NFL

LaDainian Tomlinson was back at practice Wednesday for the first time since spraining his right ankle in the season opener, an encouraging sign for a San Diego Chargers team that has struggled to run the ball.

A Nevada judge denied motions by lawyers for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to dismiss a civil lawsuit alleging he raped a Lake Tahoe casino worker, according to court documents released Wednesday.

It's a good thing the Buffalo Bills kept 11 defensive backs to open the season because they may need all of them as their injuries continue to pile up.

Two years ago, the Cleveland Browns turned their woeful offence over to Derek Anderson and won 10 games.

Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams was fined by the NFL for the third straight week, the latest for kicking at Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.

Michael Vick is back with Nike more than two years after the company severed ties over the quarterback's involvement in a dogfighting ring. The managing director of the agency that represents Vick announced the deal Wednesday while participating on a panel at the Sports Sponsorship Symposium.

The Miami Dolphins' new starting quarterback held the ball to his ear, spotted his target 25 yards downfield and threw a tight spiral on a line that hit Ted Ginn Jr. in full stride over the middle.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick told a sparse crowd at a Washington, D.C., church that he regrets his decisions that led to prison time for running a dogfighting ring.

Cowboys running back Felix Jones has a sprained ligament in his left knee, and his status for the upcoming game at Denver will depend on how he feels this week.

Jeremiah Trotter is back with the Philadelphia Eagles after a year away from the NFL. The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker signed with the team Tuesday. The Eagles released quarterback Jeff Garcia, the former CFL star.

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says he may deactivate receiver Limas Sweed, the team's second-round pick last year, for Sunday night's game against the San Diego Chargers (2-1).

Quarterback Tyler Thigpen has been traded by the Kansas City Chiefs to Miami, an indication the Dolphins expect to be without Chad Pennington the rest of the season.

Terence Newman returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown with 5:07 left, cracking open a tight game and sending the Cowboys to a 21-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night.

Dwight Freeney spent the first three quarters Sunday night in the Arizona Cardinals backfield. He was relegated to watching the final 15 minutes from the Colts locker-room.

David Clowney might think twice before tweeting from now on. The New York Jets' speedy wide receiver was benched by an angry coach Rex Ryan for the team's game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday after Clowney complained on Twitter about a lack of playing time.

The Buffalo Bills secondary is minus two starters with cornerback Leodis McKelvin out indefinitely with a broken bone in his leg and safety Donte Whitner requiring surgery to repair an injured thumb.

Bills coach Dick Jauron says he has confidence in quarterback Trent Edwards and Buffalo's struggling offence after T.O. was a no-show on the stat sheet for the first time in 14 seasons.

The winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers benched starting quarterback Byron Leftwich on Monday and replaced him with second-year pro Josh Johnson.

Carson Palmer threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell with 14 seconds left Sunday, completing a nearly perfect drive that gave the Bengals a 23-20 victory Sunday and ended the Steelers' nearly decade-long domination in Cincinnati.

Will Smith had an interception and a sack to help New Orleans shut down the Buffalo Bills for a 27-7 win Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, and the Green Bay Packers sent the St. Louis Rams to their 13th straight loss -- now the longest streak in the NFL -- with a 36-17 victory Sunday.

Greg Lewis leaped for a 32-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone to lift Minnesota to a 27-24 victory over the stunned San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, keeping the Vikings unbeaten.

The New England Patriots finally got their offence rolling with a balanced attack as Tom Brady threw for 277 yards and Fred Taylor ran for 105 in a 26-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

No last-minute heroics for Eli Manning and the Giants this time. New York pulled a dominant running game off the shelf to pulverize the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from start to finish.

Jay Cutler pumped his fists. He hugged his linemen. And he raised both arms triumphantly -- all inside the final two minutes.

LaDainian Tomlinson has been ruled out of the San Diego Chargers' home game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the second straight game he'll miss due to a sprained right ankle.

