POSTED 8:42 p.m. EST, November 30, 2007

FAVRE WILL PLAY

Packers coach Mike McCarthy declared on Friday that quarterback Brett Favre will play next Sunday against the Raiders, preserving his record streak of consecutive starts by a quarterback.

"We see him playing against Oakland," McCarthy said. "To quote the medical staff:  'His streak is not in danger.'"

Favre injured his throwing elbow and separated his non-throwing shoulder during Thursday night's 37-27 loss to the Cowboys.

POSTED 5:21 p.m. EST, November 30, 2007

CROYLE OUT, HUARD IN  by Michael David Smith

Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle will  miss Sunday's game against the Chargers with a bruised back, coach Herm Edwards announced today.

Croyle will be replaced in the starting lineup by Damon Huard, who started the first nine games of the season before being benched in favor of Croyle.

Croyle was hit in the lower back during the first quarter of last week's game against the Raiders. He was able to continue playing, but he has been unable to practice this week.

Huard has completed 62.2 percent of his passes this season, with eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Croyle has completed 59.8 percent of his passes, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

POSTED 3:12 p.m. EST, November 30, 2007

FITZGERALD A GAME-TIME DECISION  by Michael David Smith

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has been limited in practice this week with a sore groin, and the injury may keep him out of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said today that Fitzgerald will be a game-time decision, the Cardinals' official web site reported.

Fitzgerald has an NFC-leading 75 catches, for 1,060 yards and six touchdowns this season. He said earlier this week that he expected to play Sunday despite the groin injury.

POSTED 1:41 p.m. EST, November 30, 2007

POLICE DETAIN THREE PEOPLE IN TAYLOR CASE  by Michael David Smith

Police have detained three people in the Fort Myers area for questioning in the death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor, the Associated Press is reporting.

"It looks like the police are pursuing extremely good leads," Richard Sharpstein, a friend and attorney for Taylor, told the AP. "It appears that the burglary was exactly as I've always stated, not random, that Sean's house was targeted."

The Miami Herald reports that police have in custody three male suspects, ages 17, 19 and 26, all from the Fort Myers area.

Per the Herald, the men learned of Taylor's house through someone they heard bragging about his wealth.

POSTED 1:11 p.m. EST, November 30, 2007

LITTLE SUPPORT FOR TURLEY IN BEARS' LOCKER ROOM  by Michael David Smith

This week Chiefs tackle Kyle Turley announced that he plans to donate his Week 16 paycheck to the Gridiron Greats program, which helps retired NFL players who have health or financial problems.

Turley said he hopes his fellow NFL players will join him, but based on David Haugh's report in today's Chicago Tribune, it doesn't sound like Turley will get much support in the Windy City.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer, the Bears' representative to the NFL Players Association, told Haugh, "I'm very sympathetic to the people who are hurt, but to the people who want a handout, shame on them."

Hillenmeyer said he appreciated Turley's efforts, and then added, "But I think it's important for players to remember it's a choice and not an obligation."

Haugh did not find any Bears willing to commit to following Turley's lead.

NFL Players Association Executive Director Gene Upshaw has said that he works for the active players, not the former players. If the players Haugh sought out in the Bears' locker room are a representative sample of the active players, then Upshaw is accurately reflecting the way active players feel about support for retired players.

POSTED 12:17 p.m. EST, November 30, 2007

ALEX SMITH OUT FOR SEASON? by Michael David Smith

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith is increasingly looking like he won't be back on the field this season.

Daniel Brown of the Mercury News reports that rest hasn't healed Smith's separated right shoulder, and that doctors will evaluate the shoulder early next week, possibly recommending surgery to reattach ligaments near his collarbone. That surgery would require recovery time of 10 to 12 weeks.

"Obviously, you want to avoid [surgery], but if it had to be done, it's not a huge, huge operation," Smith said, per Brown.

Smith was hurt on September 30 when Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard sacked him. He returned but played badly four weeks later, and there has been talk ever since that he came back too soon. Smith now says he can't throw a football and feels pain every time he lifts his arm.

The 23-year-old Smith was the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. He has started 30 games for the 49ers, completing 54.4 percent of his passes, with 19 touchdowns and 31 interceptions.

POSTED 10:30 a.m. EST, November 30, 2007

VICK CO-DEFENDANTS SENTENCED by Michael David Smith

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson today sentenced two co-defendants of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick to 18 months and 21 months in federal prison.

Purnell Peace got 18 months and Quanis Phillips got 21 months. Hudson gave Phillips a longer sentence because this is not his first criminal conviction.

"There's simply no doubt what you did to these dogs was a tragedy," Hudson told Peace, per the Virginian-Pilot.

Peace and Phillips both pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges related to the dog fighting ring they operated with Vick. Hudson will sentence Vick, who pleaded guilty shortly after his co-defendants did, on December 10.

The Virginian-Pilot quotes Norfolk-based defense attorney Andrew Protogyrou as saying the sentences for Vick's co-defendants may indicate that Vick will get more prison time than has been generally expected.

"You can always use the co-defendants as a yardstick, but keep in mind that the guys who come later usually have the higher sentences," Protogyrou said.

Legal analyst Roger Cossack offered a similar opinion this morning on ESPN First Take.

POSTED 9:05 a.m. EST; UPDATED 9:51 a.m. EST, November 30, 2007

PACKERS EXPECT FAVRE TO BE FINE by Michael David Smith

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy says he does not believe the elbow and shoulder injuries that knocked him out of Thursday night's game in Dallas to keep him out of next Sunday's game against the Raiders.

"I think there's a great chance he will be ready against Oakland," McCarthy said, per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Favre also told NFL Network, "I think I'll be OK."

Favre said the right elbow injury is similar to one he suffered in 2006, and that since he didn't have to miss a game last season, he doesn't expect to have to miss a game this season. Favre added that his separated left shoulder would not hinder him

POSTED 7:59 a.m. EST, November 30, 2007

TEXANS' PITTS ARRESTED by Michael David Smith

Houston Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts was arrested on charges of felony evading Thursday evening after leading police on a brief chase through southwest Houston, Lindsay Wise of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Per the report, officers had set up a traffic sting in a neighborhood where residents complained that drivers were making illegal turns. At about 5 p.m., an officer saw Pitts make an illegal turn, flagged him over, and told him why he was being stopped.

