POSTED 7:09 p.m. EST; UPDATED 7:18 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

SHANAHAN SAYS HENRY PASSED LIE DETECTOR TEST

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, continuing his foray into potential violations of federal law, announced on Monday that running back Travis Henry passed a lie detector test regarding the question of whether he smoked marijuana.

Henry also provided hair samples that were negative.

"If the tests were positive, Travis would not be on our football team right now," Shanahan said.  "When he went back and took the hair sample and that was negative; the lie detector test and that was negative; we'll let due process take care of itself."

These other tests don't matter, since NFL rules and procedure require discipline based on a positive urine test.  Period.

This is the second time in less than a year that Shanahan has suggested that he uses polygraph testing in a manner that possibly violates federal law.  Generally speaking, employers can't condition future employment on passing a lie-detector test.

And where's the union on this one?  Shanahan is invading the privacy of his players.  Though there will be no economic harm until someone flunks a lie-detector test and is cut, it's still wrong -- and the NFLPA should move now to get a ruling that such conduct violates the CBA. 

Meanwhile, we're shocked that the league is allowing this situation to continue.  There's a specific system in place for disciplining players who run afoul of the substance abuse policy.  Shanahan is undermining that process by declaring that Henry is clean at a time when the league's procedures indicate otherwise.

UPDATE:  A reader makes a great observation -- "Can you imagine what the reaction would have been if Bill Belichick had given Rodney Harrison a lie-detector test?"

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POSTED 6:17 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

CROYLE TO START SUNDAY

A league source tells us that quarterback Brodie Croyle will get the start on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Croyle entered Sunday's game against the Broncos after Damon Huard was yanked following two interceptions and a fumble.

In the preseason, Croyle was expected to be the starter.  But poor performances by the second-year player from Alabama resulted in Huard getting the gig.

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POSTED 6:06 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

COLTS CLAIM RICE

With defensive end Dwight Freeney out for a week or possibly longer with a foot/ankle injury suffered on Sunday night against the Chargers, the Colts have claimed Simeon Rice on waivers from the Broncos, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

The Colts get Rice for seven games at a prorated base salary of $820,000, which equates to $337,000 over the last seven games of the year.

It could be a perfect move for Rice, since (as we heard it) Rice was blaming his move from right end to left end as one of the reasons for his inability to dominate in Denver.  With Indy, Rice can slide back to the right side, in the spot vacated by Freeney.

And it's a low-risk move for the Colts.  They get Rice for the veteran minimum, and as one league source pointed out it's possible that Rice's promise not to seek termination pay flows through to Indy, since Indy claimed the contract under which Rice made his commitment not to take the balance of his base salary if cut.

The development also means that most of the other franchises had a shot at Rice's veteran-minimum deal, given that a team's current record drives the waiver order.  All of the other teams picking above the Colts opted to pass.

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POSTED 4:19 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

FREENEY COULD BE OUT FOR A WHILE

Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney could be out for the team's Week Eleven game, and possibly longer, after suffering a foot/ankle injury on Sunday night against the Chargers.

Freeney sustained the injury while rushing San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.  His agent, Gary Wichard, told the Indianapolis Star that "it felt really weird and he was going to get it looked at.  He told me he was stepped on when he was doing a spin move."

Also injured on Sunday night were offensive tackles Charles Johnson and Ryan Diem.

Though the team's overall injury situation has prompted many media types to make excuses for the Colts, let's not forget that one of the reasons that the team has limited depth is because G.M. Bill Polian has a bunch of money invested in a handful of guys.

Specifically, quarterback Peyton Manning, receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and Freeney are all devouring disproportionate amounts of salary cap pie.  And although Polian has been able to surround Manning with enough starters to win a Super Bowl, the lack of cap space requires Polian to scrimp when it comes to the rest of the roster.

And it's not completely Polian's fault.  Manning backed the Colts into a corner at a time when the franchise tender based on the cap number for the final year of his rookie contract would have crippled the franchise's efforts to field a competitive team.  Still, he faced no such pressure to pay Freeney $30 million in guaranteed money, and might have been better off using the non-exclusive franchise tag and either forcing him to sign the one-year offer or trading him out from under it.

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POSTED 1:47 p.m. EST; UPDATED 1:56 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

NO SURGERY FOR PETERSON

A league source tells us that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has an injury to the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, and that he is week-to-week.

The source says he won't need surgery.

Peterson was hurt when he was hit low by Packers cornerback Al Harris on Sunday.  The injury is a natural byproduct of Peterson's hard-charging style -- and of the fact that, you know, it's football.

UPDATE:  Vikings coach Brad Childress says that Peterson will not play on November 18 against the Raiders, and he characterized the tear as a 2-plus on a scale of 1 to 3.

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POSTED 12:59 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

BROWN HAS A STRAINED CALF MUSCLE

A league source tells us that Saints left tackle Jammal Brown's leg injury from Sunday was a strained calf muscle.

Per the source, it's unknown whether and to what extent Brown will miss any games.

Brown was injured during a surprising loss to the Rams. 

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POSTED 12:54 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

NOLAN WILL COACH DESPITE FATHER'S DEATH

49ers coach Mike Nolan will be on the sidelines on Monday night as the coach of the San Francisco 49ers, a day after his father, Dick Nolan, passed away.

Mike Nolan's father also held that same job at one point, years before his son bucked the system for the ability to wear a suit out of respect for his father and other coaches from yesteryear who dressed like they were going to work, not like they were heading to the local sports bar.

"My father always projected an image of authority, and I wanted to honor him -- the way he lived his life and his whole career as a coach," Mike Nolan once said.

The elder Nolan, 75, had been suffering from Alzheimer's and prostate cancer.  He played in the NFL for nine years before becoming an assistant coach with the Cowboys.  He spent nearly 11 years as head coach of the Niners and the Saints.

The NFL, in our view, should honor Nolan and all coaches from the day's golden age by not permitting but requiring head coaches to wear a shirt with more than two buttons, a lapelled jacket made of some sort of cloth, and a tie.  To every game.

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POSTED 12:39 p.m. EST, November 12, 2007

ALEXANDER, BRANCH LIKELY OUT FOR MONDAY NIGHT

ESPN reports that Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander and receiver Deion Branch are unlikely to play on Monday night, due to injuries.

Alexander has a knee problem, and Branch suffered a foot injury last month against the Steelers.

On Sunday night, Alexander told ESPN's Rachel Nichols that he didn't expect to play.  Regarding Branch, coach Mike Holmgren told Nichols that "if it was a Super Bowl, he'd play, but he's still sore enough.  Right now it doesn't seem like the way to go."

Both players are officially listed as questionable for the home game against the 49ers.