Randy Moss and Wes Welker have formed a potent 1-2 punch for the New England Patriots the past two seasons. But injuries to both could leave the Pats punchless Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Pro Bowl defensive end Justin Tuck is questionable for the New York Giants' game this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cleveland rookie cornerback Coye Francies, incensed over a prank, threw a bucket of ice and at least one errant punch during a skirmish in the Browns' locker room.

A convicted murderer has pleaded guilty to selling the gun that was used to kill former NFL quarterback Steve McNair.

Tony Romo had the perfect opportunity to show everyone how much he's changed, how he's calmer and more disciplined without Jessica Simpson and Terrell Owens in his life.

Brett Favre says he believes fines levied by the NFL for his absence from last year's New York Jets injury report were "very unfair."

Former Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress apologized to his family and tearfully kissed his wife and young son goodbye Tuesday before he was led away to prison to begin serving a two-year sentence on a weapons charge.

Two 16-year-old boys will avoid criminal charges for spray-painting an obscenity on the front lawn of Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin's home following the team's season-opening loss last week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers lose games because Ben Roethlisberger can't escape the pass rush. Or because their offence doesn't get off to a running start. Since 2002, however, they've never lost this way.

Coach Mike Singletary all but acknowledged the 49ers have filed tampering charges against the New York Jets regarding top San Francisco draft pick Michael Crabtree.

Bills starting right tackle Brad Butler needs surgery to repair his right knee and will miss the rest of the season.

Washington Redskins right guard Randy Thomas is out for the season with a torn right triceps. Coach Jim Zorn said Monday that Thomas has a complete tear of the right triceps off the bone.

Lawrence Tynes sent home the largest crowd in NFL regular season history muttering about what might've been. Tynes kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired, giving the New York Giants a 33-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

Jay Cutler came through with a big pass to Devin Hester on third down, and Robbie Gould booted a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left to lift the Chicago Bears to a 17-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

One moment it appeared as if Terrell Owens would be a non-factor in his second game with the Buffalo Bills. The next, fans were celebrating by spilling popcorn all over Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Darren McFadden's five-yard run with 1:07 left answered Kansas City's go-ahead touchdown and lifted Oakland past the Chiefs 13-10 Sunday, in a game that was as dull as the overcast skies until the final few minutes.

A healthy Donovan McNabb may not have mattered against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Brees tossed three more touchdown passes, helping the Saints beat the Philadelphia Eagles 48-22 on Sunday.

Rex Ryan sent a message to the fans. His New York Jets delivered one of their own. Rookie Mark Sanchez outplayed a Super Bowl champion quarterback and the Jets backed up their big talk, shutting down Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 16-9 on Sunday.

Chad Ochocinco made good on his promise. Sort of. The flamboyant receiver got a chance to do a Lambeau Leap after catching a 13-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of Cincinnati's 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, even if he did jump into a group of Bengals fans.

Pat White never pinch-hit in high school because he was always in the starting lineup.

Brett Favre set an NFL record with his 271st straight start in the regular season, then threw two touchdown passes to help the Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 27-13 on Sunday.

Brett Favre set an NFL record with his 271st straight start in the regular season, then threw two touchdown passes to help the Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 27-13 on Sunday.

Donovan McNabb will not play against the New Orleans Saints because of a fractured rib and Kevin Kolb will get his first career NFL start.

Walter Jones could play Sunday for the Seahawks at San Francisco, one month to the day after knee surgery.

The NFL has fined San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers US$7,500 for taunting in Monday night's victory at Oakland.

LaDainian Tomlinson is one of three San Diego Chargers who have been ruled out of Sunday's home opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

Unemployment in the city and its suburbs is twice the American national average. No NFL team drew fewer fans last year, or played its home games before a bigger share of empty seats, as it staggered to the first 0-16 season in league history.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Dononvan McNabb is doubtful for Sunday's game against New Orleans because of a cracked rib.

Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee is questionable for Buffalo's game against Tampa Bay after missing practice because of back spasms.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday because of back spasms.

