The official website of the New Orleans Saints reports team officials are working the phones and scanning the NFL waiver wire, looking for veteran depth to add to the roster. GM Randy Mueller is concentrating on prospects at wide receiver and defensive tackle particularly, where injuries to starters have weakened both positions. With the regular season nearing, Mueller and HC Jim Haslett have stepped up the efforts to find quality help. "We're going to have to take a hard look at some of the veterans who are out there right now at those two spots," said Mueller. "This is a concern that we aren't taking lightly." The rib injury to WR Joe Horn has also sent the Saints scrambling. Horn suffered a rib contusion in the preseason opener against Minnesota and has been practicing sporadically since. WR Albert Connell has also been slowed by a sore hamstring. "For us to be successful, we need to have Joe, Albert, Willie Jackson and Robert Wilson healthy," said Haslett. "Joe has missed practice for three weeks. If we were playing today, he wouldn't be going. I just don't know what Joe's situation is, so we're going to look around and see if there is anyone who can help us."
AP reports the Cleveland Browns have claimed DT Alvin McKinley off waivers from the Carolina Panthers and DE Kendrick Office off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. The team has also released OG Jim Bundren, RB Carl Fair and WR Bobby Brown.
AP reports Philadelphia Eagles CB Monty Montgomery underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder today to repair a cartilage tear. Montgomery had practically sealed his position with the Eagles as the team's fourth cornerback and a special teams regular until he hurt his right shoulder. He was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his season before it began.
ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to sign free-agent WR Bobby Engram (Bears) to a one year deal worth $477,000. The contract could be worth $800,000-$900,000 including the incentives package.
CBS Sportsline reports Baltimore Ravens HC Brian Billick told Pro Football News and Injury Report today that RB Terry Allen will start Week #1 against the Bears. Billick also said the team will continue to look for additional help from the waiver wire before the season starts.
ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agent PK Morten Andersen to a one-year, $477,000 contract that includes incentives. The Giants signed Andersen because PK Jaret Holmes and PK John Markham have struggled throughout the preseason. The San Francisco 49ers also showed interest in Andersen in recent days.
AP reports the New York Giants have waived PK Jaret Holmes.
AP reports Jacksonville Jaguars third-round draft pick LB Eric Westmoreland underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today. The Jags had wanted Westmoreland to start the preseason finale at Dallas on Thursday, because LB T.J. Slaughter is recovering from a separated shoulder. Instead, second-year LB Danny Clark will start.
AP reports Jacksonville Jaguars TE Kyle Brady (leg infection), CB Fernando Bryant (shoulder), WR Keenan McCardell (hernia), OLT Tony Boselli (knee) and C John Wade (foot) will not play in the preseason finale against Dallas. Bryant is expected to keep him out 2-to-4 weeks.
WTEM reports Philadelphia Eagles HC Andy Reid pronounced the artificial turf at Veterans Stadium fit for play for Thursday night's preseason game.
WTEM reports Washington Redskins RB Stephen Davis (sprained toes) was back today practicing with the first team. Meanwhile, QB Jeff George (shoulder) will likely play less than a half against the Patriots Thursday night.
The Press-Gazette reports Packers WR Antonio Freeman (concussion) ran Tuesday and was "much improved," according to HC Mike Sherman. He's already been ruled out for Friday night's preseason finale in Oakland, as have LB Na'il Diggs (groin), RB Ahman Green (groin) and RB Rondell Mealey (ankle).
The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears LB Brian Urlacher skipped practice Tuesday, still ill with a high temperature and sore throat. Rookie OG Mike Gandy was out with a right ankle injury, what sidelined him for most of the preseason, and DT Henry Taylor (left ankle) also missed practice.
The Trenton Times reports Eagles DBs James Bostic (knee) and William Hampton (ribs), and WR Scott Keys (knee) were held out of yesterday's practice. All three will try and play in tomorrow's game. DE N.D. Kalu had the cast removed from his ankle, but is still out. WR Gari Scott (shoulder) is also out. Rookie S Julian Jones, who was placed on injured reserve Friday, had surgery to repair his shoulder yesterday. CB Monty Montgomery, who was placed on injured reserve yesterday, will have surgery today on his shoulder.