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POSTED 10:05 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 11:02 a.m. EST, November 12, 2007

PEYTON EXPOSES HIS TRUE COLORS, AGAIN

So on a night when Colts quarterback Peyton Manning directly contributed to his team's two-point loss by serving up six picks to the Chargers, what was Peyton doing after kicker Adam Vinatieri missed a chip-shot field goal attempt that would have given Indy an improbable late lead?

True to form, Peyton blaming someone else.

"We shouldn't have called a time out," Manning could be seen saying -- twice -- to an unidentified teammate while seated on the bench.

His point was that the Colts shouldn't have called a time out before the missed field goal try.  Coach Tony Dungy apparently wanted to argue with the refs regarding a false-start penalty called on tight end Ben Utecht, who clearly used a pre-snap shift in an obvious effort to get the Chargers to jump offsides.

Taking the time out left the Colts with only two opportunities to stop the clock when the Chargers got the ball back after the 29-yard attempt was pushed to the right -- and it gave the Colts not enough time to get back in position to win the game in the final seconds.  (But there was enough time left for Peyton to throw one more interception.)

Said a league source to us on Monday morning, "Way to undermine your coaching staff by talking sh-t to your teammates."

Added the source, "This is classic Peyton Manning.  Excuses, excuses excuses.  Rolls his eyes when things aren't going his way.  Gives teammates the Dan Marino treatment.  And now he second guesses his coaches to teammates while the game is still being played.  What about the six interceptions he threw?"

The source believes that Peyton exposes his true colors whenever he's in a tough situation.  (And when we say "true colors" we're not talking about the purple mark on his oversized forehead that looked like a tattoo of the continent of Asia.)  

"He just always thinks he's smarter and better than everyone," the source said.  "But he tries to hide it with that 'aw, shucks', good old boy crap."

We agree.  Though the situation won't catch the eye of the media like last year's "why in the f--k did you bring me here?" from Cowboys receiver T.O against the Eagles, Manning's comments can be just as divisive, because they can create confusion among the other players as to who is really running the show.

And if you don't think that statements like that have an impact on a team, look at the Ravens, who have imploded since linebacker Ray Lewis openly questions the play-calling of coach Brian Billick.

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BIG WINDS HEADING TO SEATTLE

Though we don't condone illegal gambling and have no desire to engage in legal gambling (except on craps, where I've got a nearly foolproof system), we realize that some of you are coming to this site not because you have a passion for one or more of the 32 NFL teams, but because you enjoy putting some of your hard-earned money at risk -- and you're looking for information that will help you make your decisions.

Thus, we think it makes sense to note that our friends in the Pacific Northwest are telling us that the winds are whipping hard in Seattle, with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour.  This could hold down the scoring in tonight's game between the 49ers and the Seahawks . . . and all that that implies.

The worst of it apparently will pass through the area before kickoff, but gusts of less than 60 miles per hour apparently will continue into the evening.

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LEN HAS LOST HIS MARBLES?

We don't pick on ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli much anymore.  Not because we've matured or seen the light or anything noble like that.  We just got bored with it.

But we can't ignore one of the biggest screw-ups that we've ever seen Len, or anyone else, make.

In his segment handing out his Week Ten game balls, Len gives the defensive award to Jaguars defensive end Reggie Hayward.

Here's what Len had to say:

We're not quite sure where to start with this one.  First, the Jaguars didn't play the Saints in Week Ten.  Jacksonville played New Orleans a week ago, and got blowed out (thanks, Emmitt). 

And though we all make mistakes from time to time (as evidenced by the 54 e-mails I received on Sunday after typing "won" instead of "one"), Len compounded (and confirmed) the error by calling "unfair" the notion that Hayward did a lot of his damage after Saints left tackle Jammal Brown left with an injury.

Yeah, it would be unfair -- because Hayward didn't face Brown after, or before, getting hurt.

This really is embarrassing to Pasquarelli and to ESPN.com, and it goes way beyond a mere mistake that was spawned by a looming deadline or a random brain fart.  Len thought about Hayward's stellar's performance long enough to conclude that the numbers might have been influenced by going against a lineman who was in . . . another . . . city.

It's even more embarrassing for Len's editors.  As I've learned through a couple of months of submitting articles to SportingNews.com, the folks who receive and read and revise the content are supposed to ensure that the statements are accurate.  At SportingNews.com, the editors are, well, thorough (I'm just trying to be a good teammate here, or I would have used a different word).

So not only did Len completely blow it, his editors completely blew it, too.

And, as of this posting, the erroneous post is still live.  We have a feeling that it won't be for long.

UPDATE:  ESPN has fixed the mistake.  Sort of.  Check it out.

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A NEW TEN-PACK IS UP

Speaking of our friends at SportingNews.com, some Internet hack has posted a new 10-pack of observations regarding Week Ten.

Among the items not included is an observation regarding the stellar play of Jags defensive end Reggie Hayward against Saints left tackle Jammal Brown and/or his replacement.

Included in the list is a look at whether the Packers ran up the score against the Vikings, how Brady Quinn's career in Cleveland was killed by his holdout, whether the Lions are pretenders, and why Minnesota coach Brad Childress should be fired.

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

After Sunday's win over the Colts, Chargers LB Stephen Cooper said, "What we showed tonight is what we want to be known for.  We were physical and we made plays."

Said Colts K Adam Vinatieri, "I let my team down tonight.  I didn't play very well.  I let that game get away."

Says Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, "It's an eight-game season now.  I'm still very positive about what we might be able to accomplish."

With a win tonight, the 49ers would be right in the middle of the NFC West race.

Randy Moss has played 84 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps, by far the most of any New England receiver.

J.P. Losman is the first Bills quarterback since Jim Kelly in 1990 to pull off fourth-quarter comeback wins in consecutive weeks.

Dolphins DE Jason Taylor will have an ankle injury evaluated today.

The Jets will honor former RB Curtis Martin at halftime of Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Steelers RB Willie Parker slipped several times Sunday, but he said it was just a result of him trying to do too much, not a problem with his cleats or the playing surface at Heinz Field.

Browns LB Willie McGinest took the blame for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger's touchdown run and said afterward, "I had my worst game as a Cleveland Brown."

The Ravens are having trouble keeping fans in the stands.

The Bengals got a big game from rookie S Chinedum Ndukwe.

By missing Sunday's game, Titans DT Albert Haynesworth showed just how valuable he is.

Said Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio of his defensive line, "We were much better at the line of scrimmage, we were much better tackling and we were much better swarming the ball."

To make up for the season-ending injury suffered by CB Dunta Robinson, the Texans have moved starting FS Von Hutchins back to cornerback.

