This Week in NFL News

[Shell]

This is something I get weekly.. since many of you are in fantasy football, I can post it each week if there is interest.. otherwise, I won't lol

+---------------- This Week in NFL News ----------------+

1) Pennington To Miss 12 weeks
2) Staley Reports To Eagles
3) Toe Injury Sidelines Griese
4) Romanowski Fined, Suspended By Raiders
5) Pace Signs Rams' Contract
6) Minor Knee Injury To Tony Gonzalez
7) Vikings Put Bennet On PUP List
8) Dyson Placed On PUP List By Panthers
9) Redskins Get Dalton From Denver
10) This Week's NFL Transactions
- * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - *

+-------------- Pennington To Miss 12 weeks -------------

+ EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - It is news die-hard New York Jets fans did not want to hear. Coach Herman Edwards said Sunday that Chad Pennington, the team's starting quarterback, will be out 12 weeks after suffering a fractured and dislocation of his left wrist. "He basically dislocated his left wrist, the two, three, four and five metacarpal bones," said Coach Herman Edwards. "The wrist was pinned. There are probably seven pins in there. He will be in a splint for about a week, then from there, he will be in a cast for about 3-4 weeks. We expect him to miss anywhere from 12 weeks or so." Pennington was injured in the second quarter against the New York Giants when he landed awkwardly on the wrist trying to break his fall after being tackled from behind by linebacker Brandon Short.

+--------------- Staley Reports To Eagles ---------------

+ PHILADELPHIA, PA - Veteran running back Duce Staley of the Philadelphia Eagles has ended his preseason holdout and rejoined the team. He did not get the new contract he wanted, and ESPN reported the walkout cost him $135,000 for failing to report. In the process, Staley missed 26 days of training camp. Staley rushed for 1,029 yards and five touchdowns and added 51 pass receptions for 541 yards and three touchdowns last season. He is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $2.2 million this season.

+-------------- Toe Injury Sidelines Griese -------------

+ MIAMI, FL - Backup quarterback Brian Griese of Miami is hobbling with ligament damage in his left big toe. The ailment caused Griese, who has been slow to learn the complicated system of offensive coordinator Norv Turner, to miss the Dolphins' preseason contest Friday against Atlanta. He will not be available for the final preseason game against New Orleans, and likely will miss the regular season opener Sept. 7 against Houston. "He will not play this week," said Coach Dave Wannstedt. "That is all there really is to talk about at this point as far as when, how, and where. He'll be back as quick as he can."

+-------- Romanowski Fined, Suspended By Raiders --------

+ OAKLAND, CA - The Oakland Raiders have fined veteran linebacker Bill Romanowski for his involvement in a spirited fight in practice. In the skirmish, tight end Marcus Williams suffered a fractured left orbital bone and had a tooth knocked out when, reports say, Romanowski punched him in the face after knocking his helmet off. Coach Bill Callahan was angry. "Any time harm comes to a player I am really concerned because it (fighting) goes beyond the game," Callahan told the Oakland Tribune. "This is a contact game, a very competitive game, but there is a fine line there. I just don't want to see anybody getting hurt, possibly maimed, on account of a fight. It is not something I condone or encourage. It is totally unnecessary."

+--------------- Pace Signs Rams' Contract --------------

+ ST. LOUIS, MO - The St. Louis Rams finally have the four- time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace in the fold, signing him to a one-year contract at the franchise tender of $5.73 million. The two sides were unable to reach a long-term agreement. Pace, 28, practiced Tuesday and is expected to be ready for the opener Sept. 7 against the New York Giants. After negotiations reached a stalemate in February, the Rams placed their franchise player designation on Pace, inhibiting his unrestricted free agent status. Any team interested in signing him would have had to surrender two first-round picks, but the franchise tag guaranteed him a one-year contract equal to the average of the five highest- paid offensive linemen in the NFL last season.

+---------- Minor Knee Injury To Tony Gonzalez ---------

+ KANSAS CITY, MO - The Kansas City Chiefs are breathing a collective sigh of relief after hearing word on the severity of the knee injury to Tony Gonzalez. The Kansas City Star reported Wednesday that Gonzalez, the NFL's premier tight end, went to the ground at practice clutching his left knee after an awkward collision with linebacker Mike Maslowski. He underwent an MRI Tuesday evening and the injury was determined not to be serious.

+------------ Vikings Put Bennet On PUP List ------------

+ MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Against their better wishes, the Minnesota Vikings have placed running back Michael Bennett on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Bennett, who rushed for 1,296 yards and five touchdowns in 2002 and also caught 37 passes, sustained a stress fracture in his left foot in March during a workout. He had a surgical procedure in July aimed at stimulating bone growth in the foot, which has been slow to heal. Bennett, who now is expected to miss the 2003 season, was supposed to be the Vikings' No. 1 running back this season. At this moment, he is in a cast. If he is activated for this season, he will not be eligible until Game Seven of the regular campaign.

+--------- Dyson Placed On PUP List By Panthers ---------

+ CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Carolina Panthers have placed veteran wide receiver Kevin Dyson on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Dyson, signed as a free agent in the offseason, was unable to come back far enough from an Achilles tendon tear suffered during mini-camp in June. The move means the Panthers cannot return until Game Seven, if at all, then can allow him to practice before making a determination about his playing status.

+------------ Redskins Get Dalton From Denver -----------

+ DENVER, CO - The Washington Redskins, who need help along the defensive line, have acquired Lional Dalton from the Denver Broncos for a conditional fifth-round draft pick. Dalton had to leave practice because of a slight case of heat exhaustion. He is a five-year veteran who is adept at stopping the run, and gives the team numbers at the position. The Washington Post reported that Dalton arrived in town around noon, passed a physical, then was overcome by the heat this afternoon in his first practice in two weeks. He was helped from the field but was not hospitalized.

This Week's NFL Transactions
**************************** TRANSACTIONS ------------

Buffalo Bills - Waived wide receiver James Jett, tight end Ray Thomas, guard Richard Seals, safety Tony Driver and cornerback Ahmad Brooks; signed quarterback Jason Johnson; placed tackle Gary Byrd on injured reserve.

Carolina Panthers - Waived running back Skip Hicks, defensive backs Emanuel McDaniel and Brad Franklin, center Zach Butler, linebacker Lawrence Flugence, defensive tackle Eric Manning, wide receiver Ben Nowland and Tim Stuber; placed wide receiver Kevin Dyson on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.

Chicago Bears - Released tackles Pete Lougheed and Tim Vincent, tight end Mobolaji Afariogun, punter Brooks Barnard, center Carson Dach, kicker Pat Dunne, cornerback Eric Joyce, linebacker Jerry Schumacher, guard Jamil Soriano and fullback Casey Urlacher; waived defensive tackle Ernest Grant; and placed tight end John Davis on the physically unable to perform list; waived wide receiver Jamin Elliott and safety Julius Curry.

Cincinnati Bengals - Acquired wide receiver Marquise Walker on waivers from the Arizona Cardinals; waived guard Alex Sulfsted, quarterback Tommy Jones, wide receivers Kwazeon Leverette and Chesley Borders, defensive tackle Ron Smith, linebacker Tito Rodriguez and cornerback Maurice Tucker.

Dallas Cowboys - Waived quarterback Clint Stoerner, kicker Ola Kimrin, center Dustin Keith, receiver Aaron Boone and defensive end Charles Alston.

Denver Broncos - Traded punter Matt McBriar to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2004 conditional draft pick.

Detroit Lions - Released wide receiver Travis Anglin, running back Luke Staley, linebacker Ken Philpot and guard Zach Wilson; placed cornerback Chris Cash on injured reserve and running back Artose Pinner on the reserve-non football injury list; removed defensive end Kalimba Edwards from the physically unable to perform list.

Green Bay Packers - Acquired safety Scott McGarrahan from the Miami Dolphins for a conditional seventh-round draft choice in 2006.

Kansas City Chiefs - Waived quarterback Scott Covington, running back Henri Childs, tight end Mike Pinkard, wide receiver Wilson Thomas, center Jonathan Ingram, kicker Jose Cortez, cornerback Willie Ford and safety Henry Baker.

Miami Dolphins - Waived wide receivers Margin Hooks and Chris Jackson; Waived wide receiver Jimmy Fryzel, tight end Dejhown Mandley, defensive tackle Tavares Jurineack, linebacker Devin Lemons, guard Dwayne Pierce, tackles Mark Bristol and Morgan Pears and cornerbacks Cedric Donaldson and Terrance Leftwich.