The Arizona Republic reports an MRI taken over the weekend shows that Cardinals PK Cary Blanchard has a torn abductor tendon in his right big toe. The results of the test are being forwarded to the Cardinals, according to Blanchard's agent, Brad Blank. A decision will be made as to whether the kicker will undergo surgery, which could sideline him at least three months, or whether he'll spend a similar period waiting for the injury to heal. Blanchard, locked in a battle for the team's place-kicking duties with rookie PK Bill Gramatica, suffered the injury two weeks ago when he missed a field-goal attempt against Seattle. He is reluctant to let the injury heal on its own. He said there is no guarantee, and if eventually he would need surgery, it could cost him another year. Speculation has existed that this injury prohibited the team from waiving him after the Seattle game. The Cardinals can place him on injured reserve, which would make him ineligible for the entire season because the move was made before the season started. The team could negotiate an injury settlement on his $510,00 salary and then release him.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Chargers HC Mike Riley said yesterday that rookie RB LaDainian Tomlinson probably will go 10-15 plays and get 5-6 carries against the Cardinals this week. He also said the team is looking for outside help at cornerback and defensive tackle, where injuries will force DE Al Fontenot to be the No. 3 man in the rotation this week.
The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans rookie CB Andre Dyson has been out of action since breaking a toe in an Aug. 4th scrimmage against Indianapolis. He said yesterday he thinks he will resume running next week. But HC Jeff Fisher has indicated Dyson will miss the Sept. 9 opener and perhaps even the Week 2 matchup with Cincinnati. S Brandon McLemore (knee) did not practice yesterday. S Marcus Spencer (ankle) and CB Michael Booker (back) practiced on a limited basis. OT Ian Rafferty (calf) and TE Shad Meier (neck) also did not practice and have missed significant time. Fisher said yesterday Booker was improving and still was holding out hope Booker could play some tomorrow night.
The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens DT Tony Siragusa was excused yesterday after receiving a call from his wife, Kathy, who is soon to deliver their third child. CB Chris McAlister sprained his ankle in practice and is listed as day-to-day. "It swelled up," trainer Bill Tessendorf said, "and we'll see how it is in the morning." DT Sam Adams (illness) did not practice, joining DB Duane Starks (knee) and DB Gary Baxter (knee) on the sidelines.
The Bergen Record reports Jets LB James Darling, back in action from his knee sprain, leveled rookie RB Reggie White with a loud, well-timed collision during nickel defense drills yesterday. Meanwhile, LB Courtney Ledyard (shin) is out for the Eagles game this week. Newsday adds P Tom Tupa (hip flexor) will not play. TE Scott Slutzker (left heel bruise) did not practice yesterday and will be a game-time decision. WR Matthew Hatchette returned to practice despite a lingering sore ankle and a newly injured groin. HC Herman Edwards said he also will be a game-time decision, as will Darling (left knee). NT Jason Ferguson had season-ending surgery to repair his torn right rotator cuff yesterday.
The Indianapolis Star reports during a lull in practice this week, Colts WR Reggie Wayne was catching passes in the back of the end zone from QB Peyton Manning. However, neither player was participating in structured drills. Manning was taking it easy after suffering a sprained right knee in Friday's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. Wayne was missing another day of work while recovering from a high left ankle sprain suffered during a training camp practice Aug. 7th. Manning won't play in Thursday's exhibition wrap-up at Cincinnati but will return to direct the offense when the Colts open the season against the New York Jets on Sept. 9th. It's uncertain when Wayne will join him. "He won't play (Thursday) for sure and I kind of doubt he'll be ready for (the Jets)," Colts HC Jim Mora said after Tuesday's practice. "I'm not counting on him. If he is (ready), it will be a plus." The team believes Wayne is close to returning to practice, but "I'm not going to rush him back and get him hurt again and lose him for an extended period of time," Mora said. Meanwhile, DT Ellis Johnson will see his first action of the preseason Thursday. The veteran defensive tackle missed the first three preseason games while dealing with a sore right knee. Johnson said his right knee has held up since he started practicing last week. But he indicated he likely will require surgery after the season.
The Buffalo News reports Bills WR Eric Moulds continued to stand out as the best player on the roster yesterdat in practice. The Pro Bowl receiver made several acrobatic catches during the two-hour workout. He snatched the ball from CB Nate Clements on one play and taught the rookie a lesson with a nifty move on a deep route on another. "There are times like today that I thank goodness I'm on this team because I'm tired of having to play defense against him," Clements said. "He's special.....