Did Chiefs coach Herm Edwards wait too long to make the quarterback switch?

After his team kept Bears return man Devin Hester in check, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said, "I thought our special teams [play] was lights out today.  Our coverage units were perfect."

Says Broncos LT Matt Lepsis, "As a team, we kind of made up our minds that we weren't just going to pack it in for the rest of the season."

When asked about a taunting penalty late in the first half, Cowboys LB Kevin Burnett said, "That was very stupid."

Giants QB Eli Manning completed 12 of 14 passes for 129 yards when throwing to TE Jeremy Shockey Sunday, but only 11 of 20 for 107 yards when throwing to all his other receivers.

When asked about the mistakes his team made against the Redskins, Eagles coach Andy Reid said, "We had plenty.  Thank goodness that they had one more."

Redskins S Sean Taylor left Sunday's game with a sprained knee and will have an MRI today.

Packers RB Ryan Grant ran for 92 yards in the first half against the Vikings.

Said Vikings coach Brad Childress, "I'm not used to seeing the ball run on our defense that way."

Bears GM Jerry Angelo says his team is still in the playoff hunt.

Lions RB Aveion Cason had one carry for one yard Sunday -- and that made him the team's leading rusher.

Some folks in Tampa question whether Bucs coach Jon Gruden's job is safe.

Said Saints LB Scott Fujita, "We got our butts kicked and probably deserved it."

Panthers WR Steve Smith said after the loss to the Falcons, "We've got to do a better job.  If we don't, things are going to continuously keep happening like this."

Cardinals S Adrian Wilson thinks LB Karlos Dansby is playing like a guy who deserves a big contract extension.

Said Rams QB Marc Bulger of coach Scott Linehan, "I think he's the reason why we came out with some energy."

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POSTED 5:49 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

NFLPA QUIETLY APPEALS DECISION NOT TO REINSTATE JONES

The NFL Players Association has announced that it has appealed the recent decision of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to continue the suspension of Titans cornerback Pacman Jones through the remainder of the 2007 season.

The move is announced on the front page of the NFLPA web site.  Here's the text of the statement:

"The NFLPA, on behalf of Adam Jones, appealed Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision not to reduce Adam Jones’ full season suspension. In a letter dated November 8, 2007, appealing the matter, the NFLPA has asked for a hearing as soon as possible.

"In April 2007, the Commissioner suspended Jones for the entire 2007 season, but indicated that he would review Jones’ case following the 10th week of the season. On November 2, 2007, the Commissioner met with Jones, his representatives, and the NFLPA to consider a reduction in the discipline. Goodell then wrote Jones on November 6, 2007, expressing his decision not to shorten the one-year suspension.

"A hearing will be held in New York within the next several weeks."

There was, as far as we can tell, no mention of the appeal on the Sunday pregame shows, and we can find nothing about it in the print media.  And this means that the NFLPA has done nothing to affirmatively publicize the move.  Which suggests to us that the NFLPA might not want much publicity about it.

The lack of publicity likely arises from the realization that the appeal surely will fail.  Under the Personal Conduct Policy to which the NFLPA agreed, Goodell makes the suspension decisions and Goodell is then the final reviewer of said decisions.  Moreover, Jones really hasn't done anything to improve his image or reputation since being suspended in April -- and he continues to be in legal jeopardy in two different jurisdictions.

So why is the union appealing?  Presumably, because Jones wants it to,  and because the NFLPA likely hopes to avoid a lawsuit claiming that the union breached its duty of fair representation to Jones.

The NFLPA appealed the original suspension, but Jones later withdrew the appeal.

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POSTED 3:58 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

PACKERS SHUT OUT VIKES FOR THE FIRST TIME

On Sunday, the Vikings and the Packers met for the 94th time.

And, for the first time in the 46-year series, the Packers have held the Vikings scoreless.

The 34-0 win by the Packers is the first shut out by either team in their twice-per-year matchups since Minnesota beat Green Bay 3-0 at the old Metropolitan Stadium in 1971.  (The two teams have played two times per season since 1961, with the exception of the strike-shortened 1982 season.)

It's also the largest margin of victory by the Packers over the Vikings, ever.

In all, the Packers have won 48 times in the regular season, and the Vikings have won 44 times.  They tied once.  Minnesota won the only playoff game between the two teams, featuring the infamous Randy Moss mooning incident.

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POSTED 3:36 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

STEELERS ROAR BACK, BUT BROWNS RESPOND

Fueled by a 30-yard touchdown scramble from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have erased a 15-point deficit against the Browns.

So Pittsburgh led Cleveland by three points, 24-21.

The Browns have been shut down on offense in the second half.  But on the ensuing kickoff, Josh Cribbs mishandled the ball, picked it up at the goal line, and then worked his way through traffic for a touchdown.  The play is currently under review, but replays are clear -- he didn't step out of bounds.

Pending the extra point, the Browns lead 27-24.

The game has huge implications, since Cleveland trails Pittsburgh by one game in the AFC North.  A Steelers win gives them a two-game lead plus the tiebreaker, since they beat the Browns in Week One.

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POSTED 3:27 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

RAMS WAKING UP

Former Saints coach Jim Haslett returned to the Superdome on Sunday to lead the defense of the 0-8 Rams against his old team.

It looked to be a stiff challenge, especially in light of the manner in which the Saints shredded the Jags a week ago.

But the Rams have risen to the occasion on both sides of the ball, leading New Orleans by 19 in the fourth quarter.

The Saints scored moments ago to cut the lead from 34-7 to 34-15.  The play-by-play is right here.

Reggie Bush scored and early touchdown for the Saints, but now has only 17 yards on seven carries.

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POSTED 3:19 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

PETERSON OUT WITH AN INJURY

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, whose hard-charging running style exposes him to injury on every play, has left Sunday's game against the Packers with a leg injury.

The extent of the injury isn't presently clear.  But it's a reminder that Peterson -- and every running back -- is always one play away from being on the shelf for the rest of the year, or longer.

The risk is even greater where the player has no inclination or ability to avoid contact.

Minnesota trails Green Bay 27-0 in the fourth quarter.

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POSTED 3:14 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

CROYLE IN FOR CHIEFS

After starter Damon Huard threw two interceptions and fumbled on a sack, which resulted in a touchdown return by the Broncos, backup Brodie Croyle was inserted into the game.

Croyle led the Chiefs to a field goal on his first drive, cutting the Denver lead to 20-11.

You can track the status of the game right here.

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POSTED 2:45 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 3:03 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

BROWN OUT WITH KNEE INJURY

Saints left tackle Jammal Brown, who gave the team a scare in training camp with an injury to his right knee, was carted off of the field during Sunday's game against the Rams due to an apparent injury to his left knee.