Minnesota Vikings - Placed running back Michael Bennett and wide receiver Nick Davis on the physically-unable-to-perform list; waived quarterback Juston Wood, offensive linemen Robbie Doane and Michael Early, tight end Matt Huebner, punter Nick Murphy, kicker Todd France, defensive end Andrew Tippins, defensive tackle LaWaylon Brown, linebacker Jarrod Penright and cornerbacks Jermaine Mays and Willie Miles.

New England Patriots - Released running back J.R. Redmond, running back Antwoine Womack, nose Tackle Ken Kocher and defensive end Buck Rasmussen.

New York Giants - Waived quarterback Ryan Van Dyke, running back Antonio Warren, wide receivers Kevin Walter and Derek Dorris, tight end Mark Inkrott, tackle Dion Merideth, guard Vincent Sandoval, defensive linemen John Frank, Cliff Washburn and David Thompson, linebacker Eddie Strong and safety Charles Drake.

New York Jets - Signed quarterback Todd Husak; waived running backs Sean Bennett and Chad Brinker, returner Ian Smart, tackle Isaac Herring, center Matt O'Neal, tight end Dallas Neil, wide receivers Tavon Mason and Michael Oliva, defensive end Lance Gibson and linebacker Vince Alexander; placed center Dennis O'Sullivan on the physically-unable- to-perform list.

Philadelphia Eagles - Reinstated running back Duce Staley to the active roster; placed tight end Jamaal Green and guard Damian Lavergne on the injured reserve list; released tight end Brandon Davis, wide receiver Carl Morris, and punter Kyle Richardson; signed punter Lee Johnson to a one -year contract; released fullback Kevin Clemens, wide receivers Byron Gaseway, Denero Marriott and Scooter Monroe, tackle Reese Hicks, guard Taylor Robertson, kicker Carlos Martinez, linebackers Darvin Lewis, Merrill Robertson and Drew Wahlroos, cornerback David Hinton and safety Jamal Wallace.
San Francisco 49ers - Signed free agent defensive end Chidi Ahanotu, who had been with the Buffalo Bills, to a one-year contract.

St. Louis Rams - Signed tight end Spencer Nead; released kicker Owen Pochman.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Released kicker Rob Bironas, linebacker Altroy Bodrick, cornerback Hirchel Bolden, tight end-safety Jeff Grau, tight end Daniel Wilcox, punter Andy Groom and tackle Mitch White; released wide receivers Sam Collins and J.J. McKelvey, fullback Earnest Graham, guard Kyle Kipps, kicker Ralf Kleinmann and running back Terry Kirby; placed running back Tony Taylor and cornerback Torrie Cox on injured reserve.

Washington Redskins - Waived guard Tre' Johnson, tackle Rod Jones, fullback Thad Buttone, wide receivers Scott Cloman, Sean Dillard and Richmond Flowers, defensive end Nic Clemons, linebacker Shamar Finney and punter David Leaverton.

[tommy]

Oh man, I didn't want the Panthers to waive Skip Hicks!!!

[AbNormal27]

I know I may be jumping the gun a bit here, but did anyone take notice that my Arizona Cardianls finished the preseason with a 4-0 record? I am a Cardinals fan and a Chargers fan, and after the past few seasons, a 4-0 pre season record is at lest SOMETHING to crow about!

Aaryn

PS: <--------------- 400 posts!

[HockeyPat]

Thanks Shell! I appreciate the information!

[e2ipiand1]

The Bills traded Olandis Gary to the Lions for an undisclosed pick. Gary wouldn't be a bad fantasy pick-up (although he likely won't see much action in week one), especially in a niners' style west coast offense.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I know I may be jumping the gun a bit here, but did anyone take notice that my Arizona Cardianls finished the preseason with a 4-0 record? I am a Cardinals fan and a Chargers fan, and after the past few seasons, a 4-0 pre season record is at lest SOMETHING to crow about!

Aaryn

PS: <--------------- 400 posts!

Congrats Aaryn on both happy notes! ;)

[Shell]

+---------------- This Week in NFL News ----------------+

1) NFL Season Opener - Washington 16, NY Jets 13
2) Porter Shot Outside Denver Sports Bar
3) Buccaneers Ink Tony McGee
4) Lions Lose Stewart For Season
5) Holmes Signs Extension
6) Jaguars Sign Ma'afala
7) Wychek Ponders Future
8) Bills Get Lawyer Milloy
9) NFL Injury Report - Week 1 Games
10) This Week's NFL Transactions


- * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - *


+----------------- NFL SEASON OPENER -----------------+
Washington 16, NY Jets 13

LANDOVER, MD -- John Hall's 33-yard field goal with five
seconds remaining Thursday night gave Washington a 16-13
win over the New York Jets in the NFL season opener.

Patrick Ramsey led the Redskins 47 yards in six plays to
the winning field goal and provided the big play of the
drive by scrambling 24 yards to the Jets' 31.

Hall also kicked a 50-yard field goal on the opening drive
of the game and a 22-yarder in the second quarter that gave
Washington a 13-7 halftime lead.

Second-half field goals of 30 and 41 yards by Doug Brien
tied the game before Washington's final drive.

Ramsey completed 17 of 23 passes for 185 yards and hit
Darnerien McCants with a four-yard touchdown in the second
period. New York's Vinny Testaverde, filling in for the
injured Chad Pennington, was 15 of 24 for 105 yards.


+--------- Porter Shot Outside Denver Sports Bar --------+

DENVER, CO - Linebacker Joey Porter of the Pittsburgh
Steelers is in serious condition but resting comfortably
after being shot outside a sports bar in Denver. His
injuries have been called "not life threatening."

The Steelers said on their Web site lthat Porter was
standing outside of the bar, the parking lot of Denver's
Best Sports Bar and Grille, when a drive-by shooting
occurred and was hit by a stray bullet.

Porter, 26, a Colorado State alumnus, was in the area this
weekend to attend the Colorado State-Colorado college
football game at Denver's Invesco Field.

+--------------- Buccaneers Ink Tony McGee --------------+

TAMPA, FL - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have filled their need
for depth at the tight end position by signing veteran Tony
McGee to a one-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed for McGee, who was
released by the Dallas Cowboys. The move also came one day
after Tampa Bay reached an injury settlement with tight end
Rickey Dudley, who suffered a severe ankle sprain in the
team's final preseason game.

"Tony is a solid veteran who has played at a high level for
a number of years," said General Manager Rich McKay.
"Hopefully, he can come in and contribute to our ball club."

+------------- Lions Lose Stewart For Season ------------+

ALLEN PARK, MI - A dislocated right shoulder has ended the
2003 football season for Detroit Lions running back James
Stewart.

The injury occurred in the first quarter of a 22-16
preseason loss to Buffalo. On the play, he was hit by Bills
defensive back Coy Wire while he was fighting for a first
down.

Stewart, a nine-year veteran, was placed on injured reserve,
which ended his season.

+---------------- Holmes Signs Extension ---------------+

KANSAS CITY, MO - The Kansas City Chiefs have signed star
running back Priest Holmes to a four-year contract
extension, it was reported.

ESPN said Holmes would receive an average salary of more
than $5 million a year and that he signed for a bonus of
about $10 million.

Holmes, 29, had three years remaining on his original
contract. He reportedly was unhappy with the pact and was
threatening to boycott Sunday's opener against the San
Diego Chargers.

+---------------- Jaguars Sign Ma'afala ----------------+

JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Jacksonville Jaguars signed running
back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala.

Terms were not disclosed for Fuamatu-Ma'afala, who was
released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala, 26, spent the first six years of his
career with the Steelers. He was limited to eight games
last season due to a rib injury and carried 23 times for
115 yards.


+----------------- Wychek Ponders Future ----------------+

NASHVILLE, TN - Veteran tight end Frank Wychek of Tennessee
is trying to assess his health.

After suffering his second concussion in nine months in a
preseason game against Buffalo on Aug. 16, Wychek is
planning to get opinions about his brain.

The Tennesseean has reported that he met with a head
specialist in Houston, and will be talking with a number of
athletes whose careers were cut short by numerous
concussions, including former NFL quarterbacks Steve Young
and Troy Aikman.


+---------------- Bills Get Lawyer Milloy ---------------+

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The Buffalo Bills won the Lawyer Milloy
sweepstakes, reaching an agreement-in-principle with the
veteran defensive back.

