Saints lose Clancy for season

The New Orleans Saints announced Saturday that veteran defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy has been placed on injured reserve.  2008 fifth-round pick DeMario Pressley was signed from the practice squad.

Clancy was a reserve this season, playing in only two games because of a knee problem.  With both defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis and linebacker Scott Fujita out for a second straight week, New Orleans' rush defense will be tested again Sunday against the Panthers. 

Michael Turner had his best game of the season against New Orleans Monday night, so DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart could present major problems for the Saints. Despite the point spread, it wouldn't be that shocking if John Fox kept his Louisiana streak going, would it?

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Steelers keeping Clark's status under wraps

Though the name of Steelers safety Ryan Clark does not appear on the team's injury report for Thursday or Friday, his status for Monday night remains undecided for reasons other than his current overall condition.

Clark, despite generally being healthy, might not play on Monday night in Denver due to a sickle-cell trait that attacked his body the last time he played a game at the high altitude of the Mile High City.

The Steelers, however, are saying nothing about the situation.  Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, neither Clark nor coach Mike Tomlin will provide official confirmation regarding his status prior to the game.

"This is not about me," Clark told Dulac.  "It's two good teams playing on Monday.  Whether I play or not, the game is going to go on, and that's what I do know.  They won't stop the game if I don't play.

"I just want to deal with it and get it over with.  I can honestly say, I'll be happy Tuesday morning to get back to a regular life."

There might be a fairly strong clue provided as to Clark's status if he doesn't make the trip to Denver with his teammates.  Otherwise, we'll have to wait until the Steelers submit their list of inactive players.

In the interim, it'll be interesting to see how the Steelers address Clark's status on the Saturday injury report, which will include one of the various labels reflecting his expected availability.

Our guess?  He'll given the 50-50 tag of "questionable," even though it appears that the Steelers already know with 100-percent certainty whether he will or won't be playing.

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Jarvis Green inadvertently blows whistle on Patriot games

Patriots linebacker defensive end Jarvis Green recently had surgery to repair a knee injury.  And in discussing the matter at a Friday night charity event, Green might have gotten the team in a little hot water.

"The knee is going good, rehab is going good," Green said, per Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.  "Taking it one day at a time, feeling good.  [Surgery] had to be done.  I've been playing with it for about four weeks, the injury, and it was getting worse and worse. It was time."

This admission suggests that Green had a knee injury during the team's four prior games.  Since the Pats had a Week Eight bye, the four prior games would have been played in Week Four, Week Five, Week Six, and Week Seven.

And, naturally, Green's name didn't appear on the Week Four injury report.  Or Week Five.

In Week Six, Green was listed as participating in practice on a limited basis on Wednesday through Friday, and he was officially "probable" for the game.

But even though Green said the injury was getting "worse and worse," his status on Week Seven indicates that it was getting better.

Green was listed as fully participating in practice on Wednesday and Thursday of that week, and then he was removed from the injury report for Friday.  He was not given any of the various pregame designations, which means that he was 100 percent.

We expect that Green and/or the Patriots will say that Green was misquoted or that he misspoke or that it was otherwise an accident or a mistake.  And the league likely won't do anything about what appears to be, based on Green's statements, a partial effort by the Pats to keep the injury under wraps.

And, eventually, we'll grow numb to and/or bored with the notion that teams apparently cheat on the injury report.

But we're not there yet.

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Westbrook misses practice, but expected to play

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is listed as questionable for Sunday's Cowboys-Eagles showdown after suffering a concussion two weeks ago, but coach Andy Reid fully expects him to play.

Westbrook practiced Wednesday and Thursday, but sat out Friday as a precaution.  The Eagles have set up a similar practice schedule for Westbrook in the past.  "[Westbrook] has taken every rep for the last two days here," Reid said.

Look for Westbrook and LeSean McCoy to split the workload in the Eagles backfield fairly even.

"I think [Westbrook] can contribute a bunch here," Reid said.  "We've been rotating {Westbrook and McCoy], so that's what we will continue to do."