It's being described by the team as a lower leg injury.  It occurred when quarterback Drew Brees fell onto Brown's leg after being sacked.

The Rams currently lead the Saints 20-7 in the third quarter.

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FOX, NOT CBS, GOES CHEAP ON HD

For as long as we've been paying attention to matters of this ilk, FOX has broadcast most if not all of its allotted games in high definition, and CBS has not.

This week, however, we've noticed a change.  All of the CBS games (even Bills-Fins) appear in HD, which is nearly as luxurious as driving on highway lanes that have been widened by someone painting over the broken white lines. 

But FOX is scrimping.  The Falcons-Panthers game is not available in HD.

UPDATE:  In response to an e-mail inquiry, FOX spokesman Dan Bell tells us that the network only airs the top six games of the week in HD.

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POSTED 2:29 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

WINLESS TEAMS HALFWAY TO VICTORY

Thirty minutes into their Week Ten games, the Rams and the Dolphins could be headed to their first wins.

In Miami, the Fins lead the Bills 3-0 at the half.

In New Orleans, the Rams are up by 10 points over the red-hot Saints, 17-7.  Quarterback Marc Bulger has completed 14 of 16 passes.  And running back Steven Jackson has one touchdown on the ground, and one through the air, thanks to a ball that he lobbed to tight end Randy McMichael.

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POSTED 1:30 p.m. EST; UPDATED 2:12 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

BROWNS LEAD STEELERS BY 15

The Cleveland Browns started their dream season with a nightmare, courtesy of a 34-7 loss to the Steelers.  Quarterback Charlie Frye was benched in the first half, and Derek Anderson has since taken over the offense, leading the team to a 5-2 record as the No. 1 guy.

On Sunday, the Browns get a chance to repay the favor, and they're out to an early lead in their effort to do so.

Anderson completed seven of ten passes on the Browns' first drive of the game, including a touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Winslow.

The Steelers got a field goal on their second drive, cutting the margin to four points.

The Browns answered with a short touchdown pass from Anderson after a long kick return by Josh Cribbs.  Then, after another Pittsburgh field goal and a Cleveland punt, the Browns picked off Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and converted it into seven on a toe-tap touchdown catch by Braylon Edwards that initially was ruled incomplete.

The action can be tracked right here, via NFL.com.

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POSTED 1:22 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

COMMISH TOOK KEEN INTEREST IN PATS-COLTS OFFICIATING

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had a closed-door one-on-one with NFL director of officiating Mike Pereira to review all of the calls from last weekend's greatest . . . game . . . ever.

The Patriots-Colts contest featured numerous bad calls against New England.  Curiously, however, there has been little mention of the horrendous calls in the media.  (Some Internet hack who also writes for SportingNews.com mentioned it last Sunday.)

Among other things, Pats receiver Randy Moss was called for offensive pass interference on a play in which he apparently didn't even touch the defender.  Also, New England cornerback Ellis Hobbs was flagged for defensive pass interference after he was tackled by Colts wideout Reggie Wayne.

League insiders have attributed the phenomenon to one of three dynamics.  First, the zebras simply got the calls wrong.  Second, the officials were subconsciously influenced by the reputation of Colts G.M. Bill Polian for going bonkos when calls don't go his team's way.  Third, the guys in black and white were subconsciously influenced by all of the criticism of the Pats for cheating and running up the score.

If the real explanation is the last one, the Pats might want to be ready for more bad calls moving forward.  Their recent actions and decisions are making the Patriots into a team that is perceived by some as "bad guys," and the end result could be a chronic case of some of the same bad calls that teams like the Raiders have seen over the years.

You know, like the tuck rule play, from the game that arguably spawned the Patriots' dynasty.

Still, the point here is that the Commish seems to be intent on keeping factors like that from influencing the outcome of games.

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POSTED 12:56 p.m. EST; UPDATED 1:00 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

L.J. HAS CRACKED BONE IN HIS FOOT

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that Chiefs running back Larry Johnson is privately saying that he has a cracked bone in his injured foot.

Johnson also is saying that he doesn't know the duration of his absence.

Earlier this week, FOX 31 in Denver reported that Johnson will miss the rest of the year with a broken foot.

In Johnson's absence will be Priest Holmes, a former league MVP who didn't play at all in 2006.  Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Holmes will get 20 total touches on Sunday against the Broncos.  The rest of the work will go to rookie Kolby Smith.

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JACKSON WILL BE LIMITED

Though Rams running back Steven Jackson will play on Sunday, the fact that he has a bulging disk in his back will limit his effectiveness.

Per Jay Glazer of FOX, Jackson will get only 14 touches against the Rams.

It's presently unknown whether Jackson will ultimately require surgery to repair the injury.

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POSTED 12:20 p.m. EST, November 11, 2007

EARLY INACTIVES FROM NFL.COM

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com has the list of the inactive players for the Week Ten early games.

Highlights include Falcons running back Jerious Norwood, Falcons receiver Joe Horn, Broncos running back Travis Henry, Jaguars receiver Matt Jones, Fins linebacker Zach Thomas, Vikings receiver Sidney Rice, Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, Eagles running back Corell Buckhalter, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and Redskins receiver Santana Moss. 

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POSTED 11:56 a.m. EST, November 11, 2007

QUARTERBACK CAROUSEL CONTINUES

Uncertainty continues in several NFL cities regarding the status of the starting quarterback.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that journeyman Brooks Bollinger will start for the Vikings, with Tarvaris Jackson and Kelly Holcomb both listed as questionable.

And Mort confirms what Peter King mentioned on Saturday -- Brodie Croyle could be inserted for Damon Huard during the Chiefs-Broncos game on Sunday.

In Charlotte, undrafted rookie Matt Moore could get the start in place of Vinny Testaverde and David Carr.

Finally, a tipster who has managed to get us to conclude that he's on the level tells us that Bears backup Rex Grossman has been privately telling people that he could return to the field in Week Eleven if Brian Griese can't get it done today in Oakland.  Recently, the Chicago Tribune reported that Grossman has seen an increase in practice snaps, possibly pointing to Grossman being inserted into the Week Ten game against the Raiders, if Griese struggles.

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POSTED 11:38 a.m. EST; UPDATED 11:48 a.m. EST, November 11, 2007

McNABB TO MINNESOTA MIGHT BE A LONG SHOT

Chris Mortensen of ESPN mused on Sunday NFL Countdown about the possibility of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason.

Such a move would reunite McNabb with former Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress, who is the head coach of the Vikings.