He surprisingly was released by New England in the wake of
a contract dispute. None of the potential contract terms
with the Bills were announced.

Milloy, a four-time Pro Bowl selection in his seven-year
career, refused to take a pay cut from a seven-year, $35
million contract. He was in the fourth year of that deal.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ FANTASY FOOTBALL CORNER ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
NFL INJURY REPORT
Week #1 Games
***********************

NEW YORK JETS AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (Thursday Night)
************************************************** *****
NY JETS - OUT: QB Chad Pennington (wrist).

WASHINGTON - DOUBTFUL: WR Taylor Jacobs (abdomen);
QUESTIONABLE: C Wilbert Brown (elbow); C Larry Moore (knee);

PROBABLE: DT Jermaine Haley (ankle); DE Peppi Zellner
(knee).

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT DETROIT LIONS
************************************
ARIZONA - OUT: DT Marcus Bell (knee); QUESTIONABLE: LB
Gerald Hayes (concussion); S Justin Lucas (concussion);
PROBABLE: T Leonard Davis (hand); C Nathan Hodel
(shoulder).

DETROIT - OUT: LB James Davis (rib); RB James Stewart
(shoulder-IR); CB Chris Watson (back); QUESTIONABLE: CB
Dre' Bly (ankle); WR Az-Zahir Hakim (knee); DT Kelvin
Pritchett (shoulder); DE Cory Redding (knee).

ATLANTA FALCONS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
***********************************
ATLANTA - OUT: WR LaTarence Dunbar (groin); S Cory Hall
(knee); CB Tod McBride (thumb); QB Michael Vick (leg);
DOUBTFUL: LB Sam Rogers (knee); QUESTIONABLE: LB Artie
Ulmer (leg).

DALLAS - OUT: DT Willie Blade (knee); CB Derek Ross
(knee); QUESTIONABLE: G Larry Allen (hamstring);
PROBABLE: WR Antonio Bryant (quadricep).

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
*****************************************
BALTIMORE - OUT: RB Musa Smith (knee); DOUBTFUL: CB
Alvin Porter (groin); WR Frank Sanders (foot);
QUESTIONABLE: CB Tommy Knight (thigh); G-C Casey Rabach
(knee).

PITTSBURGH - OUT: LB Joey Porter (thigh); PROBABLE: WR
Chris Doering (ankle); T Todd Fordham (ankle); C Jeff
Hartings (knee); G Oliver Ross (ankle); TE Jerame Tuman
(groin).

CHICAGO BEARS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
**************************************
CHICAGO - OUT: S Todd Johnson (jaw); DOUBTFUL: G
Terrence Metcalf (finger).

SAN FRANCISCO - OUT: TE Eric Johnson (collarbone); CB
Jason Webster (knee); DOUBTFUL: T Scott Gragg (ankle);
QUESTIONABLE: LB Brandon Moore (ankle); LB Saleem Rasheed
(groin/hip/hamstring); PROBABLE: RB Kevan Barlow
(hamstring); WR Arnaz Battle (knee); T Derrick Deese
(calf); G Eric Heitmann (back); CB Mike Rumph (groin); WR
Tai Streets (groin); DT Bryant Young (ankle).

DENVER BRONCOS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS
**************************************
DENVER - DOUBTFUL: DT Daryl Gardener (hand); PROBABLE: T
Blake Brockermeyer (back); RB Quentin Griffin (leg); TE
Jeb Putzier (shoulder); T Ephraim Salaam (knee); S Chris
Young (ankle).

CINCINNATI - OUT: RB Rudi Johnson (thigh); G Victor Leyva
(chest).

HOUSTON TEXANS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
**********************************
HOUSTON - OUT: S Travares Tillman (arm); QUESTIONABLE:
DE Gary Walker (shoulder); PROBABLE: RB Domanick Davis
(back); LB Jay Foreman (shoulder); C Steve McKinney
(knee); RB Jonathan Wells (toe).

MIAMI - OUT: QB Brian Griese (toe); QUESTIONABLE: T Mark
Dixon (ankle); PROBABLE: DE Rob Burnett (knee); RB Rob
Konrad (finger); K Olindo Mare (knee); S Brock Marion
(ankle); TE Sean McDermott (Achilles); C Tim Ruddy
(knee); CB Patrick Surtain (knee).

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
****************************************
INDIANAPOLIS - OUT: CB Donald Strickland (groin);
DOUBTFUL: CB Joseph Jefferson (pelvis); RB James Mungro
(ribs); QUESTIONABLE: RB Dominic Rhodes (knee); RB Detron
Smith (hamstring); WR Brandon Stokley (hamstring); PROBABLE:
S Idrees Bashir (knee); S Cory Bird (shoulder); DE Chad
Bratzke (foot); TE Dallas Clark (thigh); CB Nicholas Harper
(knee); CB Walt Harris (knee); QB Brock Huard (hand); DE
Robert Mathis (knee); T Adam Meadows (foot); LB Rob Morris
(knee); LB Jim Nelson (hand); DT Brad Scioli (shoulder).

CLEVELAND - PROBABLE: CB Michael Lehan (calf); CB Lewis
Sanders (hamstring).

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
*******************************************
JACKSONVILLE - QUESTIONABLE: DE Brandon Green (quadricep);
PROBABLE: LB T.J. Slaughter (ankle); RB LaBrandon Toefield
(ankle); S James Trapp (ankle).

CAROLINA - QUESTIONABLE: T Matt Willig (foot); PROBABLE: DT
Brentson Buckner (knee); S Deon Grant (thigh); LB Dan
Morgan (hand); DE Mike Rucker (ankle).

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS
****************************************
MINNESOTA - OUT: S Jack Brewer (chest); QUESTIONABLE: RB
Doug Chapman (ankle); PROBABLE: CB Ken Irvin (toe).

GREEN BAY - DOUBTFUL: CB Chris Johnson (knee);
QUESTIONABLE: G Marco Rivera (knee); S Darren Sharper
(groin); PROBABLE: DT Gilbert Brown (arm); RB Najeh
Davenport (leg); LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder).

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT BUFFALO BILLS
***************************************
NEW ENGLAND - No injuries to report.

BUFFALO - OUT: WR Sam Aiken (hamstring).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
****************************************
NEW ORLEANS - OUT: LB Cie Grant (knee); DOUBTFUL: DT Henry
Ford (ankle); DE Darren Howard (knee); QUESTIONABLE: DE
Charles Grant (calf); CB Michael Hawthorne (shoulder); TE
Walter Rasby (calf); PROBABLE: T P.J. Alexander (shoulder);
S Steve Gleason (knee/shoulder); LB Roger Knight (hip);
WR Donte' Stallworth (hamstring).

SEATTLE - OUT: S Terreal Bierria (shoulder); TE Ryan
Hannam (knee); LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (ankle); CB Shawn
Springs (shoulder); DOUBTFUL: LB Orlando Huff (knee).

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
******************************************
SAN DIEGO - QUESTIONABLE: TE Stephen Alexander (groin);
CB Tay Cody (hamstring); CB Drayton Florence (eye);
PROBABLE: G Solomon Page (back).

KANSAS CITY - OUT: DT Eddie Freeman (elbow); DOUBTFUL:
CB William Bartee (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: DT Ryan Sims
(toe); PROBABLE: TE Tony Gonzalez (knee); WR Dante' Hall
(finger); CB Eric Warfield (knee).

ST. LOUIS RAMS AT NEW YORK GIANTS
***********************************
ST. LOUIS - OUT: WR Kevin Curtis (leg); CB Kevin Garrett
(wrist); CB Jason Sehorn (foot); QUESTIONABLE: TE Dan
Curley (calf); DT Ryan Pickett (ankle); LB Robert Thomas
(abdominal); PROBABLE: S Aeneas Williams (toe); C Dave
Wohlabaugh (hand).

NY GIANTS - QUESTIONABLE: LB Nick Greisen (hamstring);
PROBABLE: CB Will Allen (shoulder); T Ian Allen (groin);
C Chris Bober (ribs); T Luke Petitgout (foot); TE
Marcellus Rivers (quadricep); TE Jeremy Shockey (rib);
DE Michael Strahan (toe).

OAKLAND RAIDERS AT TENNESSEE TITANS (Sunday Night)
************************************************** **
OAKLAND - DOUBTFUL: DE Sam Williams (knee); QUESTIONABLE:
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (shoulder); T Chad Slaughter (foot); T
Langston Walker (knee); PROBABLE: CB Phillip Buchanon
(hamstring); RB Charlie Garner (knee); WR Jerry Porter
(abdominal).

