NFL

The following is the text of a letter provided by the Oakland Raiders that owner Al Davis said he gave to Lane Kiffin on Sept. 12, telling him that if he violated terms of his contract he would be fired for cause...

Ryan Fitzpatrick had only one practice to run the Cincinnati Bengals' offence before making his first start in three years. It quickly showed.

Running back Cedric Benson signed Tuesday with the Cincinnati Bengals, who needed another runner and were undeterred by two alcohol-related arrests in Texas that prompted the Chicago Bears to let him go.

Former NFL draft bust Tony Mandarich, a native of Oakville, Ont., says he used steroids at Michigan State and faked a drug test before the 1988 Rose Bowl.

Ricky Williams says he was briefly tempted to smoke marijuana during the Miami Dolphins' bye weekend, an act that could have ended his roller-coaster NFL career.

The Buffalo Bills shuffled fullbacks Tuesday by signing Corey McIntyre and releasing Darian Barnes.

The Oakland Raiders fired Lane Kiffin on Tuesday just four games into his second season, bringing finality to a situation that had been simmering for eight months.

Marc Bulger is the St. Louis Rams' starting quarterback again in one of Jim Haslett's first moves as their new coach.

Jeff Reed kicked a 46-yard field goal in overtime and the Pittsburgh Steelers overcame a 10-point deficit, numerous injuries and a late Baltimore comeback to outlast the Ravens 23-20 on Monday night.

Deion Branch has an unusual plan for dealing with that first hit, that first physical -- and mental -- test of his reconstructed knee against the rugged New York Giants on Sunday.

The New York Giants and suspended star receiver Plaxico Burress are close to an agreement that will cut his fine for missing a team meeting last week.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier, who was shot earlier this month, is paralyzed below the waist and had his left leg amputated.

Arizona receiver Anquan Boldin was resting at home on Monday, one day after being carted off the field in the Cardinals' 56-35 loss to the New York Jets in New Jersey.

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says quarterback Aaron Rodgers sprained his shoulder but plans to play against Atlanta on Sunday.

The winless St. Louis Rams have fired coach Scott Linehan after a fourth straight lopsided loss. The Rams say that defensive co-ordinator Jim Haslett will replace him on an interim basis.

Another Super Bowl, another rock 'n' roll superstar at halftime. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at this year's Super Bowl halftime show in Tampa, Fla., the NFL and NBC announced Sunday night.

No meltdowns for the Chicago Bears this time. Instead, they came up with a big stand. Chicago hung on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 Sunday night after head-scratching losses that raised questions about their killer instinct.

For three quarters, the Oakland Raiders stopped LaDainian Tomlinson and appeared poised to stop a long losing streak to the San Diego Chargers.

For the first time in 16 years, the Buffalo Bills are 4-0. The Bills had an 18-point fourth-quarter salvo that finished off the surprisingly competitive, go-for-broke St. Louis Rams 31-14 on Sunday.

New Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn was looking for something to help him build up a healthy dose of hate for the Dallas Cowboys. Turns out, he kinds of likes playing his team's archrival.

Rookie Chris Johnson scored two touchdowns and the defence forced four turnovers that the Titans turned into 21 points as Tennessee beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-17 Sunday. The Titans improved to 4-0 for the first time in franchise history.

Brett Favre threw a career-high and Jets-record six touchdown passes, including three to Laveranues Coles, and New York took advantage of a series of mistakes by Arizona in a big second quarter before holding on to beat the Cardinals 56-35 on Sunday.

Larry Johnson ran for 198 yards and two touchdowns and the Chiefs took advantage of four Denver turnovers for a 33-19 victory Sunday over the previously unbeaten Broncos. It was the first win for Kansas City since Oct. 21, 2007, a club-record 12 straight losses that had angry fans calling for the dismissal of everyone from the general manager to the quarterbacks coach.

Derrick Brooks had one of three interceptions off the Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers and also forced a fumble that Jermaine Phillips returned 38 yards for a touchdown Sunday, helping the Bucs beat the Packers 30-21.

Josh Scobee's 37-yard field goal in overtime gave the Jaguars a 30-27 victory against the winless Houston Texans on Sunday.

Referee Ed Hochuli was at the centre of another questionable call Sunday, flagging Julius Peppers for a roughing-the-passer penalty that wiped out Carolina's interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter against Atlanta.

Jim Zorn hadn't even been hired as coach of the Washington Redskins when he first got the message: Beat Dallas.
Watch the Redskins face the Cowboys live on Sportsnet East and Ontario at 4 pm ET.

