four-game slump and, two, it will help us in the playoff hunt. We are tied for one of the wild card spots and you always want to win the head-to-head battles."

Pierce played in 15 games last season after appearing in all 16 contests each of the previous two seasons. He has led the Giants in tackles for the last three seasons and missed only four regular-season games since leaving the Washington Redskins to join the Giants.

He spent much of the past year in the spotlight after helping former teammate Plaxico Burress when the wide receiver accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a New York nightclub.

Pierce drove Burress to the hospital and then took the gun that Burress used back to his home in New Jersey, later arranging to get it back to the wounded receiver's home. Pierce testified before a grand jury, which declined to indict him for his role in the incident.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Giants Lose Antonio Pierce Indefinitely originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Winfield Can Afford to Take His Time Coming Back

JJ Cooper — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Vikings, NFC North, NFL Injuries

When you're 8-1, you can afford to be picky.

Antoine Winfield is starting to return to practice after missing three games with a foot injury. But since the Vikings right now have a three-game lead in the NFC North, Winfield can head into the weekend knowing that he doesn't have to rush back before he's ready.

The Vikings have survived WInfield's absence better than could have been expected when he injured his foot against the Ravens. If there can be good news in an injury, it's that Karl Paymah, Benny Sapp and Asher Allen are better cornerbacks now than they were before Winfield's injury--it's forced them to take on larger roles. But when he does return, Winfield will once again immediately be the Vikings' best corner.

Winfield said that he's 85 percent certain that he'll be able to play this weekend against the Bears. But if he's not 100 percent certain he's ready to return, he should take it easy and spend another week on the inactive list. MInnesota has shown it can win regular season games without him, but it needs its Pro Bowl cornerback to be fully healthy when the playoffs arrive.

Winfield Can Afford to Take His Time Coming Back originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eagles, Westbrook Wisely Play It Safe

Nancy Gay — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST

Filed under: Eagles, Raiders, NFL Injuries, NFL Quarterbacks

The best NFL news on Wednesday was that Brian Westbrook will not play this week. He may be your starting running back in your fantasy league, but the Philadelphia Eagles' all-time leader from scrimmage with 9,711 yards also is a man who is recuperating from two concussions in 20 days.

Right now, Westbrook is not just an NFL star. He is a medical patient.

Thankfully, everyone realizes it's time to focus on Westbrook's health and future well-being, and not how he can help move the chains for the Eagles' offense.

The eight-year veteran and former All-Pro met with two doctors on Wednesday who specialize in head trauma, among them Dr. Mark Lovell, the founding director of the groundbreaking University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine concussion program. Westbrook, the athlete and patient, is hoping to get answers.

To his great credit, Westbrook has been admirably proactive in admitting publicly that he is frightened and concerned about the effects of these injuries.

Westbrook sustained his first concussion in an Oct. 26 game against the Washington Redskins. He then missed two games, returned last Sunday against the Chargers in San Diego and suffered another concussion after catching a third-quarter screen pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb and colliding helmet-to-helmet with safety Eric Weddle.

Again -- thankfully -- Westbrook immediately recognized his symptoms. He told coaches he felt "foggy" after the play, and that's why Westbrook did not return, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid confirmed.

This is more good news; Westbrook, Reid and the Eagles were educated enough on the dangers of head trauma to take every precaution for the player's safety. Only a few years ago, NFL players sustained concussions and would return a few plays later. The official diagnosis: "He had his bell rung." Programs like the one at Pittsburgh Medical Center have taught all of us that head trauma in sports often has serious short- and long-term effects on an athlete's health.

Unfortunately, NFL players also consider the occasional concussion an inevitable part of their profession, as The Associated Press learned recently in a survey conducted this month that questioned five players from each of the 32 NFL franchises. Of the 160 players surveyed, 30 told the AP that they had hidden or downplayed the effects of a concussion in order to remain on the field.

Is Westbrook more enlightened than most? Maybe his age (30) and experience are motivating him to think less about his statistics and more about how to avoid becoming permanently brain-damaged by the time he's 31.

The Eagles' team leader now is placing his season, and his career, in the hands and judgment of Lovell, who helped develop the important neuro-cognitive tests that NFL and NHL teams now use to diagnose degrees of head trauma. Perhaps other NFL players will take note -- one of the NFL's biggest stars is willing to walk away from the fame and riches if it means preserving his faculties.

Meanwhile, the Eagles (5-4) are moving forward and giving Westbrook their full support.

"We'll know more on him as the next day or two go on," Reid said. "I talked to him on Monday and he was in a good place. I think he's grateful to have the care that he's had. He seemed to just want to find out what went on with this next (concussion), but he didn't seem rattled."