TENNESSEE - QUESTIONABLE: RB Chris Brown (hamstring); LB
Rocky Calmus (hamstring); RB Dwone Hicks (ankle); CB Andre
Woolfolk (toe); TE Frank Wycheck (concussion).

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (Monday Night)
************************************************** **********
TAMPA BAY - PROBABLE: TE Todd Yoder (knee).

PHILADELPHIA - OUT: DE Jerome McDougle (ankle/hip);
PROBABLE: DE Derrick Burgess (foot); C Alonzo Ephraim
(knee); CB Roderick Hood (hamstring); TE L.J. Smith (hip);
RB Brian Westbrook (knee)


This Week's NFL Transactions
****************************

Arizona Cardinals - Signed cornerback Emmanuel McDaniel;
waived linebackers Charles Burton and Tony Gilbert, tight
end Lorenzo Diamond, kicker Tim Duncan, center Steve Grace,
defensive end Alton Moore, cornerback Rhett Nelson,
receiver Nathan Poole, running back Travis Prentice,
fullback Joshua Rue and guard Tony Wragge; placed defensive
tackle Talifaia Atoe and cornerback Michael Stone on
injured reserve; placed guard Frank Garcia on the reserve-
suspended list.

Atlanta Falcons - Waived receivers MarTay Jenkins and Jon
Olinger, center Kevin Dogins, tackles Robert Hicks and
Dwayne Morgan, guard Michael Moore, defensive ends Ronald
Flemons and Reggie Grimes, guard Michael Moore, running
back Jeff Chaney, linebackers James Cotton and Tony Ortiz,
quarterback David Rivers, cornerback Jason Waters, safety
Waine Bacon, defensive end Raymond House and linebacker
Recardo Wimbush.

Baltimore Ravens - Released defensive end Riddick Parker
and linebacker Johnny Rutledge; placed wide receiver Randy
Hymes on injured reserve; waived wide receivers Marc
Lester, Todd Devoe and Chisom Opara, running back Ryan
Brewer, tight end Lamar Hill, tackle Lawrence Smith,
defensive tackle Nate Bolling, linebacker Chris Brown,
cornerback Arabin Justin, punter Derrick Frost and long
snapper Mike Solwold.

Chicago Bears - Waived quarterback Cory Sauter, fullback
Tyree Foreman, running back Maurice Hicks, wide receivers
Edell Shepherd and Elijah Thurmon, long snapper Mike
Malczyk, tight end Bryan Fletcher, guard Jeff Grzeskowiak,
defensive tackle Tony Benford and cornerback Teddy Gaines.

Detroit Lions - Released wide receivers Pierre Brown and
T.C. Taylor and defensive tackle Toby Golliday.

Green Bay Packers - Released wide receivers Mike Horacek
and Jorg Heckenbach, safeties Jeremy Unertl and Bobby
Jackson, running back Adam Tate, punter Tim Morgan,
defensive end Jermaine Petty and linebacker Isaac Keys;
placed wide receiver Travis Williams on the non-football
injury list; released tight end/linebacker Tony Donald;
waived offensive tackle Jerry Wisne; waived tackle Reggie
Coleman from injured reserve.

Houston Texans - Waived offensive linemen Roger Chanoine,
Carey Clayton, David Pruce, Ryan Schau and Gannon Shepherd,
running back Jonas Lewis, tight end Justin Swift, wide
receivers Lavell Boyd, JaJuan Dawson, Atnaf Harris and John
Minardi, defensive linemen Jason Davis, Shawn Worthen and
Keith Wright, linebackers Patrick Chukwurach, Jason Lamar,
Shantee Orr, Antonio Rodriguez and Terrell Washington,
cornerback Demarcus Faggins and safety Glenn Sumter.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Released defensive end Marco
Coleman, defensive tackle Chris Combs, wide receiver Donald
Hayes, fullback Dan Alexander, cornerback Ike Charlton,
guard Drew Inzer and guard-tackle Daryl Terrell; waived
tight end Matt Cercone, safety Abdual Howard and
cornerbacks Willie Miles and Jason Olford; released running
backs David Allen and Elvis Joseph, cornerback Chris Brown,
quarterback Quinn Gray, linebacker Curtis Randall, wide
receiver Jimmy Redmond and center Brett Romberg.

Miami Dolphins - Waived quarterback Lon Sheriff, punter
Kevin Stemke, fullback Sedrick Irvin, defensive tackles
Maurice Anderson and Damonte McKenzie and defensive end
Corey Callens; placed linebacker Eddie Moore on injured
reserve with a left foot injury.

Minnesota Vikings - Released wide receivers Robert Baker
and Ben Nelson, tackles Jon Carman, Adam Goldberg and Adam
Haayer, running back Larry Ned, defensive end Lorenzo
Bromell, safety Ron Israel, cornerbacks Carey Scott and
Horace Willis, tight end Ben Steele, running back James
Wofford and linebacker Max Yates.

New York Jets - Waived quarterbacks Marquel Blackwell and
Todd Husak, running back Raymonn Adams, wide receivers Phil
McGeoghan and Carlos Rosado, cornerback Troy Grant, safety
Ralph Parent, defensive tackle Salem Simon and offensive
tackles Michael Thompson and Chris Smith; signed defensive
back Jacoby Shepherd; waived safety Wes Bautovich,
linebackers Mark Brown and Kelvin Moses, cornerback Andrew
Davison, running backs Little John Flowers and Johnathan
Reese, guard Brandon Moore, wide receiver Cecil Moore,
tight end Gabe Reid and defensive end Ryan Wingrove.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Acquired wide receiver Freddie Milons
from the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional draft pick;
released offensive linemen Josh Burr, Jimond Pugh, Calvin
Collins and Mike Cook, defensive end Jabari Issa, receiver
Brian Robinson, linebacker Terrence Robinson and defensive
back Erik Totten.

St. Louis Rams - Released safety Steve Bellisari, guard
James Broyles, cornerback Todd Howard, safety Robbie
Robinson, linebacker Jason McWilliams, tight end Brian
Natkin and defensive tackle Jeremy Staat; placed center
Andy Eby on reserve-injured list; released guard Scott
Tercero.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Released quarterback Shane Stafford,
wide receiver Todd Elstrom, center Jason Scukanec, guard
Dan Goodspeed, defensive tackle Buck Gurley, defensive end
Josh McKibben, linebackers Michael Brown, Marvious Hester
and Idris Price, safeties Greg Brown and Dwayne Stukes and
cornerbacks James Rooths and Ronyell Whitaker; placed
safety Than Merrill on the reserve non-football injury
list.

Tennessee Titans - Released quarterback Neil O'Donnell,
fullback Greg Comella, defensive tackles Kevin Aldridge and
Cedric Harden, running back John Simon and cornerback Rober
Freeman.

Washington Redskins - Waived quarterbacks Danny Wuerffel
and Gibran Hamdan, running backs Kenny Watson and Robert
Gillespie, tackle Akili Smith, defensive ends Andre Arnold,
Jonathan Brown, Mike Cecere and defensive backs Larry
Austin, Fred Booker and Jordan Younger; released tackle
Brad Bedell, defensive tackles Del Cowsette and Bernard
Jackson, guard Pita Elisara, quarterback Gibran Hamdan,
defensive back Ricot Joseph, linebacker Clifton Smith,
tight end Kevin Ware, running back Kenny Watson and wide
receiver Pat Woodcock.

