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POSTED 8:46 p.m. EST; UPDATED 8:54 p.m. EST, November 23, 2007

NO GO AGAIN FOR HENRY

As Broncos running back Travis Henry waits for a ruling on the appeal of his one-year suspension for his latest violation of the league's substance-abuse policy, he'll miss yet another game with a left knee injury.

Sunday's game at Chicago likely will be the team's last game before Henry learns his fate. And though Henry and his lawyer think that the appeal will prevail, we've got a feeling that Henry soon will be spending the next twelve months with plenty of time to get acquainted with his baseball team of offspring.

Backup Selvin Young is a game-time decision with a sprained knee, which means that the starter could be Andre Hall, who ripped off a long touchdown run against the Titans on Monday night.

PACKERS-COWBOYS ANTICIPATION BUILDING

With the first game between 10-1 teams in 17 years only six days away, some Internet hack has taken a look at the matchup between Green Bay and Dallas for SportingNews.com.

In a watered down NFC, these two teams are destined to meet again in January.

So who's got the edge in round one? Click here for more.

POSTED 8:40 p.m. EST, November 23, 2007

TROY, SANTONIO OUT FOR MONDAY

If the running back who used to have long hair is playing on Monday night for the Dolphins, the safety who still has long hair won't be tackling him.

Troy Polamalu will miss Monday night's game with a sprained knee.

Also, Pittsburgh receiver Santonio Holmes is out with a sprained ankle.

Of course, if the Steelers are still reporting injuries they way they did when Bill Cowher was the coach, Polamalu might have the sprained ankle and Holmes might have the sprained knee.

Either way, neither will play.

POSTED 8:29 p.m. EST, November 23, 2007

RICKY COULD START

The return of running back Ricky Williams to the NFL could involve starting Monday night's game against the Steelers.

Per the Miami Herald, Williams took the majority of the snaps in practice on Friday. Current starter Jesse Chatman was "extremely limited" due to an ankle injury.

Armando Salguero of the Herald writes that Williams has had a surprising amount of burst in practice, and Cam Cameron describes Williams as solid.

Williams was reinstated last week, and practiced at the NFL level for the first time since 2005.

Salguero also reports that linebacker Zach Thomas will miss another game as he deals with the lingering effects of post-concussion syndrome.

POSTED 5:43 p.m. EST, November 23, 2007

PETERSON UPGRADED

The Vikings have moved running back Adrian Peterson from doubtful to questionable as he continues his rapid return from a torn LCL in his right knee.

Peterson suffered the injury on November 11, and missed the team's November 18 game against the Raiders. Chester Taylor filled in capably, with 164 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

"There's a 50-50 chance he'll play [this week]," coach Brad Childress said. "That's as professional of fence-riding as you can get, isn't it?"

"I'm just going to come in tomorrow and see how it feels," Peterson said. "I'm going to take it one day at a time."

Peterson will wear a brace on the knee, to which he's still getting accustomed. The contraption likely will reduce his blazing speed.

"It feels like it's been stiffening me up," he said. "It's really just getting used to the brace and everything."

The Vikings are 4-6, and need to beat the Giants in order to become viable candidates for the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff field. If they can somehow win at the Meadowlands, the Vikings could pull even with the Lions by beating Detroit in Week Thirteen at the Metrodome.

POSTED 2:42 p.m. EST; UPDATED 3:15 p.m. EST, November 23, 2007

COACH CHIN ADMITS TO FUDGING INJURY REPORTS

Maybe former Steelers coach Bill Cowher really doesn't intend to return to the NFL. Why else would the Chin Man admit to USA Today that he periodically lied on the injury report while running the show in the 'Burgh?

"Sometimes when a guy had an ankle [injury], I might list it as a knee, just because I didn't want people knowing where to take shots at my players," Cowher told USA Today.

This admission is contained within a broad analysis of the league's injury-reporting system, which appears on the front page of the November 23 edition.

We mention it all here because, as anyone who frequents this address knows, the integrity of the injury reports is one of those dead horses that we like to beat from time to time.

But the USA Today item isn't as thorough (or accurate) as it could be. Ignored, for example, is the NFL's definition of "probable," which is perhaps the most misunderstood term in the entire pro football lexicon. Though many media members and some teams think that "probable" means there's a 75-percent chance that the player will play, the official definition is that there is a virtual certainty that the player will be available for normal duty. Although technically correct, USA Today drops the ball when describing "probable" as merely a "better than 50% chance of playing."

And while USA Today correctly points out that the league looked into whether the Texans violated the rules last month when running back Ahman Green didn't play against the Chargers despite being listed as probable, USA Today didn't address the reality that the league (as we've been told by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello) has since exonerated the Texans, even though we still don't understand why.

More importantly, USA Today overlooked one of the more intriguing story lines arising from Week Eleven. Steve Tasker of CBS repeatedly said during the Chiefs-Colts broadcast that Indy kicker Adam Vinatieri has been hiding an injury to his plant leg. After the game, coach Tony Dungy denied that Vinatieri is hurt. We tried in vain to contact the P.R. department at CBS Sports in an effort to get clarification of Tasker's remarks, or to talk to him directly about it.

Amazingly, no one in the "real" media has tried to follow up on what could be direct proof of prevarication (thanks, Tiki) by the defending Super Bowl champs.

Why would the Colts fail to disclose the status of Vinatieri's leg? As Cowher said himself, the Colts likely don't want other teams taking a shot at Vinatieri's plant leg.

So while we like the fact that the NFL tries to create transparency when it comes to the injury reports, more work needs to be done to ensure that transparency exists. Until significant penalties (i.e., something more than a maximum fine of $25,000) and both available and distributed, we fear that there will be enough potential inside information to entice gamblers and those with gambling interests to do what they have to do to try to find it out. And that's the first step toward creating unwanted relationships between team employees (players or otherwise) and organized crime.

HOISTING GREENBERG ON HIS OWN PETARD (WHATEVER THAT MEANS)

I did something last week that I never thought I'd do -- I ordered via Amazon.com a book penned by ESPN's Mike Greenberg.

And I was actually looking forward to receiving it. Not like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, checking the mail every day for his Little Orphan Annie decoder thing. But close.

Two weeks ago, Greenberg twice changed the topic as radio partner Mike Golic began discussing his past use of steroids. Last week, apparently after ESPN Radio received thousands of e-mails complaining about the short shrift that the subject had received, Golic opened up for several minutes regarding his experimentation in 1987 with 'roids.

Amazingly, Greenberg dismissed the burgeoning brouhaha as old news: "This is something that you've addressed so many times on the air that maybe to us it isn't a big deal," Greenberg said. "But I guess we can't blame everyone for not having listened to every minute of our show for eight years."

Thanks to a tip from a reader, I got my mitts on Greenberg's Why My Wife Thinks I'm An Idiot. In it, Greenberg includes a passage which strongly suggests that, in Greenberg's mind, Golic's use of steroids is a big deal.

Greenberg begins the chapter called "Under Siege" by commenting on his wife's forgiving nature. "You forgive," he writes. "It's what separates us from the animals. And it applies in sports, too. Particularly with athletes who use drugs."

He next cites the examples of guys like Darryl Strawberry and Steve Howe in support of this statement: "I believe in giving people every possible chance to redeem themselves."

And then, there it is. On page 80 of the paperback version of the book. (Yeah, I was too cheap to buy the hardcover.)

"But there is one exception," Greenberg declares. "And that exception is steroids."

Oops. That sound you just heard in the distance was Golic choking on his tenth NutriSystems candy bar of the afternoon.

"The guys who do steroids, I do not forgive," says Greenberg. "Them, I do not give a second chance. They are dead to me, and always will be, no matter how earnestly they might seek my compassion."

Though Greenberg would likely try to argue that he directed those words to baseball players only, no such restriction appears in his book. Indeed, he explains that his feelings come from the fact that steroids are an impermissible path from the desert of the wannabes to the oasis of pro sports. So guys who use steroids to get to that level or, in Golic's case, to stay there are the targets of Greenberg's venom, regardless of the size and shape of the ball involved.

POSTED 11:01 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 11:47 a.m. EST, November 23, 2007

McNABB MISSES PRACTICE, AGAIN

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb missed his second straight practice on Thursday with ankle and thumb injuries, making it less likely that he'll play in Sunday night's game at New England.

But with the Lions fading and the Eagles currently at 5-5, doesn't it make sense for McNabb to take a week off and heal? It's not like Philly is going to win at Gillette Stadium with him; the team will be better off if he sits one out and then is available for the stretch run.

The Eagles still play the Seahawks, Giants, Cowboys, Saints, and Bills. Even with a loss on Sunday, they'd be only a game behind the Lions for the No. 6 seed -- and the Eagles hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Detroit due to the 56-21 throwback thrashing from earlier in the year.

ESPN STEERS CLEAR OF "GATE D" SCANDAL

A member of the media has pointed out to us a curious phenomenon of the past few days.

ESPN has barely touched the story regarding rowdy Jets fans who gather in a circular ramp at Gate D of Giants Stadium for some halftime harassment of women, who are urged to pull up their shirts.

"This is normally the kind of story ESPN would totally devour," the source said. "But they have all but ignored it in what has been a very slow sports week."

Our source thinks that ESPN's own history of in-house sexual harassment allegations and certain cell-phone photos of private parts has prompted Bristol to steer clear of a story that easily could have resulted in renewed criticism -- and recitation -- of the history of allegations of misconduct.

"Gate D has nothing on ESPN," the source opined. "ESPN is Gate E and they know it. That's why they've ignored a story that the rest of the country has been talking about for days."

In fairness, we found a couple of AP news items on ESPN.com when searching "Jets Gate D." But we found no items on the matter penned by ESPN.com writers, and we recall seeing no commentary about the situation during SportsCenter this week.

Meanwhile, plenty of folks have joked this week that the Jets fans in question should use a variation of the "J-E-T-S" chant; we've heard from a couple of readers that they already do.

SPRINT GIVE YOU MORE YOUS

In an age with more and more multitasking, Sprint now has you the best tool for doing various things at once via the Palm Centro.