Strong side linebacker Chris Chris Gocong is likely to miss the game after being listed as doubtful.  Rookie Moise Fokou should start in his place.  The Cowboys could attack Philly's ever-changing linebacker group with a heavy dose of its running game and possibly extra passes to tight ends Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett.

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Healthier Giants bench starting safety

Football is the ultimate team game, so pinning losses on one player is usually reductive thinking.  That doesn't mean some players won't get scapegoated and become a running punchline for fans.

Well, Giants fans won't have safety C.C. Brown to scream about much longer.  Brown has struggled badly in pass coverage of late, and many of New York's secondary problems have been pinned on him -- fairly or unfairly.   On Friday, Brown learned at practice that he's been demoted for former Packers safety Aaron Rouse.

After giving up a long score against the Eagles, Brown "pretty much knew" it was going to happen.  Rouse was cut earlier this year by Green Bay, and is hardly guaranteed to solve New York's problems, especially against matchup nightmares like Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, and Malcom Floyd of San Diego.

Giants fans got more good news Friday after linebacker Michael Boley completed a healthy week of practice.  Boley and defensive tackle Chris Canty are expected to return to the lineup.  The expensive free agent acquisitions have combined to miss ten games this season.

Boley and Canty are both officially listed as questionable.  Mario Manningham is probable to play.

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Eli has struggled since foot injury

Eli Manning has been play through some level of foot injury all season, but the problem undoubtedly got worse against the Chiefs in Week Four, when Manning was forced to leave the game and then miss practice the following week.

Since the injury, Manning's numbers have suffered.  After a good game against the Raiders, Manning has thrown three touchdowns against six interceptions over the last three weeks, all loses.  Manning says the injury is not responsible for his recent struggles.

"It hasn't bothered me all week. I'm not taping it, I'm not doing anything with it any more. That's not the problem," Manning said.

Other observers aren't so sure.  CBS analyst Phil Simms says it has to be an issue.  "I lived it. I know. And I don't care what the Giants say on Eli, it's got to be a problem," Simms said.  "Think about it. It's the pain. It's not being able to do things the same way. You lose a little confidence. You can't practice as much."

Both Trent Green and Giants coach Tom Coughlin have questioned Manning's mechanics.  Coughlin said he noticed that Eli isn't always pushing off his injured right foot, which is leading to the balls sailing.

Of course, Manning has sailed passes throughout his career.  But he appeared to solve his consistency issues in 2008 before these latest struggles.  The schedule getting much tougher has surely contributed as well.

No matter what the reasons for Manning's struggles, he needs to turn things around against an inconsistent Chargers secondary this week.  The team around Eli isn't as strong as in the past, and he needs to carry them.  For the money he makes, he should be expected to occasionally.

Consider it payback for the 2007 season title.

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Bob Sanders visits Dr. Andrews, again

When we mentioned the other day that Colts safety Bob Sanders, who finally is back from a knee injury that caused him to miss the first five games of the season, now has an elbow injury, the common refrain from the blue horseshoe crowd was, "He'll be fine."

Maybe he will, but the injury is bad enough to prompt Sanders to make his way back to Alabama for a visit with Dr. James Andrews.

The team announced that Sanders visited Dr. Andrews on Thursday to "gather additional information," which presumably includes the letters "M", "R", and "I".

The team also announced that cornerback Marlin Jackson has been placed on injured reserve after tearing an ACL during a non-contact drill in practice on Wednesday, and that defensive end Josh Thomas has been signed to take his place.

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Arthroscopic surgery for Anthony Gonzalez

Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez injured his knee during a Week One game against the Jaguars.

He hasn't played since.

And he might not be playing for a while longer.

The team announced that Gonzalez suffered a recent setback, and that because of it he underwent arthroscopic surgery on Thursday.

The purpose of the surgery, per the team announcement, was to clean out loose particles.

The 7-0 Colts host the 5-3 Texans on Sunday.

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Sammy Morris expected to return in two weeks

Injury timelines are usually hard to come by in New England, but the Boston Herald reports that Patriots running back Sammy Morris should return to the lineup in two weeks for a game against the Jets.