"The officer then walks off for a few minutes to finish issuing a citation to another vehicle and observes Pitts leave," said Johanna Abad, spokeswoman for the Houston Police Department, per Wise.

The report said the officer and a supervisor jumped into their patrol cars to pursue Pitts with their emergency lights and sirens blaring, and that Pitts stopped after less than a mile. The officers then contacted the Harris County district attorney's office, which accepted felony evading charges against Pitts.

Pitts was taken to the city jail  in downtown Houston, where he remained late Thursday, Wise reports.
 

POSTED 12:09 a.m. EST, November 30, 2007

FAVRE HAS ELBOW, SHOULDER INJURIES

When Packers quarterback Brett Favre banged up his right elbow on Thursday night, he also separated his left shoulder.

It's the first separated shoulder for Favre in 15 years, and one or both injuries could possibly derail his streak of consecutive starts that dates back to 1992.

The Packers play next on December 9 against the Raiders.

POSTED 10:51 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

CRAZINESS IN BIG D

Man, it's getting interesting in Dallas.

Leading 27-24, the Cowboys were poised to take a 10-point lead with receiver Terrell Owens catching an east score in the end zone.

But he bobbled it and popped it into the air and it was picked off by Packers cornerback Al Harris.

So the Packers have the ball on their own 20 early in the fourth quarter.

Aaron Rodgers, by the way, looks damn good in relief of Brett Favre.

POSTED 10:13 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

X-RAYS FOR FAVRE

Packers quarterback Brett Favre had gotten x-rays on his injured throwing arm.

Favre was hurt in the first half of Thursday night's game, and has not returned.

The Cowboys lead, 27-17, early in the third quarter.

POSTED 9:33 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

FAVRE OUT

Packers quarterback Brett Favre has been knocked out of Thursday nights duel in Dallas with an injury to his right forearm.  His return is questionable.

Aaron Rodgers is in the game in Favre's place.  The Packers trail by the score of 27-10 with more than 9:30 to play in the second quarter.

Favre was injured when he was hit after a blitz.

POSTED 9:15 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

SHOOTOUT BREWING IN BIG D

After a field goal contest to get the game started, the Packers and Cowboys have racked up three touchdowns on three straight drives, pushing the score to 20-10 with plenty of time to play in the second quarter.

Dallas receiver Terrell Owens is already over the 100-yard mark, and Packers running back Ryan Grant ripped off a long touchdown run.

There's still 13:20 to go until halftime.

POSTED 8:54 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

COWBOYS LEAD EARLY

The Dallas Cowboys are up 6-3 on the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter of the Thursday night game between these two 10-1 teams.

The game is being aired exclusively on NFL Network.  But NFL.com has live look-ins via the NFL.com/Live companion broadcast, presented by our friends at Sprint.

Both teams are wearing "21" decals on their helmets, in honor of the memory of Sean Taylor.

POSTED 7:14 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

WOODSON, KGB OUT VS. COWBOYS by Michael David Smith

The Packers will have to take on Tony Romo and Terrell Owens without two of their top defensive players.

Cornerback Charles Woodson and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila will miss tonight's Packers-Cowboys showdown. Both were considered game-time decisions, and both were declared out following pregame warmups.

The Packer who will now face the greatest burden is cornerback Al Harris, who needs to have a big game against Owens if the Packers are going to have any chance of shutting down the Cowboys' passing attack.

Woodson suffered a toe injury when he returned a punt 34 yards in the Packers' Thanksgiving game against the Lions. Gbaja-Biamila suffered an ankle injury when he sacked Lions quarterback Jon Kitna and Lions tackle Blaine Saipaia fell on him.

POSTED 6:45 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

WAS RICKY HURT ON A CHEAP SHOT? by Michael David Smith

Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' comeback ended after just six carries Monday night, when he was knocked on the ground, face down, and Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons stepped on his shoulder, tearing his pectoral muscle:

Now some people are asking: Did Timmons do it intentionally?

David J. Neal of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins reviewed the tape of Timmons stepping on Williams and decided against any type of formal complaint to the league office because they believe Timmons' step was "just an unfortunate accident."

But Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated isn't buying that explanation. "An absolutely filthy play" is how Zimmerman described it. Zimmerman writes that he re-watched the tape and saw "Timmons deliberately veering off and coming down hard with his left foot to pin Williams to the ground and keep him from recovering the fumble."

Complicating matters is that the footing at Heinz Field was so bad Monday night that it would be easy for a player to step somewhere he didn't mean to step -- or easy for a player to step on another player intentionally and blame the poor footing.

POSTED 3:58 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

BULGER OUT WITH CONCUSSION by Michael David Smith

Rams coach Scott Linehan said this week that quarterback Marc Bulger, who suffered a concussion on Sunday, will only play this weekend if he passes a neurological exam.

Today the Rams announced on their web site that Bulger will be held out.

“They didn’t clear him," Linehan said.

When asked if Bulger is feeling post-concussion symptoms, Linehan said, “He is, but nothing too dramatic, but enough to where it’s not wise to consider playing him. ... They said he was still experiencing some general symptoms.”

The Rams appear to be, correctly, exercising caution in this case and allowing the medical staff to make the call. The team said Bulger would face another round of neurological tests next week, which will determine whether he plays on December 9 at Cincinnati.

It's hard not to wonder, though, whether the Rams would be this cautious if they were fighting for a playoff spot. It's entirely possible that Bulger himself wouldn't want the team to exercise such caution if he thought he had a chance to lead the team to the playoffs.

When asked if Bulger wants to play, Linehan said, “I’m sure he does.” 

With Bulger out, Gus Frerotte will make his third start of the season.