The Centro is available exclusively from Sprint, and it's one of the most affordable smart phones on the market.

You and your other yous can find out all about the Centro right here. And you and your yous can also sharpen those abilities to multitask with some free brain games from Sprint.

And when we talk about multitasking, we mean using the phone and sending and receiving e-mails and sending and receiving text messages and managing your calendar. We're not referring, in any way, to George Costanza's quest to "have it all."

FRIDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Packers T Mark Tauscher said of a win over Green Bay's closest division rival, "This was a huge game."

Two Lions played at right tackle yesterday, both struggled, and Detroit plans to sign RT Barry Stokes this week.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said after his team's win over the Jets, "We haven't met any of our goals yet."

Jets LB Matt Chatham was burned in coverage on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Jason Witten.

Colts QB Peyton Manning said of WR Anthony Gonzalez, "He's still a young player, but he definitely made a couple of big plays for us."

Says Falcons coach Bobby Petrino of throwing a challenge flag too late, "I blew that one."

Patriots S James Sanders says of teammate Rodney Harrison, "Week in, week out, every day, every chance he gets, he's teaching me something new." [Editor's note: Hopefully, none of it has anything to do with where to score HGH.]

Bills G Brad Butler impressed the coaching staff at the 2006 scouting combine by talking politics.

The Dolphins probably wish they could get a do-over on some of their recent drafts.

The Steelers' coaches told RB Willie Parker he could take Wednesday's practice off, but he says, "I was like, 'Nah.' I think I need to be out there practicing and just doing little things I can do."

Browns coach Romeo Crennel doesn't want his players thinking about the playoffs.

Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan says of LB Ray Lewis: "It's amazing the way he is playing when you think about it. He's been in the league 12 years, running sideline to sideline and throwing his body around."

Of his team's chances of making the playoffs, Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh says, "It's not rocket science to figure it out. It doesn't look good for us."

The Jaguars are counting on contributions from rookies down the stretch.

Says Titans coach Jeff Fisher of WR Mike Williams, "He has a lot to learn."

Texans K Kris Brown says the surest way to stop Browns return man Joshua Cribbs is to boot the ball out of the end zone.

Injured Chargers C Nick Hardwick said after practice Thursday that he's not where he wants to be, but coach Norv Turner still expects him to play on Sunday.

Says Broncos RB Mike Bell of being phased out of the offense, "I just think it's not the right time."

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said of moving practice indoors during cold weather, "Some people think you need to go outside to be tough. If you're not tough, going outside is not going to make you tough."

Says Raiders RB Justin Fargas, "It might not show as much in the wins and losses, but the attitude of the team and the feeling of the team is a lot better than it has been in the past."

Giants DT Fred Robbins expects to get more playing time as the defense adjusts to the loss of LB Mathias Kiwanuka.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson says he can't find a weakness when studying film of the Patriots.

The Redskins are struggling in the fourth quarter.

Bears LB Brendon Ayanbadejo says he deserves to get paid like the best special teams player in the league: "Whatever the highest-paid guy is, to be fair, I would be paid more."

Vikings CB Antoine Winfield could miss Sunday's game with a hamstring injury.

Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks has told rookie DE Gaines Adams it's time to step up.

Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs says he wants to see his unit stop giving up so many easy plays.

Panthers QB David Carr says his season in Carolina "has been a little crazy, to tell you the truth. A little different than I had expected."

Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett likes driving a fuel-efficient car.

Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett has an odd take on the 49ers: "No matter what their record is, they're the most dangerous team in the league right now. They have nothing to lose."

Rams TE Randy McMichael wants to get the ball more.

The 49ers won't be losing assistant head coach Mike Singletary to Baylor.

POSTED 9:36 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 10:44 p.m. EST, November 22, 2007

PEYTON PASSES 40,000-YARD MARK

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning jumped over Baltimore Colts legend Johnny Unitas on the all-time passing yardage list.

Earlier this year, Manning jumped Boomer Esiason and Dave Krieg. In the first half of Thursday night's game against the Falcons, Manning surpassed the 40,239 career yards of Johnny U.

And Manning surely will continue to leap-frog the likes of Joe Montana, Dan Fouts, Drew Bledsoe, Vinny Testaverde, Fran Tarkenton, Warren Moon, John Elway, Brett Favre, and Dan Marino.

UPDATE: A prior version of this post said that Manning surpassed 40,000 yards tonight. He did that last week. Apparently, I didn't hear what the guys on NFLN said correctly. I apologize for the error.

SECOND UPDATE: Several readers tell us that Bryant Gumbel of NFLN said that Manning was aiming for 40,000 yards. So maybe I wasn't drinking on the job again tonight.

POSTED 8:46 p.m. EST, November 22, 2007

FALCONS SOAR TO 10-POINT LEAD

Wow.

Some thought that yours truly was drinking on the job again when I picked the Falcons over the Colts in the PFT Pick Challenge. Regardless of whether I was, it looks like I might have been onto something.

With a touchdown pass from Joey Harrington to Roddy White, Atlanta now leads the Colts 10-0 in the first quarter.

Sure, it's a long game. But, for the Falcons, this Thursday nighter against the defending Super Bowl champs is their Super Bowl, and they're playing like it so far.

POSTED 8:15 p.m. EST; UPDATED 8:24 p.m. EST, November 22, 2007

HARRISON TO RETURN IN WEEK THIRTEEN?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported moments ago that Colts receiver Marvin Harrison is expected to play when Indy hosts the Jaguars in Week Thirteen.

Schefter says that the 10-day break following Thursday night's game with the Falcons should be enough time to allow all of the Colts' injured players who aren't on injured reserve to get back to full speed.

We'll believe it when we see it. Harrison has been listed as questionable for weeks, only to be downgraded to out. Still, with Jacksonville only a game behind Indy for the AFC South lead, the Colts will need everyone they can get in order to fend off the underrated Jags.

Meanwhile, NFLN's Bryant Gumbel could be heard saying "You drinking on the job again?" when the broadcast of tonight's game was coming back from a break. Presumably, whoever allowed the comment to sneak through is.

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT NFL.COM FOR PORTIONS OF THE GAME

I've got NFLN in HD on the screen to my right, and NFL.com/live on the screen in front of me.

As of this posting, the Colts-Falcons game is streaming live on the league's official web site.

If you don't have access to NFLN, keep checking NFL.com/live for live look-ins of the game. As grainy Internet video goes, this is as good as we've ever seen.

POSTED 12:07 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 1:07 p.m. EST, November 22, 2007

MIKE WILLIAMS IS BACK

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Tennessee Titans have signed receiver Mike Williams.

Williams, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2005 draft, was traded by the Lions to the Raiders earlier this year. The Raiders later cut him.

The move reunites Williams with USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow and running back LenDale White.

Williams is scheduled to practice on Thursday, and could make his debut on Sunday against the Bengals.

JIMMY KENNEDY TURNED DOWN A CHANCE TO RETURN

Another former first-round flame out, defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, recently turned down an opportunity to get back into the NFL.

Per a league source, the Buffalo Bills wanted to sign Kennedy to a two-year deal. But Kennedy wanted only a one-year deal.

Why? Because he wants to be a free agent in March.

Um, Jim? You're a free agent right now. And the phone ain't ringing. Why not take work that you can get, while you can get it?

NFL.COM WILL HAVE COLTS-FALCONS COVERED

With plenty of folks anxious to watch tonight's Colts-Falcons game but unable to do so because Uncle Joe isn't serving up NFLN with the fried turkey and sausage stuffing, NFL.com is providing a new way to keep track of the action over the Internet.

Specifically, the league's official web site is offering a live companion broadcast of the game, with live look-ins, in-game highlights, in-studio analysis, a live blog (hey, better them than us), and other features.

The whole thing is presented by our friends at Sprint.

I'll be checking it out, and not just because of our sponsorship relationship with NFLN, NFL.com, and Sprint. Here in Time Warner country, it might be my only option.

So enjoy your day -- and thanks for supporting PFT and our sponsors. We couldn't be doing this without our readers, and we appreciate and value every one of you.

Even the ones who call us bad names.

POSTED 11:50 a.m. EST; UPDATED 12:04 p.m. EST, November 22, 2007

BIG-NAME ROOKIE RUSHERS LIKELY OUT AGAIN

Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch, the hottest two rookie running backs in the NFL, will both likely miss their respective Week Twelve games.

Peterson tore an LCL in Week Ten, and Lynch sprained an ankle.

Bills coach Dick Jauron said he's "not particularly optimistic" that Lynch, who missed practice on Wednesday, will be available when the Bills take on the Jaguars.

"He wants to play. He still thinks he should've played last week," Jauron said. "But he's just real sore."

Peterson practiced on a limited basis, earning him an upgrade from "long shot" when the Vikings travel to the Meadowlands.

BRADY'S BROADER POINT MAKES SENSE

Okay, I poked some fun earlier at Tom Brady's statement that the Patriots want to "kill teams." (And when we said that Brady wants to murder people, we were joking. Although isn't always the mild-mannered guy who ends up being the serial killer?)

Anyway, I pulled up the audio of the entire interview, and Brady's broader point makes sense. He was saying that the Pats want to play the full 60 minutes, and that they want to get as much experience in game situations now, so that they'll be ready when the playoffs come around.

Brady also pointed out that he has had limited experience with his top three receivers -- Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte' Stallworth. So Brady wants to get as many live reps with them as possible, before the games really start to count.

Still, Brady's remark will be used both as motivation by their opponents (so that maybe they'll lose by only 19 points or less) and fuel for those who want to hate them.

Of course, hating them won't make a difference.

"We love it when people give us extra motivation," Brady said.

POSTED 9:48 a.m. EST, November 22, 2007

ALEXANDER OUT AGAIN

Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander will miss his third straight game with a knee injury.

Alexander sprained the knee against the Browns on November 4. Coach Mike Holmgren has taken the position that Alexander won't play until he is able to practice for the entire week.

Maurice Morris will start again at tailback in Alexander's absence.

