Raiders: Veteran defensive end Carter to be active against Falcons

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Oakland Raiders defensive end Andre Carter was always taught to do everything on the field at full speed. Recovering from a torn quadriceps injury required a bit more patience.

Nearly 10 months after being carted off the field in Denver, Carter plans to take the restraints off again in his 2012 regular-season debut. Oakland coach Dennis Allen said Friday that Carter will be active for Oakland's game this week against the undefeated Atlanta Falcons.

Carter was signed on Sept. 26 to help a pass rush that has produced just three sacks in four games. The 33-year-old has 76 career sacks, including 10 last year with New England before he suffered the season-ending leg injury.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Texans' Smith fined $21K, says he was retaliating against Incognito

HOUSTON -- Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith says he has been fined $21,000 by the league for kicking Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito during Sunday's win.

Smith missed two practices this week with a sore right ankle. He says he was only retaliating when Incognito tried to twist his ankle after the whistle.

"If you're going strictly by the rule book, me kicking him was breaking the rules," Smith said Friday. "But I want them [the NFL] to look at why I was kicking him, trying to get him off of my ankle. You see on the film, the moment my ankle came free, I stopped. I was just trying to get my ankle free from him mauling it."

After Sunday's game, Incognito said he was innocent of wrongdoing.

"There was a lot of whining going on out there, and it went to the refs, and then the whining continued to the media after the game," Incognito said Monday.

Incognito, who has carried what he says is an outdated reputation as a dirty player, said the complaint about twisting Smith's ankle stemmed from a play where the Dolphins fumbled.

"He was getting up and trying to go for the ball," Incognito said, "so I pretty much tackled his legs."

The Texans (1-0) play at Jacksonville (0-1) on Sunday. Smith practiced on Friday and coach Gary Kubiak expects him to play against the Jaguars.

Smith says he plans to appeal.

"It's very disappointing, whenever you lose money," said Smith, who had a career-high 6? sacks last year. "Nobody wants to lose money, especially $21,000. That could be going to my daughter or son's trust fund, or something. That's a pretty penny, and nobody would like to get [fined] that kind of money, especially when I felt like I was defending myself."

Smith was fined $7,500 last season for pulling off Baltimore guard Andre Gurode's helmet in a game against the Ravens.

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Jets' Revis not cleared for contact, out for game against Steelers

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets will face the Pittsburgh Steelers' speedy receivers without Darrelle Revis.

The All-Pro cornerback was ruled out Friday for the team's game at Pittsburgh on Sunday with a concussion that left Revis "in a fog" after the injury occurred in the season opener against Buffalo.

Coach Rex Ryan said Revis was cleared for noncontact practice for the first time Friday, but will not travel to Pittsburgh with the team Saturday.

"We followed NFL protocol this week," Ryan said, "and we'll always follow NFL protocol when it comes to concussions, but Darrelle is ruled out for the game."

Revis needed to be cleared by the team physician and an independent neurological consultant in order to first practice and then play. He was injured when he made a diving tackle attempt on C.J. Spiller and teammate Bart Scott accidentally kicked him in the head.

The Jets will also be without tight end Dustin Keller and linebacker Bryan Thomas, both with hamstring issues. To make up for the loss of Keller, one of quarterback Mark Sanchez's favorite targets, New York signed tight end Dedrick Epps -- who was in training camp with the Jets -- off Chicago's practice squad.

Pittsburgh might be without a few key defensive players, too, as safety Troy Polamalu (strained right calf) and linebacker James Harrison (left knee) didn't practice Friday and were questionable for the game.

Revis has missed just three games in his career, all in 2010. Now, the Jets will head to Pittsburgh with a tough matchup coming up with the Steelers' trio of Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.

Kyle Wilson, a first-round draft pick in 2010, will start in Revis' place opposite Antonio Cromartie. Ellis Lankster will move in Wilson's usual nickelback spot. Safety Eric Smith is also expected to make his season debut after being hobbled since the preseason with hip and knee injuries.

"With Darrelle not playing, we have a lot of confidence in Kyle Wilson," Ryan said. "Obviously, he has to step up in a starter role, which he's ready for. Ellis Lankster and Isaiah Trufant will share some nickel and dime responsibilities. It'll be good to get Eric Smith back, and we think he's ready to roll. The guys that are stepping up in this case, I always believe, the guys who step up and replace that guy, have to maintain that level -- or maybe even a little better.