Marc Bulger will be on the sideline wearing a cap on Sunday while Trent Green does his job. Other St. Louis Rams players know they could have just as easily been singled out as the scapegoat for the franchise's sorry start.
Watch the Rams face the Bills live on Sportsnet West and Pacific at 2 pm MT.

A sore elbow forced Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer to the sideline Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, moving Ryan Fitzpatrick into a starting role.

Denver Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway is engaged to a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader.

Tampa Bay's Jeremy Trueblood and Chicago's Charles Tillman were each fined US$5,000 by the NFL for their roles in a skirmish during last week's game between the Buccaneers and Bears.

Rookie receiver James Hardy hasn't made much of an impact for the undefeated Buffalo Bills. He'll get a chance to change that over the next month.

Colts safety Bob Sanders, already out with a sprained right ankle, has undergone arthroscopic knee surgery.

Brett Favre was listed as questionable Friday for the New York Jets' game against Arizona with a sore left ankle, but is expected to start against the Cardinals.

The outlook for injured Packers cornerback Al Harris is encouraging. Harris suffered a spleen injury in Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys and has been ruled out for this Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

With "madness" swirling at Rams Park, receiver Torry Holt is trying to put aside the turbulence after the team's 0-3 start.

Donovan McNabb returned to practice Friday, but the Eagles could be without Brian Westbrook for Sunday's game at the Chicago Bears.

Former Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson won't face charges for two alcohol-related arrests earlier this year, officials said Thursday.

The San Francisco 49ers will retire Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young's No. 8 jersey in a halftime ceremony during their game against New England on Oct. 5.

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Bertrand Berry will miss Sunday's game at the New York Jets with a groin tear.

So far, Brandon Marshall is fulfilling his vow to leave both tacklers and trouble behind.

The NFL found no evidence that Cleveland Browns defensive players intentionally gouged the eyes of Baltimore running back Willis McGahee during the Ravens' 28-10 win last Sunday.

Beat the Bears. That's the stated goal of the two executives now in charge of running the Detroit Lions in the wake of Matt Millen's dismissal Wednesday.

Brett Favre walked with only a slight limp Thursday as the New York Jets quarterback continued to recover from a twisted left ankle.

Troy Brown has retired after 15 seasons with the New England Patriots. The wide receiver, who hasn't played this season, made the announcement at a news conference Thursday attended by team owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick.

Matthew Tryson Bryant, the three-month-old son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant, died Wednesday.

Vince Young has started working his way back onto the practice field for the Tennessee Titans. Once his knee is healthy enough to return fully, coach Jeff Fisher says it will be as the backup to veteran Kerry Collins.

Jason Taylor didn't understand why there was such a rush to get him into the operating room. True, his leg did feel a bit funny, but surely there was time for a second opinion.

The first season of Ocho Cinco isn't going so well. Eight inconsequential catches for only 88 yards. Zero touchdowns in three games. Back when he was known as Chad Johnson, the Cincinnati Bengals' Pro Bowl receiver would have better numbers in a game, let alone three.

Buffalo Bills receiver Roscoe Parrish will miss four to six weeks after having surgery to repair ligament damage in his right thumb.

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says cornerback Al Harris has a "serious" spleen injury that requires a cautious approach. But he's not yet ruling out one of the team's top defensive players for the rest of the season.

Brett Favre was uncertain Wednesday how limited he'll be by a sore ankle during practices this week.

The Detroit Lions fired president Matt Millen on Wednesday, more than seven years after the former linebacker and TV analyst took over one of the NFL's most mediocre franchises and made it the worst.

Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress was suspended for one game by the New York Giants on Wednesday for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Shawntae Spencer will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left knee.

Saints guard Jamar Nesbit has been suspended without pay for the next four games for violating the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances, team officials said Tuesday.

Centre Tom Nalen, the last link to the Broncos' Super Bowl titles of the late 1990s, was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season and likely spelling the end of his career in Denver.

Brett Favre rolled his left ankle during the third quarter of the Jets' 48-29 loss at San Diego on Monday night, but coach Eric Mangini wasn't overly concerned about Favre's injury.

With his team off to a disturbing 0-3 start, Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel is considering personnel changes and may bench quarterback Derek Anderson for popular backup Brady Quinn.

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair said Tuesday he would be "shocked" if his team doesn't play its home opener at hurricane damaged Reliant Stadium on Oct. 5.

Marc Bulger is out as the St. Louis Rams starting quarterback after throwing only two touchdown passes in three games and will be replaced by 38-year-old Trent Green for Sunday's game against Buffalo.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without injured Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker and nose tackle Casey Hampton for Monday night's home game against Baltimore.

Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and the rest of the San Diego Chargers raced past nemesis Brett Favre and the New York Jets for a 48-29 victory Monday night in a wild game.