The Press-Democrat reports Raiders QB Rich Gannon did not suit up for Monday night's game because he didn't feel good. However, Gannon is expected to be ready to roll in the final exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night. Starting ORT Lincoln Kennedy suffered a strained left shoulder against the Cowboys but should be ready to play against the Packers. Also probable are OT Barry Sims (ribs) and DE Josh Taves (bruised knee). WR Jerry Porter (shoulder) is questionable for Friday.
The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs FB Mike Alstott participated in his first full workout Tuesday since straining his hamstring Aug. 3rd. He said there were no problems with his injury and is concentrating on getting into game condition. Alstott is scheduled to play 10 to 15 plays Friday night at Atlanta. C Jeff Christy is the only starter out, and HC Tony Dung couldn't say whether he'll be ready for the regular-season opener. Christy (knee sprain) is slated to return Sept. 16 against Philadelphia. P Mark Royals (knee sprain) is expected to play in his first preseason game Friday night. DE Marcus Jones (hamstring) should remain sidelined one more week. Jones did some individual work during Wednesday's practice. The Bucs cut its roster to the required number of 71, which includes six NFL Europe League players, by reaching an injury settlement with DL Mike Mackenzie.
The Star-Telegram reports Vikings rookie RB Michael Bennett will start Friday against the Miami Dolphins, his second consecutive start. Veterans RB Doug Chapman and RB Moe Williams are also expected to play, in that order, but HC Dennis Green stopped short of saying that the arrangement would extend to the regular season. "Bennett's been there the whole time," Green said. "He really should start. Those other guys have worked really hard, and they should play. Chapman should get some action, and they all should get some carries. That's the key thing."
The Dallas Morning News reports Cowboys CB Kareem Larrimore will not play in Thursday's game against Jacksonville because of disciplinary reasons, team owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday. Larrimore didn't play Monday night against Oakland for disciplinary reasons. HC Dave Campo and Jones declined to disclose specifics. Campo said Larrimore will be fined, though he declined to disclose the amount.
The New York Times reports Giants WR Ike Hilliard (toe surgery) has resumed running but still has no timetable on returning to full practice. HC Jim Fasel has not ruled him out of the Sept. 10 opening game at Denver, but Hilliard said, "I'm nowhere near where I want to be." RB Lloyd Clemons was waived, while the Giants rescinded the Monday cut of DB Kelly Herndon RB Sean Bennett, bothered by a hamstring injury since March, will be placed on the physically unable to perform list, sidelining him for six weeks. RB Tiki Barber will wear a carbon graphite shield on his broken left hand for the next week of practice and will not play Friday, but he plans to play Sept. 10 without any protection on his hand. WR Ron Dixon left practice with left knee soreness but the Giants did not consider the injury serious. WR Amani Toomer resumed full practice, as did DE Kenny Holmes (knee) and DT Keith Hamilton (hamstring). DT Cornelius Griffin (ankle) watched practice from the sideline.
The Florida Times-Union reports Jaguars QB Mark Brunell returned to practice yesterday, one day after being held out because of tightness in his Achilles tendon. HC Tom Coughlin said through a team spokesman that Brunell will play as scheduled tomorrow night against the Cowboys and is expected to be ready for the Sept.9 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. LB T.J. Slaughter was sidelined yesterday with a separated shoulder. Coughlin declined to meet with reporters yesterday but said through a team spokesman that Slaughter's injury is minor. The Jaguars hope to have him back for the Sept. 9th season-opener against Pittsburgh. TE Kyle Brady remained absent from practice for a second consecutive day yesterday while fighting a serious infection in his leg. Brady is receiving heavy doses of antibiotics, a team spokesman said, but Coughlin refuses to confirm if the seven-year veteran has a staph infection. Brady won't play tomorrow against Dallas and hasn't been given a timetable to return by the Jaguars.
The Post-Gazette reports Steelers WR Hines Ward, who did not practice yesterday, is questionable for the game tomorrow night. Ward has a bruised knee. FB Dan Kreider appears ready to begin practicing after overcoming a pulled calf muscle that has prevented him from taking the field this summer. RB Jerome Bettis might not play at all tomorrow night. HC Bill Cowher said he would prefer not to play him. Usually, the veterans get only one series, possibly two, in the final game.