"In this case, we'll take a little less with the Darrelle Revis deal."

A few minutes before Ryan's announcement, Revis said he "felt good" being back on the field, but knew the "the clock is ticking" on whether he would be available.

"It was just limited reps today, that's all it was," said Revis, who had been limited earlier in the week to riding the stationary bike on the sideline during practice. "It's just getting better every day. It's just the process. That's what I've really been doing. I feel good today, and we just have to go from there and hope that every day I get better and better."

Ryan previously had said the team would know by Saturday, when the Jets fly to Pittsburgh, whether Revis would join them for the game against the Steelers.

"I just have to do what they tell me to do, man," Revis said. "That's what I'm doing, is just following guidelines and what they're telling me to do."

Revis, despite hoping to play, said the uncertainty at the time over whether he would play did not add any frustration.

"No, it's my head," Revis said. "It's a head injury, so I've got to do the best I can and make sure I'm healthy first and the team does as well. Everybody's looking out for my best interest, and I think that's the focus here, to make sure I'm 100 percent before I step out onto the field [for a game]."

Wilson was the Jets' top draft pick out of Boise State two years ago, but struggled as a rookie before settling into a backup role behind Revis and Cromartie. Wilson has spent the past few offseasons training with Revis.

"It takes time," Revis said. "I remember when I was a rookie and was learning from veteran cornerbacks as well. This is his third year and you can see it on the field. You can see the communication, you can see the confidence in himself that he can go out there and perform. I'm proud of him."

Revis added that after he got an interception against the Bills on Buffalo's first possession, Wilson came over to him and said he was getting one next. Sure enough, Wilson picked off Ryan Fitzpatrick on the very next drive.

"He wants to be a great football player," Ryan said of Wilson. "And why not learn from the best? That's exactly what he's done."

Keller, who has led the Jets in receptions the last two seasons, was hurt in the team's preseason game against Carolina on Aug. 26. He started against Buffalo and had one catch for 7 yards, but was limited in the game. Keller practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, but felt soreness in his right hamstring Thursday and hasn't practiced since.

Thomas injured a hamstring during the game last Sunday and didn't practice all week. Garrett McIntyre will play in Thomas' place.

Guard Dennis Landolt has been out since hurting a knee during training camp. Trufant (ankle) and fullback John Conner (right knee) were listed as questionable.

Notes

QB Tim Tebow laughed off a column in one of the New York-area tabloids earlier in the week that speculated he might ask for a trade after the season if he continues to remain a backup. "I find that pretty funny," a smiling Tebow said. "It's about as true as me living in Hoboken, I think. I guess that's just part of what you have to deal with, is rumors and stuff like that. All I can say is I love being here as a Jet, I'm thankful for it and I want to be here for a long time." Ryan on playing at Pittsburgh for the first time since losing the AFC Championship Game at the end of the 2010 season: "If we win this week, is it going to make up for that loss? No, absolutely not. That was a championship game and this is obviously a regular-season game, but every game's important and I'd love to win here. But, it'll never make up for losing the championship game there." Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Jets' Po'uha questionable, safety Smith out against Bills; Keller likely to play

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets defensive tackle Sione Po'uha is questionable to play in the team's season opener against Buffalo, and not out, as coach Rex Ryan initially announced.

Safety Eric Smith will not play, but tight end Dustin Keller is expected to go after missing time with a hamstring injury. Ryan said Keller is "ready to roll" after hurting his right leg in the Jets' preseason game against Carolina on Aug. 26.

Ryan said Po'uha, sidelined since training camp with a sore back, is "close" and has been "begging us to play." The team said Ryan misspoke on Po'uha's status because he hadn't read the final injury report.

Smith sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and hurt his hip in the preseason opener at Cincinnati.

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Vilma's lawsuit against Goodell underscores Saints' arrogance

Until his suspension, Jonathan Vilma was by all accounts the Saints' defensive leader. (Getty Images)

No one knows where this latest crazy episode in a series of crazy episodes wrapped by insanity and flanked by conspiracy theories, arrogance and paranoia will go. It seems like this Saints bounty story continues to rapidly spiral downward.