No, that's not a misprint on the AFC East standings. The Buffalo Bills -- remember them? -- are alone on top with a 3-0 record.

New England Patriots fans had little to cheer about in the team's worst home loss in 10 years. They even booed the club that had won three Super Bowls in the past seven seasons.

A day after Detroit lost to the San Francisco 49ers, its third consecutive defeat to start the NFL season, Lions vice chairman Bill Ford essentially said he'd fire team president Matt Millen if he had the authority.

Charles Tillman jumped on the pile, took a swing and got flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty at the worst possible time for the Chicago Bears.

The Dallas Cowboys showed off their defence in the opener, strutted their stuff on offence in the second game and won the third with a nice combination. Being 3-0 puts them among the league's few unbeaten teams. The lack of weaknesses they've shown so far might keep them around the top for quite awhile.

After watching film of their latest loss, the winless Cincinnati Bengals came away with a little bounce in their step and a sense that things are about to get a whole lot better.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris underwent additional medical tests Monday amid a report he might have ruptured his spleen in Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey, the New Orleans Saints' second-leading receiver through three games, is expected to be out three-to-six weeks because of a sports hernia.

The Miami Dolphins found a solution for their chronic problem at quarterback: Don't snap him the ball.

Brady Quinn hurried from the shower, dressed quickly and hustled out of the Cleveland Browns' locker room so he wouldn't be late for Monday's team meeting.

Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey will be out three to six weeks because of a sports hernia.

Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker Dan Connor will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Buffalo fullback Darian Barnes will have tests on his injured right foot Monday, leaving his status uncertain for the Bills' game at St. Louis on Sunday.

What seemed like an annoying kick in the calf turned into a significant medical issue for the Washington Redskins and defensive end Jason Taylor, who underwent a 20-minute emergency procedure Monday and will miss next week's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook is day-to-day with a strained ankle, an encouraging sign for a Philadelphia Eagles team that can't afford to lose its top offensive player.

Lane Kiffin is back at work Monday as Oakland Raiders coach despite more reports that his firing could be imminent.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have added some star power to their lineup. The CFL club has signed running back Kenton Keith to a multi-year deal. Keith was introduced at a news conference Monday night.

On an uncharacteristically quiet night for Terrell Owens, the Dallas Cowboys leaned on their defence and running game -- then unleashed little-known wide receiver Miles Austin to put away a 27-16 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.

Josh Scobee, who produced Jacksonville's only other win in Indianapolis with a 53-yard field goal in 2004, did it again Sunday by making a 51-yarder with four seconds left to beat the dreaded Colts 23-21. And this time, he took the ball.

Martin Gramatica's 43-yard field goal try with 1:55 remaining was wide right, and the Denver Broncos escaped with a 34-32 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Julius Jones ran for 140 yards on 22 carries and T.J. Duckett had his first two-touchdown rushing day in four years as the Seahawks sidestepped six injuries at wide receiver and rolled over the malfunctioning Rams 37-13 on Sunday.

Brian Westbrook limped off the field in the first half. Donovan McNabb missed part of the third quarter. With their best player sidelined and star quarterback hurting, the Philadelphia Eagles did it with defence.

The New York Giants are off to their best start since 2000, thanks in large part to a little tiptoeing in overtime by Amani Toomer and the sure leg of 44-year-old John Carney.

LenDale White ran for two touchdowns, Kerry Collins threw for another and Tennessee rolled over the Texans 31-12 Sunday to improve to 3-0 for only the third time in franchise history.

Rian Lindell's mind is at ease after the Buffalo kicker made up for what could've been a costly mistake. The rest of the Bills are breathing easy, too.

Fans booed the Patriots. Many left early. The record winning streak of their favourite team was ending with a stunning domination by the lowly Dolphins.

Watch out for the little guys. In a game that's dominated by scary-big linemen who crush the scales at 300-plus pounds, it turns out there's plenty of room for mighty mites such as Darren Sproles of the San Diego Chargers and Leon Washington of the New York Jets.

The Philadelphia Eagles know the difference a healthy Donovan McNabb makes to their offence. The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping a banged-up Ben Roethlisberger isn't going to hinder theirs.

LaDainian Tomlinson returned to practice in a limited role Friday and is listed as questionable for the San Diego Chargers' game against the New York Jets on Monday night.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Barnett said Friday he would appeal the second fine he received in as many weeks from the NFL.

Two-time Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews is doubtful for the Eagles' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday because of back spasms.

It's been nearly three months since Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch last spoke with reporters. On Friday, and at least for one day, he ended that media boycott.

When defensive end Aaron Smith was injured in December, the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't need to download statistics or watch game video to understand what his absence meant. Four losses in their final five games told them.