Morris tore his MCL against Tennessee in Week Six, and will miss this week's game against the Dolphins and likely next week's contest against Indianapolis. 

The Patriots are carrying two hurt backs; Fred Taylor appears to be out for even longer than Morris.  In the meantime the team will rely on Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, and Benjarvus Green-Ellis aka "The Law Firm."

FootballOutsiders ranks New England's committee running attack as the seventh-most effective in the league.  They finished fourth last season.

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No practice for Anquan Boldin, again

As Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin continues to be hobbled by a high ankle sprain, which hasn't kept him from playing but which has hampered his effectiveness, Boldin has missed another practice due to the condition.

Boldin has not practiced on Wednesday or on Thursday in advance of Sunday's game at Chicago.  He has said he expects to play on Sunday against the Bears.

Boldin suffered the injury October 18 against the Seahawks.  Boldin has been limited to three catches in each of the two games since then. 

The Cardinals got some good news when defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was able to practice on a limited basis with a back injury, a day after missing practice completely.  Other Cardinals who practiced on a limited basis included safety Antrel Rolle (foot), receiver Steve Breaston (knee), defensive end Kenny Iwebema (knee), receiver Sean Morey (illness), and linebacker Gerald Hayes (back).

Full participants in practice were offensive lineman Herman Johnson (back), tight end Stephen Spach (ankle), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (finger), running back Jason Wright (thumb), guard Reggie Wells (thumb), and kicker Neil Rackers (hamstring).

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Bradshaw, Ross miss practice for Giants

As the New York Giants prepare to reverse a three-game slide, they practiced without only two players on Wednesday:  running back Ahmad Bradshaw and cornerback Aaron Ross.

Bradshaw has an ankle/foot injury; it was reported last week that Bradshaw has been playing with a cracked bone in his foot.  He has not yet missed a game.

Ross, on the other hand, has missed all eight games with a hamstring injury.

Practicing on a limited basis were linebacker Michael Boley (knee), tight end Kevin Boss (ankle), defensive tackle Chris Canty (calf), receiver Mario Manningham (shoulder), and receiver Sinorice Moss (foot).

They host the 4-3 Chargers on Sunday.
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Week Nine 2009 Wednesday Injury Report

ARIZONA CARDINALS at CHICAGO BEARS

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), DT Darnell Dockett (ankle), LB Gerald Hayes (back)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday WR Steve Breaston (knee), DE Kenny Iwebema (knee), WR Sean Morey (illness), K Neil Rackers (right hamstring), S Antrel Rolle (foot)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday T Herman Johnson (back), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (finger), TE Stephen Spach (ankle), G Reggie Wells (thumb), RB Jason Wright (thumb)

CHICAGO BEARS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday WR Devin Hester (ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Lance Briggs (shoulder), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DE Adewale Ogunleye (ankle), TE Greg Olsen (ankle), S Craig Steltz (biceps), DT Matt Toeaina (calf)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday DT Israel Idonije (knee)

BALTIMORE RAVENS at CINCINNATI BENGALS

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Prescott Burgess (illness), LS Matt Katula (elbow), S Haruki Nakamura (chest), DT Haloti Ngata (ankle), CB Frank Walker (illness), S Tom Zbikowski (illness)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday TE Todd Heap (ankle), RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Jeremi Johnson (knee), S Tom Nelson (shoulder), S Roy Williams (forearm)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Bernard Scott (knee), T Andre Smith (foot)

CAROLINA PANTHERS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Tony Fiammetta (concussion), S Charles Godfrey (ankle), RB Brad Hoover (ankle), LB Landon Johnson (shoulder), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), TE Dante Rosario (knee), RB Jonathan Stewart (achilles)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday QB Jake Delhomme (chest)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday DT Kendrick Clancy (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee), LB Scott Fujita (calf), C Jonathan Goodwin (knee), WR Lance Moore (ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday CB Malcolm Jenkins (ankle), LB Marvin Mitchell (foot)