Further and further into the Saints bounty muck we go. Doesn't seem to be brakes on this ride. That scene in the movie Dr. Strangelove where Slim Pickens is riding a nuclear missile like a cowboy on a wild horse as the nuke flies to the ground? That's the NFL, that's us, as this story plummets further into the abyss.

Some of the players punished by Roger Goodell are good people who made mistakes. I know Scott Fujita is an honorable man. This is a fact. I'm sure other figures in the Saints bounty case are the same.

The problem for the Saints continues to be their arrogance. That's been the issue for the Saints in the Sean Payton era and that arrogance is again showing its multi-faceted head with Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit against Roger Goodell for defamation of character.

I'm still wondering if this is some type of joke or if Keanu Reeves will interrupt my conscience thought and tell me the Matrix is far older than you know. Defamation? Really?

Throw in the fact that the lawyer for Vilma, Peter Ginsburg, has had some interesting allegations made against him, and you have the makings of a circus that might never end.

Vilma's lawsuit is about arrogance but it's also about a refusal to take responsibility for one's actions.

The Saints are presenting themselves as freedom fighters taking up arms against the dictator Goodell who refuses to provide proof of their crimes. The only thing missing is a soundtrack and Saints players storming the NFL offices while flying on a dragon. It's a smart tactic and plays well with the base. Saints fans, fearing their Super Bowl will be tainted by history, are clinging to anything that appears exonerating and Vilma's lawsuit is one of those pieces of straws in a superficially well-built straw man.

Saints players keep saying "show me the proof" the way Cruise said "show me the money" hoping that as long as the NFL keeps failing to produce its hundreds of thousands of pages of documents, people will claim cover-up. Again, it plays well with a Saints base that believes this entire thing is one cooked up conspiracy, but ignores the simple question of why would the NFL risk its entire reputation on a lack of proof.

Pretty soon, I expect Saints fans to ask Goodell for his birth certificate.

The Saints know the NFL could never produce everything because it would identify who ratted out the players.

The true hope of Vilma is to get Goodell deposed and tell Vilma who sold the Saints out. That likely will never happen.

There should be a point where Vilma looks inward and at least speaks truthfully to himself. We all make mistakes and have had those moments of realization where we admit no one is to blame for a screw-up but ourselves. Vilma apparently hasn't reached that moment.

Keep crying you're a victim. Keep whining about persecution. Keep calling for proof when you know the NFL can't release it. That's the strategy. It will work inside the state of Louisiana.

A less arrogant person would take his medicine like an adult but Vilma won't. He's going to keep pushing that strategy because Vilma knows he can play the base for suckers.

So this charade will continue and the arrogant players like Vilma will keep pushing this straw-man storyline now hoping he can rope a judge. "Vilma, as a captain of the Saints defense, was instrumental in leading the Saints to their first-ever Super Bowl championship in the 2009 season," the lawsuit states, "and is highly regarded as a player and individual throughout the United States and in the State of Louisiana as well as in the professional football community."

That was true.

Then came Bountygate.

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Giants DE Umenyiora hopes to play against Dallas in Week 17

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora is optimistic but uncertain about his status for Sunday's critical game against Dallas.

Umenyiora has missed the past four games with a high ankle sprain -- the team won't say which leg -- but has practiced on a limited basis this week, including Wednesday. Coach Tom Coughlin likes what he saw from Umenyiora, saying, "He did good. He did a little bit more, felt better, felt good, moved around well."

New York's defense is built on a strong pass rush and, until the emergence this season of second-year DE Jason Pierre-Paul, Umenyiora was the team's most dangerous sack threat. He has only seven sacks this season because of his injuries, which also included knee problems.

Umenyiora says this is "a fun time" to be playing.

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Roethlisberger, Pouncey might play against Browns

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says injured quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and center Maurkice Pouncey have a "shot" to play in the regular-season finale against Cleveland.

"It is our intention right now that if those guys are healthy enough to practice and prepare, then we will play them," Tomlin said Tuesday.

Given the way backups Charlie Batch and Trai Essex handled themselves in a 27-0 win over St. Louis last Saturday, the Steelers (11-4) may not need Roethlisberger or Pouncey to hurry back from their badly sprained left ankles to keep the team's hopes of an AFC North title alive.