But, as we see it, there are a couple of potential impediments to such a move.  First, there's scuttlebutt in league circles that McNabb doesn't really like Childress, and as we hear it Mama McNabb has been making statements to this effect.

Second, Childress might not be the head coach of the Vikings in 2008.

Third, the Eagles are trying to maximize their leverage on McNabb, and they hope to get as much as they can for him.  Childress surely knows this, and the familiarity between Childress and the Eagles organization might make it more difficult for a deal to get done.

We think the more likely outcome is a trade to Chicago.  If the Bears and McNabb can work out a deal as to how much money he'll get up front to play for his hometown team.

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FUN WITH EMMITT, WEEK TEN

Our pal Emmitt Smith, donning an Adrian Peterson jersey for a segment on how the Vikings rookie performs like Emmitt never did, provided his first verbal gem of the weekend.

Said Emmitt regarding the possibility of holding Peterson to 70 or 80 yards, "That would be a definitely slow down."

Curiously, Emmitt didn't mention anything about his proclamation from a week ago that Peterson would pale in comparison on the same field as Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson.  "Expect L.T. to have the better day out of the two backs," Emmitt said. 

Peterson only outgained Tomlinson by 250 yards or so, en route to setting the all-time single-game rushing record.

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POSTED 11:31 a.m. EST, November 11, 2007

RICE ACTUALLY WAIVED CLAIM FOR TERMINATION PAY

A league source tells us that, slightly contrary to a report that defensive end Simeon Rice paid back a portion of his bonus money to get out of Denver, Rice only waived his claim for termination pay resulting from his release.

So Rice keeps the $2.15 million signing bonus.  And he gives up $400,000 in game checks that he would have received over the next eight weeks.

And, as the source explained it to us, any team interested in Rice will surely make a claim for his contract via the waiver system, since there's no way that they team could get Rice any cheaper on the open market. 

So if no one makes a claim for Rice, the reasonable inference is that no one wants him.

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POSTED 11:21 a.m. EST, November 11, 2007

RICE PAID FOR HIS FREEDOM

Bill Williamson of the Denver Post reports that defensive end Simeon Rice paid back a portion of his $2.15 million signing bonus in order to obtain his release from the Broncos.

The signing bonus was part of the one-year, $3 million deal that Rice signed with Denver six days before the start of the regular season. 

"I'm in this to be great and I wasn't allowed to be great in Denver," Rice said.  "I gave up some money to get out of there.  It was that important to me.  I need to be somewhere where I'm allowed to be great.  I didn't just wake up in Denver and forget to play football."

As some league insiders believe, Rice truly didn't wake up in Denver and forget to play football.  Instead, they think he forgot to play football in Tampa, and that that was one of the reasons why the Bucs cut him loose.

It's unknown whether Rice also agreed to abandon his ability to take the remainder of his $850,000 base salary as termination pay, or whether under the CBA such an agreement would even be enforceable.  (We recently suggested that Rice could opt to receive the rest of his $3 million salary as termination pay; we were incorrect in this regard.  The question is whether Rice will take the balance of his $850,000 base salary as termination pay.)

The bottom line here is that Rice thinks that other teams think highly enough of him to sign him for the stretch run.  However, he'll first have to clear waivers.  Since the Rams toyed with signing him and the Rams hold one of the top priorities in the waiver order, they could make a claim for him, especially with Leonard Little out for the balance of the year.

And as to any other team that is interested in obtaining Rice's services, making a claim for his current contract wouldn't be a bad move, since they could get him for only 8/17ths of $850,000.

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POSTED 7:13 a.m. EST, November 11, 2007

HARRISON OUT FOR COLTS

Colts receiver Marvin Harrison will miss yet another game with an injured knee.  Harrison didn't make the trip to San Diego for Sunday night's prime-time game against the Chargers.

Harrison has played only once since injuring his knee against the Broncos on September 30.  There were reports a week or so ago that Harrison's knee pain might linger for the rest of his career, but the Colts treated those reports as if they were rumors posted on a disreputable web site.

Harrison had been on pace to break all of Jerry Rice's career receiving records.  But if Harrison's knee is never going to be the same, Rice's records will be safe.

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POSTED 6:52 a.m. EST, November 11, 2007

PACKERS PRESIDENT SEARCH CAUSING PROBLEMS

As the Green Bay Packers continue to search for a replacement for team president Bob Harlan, Tom Silverstein the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that there are concerns regarding the process.

The primary fear is that Harlan apparently is being frozen out of the process as it approaches its conclusion.  Leading the way is the team's board of directors and its seven-member executive committee.  Most significantly, the eleven-person search committee formed for the purposes of finding Harlan's successor has opted to no longer include the outgoing Harlan in its meetings.

Apparently, the worry is that the board of directors and the executive committee are preparing to manage the publicly-held corporation that runs a football team like a publicly-held corporation that makes soap or cars or tube socks.

Silverstein writes that, as a result of Harlan's exclusion from the search process, folks throughout the football operation are worried that the board will try to expand its influence, and that the new president will be someone with little or no football experience.  "That scares people in the football operation because that person will be responsible for determining the fate of the general manager and head coach," Silverstein writes.

But so what?  Every time a pro football team is up for sale there's a chance that the new owner will have little or no football experience.  And the new owner will be responsible for determining the fate of the G.M., the head coach, and every other employee in the building.  The fact that the Packers don't have a single owner doesn't mean that they shouldn't have a single person who holds that power, regardless of whether the person has prior football experience.

We'd all love to do our work without any oversight or accountability.  The fact that the Packers don't have a tangible owner doesn't mean that G.M. Ted Thompson or anyone else in the front office should be exempt from having someone in position to peer over their shoulders.  And while Thompson might prefer to be able to use Harlan as a conduit for steering the selection process toward someone with whom Thompson would be comfortable (such as Titans G.M. Mike Reinfeldt), the best interests of the franchise are served by avoiding a too-cozy relationship between president and General Manager.

And Thompson's inability to influence the outcome through Harlan might be the root of Silverstein's story.  Reading between the lines, it strikes us as an effort by Thompson and company to get the football-crazed public (and the team's shareholders) motivated to complain to the board members about ignoring Harlan and potentially turning the team into another corporate enterprise. 

The only danger is that the folks on the board of directors are likely smart enough to see through what's going on, and it might prompt them to try even harder to ensure that the new president will have true independence.

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POSTED 6:25 p.m. EST, November 10, 2007

LEAGUE TAKES HARD LINE ON HELMET-TO-HELMET HITS

The Associated Press reports that the NFL has advised officials to begin ejecting players who initiate helmet-to-helmet hits.

The league's new approach was unveiled Saturday by director of officiating Mike Pereira, who notified the 32 teams of the change in a memo that was obtained by the AP.