The official website of the San Diego Chargers reports C Roman Fortin's status for the regular season continues to be a question mark. The only offensive linemen to start every game for the Chargers over the past three years, Fortin had off-season surgery on both knees but has not recovered enough to be ready for the opener against Washington on Sept. 9th. As a precaution, the Chargers will be watching the waiver wire over the next week to see if any veteran centers become available around the league.
AP reports the Cleveland Browns have claimed DT Alvin McKinley off waivers from the Carolina Panthers and DE Kendrick Office off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. The team has also released OG Jim Bundren, RB Carl Fair and WR Bobby Brown.
AP reports Philadelphia Eagles CB Monty Montgomery underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder today to repair a cartilage tear. Montgomery had practically sealed his position with the Eagles as the team's fourth cornerback and a special teams regular until he hurt his right shoulder. He was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his season before it began.
ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to sign free-agent WR Bobby Engram (Bears) to a one year deal worth $477,000. The contract could be worth $800,000-$900,000 including the incentives package.
CBS Sportsline reports Baltimore Ravens HC Brian Billick told Pro Football News and Injury Report today that RB Terry Allen will start Week #1 against the Bears. Billick also said the team will continue to look for additional help from the waiver wire before the season starts.
ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports the New York Giants have signed unrestricted free agent PK Morten Andersen to a one-year, $477,000 contract that includes incentives. The Giants signed Andersen because PK Jaret Holmes and PK John Markham have struggled throughout the preseason. The San Francisco 49ers also showed interest in Andersen in recent days.
AP reports the New York Giants have waived PK Jaret Holmes.
AP reports Jacksonville Jaguars third-round draft pick LB Eric Westmoreland underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today. The Jags had wanted Westmoreland to start the preseason finale at Dallas on Thursday, because LB T.J. Slaughter is recovering from a separated shoulder. Instead, second-year LB Danny Clark will start.
AP reports Jacksonville Jaguars TE Kyle Brady (leg infection), CB Fernando Bryant (shoulder), WR Keenan McCardell (hernia), OLT Tony Boselli (knee) and C John Wade (foot) will not play in the preseason finale against Dallas. Bryant is expected to keep him out 2-to-4 weeks.
WTEM reports Philadelphia Eagles HC Andy Reid pronounced the artificial turf at Veterans Stadium fit for play for Thursday night's preseason game.
WTEM reports Washington Redskins RB Stephen Davis (sprained toes) was back today practicing with the first team. Meanwhile, QB Jeff George (shoulder) will likely play less than a half against the Patriots Thursday night.
The Press-Gazette reports Packers WR Antonio Freeman (concussion) ran Tuesday and was "much improved," according to HC Mike Sherman. He's already been ruled out for Friday night's preseason finale in Oakland, as have LB Na'il Diggs (groin), RB Ahman Green (groin) and RB Rondell Mealey (ankle).
The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears LB Brian Urlacher skipped practice Tuesday, still ill with a high temperature and sore throat. Rookie OG Mike Gandy was out with a right ankle injury, what sidelined him for most of the preseason, and DT Henry Taylor (left ankle) also missed practice.
The Trenton Times reports Eagles DBs James Bostic (knee) and William Hampton (ribs), and WR Scott Keys (knee) were held out of yesterday's practice. All three will try and play in tomorrow's game. DE N.D. Kalu had the cast removed from his ankle, but is still out. WR Gari Scott (shoulder) is also out. Rookie S Julian Jones, who was placed on injured reserve Friday, had surgery to repair his shoulder yesterday. CB Monty Montgomery, who was placed on injured reserve yesterday, will have surgery today on his shoulder.