Batch played effectively against the Rams, passing for 208 yards while showing there's still some life in his 37-year-old legs. He extended plays with his mobility and even threw the ball downfield, hitting Mike Wallace for a 46-yard gain in the fourth quarter that set up the clinching touchdown.

"I thought he did some really good things," Tomlin said of Batch. "(But) his performance has no bearing on how we go about making the decisions that are right for us this week. A lot of the decisions center around Roethlisberger's health. But I like the way Batch played, not only the way he performed but the way he led and communicated."

It's what Batch has done with consistency while subbing for Roethlisberger through the years. The Pittsburgh native is 5-2 when starting in relief and had the Heinz Field crowd chanting "Charlie! Charlie!" after a handful of plays.

The moment wasn't lost on Batch.

"I think that they have appreciated what I have done, and what I am doing to help this team win," he said. "I embraced it."

And he'll embrace trying to do it on the road against the Browns (4-11) if necessary.

Pittsburgh can win the division with a victory in Cleveland and a loss by Baltimore in Cincinnati. It can even gain the top overall seed in the AFC with a win and losses by both the Ravens and Patriots.

It's why Tomlin isn't quite ready to rule out Roethlisberger. The coach isn't sure if Roethlisberger will be able to practice this week, but even if the quarterback doesn't, Tomlin expects to wait until the last minute before making a decision.

"There are some scenarios that can unfold, where we can improve our playoff position," Tomlin said. "We are aware of that. We are also aware that all of those scenarios include us winning this football game. We are going to do what we deem necessary for us to put ourselves in position to do that."

And even Batch understands that when relatively healthy few quarterbacks can do what Roethlisberger can do.

"This is Ben's team," Batch said. "This team moves with him and to see him do everything in his power to get back on the field is really something special to watch."

Pouncey sat out the last two games and backup Doug Legursky went out early against the Rams with a left shoulder injury. Enter Essex, who hadn't taken a snap at center all season. He performed admirably, helping the Steelers gash St. Louis for 169 yards on the ground.

"It was under unusual circumstances," Tomlin said. "To have a guy come in and deliver the way he delivered for us, not only in terms of snapping the football but declaring fronts and blocking people in the run game, it was just a special afternoon for him."

Legursky is out for Sunday, and if Pouncey can't play Essex will get the call again, though Tomlin sounded optimistic Pouncey will be ready.

Linebacker LaMarr Woodley (strained left hamstring), and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (right foot) could also play in Cleveland.

Tomlin will not rest players just to rest them, but could modify the amount of playing time depending on how things shake out elsewhere, particularly if Baltimore gets up big on Cincinnati and the Steelers know they'll have to start the playoffs on the road the weekend of Jan. 7-8.

"Those are the easy decisions I can make as the game and situations unfold," Tomlin said. "Some of them are obvious. ... That's not rocket science as far as we're concerned."

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Cowboys RB Jones questionable against Eagles

IRVING, Texas -- Cowboys running back Felix Jones is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Philadelphia after missing practice all week because of hamstring tightness.

The NFC East-leading Cowboys had said during the week they were being cautious with Jones, who was limited to working on the side but never got on the field for practice. He is coming off consecutive 100-yard rushing games since rookie DeMarco Murray, the team's leading rusher, broke his right ankle in the first quarter of a loss against the New York Giants two weeks ago and was put on injured reserve.

During one of his regular weekly radio appearances Friday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would be surprised if Felix Jones didn't play. But the owner also said it was important to have a plan since the fourth-year running back hadn't practiced.

Sammy Morris, a 12-year NFL veteran who signed with Dallas and made his season debut last week, would start if Jones doesn't play. The Cowboys later Friday signed running back Chauncey Washington to the active roster from their practice squad.

Morris and Washington split time at practice in Jones' absence.

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware (neck stinger) and nose tackle Jay Ratliff (ribs) were also listed as questionable, but both are expected to play after having limited participation three days in a row. Ware and Ratliff both played with those lingering issues in last week's win at Tampa Bay, though came out after the Cowboys built a 28-0 halftime lead.

Dallas also listed as questionable cornerback Mike Jenkins (shoulder), safety Danny McCray (ankle) and receivers Kevin Ogletree (knee) and Laurent Robinson (shoulder). McCray and Ogletree didn't practice this week.