The Philadelphia Eagles will honour former quarterback Randall Cunningham at halftime of their game Sept. 27 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lawyers for Ben Roethlisberger claim in new court documents that the Canadian woman accusing the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback of raping her at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino concocted the story in part to try to shield herself from possible layoffs at the resort.

Anthony Gonzalez may be out longer than the Colts first feared and they appear to have a replacement for him, too.

The Eagles aren't giving up hope of having Donovan McNabb on the field when they play their home opener Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo is wearing a brace on his injured right knee and walking with crutches.

From April through August, Brett Favre's Vikings jersey was the top seller on the NFL's merchandise website with Michael Vick's Philadelphia jersey ranking fourth.

Tom Brady had a succinct response to all the talking Jets coach Rex Ryan has done about the Patriots and their coach. "Talk is cheap," the Patriots quarterback said Wednesday with a smile.

Shawn Andrews has spent more time posting messages and video on Twitter and YouTube than he has on the football field the last two years.

From April through August, Brett Favre's Vikings jersey was the top seller on the NFL's merchandise website with Michael Vick's Philadelphia jersey ranking fourth.

Bills starting middle linebacker Paul Posluszny is expected to miss about six weeks after having surgery to repair a broken bone in his left arm.

The NFL assessed US$125,000 in fines to the New York Jets and former coach Eric Mangini on Wednesday for violating the league's rules on injury reporting with former quarterback Brett Favre last season.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin is so far willing to forgive and forget after two male teens admitted to police that they defaced the player's front lawn.

The new Cowboys Stadium may have a record-setting full house this Sunday night.

Just for the record, Jay Cutler had a hard time believing how his debut with the Chicago Bears went, too.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill is out until at least November.

Attention, Green Bay Packers fans: Chad Ochocinco could be headed for a grandstand near you.

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini continued his roster makeover, signing free agent wide receiver Ray Ventrone and offensive lineman Billy Yates.

Matt Cassel appeared to be running more briskly in practice Wednesday morning, creating hope that Kansas City's No. 1 quarterback might start on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb did not practice Wednesday because of his cracked rib and it is still not known if he will play against New Orleans.

The front lawn of a home belonging to Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin was vandalized following Buffalo's season-opening loss to New England.

It appears Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo will return to the field at some point this season. New England coach Bill Belichick said Tuesday he doesn't think last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is done for the year.

The NFL is investigating Browns coach Eric Mangini's role in the New York Jets' failure to list Brett Favre's torn biceps on injury reports last season.

Michael Vick can throw passes to his teammates instead of ball boys. The Philadelphia Eagles elevated Vick to the team's 53-man roster Tuesday, a move that allows the quarterback to practise with the team.

Reggie Bush said he couldn't recall being booed in the Louisiana Superdome before last weekend.

The Philadelphia Eagles placed Shawn Andrews on injured reserve Tuesday, ending the two-time Pro Bowl lineman's season. Andrews missed the entire pre-season and season opener with a back injury. He briefly returned to practice, but his surgically repaired back flared up again.

Philip Rivers walked into the huddle unfazed by another fourth-quarter deficit and poised to prove why the San Diego Chargers made him their US$93 million man.

Buffalo kick returner Leodis McKelvin went for the extra yard and gave the New England Patriots a chance to get back into the game.

Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes in a 1:16 span late in the fourth quarter, rallying the New England Patriots past the Buffalo Bills 25-24 in the star quarterback's regular-season return.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Reggie Hayward took a pay cut before the season and signed a new one-year contract filled with incentives.

A person familiar with the deal says the Seattle Seahawks have brought back recently released linebacker D.D. Lewis to reinforce a hurting linebacking unit.

Jeff Garcia is back with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Coach Mike Singletary says the San Francisco 49ers have discussed changing their offer to top draft pick Michael Crabtree.