"Officials will be reminded this week to pay strict attention to these rules and disqualify the fouling player if the action is judged to be flagrant," Pereira wrote.  "Actions that involve flagrant helmet to helmet contact are the likely acts that will include disqualification.  Our commissioner and this office remain very focused on the safety of our players."

Last week, the league moved quickly to impose game-check fines on Redskins safety LaRon Landry and Eagles defensive tackle LeJuan Ramsey for using their hats improperly.

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POSTED 4:42 p.m. EST, November 10, 2007

CROYLE TO PLAY ON SUNDAY?

Peter King of NBC reports that the Chiefs will insert quarterback Brodie Croyle into the game on Sunday against the Broncos, if starter Damon Huard struggles.

During the preseason, the job at one point was Croyle's to lose.  And he did.

King also reports that Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who is out for Sunday's game, will miss next week's game as well with a foot injury that might or might not include a broken bone.

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POSTED 4:34 p.m. EST, November 10, 2007

BROWNS LOSE McKINNEY

The Cleveland Browns have placed right guard Seth McKinney on injured reserve, ending the season of the first-year member of the team's starting offense.

McKinney, the younger brother of Texans offensive lineman Steve McKinney, suffered a shoulder injury during the Browns' Week Nine win over the Seahawks.

McKinney will be replaced in the starting lineup by Lennie Friedman or Ryan Tucker.  The 5-3 Browns travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday to face the 6-2 Steelers.

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POSTED 4:11 p.m. EST, November 10, 2007

WILLIAMSON WILL DONATE GAME CHECK

Vikings receiver Troy Williamson, who recently has become far better known for his involvement in a pay dispute with the team than for his performances on the field, has issued a statement regarding the decision of the Vikings to pay him for Week Nine despite the fact that he missed the game due to the death of his grandmother.

The statement was sent to various members of the media.  Somehow, yours truly was on the original distribution list.

Here's what the statement, um, stated:

POSTED 1:41 p.m. EST, November 10, 2007

VIKES CAVE ON WILLIAMSON PAY

Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the Minnesota Vikings have decided to pay receiver Troy Williamson his salary for Week Nine.

Previously, the team had decided to dock Williamson one game check because he missed Sunday's contest against the Chargers due to the death of his grandmother.

Coach Brad Childress said that he made the decision after discussing the matter with ownership and the team's leadership council.

"In the end, after conversations with the Wilfs and the leadership group, [the Vikings] decided that he [should] receive that paycheck," Childress said.  "The big thing is, everybody grieves differently.  That's the message conveyed to me by the group."

Childress addressed the team on Saturday morning regarding the issue, and he also has spoken with Williamson about it.

The broader question, however, is whether paying Williamson the money is enough to reverse the damage.  Our guess is that Williamson won't want to play for the team come 2008, if Childress is still the coach.  And we doubt that the move will be enough to calm a burgeoning mutiny among the veteran players and the coaching staff.

In fact, it's possible that the reversal could actually fuel more hard feelings against Childress, if the impression that Childress conveys through his words and/or demeanor is that he changed course only because someone named Wilf twisted the coach's arm.

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POSTED 11:46 a.m. EST, November 10, 2007

RETURN OF THE REX?

The Chicago Tribune, citing an unnamed source, reports that former Bears starting quarterback Rex Grossman has seen an increase in his practice reps from 30 percent to 40 percent, which could be a sign that current starter Brian Griese is on a short leash.

The fact that the Bears did not play last Sunday gave the team more practice time this week, which allowed more reps for Rex without cutting into Griese's total snaps.

Still, the Trib speculates (which apparently is an acceptable practice for newspapers but not for disreputable web sites like this one) that Griese could get the hook if he continues to play like he did in Chicago's last game, October 28 against the Lions.  Likewise, Grossman's boom-or-bust tendencies could make him an attractive alternative if the Bears fall behind against the Raiders.

Put simply, the Bears can't afford to drop to 3-6, if they hope to return to the playoffs in the season after their NFC title.  Unlike 2006, an 8-8 record won't be enough to qualify for a wild-card this year.  With the four best teams in the conference clustered into two divisions, even 10-6 might not be enough to nail down seeds No. 5 or No. 6.

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POSTED 9:00 a.m. EST, November 10, 2007

NFL NEEDS TO IMPROVE HANDLING OF IN-GAME CONCUSSIONS

If we could change one thing about the NFL, we'd assign a neurologist to every officiating crew, and we'd charge him or her with the responsibility of monitoring players who have suffered in-game concussions, and we'd give him or her the ability to pull the player out of the game -- and to refuse to allow him to return.

We'd make this move because we continue to be troubled by evidence of guys like Ravens safety Ed Reed getting blowed up (thanks, Emmitt) by Steelers wideout Hines Ward and then returning to the field.  Reed hasn't practiced since Monday night's game, and he might not play on Sunday against the Bengals due to the concussion that he sustained when Ward took him out with a devastating block.

Although the NFL is trying to devise strategies for ensuring that players who are suffering from the effects of a concussion won't be forced back to the field prematurely, the more pressing need for objectivity arises when a player gets his "bell rung" during a game.  Under those circumstances, the player wants to return and the coaching staff wants to let him return.  The team's doctors usually aren't inclined to intervene, for fear that they won't be the team's doctors for much longer if they do.

So the league needs to take this matter into its own hands.  If a boxing referee can pull the plug on a fight because of concerns regarding the health of one of the two participants, the NFL should empower an official to park one of the 90 dressed-out players on the bench for the rest of the game, if it appears that a player has suffered a concussion.

The problem, of course, is that it's impossible to determine who has and hasn't suffered a concussion -- especially if the player suffered merely a mild brain-banging and he realizes that if he taps out he might not be allowed to come back in.

But Riddell, one of the companies that makes helmets for the NFL, has a system for monitoring in-game head impacts.  We'd never heard of this technology until a reader forwarded the link to us.  It's currently unknown whether the NFL is using it.  (And we suppose that this is the kind of information on a disreputable web site that Bill Polian doesn't want "real" journalists to ever chase.) 

Change isn't needed in the NFL only.  As anyone who was watching the Louisville-West Virginia game on Thursday night surely realized, Mountaineers quarterback Pat White never should have been allowed to re-enter the fray.

While White didn't suffer a potentially devastating second concussion while his brain was adjusting to the concussion that he obviously sustained earlier in the game, our guess is that, sooner or later, a player who has been permitted to return to the field after suffering a concussion will get another concussion -- and could end up being seriously injured, or worse.

When that happens, of course, there will be an overreaction at every level of the sport.  Our preference would be to see meaningful change before the worst-case scenario ever occurs. 