Rookie running back LeSean McCoy, the former Pitt star, will start Sunday against the Chicago Bears (4-5). Teammates voiced their confidence in McCoy that he will rise to the task, and they expressed their support for Westbrook as he contemplates whether he should take the football field again.

"As a friend and teammate, the only thing we can do is pray for him right now," McNabb said, "and have in our minds that whatever decision Brian makes, it will be the best decision for him. We'll continue to support him."

Anyone who has enjoyed and admired Westbrook's talent and his career should be rooting for an outcome that ensures he will remain healthy and active for as long as possible -- off the football field, not on it.

Raiders Finally Bench Russell

Wednesday's news that Raiders coach Tom Cable had decided to bench struggling quarterback JaMarcus Russell and go with journeyman reserve Brad Gradkowski as the starter for now is remarkable for this reason: it showed Cable is doing what's best for the 2-7 franchise by getting hands-on owner Al Davis to agree with him about the move.

In fact, Cable said there wasn't even give-and-take with Davis on the decision to make Russell a No. 2.

"No, no. He left this up to me; this is my decision," Cable said of Davis. "We talked about it and he supported it."

Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, has been yanked by Cable in two of the Raiders' past three games as the quarterback's performances and decision-making ability steadily regressed. It's been painful to watch, and crippling to the Raiders' organization.

Russell's completion percentage this season is 46.8; he's thrown nine interceptions and lost five fumbles. And while the Raiders drafted Russell out of LSU hoping he would replicate his deep ball talent at the NFL level, that simply hasn't happened -- according to STATS LLC, in Russell's third pro season, he has completed only 2 of 34 passes of 20 yards or longer, for a total of 85 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions.

Russell was not present when Raiders reporters had locker room access on Wednesday. His head coach said Russell was disappointed, as is to be expected. But Cable also said he firmly believes that Russell is the future of the Raiders' franchise, even though he will be a No. 2 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"This is in no way giving up on the guy," Cable said. "This is just trying to jump-start this team and really break it down and make a decision based on what gives us the best chance to win."

Eagles, Westbrook Wisely Play It Safe originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cribbs Says Quinn Called Final Play

Will Brinson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:25:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, NFL Injuries, NFL Coaching, NFL Rumors

One could forgive Cleveland wide receiver/return man Josh Cribbs if he was upset with the Browns coaching staff for extending Monday night's game against Baltimore long enough to land him on a stretcher, despite the fact that the Browns were down 16 points with just seconds to play.

But Cribbs, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer by way of PFT, has a different account of the final play of the game: the decision to keep the ball alive was made by Brady Quinn (as opposed to head coach Eric Mangini).

"It was a call at the line,'' said Cribbs. "It wasn't a call that came in from the coaches. Brady had let us know to keep the ball alive, that he was going to throw the slant to me at the line and to keep the ball alive. He gave the signal to keep it alive, but it wasn't a call that came in from the sideline.''

Cribbs added that Mangini apologized to the team -- he did call a pass -- but pointed out that he wasn't upset, which is a pretty impressive stance to take from a guy who was wheeled off the field and straight to the hospital.

"He told me it wasn't personal and he did apologize to the team,'' said Cribbs. "It wasn't nothing like he needed to apologize to me personally. It's football and injuries happen in football.''

Now, Cribbs could just be playing nice, but for some reason, he just seems to have no issue being the lone bright spot on an absolutely abysmal Browns team with no real hope of improvement. So, good for him. I guess.

As for the decision, given that Mangini was somewhat cleared (there was still no reason to keep passing when a knee would have been the healthy and most prudent play-call), if he can apologize, so can I -- I'm sorry I called for you to be fired based on your final play-call, coach.

There are probably a number of other reasons why it's justifiable, but on this one, I guess you're kind of safe.

Cribbs Says Quinn Called Final Play originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Terrell Suggs Has Partially Torn MCL, Brady Quinn Fined

Adam Gretz — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, Ravens, NFL Injuries

Week 10's punt-fest between the Browns and Ravens was one of the worst Monday Night games in recent memory. The Ravens' offense struggled to move the ball consistently, and the Browns' offense was nothing but two-yard dive plays into the middle of the line and wide receiver screens that Baltimore's defense blew up before they even had a chance to develop.

As a result, the only thing anybody still wants to talk about after the Ravens' 16-0 win is Brady Quinn's low-block on an interception return in the third quarter, when he knocked linebacker Terrell Suggs out of the game with a knee injury. According to Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times, early MRI results revealed a partially torn MCL for the pass-rushing linebacker, and he could miss the next two to three weeks.