New York Giants first-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks and running back Danny Ware are probably going to be sidelined at least two weeks with injuries sustained in the season opener.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu doesn't need knee surgery and says "the best case scenario" is that he will be back in three to six weeks as expected.

Colts coach Jim Caldwell says he is waiting to meet with team doctors about Anthony Gonzalez's right knee injury. He can't say how long the third-year receiver might be out.

Jake Delhomme is still Carolina's starter -- even after 11 turnovers in two games.

Donovan McNabb's status is uncertain for the Eagles' game against New Orleans next Sunday because of a cracked rib.

Three NFL players have joined a growing list of former professional athletes who will donate their brains after death to a Boston University medical school program that studies sports brain injuries.

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair his dislocated right wrist -- a major blow for a team with high expectations.

Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills go into Monday night's season opener against a team picked by many as a top Super Bowl contender.

Aaron Rodgers brought the Packers back late in the fourth quarter, heaving a 50-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings with 1:11 remaining to give Green Bay a 21-15 victory over the Chicago Bears in the season opener Sunday night.

Brandon Stokley caught the deflected pass, turned and looked upfield. Nobody stood between him and the end zone.

The Seahawks soared, seemingly revived under new coach Jim Mora.

The New York Giants opened defence of their NFC East title the same way they started last season, with a win over the Washington Redskins.

Drew Brees looked even better than last year, which was bad news for a Detroit Lions team trying to win for the first time since 2007.

Brett Favre threw a six-yard touchdown pass to rookie Percy Harvin in his debut with the Minnesota Vikings, and Adrian Peterson scored three touchdowns in a 34-20 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Mark Sanchez threw for 272 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut, Thomas Jones scored twice, and the New York Jets shut down Houston's high-powered offence in a 24-7 win Sunday.

Peyton Manning hooked up with Reggie Wayne for one touchdown and Joseph Addai ran for another while the Indianapolis Colts defence made two fourth-quarter stops to preserve a 14-12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Donovan McNabb limped to the locker room with a rib injury. Jake Delhomme was booed off the field.

The Seattle Seahawks look to bounce back from their first losing finish since 2002 as they host the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

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Looking to finally put the Plaxico Burress incident in the past, the New York Giants open their season by hosting the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

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Brett Favre has been selected one of five captains for the Minnesota Vikings this season.

Richard Seymour ended his five-day sit out and will join the Oakland Raiders on Saturday, saying he was initially "blindsided" by the trade from the New England Patriots.

The Oakland Raiders reportedly sent defensive lineman Richard Seymour a letter giving him until Tuesday to report to the team or face a possible season-long suspension.

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis on Friday dismissed reality TV star Tila Tequila's accusations that San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman choked her and threw her to the ground early Sunday while she was trying to leave his suburban home.

Tennessee tight end Bo Scaife called James Harrison's shot on his left leg a "cheap shot" in the locker room after the game. Titans coach Jeff Fisher doesn't agree.

Minnesota Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian is listed as questionable for the regular-season opener at Cleveland on Sunday.

Receiver Deion Branch's ability to play in the Seattle Seahawks' opener against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday will be a game-time decision.

Michael Vick is travelling with the Philadelphia Eagles for their season opener at Carolina to get a taste of what's the team's road routine is all about.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals announced Friday that their season openers have been sold out in time to avoid a local blackout, while the Oakland Raiders received a 24-hour extension from the NFL.

A U.S. federal appeals court on Friday cleared the way for Minnesota Vikings Pat Williams and Kevin Williams to play all season, despite the NFL's attempts to suspend them for violating the league's anti-doping policy.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall declined to comment Friday about his return from a team-imposed suspension, culminating his week of public silence on the matter.

Rogers Sportsnet has come to a new three-year agreement with the National Football League to be the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the NFL Network's eight-game schedule this fall.

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee late in the first half of their 13-10 overtime victory against Tennessee on Thursday night. Coach Mike Tomlin said the injury usually sidelines a player from three to six weeks.