Running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice Friday with the Minnesota Vikings but limited in his work and remained questionable for Sunday's game because of a hamstring injury.

Next time DeSean Jackson is racing toward the end zone, the rookie wide receiver should tuck the ball tightly under his arm, take it with him to the sideline and put it away for safekeeping.

The "piano man," Joey Harrington, has landed a new gig in New Orleans. He'll be playing third fiddle behind Saints starting quarterback Drew Brees and backup Mark Brunell.

When coach Sean Payton gave an unflattering review of the Saints' run-blocking, offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb wasn't about to argue.

When Keary Colbert decided Denver was going to be the next stop in his NFL career, he was expected to be at worst the third option in the Broncos' passing game.

Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis aren't comparing notes this week. The University of Miami pals usually call each other all the time, offering ad hoc scouting reports on opponents past and future. One can only imagine what the conversations are like when two elite backs are talking shop.

LaDainian Tomlinson missed his second straight day of practice because of a jammed right big toe as the San Diego Chargers prepare for Monday night's home game against the New York Jets.

Devin Hester's status remained a mystery and so did the extent of his rib injury.

Minnesota's sputtering offence could be without its biggest star against Carolina on Sunday.

The fallout continues over NFL referee Ed Hochuli's game-deciding mistake in Denver last Sunday.

Prosecutors in Georgia have filed two counts of simple battery against Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall stemming from a six-month-old domestic violence complaint.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior was fined US$7,500 by the NFL for making an obscene gesture toward Cleveland Browns fans on Sunday night.

For more than three years, Steve Smith and Ken Lucas talked trash, argued and generally disliked each other, culminating in Smith's sucker-punch at training camp last month that broke the cornerback's nose.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has followed up his suspension of a Tampa Bay cornerback by re-emphasizing safety issues and warning that even first-time offenders will be subject to discipline.

Devin Hester walked off the far end of the field and dodged the rush, the way he often does on kick returns. It was a nifty misdirection.

Kerry Collins has a simple plan now that coach Jeff Fisher made him the Tennessee starter at quarterback: make the team his.

Lawyer Milloy said Wednesday he was glad to be with his teammates for the Atlanta Falcons' first practice since his DUI arrest early Monday.

Willie Anderson will experience a new sensation against a familiar foe Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings are benching quarterback Tarvaris Jackson in favour of Gus Frerotte. Coach Brad Childress said that barring injury, Frerotte will be the quarterback for the rest of the season. However, Childress added he hasn't given up on the 25-year-old Jackson as an option for the team's long term.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, still trying to tweak their injury-riddled offensive line, re-signed veteran guard Chris Naeole on Wednesday.

All-Pro safety Bob Sanders could miss four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain sustained during the Indianapolis Colts' win last Sunday over Minnesota.

The Kansas City Chiefs will start two rookie cornerbacks Sunday at Atlanta, a potentially troubling situation that coach Herm Edwards insists will not cost him one minute's sleep.

Tom Brady, out for the season with a knee injury, is still trying to help his teammates win games. Last season's NFL MVP took part in the New England Patriots quarterbacks meeting Saturday, the day before the team's 19-10 win over the New York Jets.

Former New York Giants receiver Mark Ingram was sentenced Tuesday to more than seven years in prison for bank fraud and money laundering. It's a third term behind bars for the player who starred in the 1991 Super Bowl.

The Seattle Seahawks took two steps to sure up their injured-depleted receiving corps Tuesday by trading for Keary Colbert and re-acquiring Koren Robinson.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin clarified the status of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder: Sprained but not separated.

Deuce McAllister has run into a road block in New Orleans. The Saints all-time career rusher can't get on the field.

Ed Hochuli received the support of the NFL Referees Association on Tuesday, two days after he botched a call at the end of the San Diego-Denver game that allowed the Broncos to keep possession and go on to score the winning points.

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair has discussed the possibility of his team playing at Rice Stadium if repairs to Reliant Stadium from hurricane Ike can't be made in time for its first home game on Oct. 5.

Cowboys safety Roy Williams fractured his right forearm while making a special teams tackle in Dallas' 41-37 victory over Philadelphia on Monday night. The five-time Pro Bowl selection could miss at least three games.

Terrell Owens caught the long pass in stride, cruised into the end zone and began showing off. And it kept going from there with the Dallas Cowboys getting the last of seven lead changes for a 41-37 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Terrell Owens caught his 131st career touchdown Monday night, a 72-yarder in the first quarter of Dallas' game against Philadelphia, to take over sole possession of second place on the NFL career list.

A trial has been averted in a teenager's lawsuit claiming she suffered psychological trauma from nearly a two-year sexual relationship with former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick, a newspaper reported.