The Arizona Republic reports an MRI taken over the weekend shows that Cardinals PK Cary Blanchard has a torn abductor tendon in his right big toe. The results of the test are being forwarded to the Cardinals, according to Blanchard's agent, Brad Blank. A decision will be made as to whether the kicker will undergo surgery, which could sideline him at least three months, or whether he'll spend a similar period waiting for the injury to heal. Blanchard, locked in a battle for the team's place-kicking duties with rookie PK Bill Gramatica, suffered the injury two weeks ago when he missed a field-goal attempt against Seattle. He is reluctant to let the injury heal on its own. He said there is no guarantee, and if eventually he would need surgery, it could cost him another year. Speculation has existed that this injury prohibited the team from waiving him after the Seattle game. The Cardinals can place him on injured reserve, which would make him ineligible for the entire season because the move was made before the season started. The team could negotiate an injury settlement on his $510,00 salary and then release him.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Chargers HC Mike Riley said yesterday that rookie RB LaDainian Tomlinson probably will go 10-15 plays and get 5-6 carries against the Cardinals this week. He also said the team is looking for outside help at cornerback and defensive tackle, where injuries will force DE Al Fontenot to be the No. 3 man in the rotation this week.
The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans rookie CB Andre Dyson has been out of action since breaking a toe in an Aug. 4th scrimmage against Indianapolis. He said yesterday he thinks he will resume running next week. But HC Jeff Fisher has indicated Dyson will miss the Sept. 9 opener and perhaps even the Week 2 matchup with Cincinnati. S Brandon McLemore (knee) did not practice yesterday. S Marcus Spencer (ankle) and CB Michael Booker (back) practiced on a limited basis. OT Ian Rafferty (calf) and TE Shad Meier (neck) also did not practice and have missed significant time. Fisher said yesterday Booker was improving and still was holding out hope Booker could play some tomorrow night.
The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens DT Tony Siragusa was excused yesterday after receiving a call from his wife, Kathy, who is soon to deliver their third child. CB Chris McAlister sprained his ankle in practice and is listed as day-to-day. "It swelled up," trainer Bill Tessendorf said, "and we'll see how it is in the morning." DT Sam Adams (illness) did not practice, joining DB Duane Starks (knee) and DB Gary Baxter (knee) on the sidelines.
The Bergen Record reports Jets LB James Darling, back in action from his knee sprain, leveled rookie RB Reggie White with a loud, well-timed collision during nickel defense drills yesterday. Meanwhile, LB Courtney Ledyard (shin) is out for the Eagles game this week. Newsday adds P Tom Tupa (hip flexor) will not play. TE Scott Slutzker (left heel bruise) did not practice yesterday and will be a game-time decision. WR Matthew Hatchette returned to practice despite a lingering sore ankle and a newly injured groin. HC Herman Edwards said he also will be a game-time decision, as will Darling (left knee). NT Jason Ferguson had season-ending surgery to repair his torn right rotator cuff yesterday.
The Indianapolis Star reports during a lull in practice this week, Colts WR Reggie Wayne was catching passes in the back of the end zone from QB Peyton Manning. However, neither player was participating in structured drills. Manning was taking it easy after suffering a sprained right knee in Friday's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. Wayne was missing another day of work while recovering from a high left ankle sprain suffered during a training camp practice Aug. 7th. Manning won't play in Thursday's exhibition wrap-up at Cincinnati but will return to direct the offense when the Colts open the season against the New York Jets on Sept. 9th. It's uncertain when Wayne will join him. "He won't play (Thursday) for sure and I kind of doubt he'll be ready for (the Jets)," Colts HC Jim Mora said after Tuesday's practice. "I'm not counting on him. If he is (ready), it will be a plus." The team believes Wayne is close to returning to practice, but "I'm not going to rush him back and get him hurt again and lose him for an extended period of time," Mora said. Meanwhile, DT Ellis Johnson will see his first action of the preseason Thursday. The veteran defensive tackle missed the first three preseason games while dealing with a sore right knee. Johnson said his right knee has held up since he started practicing last week. But he indicated he likely will require surgery after the season.
The Buffalo News reports Bills WR Eric Moulds continued to stand out as the best player on the roster yesterdat in practice. The Pro Bowl receiver made several acrobatic catches during the two-hour workout. He snatched the ball from CB Nate Clements on one play and taught the rookie a lesson with a nifty move on a deep route on another. "There are times like today that I thank goodness I'm on this team because I'm tired of having to play defense against him," Clements said. "He's special.....
The Press-Democrat reports Raiders QB Rich Gannon did not suit up for Monday night's game because he didn't feel good. However, Gannon is expected to be ready to roll in the final exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night. Starting ORT Lincoln Kennedy suffered a strained left shoulder against the Cowboys but should be ready to play against the Packers. Also probable are OT Barry Sims (ribs) and DE Josh Taves (bruised knee). WR Jerry Porter (shoulder) is questionable for Friday.