Jeff Reed kicked a 33-yard field goal with 4:32 gone in overtime and the Super Bowl champion Steelers again relied on Ben Roethlisberger's ability to lead clutch scoring drives to beat the Titans 13-10 in the NFL season opener.

The Oakland Raiders re-signed defensive tackle William Joseph on Thursday while Richard Seymour remained a no-show four days before the team's season opener.

The Minnesota Vikings released Bobby Wade Thursday and signed free agent Greg Lewis instead, preferring Lewis's versatility in the offence and on special teams.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel acts like he's ready to play. He hasn't missed a practice this week. He knows the game plan. He's said the right things, that he feels good enough to go.

The St. Louis Rams released linebacker Chris Draft on Thursday after the 11-year veteran declined to take a pay cut in the final year of a three-year contract.

Buffalo Bills reserve defensive tackle Spencer Johnson returned to practice after missing three days with a bruised thigh.

Hardly a day has gone by this past week when quarterback Trent Edwards hasn't been asked to discuss the latest in a series of stunning changes to the Bills offence.

Hall of Fame coach John Madden will serve as a special adviser to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum admitted Thursday the team should have disclosed Brett Favre's torn biceps tendon on mandatory weekly injury reports over the final third of last season.

The stomping their Terrible Towel took on the Tennessee Titans' sideline last December was nothing compared to the trampling the Pittsburgh Steelers took on the field.

Arizona's Anquan Boldin sat out practice Wednesday, but Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt says he is optimistic the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver will play in Sunday's season-opener against San Francisco.

The lawyer for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Wednesday rejected a settlement offer by a Nevada woman who claims the Super Bowl champion sexually assaulted her at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino.

Good thing Jordan Babineaux relishes the nickname bestowed upon him by Seattle teammates four years ago. "Big Play Babs" needs to be just that for the Seahawks right now.

The U.S. District Attorney's Office on Wednesday began reviewing accusations of domestic violence that reality TV star Tila Tequila brought against star linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb says Michael Vick has served his time and wishes the disgraced quarterback was eligible to play in the season opener at Carolina.

Malcolm Kelly has won the three-way battle for the Washington Redskins' No. 2 receiver.

Colts safety Bob Sanders, the 2007 NFL defensive player of the year, says he is getting better. He's just not sure when he'll return.

Nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones and starting centre Chris Spencer won't play in the Seahawks' opener Sunday against St. Louis, but both could return next week.

As if the Bills offence doesn't have enough worries these days, Terrell Owens says he's not a big fan of the new no-huddle attack.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel practised for the second time this week, wearing a brace on his left knee as he went through individual drills Wednesday.

Bill Belichick says he'll deal with any developments in the Richard Seymour trade when they happen.

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton remains optimistic he can play at Cincinnati in the season opener despite a dislocated right index finger.

Chad Ochocinco is working on a tweet surprise for the NFL. He promised something new for the Cincinnati Bengals opener Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Derek Anderson stood in the middle of the media huddle in Cleveland's locker-room and then stepped aside for Brady Quinn. Perhaps for good. The mystery surrounding Browns coach Eric Mangini's choice as his starting quarterback became somewhat clearer on Wednesday when Quinn and Anderson were forced to answer questions about their recently completed competition.

Brian Westbrook believes he can still be a dynamic running back for the Philadelphia Eagles even as he recovers from injuries that cost him the entire pre-season.

Tom Brady is excited about Monday night's opener and not only because it will be his first regular-season game in more than a year.

Brett Favre insists he won't let his durability streak hurt the Vikings. Favre will make his 270th straight start when Minnesota plays at Cleveland on Sunday.

Sportsnet's Jim Lang previews each of the NFL's divisions leading up to the opening kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 10. Today is the NFC West and the offensive machine of the Arizona Cardinals.

The lawyer for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is rejecting a settlement offer by a former Nevada casino worker who claims the Super Bowl winner sexually assaulted her.