Lane Kiffin went through his usual routine Monday, watching game film, meeting with the media and doing all the other tasks as Oakland Raiders head coach.

As reporters gathered around Trent Edwards' locker Monday to discuss the Buffalo Bills' hot start, the quarterback had only one request.

When Mike Shanahan decided to go for a two-point conversion to win -- or lose -- after Denver scored with 24 seconds left in regulation Sunday against San Diego, the Broncos coach wasn't bucking the odds by much.

The Tennessee Titans are sticking with veteran Kerry Collins as their starting quarterback as long as the team keeps winning.

The NFL will look into the inadvertent whistle rule that required officials to give the ball back to Denver in the final seconds of Sunday's game with San Diego.

Browns defensive end Robaire Smith sustained a potentially season-ending injury to his left Achilles during Sunday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steve Smith is back with the Carolina Panthers, just in time to join a team full of confidence after a surprising 2-0 start.

Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy has been arrested on DUI and speeding charges in suburban Atlanta.

On a less-than-ideal night for football or any other outdoor activity, the Pittsburgh Steelers made it a perfect 10 over the Cleveland Browns.

Showing ultimate confidence in his offence, Mike Shanahan went for the two-point conversion with 29 seconds left and Jay Cutler hit rookie Eddie Royal over the middle to give the Denver Broncos a 39-38 win over the stunned San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Kurt Warner looked like he did in his MVP days, Anquan Boldin certainly wasn't sulking over contract woes, and Larry Fitzgerald caught almost everything thrown his way.

Joe Nedney shook off a missed field goal as time expired in regulation and kicked a 40-yarder 4:40 into overtime Sunday, sending the San Francisco 49ers past the Seattle Seahawks 33-30.

Life without Tom Brady might not be so bad for New England after all. Matt Cassel was efficient running the offence in his first NFL start, leading the Patriots over Brett Favre and the Jets 19-10.

The latest jarring hit by the Chicago Bears left Jake Delhomme holding his head and the Carolina Panthers staring at yet another home flop.

The Aaron Rodgers era is looking pretty good so far. Brett Favre's replacement threw three touchdown passes helping Green Bay build a big lead it needed in a 48-25 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts were overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage again, and the swarming Minnesota Viking defence frequently pounded Peyton Manning into the Metrodome turf.

In his attempt to redesign the Washington Redskins offence, rookie coach Jim Zorn has constantly peppered Jason Campbell with all sorts of phrases. One of them: "Avoid, reset and throw."

A 97-yard drive put the New York offence in gear. Another stifling effort from a big-play defence led by Justin Tuck made much of the scoring window dressing in the Giants' 12th straight away victory, including their Super Bowl victory last February.

Trent Edwards was good early and even better late, doing just enough to lead the Buffalo Bills to their best start in five years.

A few years ago, several Dallas Cowboys spent 14 seconds chasing Donovan McNabb all over the backfield, grabbing at air and running after him in vain, only to endure the further humiliation of seeing him cap the scramble with a 60-yard completion.

Had the New Orleans Saints won, they could have celebrated both the victory and Sean Payton's new contract.

Darrelle Revis barely even heard of Matt Cassel before this week. "The only thing I know is his general information," the New York Jets cornerback said. "He went to USC. I haven't looked at film of him yet."

The New England Patriots signed quarterback Matt Gutierrez from their practice squad and released wide receiver C.J. Jones on Saturday.

Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters was activated Saturday and is eligible to play in Buffalo's game at Jacksonville on Sunday.

The Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game was rescheduled to Nov. 9 after Reliant Stadium was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike.

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Denver because of a jammed right big toe.

The Tennessee Titans called police for help searching for Vince Young because his therapist told coach Jeff Fisher the quarterback mentioned suicide several times before driving away from his home with a gun.

Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Trufant has a cracked bone in his left hand, but it won't keep him from playing against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

The scene at Dolphin Stadium was something out of Pop Warner tryouts.

Joshua Cribbs makes the Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching staff work a lot of overtime hours.

The New York Giants and New York Jets ended naming-rights talks with a German insurance company that once had ties to the Nazis.

A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to charges that he sold about 300 Oxycontin pills to New England Patriots lineman Nick Kaczur.

The Houston Texans' game against the Baltimore Ravens was moved to Monday night at 8:30 p.m. ET because of Hurricane Ike.

Tampa Bay's Jeff Garcia wasn't happy with his performance in a season-opening loss to New Orleans, however he didn't think it was poor enough to cost him his starting job.

A wide receiver wanted to alter how the back of his jersey looked, then discovered he had to pay up first.