[Shell]

GAME SCORES - WEEK 1
********************

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH RESULTS
-------------------------------
WASHINGTON ................16 NY JETS ............13 FINAL

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH RESULTS
-----------------------------
BUFFALO....................31 NEW ENGLAND......0 FINAL
CAROLINA..................24 JACKSONVILLE...23 FINAL
DENVER.....................30 CINCINNATI.......10 FINAL
INDIANAPOLIS.............9 CLEVELAND..........6 FINAL
DETROIT....................42 ARIZONA............24 FINAL
MINNESOTA................30 GREEN BAY.........25 FINAL
KANSAS CITY.............27 SAN DIEGO.........14 FINAL
HOUSTON...................21 MIAMI.................20 FINAL
NY GIANTS.................23 ST. LOUIS...........13 FINAL
PITTSBURGH..............34 BALTIMORE.........15 FINAL
ATLANTA....................27 DALLAS..............13 FINAL
SAN FRANCISC...........49 CHICAGO............7 FINAL
SEATTLE.....................27 NEW ORLEANS...10 FINAL
TENNESSEE.................25 OAKLAND..........20 FINAL

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH RESULTS
-----------------------------
TAMPA BAY..................17 PHILADELPHIA 0 FINAL

+------ Driver Strains Neck In Scary Headfirst Fall -----+

GREEN BAY, WI - Pro Bowl wide receiver Donald Driver
strained his neck but avoided serious injury in a scary
fall in the fourth quarter of the Green Bay Packers ' 30-25
loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Driver went up for a high pass from Brett Favre and came
down on his right shoulder and helmet with 8:40 remaining
in the game as a hush fell over the record crowd of 70,000
-plus fans on hand for Lambeau Field's rededication.

He was down on the field for several minutes before being
wheeled off on a stretcher at taken to Bellin Hospital,
where all X-rays and scans were normal, according to trainer
Pepper Burruss.

Driver never lost consciousness or experienced paralysis,
but the Packers took every precaution to immobilize his neck
"due to the high level of pain he was describing on the
field," Burruss said.


WEEK 1 GAME OF THE WEEK
**********************
+------------------- Houston 21, Miami 20 -----------------+

MIAMI, FL - An interception by Marcus Coleman set up a game
-winning field goal by Kris Brown Sunday afternoon as the
Houston Texas stunned Miami, 21-20.

The Texans won their inaugural NFL game over the Dallas
Cowboys in 2002. This year, they became the first expansion
team to win their first two season openers. They did it at
the expense of one of football's best September teams. The
Dolphins had won their last 11 season openers, and were
31-9 in the month over the past 10 years.

Coleman stepped in front of a pass by Jay Fiedler, giving
the Texans the ball at the Miami 29 with 3:53 remaining.
Houston then moved into position for Brown, who kicked his
fifth field goal of the game.

Coleman also ended Miami's final chance when he intercepted
a desperation pass by Fiedler to end the game.

[Shell]

+------------ Delhomme To Start For Carolina ------------+

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Carolina Panthers will go with Jack
Delhomme at quarterback Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Delhomme, signed as a free agent in the offseason, tossed
three touchdown passes in the second half last Sunday as
the Panthers rallied for a 24-23 season-opening win over
Jacksonville, the last of which came with just 16 seconds
left in the game.

Coach John Fox said the decision to go with Delhomme over
last week's starter, Rodney Peete, was not easy.

"Those decisions are never easy," Fox said. "Ultimately, I
have to make the decision that gives us the best opportunity
to win. There was no question that Jake came in and sparked
our offense."

Delhomme has a tough task this week. The defending Super
Bowl champion Buccaneers were dominant Monday night in a
17-0 shutout at Philadelphia Monday night, holding star
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to just 148 yards passing.


+----------- Broken Wrist Fells Darren Howard -----------+

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Defensive end Darren Howard of the New
Orleans Saints, who led the team in sacks in 2002, could
miss up to three months with a dislocated right wrist.

Howard was injured in the first half of Sunday's 24-10
season-opening loss at Seattle after colliding with 315-
pound offensive tackle Walter Jones.

"I was trying to come around the corner," Howard said after
the game. "(Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck) was
standing back a little bit. I saw the ball. I leaped and
tried to knock the ball out. My weight and Walter Jones'
weight came down on my wrist."

Coach Jim Haslett said that the injury may require surgery.
Howard will be re-evaluated later in the week.


^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ FANTASY FOOTBALL CORNER ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

NFL LEADING PASSERS
WEEK #1
***********************

Pct Avg Pct Rating
Att Comp Comp Yds Gain TD Long Int Int Points
--- ---- ---- --- ---- -- ---- --- ---- ------
Maddox, Pit. 29 21 72.4 260 8.97 3 47 0 0.0 134.3
Brunell, Jac. 27 23 85.2 272 10.07 2 65t 0 0.0 133.3
Harrington, Det. 30 17 56.7 195 6.50 4 27 0 0.0 116.0
Culpepper, Min. 30 15 50.0 195 6.50 3 27 0 0.0 104.2
Gannon, Oak. 38 24 63.2 264 6.95 2 46t 0 0.0 101.2
Hasselbeck, Sea. 23 12 52.2 137 5.96 2 35t 0 0.0 99.4
B. Johnson, T.B. 36 27 75.0 238 6.61 2 20 1 2.8 99.1
Blake, Ariz 46 28 60.9 363 7.89 3 71t 1 2.2 98.4
D. Johnson, Atl. 27 16 59.3 228 8.44 2 41t 1 3.7 95.9
Carr, Hou. 31 17 54.8 266 8.58 1 78t 0 0.0 94.3
Ramsey, Was. 23 17 73.9 185 8.04 1 48 1 4.3 93.6
McNair, Ten. 38 25 65.8 269 7.08 2 28 1 2.6 93.0
Green, K.C. 32 21 65.6 282 8.81 1 31 1 3.1 90.9
Bledsoe, Buf. 28 17 60.7 230 8.21 1 49 1 3.6 83.9
Garcia, S.F. 35 19 54.3 229 6.54 2 26 1 2.9 81.7
Fiedler, Mia. 32 17 53.1 227 7.09 3 57t 2 6.3 81.1
Warner, St.L 54 34 63.0 342 6.33 1 37t 1 1.9 79.4
Collins, NY-G 26 14 53.8 202 7.77 0 77 0 0.0 79.3
Delhomme, Car. 20 12 60.0 122 6.10 3 24t 2 10.0 77.5
Brooks, N.O. 47 29 61.7 274 5.83 1 42 1 2.1 76.0

[Shell]

OK, I actually get these things 3 times a week, and remember to post them every two weeks heh..


+------------- Fred Smoot Hurt At Practice --------------+

ASHBURN, VA - Defensive back Fred Smoot of Washington left the practice field after a collision with safety Matt Bowen.

The injury occurred during a passing drill. According to the team's Web site, the collision left Smoot unconscious for less than a minute after it happened.

He was taken to a hospital near Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., for tests.

"It was sort of three guys going for the ball and Fred got hit in the head," said Coach Steve Spurrier. "We had a receiver (Cliff Russell) clearing through the middle and Fred was chasing him and the (Bowen) broke it up. A collision occurred somehow. Hopefully he's going to be okay.
He was talking and moving afterwards."

+---------- 49ers Switch Kickers, Cut Chandler ----------+

SANTA CLARA, CA - Two days after a three-point overtime loss to St. Louis, the San Francisco 49ers released kicker Jeff Chandler and signed kicker Owen Pochman.

2001 fourth-round pick, Chandler had made 6-of-7 field goals. However, his longest kick was just 35 yards. He missed a 43-yard kick in Sunday's 27-24 loss at St. Louis and also struggled in other areas, sending the opening kickoff out of bounds and botching a squib kick late in the fourth quarter.

Pochman was a 2001 seventh-round pick of the New England Patriots. He also has spent time with Green Bay, the New York Giants and St. Louis, earning New York's kicking job in 2002 but missing the season due to knee surgery.

The Niners also released kick returner Arland Bruce and cut linebacker Marcus Reese from the practice squad.



^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ FANTASY FOOTBALL CORNER ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
NFL INJURY REPORT
For Week #3 Games
***********************

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
****************************************
BALTIMORE - OUT: RB Harold Morrow (elbow); RB Musa Smith (knee); DOUBTFUL: G Edwin Mulitalo (knee/ankle); S Gerome Sapp (knee); QUESTIONABLE: CB Alvin Porter (groin); PROBABLE: QB Kyle Boller (knee).

SAN DIEGO - OUT: WR Reche Caldwell (wrist); TE Josh Norman (hamstring); QUESTIONABLE: TE Stephen Alexander (groin); WR
David Boston (heel); LB Donnie Edwards (groin); DE Marcellus Wiley (hamstring); PROBABLE: DT DeQuincy Scott (ankle); S Jerry Wilson (wrist).


CLEVELAND BROWNS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
*****************************************
CLEVELAND - QUESTIONABLE: CB Michael Lehan (hamstring); PROBABLE: CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder); T Barry Stokes (ankle); LB Ben Taylor (ankle).

