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NFL Capsules: Carter fills in for Clark, sparks Pittsburgh
Comments 0 | Recommend 0DENVER — Safety Ryan Clark got his wish: replacement Tyrone Carter took one to the house and Clark got to fly home with his teammates this time.
Carter started in place of Clark as a precaution Monday night and made the big play that sparked the Steelers to their fifth straight win, taking the first of his two interceptions 48 yards for a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 28-10 win over the Denver Broncos.
Clark nearly died following a game in Denver two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude, so Steelers coach Mike Tomlin decided to hold him out of the game.
He said he didn't want to risk Clark's health or burden his teammates and family members with worry.
"Ryan likes to play. He's probably hacked off at me that I didn't play him," Tomlin said. "But he will get over it."
He already is, apparently.
"My goal for this trip was to go back with the team on the plane," Clark said. "Last time I came out, I didn't make it back with them."
Clark was hospitalized in Denver in October 2007 when complications from sickle-cell trait prevented oxygen from flowing into his spleen. He later needed operations to remove his spleen and gall bladder, and he lost more than 30 pounds before he finally began feeling better more than two months later.
He missed the second half of that season, but recovered and resumed his career last season, when the Steelers won the Super Bowl.
Carter capped his night with his second interception with 15 seconds left, and Clark, dressed in charcoal sweats and a smile on the sideline, jumped up and down in celebration, then clicked the heels of his tennis shoes as he exited the field.
"I was excited for him," Clark said. "It was a big win. He did an awesome job. His first interception really put us in the game."
"I might be like Wally Pipp," he added with a chuckle. "I'd better get back fast."
Hines Ward caught two short touchdown passes from Ben Roethlisberger, including one in which he hauled in a pass in the flat and hurdled cornerback Champ Bailey on his way into the end zone, a final indignity for Denver that capped the scoring with 1:22 remaining and emptied the stadium.
Rashard Mendenhall rumbled over the Broncos for 155 yards on 22 carries as the Steelers (6-2) handed Denver its second straight loss after the Broncos opened the season 6-0 under rookie coach Josh McDaniels.
Carter's first interception return gave Pittsburgh a 7-3 halftime lead even though the Steelers had generated just three first downs and were outgained 183-54 in the first half.
An ecstatic Clark was among the first players to swarm Carter, the first defender to pick off a Kyle Orton pass all season. His only interception before throwing three Monday night was a Hail Mary that Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss pulled down in a game last month.
"I'll tell you, Ryan is like a brother to me. We've been in this thing together for a long time," Carter said. "The bond is so tight between all of us. But to know that he can't play today and knowing that he wanted to be out there, I just wanted to make sure that I went out there and played for him, and let him know I'm there for him, that we were still going to be all right."
With the Steelers clinging to a 14-10 lead in the fourth quarter, safety Troy Polamalu snared another Orton pass, this one at the Broncos 25-yard line, leading to Roethlisberger's 25-yard TD toss to rookie Mike Wallace.
Denver scored on its opening drive for the first time this season. But the Broncos had to settle for Matt Prater's 40-yard field goal after cornerback William Gay broke up a pass at the 10 to Eddie Royal, who had three receptions for 47 yards on the 56-yard drive.
The Broncos' defense retaliated for Carter's pick-six on the opening drive of the second half when Kenny Peterson swooped in and punctuated his first sack of the season by punching the ball out of Roethlisberger's hands. Rookie linebacker Robert Ayers scooped it up and rumbled 54 yards for a touchdown that gave Denver a 10-7 lead.
It didn't last long.
Roethlisberger, who was 21 for 29 for 233 yards, drove the Steelers 80 yards in four plays, hitting Ward with a 3-yard strike over the outstretched right arm of linebacker D.J. Williams to put Pittsburgh ahead for good, 14-10.
Roethlisberger drove the Steelers to the Denver 15 on the Steelers' next possession, but he threw behind Ward in the end zone and cornerback Andre' Goodman picked it off — Big Ben's first red-zone interception since 2007.
The Steelers dominated the second half by going no-huddle with three-wide receiver sets, which kept Elvis Dumervil, the NFL co-leader with 10½ sacks, on the sideline much of the time.