We have a feeling that the family of the player who might someday be that worst-case scenario would agree.

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POSTED 8:26 a.m. EST, November 10, 2007

LAKE PLAYED BUSH TAPES FOR NCAA

Charles Robinson and Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports report that Lloyd Lake, co-founder of New Era Sports & Entertainment, played portions of taped conversations with Reggie Bush and his stepfather as part of a six-hour meeting on Tuesday with NCAA officials.  The tapes allegedly establish a financial relationship between Bush and Lake in violation of NCAA regulations.

The NCAA refused to allow USC officials to attend the meeting, due to concerns that USC would reveal the information to Bush and his lawyers.

Lake reportedly began recording conversations in December 2005, presumably because Lake was beginning to suspect that Bush and his family were poised to abandon plans to utilize the services of New Era, and to hire other representation for his coming NFL career.

It'll be interesting to see, however, whether Bush and/or his stepfather agreed to the recording of the conversations, since California law requires all parties to consent to give consent.

UPDATE:  Our own Taco Bill has somehow gotten his hands on an excerpt from the Bush-Lake tapes.

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POSTED 8:00 a.m. EST, November 10, 2007

VICK FIRES ONE OF HIS LAWYERS

Various media reports indicate that Falcons quarterback Mike Vick has parted ways with one of the lawyers representing him against dog-fighting charges.

Daniel Meachum, of Atlanta, is no longer part of a representation team that includes lead counsel Billy Martin, Larry Woodward, and Thomas Shuttleworth.

The reason for the move is unknown.  There's really nothing more for the lawyers to do in connection with the federal case, and it's unclear whether the same legal team is representing Vick in connection with the pending state charges.

Our guess?  Vick probably thought Meachum's bill was too high, and decided that he no longer needed four lawyers to handle a job that could be done by one.

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POSTED 10:04 p.m. EST, November 9, 2007

MINNESOTA MUTINY BREWING?

The decision of the Minnesota Vikings to dock receiver Troy Williamson a game check for missing the Week Nine contest against the Chargers due to the death of his grandmother apparently is having some unintended consequences for coach Brad Childress.

The move, as we hear it, is pushing some veteran players -- and some members of the coaching staff -- toward a revolt against Childress.

Even before the widely-criticized decision to withhold $25,000 and change from Williamson, there were strong signs of discontent.  Presiding over a struggling offense and meddling (as we're told) with defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier's work has made Childress a target for quiet (to date) hostility.

The thinking is that the Williamson debacle could create major problems for Childress, unless the decision to take Williamson's game check is quickly reversed.

And we've got a feeling that, if this controversy continues to grow, owner Zygi Wilf might soon feel compelled to make a change, regardless of whether the Vikings run the table (highly unlikely) or rookie running back Adrian Peterson breaks the single-season rushing record (surprisingly possible).  Family surely is important to Mr. Wilf, as evidenced by the presence of several folks with that same name at the top of the operation. 

Besides, at a time when Wilf is trying desperately to find a way to finagle a new stadium for the Vikings, the P.R. fallout from a family-unfriendly personnel decision could make a steep climb even more treacherous.

So stay tuned.  Our guess is that Childress, in a sheer act of self-preservation, will soon decide to give Williamson his game check.  And it's entirely possible that Williamson would politely tell Childress to stick the check up his own personal ATM.

Beyond 2007, we simply can't see these two men working for the same team.  Though it's easy to assume that Williamson will be gone, we're not ready to rule out a termination of Childress.

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PFTV ASKS . . .

which NFL division is the worst in the league?

Click here to find out.

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POSTED 4:55 p.m. EST, November 9, 2007

DICKERSON WANTS TO KEEP HIS RECORDS

Former NFL running back Eric Dickerson, who holds the record for the most rushing yards by a rookie (1,808) and the most rushing yards in a season (2,105) doesn't want Vikings rookie Adrian Peterson to break either of them.

"He has a good shot at doing it.  I hope he doesn't, to be honest,'' Dickerson told Bob Bensch of Bloomberg.com.  "You want those records as long as you can.  That's part of having the record, your name gets brought up, and it's great for him and it's great for me.''

Peterson already has entered the record books as the first rookie to rush for 200 or more yards in two games, and as the player to gain the most yards rushing in a single game, with 296 five days ago against the Chargers.

With 1,036 yards through eight games, Peterson is on pace for 2,072.

And, as some Internet hack wrote from SportingNews.com three weeks ago, the broader question is whether the Vikings can and will develop the rest of the parts of a successful team -- or whether Peterson is destined to become another Barry Sanders. 

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POSTED 4:16 p.m. EST, November 9, 2007

SHANNY THE G.M. WHIFFS AGAIN

As some Internet hack wrote earlier in the day for SportingNews.com, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is a crappy G.M.

But, to his credit, Shanahan isn't afraid to admit his mistakes.  He did it more than two years ago, by cutting third-round draft pick Maurice Clarett.  And Shanahan did it again on Friday, dumping defensive end Simeon Rice.

"It didn't work out," Shanahan said of the player who spent plenty of time grousing about his lack of playing time.

Rice was cut by the Buccaneers on the eve of training camp, trolled the market long enough to miss the preseason, and signed with Denver six days before the start of the regular season.  He played in six games, and generated zero sacks.

Per league rule, he'll be entitled to take the balance of his $3 million salary for 2007 as termination pay, if he so chooses.  Every vested veteran (i.e., player with four or more years of service) who is on a team's roster at the start of the regular season and thereafter is cut has the right, once in his career, to take the balance of his base salary as termination pay.

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POSTED 3:42 p.m. EST; UPDATED 4:07 p.m. EST, November 9, 2007

REGGIE STIRRING UP RESENTMENT

With all the talk lately of Reggie Bush's off-field interests and exploits, at least one of his teammates has been motivated to offer up some private criticism.

In the wake of the news that Bush has parted ways with marketing agent Mike Ornstein, the teammate said, "Reggie needs to stop worrying about f--king Hollywood and focus on rushing for more than 100 yards in a game."

Ouch.

It's harsh, but it's not surprising.  The whole "Saint Reggie" image and the millions in non-football money is certain to prompt some of the other 52 guys in the locker room not to like him -- especially when his production is languishing behind other running backs drafted in 2006, and some of the ones drafted in 2007.

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SPRINT LEADS WAY IN IMPROVING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

At a time when many folks aren't as happy as they could be regarding multiple aspects of their wireless carrier relationships, Sprint is making huge strides in improving the overall customer experience.

Starting Monday, November 12, Sprint customers will be able to change their rate plans without extending their contracts.  This is an extension of Sprint's prior commitment to allow customers up to six months to adjust their plans without penalty.

