Bengals linebacker Howard out for season after injuring knee in practice

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a major blow to their defense on Friday when Thomas Howard was placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL during practice on Thursday.

"It was an unfortunate thing, anytime a player like Thomas, a young talent, gets hurt," coach Marvin Lewis said. "You have to move on. It's a freak thing that happens."

Howard, a seven-year veteran from UTEP, was Cincinnati's leading tackler last season with 120 stops, and started in the Bengals' Week 1 loss to the Ravens on Monday night. He had four tackles, including a sack, and a pass defensed in the 44-13 defeat.

To take his place on the roster, Cincinnati signed linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy. A third-year player from Texas, Muckelroy started three preseason games for the Bengals this summer, posting 17 tackles, including a sack. He was a fourth-round draft choice in 2010 by Cincinnati.

The Bengals (0-1) take on the Browns (0-1) on Sunday.

"We were lucky to get Muckelroy back here this morning," Lewis said, "and get going from there."

Muckelroy, who was one of the final cuts by the Bengals two weeks ago, was still in the area. He was scheduled to move back to Houston today before he received a call from the team last night.

Howard was signed by the Bengals last year following the lockout and took over at weakside linebacker when Keith Rivers had an offseason injury. Howard started 15 games and had four passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He led team in tackles in four of final six games last regular season, as well as the playoff loss to Houston.

With Howard out, Vincent Rey and Dan Skuta will see action against Cleveland. Rey has seen time mostly on special teams while Skuta has started four games over the past three seasons, including three at middle linebacker last year when Rey Maualuga had an ankle injury.

"It's unfortunate timing. Thomas is young enough, he might just have to take a hiccup for a second and move forward," Lewis said. "He's a wonderful, wonderful human being and person. He understands things happen for a reason and he'll come out of this well."

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.

View the original article here

Saints place re-instated linebacker Vilma on PUP

METAIRIE, La. -- The Saints have placed recently re-instated linebacker Jonathan Vilma on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he'll be out through Week 6, even if he has not been served a new bounty suspension by then.

The Saints have also brought back fifth-year receiver Adrian Arrington, who had been cut on Saturday after struggling with right knee soreness heading into Week 1, and signed offensive tackle Bryce Harris from Atlanta's practice squad.

Vilma is rehabilitating his surgically repaired left knee and did not play Sunday, two days after his suspension stemming from the NFL's bounty investigation was vacated, but not permanently voided, by an appeals panel. The panel directed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to reconsider punishment of all four players sanctioned in New Orleans' alleged pay-for-pain bounty pool.

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.

View the original article here

Steelers linebacker Harrison unlikely for Broncos

PITTSBURGH -- Pro Bowl outside linebacker James Harrison did not practice for the second consecutive day Friday, making it unlikely he will play for the Steelers in the season opener at Denver Sunday.

Harrison was not removed from the physically unable to perform list until last week and made it through practices Monday and Wednesday in a limited capacity. Traditionally under coach Mike Tomlin, players who do not practice Friday do not play Sunday.

Harrison, however, was listed as questionable on the team's official injury report and the four-time All Pro termed himself as a "game-time decision." But he acknowledged that the knee, which underwent minor surgery last month, was experiencing pain and discomfort and that some soft tissue had yet to heal.

Also Friday, running back Rashard Mendenhall was listed as doubtful as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL. Isaac Redman said his ankle feels much better and indicated that he and Jonathan Dwyer would split carries against the Broncos.

Pittsburgh also signed cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke on Friday and placed rookie guard David DeCastro on injured reserve. The first-round pick was designated as a player who could return after spending time on injured reserve, as per a new NFL rule.

DeCastro sustained a left knee injury during the team's third preseason game.

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.

View the original article here

Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain receives 180 days in jail, appeals

Posted: 04:15 PM ET May 17, 2012

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

A judge in Decatur, Ala., found Rolando McClain guilty on three different charges Thursday and sentenced the Oakland linebacker to 180 days in jail.

McClain was also ordered to pay a $500 fine for each of the four charges -- Reckless Endangerment, Third-Degree Assault, Menacing and Discharging a Firearm -- totaling $2,000 in fines.

According to WAAYTV.COM, McClain has been freed on bail and can begin serving his prison sentence on June 1.

The alleged victim, Rishard Tapscott, claims that he was beaten by McClain and friend Jarodiaus Willingham.

"[McClain] just kept repeating he'd kill me, he'd blow my [bleep]ing head off," Tapscott testified according to WAAYTV.com.

According to Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune, McClain's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, called the verdict from the Alabama judge "meaningless" and said that McClain will appeal. Steinberg also said that "the process starts all over again" now.

Here's the thing though: the NFL won't think that the verdict is meaningless, and they certainly won't think that testimony and video that emerged from McClain's trial are meaningless. And if McClain's "process" starts all over, it's possible that this will hang over his head for much of the summer, depending on how quickly the judge can hear his appeal.

Regardless of the outcome of his appeal, McClain already looks like a prime candidate for some sort of suspension from Roger Goodell, and McClain would miss part of the 2012 NFL season even if he began serving his jail time today.

Tags: Rolando McClain, Oakland Raiders, NFL

View the original article here