Tila Tequila's lawyer is calling NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman's explanation of an altercation with the reality star that led to his arrest "spin."

The lawyer for a former Nevada casino worker who has accused Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her says his client will drop her civil lawsuit if he acknowledges the rape and apologizes.

Richard Seymour failed to report to Oakland for a second straight day Tuesday after being traded from the New England Patriots.

Junior Seau would consider returning to the Patriots if they again come calling this season.

Veteran Detroit Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper says he accepts coach Jim Schwartz's decision to have him back up No. 1 draft pick Matthew Stafford.

An NFL spokesman says Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams will play in the season-opener at Cleveland this weekend, regardless of what happens with their court case this week.

Starting left tackle Langston Walker has been released by the Buffalo Bills in another effort to shake up a sputtering offence.

Speaking to a group of high school students, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick offered himself up as a cautionary tale of the dangers of peer pressure.

Sportsnet's Jim Lang previews each of the NFL's divisions leading up to the opening kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 10. Today is the NFC South and the rebuilt Atlanta Falcons.

Recently retired New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is joining ESPN as an analyst.

The New England Patriots have claimed rookie defensive back Bret Lockett off waivers from Cleveland and released receiver Greg Lewis.

Sportsnet's Jim Lang previews each of the NFL's divisions leading up to the opening kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 10. Today we preview the NFC North and the Chicago Bears challenge for the division, and the toothless Lions.

No more lounging at home. No more taking his wife on dates whenever they wanted to go. Lawyer Milloy has finally found work.

Quarterback Matt Cassel appeared on Kansas City's practice field Monday for the first time since injuring his left knee on Aug. 29, but his status for Sunday's opener at Baltimore remained unclear.

Injured Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew won't discuss his status for the season opener against Indianapolis. He did say Monday he was angry when the hit happened.

Colts coach Jim Caldwell wouldn't say whether Bob Sanders will play Sunday against Jacksonville. He does expect the 2007 NFL defensive player of the year to be back on the field within five weeks.

Matthew Stafford won the Lions' quarterback derby. Daunte Culpepper didn't lose the job.

Browns coach Eric Mangini has decided on his starting quarterback, and he's keeping it a secret as long as he can.

San Diego Chargers star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman said he did not harm reality TV star Tila Tequila at his home early Sunday and added he was concerned for her safety because she appeared to be intoxicated.

New York Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce has missed practice for personal reasons.

Safety Marvin White has been claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys.

The Seattle Seahawks have signed safety Lawyer Milloy to a one-year contract, bringing the veteran back to the area where he grew up.

The New York Jets acquired quarterback Kevin O'Connell from the Detroit Lions on Sunday, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

Canadian Corey Mace has himself a job on the Buffalo Bills practice roster again. The NFL club announced Sunday the Port Moody, B.C., native was one of eight players assigned to its practice squad.

Houston Texans starting cornerback Dunta Robinson has ended his holdout and signed the one-year deal that the team had been offering all along.

Authorities say San Diego Chargers star linebacker Shawne Merriman has been arrested on suspicion of choking and restraining his girlfriend, a reality TV star, as she tried to leave his Southern California home.

Five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour has been traded from the New England Patriots to the Oakland Raiders, giving the rebuilding franchise a veteran stalwart up front.

The New Orleans Saints have acquired tight end David Thomas from the New England Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round draft choice in 2011.

The Philadelphia Eagles opted Saturday to leave quarterback Michael Vick off their 53-man roster to start the season, in order to keep a spot for another player while Vick serves his suspension. Vick, who is not eligible to play until Week 3, was placed on the exempt list.

Veteran running back Dominic Rhodes was released Saturday by the Buffalo Bills, who shook up their offence a day after firing co-ordinator Turk Schonert.

Matt Roth's absence from the Miami Dolphins will stretch into at least October.

Super Bowl hero David Tyree has been released by the New York Giants. Mark Clouser, who along with his brother Michael represents Tyree, confirmed the move on Saturday.