The lingering absence of Alexander will only fuel speculation that he might not be a Seahawk come 2008. As some Internet hack reported for SportingNews.com over the weekend, the 'Hawks would take a cap acceleration of $4.6 million if Alexander is released before June 1. With a salary of $4.475 million that wouldn't be owed if Alexander is dumped, it would cost the team only an extra $125,000 under the cap to not have him than it would cost to keep him.

POSTED 8:58 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 10:16 a.m. EST, November 22, 2007

TOMLIN'S STEELERS TALK TRASH

A league source tells us that the Pittsburgh Steelers have become one of the mouthiest teams in the league during the first year of the Mike Tomlin regime.

Even without Joey Porter on the roster.

The source says it was never that way under former coach Bill Cowher.

Except for Joey Porter.

The Steelers are 7-3 in Tomlin's initial season as a head coach. But there are questions about how good the team is, given that they lost to the Jets in Week Eleven.

Then again, the surprisingly solid Browns are 6-2 in the games they haven't played against the Steelers.

TOM BRADY WANTS TO COMMIT MURDER

So much for the nice guy demeanor. When it's time to play football, Pats quarterback Tom Brady's intention is not to beat his opponent. He wants to destroy them.

Said Brady this week on WEEI radio in Boston: "We're not trying to win 42-28, we're trying to kill people, we're trying to blow them out if we can. You want to build momentum for each week, you don't want to be up, 42-7 or 35-7, and all of a sudden you look up and it's 35-21. We don't want to be part of that, you don't want to go into next week realizing that for the last 18 minutes of the game your team didn't play well, or didn't play up to its capabilities. You gave other teams momentum for the next time they play you, or you gave another team a reason not to be intimidated."

Meanwhile, New England cornerback Randall Gay recently sounded off regarding the perception that the team is running up the score.

"It kind of makes me mad when you hear somebody from the other team's defense going, 'They shouldn't have done that; that's disrespect.' Do we think it's disrespect when they went and picked up their checks for letting a team score 50 points on them? That should be disrespect; that you went to your owner and said, 'All right, pay me for that game I just played.'"

The comments are amazing, but not surprising. Coach Bill Belichick and his staff have to be saying something to these guys to get them motivated to perform at a high level every week, and you can bet that the sound bites from Brady and Gay are the result of seeds that have been planted by Belichick and company ever since the media and the fans started questioning the tactics of the best team the NFL has seen in a long, long time.

UPDATE: Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe has contacted us to explain that Brady actually said "we're trying to kill teams" not "we're trying to kill people." So Brady apparently wants to commit murder 53 people at a time.

WALKER MIGHT BE BACK

Broncos receiver Javon Walker practiced on Wednesday after missing eight weeks due to a knee injury.

He had surgery last month on the knee -- it's the same joint in which he suffered an ACL tear two years ago.

His limp is reportedly "barely detectable"; presumably, the best-case scenario is for the limp to be not there at all. Still, the fact that Walker was able to perform satisfactorily in practice against guys like Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly makes Walker think that he'll be able to get it done against the Bears and other opponents.

"If I can come out here and run some good routes against these DBs, I'm pretty sure I'll be ready on Sunday to go against somebody else's DBs," Walker said. "I don't think it's going to be anything that slows me down."

POSTED 8:27 p.m. EST, November 21, 2007

GRUDEN AGAIN CHOOSES WINNING OVER PRINCIPLE

Yet again, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a player who has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

And, yet again, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will do nothing about it.

Linebacker Cato June, busted for DUI in the wee hours of Monday morning, will start on Sunday when the Bucs host the Redskins.

"I've talked to him and I've also spent countless hours thinking about it," coach Jon Gruden said. "I do know this -- he's a great guy. We're going to stand behind him. I think he's going to learn from this. I'll let his comments speak for him."

June was stopped while driving 66 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. He failed a field sobriety test, and he refused to take a breathalyzer test.

The decision isn't surprising, for several reasons. First, Gruden is widely believed to be coaching for his job; he can hardly afford to bench one of his prized free-agent acquisitions. Second, Gruden's brother Jay, who is an assistant coach with the team, was arrested for DUI in 2005. And Gruden himself once was charged with driving under the influence.

Earlier this year, the Bucs signed tight end Jerramy Stevens despite pending DUI charges. And the Bucs initially stood behind receiver David Boston when he was arrested for DUI; he was cut only after it was revealed that he was under the influence of GHB.

So as agent Bob Lamonte commences the annual process of floating Gruden's name for openings (e.g., the Michigan job), we hope that potential employers will remember the fact that Gruden will tolerate (and thus enable) behavior that puts lives at risk if it means winning football games.

POSTED 6:09 p.m. EST, November 21, 2007

HARRISON OUT, AGAIN

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Colts receiver Marvin Harrison didn't make the trip to Atlanta, and won't play on Thursday night against the Falcons.

Harrison has missed several games with a bruised knee. There have been reports that Harrison is suffering from pain that he'll experience for the balance of his career. The team has denied the existence of a long-term problem.

The Colts consistently have said that the condition would not prevent Harrison from playing in a postseason game.

Harrison's ongoing absence leaves the Super Bowl champs thin at receiver. Recently, Aaron Moorehead was placed on injured reserve.

POSTED 5:49 p.m. EST, November 21, 2007

PITTMAN RE-INJURES ANKLE

Bucs tailback Michael Pittman re-injured his bum ankle on Sunday, and was held out of practice on Wednesday.

Pittman could be placed on injured reserve.

"I'm concerned. It doesn't look good," coach Jon Gruden said. "He hasn't worked much in the last six weeks. Losing Cadillac [Williams] and Pittman definitely hurts us. Make no mistake about it."

The loss of Pittman means likely more reps for Michael Bennett, who has become a forgotten man after being traded to Tampa from Kansas City last month. Bennett, who once could run the 40-yard dash in under 4.2 seconds, has lost his fastball and is likely down to his last chance. If he makes the most of it, he could extend his career.

POSTED 3:44 p.m. EST; UPDATED 3:50 p.m. EST, November 21, 2007

NO McNABB? NO PROBLEM

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb didn't practice on Wednesday, due to ankle and thumb injuries. But if he can't play, on Sunday night or beyond, we're told that the rest of the team isn't troubled.

Maybe it's a reflection of the subtle message that the team sent in April when quarterback Kevin Kolb was the team's first draft pick in 2007.

Or maybe the players don't care because they realize that they can be competitive with or without him.

Either way, the nonchalance in the locker room regarding McNabb's potential absence for one or more weeks is real. And it kept the team from panicking a week ago when McNabb exited what looked to be a potential lost cause against the Dolphins.

ROLLE HAS EPILEPSY

Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle disclosed on Wednesday that the undisclosed illness from which he has been suffering this season is epilepsy.

Rolle suffered three seizures this season, which caused him to miss six games.

"I feel very good, more so emotionally," Rolle said. "I've heard all kind of rumors of what I had. It's been hard on my wife and my family. I'm just happy to be back playing."

Rolle practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play on Sunday.

POSTED 2:44 p.m. EST, November 21, 2007

HOLMES CALLS IT QUITS

As expected, Chiefs running back Priest Holmes announced his retirement from football at a Wednesday press conference.

“I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to play in the National Football League,” Holmes said. “I will be forever grateful to the Hunt Family and the Chiefs organization for the opportunity to come to Kansas City, where the community embraced me from day one. I have been humbled by the tremendous support that I have received from Chiefs fans over the years. I was grateful to be part of a Super Bowl team in Baltimore, but I will always fondly remember my time in Kansas City and the many great players and coaches that provided me an opportunity to be successful."

Said team president Carl Peterson: “In the business of the NFL we are privileged to sometimes be in the presence of a magnificent athlete. We’re also privileged to sometimes be in the presence of a magnificent person. Priest Holmes exemplifies both individuals. Priest has given this organization all he could possibly give. He has been an outstanding player, teammate and contributor on and off the field. Thank you is never enough to a player like Priest Holmes. We, at the Chiefs, sincerely appreciate all his contributions to this franchise and wish he and his family the best. Priest Holmes will always be a Kansas City Chief."

Holmes re-injured his neck on Sunday against the Colts. He missed all of 2006 after suffering a season-ending neck injury in 2005.

POSTED 10:46 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 2:24 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

PETERSON TO PRACTICE ON WEDNESDAY

Kevin Seifert of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will take part in practice on a limited basis on Wednesday.

Peterson suffered a grade two-plus tear of his LCL against the Packers ten days ago. He has been characterized as doubtful for this weekend's trip to the Meadowlands.

His replacement, Chester Taylor performed well against the Oakland Raiders. But, then again, "you don't get to play them all against the Oakland Raiders."

Regardless of whether Peterson is healthy, there likely will be hell to pay if he re-injures his knee, especially since many fans think that coach Brad Childress is willing to bring him back quickly in order to help prolong his career.

PICK YOUR PICKS BEFORE YOUR BASTE YOUR BIRD

Last week, yours truly did well enough to win a division and get a first-round playoff bye in the PFT Pick Challenge.

Specifically, I got twelve right and only four wrong.

Did you top that? Probably not. So make your picks for Week Twelve and give it another shot. Click here to get started.

As always, the user whose name is drawn from the names of all users who get more games right than me wins a free Fathead product, under our "Meathead or Fathead?" contest.

The folks who get the most games right for the week are entered into a separate drawing, and the winner gets a free one-year subscription to Sporting News.

Under the "Refer A Friend" program, the winner of the drawing made up of all folks who refer someone else to the game gets the 2008 Rotoworld online draft guide.

And everyone who correctly guesses the outcome of the Dolphins-Steelers game is entered into a separate drawing, and the winner gets a copy of The Bus: My Life In And Out Of A Helmet, which has been made available to us at no charge by Jerome Bettis and by Doubleday Books.

Finally, remember that every game picked correctly is an entry into the end-of-season grand-prize drawing for two tickets to the Football Game of Significant Significance, which will be played this year in Arizona. The tickets have been available to us at face value from our friends at NFL.com.

For this week, the winning (eventually) picks are: Packers, Cowboys, Falcons, Rams, Titans, Bucs, Browns, Giants, Bears, Saints, Jags, Chiefs, Cardinals, Chargers, Pats, Steelers.