DALLAS COWBOYS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

DALLAS COWBOYS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday CB Allen Rossum (hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Marion Barber (thumb), DT Jay Ratliff (knee), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb), LB DeMarcus Ware (foot)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday WR Kevin Curtis (knee)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday DE Victor Abiamiri (knee), DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee), DE Chris Clemons (shoulder, elbow), LB Chris Gocong (quadricep, hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday G Nick Cole (knee), S Victor Harris (ankle), G Todd Herremans (foot), DE Darren Howard (ankle), WR DeSean Jackson (foot), G Max Jean-Gilles (shoulder), WR Jeremy Maclin (foot), CB Dimitri Patterson (quadricep, hand), T Jason Peters (ankle), RB Brian Westbrook (concussion)

DETROIT LIONS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

DETROIT LIONS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Kevin Smith (shoulder)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Jerome Felton (ankle), DE Jason Hunter (ankle), DT Grady Jackson (knee), WR Calvin Johnson (knee), QB Matthew Stafford (knee), DE Dewayne White (hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Jordon Dizon (foot), DT Sammie Lee Hill (ankle)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Justin Griffith (not injury related), WR Ben Obomanu (oblique)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib), LB Will Herring (shoulder), T Sean Locklear (ankle)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday S Jordan Babineaux (hip)

GREEN BAY PACKERS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday LB Brandon Chillar (hand)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday WR Donald Driver (neck), TE Jermichael Finley (knee), WR Jordy Nelson (knee), QB Aaron Rodgers (feet), C Jason Spitz (back), CB Charles Woodson (hip)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Korey Hall (calf), S Derrick Martin (concussion)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday T Chad Clifton (ankle)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday CB Aqib Talib (ankle), G Jeremy Zuttah (shoulder)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (wrist)

HOUSTON TEXANS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

HOUSTON TEXANS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday TE James Casey (knee)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday S Dominique Barber (ankle), DT Shaun Cody (back), CB Glover Quin (not injury related)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Brian Cushing (foot), DE Mario Williams (shoulder)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Xavier Adibi (ankle), LB Kevin Bentley (shoulder), DE Tim Bulman (ribs), S Nick Ferguson (knee), G Chris White (ankle)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), CB Marlin Jackson (knee), S Bob Sanders (elbow), K Adam Vinatieri (right knee)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday S Jon McGraw (thigh), CB Mike Richardson (illness)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday C Rudy Niswanger (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday T Branden Albert (ankle)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday CB Scott Starks (hamstring)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday G Maurice Williams (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday CB Rashean Mathis (finger), CB Brian Witherspoon (hamstring)

MIAMI DOLPHINS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Channing Crowder (shoulder), DT Jason Ferguson (elbow)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday WR Julian Edelman (forearm), DE Jarvis Green (knee), T Matt Light (knee), RB Sammy Morris (knee), RB Fred Taylor (ankle), DE Ty Warren (ankle), CB Jonathan Wilhite (illness)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), WR Randy Moss (shoulder)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at NEW YORK GIANTS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Practice Report

Wednesday

Practice Not Complete

NEW YORK GIANTS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday LB Michael Boley (knee), TE Kevin Boss (ankle), DT Chris Canty (calf), WR Mario Manningham (shoulder), WR Sinorice Moss (foot)

TENNESSEE TITANS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

TENNESSEE TITANS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday T Mike Otto (knee), RB Javon Ringer (back), LB David Thornton (hip)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday CB Nicholas Harper (forearm), DE Jevon Kearse (knee)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Practice Report

Wednesday

Practice Not Complete

WASHINGTON REDSKINS at ATLANTA FALCONS

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday LB H.B. Blades (knee), TE Chris Cooley (ankle), CB Byron Westbrook (knee)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday T Stephon Heyer (knee)

ATLANTA FALCONS

Practice Report (Atlanta did not practice on Wednesday. The practice report is an estimation.)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday DE John Abraham (foot), DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), T Sam Baker (ankle), WR Brian Finneran (ankle), DT Thomas Johnson (calf), LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle), RB Jerious Norwood (hip), LS Mike Schneck (ribs), RB Jason Snelling (hamstring), WR Eric Weems (ankle), WR Roddy White (knee), TE Keith Zinger (back)