SAN FRANCISCO - OUT: TE Eric Johnson (collarbone); CB Jason Webster (knee); DOUBTFUL: G Eric Heitmann (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: T Derrick Deese (ankle); CB Rashad Holman (groin); PROBABLE: WR Arnaz Battle (knee); T Scott Gragg (ankle); RB Garrison Hearst (groin); C Dwayne Ledford (shoulder); C Jeremy Newberry (ankle/quadricep); LB Julian Peterson (groin); G Ron Stone (foot).


GREEN BAY PACKERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
****************************************
GREEN BAY - QUESTIONABLE: WR Donald Driver (neck); RB Nicolas Luchey (calf); TE Wesley Walls (hamstring); PROBABLE: LB Na'il Diggs (knee); WR Robert Ferguson (knee/ankle); DT-DE Aaron Kampman (ankle); S Darren Sharper (groin).

ARIZONA - OUT: DE Kenny King (foot); DOUBTFUL: WR Kevin Kasper (back); QUESTIONABLE: WR Larry Foster (ankle); WR Bryan Gilmore (knee); DE Fred Wakefield (concussion); PROBABLE: C Nathan Hodel (shoulder); S Justin Lucas (ankle).


JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
********************************************
JACKSONVILLE - OUT: WR Jermaine Lewis (knee); LB Keith Mitchell (neck); CB Kiwaukee Thomas (groin); DOUBTFUL: WR Micah Ross (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: LB Eric Westmoreland (knee); PROBABLE: CB James Trapp (ankle).

INDIANAPOLIS - OUT: CB Joseph Jefferson (pelvis); DOUBTFUL: DE Dwight Freeney (ankle/abdomen); CB Donald Strickland (groin); QUESTIONABLE: RB Dominic Rhodes (knee); WR Brandon Stokley (hamstring); PROBABLE: S Idrees Bashir (knee); CB Jason Doering (finger); CB Nicholas Harper (back/knee); CB Walt Harris (knee); CB David Macklin (ankle); C Jeff Saturday (back).


KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
**************************************
KANSAS CITY - DOUBTFUL: CB William Bartee (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: CB Julian Battle (back); DE Eddie Freeman (elbow); RB Priest Holmes (calf); LB Kawika Mitchell (hamstring); PROBABLE: DT John Browning (toe); TE Tony Gonzalez (ankle); DE Vonnie Holliday (ribs); T John Tait (ankle); S Greg Wesley (knee).

HOUSTON - QUESTIONABLE: G Milford Brown (knee); K Kris Brown (groin); G Antwan Peek (knee); DE Gary Walker (shoulder); PROBABLE: LB Troy Evans (groin); S Travares Tillman (arm).


MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT DETROIT LIONS
************************************
MINNESOTA - OUT: S Jack Brewer (chest); QUESTIONABLE: RB Doug Chapman (ankle); PROBABLE: WR D'Wayne Bates (foot); S Corey Chavous (knee).

DETROIT - QUESTIONABLE: LB James Davis (rib); WR Az-Zahir Hakim (knee).


NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
****************************************
NEW ORLEANS - OUT: CB Dale Carter (eye); LB Sedrick Hodge (knee); DE Darren Howard (wrist); DT Johnathan Sullivan (knee); DOUBTFUL: LB Cie Grant (knee); QUESTIONABLE: RB Terrelle Smith (knee); PROBABLE: T Henry Ford (ankle).

TENNESSEE - QUESTIONABLE: DT James Atkins (shoulder); RB Chris Brown (hamstring); LB Rocky Calmus (hamstring); DT Albert Haynesworth (elbow); QB Steve McNair (knee/finger); G Benji Olson (knee); CB Andre Woolfolk (toe); TE Frank Wycheck (concussion).


NEW YORK GIANTS AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS
****************************************
NY GIANTS - QUESTIONABLE: DT Keith Hamilton (hamstring); WR Willie Ponder (hip); PROBABLE: RB Jim Finn (quadricep); CB Ray Green (hamstring); DE Kenny Holmes (ribs); T Luke Petitgout (back); DE Osi Umenyiora (foot/ankle).

WASHINGTON - OUT: WR Taylor Jacobs (abdomen); QUESTIONABLE: TE Zeron Flemister (ankle); PROBABLE: RB Ladell Betts (hip); RB Trung Canidate (ankle); WR Laveranues Coles (neck); DT Jermaine Haley (hand); LB Kevin Mitchell (ankle); QB Patrick Ramsey (shoulder).


NEW YORK JETS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
***************************************
NY JETS - OUT: CB Donnie Abraham (shoulder); QB Chad Pennington (wrist); PROBABLE: WR Wayne Chrebet (knee); LB Jason Glenn (ankle); RB LaMont Jordan (ankle).

NEW ENGLAND - OUT: LB Rosevelt Colvin (hip); LB Ted Johnson (foot); QUESTIONABLE: S Je'Rod Cherry (leg); G Mike Compton (foot); WR David Givens (leg); RB Fred McCrary (knee); CB Asante Samuel (shoulder).


PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS
*******************************************
PITTSBURGH - QUESTIONABLE: C Jeff Hartings (ankle); RB Verron Haynes (knee); LB Joey Porter (thigh); PROBABLE: LB Clark Haggans (knee); S Chris Hope (groin); S Mike Logan (quadricep).

CINCINNATI - OUT: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring); LB Riall Johnson (calf); QUESTIONABLE: RB Rudi Johnson (thigh); G Victor Leyva (chest); TE Matt Schobel (hamstring); PROBABLE: RB Corey Dillon (knee).


ST. LOUIS RAMS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
************************************
ST. LOUIS - OUT: WR Kevin Curtis (leg); CB Kevin Garrett (wrist); G David Loverne (elbow); WR Shaun McDonald (thumb); S Jason Sehorn (foot); LB Scott Shanle (hamstring).

SEATTLE - OUT: CB Shawn Springs (shoulder); QUESTIONABLE: DT Norman Hand (toe); LB Tracy White (ankle); T Floyd; Womack (toe); PROBABLE: LB Anthony Simmons (toe).


TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS
*****************************************
TAMPA BAY - OUT: WR Joe Jurevicius (knee); LB Shelton Quarles (forearm/elbow); PROBABLE: CB Ronde Barber (hamstring); QB Brad Johnson (groin).

ATLANTA - OUT: WR LaTarence Dunbar (groin); WR Brian Finneran (hand); QB Michael Vick (leg); QUESTIONABLE: S Keion Carpenter (hamstring); S Cory Hall (knee); CB Tod McBride (thumb); PROBABLE: LB Will Overstreet (infection).


BUFFALO BILLS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (Sunday Night)
************************************************
BUFFALO - PROBABLE: WR Sam Aiken (hamstring).

MIAMI - OUT: QB Brian Griese (toe); DOUBTFUL: T Mark Dixon (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: S Brock Marion (quadricep); S Shawn Wooden (hamstring); PROBABLE: C Tim Ruddy (knee); DE Jason Taylor (ankle); LB Zach Thomas (ribs).


OAKLAND RAIDERS AT DENVER BRONCOS (Monday Night)
**************************************************
OAKLAND - OUT: WR Jerry Porter (abdomen); DOUBTFUL: S Rod Woodson (knee); QUESTIONABLE: S Anthony Dorsett (ankle); RB Chris Hetherington (hamstring); RB Ronney Jenkins (ankle); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); DE Sam Williams (knee).

DENVER - QUESTIONABLE: DT Daryl Gardener (hand); QB Jake Plummer (shoulder); PROBABLE: LB Keith Burns (knee); RB Clinton Portis (chest).


+------------- Knee Injury Fells Seth Payne -------------+

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Texans defensive tackle Seth Payne will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Payne suffered the injury in the second quarter of Sunday's 31-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He was hurt as he and teammate Jerry DeLoach sacked quarterback Aaron Brooks.

"It's a big loss," said Coach Dom Capers. "It would be foolish of me to say that the loss of Seth Payne doesn't hurt your football team because it does. Anytime you lose an outstanding football player, they are hard to replace. You just can't go out and get a Seth Payne."

Selected in the 2002 expansion draft from Jacksonville, Payne has started all 18 games for the Texans. The 6-4, 304-pounder had 57 tackles and one sack last season.

+---------------- Chargers Waive Tay Cody ---------------+

SAN DIEGO, CA - The San Diego Chargers waived third-year cornerback Tay Cody, who was inactive for last Sunday's 37-13 loss to Denver. Cody had been suffering from a hamstring strain.