For Sprint customers who decide to no longer be Sprint customers, the company will make it easier for this right to be exercised by implementing prorated termination fees.  In other words, the closer you are to the expiration of your contract, the easier it will be to switch to a different carrier, if you choose to do so.

The goal, however, isn't to encourage people to choose to do so.  It's to establish the kind of relationship that will make customers choose to stay.

Other changes include calling customers who exceed their allotted minutes in an effort to help them select a plan that best fits their needs.  And, for long-term customers who are in the middle of their contracts but who want to upgrade to a swanky new device, savings of up to $150 will be available.

Also, Sprint will give customers up to 30 days to cancel new service contracts, without penalty.

Beyond the enhanced customer experience, Sprint continues to support some of our favorite pastimes, including the National Football League.  Sprint also is the exclusive telecommunications partner of ProFootballTalk.com, the leading independent source of NFL news, rumors, and analysis.  We've gotten there in large part because of Sprint's support.  So if you like what you see here, don't thank us, thank Sprint.

And what better way to show your appreciation that to get a Sprint phone for yourself?  Or your spouse.  Or your son.  Or your daughter.  Or your dog.

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POSTED 3:09 p.m. EST, November 9, 2007

COLTS' GONZALEZ OUT 3-4 WEEKS by Michael David Smith

NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting that Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez will miss three to four weeks with a dislocated thumb.

Gonzalez suffered the injury on the first play of the Colts' loss to the Patriots Sunday when he caught a pass and Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel tried to rip the ball out of his hand. Gonzalez attempted to keep playing, but he struggled, including dropping a ball in the end zone that he initially had a handle on. He sat out the second half.

For the Colts, being without Gonzalez is particularly difficult because wide receiver Marvin Harrison is suffering from a knee injury and tight end Dallas Clark is recovering from a concussion.

If Harrison and Clark can't go, Aaron Moorehead and Craphonso Thorpe would be the Colts' second and third options, behind Reggie Wayne.

POSTED 1:29 p.m. EST, November 9, 2007

L.J. FINED $7,500

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells us that Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was fined $7,500 for planting a flag in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Packers on Sunday.

The move, albeit not premeditated, still constitutes the use of a prop.  Thus, the fine applies.

One of the bozos who runs around with an enormous flag bearing the team's logo handed the pole to Johnson after he scored a touchdown.  Johnson then rammed it into the ground, a la Michigan State on Notre Dame's turf a couple of years ago.

League rules prohibit the use of the ball or any other prop in touchdown celebrations.  It is still permitted, however, to dunk the ball over the goal post or to jump into the stands.

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POSTED 12:38 p.m. EST, November 9, 2007

ZACH THOMAS OUT SUNDAY by Michael David Smith

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron confirmed today that linebacker Zach Thomas will miss Sunday's game against the Bills because of migraines, apparently related to a concussion he suffered early this season.

"That's the recommendation of our medical staff," Cameron said, per the Associated Press. "He had a good practice yesterday, but as we're finding out in these situations, one day isn't always indicative of the next day. ... He came in this morning and things were not quite the same."

Thomas missed two games in September because of a concussion. He also missed the Dolphins' most recent game, against the Giants in London, because of what the team said was a neck injury suffered in a car accident on the way home from the Dolphins' home game on October 21. 

Thomas was held out of Wednesday's practice but participated in full-contact practice Thursday. It's not clear whether he was injured in Thursday's practice, but it is somewhat unusual for a player to be held out one day and then cleared to practice the next, only to be declared out for the following game.

Channing Crowder will move from outside linebacker to middle linebacker in Thomas's absence. Derrick Pope will start in Crowder's usual spot at outside linebacker.

POSTED 11:27 a.m. EST, November 9, 2007

CARR WOULD QUIT IF CONCUSSIONS BECOME A PROBLEM  by Michael David Smith

Steve Reed of the Gaston Gazette reports that Panthers quarterback David Carr says he wouldn't hesitate to retire from football if he thought he had reached the point where concussions were threatening his long-term health.

Carr, who has been held out of practice and will likely miss this weekend's game after suffering a concussion on Sunday, says he's not at that point yet. But he's unusual among professional football players in even acknowledging that he would entertain the thought of quitting because of concussions.

“Health is first and family is first. Football is fun. But that’s not something you mess around with,” Carr said, per Reed.

However, Carr says the concussion he had Sunday against Tennessee was the second of his career, and that it doesn't put him in any long-term danger. He even said he has tried to convince the Panthers this week to clear him for practice, but that the team has held him out pending the results of further tests.

Panthers coach John Fox said the team's medical personnel is continuing to evaluate Carr and that he will defer to them. Vinny Testaverde is likely to start for the Panthers Sunday.
 

POSTED 9:49 a.m. EST; UPDATED 10:20 a.m. EST, November 9, 2007

MIKE GOLIC CONFIRMS HE USED STEROIDS by Michael David Smith

Former Oilers, Eagles and Dolphins defensive lineman Mike Golic, now co-host of ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in the Morning show, confirmed this morning that he used steroids when he was an NFL player.

The confirmation came during an odd moment in the show, when Golic and co-host Mike Greenberg invited listeners to call in and discuss the Vikings' decision to dock wide receiver Troy Williamson a paycheck after he missed a game following the death of his grandmother.

Golic and Greenberg hardly ever take callers, and it will probably be a long time before they do it again, given that the first caller initially talked about Williamson but then switched topics and asked Golic, point blank, if he used steroids.

The caller asked the question because Golic briefly alluded to his own steroid use earlier this week. But when Golic talked about it previously, he was so casual about it (Awful Announcing has the transcript; it can also be downloaded for free on iTunes) that it would have been easy for listeners to misunderstand him.

Today Golic left no doubt, calmly and clearly acknowledging that he used steroids briefly during his playing career in an attempt to recuperate from an injury. Greenberg wanted nothing to do with the subject and quickly cut the caller off to turn back to the Williamson story.

Golic last played in the NFL in 1993, and it's not like this is a guy who owns any NFL records, so the fact that he used steroids during his playing career isn't exactly earth-shattering news.

But it's odd that he talks about it in such an off-hand manner, given how seriously ESPN usually takes discussions of steroid use. If Golic has personal knowledge of steroid use in the NFL, shouldn't ESPN ask him to talk about it more? How and from whom did he get steroids? What effect did steroids have on his body? Was it his perception that he was cheating, or did he think using steroids was just something that every NFL defensive lineman did at the time? These would be interesting questions for fans to hear Golic answer, and since his job is to say interesting things for fans to hear, he ought to answer them.

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