POSTED 12:37 p.m. EST, November 29, 2007

PATRIOTS BREAKING BOUNTY RULES? by Michael David Smith

We noted earlier this week that the NFL has decided not to take any action against the Green Bay Packers after some defensive backs offered cash rewards to the defensive line for shutting down opposing running backs.

The NFL did, however, remind the Packers that such rewards are against the NFL's rules, which prohibit any form of "bounties." To repeat, the rule in question states:  "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."

Now Jarrett Bell of USA Today is reporting that the Patriots are violating the same rule.

According to Bell, the Patriots have a system in place -- instituted by the players, not the coaches -- in which players can be fined for infractions ranging from tardiness to missing assignments.

The money is then put into a pot, and the cash goes to a player who makes a big play in the following game. For defensive players, it's usually the first player to force a turnover.

That was cornerback Asante Samuel in Sunday's game against the Eagles, and defensive end Richard Seymour told Bell, "Asante got a nice little stash."

As Bell notes, that's a violation of league rules. Given the precedent set with the Packers, the Patriots most likely won't face any sort of league discipline, but they will be told to knock it off. 
 

POSTED 9:54 a.m. EST; UPDATED 10:40 a.m. EST, November 29, 2007

SAVAGE HINTS AT HIGH TENDER FOR ANDERSON by Michael David Smith

Browns General Manager Phil Savage says he's leaning toward giving quarterback Derek Anderson the high contract tender of $2.562 million after the season, meaning that a team that wants to acquire Anderson would either have to work out a trade with the Browns or give the Browns first- and third-round draft choices.

"I think we'd be most comfortable with that 1-and-3 scenario rather than doing something less than that," Savage said, per Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Then you have to have a suitor. You've got to have somebody out there that's wanting not only to give up picks but to pay a lot of money. And sometimes that can be a double-dip."

Anderson's contract expires after the season, making him a restricted free agent in 2008. The Browns have found themselves in the surprising situation of having Anderson playing well enough that Cleveland is in the playoff hunt and first-round rookie Brady Quinn is stuck on the bench.

Grossi writes that as Savage plans to negotiate either a new contract for Anderson or a trade, he "holds all the cards in the poker game." But the truth is, Savage isn't in a great situation here.

If Savage trades Anderson or declines to match another team's offer sheet to Anderson, he'd better be completely certain that Quinn is going to be a better quarterback than Anderson. If Anderson goes somewhere else and continues to play well, while Quinn turns out to be a disappointment in Cleveland, Savage will forever be known as the general manager who both failed to recognize the talented quarterback on his roster and saddled his team with a young quarterback who wasn't ready.

On the other hand, if Savage changes course and makes a long-term commitment to Anderson, it will raise the question of why in the world the Browns traded their 2008 first-round pick to get into position to draft Quinn.

The most likely scenario seems to be Anderson signing a one-year offer and playing 2008 for the Browns. That will allow Savage to delay his decision for another year.

Packers CB Al Harris will handle the bulk of the coverage on Cowboys WR Terrell Owens tonight.

Giants WR Plaxico Burress now has a sore knee to go along with his injured ankle.

Eagles coach Andy Reid says there are no moral victories in the NFL.

The Lions have signed Mr. Irrelevant from the practice squad to the active roster.

Bears RB Adrian Peterson says of becoming the starter, "I'm going to go out there and contribute, and get us wins."

Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson says, "[M]y TV always stays on NFL Network and ESPN.  I just try to stay away from those channels because a lot of bad things are being said about me."

Bucs DE Greg Spires says he's close to returning from a calf injury.

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme says "I feel great" as he rehabs his elbow injury to get ready for 2008.

The Saints are finally back at full strength on the defensive line.

The Falcons and LB Michael Boley are talking about a contract extension.

Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander is getting healthier, but he may have a reduced role in the offense even when he's back to 100 percent.

Cardinals QB Matt Leinart is out for the season with a broken left collarbone, but he was throwing passes with his right arm Wednesday.

Head coach Mike Nolan is pleased with the progress of the offense now that new assistant Ted Tollner has joined the staff.

The Rams will retire the No. 28 jersey of former RB Marshall Faulk.

The Patriots may use Troy Brown on offense, defense and special teams.

The Bills had 11 players miss practice Wednesday.

Miami is running out of healthy running backs.

Asked where he'll be in 2008, Jets QB Chad Pennington said, "I see myself as a starter and I see myself as helping a football team win."

The majority of Steelers players seem to prefer grass instead of Field Turf.

Ravens CB Chris McAlister said Wednesday, "I'm going to push through harder this week than I have in the past just to give me the opportunity to get out there."

Whether or not Browns RB Jamal Lewis will stay in Cleveland in 2008 is up in the air.

The Bengals did not activate RB Chris Perry from the physically unable to perform list, meaning his season is over.

According to Stats LLC, the Colts' receivers have dropped 10.4 percent of Peyton Manning's catchable passes this year.

Says Jaguars DT John Henderson, "I'm not playing good at all."

The Titans are struggling on third-and-1.

Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman is juggling two jobs.

The Chargers have benched RT Shane Olivea.

Says Broncos TE Tony Scheffler of his acrobatic touchdown catch Sunday, "A lot of people can say it was luck, but I got my hand on it, saw it all the way down and was able to get it between my legs and squeeze them."

Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle is in obvious pain but won't discuss the nature of his injury.

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin is named as a potential coach at a couple of colleges.
 

POSTED 8:45 a.m. EST, November 29, 2007

GRUDEN LEANING TOWARD MCCOWN by Michael David Smith

Luke McCown appears to have moved ahead of Bruce Gradkowski on the Buccaneers' quarterback depth chart, meaning McCown will start Sunday in New Orleans if Jeff Garcia's back injury doesn't get better.

Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune reports that although Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden would say only, "We might not want everybody to know what we're doing," McCown got the bulk of the work with the first team offense at Wednesday's practice.

McCown started four games for the Cleveland Browns in 2004 but has thrown only four regular-season passes since then. Gradkowski started 11 games as a rookie last season in Tampa Bay, and Gruden was said to like his potential. But Gradkowski completed just nine of 19 passes for 106 yards when he took Garcia's place Sunday against the Redskins.