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A flock of Falcons (would have) missed practice

[Editor's note:  The injury report distributed by the Redskins for Sunday's game against the Falcons listed the Atlanta players who did not participate in practice, with no indication that the Falcons actually didn't practice.  The official NFL injury report, which came out later, explains that the Falcons didn't practice, and that the injury report is merely an estimation of who would have missed practice if the Falcons had actually practiced.  And I think blood is now trickling from my ears.]

As the Atlanta Falcons, reeling at 4-3 after losing to the Saints, prepare for a must-win game against the can't-win Redskins, a whopping 12 members of the home team missed practice on Wednesday.

They were:  defensive end John Abraham (foot), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (ankle),  tackle Sam Baker (ankle), receiver Brian Finneran (ankle), defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf), linebacker Curtis Lofton (knee/ankle), running back Jerious Norwood (hip), long snapper Mike Schneck (ribs), running back Jason Snelling (hamstring), receiver Eric Weems (ankle), receiver Roddy White (knee), tight end Keith Zinger (back).

The fact that the Falcons played less than 48 hours ago might have influenced the decision to keep so many of them out. 

For the Redskins, linebacker H.B. Blades (knee), tight end Chris Cooley (ankle), and cornerback Byron Westbrook (knee) have been ruled out.  Tackle Stephon Heyer (ankle) fully participated in practice.

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Bob Sanders has a new injury

After months of rehabbing a knee injury, Colts safety Bob Sanders finally returned to action on Sunday, against the 49ers.

And now, as the Colts prepare for an AFC South showdown with the Houston Texans, Sanders is hurt.

Again.

This time, he's got an elbow injury.  He missed practice because of it on Wednesday.

Also missing practice Wednesday for the Colts were defensive end Dwight Freeney (rest), receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee), cornerback Marlin Jackson (knee), and kicker Adam Vinatieri (knee).

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Megatron doesn't miss Wednesday's practice

Lions receiver Calvin Johnson missed on Sunday only the second game of his career, due to a knee injury.

He may not be missing his third career game when the Lions head to Seattle on Sunday.

Per our friends at Rotoworld, Johnson has returned to practice.

Last week, Johnson didn't practice on Wednesday, but practiced on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday.

For both teams, it's one of the few remaining chances to pick up a win.  Then again, the Seahawks don't get to play the Browns.

Then again, the Lions don't get to play the Buccaneers.

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Vikings explain Tahi horseplay injury to league

On Saturday, Vikings fullback Fahu Tahi and tailback Adrian Peterson supposedly got into a wrestling match in the locker room.  Tahi supposedly injured his eye during the exchange.

The Vikings didn't disclose the injury on Saturday, supposedly because they believed it was no big deal and that Tahi would play.  On Sunday morning, Tahi supposedly woke up with a swollen eye, and the team supposedly decided at that point that he wouldn't be able to play.

The Vikings then didn't disclose the injury until Tahi's name appeared on the list of inactive players, in the middle of the afternoon.

Though Tahi already was on the injury report with a knee injury (the official league-issued report says that Tahi was questonable; the report released by the team had him at probable), the failure to add "eye" to the designation on Saturday or "out" on Sunday morning suggests to us a violation of the rules -- especially since the Jets were smacked earlier this year for not disclosing an injury suffered by a player (you might have heard of him) who never missed a game.

The league has looked into the matter, and here's what the Vikings had to say, via NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

"He suffered a small cut above his eye that presented no threat to his status at that time (Saturday)," Aiello said.  "On Sunday, the eye had swollen shut and the team deactivated him and reported the facts. . . .  As you know, players suffer cuts and abrasions regularly that do not impact their playing status and are not required to be included on the injury report.  When such a cut develops into something more serious and impacts his playing status, then the club is required to report it, which is what the Vikings did on Sunday. 