"We didn't stop anybody once they started going no-huddle," McDaniels said.
Clark was one of three Steelers defensive starters sitting out, joining defensive end Travis Kirschke (calf) and linebacker Lawrence Timmons (ankle). It hardly mattered as Denver managed just 59 yards on six second-half drives.
As Denver self-destructed in the second half for the second straight week, Invesco Field became a sea of yellow Terrible Towels and thousands of empty blue seats, orange giveaway pom-pons littering the aisles.
NOTES: Orton was 7 for 17 for 58 yards after halftime after going 16 for 21 for 163 yards in the first half. ... 35-year-old CB Ty Law made his debut for Denver two days after signing with the Broncos.
Steelers' Clark sits out game at Denver
DENVER — The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing it safe with safety Ryan Clark and holding him out of the team's game at Denver on Monday night.
Clark nearly died following a game in Denver two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude.
Clark had his spleen and gall bladder removed during separate operations and he lost 30 pounds after the Oct. 21, 2007, game in Invesco Field that ended his season. Many of Clark's teammates told him he should skip this game.
Ten-year veteran Tyrone Carter and rookie Ryan Mundy were expected to split snaps in place of Clark.
About 2½ hours before kickoff, Clark went onto the field in a long-sleeve black shirt and baggy black shorts with white tube socks and ran several times from one sideline to the other, walking back each time, resting for a minute and then repeating.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told the team's Web site he didn't want to risk Clark's health or burden his teammates and family members with worry.
"I think it was the appropriate thing to do in this situation. I didn't want to be worried about his physical well-being, and I know his teammates would be, plus his wife and family. By not allowing him to play, I think we all can be singularly focused on what we came to Denver to do, which is win a football game," Tomlin told Steelers.com.
Tomlin said Clark took the news well.
"He's fine. Ryan is a professional. He's a team guy, and I think he respected the decision," Tomlin told the Web site.
-- Arnie Stapleton
League News
NFL looking into Redskins-Falcons scuffle
ASHBURN, Va. — DeAngelo Hall says he was only trying to help a teammate. Mike Smith says he was trying to restore order. If that's the case, how did the Washington Redskins cornerback and the Atlanta Falcons coach end up in the middle of such an untidy scrum?
The NFL is trying to answer that very question as it investigates the altercation that happened in the second quarter of Atlanta's 31-17 victory over Washington at the Georgia Dome on Sunday. It's anyone's guess what fines or suspensions will result from the sequence of events that found former Falcons player Hall on the wrong sideline surrounded by a throng of wrong-color jerseys.
"That was a crazy deal," Redskins running back Rock Cartwright said. "There was a lot going on over there. I see their head coach got involved, which I think was not right. I see a lot of their players got involved. I'm sure DeAngelo will get a fine for it, and I hope those guys get fined, too. There was a lot more of their guys than there was our guys."
A review of the video doesn't help much. The commotion started when Redskins safety LaRon Landry was whistled for a late sideline hit on quarterback Matt Ryan. While Landry and Ryan were walking back on the field as if nothing major had happened, Hall — he wasn't even involved in the play — is quickly surrounded by Atlanta players, coach Smith and Falcons director of athletic performance Jeff Fish.
Hall said after the game that he went to the sideline to come to Landry's aid. He accused Fish of trying to "get some licks in." Of Smith, he said: "When a coach comes over there to put his hands on you in a harmful way, something needs to be done."
Hall said he would file a complaint with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but he doesn't have to bother. League spokesman Randall Liu said Monday that "any altercation of that nature is always reviewed for possible discipline."
The replays show plenty of physical contact involving Hall, Smith and Fish. Smith said after the game he was merely playing peacemaker. He maintained that stance Monday.
"I can tell you this. Our quarterback was hit late out of bounds on the sideline," Smith said. "We were trying to restore order on our sideline."
Hall was not made available to reporters Monday, a rare bit of silence from one of the team's most outspoken players. Hall spent last week criticizing the Falcons for the way they treated him before he was traded to Oakland after the 2007 season and was obviously fired up for Sunday's game.
In fact, another of Hall's infamous NFL moments occurred on the same sideline two years ago — a shouting match with then-Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino that led to a $100,000 fine for the player. Hall was booed loudly during pregame introductions Sunday.