As for Garcia, he doesn't sound like a man who will be ready to play Sunday.

"Right now, I'm not ready to test my back in that sort of way," Garcia said, per Cummings. "I don't think that would be a smart move on my behalf. To go out there and try to run around would create a negative effect instead of a positive one."

POSTED 6:00 a.m. EST; UPDATED 6:20 a.m. EST, November 29, 2007

FRICTION BETWEEN PANTHERS DEFENSE, OFFENSE?

A league source tells us that members of the Carolina Panthers defense were telling members of the New Orleans offense during Sunday's game between the two teams that "[o]ur offense sucks."

News flash -- their defense ain't much better, given that they gave up 31 points.

But even seven points would have been too many when compared to the six that Carolina managed to score against a so-so Saints defense.

The development is the latest piece of evidence to support the growing belief that coach John Fox will get dumped after the season ends, if not sooner.  Here's what the PFTV guys had to say about the situaiton.

NFL.COM GOES "LIVE" AGAIN

As Thursday night's broadcast of the clash of the 10-1 NFC teams approaches, there's still plenty of consternation regarding the fact that the game won't be widely available to cable-only consumers in Wisconsin, Texas, and points elsewhere.

And, setting aside for now the fact that we're not a neutral observer in this matter because of our sponsorship relationship with NFLN, the danger that the league and the cable companies face is that, if they can't solve this dispute on their own, someone else will solve it for them in a manner that pisses both of them off.

Make no mistake about it -- the aftermath of the fact that two huge games will be available only on NFLN and, thus, only in a limited number of homes very well could be that one of the various Congressional committees or subcommittees will hold a hearing, during which the message sent to the parties involved will be that this is their last chance to fix the situation and that, if they don't, it will be fixed for them.

Meanwhile, NFL.com will have a supplemental broadcast of the Packers-Cowboys game on Thursday night, complete with live look-ins, in-game highlights, live in-studio analysis, and other stuff.

On Thanksgiving, NFL.com did the same thing with the Colts-Falcons game, and the live stream was the clearest and crispest we've ever seen. 

So if you don't get NFLN and if you aren't interested in hanging out at the sports bar tonight, you'll at least be able to stay up to date in real time, if you have a computer and an Internet connection.

And we assume that you do, or you wouldn't be reading this.

POSTED 8:54 p.m. EST, November 28, 2007

ANTREL ROLLE SAYS TAYLOR WAS KILLED BY FORMER FRIEND by Michael David Smith

We noted yesterday that there is talk in league circles that Redskins safety Sean Taylor was murdered by a former friend.

Today Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle, who has known Taylor since they were small children and who played with Taylor at the University of Miami, said that is his belief.

"This was not the first incident," Rolle said, per the Associated Press. "They've been targeting him for three years now."

"They say it was a burglary. It absolutely was not a burglary," Rolle continued. "Down South, where we're from, there were many people talking to Sean, a lot of jealousy, a lot of angry people.

"Sean, he had a large group of friends, and he no longer hung out with those friends, so you never know where this came from."

Rolle's suspicion seems to contradict what Miami police spokesman Robert Parker said today. Parker said police believe Taylor's killing was "more like a random event," adding, "We have no reason to think this was anything other than a burglary or a robbery involving an intruder."
 

POSTED 5:39 p.m. EST, November 28, 2007

TURLEY DONATES CHECK, BUT WHAT ABOUT NFLPA? by Michael David Smith

Chiefs tackle Kyle Turley is being lauded, rightly, for agreeing to donate $25,000 (approximately one game check, after taxes) to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which provides assistance to retired NFL players who have had health or financial problems since leaving the game.

Turley is also asking other NFL players to donate all or part of their Week 16 paychecks to the cause.

But Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame tight end, former head coach and current ESPN analyst, says what is really needed is for the NFL Players Association to step up.

“What Kyle is doing is amazing,” said Ditka, per Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star. “I want to make it clear that this is absolutely not the responsibility of the active players and this in no way excuses the NFLPA from cleaning up the broken disability and benefits system.”

Ultimately, if the current players want to help retired players, the best way to do so is through electing union representatives who make helping retired players a priority. Donating money to the Gridiron Greats is a generous gesture, but a long-term solution needs to come through an agreement between the players' union and the owners.  

POSTED 3:15 p.m. EST, November 28, 2007

LIONS COACH CALLS DETROIT NEWS REPORT "A LIE" by Michael David Smith

A day after the Lions' Thanksgiving loss to the Packers, Rob Parker of the Detroit News reported that the Lions made rookie wide receiver Calvin Johnson a prominent part of their offensive game plan because owner William Clay Ford Sr. demanded it.

"It should come as no surprise that the Lions finally decided to throw the ball to Calvin Johnson," Parker wrote, citing an unnamed source. "The directive to do so came from the top."

But the Detroit Free Press reports that Lions coach Rod Marinelli vehemently denies that report.

"It's a lie," Marinelli said, per the Free Press. "It's a lie. There's only two other people who talk to Mr. Ford, Matt [Millen] and myself. Lie. Lie."

There have long been reports that Ford leans on his coaches to play highly paid rookies, dating at least to the early 1990s, when he was said to lean on coach Wayne Fontes to play quarterback Andre Ware, the team's 1990 first-round draft pick. But no Lions coach ever has -- and no NFL head coach ever would -- admitted to actually basing his coaching decisions on directives from the owner's box.

POSTED 2:41 p.m. EST, November 28, 2007

ADRIAN WILSON DONE FOR SEASON by Michael David Smith

For the second time this week, the Arizona Cardinals have lost a starter in their secondary to a season-ending injury.

On Monday the Cardinals placed cornerback Eric Green on injured reserve with a torn groin muscle, and today they will place strong safety Adrian Wilson on injured reserve with an Achilles injury, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic is reporting.

Wilson, who was chosen to his first Pro Bowl last year, has missed the Cardinals' last two games because of heel pain. He got a second opinion from Dr. John Uribe in Miami this week, and Uribe recommended surgery.