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Patriots WR Randy Moss says coach Bill Belichick "put us through a hell of a week, physically and mentally" before the Bills game.

Bills coach Dick Jauron says of losing by 46, "I'd like to say they're all the same, but I don't think that they are. It's a little harder, for me, anyway, to get past these kinds of games."

Asked about Jets rookie CB Darrell Revis, the player who will be covering him on Sunday, Cowboys WR Terrell Owens said, "Who? I don't know who that is."

Dolphins LB Channing Crowder still gets asked about his comment that he didn't know where London was; he says he was joking.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says the entire offense needs to do a better job of protecting QB Ben Roethlisberger.

The Browns are finally feeling lucky.

Ravens DTs Kelly Gregg and Justin Bannan wagered a case of beer when their alma maters played each other.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has made rookie Leon Hall the starter at left cornerback and moved Deltha O'Neal to nickel back.

The Colts have angered some season ticket holders by re-configuring the seating for the new stadium set to open next year.

Jaguars TE Greg Estandia says of his slow 40-yard dash time coming out of college, "I ran in like a 45 miles-per-hour wind and it just didn't work out that day."

Titans QB Vince Young might miss some practice time with a quad contusion.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak says turnovers are his biggest concern.

The Chargers have placed LB Carlos Polk on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan says of QB Jay Cutler, "He's got the ability to make something when nothing is there. The sign of a good to great quarterback is he can make something happen when the play breaks down."

Asked about K Dave Rayner, who missed two of three kicks at Indianapolis, Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said, "He's our kicker right now."

Raiders RBs LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes are both in danger of getting cut.

Says Cowboys RB Julius Jones when asked about splitting carries with Marion Barber, "Obviously I'd love to have the ball and would love to have more opportunities, but we're winning and you all know me and know that I don't complain."

Giants RB Reuben Droughns has picked up the first down on nine of his 11 carries on third-and-short.

John Madden thinks the Eagles need to come out throwing if they're going to have a chance of beating the Patriots Sunday night. [Editor's note: Not to be confused with the fourth quarter of the last game these two teams played, when Eagles QB Donovan McNabb came out throwing . . . up.]

The Redskins own the tiebreaker advantage over most of the other teams in the NFC wild card race.

Packers assistant coach Robert Nunn says of Lions QB Jon Kitna, "He will sit in there and take a lick as well as anybody I've ever seen."

For the first time in a long time, the Lions' Thanksgiving game actually means something.

The Bears plan to sign LB Nick Roach from the Chargers' practice squad.

Vikings LB Chad Greenway leads the league with four fumble recoveries.

Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin says he's using the Cover 4 as often as he's using the Cover 2 this year.

Saints coach Sean Payton is 46 days younger than the quarterback his team will play against Sunday, Vinny Testaverde.

Almost every Panthers player is under contract through at least 2008. [Editor's note: Is that good news or is it bad news?]

The Falcons have avoided a local blackout for their Thanksgiving game against the Colts.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren says FB Leonard Weaver is improving as a blocker.

Cardinals CB Antrel Rolle broke a 42-year-old franchise record with 127 interception return yards Sunday.

Rams OT Todd Steussie says playing in St. Louis is more pleasant than some of the other stops in his 14-year career: "I'm not going to bash the places that I've been before, but there's been some people that I don't have too fond memories. Not so much the players, but some of the coaches, the front office."

The 49ers have added an offensive assistant to the coaching staff.

POSTED 7:10 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 8:33 a.m. EST, November 20, 2007

NINERS HIRING A G.M.?

Denise DeBartolo York, the "real" owner of the San Francisco 49ers, tells Nancy Gay of the San Francisco Chronicle that the team is seriously considering hiring a General Manager.

The move would be made after the season, and the G.M. would oversee the entire football operation.

Thus, York's vote of confidence to coach Mike Nolan and her support for quarterback Alex Smith could become irrelevant, if the franchise hires a G.M. and gives him the keys to the franchise.

And York seems to recognize the possibility that a new G.M. will want to hire his own coach when addressing the question of whether Nolan will be back in 2008. "You know, I am going to get into trouble if I start making football decisions one-on-one, by myself," she said. "But I am thinking that he will."

Regardless of how it all shakes out, York seems to be convinced that the head coach (whoever it is) should not have final say over personnel decisions and/or the draft.

GOLIC SAYS "BOUNTIES" ARE COMMON

In response to the news that the NFL is looking into whether the Packers are paying extra money to their defensive linemen for holding players and/or teams under specific rushing yardage totals, ESPN Radio's Mike Golic said that this kind of stuff is common in the NFL.

The allegations arose from a report on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown that certain Packers defensive backs offered the team's defensive linemen $500 each if they held Vikings running back Adrian Peterson under 100 yards rushing, and another $500 each if the Panthers were kept under 60 yards rushing.

"ESPN could have reported this a long time ago," Golic said. "This happens. . . . If a guy got knocked out of a game, there was money involved."

The rule in question states as follows: "Clubs and players are prohibited from offering or accepting bonuses to a player for his or his team's performance against a particular team, a particular opposing player, or players or a particular group of an opposing team."

The Packers have acknowledged that the rule was broken. "It's a miscommunication," coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday. "That's [G.M. Ted Thompson's] and my responsibility. I don't think the players thought that they were doing anything wrong."

Meanwhile, a couple of the defensive backs who supposedly were involved in the promising of the payments are now adopting the "I don't know nothing" approach. And likewise defending the practice about which they don't know nothing.

"If there was some monetary incentive, do I see it as a problem? No, I don't," Charles Woodson said. "The spin on it that it's a bounty to take somebody out of the game, that's ridiculous. I know nobody on this team would go as far as to put money on a guy's head to take him out of the game. If that's what the league is looking for, they're very wrong."

But that's not what the league is looking for. The league is looking for evidence of whether the team offered, and the players accepted, bonuses for performance against a particular team, a particular opposing player, or players or a particular group of an opposing team. And, based on McCarthy's statement, the investigation apparently didn't need to be very extensive.

Meanwhile, Mike Greenberg of ESPN Radio showed a level of zeal in grilling Golic on the topic that was stunning to us in light of Greenberg's efforts to change the subject and/or downplay the impact of Golic's recent admission that he used steroids while playing for the Eagles.

GIANTS ARE DOING IT, TOO

Based on an October 22 article in the New York Daily News, it appears that the Giants are doing the same thing as the Packers.

The team's defensive ends are contributing cash to a pool based on their salary, and one of them will take the money at the end of the season.

"That is the biggest motivational factor that there is, the inter-defensive line competition," defensive end Osi Umenyiora told the Daily News. "Whenever somebody else does something, you want to do it better."

The version of the pool that's paid out based on a full season's performance most likely isn't a violation of the bounty rule, because it doesn't target performance against "a particular team, a particular opposing player, or players or a particular group of an opposing team."

But the Daily News item from Ohm Youngmisuk also says that the Giants began doing it on a weekly basis as well, which appears to be a violation of the letter of the rule.

The distinction is clear -- payments based on performance against one team or one guy or one group of guys on one team is against the rules. Broader payments and gifts, like a running back buying Rolex's for their linemen after a 1,500-yard season, are okay.

CHILDRESS CAN'T CONTROL HIMSELF

While perusing the Tuesday offerings of MDS, we noticed the latest bone-headed quote from Vikings coach Brad Childress.

Childress said that he wants to see quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who was solid in Week Eleven, perform well against a good team.

"You don't get to play them all against the Oakland Raiders," Childress said.

It's further evidence that, in our view, Childress doesn't understand the nuances of being a head coach. It is an intensely public job, and everything a coach says beyond the confines of his house and locker room is subject to quotation, and criticism.

What is gained from gratuitously dissing the Raiders? Nothing. Besides, Childress could have made his point without taking a shot at a bad team that played an equally bad Vikings team down to the wire. If the game had been played in Oakland, the Raiders likely would have won. If it had been played at a neutral site (like Super Bowl XI), the Raiders might have won.

Besides, at a time when owner Zygi Wilf surely is scrutinizing whether Childress should return for a third season, why would Childress want to denigrate one of his rare wins?

So what should happen to Childress? Well, as Sheriff Reggie Hammond said to the guy who claimed that his wad of bills was a tax refund, "You're too f--king stupid to have a job."

SABAN ISN'T DOING MUCH BETTER, EITHER

Another guy who can't quite control his tongue is former Dolphins coach Nick Saban. The Nicktator, as we used to call him, clumsily compared his Alabama team's recent loss to Louisiana-Monroe to things that simply can't and don't compare to the outcome of a football game.

"Changes in history usually occur after some kind of catastrophic event," Saban said. "It may be 9/11, which sort of changed the spirit of America relative to catastrophic events. Pearl Harbor kind of got us ready for World War II, and that was a catastrophic event."

It's not the first time Saban has said something stupid. He compared the NFL draft to war in 2005, and he sparked an uproar among Cajuns by using the term "coon-ass" during a supposedly off-the-record discussion with the media after his move to Tuscaloosa.

And then there's the whole "I'm not going to be the Alabama coach" thing.

Hey, Saban grew up about 20 minutes from where I'm sitting as I hunt and peck on the official PFT Commodore 64. He once gave me a sit-down interview. So I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt. But I can't and won't make excuses for him; he simply doesn't get it, and he'd be better off not speaking at all.

Starting . . . now.

POSTED 10:51 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

PRIEST TO CALL IT QUITS

A league source tells us that Priest Holmes will announce his retirement from the NFL during a Wednesday press conference.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network, citing an unnamed source, has a similar report.

Holmes re-injured his neck on Sunday. The neck originally was injured in 2005, and he was out of football for all of the 2006 season.

The former holder of the single-season touchdown record is signed through 2009. The Chiefs presumably could attempt to recover some bonus money from Holmes, but to do so would be a bad P.R. move.

POSTED 9:23 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

JETS HALFTIME HIJINKS HIT TOP OF DRUDGE

There are plenty of issues percolating in the NFL that, with appropriate exposure, could cause plenty of embarrassment for the league.