"That's D-Hall," Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux said. "Everybody knows he's a fiery guy. He likes to talk smack. That's just part of his game."
A Redskins spokesman said Hall will likely speak once the NFL has decided whether to take further action. There were only two penalties called on the play — one on Landry for the late hit, and one on Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who shoved a Falcons player after Hall's teammates finally arrived on the scene to help out.
Coach Jim Zorn said his own review of the game verified Hall's side of the story.
"I read what he said, and it looked to me on video it's exactly what happened," Zorn said. "We were penalized, and what he was trying to do was get LaRon off the sideline and Laron was going and he got grabbed.
"I think there was emotion involved because their player just got hit out of bounds, the quarterback. That's a tough deal in itself. The emotion rose, and he was the only guy in there. I was really actually proud of DeAngelo for keeping his composure."
The incident is the latest in an incredible run of Redskins news that has made the team's actual on-field performance an afterthought in recent weeks. In the last month, owner Dan Snyder and team management have stripped Zorn of play-calling duties, announced that fans are banned from carrying signs into the stadium, given Zorn a vote of confidence, issued an apology of sorts for the team's play and had an assistant coach lash out at Hall of Fame running back John Riggins for claiming Snyder is someone whose "heart is dark."
Meanwhile, the Redskins (2-6) have lost four straight, the injuries are mounting, and the offense still hasn't scored 17 points in a game. There was a sea change in the locker room Monday as players spoke about how they'll stay motivated through the final eight weeks.
"It's your job. You've got to have pride," Cartwright said. "That's how you take care of your family."
-- Joseph White
Bills S Whitner would welcome Vick in Buffalo
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — If Tony Dungy believes Michael Vick would be a good fit in Buffalo, Donte Whitner is on board.
Confident Vick can regain his once-dynamic form, the Bills safety said Monday he would encourage his team to pursue Vick if the Eagles — who hold a $5.2 million option on the backup quarterback next season — decide to release Vick in the offseason.
In noting he was a proponent of the Bills pursuing Vick since before he signed with Philadelphia in August, Whitner said he's more convinced Buffalo can use him next season. Without specifically naming Bills starter Trent Edwards or backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, Whitner noted that players — himself included — are replaceable if they can't get the job done.
"If you're not getting the job done, then they're going to bring in other players. It's a competition thing," Whitner said. "You bring in other guys that can get the job done that can help you win. I would welcome bringing in Michael Vick."
The Bills (3-5), whose offense ranks among the NFL's worst this season, returned to practice Monday after a four-day break during their bye, and prepare to play at Tennessee this weekend.
Whitner's comment came a day after Dungy linked Vick and the Bills during NBC's NFL pre-game show. Dungy, the former Colts coach who serves as Vick's adviser, referred to Buffalo as "a dark horse" candidate to land the quarterback if he becomes available.
Dungy also divulged for the first time that the Bills had previously expressed interest in signing the player last summer when Vick was searching for a team after serving 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.
"They talked originally. There was some communication there," Dungy said.
The Bills have not publicly indicated any interest in signing Vick. Bills general manager Russ Brandon had previously said the team had no interest in pursuing Vick "at this time," when repeatedly asked of the team's interest this offseason.
The Bills on Monday declined to discuss Dungy's remarks by noting Vick is a member of the Eagles. NFL tampering rules prevent teams from discussing players under contract to other teams.
That didn't stop Whitner from sharing his thoughts on Vick, who is being used sparingly in Philadelphia. Vick has completed 2 of 6 passes for 6 yards and rushed 12 times for 27 yards, mostly out of the wildcat formation.
Whitner was confident Vick will be better next season with a full offseason to prepare.
"The team that gets him is going to pick up on a good player," Whitner said. "And I believe if we have the opportunity, I believe it'll be a good pickup for us."
The Bills have struggled on offense this season no matter who's started. Edwards opened his second full season as the starter by going 1-3 before he was knocked out by a concussion in a 16-13 overtime win at the New York Jets on Oct. 18. Fitzpatrick rallied the Bills to beat the Jets and then went 1-1 in two starts.