Terrell Owens vividly recalls the fans chanting his name and the cheers he used to hear in Philadelphia -- the ones he feels drove a wedge between himself and Donovan McNabb.

Always one to go against the grain, Ricky Williams negotiated his own contract extension with Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins, including a verbal agreement regarding a performance bonus.

Bills coach Dick Jauron has trouble putting into words describing how blurry-fast Roscoe Parrish is when returning punts.

Titans quarterback Vince Young insists he never wavered in his commitment to football. All that concern over his mental state? He says he was upset as he dealt with his first serious injury, and he didn't realize he had to tell his mother where he was going anymore.

The New Orleans Saints reached a settlement with injured defensive tackle Hollis Thomas, allowing the 12-year veteran to come back later this season with the Saints or any other team.

Donte Whitner was so excited when Buffalo landed Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell on consecutive days this off-season, the Bills safety went out and celebrated with his friends back home in Cleveland.

The for-profit marketing arm of the NFL Players Association has filed a federal lawsuit in Miami against CBS Interactive over the use of player statistics in fantasy football games.

Former Broncos linebacker Al Wilson, sidelined with a neck injury since the end of the 2006 season, retired Wednesday.

The day after Matt Cassel dropped a fly ball in a high school game, his teammates thought they'd tease him.

So they posted a picture of his miscue on his locker.

Brett Favre brushed up on his recent AFC East history and discovered what he already figured. It's mostly been New England at the top, and then everyone else.

The New York Giants and New York Jets had the biggest increase in value in Forbes Magazine's annual ranking of NFL franchises, each jumping 21 per cent because of their new stadium.

Hollis Thomas, who already was expected to miss the first six weeks of the season with a torn triceps, has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season. The Saints also waived reserve tight end Billy Miller.

According to the Boston Globe, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee, but medical tests showed no damage to other knee ligaments and no torn cartilage.

Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia is out of Sunday's home opener against Atlanta because of a sprained ankle. He will be replaced by veteran backup Brian Griese. Garcia was injured during the fourth quarter of last Sunday's 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Indianapolis Colts starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson was arrested early Wednesday on a drug possession charge.

The San Francisco 49ers put quarterback Alex Smith on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, probably ending the former No. 1 draft pick's four-year career with the team.

The mother of Titans quarterback Vince Young said he indicated he doesn't want to play football and is "hurting inside and out."

Marques Colston, the New Orleans Saints' top receiver during the past two seasons, had surgery on his left thumb and will miss four to six weeks.

Aaron Rodgers was impressive in his regular-season debut as the Green Bay Packers' starting quarterback, thanks in large part to the big men who stand in front of him.

Star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman pulled the plug on his 2008 season on Tuesday when he told the San Diego Chargers he'll have surgery on the two torn ligaments in his left knee.

The lead detective in the shooting of Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Richard Collier says investigators believe the player was targeted.

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick says he's in no rush to sign a new quarterback. Belichick spoke Tuesday, one day after losing MVP Tom Brady for the season with a knee injury.

The Tennessee Titans didn't have the luxury of waiting to be sure about the safety of their quarterback Vince Young before calling police for help in finding him.

It didn't take Canadian Jon Ryan long to land another job in the NFL. The Regina-born punter agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks, a week after being released by the Green Bay Packers.

Veteran kicker Jay Feely signed with the New York Jets on Monday, according to his agent, and will replace the injured Mike Nugent.

Aaron Rodgers passed his first test as the Green Bay Packers' new quarterback, throwing for 178 yards and a touchdown and scoring on a game-clinching sneak in a 24-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Matt Hasselbeck has a bulging disk in his back.

Jason Peters rejoined his Buffalo teammates for the first time since ending an off-season holdout, and proclaimed his intention to play this weekend.

Seahawks wide receiver Nate Burleson is out for the season because of a knee injury.

Brodie Croyle has a separated shoulder and Damon Huard will start at quarterback this week against Oakland.

For all the screaming fans wearing No. 25 jerseys, few folks in the Louisiana Superdome seemed happier than Saints coach Sean Payton as Reggie Bush broke for a highlight-reel score.

Even in retirement, Michael Strahan is motivating the New York Giants.

It was a rare early-season Monday in Indianapolis.

The man who delivered the hit that ended Tom Brady's season insists he was not trying to hurt last year's league MVP.

While waiting for test results on Vince Young's sprained left knee Monday, the Titans found themselves defending their quarterback from critics worried about his mental state.

In 1999, Trent Green went down with a knee injury and an unknown named Kurt Warner stepped in and led St. Louis to a Super Bowl victory. Two years later, little-known Tom Brady did the same for New England. Now Brady is out for the season with a knee injury, leaving the Patriots to hope Matt Cassel can be the latest Supersub to step up.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, already thin along the offensive line after the shooting of backup tackle Richard Collier, lost two starters in their opening loss at Tennessee.