The long, grinding final weekend of pre-season is just beginning for Jim Caldwell.

New York Giants backup defensive tackle Jay Alford will miss the season with a knee injury.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has been fined US$10,000 by the NFL for his crack-back block on Houston's Eugene Wilson in a pre-season game.

The New England Patriots have trimmed their quarterbacks to two on the depth chart by releasing Andrew Walter on Friday.

Buffalo Bills offensive co-ordinator Turk Schonert has been fired after the offence's dismal performance in the pre-season.

Rookie Brian Hoyer staked his claim to be Tom Brady's backup. After Eli Manning and David Carr passed the Giants to a 21-point first-quarter lead, Hoyer brought the Patriots back for a 38-27 exhibition win Thursday night.

Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford closed the pre-season much like he opened it: by showing plenty of promise but little finish.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell foresees an uncapped 2010 season as the league and the players' union negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.

Michael Vick got the green light for full reinstatement in the NFL on Thursday when commissioner Roger Goodell said the disgraced quarterback could play later this month instead of waiting until October.

Former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski was fired Thursday as offensive co-ordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been unhappy with the progress of their passing game.

Sportsnet's Jim Lang previews each of the NFL's divisions leading up to the opening kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 10. Today we shift to the NFC and the East, where Eli and his crew remain the Giants to be toppled.

Tony Romo is looking forward to seeing Brett Favre on Friday, even if No. 4 is wearing purple. While the sight of Favre playing for the Vikings rankles many Wisconsin natives, Romo doesn't mind.

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair on Wednesday denied allegations that he participated in secret meetings to discuss NFL labour talks.

How 'bout them Cowboys? They're No. 1 in something even before the NFL season begins: total value.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre will not play in the pre-season finale on Friday night against Dallas. Coach Brad Childress made the announcement Wednesday.

Sportsnet's Jim Lang previews each of the NFL's divisions leading up to the opening kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 10. In this installment he says the Chargers are once again the team to beat, and as long as Al Davis is running the Raiders, expect the losing seasons to continue.

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson moved quickly to replace his son as team president Wednesday, hiring Texas Christian University athletic director Danny Morrison.

Linebacker Pat Thomas was released by the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday after missing most of training camp with a nagging lower leg injury that prevented him from competing for a backup job.

The Detroit Lions claimed former New England Patriots quarterback Kevin O'Connell off waivers Wednesday.

Ricky Williams wants to stick around the NFL a little longer. Williams signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him with the Miami Dolphins through 2010.

Reggie Bush could miss his third straight pre-season game on Thursday night when the Saints host Miami, while fellow running back Pierre Thomas is expected to sit out for the second time in as many games.

Amani Toomer played 13 successful seasons with the Giants, and was brought in by Kansas City to provide leadership to a young group of receivers. Alfonso Boone is a nine-year veteran, and opened training camp as a starter at defensive end.

An embarrassed Osi Umenyiora said he overreacted when he walked out of practice on Monday -- and he's paying for it.

The NFL Players Association has confirmed it is the target of a federal investigation into whether union leaders attempted to collude with NFL officials by holding a secret meeting to discuss labour talks.

Rookie right tackle Andre Smith has broken his foot during practice, only two days after he ended his holdout with the Cincinnati Bengals. He will be sidelined at least a few weeks.

Avoiding local television blackouts will be a challenge as the NFL approaches its first full season in the economic downturn, commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday.

Clinton Portis is chasing John Riggins as the Washington Redskins' all-time leading rusher -- but don't expect them to be best pals when the moment finally comes.

The Bills have waived six players and signed a free-agent tight end.

Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton has torn knee cartilage and could have arthroscopic surgery as soon as Wednesday.

Sportsnet's Jim Lang previews each of the NFL's divisions leading up to the opening kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 10. In this installment, he says don't be surprised to see the Steelers back at the Super Bowl.

Indianapolis spent the off-season trying to beef up its defence.