Edwards has one more year left on his contract, while Fitzpatrick signed a three-year deal in free agency this past offseason.
The Bills haven't made the playoffs since 1999, and have had a revolving door at quarterback — going through nine starters — since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired following the 1996 season.
Receiver Lee Evans said he's a fan of Vick, but referred to Dungy's comments as speculation.
"I don't think it'll be anything we'll aggressively go after," Evans said.
-- John Wawrow
Browns facing TV blackout
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have not yet sold out next Monday night's game against Baltimore and are facing their first TV blackout since 1995.
A team spokesman said "a few thousand" tickets remained for the game and it was too early to say whether the game would be televised in the Cleveland area. The team has an 8:30 p.m. deadline on Friday to sell the remaining tickets.
The Browns were facing a similar dilemma this summer, when their broadcast partner, WKYC-TV, purchased tickets to ensure the game would be seen locally.
Cleveland isn't the only NFL market to have trouble with ticket sales. Jacksonville, Oakland and Detroit have failed to sell out games this season and a few other teams have needed deadline extensions to avoid blackouts.
Eagles-Chargers game sells out; blackout lifted
SAN DIEGO — The Chargers say they've sold enough tickets to lift the local TV blackout of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This is the earliest a Chargers game has sold out this season.
It will be the 44th consecutive regular-season or postseason home game to be televised live in Southern California, tying for the longest streak in team history. The last regular-season home game blacked out was on Nov. 7, 2004, against New Orleans.
Player Moves
Chiefs release RB Larry Johnson
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Given good blocking and a fresh start, Larry Johnson might still be the power-running Pro Bowler who had back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons for Kansas City.
Are you listening, Seattle? What do you think, Indianapolis? Chicago? Houston?
Or he might be a declining malcontent who'll only cost money and cause trouble.
To that, every coach and general manager in the NFL is listening. The Chiefs released Johnson on Monday, the day he was due back from his second suspension in the past 12 months.
Any team with a faltering running game is bound to be tempted by Johnson, despite his baggage and his age (he turns 30 on Nov. 19).
"Any player that's available, we look at," said Bears coach Lovie Smith. "That's been our standard policy throughout. That'll be the case with Larry."
Houston coach Gary Kubiak agreed.
"When a name like that comes on the free agent market like today, we'll obviously go back and take a look at him just like any other player," Kubiak said. "Obviously, he's been a good player in this league and I'm sure he'll get a lot of interest from a lot of people."
The Seahawks have the league's 30th-ranked rushing offense. Starter Julius Jones has sputtered. And last week, Seattle released ineffective backup Edgerrin James, the NFL's active rushing leader.
Yet coach Jim Mora doesn't sound interested in Johnson.
When asked if he was interested in adding a veteran running back, Mora said "No. ... Right now, we'll just stick with what we've got."
Johnson has been high-maintenance since the Chiefs drafted him in the first round out of Penn State in 2003. Unhappy because he thought he was going to be taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson brooded while playing behind Pro Bowler Priest Holmes. He even prompted then-coach Dick Vermeil to say it was time for him "to take the diapers off."
His last brush with controversy came two weeks ago when he posted on his Twitter account a gay slur, insulted followers and questioned the competence of head coach Todd Haley.
He was suspended for two weeks, but Haley said the final decision to cast him aside was not made until early Monday.
"We decided it was in the best interests of the Kansas City Chiefs organization to move forward at this time," he said.
Behind a poor offensive line this year, Johnson has gained 2.7 yards per carry for the Chiefs (1-7) and appeared not to have the quickness and punishing power that enabled him to rush for more than 1,700 yards in Pro Bowl seasons in 2005 and '06.
Can he still be effective?
"I don't think I'll answer that because he's no longer on this team," Haley said.
Since rushing for a team-record 1,789 yards on an NFL-record 416 carries in 2006, Johnson has never been quite the same.
In 2008, then-coach Herm Edwards benched him for three straight games for violating team rules and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him a fourth game for violating the league's player-conduct policy.
Johnson was later sentenced to two years' probation after pleading guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace. One woman accused him of throwing a drink on her and another said he had pushed her head at a Kansas City night spot.