Tom Brady will miss the entire NFL season with a left knee injury that will require surgery, leaving the New England Patriots without one of the game's great quarterbacks and their Super Bowl hopes severely damaged.

Chicago rediscovered its winning formula Sunday night. Play tough defence, control the ball and make no major mistakes.

Jake Delhomme threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dante Rosario as time expired to lift the Carolina Panthers to a shocking 26-24 win over the Chargers on Sunday.

Terrell Owens caught a 35-yard touchdown pass, Tony Romo effortlessly picked apart Cleveland's secondary, Marion Barber scored on a pair of one-yard runs and the Dallas Cowboys opened a season they expect to end with a Super Bowl title by overwhelming the Browns 28-10 on Sunday.

After less than a quarter of football, Tom Brady's season may be over.

Vince Young was on crutches Sunday after spraining his left knee late in the Titans' 17-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Matt Ryan hopped down the field to celebrate after his first NFL pass, knocking down teammate Todd McClure along the way.

Quarterback Alex Smith could find out Monday whether his latest shoulder injury will end his season and his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.

The rookie head coach made all the right moves, and the first-year quarterback displayed remarkable footwork and poise in his initial NFL start.

The Houston Texans lost a gamble, a challenge and, likely, their opener in the first five minutes of the season. Willie Parker and the Pittsburgh Steelers made certain the Texans didn't get a second chance in a 38-17 win that was effectively over early in the second quarter.

Brian Moorman couldn't wait until the final stats sheet was delivered to the Buffalo Bills' locker room. The punter wanted to see, firsthand, what it looked like to have a perfect passer rating.

Brett Favre hardly looked like the retiring type, raising his arms to signal a touchdown, then leaping and skipping to the bench, where he vaulted into the arms of two teammates.

Former Bills tight end Kevin Everett was honoured at halftime of Buffalo's season-opening game against Seattle on Sunday, just under a year since he had a life-threatening spinal cord injury.

The Denver Broncos signed linebacker D.J. Williams to a five-year contract extension Sunday.

Chad Johnson has changed his name, but his jersey remained the same Sunday.

Tom Brady screamed. The fans went quiet. The seemingly indestructible star of the New England Patriots lay on the ground, clutching his left knee. The NFL's reigning MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion was done for the day -- at least.

The San Diego Chargers begin what they hope will be a Super Bowl season Sunday when they host the Carolina Panthers, live on Rogers Sportsnet beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

Shaun Alexander believes he will sign with one of a handful of teams that have provided a "constant flow of calls," including his hometown Cincinnati Bengals. His extended family in Northern Kentucky already is making plans.

Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters has ended his holdout and reported to the team.

The Buffalo Bills said Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters will end his holdout and report to the team Saturday morning. But he's not expected to play in the regular-season opener against Seattle on Sunday.

Packers running back Ryan Grant and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila missed practice Friday as a precaution heading into Monday night's opener against Minnesota.

The return of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch is going to wait at least a week. Coach Mike Holmgren says Branch will not play Sunday when the Seahawks open their season at Buffalo.

The Eagles could play the season opener without their two top wide receivers after Reggie Brown missed his second straight practice Friday.

CBS has filed a federal lawsuit to establish its right to use without charge the statistics that underlie fantasy football leagues.

The New York Giants kicked off their Super Bowl title defence with what else -- defence. New York's defence shut down the Washington Redskins in a 16-7 victory that ushered in the NFL season on Thursday.

Terrell Owens has an easy way for the Dallas Cowboys to hide their lack of proven receivers: Just throw it to him more.

The Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson on a three-year, US$11-million contract.

Kevin Everett will be honoured while attending Buffalo's season opener against Seattle on Sunday, a year after the former Bills tight end sustained a severe life-threatening spinal cord injury.

Call him Adam Jones or Pacman. Maybe even call him a starter. Because the Dallas Cowboys are wary of cornerback Terence Newman's groin injury, there's a chance Jones will make his Dallas debut as part of the starting lineup Sunday in Cleveland.

Hours before the New York Giants kicked off the season against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night, Plaxico Burress signed a two-year contract extension that will bump his salary into the US$7 million range over the next five years.

For the first time since the 2005 Super Bowl, Tom Brady was not listed on a New England Patriots practice participation or injury report on Thursday, a sign that he is ready to start Sunday's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is making gradual improvement from gunshot wounds but is "not out of the woods yet," his agent told a newspaper Thursday.

Bills starting linebacker Angelo Crowell will miss Buffalo's season opener against Seattle on Sunday, and is out indefinitely after having surgery on his left knee Thursday.

