THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow was not active for the team’s game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday because of a rib injury.
Tebow has two broken ribs, suffered at Seattle on Nov. 11, and was limited in practice all week. Third-stringer Greg McElroy was active for the first time in his two-year NFL career and was backing up starter Mark Sanchez. Tebow was active Thanksgiving night against New England, but did not play, with coach Rex Ryan saying he would see action only in "an emergency."
Tebow has been a limited participant in the offence, averaging just seven snaps a game after being expected to be an integral part.
Also out for the Jets were wide receiver Clyde Gates, cornerback Aaron Berry, linebacker Ricky Sapp, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, offensive lineman Caleb Schlauderaff and tight end Hayden Smith.
Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts, the team’s second-leading receiver with 50 catches and five touchdown receptions, was out with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the starting offence by rookie Michael Floyd.
Defensive end Calais Campbell was sidelined with a calf injury for the third straight game. He hoped to return this week, but David Carter filled in for him on the starting defensive line.
Starting quarterback Kevin Kolb is out again for the sixth straight game, as expected, with a rib injury. Rookie Ryan Lindley was starting for the second straight game. Lindley threw four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns by Janoris Jenkins, in Arizona’s 31-17 loss to St. Louis last week.
Tight end Todd Heap (knee) was also out for the Cardinals, and hasn’t played since the second week of the season. Also inactive for the Cardinals were: running back Alfonso Smith, guard Senio Kelemente and tackle Pat McQuistan.
—
Roethlisberger, Leftwich inactive for Steelers
BALTIMORE — Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich are inactive for Pittsburgh’s game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
This will be third straight game that Roethlisberger misses with a rib and shoulder injury. Leftwich has been out since Nov. 18, when he hurt his ribs in a loss to the Ravens.
Charlie Batch will start at quarterback. Also inactive for Pittsburgh are cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, tackle Mike Adams, running back Rashard Mendenhall, linebacker LaMarr Woodley and wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery.
Baltimore inactives include linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who has ankle, knee and finger injuries. Tight end Ed Dickson (knee) and cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Chris Johnson are also inactive for the Ravens.
Chiefs’ Siler to start at linebacker in place of Belcher
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Brandon Siler is starting for the Chiefs against the Panthers in place of Jovan Belcher, the linebacker who was involved in Saturday’s murder-suicide in Kansas City.
The game is being played as scheduled Sunday after Belcher killed his girlfriend the previous day, drove to Arrowhead Stadium and committed suicide.
The Chiefs signed fullback Patrick DiMarco to the active roster.
Starting safety Kendrick Lewis, wide receivers Steve Breaston and Devon Wylie, offensive linemen Bryan Mattison and Hayworth Hicks, defensive lineman Jerrell Powe and quarterback Ricky Stanzi are inactive for Kansas City.
Running back Jonathan Stewart is inactive for the Panthers with an ankle injury, leaving DeAngelo Williams to carry the load on offence for Carolina.
Also inactive for the Panthers are linebacker Doug Hogue, defensive end Antwan Applewhite, offensive lineman Bruce Campbell, wide receiver David Gettis, cornerback James Dockery and quarterback Jimmy Clausen.
Titans RT David Stewart carted off field vs. Texans
NASHVILLE — Tennessee right tackle David Stewart was carted off the field after breaking his right leg on the opening series against the Houston Texans.
Stewart was blocking on a 26-yard running play by Chris Johnson when Texans linebacker Barrett Ruud rolled onto his right leg. Trainers put an air cast on Stewart’s lower right leg, while a cart quickly came out to pick him up.
He was taken into the locker room for observation, and officials later announced Stewart had a broken leg. Mike Otto replaced Stewart.
The right tackle had started 103 games since being drafted in 2005.
The Titans had a second offensive lineman hurt in the first half when left guard Steve Hutchinson injured his right knee. He returned briefly in the third quarter when left tackle Michael Roos got hurt and limped off the field before returning on the next series. Titans receiver Damian Williams hurt a hamstring missing a pass as he went out of bounds and collided with a security guard. He limped to the locker room and will not return.
Houston cornerback Brice McCain, starting with Johnathan Joseph out, hurt his left foot in the first half. Officials said in the third quarter he will not return. Tight end Garrett Graham suffered a head injury and also is out.
Vikings WR Harvin sidelined vs. Packers
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Minnesota wide receiver Percy Harvin is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, the third straight he’s missed with a sprained left ankle.