One of them has landed at the very top of one of the most widely read Internet new services.

As of this posting, a link to a WCBS-TV report on the trouble activities at the Meadowlands during halftime of Jets games appears alone above the main headline on the Drudge Report, with the description "NFL SHAME: Jets Humiliated by 'Gate D Party'; Clip Shows Lewd Chants, Behavior at Giants Stadium. . ."

The report features YouTube video of the scene that unfolds as male fans urge young women to lift up their shirts.

Apparently, the conduct is confined only to Jets home games. It does not (yet) occur at Giants home games.

So if the Jets are looking for a solution to the problem, why not install cameras at the location, identify the culprits, and take away their season tickets?

Or why not simply beef up security in the area where this is occurring?

Surely, there's a way to keep this from happening. Threatening the ability of fans to continue to attend games, and making good on that promise if necessary, is the best way to change behavior.

POSTED 8:37 p.m. EST; UPDATED 8:49 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

PATS GENERATE RECORD POINT SPREAD

Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports that the New England Patriots are a whopping 23.5-point favorite over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Pats host the Eagles on Sunday night. Amazingly, NBC opted to broadcast the slaughter of the birds, only days after the slaughter of the turkeys.

Paolantonio reports that it's the largest point-spread for an NFL game not involving an expansion team.

Folks, the Eagles are 5-5. When the Dolphins go to Foxborough next month, the line will likely be north of 30.

"Nowadays, you don't see too many spreads over 16 or 17 points," Sean Van Patten, an oddsmaker at Sports Consultants in Las Vegas, told Paolantonio. "That's because most teams take their starters out in the fourth quarter of a lopsided game. The Patriots don't. I call this phenomenon The [Bill] Belichick Factor."

The point spread is not an indicator of respect or a predictor of outcome. Instead, it's a device aimed at generating equal betting on both teams. So the spread keeps going up until the action on the favorite equals the action on the underdog.

On second thought, maybe the spread for the Fins-Pats game will be more than 40.

WILL GOSTKOWSKI BE READY TO GO?

As we (and others, but not many) continue to be troubled by the decision of Pats coach Bill Belichick to eschew (gesundheit, Tiki) field goals with comfortable leads in hand, we've finally come up with a strategic reason to consider kicking the periodic three-pointer.

If, by some strange and odd twist of fate, Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski is called upon to nail a key kick in the postseason, will he be ready to deliver?

The forgotten man on the Pats' roster is a second-year player. He hasn't made (or even attempted) the kind of critical (i.e., Super Bowl-winning) kicks that secured for his predecessor a spot in Canton.

So will Gostkowski be able to come through in the clutch? If he can't, the obvious question will be whether those lost opportunities during the regular season set the stage for failure.

But who are we kidding? No one is going to stay within three touchdowns of the Pats.

POSTED 8:14 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 8:26 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

LESS MOOREHEAD FOR THE COLTS

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Indianapolis Colts have placed receiver Aaron Moorehead on season-ending injured reserve, due to a back injury.

The move leaves the Colts wafer thin at the position. Beyond Reggie Wayne, the Colts have Marvin Harrison, who is injured, Anthony Gonzalez, who is injured, Craphonso Thorpe, and Devin Aromashodu (gesundheit).

Keyshawn? Are you listening?

This is a real problem for the Colts. As we heard former Vikings and Cardinals Denny Green (whom we still really like) explain last week on Sirius NFL Radio, quarterback Peyton Manning throws the balls to spots. Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison generally can get to those spots. The rest of the receivers generally can't.

Bottom line? No one in the AFC will be able to stay within 30 points of the Pats in the postseason.

STEELERS TO BE SHORTHANDED

The Colts aren't the only division-leading team in the AFC with injury problems. The Steelers will be without safety Troy Polamalu and receiver Santonio Holmes for at least one game, maybe more.

Polamalu sprained a knee and Holmes injured ankle ligaments during Sunday's surprise loss to the Jets, who were 1-8 on the year and 2-16 all-time against the Steelers.

Both will be listed officially as doubtful for Monday night's game against the Dolphins.

BIRDS GO BACK TO JOEY FOR THANKSGIVING

The ping-pong match at the quarterback position for the Falcons continues, with Byron Leftwich taking a seat on a bruised tailbone and Joey Harrington re-taking the gig.

Falcons coach Bobby Petrino has been widely criticized for his decision to go back to Leftwich after Harrington led the team to two straight wins.

The Falcons host the Colts on Thursday night. Petrino won't say whether Harrington will be the starter beyond this week's game. "Well, what we're doing, since this is such a short week, is we're worrying about the Indy game right now," Petrino said. "We have a little break after that, and we'll see how everything goes."

Last year, Harrington led the Dolphins to a Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions.

POSTED 5:18 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

HOLMES RE-INJURES HIS NECK

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that Chiefs running back Priest Holmes, thrust back into a starting job due to the foot injury suffered by Larry Johnson, reinjured his neck on Sunday against the Colts.

Holmes, per Glazer, has met with a series of specialists, and his career could be over.

Holmes initially suffered the neck injury in 2005, when he was hit by "before" Shawne Merriman.

POSTED 4:28 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

NO SURGERY FOR L.J.

A league source tells us that Chiefs running back Larry Johnson will not need surgery to repair a foot injury that he sustained several weeks ago.

We reported earlier today that Johnson supposedly suffered a Lisfranc injury. Per the source, he will be treated with rest and rehab.

It's still unknown whether he'll play again this year. Our friends at Rotoworld.com reported on Monday that the Chiefs don't plan to play Johnson again this year.

POSTED 3:56 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

L.J. HAS LISFRANC INJURY?

A league source tells us that Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was evaluated by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte on Monday for a mid-foot fracture/sprain known commonly as the Lisfranc injury. The only question was whether or not Johnson would need surgery to repair the condition.

The Lisfranc injury is a fracture and dislocation of the joints in the midfoot, where a cluster of bones come together to form the arch. It was first discovered by French doctor Jacques Lisfranc de Martin, who was a surgeon in Napoleon's army.

Our friends at Rotoworld.com reported on Monday that the Chiefs are expected to "shut down" Johnson for the rest of the season. The team has since declared him to be out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

The Lisfranc injury has become more common in the NFL over recent years. Most recently, the Colts lost defensive end Dwight Freeney for the year due to the same condition.

POSTED 2:56 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 3:15 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

FERENTZ TO MICHIGAN TALK HEATING UP

A league source tells us that Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has a "real shot" at becoming the next coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

Since Ferentz is a college coach and Michigan is a college job, the story isn't directly relevant to a pro football site. But because Ferentz's name comes up from time to time in connection with NFL vacancies, it deserves a mention here.

Some believe that Ferentz has been waiting to jump to the NFL until Pats V.P. of player personnel Scott Pioli is a General Manager with another team, and is hiring a head coach. As the source pointed out to us, however, capping a 6-6 season with a loss to Western Michigan might require Ferentz to jump out of Iowa, before he's eventually pushed.

NO FLEXING IN WEEK THIRTEEN

The NFL announced on Monday that NBC will stick with Bengals-Steelers as the Sunday night game for Week Thirteen.

Under the flex scheduling rules, NBC can move (with league approval) one game per week into the spot currently held by the game designated for the 8:15 p.m. EST kickoff.

The league also announced that the Bucs-Saints game will move from a 1:00 p.m. EST start to 4:15 p.m. EST, giving the late-game national audience an alternative to Giants-Bears.

NFLN SERVING UP THE BEST DESSERT FOR TURKEY DAY

On Thanksgiving night, NFL Network's slate of regular-season games gets started with the Colts visiting the Falcons.

And though this game looked to be a lot more compelling if Falcons quarterback Mike Vick wasn't running a tin cup on the wrong side of a set of metal bars, it still has plenty of potential.

Sure, the Falcons are struggling. But playing on Thanksgiving is playing on Thanksgiving. For Atlanta, it's the last real chance to shine in 2007.

For the banged-up Colts, each and every game is critical, since the Jags are creeping up on them in the division and the Steelers are in position to steal the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs field.

The only way to watch this one from home is to have NFL Network.

If you don't like that, we don't blame you. Click the link on the left side of the page and let the FCC hear your voices. If nothing else, this ongoing battle between the NFL and certain cable giants who want to use NFLN as the golden goose of their high-end sports tier could result in consumers being able to choose the channels they want, without having to pay for a bunch of crap we never watch.

For those of you who can't watch the game, we'll be providing periodic updates in the Rumor Mill on Thursday night.

POSTED 2:34 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

JETS GAMES TURN INTO MARDI GRAS? by Michael David Smith

David Picker's article in today's New York Times is likely to make a lot of parents think twice about taking their kids to NFL games.

Picker describes the Meadowlands during Jets games as a place where several hundred men gather on a spiral pedestrian ramp and scream an obscene chant at women, asking them to expose their breasts.

And perhaps even worse, Picker describes a situation where the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which provides security at Giants Stadium for Jets and Giants games, seems powerless to do anything about it.

"The problem is, you got to watch four or five hundred people sometimes in the one particular spiral," said Patrick C. Aramini, the authority’s vice president for security, parking and traffic for the Meadowlands Sports Complex. "What do we do, arrest everybody that starts chanting?"

It would be nice to be able to say that the Jets fans who harass women with obscene cheers are a small minority (just as Pacman Jones and Michael Vick represent a small minority of NFL players), but if "everybody that starts chanting" is as large a number of people as Aramini seems to be suggesting, maybe they're not a small minority.

Picker quotes a father who went to the game with his wife and sons and referred to the scene at the pedestrian ramp as the reason parents didn't want to take their kids to games.

Picker reports that Jets officials wouldn't agree to an interview but did release a statement saying, in part, “We expect our fans to comply with all rules at the stadium, and the vast majority do."

POSTED 12:56 p.m. EST, November 20, 2007

LOSMAN STILL THE BILLS' STARTER by Michael David Smith

With the Bills at 5-5 and still thinking they're in the wild card race, coach Dick Jauron says J.P. Losman will remain the starting quarterback for at least another week.

Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News reports that Losman will start Sunday against the Jaguars, but that rookie Trent Edwards could replace him if Losman has a bad day.

"It's another opportunity for me," Losman said. "I'm thankful for that, but there’s a lot of work to get done. We need to regroup after a game like [Sunday's 56-10 loss to the Patriots]."

Losman referred to the game against the Jaguars as "the most important game of my career," and it likely is. If he plays badly and the Bills lose, it would probably be time, in Jauron's mind, for the Bills to find out what they have in Edwards, their third-round draft pick this season. If he plays well and the Bills win, he would likely cement his status as the starter for at least as long as Buffalo is mathematically alive in the playoff race.

This is Losman's fourth season with the Bills, who chose him in the first round of the 2004 draft, and if he loses his job to Edwards this year, it's hard to picture him being back in Buffalo next year.

POSTED 11:07 a.m. EST; UPDATED 11:58 a.m. EST, November 20, 2007

COLTS UNSURE WHEN HARRISON WILL RETURN by Michael David Smith

Indianapolis wide receiver Marvin Harrison has missed five of the Colts' last six games with what has been described as a knee bruise, but Colts President Bill Polian on Monday indicated what should be obvious, given how long Harrison has been out: It's more than just a bruise.

Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star reports that Polian said Harrison has a "minor sprain" along with a "pretty big blow" to the bursa sac.

"It's healing," Polian said, per Richards. "Mother nature heals at her own rate." Polian added that the bursa sac "burst and it got fluid all over the knee. That's it, simple as that. The ligaments are fine. The bursa is healed up. The inflammation hasn't gone down."

If the NFL really wants teams to give detailed injury information, the league office should probably tell the Colts that they should have spent the last month saying Harrison was out with "a minor knee sprain and burst bursa sac," rather than "a bruise."

Richards quotes Colts coach Tony Dungy as saying he's "hoping" that Harrison could return on Thursday night, when the Colts play in Atlanta, but that a more realistic option is probably the Colts' December 2 game against the Jaguars.

Without Harrison the Colts have struggled. They had a season-low 163 passing yards in Sunday's 13-10 win over the Chiefs, and quarterback Peyton Manning's last two games are, statistically, the worst back-to-back games since the first month of his rookie year.

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Broncos S John Lynch says he likes what he's seen since he went to QB Jay Cutler and LB D.J. Williams and told them he wanted them to be leaders.

Titans RB LenDale White says, "We didn't get the job done. We made too many mistakes. But we are not in a panic mode. We are 6-4. It is a long season."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick likes the way FBs Kyle Eckel and Heath Evans performed when called upon to run the ball.

Bills WR Lee Evans says of the loss to the Patriots, "We just have to let this one go because the one coming up is real big."

Jets DE Shaun Ellis says he doesn't think Sunday's win over the Steelers means anything for the upcoming game against the Cowboys: "Dallas really doesn't care. To them, we're still 2-8."

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron says he isn't feeling any heat.

Says Steelers WR Hines Ward of the loss to the Jets, "Over the course of 16 games, you're bound to have one bad game."

Browns CB Eric Wright is week-to-week with a sprained knee.

Ravens DE Trevor Pryce is out indefinitely with a pectoral injury.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says of QB Carson Palmer's performance against the Cardinals, "Obviously, our quarterback is a fine player, and he's not going to have days like that often."

Colts coach Tony Dungy expects WR Anthony Gonzalez and LT Tony Ugoh back for Thursday night's game.

Jaguars MLB Mike Peterson will miss several weeks after surgery on his right hand.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak says he's hopeful that RB Ahman Green won't need to go on injured reserve.

Asked if the Chargers are pressing, RB LaDainian Tomlinson said, "At times it does seem like that -- like we feel the sense of urgency throughout the game, and you try to make a play and sometimes you have the tendency to push too hard and it doesn't happen."

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards defended his conservative game plans, saying, "I'm trying to play the best way for the Chiefs to win the game."

Raiders RB LaMont Jordan said of being inactive Sunday, "They have to sit somebody out. This week, I was the guy."

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips says his pass defense needs to improve.

With LB Mathias Kiwanuka likely out for the season, the Giants will need either Reggie Torbor or Gerris Wilkinson to take his place in the lineup.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook had a career-high 32 carries Sunday, but coach Andy Reid says he's not worried about Westbrook's workload.

Redskins QB Jason Campbell has a splint on his throwing hand, but coach Joe Gibbs says he's not seriously hurt.

Packers DT Johnny Jolly will miss at least two weeks with a shoulder injury.

Asked why WR Calvin Johnson doesn't have more catches, Lions coach Rod Marinelli said, "Coverage sometimes dictates certain things. That's why the inside guys have a lot of receptions."

Bears CB Trumaine McBride knows he's to blame for a 59-yard catch by Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett Sunday.

Vikings coach Brad Childress says he wants to see QB Tarvaris Jackson play well against a good team because, "You don't get to play them all against the Oakland Raiders."

Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden says QB Jeff Garcia did a good job of recognizing the Falcons' blitzes on Sunday.

Saints CB Jason David gave up a 73-yard touchdown pass on Sunday, but coach Sean Payton says David is still the starter at right cornerback.

Panthers TE Jeff King took responsibility for not being on the field when the Panthers tried a pooch punt Sunday; with only 10 players the Panthers weren't able to tackle Packers return man Tramon Williams, who ran 94 yards for a touchdown.

Says Falcons coach Bobby Petrino of the reaction to getting blown out by the Buccaneers Sunday, "It's not a good feeling right now."

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck will not practice much this week to rest his sore ribs, but he will play Sunday.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt says his team needs to cut down on penalties.

The Rams plan to re-sign OT Todd Steussie, less than three months after agreeing to an injury settlement with him.

49ers coach Mike Nolan says he has the support of his bosses.

POSTED 10:24 a.m. EST, November 20, 2007

BROWNS-RAVENS REPLAY BOOTH SIGNALED "IT'S GOOD"

Though we realize that, in the end, the officials got it right regarding the field goal attempt that tied the Browns-Ravens game at the end of regulation, we're still fascinated by the procedure that was used.

We've watched the sequence over and over. After the ball landed in the end zone, the official on the left started nodding his head. The guy on the right pointed out that the ball landed on the wrong side of the post, and he signaled that it was no good before the guy on the left could do otherwise.

Then came a conference between referee Pete Morelli and the two guys who had been positioned under the post. After that, Morelli turned on his microphone and said that there was a question as to whether the ball had gone through before bouncing back out.

"We will take a look at this play," Morelli said before turning off the microphone.

He later could be seen at the replay booth, wearing the headphones. While it's been reported (and we've confirmed) that Morelli did not personally view the replay, we're now told that someone in the replay booth was plainly making the "it's good" signal with his arms.

Though it's not known whether Morelli actually saw the gesture, it lends credence to the notion that the folks in the replay booth told Morelli everything he needed to know in order to make the right call.

And, obviously, the reaction to this will be that the Competition Committee will make field goals subject to replay review. As some Internet hack mentioned in his weekly Ten-Pack of observations for SportingNews.com, field goals likely were excluded because two grown men standing under the structure presumably should be able to tell whether or not the ball went through.

So if we're going to expand replay to acknowledge that human error can arise even under those circumstances, why not make everything reviewable, in lieu of waiting for the next controversy to trigger a minor chipping away of the rule?

POSTED 9:30 a.m. EST, November 20, 2007

NO TRUTH TO COWHER-TO-MICHIGAN RUMORS (WE THINK)

There's a rumor making the rounds that former Steelers coach Bill Cowher could be the next coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

But we've yet to hear the rumor from a source that we deem credible, so we're leaving this one on the steaming pile of uncorroborated rumors that often tend to pop up at this time of the year.

After, of course, we trot it out here for a quick look-see.

We only mention this rumor because it first came to us a couple of weeks ago in the form of a tip that coach Lloyd Carr was definitely out and that Cowher would be the guy to replace him. (Then again, predicting that Carr wouldn't return next year to Ann Arbor is only slightly less of a sure thing than betting that it will snow at some point in Buffalo this winter.)

As to the other half of the proposition, we just don't see it. Cowher has no connection to Michigan. Sure, he won a Super Bowl in Detroit, but these big-time programs typically gravitate toward coaches with some type of a tie to the institution. Cowher went to North Carolina State. He has never worked at the college level, either as an assistant or as the head coach.

Besides, why would Cowher move that far north when there are plenty of universities not far from his new home in North Carolina?

So, yeah, the rumor is out there but, no, we don't buy it.

The real question here is whether Michigan will make a run at LSU coach Les Miles, who played for Bo Schembechler and who worked as an assistant under Gary Moeller.

POSTED 8:43 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 9:07 a.m. EST, November 20, 2007

PACMAN-HAYNESWORTH ALTERCATION?

The Nashville Tennessean reports that the Titans are looking into whether defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and suspended cornerback Pacman Jones were involved in an altercation over the weekend.

"I am looking into it right now, but I am not going to comment,'' Fisher said after Monday night's loss to the Broncos. "We will look into it more [today].''

The development comes at a critical time for both players. As to Jones, the team has to decide whether to bring him back after his one-year suspension expires. As to Haynesworth, league insiders are trying to determine whether his uncharacteristic run of stellar play and good behavior are evidence that he has changed -- or merely proof that he's focused on cashing in with a long-term deal. If the consensus is that it's the latter, the money simply might not be there for Haynesworth, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Last year, Jones stood up for Haynesworth after he shredded the forehead of Cowboys center Andre Gurode with a cleated foot, saying that the team needs more "thugs."

Come 2008, there could be two less of them on the roster.

LEAGUE MUM ON PACMAN'S COMING NO-CONTEST PLEA

Early next month, Titans cornerback Pacman Jones will plead guilty to misdemeanor charges arising out of a February 2007 strip-club shooting.

Currently, Jones is serving a one-year suspension for a variety of legal entanglements and, most importantly, for failing to report one of his arrests to the team or the league.

So once Jones pleads no contest as to the Vegas charges, will he be subject to new discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy?