In case you missed it, here's the play:

Naturally, it infuriated everybody on the Ravens' side of the field, from All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis, to Suggs' agent, Gary Wichard, who said: "That cat should be fined as much as anybody is fined that hits the quarterback. That's ridiculous. I don't understand what he was trying to do. It was blatant. It's absolutely criminal. It's about as nasty as it gets."

As far as the fine is concerned, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on Wednesday that Quinn had been issued a "significant" fine from the NFL for the hit.

Assuming Suggs misses the next two games, it could be a costly injury -- the Ravens play host to the undefeated Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and divisional rival Pittsburgh the following week.

In nine games this season the 27-year-old Suggs has 3.5 sacks, 42 tackles, four pass defenses and a forced fumble.

Terrell Suggs Has Partially Torn MCL, Brady Quinn Fined originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Josh Cribbs Injured on Game's Final Play

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST

Filed under: Browns, NFL Injuries

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs was taken to a hospital for further tests after being injured on a hard hit on the final play of Baltimore's 16-0 win over Cleveland on Monday night.

Cribbs caught a pass from Brady Quinn on the final play and lateraled to Robert Royal. Following the pitch, Cribbs was hit near midfield by defensive end Dwan Edwards.

As Cribbs was on the field, players from both teams knelt in prayer around him.

After he was treated by Cleveland trainers, he was put on a stretcher and driven to the locker room. Cribbs was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said Cribbs had movement and feeling in all parts of his body when he left the stadium.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Josh Cribbs Injured on Game's Final Play originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Westbrook Suffers Another Concussion

Nancy Gay — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:15:00 EST

Filed under: Eagles, NFL Injuries

SAN DIEGO -- Brian Westbrook's Oct. 26 concussion was so troubling for the Philadelphia Eagles running back, he openly discussed the touchy subject of NFL head trauma and how concerned he was for his long-term health because of it.

Three weeks later, Westbrook sustained another concussion, one that took him out of the Eagles' 31-23 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium. And now it's almost a certainty that the running back's season will be cut short.

After catching a 9-yard pass from Donovan McNabb with just over 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Westbrook headed to the sideline and was replaced by rookie LeSean McCoy. It was Westbrook's first game back since sustaining the first head injury in the Eagles' 27-17 victory against the Redskins in Washington, when he took a knee to the helmet and lost consciousness as a result.

Eagles coach Andy Reid offered few details as to Westbrook's condition this time around, or what the franchise might do if its star running back can't play another down this season -- or if his career may even be threatened.

"He got hit. I don't remember the play," Reid said of his eight-year veteran and team leader. "We'll just see how Brian does here; I know that's a concern for everybody; us included, and Brian. We'll evaluate him and we'll see how things go this next week."

Almost certainly there will speculation that the Eagles rushed Westbrook back too soon.

As he recovered from the Oct. 26 injury, Westbrook told Philadelphia-area media that his concussion "scared" him and that he was concerned about the long-term effects of head trauma.

"I didn't have a great understanding of concussions before," Westbrook said. "When you think about it, they don't have a lot of information about concussions when you get to be 50, 60 and 70 years old, how it impacts your life. Unfortunately in this profession, a lot of guys have concussions. Some guys don't even know they have concussions until it's too late."

The Eagles (5-4) may have lost Westbrook at a time when the offense could really use an impact, experienced running back. Despite the loss Sunday, McNabb passed for a season-high 450 yards, completing 35 of 55 passes. His final pass was intercepted in the end zone by Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

Three Philadelphia drives stalled inside the 10-yard line with the Eagles struggling in short-yardage, and they instead settled for a trio of field goals from David Akers.

While the franchise awaits medical reports on Westbrook, the team may have to examine the free-agent market for running back help. Veteran Edgerrin James is available after being released by Seattle earlier this month. Former Chiefs starter Larry Johnson, who was cut by that team last week, also is unsigned.

Westbrook Suffers Another Concussion originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panthers' Jordan Gross Breaks Ankle

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFL Injuries

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross(notes) broke his right ankle in the Panthers' 28-19 win over Atlanta.

Gross was blocking midway through the second quarter Sunday when a Falcons player fell into his leg, which bent awkwardly. The medical staff put a brace on his leg and ankle before he was carted to the locker room.

Coach John Fox said after the game that doctors told him Gross' ankle was broken, leaving Carolina without the anchor of its offensive line indefinitely.

Travelle Wharton moved from left guard to Gross' spot and Mackenzy Bernadeau replaced Wharton.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Panthers' Jordan Gross Breaks Ankle originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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