"We do not regard this as a violation of the policy, which is focused on playing status, not medical details."

(Under that standard, the Jets never would have been punished.)

We're not sure of the circumstances under which a "small cut" above the eye of a professional athlete becomes an "eye swollen shut" after a good night's sleep.  In our own experience with eye injuries, the area around the eye tends to swell pretty damn quickly, or not at all.

So do we think the Vikings are full of Fahu on this one?  Yep, we do.  Are we surprised that the league isn't going to draw attention to the apparent cheating by rejecting the explanation and fining the Vikings?  No, we aren't.

Aiello also pointed out that yours truly was the only member of the media who asked about the manner in which the situation was handled, but maybe the endless Favre-fest caused the beat writers from Green Bay and Minnesota to not follow up.

Regardless, the lead blocker for the best running back in the league injured his eye the day before one of the biggest regular-season games in recent memory, and the Vikings didn't disclose the condition until 90 minutes before kickoff.  Though it might have been unseemly for the Packers to complain about it publicly (after all, the Packers once refrained from making a stink about the Patriots videotaping defensive coaching signals after losing 35-0), they surely can't be happy with the apparent shenanigans that prompted only a shrug of the shoulders from the folks responsible for ensuring the integrity of the process.
 
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Browns' Barton could miss the season

It's not a good week to be someone that was brought into the Browns franchise by Eric Mangini.

One day after G.M. George Kokonis was shown the door, linebacker Eric Barton learned that he may not be able to play the rest of the season because of a neck injury.  ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Barton has a bulging disc in his neck.

Barton was one of six former Jets brought in by Mangini -- it's unclear how involved Kokonis was in the decisions.  The 32-year-old is second on the team in tackles with 58.  Barton was miked up two weeks ago for NFL Films and it's not hard to see why his leadership would be valued in a difficult situation in Cleveland.

If Barton is out, the Browns would be without their top two inside linebackers.  D'Qwell Jackson is already out for the season.

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Terrence McGee undergoes knee surgery

The injury-marred 2009 season of the Buffalo Bills rolls on.

On Tuesday, Terrence McGee underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Buffalo's top cornerback timed the surgery to match Buffalo's, and only expects to be out two weeks.

That means McGee shouldn't miss more than one game.  The Bills face Tennessee next on November 15.  Defensive end Aaron Schobel expects to be ready for the Titans game.

The Bills have struggled this season in nearly all phases, but McGee has led an excellent effort by the team's secondary.  Buffalo is third in the NFL in yards per attempt allowed and second in interceptions with 15.

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Jarvis Green has knee surgery

Patriots defensive end Jarvis Green, who inherited a starting job once Richard Seymour was exiled to Oakland, will be out for the immediate future.

According to Tom Curran, who started his new gig Monday with CSNNE.com, Green underwent knee surgery last week.

Curran says that Green will be out until early December.  Our former Sporting News colleague Albert Breer, who's now covering the Patriots for the Boston Globe, writes that Green possibly could be back from the procedure to repair his meniscus in time for the November 15 game against the Colts.

The Patriots were idle during Week Eight.  On Sunday, they host the Dolphins.

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Kubiak confirms that Daniels is done for the year

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday that Texans tight end Owen Daniels had torn an ACL in his knee.

Though the Texans initially tried to project a hint of optimism, they've now confirmed that, indeed, Daniels is done.

"O.D. tore his ACL," coach Gary Kubiak said Monday in comments distributed by the team. "I visited here with him about an hour ago, before he left.  They're going to let the swelling go down over the course of the next 10-12 days and then schedule surgery, so surgery will probably be in about two weeks.

"Obviously, he's done for the season and [that's] a big blow to our football team. I just feel bad for him.  Boy, he was having a tremendous season -- a special football season and we're going to miss him big time.  He'll get well.  He'll be back.  He's a worker.  He'll be back better than ever."

When he returns he'll be a restricted free agent, absent an unlikely (at this point) extension to the CBA.  And the Texans likely will require Daniels to demonstrate his health before signing the fourth-year tight end to a long-term deal.

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