Per NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, the league has no further comment on Jones' situation.

Though Jones is eligible to re-join the team when the 2008 offseason conditioning sessions begin, he still has to deal with pending legal problems in Georgia, which arose in part from allegations that he bit a cop on the hand. It's our understanding that trial will occur no earlier than March 2008.

MORE FUN WITH VIDEO?

Matt Mosley of ESPN.com posted an interesting item on Monday night regarding what could end up being another case of improper videotaping.

Per Mosley, a group of folks from the Trinity Broadcasting Network were in the first row of the press box shooting video. They were supposed to be filming the postgame prayer circle, but they also were filming every Broncos offensive series.

Mosley writes that they were shut down by Titans security, which suggests to us that maybe the folks were videotaping while Denver was on offense in order to capture the Tennessee defensive coaching signals.

Then again, there's no apparent connection between the Broncos and TBN, which has facilities in Costa Mesa, California, Hendersonville, Tennessee, Irving, Texas, and Miami, Florida.

POSTED 9:21 p.m. EST, November 19, 2007

MERRIMAN PHOTO WAS DOCTORED . . . BY THE CHARGERS?

We think we've finally figured out the mystery of the Merriman photo.

It was doctored. But not by us. Or by anyone looking to discredit Merriman. Instead, it was doctored by the Chargers, or by the league.

Merriman, as you might recall, stayed away from the Chargers' offseason workouts and minicamps in 2005, supposedly because he didn't like the terms of the team's injury guarantee.

But a headshot was needed, and it appears that Merriman's head and neck were grafted onto the body of the headshot generated by defensive tackle Jamal Williams.

So why was Williams wearing No. 97? Our understanding is that the team typically leaves several jerseys in the room where the pictures are taken, and that one of them in 2005 was No. 97.

None of this changes the fact that Merriman's face and neck are noticeably smaller than they were whenever the photo was taken, or that Merriman is smaller in his 2007 photo than he is in 2006.

Regardless, the apparently doctored image was used as Merriman's official headshot for 2005. Here it is on NFL.com. And also on the Getty Images site. We posted below a copy of the page from the 2005 media guide.

We hope that this finally closes the case.

POSTED 8:18 p.m. EST, November 19, 2007

MORE NONSENSE FROM VICK'S LAWYER

In confirming the news that Falcons quarterback Mike Vick reported early for jail on Monday, lawyer Billy Martin had this to say: "From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions, and his self-surrender further demonstrates that acceptance."

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Vick accepted responsibility only once it was clear to him that there would be no way to avoid proof of his responsibility beyond a reasonable doubt.

Initially, he claimed to have no knowledge of the events transpiring at his Surry County, Virginia property, and he blamed the whole thing on his family members and friends. He lied to Commissioner Roger Goodell and Falcons owner Arthur Blank about his lack of knowledge regarding the dog-fighting operation.

After Vick was indicted, he entered a plea of not guilty -- and his lawyer vowed to prove Vick's innocence.

And Vick seemed ready to take the case to trial until his three co-defendants started flipping like flapjacks.

Besides, reporting for jail early isn't proof of anything other than his ability to accept the inevitable. He's going to jail in three weeks; he might as well get it started now.

POSTED 7:48 p.m. EST, November 19, 2007

MERRIMAN MAYHEM WON'T STOP

This whole thing about the differences between the Shawne Merriman headshot from 2005 and his picture from 2007 has blown (blowed?) way out of proportion.

We've gotten as many or more e-mails on this topic than we received in the wake of the Patriots cheating scandal (during which we were accused of hating the Pats) or in the wake of the sound glitch at the Pats-Colts game (during which we were accused of loving the Pats).

We need to address two points that have been raised.

First, a surprisingly high number of readers assume that the "before" photo of Merriman from May 2005 is phony because it doesn't include the tattoo that appears on Merriman's neck in the 2006 and 2007 pictures.

Um, it's not a birthmark. He had to get the thing at some point in his life. Apparently, it was after May 2005.

Second, there's a school of thought that the 2005 picture is a doctored combination of Merriman's head from a photo taken while he was at Maryland and the body of Ryon Bingham.

On the surface, the argument has some appeal. Merriman's Maryland photo looks like his 2005 headshot. But since it's, you know, the same guy, similarity between the two pictures is hardly dispositive. And Merriman apparently is wearing No. 97 in the 2005 picture.

However, the body in the 2005 headshot for Ryon Bingham obviously isn't the body in the 2005 Merriman photo. Here they are:

So why was Merriman wearing 97? Maybe they didn't have Merriman's jersey when he showed up (actually, "showed" is the right term there) for the photo session. Merriman initially was issued No. 91, and his number later changed to No. 56.

Regardless of why Merriman was wearing No. 97 for his 2005 headshot, the guy to whom No. 97 was assigned in 2005 didn't fill the thing out the same way Merriman did, and thus the notion that someone pasted Merriman's head and neck onto Bingham's body is flat wrong.

Finally, we found an image of the team's 2005 media guide, with the photo in question prominently displayed therein.

So either the photo is real or, if it was faked, it somehow was included in the Chargers' 2005 media guide.

We doubt that this will stem the flow of e-mails, but in lieu of sending this explanation to 500 different people, we thought it made sense to post it here.

POSTED 3:46 p.m. EST, November 19, 2007

HENRY OUT FOR MONDAY NIGHT

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Broncos running back Travis Henry won't play on Monday night due to a lingering knee problem.

On Friday, Henry attended an appeal hearing on his looming one-year suspension for violation of the league's substance-abuse policy. Schefter reports that a ruling is not expected until next week; thus, Henry still might be able to play in Denver's Week Twelve trip to Chicago.

Henry would have had an opportunity to face his former team, the Titans, if he had been able to play.

POSTED 2:54 p.m. EST; UPDATED 3:15 p.m. EST, November 19, 2007

VICK IS BEHIND BARS

Though he's not scheduled to be sentenced to federal prison until December 10, Falcons quarterback Mike Vick reportedly has commenced his sentence prematurely, presumably in the hopes of getting out sooner.

Kelly Naqi of ESPN reports that Vick has checked in early, three full weeks before the sentencing hearing.

Vick is expected by some to get between 12 and 18 months for his guilty plea to conspiracy charges relating to gambling and dog fighting. The maximum can be five years, and he has waived his ability to appeal the final decision of Judge Henry Hudson.

POSTED 2:48 p.m. EST, November 19, 2007

MERRIMAN PICTURE CREATING A BUZZ

We had a feeling when we posted the before/after shots of Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman earlier today that we'd get some reaction.

Thus far, the reaction has been overwhelming.

Several readers initially insisted that Merriman is wearing his shoulder pads in the photo on the top, from May 2005. He isn't.

Said one of the readers in response to our representation that Merriman isn't wearing pads: "Holy crap!"

A league source offered up the identical reaction, and one prominent member of the media called the photo comparison "maybe the most jaw-dropping thing I've seen on your site."

And as MDS pointed out in a FanHouse posting on Monday, the "after" version of Merriman was blowed up by pint-sized Maurice Jones-Drew on Sunday in Jacksonville.

The "before" version of Merriman had an encounter with Chiefs running back Priest Holmes in 2005, and Holmes just returned to the field a couple of weeks ago.

Again, we're not saying that Merriman intentionally or knowingly took steroids or any other banned substance. But the photos are what they are.

UPDATE: We've since found the 2006 preseason headshot, and we've pasted the three of them together.

POSTED 2:31 p.m. EST, November 19, 2007

GRUDEN WON'T COMMENT ON CATO

Bucs coach Jon Gruden refused to comment during his Monday press conference regarding the early Monday morning DUI arrest of linebacker Cato June.

After making an extremely brief introductory sentence, Gruden opened the session up for questions.

And he got one, right away: "Coach, does Cato June have a drinking problem?"

"I don't have any comment on that right now, other than we're very concerned about that matter," Gruden said.

The same person then said, "Do you allow drinking on the team plane back from a game like last night."

"I'm not gonna comment on this matter, okay?" Gruden said.

But if drinking isn't allowed on the team plane after games, Gruden needs to say so. Especially since the NFL has banned player drinking on team planes and at team facilities.

In this case, the timeline suggests that Cato had plenty of time to get blotto after he hit the town after returning from Atlanta. Still, Gruden's "no comment" only raises questions as to whether the Bucs are complying with the ban on booze.

POSTED 11:55 a.m. EST, November 19, 2007

LEAGUE LOOKING AT WHETHER PACKERS ARE VIOLATING BOUNTY RULES

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells us that the league is looking into the question of whether members of the Green Bay Packers have violated the league's rules against bounties.

On Sunday, Bob Holtzmann of ESPN reported during Sunday NFL Countdown that a couple of Packers defensive backs had promised to pay each of the team's defensive linemen $500 if they were able to hold Vikings running back Adrian Peterson under 100 yards rushing in Week Ten.

They succeeded.

For Week Eleven, another $500 per lineman was promised if the Packers held the Panthers to under 60 yards rushing.

They failed.

We asked Aiello whether these extra payments counted against the salary cap, given that they were coming from teammates and not from the team. Aiello said that it's not a cap issue, but he explained that the league is looking at whether such promises are impermissible bounties.

The classic bounty is an offer of money or other benefits in exchange for injuring a player. But to the extent that limiting a player's production can be satisfied in part by, for example, tearing the player's LCL, it's probably not a good idea for incentives of this nature to be dangled in front of NFL players.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 11:29 a.m. EST, November 19, 2007

SHAWNE WITHOUT "SUPPLEMENTS" IS CLEARLY A DIFFERENT GUY

Last week, MDS noted that Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who notched 17 sacks in only twelve games a year ago, believes that he's having his best season, even though he has chalked up 5.5 sacks through nine games in 2007.

On Sunday, Merriman had one tackle and no sacks, so he's stuck at 5.5 through ten games.

And our own Taco Bill has tracked down some photographic evidence that demonstrates the difference in Merriman of today, and of yesterday. Have a look.