Oliver Celestin has started the last two games in Wilson's place.

POSTED 1:44 p.m. EST, November 28, 2007

TRAVIS HENRY DECISION COMING by Michael David Smith

Broncos running back Travis Henry is currently awaiting word on whether or not he will be suspended for a year for his latest violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

And although there have been media reports that the NFL will not rule on Henry's appeal until next week at the earliest, Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that those reports are incorrect, and Henry is likely to learn of his fate within the next 24 hours.

Henry has reportedly tested positive for marijuana, and since Henry has already served a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, another positive test would result in a yearlong suspension.

Henry has stated that he has not smoked marijuana, and he has provided a hair sample and undergone a polygraph test that both Henry and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan say demonstrate that he's telling the truth. Henry has also attempted to challenge the NFL in court.

But the NFL's rules are clear that urine tests are used to determine violations of the substance-abuse policy, and it seems hard to believe that he could be successful in his appeal.

POSTED 10:33 a.m. EST, November 28, 2007

RACKERS SHOVED NFL FILMS CAMERAMAN by Michael David Smith

Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers had a rough day on the field Sunday, missing a 32-yard field goal in overtime of a game the Cardinals ultimately lost.

And an NFL Films cameraman had a rough day, too, as Rackers shoved his helmet into the man's camera after the game, the Arizona Republic reports. The camera then struck the man in the head, although he did not suffer a serious injury.

Rackers issued a statement apologizing.

"I was obviously very frustrated after the game but that's no excuse for acting like I did," Rackers said. "I've reached out to the gentleman involved to apologize personally and I also want to apologize to the Cardinals organization and fans.

"It was wrong and I'm sorry."

The Cardinals also issued a statement, saying, "Several members of the organization have spoken to the photographer to apologize and let him know that the appropriate measures are being taken."

POSTED 8:48 a.m. EST; UPDATED 10:04 a.m. EST, November 28, 2007

GARCIA CAN'T THROW by Michael David Smith

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia says his back pain is serious enough that he can't throw a football, meaning he is in danger of missing the Buccaneers' game at New Orleans Sunday.

"I'm feeling a little better today; I'm taking some better steps today than yesterday, but I'm not at a point now where I can even throw the ball yet," Garcia said on a Tampa radio show, per Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.

Not being able to throw the ball would seem to be a pretty big problem for a quarterback, but Garcia did add, "I hope to be out there" on Sunday.

Garcia was drilled in the back on the first play of the Bucs' game Sunday against the Redskins. He left for most of the game and was ineffective when he returned briefly late in the game.

If Garcia can't go, either Bruce Gradkowski or Luke McCown will start in his place. Gradkowski replaced Garcia and struggled Sunday, and coach Jon Gruden has indicated he might move McCown ahead of Gradkowski on the depth chart.

The Buccaneers are 7-4 and two games ahead of the Saints in the NFC South. A win at New Orleans would all but clinch the division, giving them a three-game lead and the tiebreaker advantage with four games to go.

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

Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams considered Sean Taylor the greatest athlete he coached.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick says he expects a close game against the Ravens; gamblers disagree.

Injuries to Marshawn Lynch and Anthony Thomas will likely force the Bills to start a running back who was living in his mother-in-law's basement not long ago.

Rookie CB Darrelle Revis is one of the Jets' few bright spots this season.

Dolphins rookie RB Lorenzo Booker doesn't know why he's not getting playing time.

The Steelers are dealing with several injuries, but coach Mike Tomlin declared the team "relatively healthy."

Says Browns RB Jamal Lewis, "I love my fullback."

Ravens LT Jonathan Ogden reportedly doesn't like the coaches' play-calling.

The Bengals have lost their leading special teams tackler for the season.

The Colts are throwing more passes to tight ends to make up for the absence of WR Marvin Harrison.

A judge found that Jaguars OT Khalif Barnes did not violate his probation, but the judge told him, "You are not an ordinary citizen. You need to be on your best behavior."

The Titans have been outscored 28-0 in the first quarters of their three-game losing streak.

Says Texans coach Gary Kubiak of QB Matt Schaub, "I think Matt's getting better every week."

Injured Broncos DE Jarvis Moss says he plans to have a big 2008 season.

The Chargers are getting ready to play against the guy who led them in tackles the last five years.

The Chiefs are facing some criticism from fans of Missouri and Kansas who don't think Arrowhead Stadium was properly staffed Saturday.

The Raiders aren't accustomed to winning with an effective running game, as they did Sunday in Kansas City.

Cowboys receivers coach Ray Sherman gave WR Terrell Owens a lecture about avoiding taunting penalties.

Giants QB Eli Manning has problems with passes getting tipped at the line of scrimmage.

Eagles QB A.J. Feeley's teammates are impressed with how he played Sunday.

Packers QB Brett Favre gets so much respect from his opponents that Cowboys coach Wade Phillips jokingly told his players not to ask for Favre's autograph.

A three-game losing streak hasn't changed the fact that the Lions control their own destiny.

The Bears are putting more skill-position players on their kickoff return unit in anticipation of opposing teams kicking short to avoid Devin Hester.

Vikings DT Fred Evans will serve a two-game suspension for violations of the league's personal-conduct policy.

LB Jeremiah Trotter has had so little playing time that you could easily forget he even plays for the Buccaneers.

The Saints have scored touchdowns on a league-best 74.3 percent of their possessions in the red zone.

The Panthers are playing so badly, they're drawing comparisons to the 2001 team that went 1-15.

Falcons G D'Anthony Batiste, who had never played in an NFL game before, found out he was a starter an hour before the Falcons' Thursday game against the Colts.

The Seahawks' defense has only three sacks total in the team's four losses.

Cardinals CB Eric Green is out for the season with a groin injury.

Former 49ers offensive lineman Randy Cross, now a TV analyst, says his old team has talent on defense but that the offense is so bad, the defense can't hold on.

Rams offensive coordinator Greg Olson calls the team's performance in the red zone, "a great source of disappointment and frustration."