Staying healthy has been a major problem for Cody, who missed 12 games last season with a toe injury. This season, Cody played in the season-opening loss at Kansas City, but was unable to go last week.

A third-round pick out of Florida State in 2001, Cody started 11 games as a rookie and recorded 59 tackles and two interceptions.

[HockeyPat]

Is there anything worse than having a player who is questionable?

[AbNormal27]

Is there anything worse than having a player who is questionable?

Kind of sounds like some NHLers, doesn't it?

Aaryn

[raleighcanesfan]

My Seahawks are 3-0. Bout time. I've suffered for 20+ years.

[Turbulence]

Feels good, eh RCF? My Vikings pulled thru today with the backup QB playing...Gus Frerotte played great after Culpepper got hurt. Watchout, NFL, the Vikings are for real!

[Shell]

+--------------- Janikowski Arrested Again --------------+

WALNUT CREEK, CA - It appears Sebastian Janikowski has run afoul of the law again.

The Contra Costa Times reported Monday that Janikowski was arrested after a bar fight in Walnut Creek, Calif. Police Lt. Steve Skinner told the paper that Janikowski was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor vandalism, and being drunk in public after a fight broke
out at Slates Supper Club.

"When officers arrived, several people told them they had been assaulted by Janikowski, who was 'very intoxicated'" Skinner told the paper.

Janikowski spent the night in county jail in Martinez, Calif., and was bailed out, the paper said.

+---------- Washington Sidelined By Leg Injury ----------+

FOXBORO, MA - New England Patriots veteran nose tackle Ted Washington suffered a fractured left leg in Sunday's 23-16 win over the New York Jets. He will be sidelined indefinitely.

Coach Bill Belichick confirmed the injury and said that Washington, 35, "will be out for a while."

Washington broke the same leg and also tore a foot ligament last September when he played for the Chicago Bears in a Week Two game at Atlanta and missed the remainder of the season.

The Bears cut Washington in training camp, but the Patriots, who desperately were seeking to shore up a poor run defense, signed the 6-4, 375-pounder. He quickly moved in as the starter in the Patriots' 3-4 defense before the injury.

------------------------------------------------------------


^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ FANTASY FOOTBALL CORNER ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

NFL LEADING PASSERS
WEEK #3
***********************

Pct Avg Pct Rating
Att Comp Comp Yds Gain TD Long Int Int Points
--- ---- ---- --- ---- -- ---- --- ---- ------
Culpepper, Min. 69 42 60.9 514 7.45 5 51 0 0.0 108.0
McNair, Ten. 95 62 65.3 659 6.94 5 35 1 1.1 98.5
Ramsey, Was. 107 65 60.7 889 8.31 5 48 2 1.9 95.1
Hasselbeck, Sea. 81 42 51.9 568 7.01 6 66t 1 1.2 94.1
Brooks, N.O. 97 62 63.9 648 6.68 4 42 1 1.0 92.6
Brunell, Jac. 82 54 65.9 484 5.90 2 65t 0 0.0 89.7
B. Johnson, T.B. 121 77 63.6 769 6.36 5 68t 2 1.7 88.5
Plummer, Den. 59 35 59.3 406 6.88 5 44t 3 5.1 87.3
Maddox, Pit. 110 70 63.6 836 7.60 5 50 4 3.6 86.8
Bulger, St.L 70 46 65.7 462 6.60 3 28 2 2.9 86.7
Bledsoe, Buf. 78 46 59.0 642 8.23 3 54t 3 3.8 82.3
Fiedler, Mia. 79 47 59.5 571 7.23 5 57t 4 5.1 81.8
Collins, NY-G 116 59 50.9 743 6.41 6 77 2 1.7 81.2
Blake, Ariz 91 55 60.4 686 7.54 4 71t 4 4.4 80.2
Testaverde, NY-J 112 69 61.6 742 6.63 2 61 2 1.8 79.5
Warner, St.L 54 34 63.0 342 6.33 1 37t 1 1.9 79.4
Manning, Ind. 97 62 63.9 600 6.19 3 42 3 3.1 78.5
Green, K.C. 81 52 64.2 669 8.26 3 50 5 6.2 76.6
Gannon, Oak. 95 51 53.7 516 5.43 2 46t 0 0.0 76.5
Carter, Dal. 72 40 55.6 589 8.18 1 54 2 2.8 75.5
Garcia, S.F. 105 59 56.2 649 6.18 4 29 3 2.9 75.5

[Shell]

NFL NEWS - Friday, October 31, 2003
... Super Bowl, Flanigan, Injury Report, Skins & Jags ...

+-------- NFL Awards 2008 Super Bowl To Arizona ---------+

CHICAGO, IL - As expected, the city of Phoenix has been
awarded by the NFL with the Super Bowl in 2008.

The decision was made during a meeting of league owners in
Chicago, and come on the heels of the Arizona franchise
being able to pull off the rescheduling of the Miami-San
Diego contest Monday night to Sun Devil Stadium.

The game had to be relocated because of the ongoing raging
wildfires in the San Diego area and Southern California.

Phoenix hosted Super Bowl XXX in January 1997. The Cardinals
are scheduled to open a $355 million stadium in suburban
Glendale in 2006.


+--------------- Eagles Sign Jim Flanigan ---------------+

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The injury-riddled Philadelphia Eagles
have signed veteran defensive tackle Jim Flanigan to a one-
year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Flanigan, 32, spent last season with San Francisco and had
11 tackles and one sack in 15 games. The 6-2, 290-pounder
was released by the 49ers in August.

The nine-year veteran also has played for Chicago and Green
Bay.

"I'm a blue-collar type of guy," Flanigan said. "I rely
more on my quickness and play as intensely as I can every
time I'm out there. That's kind of how I've made it for nine
or 10 years."



^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ FANTASY FOOTBALL CORNER ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
NFL INJURY REPORT
For Week #9 Games
***********************

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
*************************************
CAROLINA - QUESTIONABLE: LB Brian Allen (groin); LB Mike Caldwell (hamstring); RB Nick Goings (concussion); WR Karl Hankton (hamstring); LB Dan Morgan (concussion); WR Muhsin Muhammad (concussion); DE Kemp Rasmussen (neck); PROBABLE: DT Brentson Buckner (hip); DT Shane Burton (groin); DE Al Wallace (wrist).

HOUSTON - DOUBTFUL: QB David Carr (ankle); TE Rashod Kent (calf); DE Gary Walker (toe); QUESTIONABLE: LB Charlie Clemons (ankle); PROBABLE: CB Jason Bell (knee); CB Aaron Glenn (groin).

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
*****************************************
CINCINNATI - OUT: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring); TE Reggie Kelly (foot); QUESTIONABLE: RB Brandon Bennett (back); RB Corey Dillon (groin); S Marquand Manuel (hamstring); PROBABLE: G Matt O'Dwyer (foot).

ARIZONA - OUT: WR Jason McAddley (hamstring); RB Emmitt Smith (shoulder); DOUBTFUL: K Bill Gramatica (back); PROBABLE: DT Derrick Ransom (ankle).


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
**************************************
INDIANAPOLIS - OUT: RB James Mungro (knee); LB Jim Nelson (collarbone); DOUBTFUL: T Ryan Diem (abdomen); DT Montae Reagor (chest); QUESTIONABLE: TE Dallas Clark (hamstring); T Tarik Glenn (knee); CB Joseph Jefferson (pelvis); RB Ricky Williams (ankle); PROBABLE: CB Cliff Crosby (groin); CB Walt Harris (knee); T Adam Meadows (knee); RB Dominic Rhodes (knee); G Steve Sciullo (knee); WR Troy Walters (knee).

MIAMI - OUT: T Mark Dixon (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: DT Larry Chester (hamstring/quadricep); QB Jay Fiedler (knee); PROBABLE: QB Brian Griese (thumb); RB Rob Konrad (knee); TE Donald Lee (ankle); LB Junior Seau (hamstring); WR Sam Simmons (neck); T Wade Smith (ankle/Achilles); WR Derrius Thompson (groin).


JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
******************************************
JACKSONVILLE - OUT: DE Lionel Barnes (calf); QB Mark Brunell (elbow); CB James Trapp (ankle); DOUBTFUL: CB Jason Craft (knee); QUESTIONABLE: LB Keith Mitchell (neck); WR Jimmy Redmond (foot); PROBABLE: CB Kiwaukee Thomas (groin).