These photos were not altered or doctored in any way by Taco Bill. According to ViewImages.com, the top photo was taken on May 5, 2005. The bottom photo was snapped on May 30, 2007. (To confirm, go to ViewImages.com, search "Shawne Merriman," and compare the head shot on page 7 to the head shot on page 20.)

Merriman played in only 12 games last season because he was suspended for four games for violation of the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. He claimed that a supplement he was taking had been spiked with a steroid, and he made some noise at the time about suing the supplemental manufacturer. But, to date, it hasn't happened.

Much of the "real" media believed Merriman, culminating in the questionable (in our opinion) decision of the NFL to disclose during draft weekend 2007 numbers that Merriman had passed 19 of 20 drug tests imposed by the NFL.

Look, we're not saying that Merriman intentionally or knowingly took steroids. But there's a difference this year in his play, and there's clearly a difference in his appearance.

POSTED 10:45 a.m. EST; UPDATED 10:57 a.m. EST, November 19, 2007

ANSWER ON L.J. INJURY COMING TODAY?

Jay Glazer of FOX reported on Sunday that an MRI on Monday will likely reveal whether Chiefs running back Larry Johnson needs season-ending surgery to repair a crack in his foot.

Glazer says that the swelling in the foot previously prevented a complete diagnosis. And the fact that the foot was still too swollen for an MRI nearly two weeks after the injury doesn't bode well for Johnson, in our view.

Even without surgery, the feeling in the building is that Johnson won't play again in 2007, even though Johnson recently has insisted that he'll be back.

MONDAY MORNING ONE-PER-CLUB ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Patriots LB Adalius Thomas had just one sack in his first nine games, but he had 2.5 sacks in the first half Sunday night.

The Bills have now lost nine in a row to the Patriots.

Titans running backs coach Sherman Smith says he expects his players to pick up two extra yards after they get hit.

Of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan's long tenure, owner Pat Bowlen says, "I've always been much more comfortable working with somebody I know, someone I've been working with for a while."

Jets RB Thomas Jones became the first player in more than two years to rush for 100 yards against the Steelers.

After scoring a touchdown on a punt return Sunday, Dolphins WR Ted Ginn said, "I was looking back for a flag. That's something I'm accustomed to."

Said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin after his team fell to 2-3 on the road, "We win together, and we stink it up together."

Browns RB Jamal Lewis said of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he got against his old team, "It was stupid. I shouldn't have done it. I was caught up in the moment and I was on their sidelines. It was the perfect spot, the perfect opportunity."

Ravens K Matt Stover says he's not to blame for the long kickoff returns by Cleveland's Joshua Cribbs: "I kept kicking the ball near the end zone, at the end in the deep right corner. We just have to cover better."

Says Bengals QB Carson Palmer, "I feel like I let our team down, our coaches, our organization, our fans."

Colts K Adam Vinatieri made the winning field goal against the Chiefs but then kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, giving Kansas City one last chance.

Jaguars QB David Garrard returned from an ankle injury and said, "I felt great. I thought the ankle held up well."

The Texans had a big game defensively despite playing without CB Dunta Robinson.

Said Chiefs coach Herm Edwards of Colts QB Peyton Manning's fourth-and-one quarterback sneak, "It was inches to go and they've got a big quarterback, a strong quarterback."

Chargers LB Shaun Phillips has a surprising attitude for a player on a team that was 14-2 last year: "If we're 8-8 and that gets us to the playoffs, we're good to go."

Raiders DT Warren Sapp said of his team's penalties, "We do it all the time, all game long. Until we fix that and get out of our damn way, we'll never win."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones loves what he sees in LB DeMarcus Ware.

Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka is likely out for the season with a broken leg.

Redskins RT Todd Wade will undergo an MRI today on his injured left knee.

Eagles S Quintin Mikell suffered a sprained MCL Sunday.

The Packers can all but clinch the NFC North if they beat the Lions on Thanksgiving.

No matter what the scoreboard says, Detroit QB Jon Kitna says the Lions are a better team than the Giants.

Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner says of RB Cedric Benson, "We need to get him more carries."

Vikings RB Chester Taylor demonstrated Sunday that he's an ideal backup when Adrian Peterson is hurt.

Buccaneers DE Greg White said after turning in his best game of the season, "You know what upsets me? You know I forgot to TiVo Sunday's game."

Before Sunday's game, Falcons coach Bobby Petrino was adamant that Byron Leftwich was the team's quarterback; afterward he wasn't so sure.

Panthers WR Drew Carter filled in nicely for the injured Steve Smith.

After dropping two passes Sunday, Saints TE Eric Johnson said, "I don't know what it was. It was unacceptable."

Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett had nine catches for 136 yards Sunday but says he still isn't completely back in game shape after missing time with an ankle injury.

Cardinals S Adrian Wilson said of the three-interception performance turned in by CB Antrel Rolle, "It was probably one of the best games I've ever seen."

Said Rams coach Scott Linehan Sunday, "There are no style points in winning and losing. There's just a lot of happiness all around when it comes to winning."

TE Vernon Davis says he disagreed with coach Mike Nolan's decision to kick a late field goal: "I don't think we should have gone for the field goal. I think we should have thrown the ball. You just never know what happens. Take a chance. Maybe we score."

POSTED 10:34 a.m. EST, November 19, 2007

HESTER WHO?

At a time when everyone assumes that the pre-eminent return man in the NFL today is Devin Hester of the Bears, it's now clear that he's got some competition.

Joining Hester at the top of the league are, in our view, Browns return man Josh Cribbs and Jets specialist Leon Washington.

Cribbs churned out 245 yards on kickoff returns for the Browns on Sunday, giving him 1,475 through ten games. It puts him on pace for 2,360 kick-return yards, which would smash the current single-season record of 2,186 from former Cardinals returner MarTay Jenkins in 2000.

On Sunday, Cribbs' carried what seemed to be the entire Ravens roster for ten extra yards on a return at the end of regulation, which helped put kicker Phil Dawson in position to tie the game with a pinball-machine field goal try. Then, Cribbs ripped off another nice return to start the overtime period, giving the Browns a relatively short march toward the game-winning kick.

Averaging even more per kickoff return is Leon Washington of the Jets, who has had less opportunities because his team's defense gives up less points. But it was Washington's 33-yard punt return in overtime that put the Jets at the Steelers' 26, setting up the field goal that pulled the team to 2-8.

Last week against the Steelers, Cribbs returned one kickoff for a touchdown and set up another seven-pointer with a return that finished inside the Steelers' 10.

POSTED 10:13 a.m. EST, November 19, 2007

VINATIERI HINTS THAT HE'S HURT?

A reader tells us, and we've separately confirmed, that Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri conceded to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio after Sunday's win over the Chiefs that "no one in this locker room is 100 percent." The report initially appeared on ESPNNews after the game.

The statement could be interpreted as a failure by Vinatieri to deny that he's hurt, and thus an implicit admission that he really is.

It remains to be seen whether anything comes of this. But, if Steve Tasker of CBS is to believed, Vinatieri at least should show up on the injury report as probable, or as participating in practice despite an injury.

POSTED 8:29 a.m. EST, November 19, 2007

CATO JUNE ARRESTED

Tampa Bay linebacker Cato June has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

June, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Sunday with a win at Atlanta, apparently celebrated a little too much after the game.

He was busted at 2:52 a.m. on Monday, and was held on a $500 bond. He reportedly refused to take a Breathalyzer test.

June was a key cog in the Colts' defense last season. As the weakside linebacker in a base Cover 2 defense, June was in position to make a lot of tackles.

But the Colts didn't re-sign June, and he has performed well for the Bucs.

POSTED 8:23 a.m. EST, November 19, 2007

DUNGY DENIES THAT VINATIERI IS HURT

Throughout the broadcast of Sunday's Chiefs-Colts game, CBS analyst Steve Tasker commented that Indy kicker Adam Vinatieri has been hiding an injury to his plant leg. Tasker said he talked to Vinatieri about the situation, that Vinatieri said he would not use the injury as an excuse for errant kicks, and that Tasker actually saw that Vinatieri's plant leg was wrapped.

But Colts coach Tony Dungy says that Vinatieri isn't injured.

“Adam is fine," Dungy said. "I got that question . . . something was said on the broadcast, but no, he is fine."

More than "something" was said on the broadcast, Coach. Tasker was clear, detailed, and persistent.

But given Dungy's carefully-cultivated image of being a guy who would never tell a lie, everyone will assume that Dungy is telling the truth -- and that Tasker must have been abducted by aliens with Dennis Kucinich.

It's a crock, in our view. As we see it, either Dungy is lying (and thus really hasn't succeeded Mother Teresa as the most pious person on the planet) or Dungy is being lied to by others in the organization.

The latter hypothesis has been floated to us by multiple league insiders of late. Specifically, some folks wonder whether Dungy is kept in the dark about things like injury reporting shenanigans and enhanced sound in the RCA Dome (if that's happening) and anything else that might not comply with the letter and/or spirit of the rule book.

Regarding the injury reports, Vinatieri isn't the only player as to whom the Colts might have been taking some liberties. Recently, linebacker Freddy Keiaho's concussion eventually became a head injury and, finally, it was an ear injury.

As one league source said, "Has anyone ever missed a game with an ear injury? Is it an earache? A wax problem? Or is that just the body part hit first on the way to a concussion?"

And a reader made this observation regarding receiver Marvin Harrison's ongoing absence due to a supposedly bruised knee: "I had a bruised knee once when I was seven and didn't miss a single turn on the monkey bars. You mean to tell me that a professional athlete with no history of being soft has missed almost two months because of a knee bruise, no way. Also, he was questionable in Week Six and is still out in Week Eleven. I am just surprised no one else is questioning the truth of a knee bruise on a world class athlete that has sidelined him longer than a number of 'real' injuries would."

Finally, we've heard from some folks who were in the RCA Dome on Sunday for the Chiefs-Colts game, and who were present when the Chiefs played the Colts in the 2006 playoffs. We're told that, on Sunday, it was much quieter. And this will prompt further speculation that the Colts used to enhance crowd noise, but have stopped doing so after the controversy that erupted in the wake of their last home game against the Patriots.

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