The Vikings ruled Harvin out Saturday. It’s a blow for the Vikings, a game behind the Packers in the NFC North and battling for a wild-card spot. Harvin led the league in total yards, including receiving, rushing and kick returning, before he was hurt.
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews also missed his third straight game, with a hamstring injury, and veteran receiver Donald Driver is out (thumb).
Minnesota’s other inactives are: QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson; CB Brandon Burton; LB Audie Cole; G Mark Asper; TE Allen Reisner; and DE D’Aundre Reed. Green Bay will be without DB Charles Woodson; RB Johnny White; CB Sam Shields; LB Terrell Manning and DE C.J. Wilson.
Donald Jones out for Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo receiver Donald Jones is out for the Bills’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Jones missed Friday’s practice because of a calf injury that limited him in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He’s the Bills second-leading receiver with 38 catches for 410 yards and four touchdowns.
Jacksonville receivers Justin Blackmon (groin) and Cecil Shorts III (hamstring) are active after being listed as probable. They both missed practice on Thursday.
Jason Babin, claimed by Jacksonville off waivers from Philadelphia on Wednesday, started in place of inactive defensive end Austen Lane (foot).
Rams leading receiver Amendola not active vs. 49ers
ST. LOUIS — Danny Amendola, the St. Louis Rams’ leading receiver, is not active against the San Francisco 49ers with a right heel and foot injury.
Amendola has not practiced the last two weeks but played in a limited role last week, getting seven snaps and catching one pass for 38 yards in a victory at Arizona. Rookie Chris Givens starts at wide receiver Sunday in place of Amendola.
Rams defensive end Robert Quinn, who leads the team with 8 1-2 sacks, is active after being listed as questionable. He missed two days of practice and was limited on Friday.
49ers defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs did not make the trip after getting arrested early Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. Backup strong safety Trenton Robinson also is inactive.
Amaya inactive for Dolphins following arrest
MIAMI — Miami Dolphins safety Jonathon Amaya is inactive for Sunday’s game against New England after he was charged with battery Monday following a confrontation with a taxi driver.
Amaya had played in the past seven games, mostly on special teams.
The Patriots had 15 players listed as questionable, and all are active. That includes receivers Wes Welker and Julian Edelman, tight end Aaron Hernandez and linebacker Brandon Spikes.
Miami backup running back Lamar Miller is active for the first time in three weeks.
Lions leave WR Young inactive vs. Colts
DETROIT — The Detroit Lions have left receiver Titus Young inactive.
Detroit haven’t put Young in the lineup Sunday against Indianapolis after allowing him to practice. He was sent away from the team for more than a week because of his behaviour against Green Bay on Nov. 18, and was deactivated for the team’s last game against Houston on Thanksgiving.
The Lions will start left tackle Jeff Backus after he missed the previous game with a hamstring injury, ending his 186-game starting streak.
Indianapolis rookie tight end Coby Fleener and cornerback Vontae Davis are healthy enough to start after missing four games with shoulder and knee injuries, respectively.
Colts linebacker Tom Zbikowski is being replaced by Joe Lefeged. Zbikowski was previously ruled out with a knee injury.
Hill out for Seahawks against Bears
CHICAGO — Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Leroy Hill is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears because of a right ankle injury, while defensive end Red Bryant is available.
Hill went through a workout on Friday to test his ankle, and coach Pete Carroll said how the injury responds would determine whether he plays. The Seahawks are going with Malcolm Smith.
Bryant, a key run-stopper, is available after missing three straight practices because of a foot problem, but cornerback Marcus Trufant is sitting out with a hamstring injury.
For the Bears, linebacker Lance Briggs, running back Matt Forte and cornerback Charles Tillman are available as expected after suffering ankle injuries last week against Minnesota. Chicago had already ruled out return specialist and receiver Devin Hester (concussion) and guard Chris Spencer (knee).
Giants’ Williams ruled out for Monday night vs. Redskins
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants backup linebacker Jacquian Williams will miss Monday night’s game against the Washington Redskins.
The Giants announced Sunday that Williams was being downgraded from doubtful to out because of a knee injury. The second-year player from South Florida hurt it on Oct. 14 against San Francisco and had missed the last five games.
Tight end Travis Beckham, who spent the first eight weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury, was ruled out with a knee problem on Saturday.
Safety Kenny Phillips, who aggravated an injury to his right knee last week, is doubtful for the game. Offensive tackle David Diehl (shoulder), receiver Domenik Hixon (ankle) and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (back) are questionable.