The Tampa Tribune reports Bucs FB Mike Alstott participated in his first full workout Tuesday since straining his hamstring Aug. 3rd. He said there were no problems with his injury and is concentrating on getting into game condition. Alstott is scheduled to play 10 to 15 plays Friday night at Atlanta. C Jeff Christy is the only starter out, and HC Tony Dung couldn't say whether he'll be ready for the regular-season opener. Christy (knee sprain) is slated to return Sept. 16 against Philadelphia. P Mark Royals (knee sprain) is expected to play in his first preseason game Friday night. DE Marcus Jones (hamstring) should remain sidelined one more week. Jones did some individual work during Wednesday's practice. The Bucs cut its roster to the required number of 71, which includes six NFL Europe League players, by reaching an injury settlement with DL Mike Mackenzie.
The Star-Telegram reports Vikings rookie RB Michael Bennett will start Friday against the Miami Dolphins, his second consecutive start. Veterans RB Doug Chapman and RB Moe Williams are also expected to play, in that order, but HC Dennis Green stopped short of saying that the arrangement would extend to the regular season. "Bennett's been there the whole time," Green said. "He really should start. Those other guys have worked really hard, and they should play. Chapman should get some action, and they all should get some carries. That's the key thing."
The Dallas Morning News reports Cowboys CB Kareem Larrimore will not play in Thursday's game against Jacksonville because of disciplinary reasons, team owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday. Larrimore didn't play Monday night against Oakland for disciplinary reasons. HC Dave Campo and Jones declined to disclose specifics. Campo said Larrimore will be fined, though he declined to disclose the amount.
The New York Times reports Giants WR Ike Hilliard (toe surgery) has resumed running but still has no timetable on returning to full practice. HC Jim Fasel has not ruled him out of the Sept. 10 opening game at Denver, but Hilliard said, "I'm nowhere near where I want to be." RB Lloyd Clemons was waived, while the Giants rescinded the Monday cut of DB Kelly Herndon RB Sean Bennett, bothered by a hamstring injury since March, will be placed on the physically unable to perform list, sidelining him for six weeks. RB Tiki Barber will wear a carbon graphite shield on his broken left hand for the next week of practice and will not play Friday, but he plans to play Sept. 10 without any protection on his hand. WR Ron Dixon left practice with left knee soreness but the Giants did not consider the injury serious. WR Amani Toomer resumed full practice, as did DE Kenny Holmes (knee) and DT Keith Hamilton (hamstring). DT Cornelius Griffin (ankle) watched practice from the sideline.
The Florida Times-Union reports Jaguars QB Mark Brunell returned to practice yesterday, one day after being held out because of tightness in his Achilles tendon. HC Tom Coughlin said through a team spokesman that Brunell will play as scheduled tomorrow night against the Cowboys and is expected to be ready for the Sept.9 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. LB T.J. Slaughter was sidelined yesterday with a separated shoulder. Coughlin declined to meet with reporters yesterday but said through a team spokesman that Slaughter's injury is minor. The Jaguars hope to have him back for the Sept. 9th season-opener against Pittsburgh. TE Kyle Brady remained absent from practice for a second consecutive day yesterday while fighting a serious infection in his leg. Brady is receiving heavy doses of antibiotics, a team spokesman said, but Coughlin refuses to confirm if the seven-year veteran has a staph infection. Brady won't play tomorrow against Dallas and hasn't been given a timetable to return by the Jaguars.
The Post-Gazette reports Steelers WR Hines Ward, who did not practice yesterday, is questionable for the game tomorrow night. Ward has a bruised knee. FB Dan Kreider appears ready to begin practicing after overcoming a pulled calf muscle that has prevented him from taking the field this summer. RB Jerome Bettis might not play at all tomorrow night. HC Bill Cowher said he would prefer not to play him. Usually, the veterans get only one series, possibly two, in the final game.
The official website of the San Diego Chargers reports C Roman Fortin's status for the regular season continues to be a question mark. The only offensive linemen to start every game for the Chargers over the past three years, Fortin had off-season surgery on both knees but has not recovered enough to be ready for the opener against Washington on Sept. 9th. As a precaution, the Chargers will be watching the waiver wire over the next week to see if any veteran centers become available around the league.