BALTIMORE - DOUBTFUL: CB Corey Fuller (leg); QUESTIONABLE: CB Tommy Knight (leg); PROBABLE: TE Todd Heap (shoulder); RB Jamal Lewis (shoulder); LB Bart Scott (leg).


NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
********************************************
NEW ORLEANS - OUT: DE Darren Howard (wrist); DOUBTFUL: RB James Fenderson (foot); QUESTIONABLE: LB James Allen (knee); WR Joe Horn (knee); G Kendyl Jacox (knee); WR Donte' Stallworth (quadricep); DT Johnathan Sullivan (calf /knee); PROBABLE: LB Sedrick Hodge (knee); DT Kenny Smith (knee).

TAMPA BAY - QUESTIONABLE: S John Howell (hamstring); WR Joe Jurevicius (knee); S John Lynch (shoulder); PROBABLE: CB Ronde Barber (hamstring); QB Shaun King (ankle); RB Michael Pittman (hamstring); CB Hank Poteat (hamstring); G Jason Whittle (shoulder).


NEW YORK GIANTS AT NEW YORK JETS
**********************************
NY GIANTS - OUT: K Matt Bryant (hamstring); CB William Peterson (back); DOUBTFUL: WR Willie Ponder (hip); QUESTIONABLE: DT Cornelius Griffin (ankle); PROBABLE: DE Kenny Holmes (knee); T Luke Petitgout (foot); TE Jeremy Shockey (foot).

NY JETS - OUT: CB Donnie Abraham (shoulder); DE John Abraham (groin); S Jon McGraw (shoulder); QUESTIONABLE: LB Morris Lewis (hip/hamstring); PROBABLE: CB Jamie Henderson (knee).


OAKLAND RAIDERS AT DETROIT LIONS
**********************************
OAKLAND - DOUBTFUL: QB Rich Gannon (shoulder); DT John Parrella (groin); DE Sam Williams (knee); QUESTIONABLE: LB Eric Barton (shoulder); G Mo Collins (knee); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); G Frank Middleton (quadricep); WR Jerry Porter (abdomen); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); S Rod Woodson (knee).

DETROIT - OUT: CB Roderick Babers (shoulder); WR Eddie Drummond (ankle/knee); P John Jett (calf-IR); WR Charles Rogers (collarbone); DOUBTFUL: T Victor Rogers (back); RB Stephen Trejo (foot); QUESTIONABLE: TE Mikhael Ricks (ankle); CB Jimmy Wyrick (chest); PROBABLE: QB Joey Harrington (finger).


PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT ATLANTA FALCONS
****************************************
PHILADELPHIA - OUT: S Brian Dawkins (foot); RB Brian Westbrook (ankle); DOUBTFUL: CB Bobby Taylor (foot); QUESTIONABLE: DE Jerome McDougle (ankle); PROBABLE: S Clinton Hart (hip); CB Roderick Hood (hamstring); DE Ndukwe Kalu (foot); QB Donovan McNabb (leg/thumb); TE L.J. Smith (ankle).

ATLANTA - OUT: QB Michael Vick (leg); DOUBTFUL: G Travis Claridge (knee); QUESTIONABLE: LB Keith Brooking (back); WR LaTarence Dunbar (hamstring); S Cory Hall (knee); DE Brady Smith (ankle).


PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
*****************************************
PITTSBURGH - DOUBTFUL: TE Jay Riemersma (knee); T Marvel Smith (neck); PROBABLE: CB Chidi Iwuoma (groin).

SEATTLE - OUT: TE Ryan Hannam (knee); LB Tracy White (foot); QUESTIONABLE: LB Chad Brown (foot); WR Koren Robinson (hip).


SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT CHICAGO BEARS
*************************************
SAN DIEGO - OUT: TE Stephen Alexander (groin); QUESTIONABLE: C Jason Ball (ankle); WR Reche Caldwell (wrist); CB Sammy Davis (ankle); WR Kassim Osgood (ankle); TE Justin Peelle (ankle); PROBABLE: S Vernon Fox (groin); C Cory Raymer (knee).

CHICAGO - QUESTIONABLE: WR Marty Booker (ankle); TE Desmond Clark (toe); S Mike Green (groin); LB Warrick Holdman (ankle); RB Adrian Peterson (ankle); RB Anthony Thomas (foot); DT Keith Traylor (knee); PROBABLE: DE Phillip Daniels (toe); QB Kordell Stewart (leg).


ST. LOUIS RAMS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
***************************************
ST. LOUIS - OUT: LB Tommy Polley (elbow); DOUBTFUL: RB Lamar Gordon (ankle); DT Damione Lewis (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: S Adam Archuleta (ankle); RB Marshall Faulk (knee); CB Kevin Garrett (hamstring); DE Leonard Little (pectoral); PROBABLE: CB Travis Fisher (groin); WR Mike Furrey (appendix).

SAN FRANCISCO - OUT: S Ronnie Heard (knee); CB Jason Webster (knee); DOUBTFUL: WR Arnaz Battle (toe); S Zack Bronson (neck); DT Travis Kirschke (knee); QUESTIONABLE: T Derrick Deese (ankle); PROBABLE: DT Anthony Adams (toe); QB Jeff Garcia (ankle); C Jeremy Newberry (ankle/quadricep /leg); WR Terrell Owens (groin); WR Tai Streets (quadricep); DT Bryant Young (toe).


WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
***************************************
WASHINGTON - DOUBTFUL: RB Ladell Betts (arm); G Dave Fiore (knee); CB Fred Smoot (chest); QUESTIONABLE: CB Rashad Bauman (ankle); RB Trung Canidate (ankle); DT Martin Chase (calf); DT Jermaine Haley (hand); PROBABLE: CB Champ Bailey (wrist/shoulder).

DALLAS - OUT: C Gennaro DiNapoli (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: RB Richie Anderson (back/shoulder); TE James Whalen (leg).


GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (Sunday Night)
************************************************** *****
GREEN BAY - QUESTIONABLE: RB Tony Fisher (groin); DT Rod Walker (knee); PROBABLE: QB Brett Favre (thumb); RB Nicolas Luchey (thumb).

MINNESOTA - DOUBTFUL: LB Raonall Smith (hamstring).


NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (6-2) AT DENVER BRONCOS (Monday Night)
************************************************** *********
NEW ENGLAND - OUT: LB Ted Johnson (foot); DT Ted Washington (leg); QUESTIONABLE: G Joe Andruzzi (shoulder); S Je'Rod Cherry (knee); TE Christian Fauria (leg); CB Ty Law (ankle/ribs); WR David Patten (knee); LB Mike Vrabel (arm); PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (arm); DT Richard Seymour (leg).

DENVER - OUT: LB John Mobley (neck); QB Jake Plummer (foot); T Ephraim Salaam (knee); QUESTIONABLE: WR Chris Cole (ankle); WR Ed McCaffrey (quadricep); PROBABLE: LB Keith Burns (knee); RB Reuben Droughns (shoulder); DT Daryl Gardener (wrist); QB Danny Kanell (finger); S Kenoy Kennedy (ankle); C Tom Nalen (ankle); TE Shannon Sharpe (knee).



+------------- Redskins Ink Darrell Russell -------------+

ASHBURN, VA - The defense-poor Washington Redskins, who
needed help on the defensive line, have signed veteran
defensive tackle Darrell Russell.

The Washington Post reported that the deal will pay Russell
$790,000 for the balance of the season, a pro-rated portion
of his full salary of $1.5 million this season.

Russell had been released by the Oakland Raiders after being
reinstated from the suspended list for a third violation of
the league's substance abuse policy. He became an
unrestricted free agent after the release.

"It's a second chance for me, a chance to do something
constructive, both for me and for the Redskins," Russell
told ESPN.com. "In a sense, I'm greedy, and the Redskins
are greedy, too. So we can take advantage of that
selfishness, I think. I'm grateful they are giving me the
chance."


+------------ Jaguars Place James Trapp On IR -----------+

JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Jacksonville Jaguars placed
cornerback James Trapp on the season-ending injured reserve
list.

Trapp, 33, has been hampered all season by a sprained ankle
suffered in training camp. He aggravated the injury in last
Sunday's 30-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He was able to
play in five regular season contest despite the injury.

Trapp, in his 11th year out of Clemson who also has played
for the Raiders and Baltimore, had five tackles and one
interception on defense and five tackles on special teams
this season.

[AbNormal27]

So what are the chances my Cards are going to be getting better while trying to make a run at the 2008 Super Bowl?

Aaryn