POSTED 7:36 a.m. EST, November 28, 2007

STEELERS EXPLAIN SKIPPING ANTHEM by Michael David Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers have apologized for not playing the national anthem before Monday night's lightning-delayed game against the Miami Dolphins.

Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil was at Heinz Field but never got the chance to sing.

Karen Price of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Steelers and the NFL jointly made the decision to forgo the anthem when they delayed the game by 25 minutes because of the storms in Pittsburgh.

"Our guys were going to send the singer out to sing immediately after they were sending the teams back on [the field]," said Steelers president Art Rooney II. "I said, 'Well, wait, because there's nobody in the stands. There's no sense in singing it when everybody's standing in the concourse.' So they waited, and the league and the network said, 'Well, now we don't have a window.' "

Some people were offended by skipping "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"It's a shame, if they had to make cuts, that that would be it," American Legion national spokeswoman Ramona Joyce said, per Price. "That's the one thing everyone seems to do in unison at a game."

POSTED 6:03 a.m. EST; UPDATED 6:06 a.m. EST, November 28, 2007

HOLD THE RICE IN INDY

The Indianapolis Colts have cut defensive end Simeon Rice, who spent only two games with the team after being claimed off of waivers from the Broncos.

Rice registered one sack in those two games, but was perceived to be slow and ineffective in pass-rush situations.

So Rice will pass through waivers again.  If unclaimed, he'll become an unrestricted free agent.

The Colts were the only team who made a waiver claim for Rice after he obtained a release from the Broncos.  And given that Rice is playing for the veteran minimum, there's no reason not to make a waiver claim -- if a team is interested in Rice.

He might have to spend the rest of the season in neutral, waiting for a team to develop a need for another pass rusher due to injury.

PFTV LOOKS AT WILD-CARD LOGJAMS

With five games to play, there's a scrum emerging in both the NFC and the AFC for the final playoff spot.

The PFTV guys look at the AFC field here.

And the NFC field, here.

POSTED 5:54 a.m. EST, November 28, 2007

NEW PREZ FOR PACK?

Media reports indicate that the Green Bay Packers have pegged former NFL player and current Northwestern athletic director Mark Murphy as the team's new president.

The move must be approved by the Packers' 45-person board of directors, and the franchise must work out a contract with Murphy.

Murphy spent eight seasons with the Redskins, from 1977 to 1984.  He also has worked for the NFLPA and the Department of Justice.  Before being hired by Northwestern, he served as athletic director at Colgate, his alma mater, from 1992 to 2003.

Murphy obtained an MBA from American University while playing pro football, and he went to law school at Georgetown.

There reportedly were three finalists for the job -- Murphy, Packers V.P. of administration and corporate counsel Jason Weid, and an unidentified candidate.

Murphy has never worked for an NFL team, other than as a player.

It was believed that G.M. Ted Thompson had been lobbying for Titans G.M. Mike Reinfeldt to get the job, primarily since Reinfeldt would be the candidate least likely to impose any changes on the manner in which business is currently done.  But with a 10-1 record in 2007, Thompson probably doesn't have to worry much about a new guy trying to run him off.

Coincidentally, the Packers once had a safety of their own named Mark Murphy.  It's not the same Mark Murphy as the man who is slated to be the next team president.

POSTED 10:46 p.m. EST; UPDATED 10:59 p.m. EST, November 27, 2007

SHOULD NFL AUCTION RIGHTS TO PATS-GIANTS?

Though we're not unbiased in our position regarding the ongoing dispute between NFL Network and the cable companies, by virtue of our sponsorship relationship with the league's in-house television operation, we have an idea that might address some of the short-term issues created by the possibility that the Patriots will be going for the final victory of a perfect regular season during a game carried exclusively by NFLN.

Why not auction off the rights to the game to the broadcast networks?

On one hand, the networks might resent being asked to pay more for the extra game.  On the other hand, they agreed to contracts that allow the NFL to hold back eight games for airing on NFLN. 

So the eight regular-season NFLN contests are separate and apart from the current deals.  And thus the NFL has every right to start the bidding on the rights to show the game.

It would be a win-win-win situation, in our view.  The NFL would avoid an even thornier P.R. problem than Thursday night's battle of 10-1 teams, and would rake in up to $100 million in cold, hard cash for giving the game to NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, or ESPN.  The networks would have a ratings home run during a stretch with a dearth of original programming due to the writers' strike.  And, most importantly, every NFL fan would have a chance to see the Patriots complete their pursuit of perfection. 

ESPN SHOULD DEMAND A REFUND

ESPN pays $1.1 billion per year for the MNF package.  And that equates to $64.7 million per week.

So ESPN paid $64.7 million for the privilege of presenting Monday night's debacle from Heinz Field.

So what should ESPN due to voice its apparent (and justifiable) displeasure with the fact that the game was played on what appeared to be a moss-covered tar pit? 

If it were our call, we'd demand a full refund.

But this is the same network that tucked its tail when former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue urged it to pull the plug on a fictional pro football series that, as it turns out, was unrealistic only because it was too tame.  Thus, there's no way that ESPN would dare to ask for anything, since to do so might jeopardize its ability to continue to pay $64 million per week for three hours of programming.

The bigger problem here is that NBC might get stuck with another stinker on Sunday night, when the Bengals and the Steelers get together at Heinz Field. 

After Sunday's game, the Steelers go to New England, and return for a regular-season home finale on December 16 against Jacksonville.  We hope that the powers-that-be in Pittsburgh are making plans to install FieldTurf during that two-week absence.  At a bare minimum, they need to use the three-to-four week break before the first home playoff game to fix the problem, once and for all.

POSTED 9:30 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 10:15 p.m. EST, November 27, 2007

WAS TAYLOR SLAIN BY A FORMER FRIEND?

There is chatter in league circles that police in Florida initially are exploring whether Redskins safety Sean Taylor was shot by one of his former friends.

This image of police removing a computer from Taylor's home supports the notion that police are exploring the question of whether he was killed by someone he knew.