Nose tackle Josh Brent is out with a knee injury.

If the New York Giants lose earlier Saturday to the New York Jets, the Cowboys (8-6) would be able to clinch the division title in their regular season home finale with a win over Philadelphia (6-8). But if the Giants (7-7) win, the Eagles would be eliminated from playoff contention and the NFC East champion would then be the winner of the New Year's Day game when Dallas travels to play the Giants.

Washington, whose only four NFL carries came as a rookie for Jacksonville in 2008, was signed to the Cowboys' practice squad Nov. 30. He had been out of football since being cut by St. Louis during training camp on Aug. 4.

The Cowboys released guard Daniel Loper, who was inactive for seven games this season with the Cowboys.

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Briefs: Packers' Starks, Bishop ruled out against Oakland

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- If the Green Bay Packers are going to become only the eighth NFL team to start a season 13-0, they will have to do so short-handed.

Running back James Starks and linebacker Desmond Bishop will not play Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, the team said Friday.

Bishop, the team's leader in tackles, will miss a second straight game because of a calf injury. Starks, the team's leading rusher, won't play after reinjuring an ankle in Green Bay's 38-35 win over the New York Giants last weekend.

The Packers also will be without right guard Josh Sitton (knee) for the second consecutive game.

Cornerback Charles Woodson (concussion) is probable to play, and Green Bay's struggling defense also might have linebacker A.J. Hawk (calf) back in action. Hawk is listed as questionable for the Raiders game.

Rookie D.J. Smith and second-year player Robert Francois started at the two inside linebacker positions against the Giants. McCarthy said Smith would get another start with Bishop still out. Full Story

Lions cut DB McDonald, sign DT Haye

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have released defensive back Brandon McDonald and signed defensive tackle Jovan Haye.

Haye was a starter two seasons ago for Tennessee and played in 14 games for the Titans last season. Coach Jim Schwartz says injuries and the suspension of Ndamukong Suh have hurt Detroit's depth a bit on the defensive line.

McDonald appeared in 11 games this season for the Lions.

Bears S Wright declared out against Broncos

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears have ruled safety Major Wright out for Sunday's game at Denver because of a shoulder injury, leaving them without three starters.

The Bears are also missing their top two players on offense, with quarterback Jay Cutler (broken thumb) and running back Matt Forte (sprained knee) out indefinitely.

Cutler was injured in a win over the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 20, and Forte left in the first quarter of last week's loss to Kansas City after taking a hit to his knee. Wright was also injured in the Chiefs game.

Colts' Caldwell says tight end Clark likely Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts tight end Dallas Clark and linebacker Pat Angerer could be back in the lineup Sunday at Baltimore.

Clark has missed the last four games after injuring his lower left leg. Angerer went into last week's game at New England as the NFL leader in tackles but left with a right knee injury during the Colts' first defensive series.

Both were full participants at practice. Coach Jim Caldwell says Clark is likely to play against the Ravens. Angerer is listed as questionable on the team's injury report.

Also Friday, Caldwell acknowledged that one of offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen's daughters went into labor during last Sunday's game. After the game, Caldwell says Christensen was relieved after the game to learn that mother and child were both healthy.

Redskins S Landry out for second straight game

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry will miss his second straight game Sunday because of a groin injury. Coach Mike Shanahan said that Landry won't suit up against the New England Patriots.

It will be the fifth game Landry has missed this year and the third in four weeks.

He sat out the first two games of the season with a sore hamstring and was later sidelined when he aggravated the left Achilles tendon injury that hampered him most of last year.

Jets G Moore ready, returner McKnight questionable

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Brandon Moore is ready to play, even without any practice this week.

The New York Jets right guard was listed as questionable Friday for the team's game against the Kansas City Chiefs because of a sore hip that sidelined him all week. Moore had offseason surgery on both hips, and had expected some soreness as the season wore on.

"I don't know if anybody is 100 percent," Moore said, "but I'll be ready to go."

Running back Joe McKnight, the NFL's top kick returner, is questionable with a hyperextended right elbow, and Ryan says he will be a game-time decision. Antonio Cromartie would replace him as the primary returner if he can't go, and Ryan expects rookie Bilal Powell to get a few more carries.

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