After his huge year in 2006, Johnson stayed away from training camp, demanding more money and he got it, a six-year deal worth $45 million, including $19 million guaranteed.
But hampered by a foot injury, he wound up with only 559 yards and three touchdowns. In 2008, he ran for 874 yards as the Chiefs sank to 2-14. Still, Johnson was only 75 yards away from breaking Holmes' team rushing record.
"A part of him is excited and a part of him is very regretful," his agent, Peter Schaffer, told The Associated Press. "There's a lot of feelings going on right now. It's analogous to breaking up with a girlfriend. Maybe you saw it coming, but it still hurts when it happens."
Haley declined to say if Johnson's low production had any bearing on his release or whether the Chiefs' biggest concern were the slurs and the public criticism of his coach.
"It wouldn't be fair of me to try to comment on that in any way other than to say the totality of the situation was factored in — what we felt was best for the Kansas City Chiefs," Haley said.
In April, a special master ruled that in pleading guilty to disturbing the peace, Johnson had violated terms of his contract and the Chiefs could release him without having to pay about $3.5 million. In what now must be viewed as a huge mistake, they opted to keep him on the roster.
"Every decision we've made here ... has been what we thought was best for the football team," Haley said. "Some of those decisions might appear real good at times, and some of them might appear real bad at times."
Getting benched for three games last year and suspended by the league for one cost him big. And this year he lost another $315,000 for the gay slurs and tweeting. Last week, an online fan petition was started asking the Chiefs not to let Johnson become the team's all-time leading rusher — a record Smith said Johnson had been looking forward to.
"He wanted to get the record, I know that," said running back Kolby Smith, who saw his first action Sunday after undergoing knee surgery last year. "Whenever someone has a chance to break a record, it means a lot to them."
Johnson winds up his Chiefs career with 5,996 yards rushing and 55 touchdowns. He also caught 151 passes for 1,369 yards and six TDs.
-- Doug Tucker
Injuries
Bengals WR Henry has surgery on broken arm
CINCINNATI — Bengals receiver Chris Henry will miss the rest of the season after having surgery Monday on his broken left forearm.
The Bengals put Henry on injured reserve and brought back offensive guard Scott Kooistra, who was released a week ago. The Bengals needed another offensive lineman after left guard Evan Mathis injured his an ankle Sunday during a 17-7 win over Baltimore.
Henry is in the final year of his contract with the Bengals, who let him go after his fifth arrest following the 2007 season. Owner Mike Brown changed his mind and brought him back a few months later, signing him to a two-year deal.
Henry has stayed out of trouble since his return and has been used primarily on passing downs. He was fourth among Bengals receivers this season with 12 catches for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
He was hurt on his only catch Sunday, landing on his back while cornerback Fabian Washington made the tackle and came down on his arm. Henry said after the game that he could tell the arm was broken when he looked at it.
Henry has been bothered by a thigh injury that improved during the bye week leading up to the Baltimore game.
"He was excited to play yesterday," coach Marvin Lewis said. "I don't know that I've ever seen him that excited to play, and it's unfortunate he got hurt. You could tell he felt good after the time off and getting his legs back and under him."
The victory kept Cincinnati (6-2) in first place in the AFC North, headed for a showdown next Sunday in Pittsburgh against the defending champions. The Bengals could replace Henry by elevating receiver Maurice Purify from the practice squad, which would involve another roster move.
Purify, signed last year as an undrafted free agent from Nebraska, spent most of last season on the practice squad. He has played well on special teams, which gives him an advantage.
Jerome Simpson, a second-round draft pick last year, has been inactive for all eight games this season, still struggling to make the jump from Coastal Carolina to the NFL. Simpson played in only six games last season and caught one pass for two yards.
"We could move Maurice up," Lewis said. "We'll look at the best options because with that, it's a matter of who can I get the most snaps out of on Sunday. That's the important part."
Mathis hurt his left ankle during the first quarter on Sunday. Linebacker Keith Rivers hurt his right calf and was on crutches after the game. Lewis said on Monday that neither injury appears to be severe.
-- Joe Kay
Redskins injuries: 2 players out, Portis doubtful
ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Redskins are shuffling their lineup again after losing their strong safety and right tackle to multiweek injuries.