Then again, it's a fairly obvious starting point.  Random crime happens in random places; when someone's home is invaded for the sole apparent purpose of shooting into the owner's bedroom, logic suggests that there was some prior relationship between criminal and victim.

And if that's the case, maybe now we know why guys like Mike Vick don't make a clean break from guys like Quanis Phillips.  If, as Vick once explained it, there was a promise of some sort made among boyhood friends that if one of them "makes it" they'll all "make it" and if one or more of said friends has exhibited some antisocial tendencies, an abrupt decision to cut the friends off could, in theory, put the one who "makes it" in grave danger.

If there's any truth to this, it's a horrible dilemma for a young man to attempt to resolve.  He can either continue to associate with friends who might be inclined to do things that could get him in trouble.  Or he can turn his back on them and risk being the victim of a murder that won't be solved because no one who knows anything of value will cooperate with the police.

Like so many other problems that are out there, we're good at spotting it but not so good at solving it.  This is one case where we wish that we could.

LEN GOES TOO FAR

Maybe we're not the best folks to be raising this point, given our history with ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli.  But we're compelled to mention that several readers have expressed dismay to us at the decision of Pasquarelli to pen -- and ESPN.com to post -- an item regarding the football impact of Sean Taylor's death.

Len, why does it matter on the same day the man's life ended?

The fact that Len deemed it appropriate to delve into such matters at a time when the team surely has no regard for the X-and-0 consequences of this tragedy is troubling.

We're not touching any of the issues regarding Sean Taylor other than the fact that his parents lost a son, his daughter lost a father, and the Redskins lost a teammate.  We're also interested, and will comment on, the question of who did this to him.

In fairness to Len, it appears that he was working on an item regarding Taylor's indefinite absence from the lineup on Monday night, at a time when there were signs of hope.  In our view, however, this one should have been scrapped once Sean Taylor's life ended.

FLETCHER TALKS ABOUT TAYLOR

Proving our point that football is that farthest thing from the minds of the Washington Redskins, linebacker London Fletcher perfectly summed up the situation when addressing a question from SI.com regarding the team's ability to get to work on Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's game against the Bills.

"I don't know how we'll do it," Fletcher said.

"I think we're all shocked, saddened," Fletcher said.  "It's senseless.  Senseless and meaningless.  To take a young man's life when he had so much to live for and so much to give . . .  it's just horrible."

Fletcher also talked about his belief that Taylor, in only his fourth NFL season, was a true team leader.  "If we were on the sidelines during practice, he’d run out to take some scout-team reps.  We're getting beat bad in New England, and he's saying in the huddle, 'I don't care what the score is!  Keep playing, keep playing.'  Last week, before Thanksgiving, he's in the trainers' room, getting treatment, he's telling everyone in there to have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the time with their family.  That's a leader."

POSTED 5:53 p.m. EST, November 27, 2007

PATS PUT COLVIN ON IR by Michael David Smith

The New England Patriots have placed linebacker Rosevelt Colvin on injured reserve.

Colvin, who has started 10 of the Patriots' 11 games this season, left Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a foot injury and did not return.

Colvin has 27 tackles this season and is tied for second on the team with four sacks.

The Patriots have also placed wide receiver Troy Brown on the active roster. The 36-year-old Brown has played his entire NFL career with the Patriots. He started this season on the physically unable to perform list.

POSTED 2:58 p.m. EST, November 27, 2007

RICKY DONE FOR SEASON by Michael David Smith

The Ricky Williams comeback tour lasted one game and six carries.

Tim Graham of the Palm Beach Post reports that Williams' season is over after he suffered a torn chest muscle in Monday night's loss to the Steelers. The injury will require about four months to fully recover, Graham reports.

The injury took place in the second quarter, when Williams was hit, fumbled and fell to the ground and was then stepped on by Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons. It was Williams' first game in almost two years, after he was suspended for violations of the league's substance-abuse policy.

"It's just sad," Graham quotes Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, saying. "As hard as he's worked. He worked so hard physically to get back into shape and in therapy. He worked so hard for that moment and to have it end this way is sad."

Graham reports that the Dolphins want Williams to rehab the injury at the team's facilities, indicating that they're open to having Williams on the team in 2008. 

POSTED 1:23 p.m. EST, November 27, 2007

BULGER WILL GET NEUROLOGICAL EXAM by Michael David Smith

Whether or not Rams quarterback Marc Bulger can play on Sunday will depend on whether or not he has passed a neurological exam, Rams coach Scott Linehan says.

Bulger suffered a concussion during Sunday's loss to the Seahawks and went to the hospital, where he had a CAT scan and then was examined by a neurosurgeon and released. Steve Korte of the News-Democrat reports that Linehan said Bulger will take a neuropsychological test this week, but only when he's feeling up to it.

"If he is not feeling 100 percent [Tuesday], then we'll wait until Wednesday or Thursday to do the test," Linehan said. "We'll have to wait and see for his status for the game. If everything checks out, there is no reason that he shouldn't be available this week."

Bulger suffered the concussion when he was hit by Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill in the first quarter Sunday. He stayed in the game for two more offensive series, but Korte reports that Linehan said he knew something was wrong with Bulger when he made a bad decision in throwing a shovel pass to running back Brian Leonard. Leonard wasn't open and the pass was intercepted.

At that point, he was taken out of the game and replaced by Gus Frerotte, who will start if Bulger can't go Sunday.

POSTED 12:33 p.m. EST, November 27, 2007

EXPECT ARTIFICIAL TURF AT HEINZ FIELD by Michael David Smith

All the fallout from last night's mess of a game in Pittsburgh leads to one conclusion: You can expect to see artificial turf at Heinz Field in 2008.

ESPN has spent almost as much time decrying the turf in Pittsburgh last night as it has talking about Sean Taylor.

Even before last night's game, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Steelers were examining the possibility of installing artificial turf after the season.

Per Bouchette, the Steelers knew the surface on their field was in trouble even before last night and didn't feel comfortable covering it with new sod this weekend. Furthermore, the University of Pittsburgh, which also uses Heinz Field, would prefer to play on Field Turf, Bouchette reports.