The National Football League decided on Thursday to recognize receiver Chad Johnson's legal name change to Chad Ocho Cinco. The new name will be on the back of his Cincinnati Bengals uniform for the season opener in Baltimore on Sunday.

Dan Federkeil and Sam Giguere have ensured that the Indianapolis Colts will open the NFL season with some Canadian content on their roster.

CAR-SD kicks off Sporsnet's NFL season

Daunte Culpepper, who starred for the Minnesota Vikings before a major knee injury in 2005 curtailed his career, retired from the NFL on Thursday.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Antwan Peek has suffered a season-ending knee injury.

In honour of school opening and the NFL kicking off another season, let's start the year with a one-question pop quiz to be graded in February.

He's not sure if the NFL is coming to Toronto, but there's no doubt in Dan Marino's mind whether a franchise could flourish in Ontario's capital.

This time last year, Tony Romo was the cover boy on plenty of pre-season magazines. His love life was gossip-page fodder. And he was hearing his name in the same breath as Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.

Deion Branch is testing his surgically reconstructed knee for the first time to see if he can play in the Seahawks' season opener Sunday.

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick expects Tom Brady to be ready Sunday for the season opener against Kansas City after the NFL's reigning MVP missed all four exhibition games.

In honour of school opening and the NFL kicking off another season, let's start the year with a one-question pop quiz to be graded in February.

Brett Favre has made quite an impression on his new teammates. The ballots are in, and the veteran quarterback was voted one of the New York Jets' offensive captains despite being with the team for less than a month.

Detroit Lions running back Rudi Johnson says his luggage was taken from the team's practice facility by Tatum Bell.

The Denver Broncos traded versatile defensive back Domonique Foxworth to the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday for a conditional seventh-round draft choice in 2009.

Jaguars running back Fred Taylor was ordered out of his car at gunpoint, patted down and handcuffed while a K-9 unit searched his vehicle for drugs outside a Miami Beach nightclub over the weekend, according to a police report released Tuesday.

The New Orleans Saints are returning to the Superdome for their NFL season-opener Sunday, The Associated Press has learned.

The NFL will honour the late Gene Upshaw with his initials and his uniform number stencilled on the field for all 16 games this opening weekend.

The Denver Broncos traded cornerback Domonique Foxworth to the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday for an undisclosed draft choice in 2009.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier was shot and critically wounded outside an apartment building early Tuesday as he and a former teammate waited for two women they had met at a nightclub, police said.

The Detroit Lions signed former Cincinnati running back Rudi Johnson to a one-year deal and released running back Tatum Bell.

Receiver Chad Johnson declined to say Monday whether he will try to get the Cincinnati Bengals to put Ocho Cinco on the back of his uniform this season.

Two positive drug tests derailed Ahmad Brooks' highlight-crammed college career at Virginia. The linebacker also thinks an accusation of bad off-season behaviour factored in the Cincinnati Bengals' decision to release him over the weekend.

With meaningless exhibition games finally out of the way, it's time for LaDainian Tomlinson to get back to work.

The St. Louis Rams were busy Monday when they tweaked their roster, nearly filled the practice squad and elected their five captains.

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck returned to practice on Monday and expects to start Sunday's regular-season opener in Buffalo.

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said the team remains hopeful it will be able to host the season opener against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco will start in the season opener Sunday for the Baltimore Ravens, who awarded the job to their top draft pick because he's the healthiest player at the position.

Canadian-born punter Jon Ryan is looking for a new job. The 26-year-old Regina native was released Monday by the Green Bay Packers despite boasting a sparkling 48-yard punt during the NFL exhibition season.

Jaguars running back Fred Taylor walked into the locker-room Monday, saw a throng of reporters waiting for him and said, "I feel like we're going to the Super Bowl."

Matt Leinart says his tough and ultimately unsuccessful effort to win back the starting quarterback job for the Arizona Cardinals made him a better player.

Seconds after sacking a third-string New England Patriots quarterback in the final pre-season game, New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka jumped to his feet, shimmied and pounded his chest three or four times with a fist.

A healthy Lito Sheppard is a playmaking cornerback with the ability to shut down top receivers and make gamebreaking interceptions.

Last winter, a Florida grocery chain sold the Miami Dolphins logo on doormats. They were discounted: two for the price of one.

NFL players will wear a uniform patch this season to honor NFL Players' Association leader Gene Upshaw, who died Aug. 20.

The New England Patriots signed two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Deltha O'Neal on Monday, two days after they released exhibition-season starter Fernando Bryant.

Tom Brady is ready to play in the New England Patriots' opener but stopped short Monday of saying he would.