In addition, Clinton Portis is recovering from a concussion and is doubtful to play in next week's game against Denver.
Safety Chris Horton damaged a ligament in his left big toe during Sunday's 31-17 loss to Atlanta. He's out a minimum of four to six weeks — and it will be four to six months if a specialist decides the toe needs surgery.
Offensive lineman Mike Williams, who has started the last four games, is out two to four weeks after tearing a ligament in his ankle. He will also see a specialist but doesn't expect to require surgery.
Portis took a helmet-to-helmet blow as he was tackled at the end of a running play during the first quarter on Sunday. He will undergo a test Tuesday to help determine his availability for the Broncos game.
"He still doesn't remember the play," coach Jim Zorn said Monday. "We have to be very cautious with a concussion."
Zorn said season-ending injured reserve is a possibility for both Horton and Williams. The Redskins are already without left tackle Chris Samuels and right guard Randy Thomas, both on IR, and tight end Chris Cooley is out at least two more weeks with a broken ankle.
Zorn said Stephon Heyer will move back to right tackle and that Levi Jones, who was signed three weeks ago, will start at left tackle against the Broncos. It will be the fifth different starting offensive line alignment used by the Redskins (2-6), who have lost four straight.
"I'm concerned about all of our injuries, no question about it," Zorn said. "It's what teams have to deal with each week, and we've absolutely had our share, but one of the things that we will do is we'll be competitive. We'll go out and compete, and we'll put out there our best effort, the best guys we can get in this program, and put them on the field."
The Redskins will look at signing a safety and a running back. Zorn said the team had a discussion about Larry Johnson, who was released by Kansas City on Monday, and would revisit the possibility later.
Zorn said Jason Campbell, who left Sunday's game twice while getting battered behind the patchwork offensive line, has a sprained ankle but will remain the starting quarterback against the Broncos. Portis' backup, Ladell Betts, also has a sprained ankle but is expected to start if Portis can't play.
-- Joseph White
Panthers LB Davis out for season with torn ACL
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers lost perhaps their most productive defensive player Monday when tests showed weakside linebacker Thomas Davis has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Davis' season-ending injury came without getting hit in Sunday's loss to New Orleans. He was backpedaling when stopped to plant and his knee buckled. He crumpled to the turf as Drew Brees threw a 17-yard pass to Pierre Thomas in the fourth quarter.
A serious injury was immediately feared, and it derails the speedy Davis' most successful season in another blow for injury-plagued Carolina (3-5).
"He's played very well. I feel bad for the young man because he's put a lot into it," coach John Fox said before the team revealed the extent of the injury. "He was playing at a high level. It's unfortunate, and I feel bad for him and his family."
Davis, a 2005 first-round pick from Georgia in his fourth season with the Panthers, ranks second on the team behind fellow linebacker Jon Beason with 69 tackles. He also had two sacks and an interception and his teammates had begun talking about him as a Pro Bowl selection.
"This defense is pretty much made for the Will linebacker to be a playmaker," safety Chris Harris said. "Thomas, with his physical skill and ability was making plays left and right. He was having an excellent year, possibly a Pro Bowl-type year."
Davis is the second defensive starter to be lost for the season, joining Maake Kemoeatu (torn Achilles' tendon), who went down on the first day of training camp.
Davis missed much of training camp with a sprained medial collateral ligament in the same knee, then sat out the Buffalo game last month with a strained hamstring. The latest injury comes at an inopportune time for Davis, who will be a restricted free agent after the season.
"I feel like that if the Panthers want to bring him back they're not going to hold that against him," defensive tackle Damione Lewis said. "He's really done a great job this year. This has been his best season since he's been in the league."
Landon Johnson, who led Cincinnati in tackles three times over four seasons but has been much less productive in two seasons with Carolina, will likely move into the starting lineup. Johnson had 10 tackles filling in for Davis against the Bills.
"If I end up going in to replace TD it's obviously big shoes to fill," Johnson said. "I just got to go out there and practice as hard as I can."
The Panthers did not immediately place Davis on injured reserve, which would open a roster spot for another linebacker. Reserve James Anderson can also play that position, but linebacker Na'il Diggs said it's impossible to replace Davis.