Green Bay WR Nelson injured in game vs. Vikings
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers lost yet another offensive lineman, with T.J. Lang questionable to return after injuring his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Lang joined wide receiver Jordy Nelson in the locker room. Nelson injured his hamstring on the second drive of the game. It was not clear if it was the same hamstring that forced Nelson to miss Green Bay’s Oct. 28 game against Jacksonville.
Lang started the first nine games at left guard before moving over to right tackle after Bryan Bulaga suffered a season-ending hip injury. Undrafted rookie Don Barclay replaced Lang.
The injuries came just as the Packers’ offence was getting back to full strength. No. 1 receiver Greg Jennings was active Sunday for the first time since Sept. 30.
Detroit’ Broyles hurts knee vs. Indianapolis
DETROIT — Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles has left Sunday’s game against Indianapolis with a knee injury.
Broyles appeared to be having his right knee worked on midway through the first quarter on the sideline. The rookie has become increasingly important to the Lions with Titus Young having fallen out of favour.
Broyles tore a ligament while he was a senior at Oklahoma, but that was in his left knee.
Colts offensive lineman Joe Reitz was taken into the locker room during the first quarter to be evaluated for an undisclosed injury.
Titans’ Stewart carted off field vs Texans
NASHVILLE — Tennessee right tackle David Stewart has been carted off the field after breaking his right leg on the opening series against the Houston Texans.
Stewart was blocking on a 26-yard run play by Chris Johnson when Texans linebacker Barrett Ruud rolled into his right leg. Trainers put an air cast on Stewart’s lower right leg, while a cart quickly came out to pick him up.
Dolphins’ Long sidelined vs. Patriots
MIAMI — Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long has left his team’s game against New England with a left triceps injury.
Long stood on the sideline in the second quarter Sunday with a bag of ice on his arm. Last year he went on injured reserve before the final game because of a torn right biceps, but was chosen a Pro Bowl starter for the third consecutive year.
Rookie Jonathan Martin moved from right tackle to replace Long.
Jaguars RB Jennings leaves game
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Jacksonville running back Rashad Jennings was knocked out of the Jaguars game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday after sustaining a head injury in the second quarter.
Jennings was injured following a 12-yard run with just under 14 minutes to go in the first half. After Jennings was tripped up, Buffalo linebacker Nick Barnett landed on him.
Jennings was able to walk off the field under his own power before being escorted to the locker room.
The Jaguars are already missing running back Maurice Jones-Drew because of a foot injury.
Bills receiver Stevie Johnson left in the third quarter because of a left hamstring injury, and Buffalo starting offensive lineman Chris Hairston was carted off in the third quarter because of a right ankle injury.
Jacksonville offensive lineman Mike Brewster hurt his hand in the first quarter, but was able to return to start the second half.
Chiefs defensive backs Flowers, Elam out
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers and safety Abe Elam left Sunday’s game with injuries, leaving Kansas City short in the defensive backfield against the Panthers’ Cam Newton.
Elam left with what the team characterized as a left leg injury. Flowers hobbled to the sideline with a hamstring injury after making a tackle late in the first quarter.
On the next play, Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith beat backup cornerback Neiko Thorpe for a 23-yard touchdown catch that gave Carolina the lead.
Panthers linebacker James Anderson left the game with an eye injury. It was unclear when Anderson was hurt.
Bears’ Bennett leaves game vs. Seahawks
CHICAGO — Bears receiver Earl Bennett has left Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks because of a concussion.
Bennett got hit hard in the closing seconds of the first half, after Steven Haushka kicked a field goal to put Seattle ahead 10-7. Bennett fielded the kickoff and was drilled by Jeron Johnson. He did not come out for the second half.
Chicago safety Chris Conte was also ruled out in the third quarter with an illness.
McFadden to miss 4th straight for Raiders
OAKLAND, Calif. — Running back Darren McFadden will miss his fourth straight game with a sprained right ankle for the Oakland Raiders, while third-string quarterback Terrelle Pryor will be active for the first time this season.
McFadden and backup Mike Goodson were both listed as questionable for Sunday’s game after missing the previous three games with sprained right ankles. They are inactive on the wet turf at the Oakland Coliseum. That helped open up a spot for Pryor, who has not dressed all season.
Cleveland receiver Joshua Cribbs is active after being listed as questionable with a shoulder and chest injury. Safety Usama Young is out with a concussion and rookie Tashaun Gipson is expected to start in his place.