The surface installed this year at West Virginia University is a new generation of Field Turf called Duraspine, and the Steelers have visited WVU to check out the turf. The price for WVU was $901,152, Bouchette reports, which is a small price for an NFL team to know it won't be playing its home games in muck.

POSTED 11:15 a.m. EST, November 27, 2007

STATE TRIAL SET FOR VICK by Michael David Smith

A judge in Richmond, Va., has scheduled an April 2 trial date for suspended Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on two state felony dog fighting charges, the Associated Press is reporting.

Vick is currently in a jail in Warsaw, Va., awaiting sentencing on the federal conspiracy charges he pleaded guilty to in August.

Vick will be sentenced on the federal charges on December 10. He did not attend today's court session. His lawyer, Lawrence Woodward, requested a jury trial.

The state charges are for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs, and engaging in or promoting dog fighting. If convicted, Vick could receive up to five years in prison on each charge. Vick's co-defendants also had trial dates set today. Quanis Phillips and Purnell Peace are scheduled to go on trial on March 5, and Tony Taylor is scheduled to go on trial on May 7.
 

POSTED 9:09 a.m. EST; UPDATED 9:45 a.m. EST, November 27, 2007

CBS: BEUERLEIN WAS JUST JOKING by Michael David Smith

Yesterday we noted that CBS commentator Steve Beuerlein said "USC thugs, man" over the air as the camera showed Titans running back and former USC player LenDale White.

Today Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reports that CBS says Beuerlein was kidding around with play-by-play man Bill Macatee, a USC fan, and didn't know the telecast had returned from a commercial break.

"Steve being a Notre Dame guy and like any two friends who have those allegiances would do, they kid each other about Notre Dame and USC all the time,'' said LeslieAnn Wade, vice president of communications for CBS. "Certainly Steve wishes it wasn't on the air and so does CBS, but that is the explanation.''

The comment came a few minutes after White picked up a personal foul for kneeing Bengals safety Marvin White near the end of the first half.

In the grand scheme of things an announcer could say when he doesn't know the microphone is on, Beurlein's comment wasn't that bad. But it would be wise for all NFL announcers to just assume that every game they work is a three-hour window in which they shouldn't say anything they don't want the world to hear.

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

Steelers Mike Tomlin said after Monday night's win over the Dolphins, "I think Hines Ward was big. We needed every one of those catches."

Asked for his thoughts about Dolphins QB John Beck last night, NFL quarterback turned radio commentator Boomer Esiason said, "How can you evaluate anybody in these conditions?"

Says Patriots DE Richard Seymour of CB Asante Samuel, "He understands the defense. More importantly, he has the fundamentals and the technique and the footwork that has made him into if not the top corner in the league, definitely 1-2."

Bills QB Trent Edwards will start over J.P. Losman Sunday.

Jets coach Eric Mangini says it's difficult to evaluate QB Kellen Clemens because he isn't getting enough protection from the offensive line.

Asked if he's as healthy as he was in college, Browns TE Kellen Winslow said, "Hell, no. ... I'm not even close, not even close."

Said Ravens LT Jonathan Ogden of playing the Patriots, "I would never admit defeat, but we've got our hands full next week."

Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh says, "I don't think about leading the league in receptions. If it happens, it happens."

Colts RB Kenton Keith said of missing a blitz and giving up a sack Thursday, "I pretty much chewed myself out. That was my fault."

The Jaguars have lost two tight ends for the season.

Titans S Chris Hope experienced twitching in an arm and a leg after a hard hit Sunday; it's not clear the extent of his injury or when he'll be back.

Texans fans are taking solace in saying that even after his worst game, QB Matt Schaub is better than David Carr.

Chargers DE Luis Castillo is doing more exercises as he recovers from ankle surgery and hopes to return in late December.

The Broncos' special teams had been improving -- until running into Devin Hester.

The Chiefs plan to sign K John Carney today to replace Dave Rayner.

Raiders special teams coverage standout Jarrod Cooper is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton practiced for the first time in almost two weeks and says he'll play Thursday against the Packers.

Said Giants QB Eli Manning of his performance against the Vikings, "You treat it like any other loss."

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said preventing long passes to Patriots WR Randy Moss was the team's No. 1 goal.

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs says his team has no choice but to try to keep playing through tragedy. 

Packers WR Koren Robinson says he's trying to get his athleticism back after missing a year to a suspension.

The Lions will move Damien Woody to right tackle as they continue to struggle with injuries on the offensive line.

Bears DT Tommie Harris has a groin strain, knee pain and a back problem.

The Vikings still think they have a shot at the playoffs.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank says he talked to coach Bobby Petrino about whether he wants to return to coaching in college and Petrino told him he loves Atlanta and loves the Falcons.

Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden says he doesn't know who will be his starting quarterback Sunday.

Saints coach Sean Payton says he hopes the home fans create "a playoff environment."

Panthers QB Vinny Testaverde is likely to start Sunday against the 49ers.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren expects QB Matt Hasselbeck and LB Lofa Tatupu to practice this week despite injuries.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt says K Neil Rackers isn't going anywhere despite missing a 32-yard field goal in overtime Sunday.

The 49ers' coaches love what they've seen from rookie LB Patrick Willis.

Rams offensive coordinator Greg Olson wasn't exactly ringing in his endorsement of G Todd Steussie: "He still plays at a higher level than anyone else that we have right now at the right guard position."

POSTED 6:29 a.m. EST, November 27, 2007

REPORT:  TAYLOR PASSES

Various media reports indicate that Redskins safety Sean Taylor has died as a result of a Monday morning shooting.

Citing Taylor family friend Richard Sharpstein, the Associated Press reports that Taylor passed on Tuesday morning.

The news as of Monday night was a bit encouraging, amid reports that Taylor was responsive to a doctor's request to squeeze his hand.  But Taylor's father reportedly told Sharpstein within the hour that Sean did not survive Monday's injuries.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the