"I haven't seen another one like him on any team I've played on," Diggs said. "Just flat out crazy talent, crazy athleticism."
-- Mike Cranston
Bills QB Edwards expects to be cleared to play
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Bills quarterback Trent Edwards expects to be cleared to play this weekend after missing nearly a month recovering from a concussion.
Edwards said he felt rested and refreshed after practicing Monday in Buffalo's first workout since a four-day break because of the bye week. He added he's "ready to go" but hasn't been informed if he'll start Sunday when Buffalo (3-5) plays at Tennessee (2-6).
Bills coach Dick Jauron didn't speak to reporters on Monday, and has not said whether Edwards will regain his starting job once healthy. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick helped the Bills go 2-1 after Edwards was hurt in a 16-13 overtime win over the Jets on Oct. 18.
All indications are that Edwards will start after he practiced twice last week and continued working with Buffalo's top receivers, Terrell Owens and Lee Evans, on Monday.
The Bills' offense has struggled no matter who has started under center. It ranks 29th in the NFL in yards gained, has failed to generate 300 yards seven times this season and produced just nine touchdowns, not including punter Brian Moorman's touchdown pass to Ryan Denney on a fake field goal.
Edwards went 50 of 92 for 500 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions in his three previous starts before getting hurt.
The Bills are getting healthier at other positions after 16 players were held out of practice last week.
Rookie safety Jairus Byrd, tied for the league lead with seven interceptions, returned to practice Monday after hurting his groin in a 31-10 loss to Houston on Nov. 1. Starting right tackle Jonathan Scott is likely to play this week after resuming practicing after missing five games with an ankle injury.
Tight end Shawn Nelson also practiced for the first time since missing two games due to migraines.
Among the starters missing practice were defensive end Aaron Schobel (groin), cornerback Terrence McGee (right knee), defensive tackle Kyle Williams (sprained knee) and linebacker Keith Ellison (strained right quadriceps). Starting strong safety Donte Whitner practiced on a limited basis, but isn't sure if he'll be ready to play this week after missing two games with an ankle injury.
-- John Wawrow
Packers' Kampman had concussion during game
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Aaron Kampman played most of Sunday's loss at Tampa Bay with a concussion before leaving the game in the fourth quarter. His availability for the Packers' upcoming game against Dallas is unclear.
Kampman said Monday he took a hit to the left side of his head on the fourth play of game and still wasn't feeling quite right Monday.
An eight-year veteran, Kampman says this isn't the first concussion of his career but he hasn't had one recently.
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers says he and other coaches didn't realize Kampman had been injured until late in the game. Capers says players must recognize when they're not feeling right and tell coaches.
Giants LB Gerris Wilkinson has wrist surgery
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Backup New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson will be sidelined up to two months following surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist.
The surgery was performed on Monday by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Wilkinson was hurt in the second half of the Giants' 21-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The fourth-year pro had a team-high 12 special teams tackles, including on the opening kickoff of the second half.
Elsewhere
Neon lights of Broadway: Vince Lombardi
NEW YORK — Vince Lombardi is going to Broadway.
The Hall of Fame coach's life will be brought to life in a stage production based on the best-selling book "When Pride Still Mattered," by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.
Lombardi was a pioneering coach who led the Green Bay Packers to the first two Super Bowl titles. The sport's ultimate prize is named in honor of Lombardi.
Lombardi's fame has crossed into pop culture because of his inspirational locker room speeches.
Fran Kirmser, one of the show's producers, said Monday that "sport produces great human drama" in explaining why Lombardi makes a good subject for a Broadway production.
The play is scheduled for its debut on Broadway in the fall of 2010.
Detroit Lions to collect toys, coats for the needy
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions are collecting toys and winter coats to help the needy in the economically troubled metropolitan Detroit region.
The team said Monday that the team's annual toy drive will be held before the Nov. 22 game against the Browns at Ford Field in Detroit. The collection of new, unwrapped toys will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps and Toys for Tots.
The annual coat drive will be held at Ford Field on Thanksgiving, when the Lions will play the Packers. New or gently used coats or blankets will be accepted by the Salvation Army.
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