Titans' McCarthy, Britt questionable for Vikings game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans linebacker Colin McCarthy and receiver Kenny Britt both are questionable for Sunday's game against Minnesota. McCarthy at least has practiced; Britt has not seen any action in two consecutive weeks due to his sprained left ankle.

McCarthy has not played since injuring the ankle in the season opener against New England. He practiced Wednesday and was limited Friday, so coach Mike Munchak said they will have to see how much they can use the defensive captain against the Vikings (3-1).

"We'll have to see how the game goes and what kind of game it is," Munchak said. "We're going there to win, and we need him on the field, So if he can help us win, we're doing that. We'll have to see how he is on Sunday. If we have to limit him, we'll decide what package to keep him in."

Britt will test his ankle Saturday and before the game Sunday to determine if he can play. He has played only one game this season in the Titans' overtime win Sept. 23 against Detroit.

"Whoever is healthy to play and we feel can help us will go in there and play. If we feel they're both good and can contribute to Sunday, then we'll have them on the field. If we feel they can't help us, then there's no reason them to play, and we'll wait till Thursday," said Munchak, whose team faces a quick turnaround hosting Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Tight end Jared Cook said his injured left shoulder is feeling better, and he is probable for Sunday.

"I feel a lot better than last week," said Cook who sprained his AC joint against Detroit. "It just comes with the territory. It's gonna take some time to fully heal, but it feels a heck of a lot better."

Defensive end Scott Solomon (hamstring) and linebacker Patrick Bailey (hand) both practiced Friday and are questionable as is tackle Mike Otto (hand/knee).

Jake Locker was ruled out earlier in the week due to a dislocated left shoulder with Matt Hasselbeck starting for the Titans (1-3).

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Bills backs Jackson, Spiller questionable, could both play vs. Patriots

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson has the team doctor's clearance to play this weekend.

Jackson received the OK on Friday, before taking part in his third straight practice since spraining his right knee in a season-opening loss at the New York Jets on Sept. 9.

"[The doctor] said as long as I feel like I'm capable of going, he's going to support what I do," Jackson said.

Despite feeling some soreness, Jackson believes he'll be "ready to go" Sunday, when the Bills (2-1) host AFC East rival New England (1-2).

Jackson is listed questionable on the injury report, giving him a 50 percent chance of playing. Running back C.J. Spiller (left shoulder) practiced for a second straight day, and is also listed questionable after he was hurt in a 24-14 win at Cleveland last weekend.

Coach Chan Gailey said both have a "legitimate chance" of playing, and was particularly surprised by how quickly Spiller's shoulder has improved. Spiller didn't speak to reporters except to give a thumbs-up sign when asked how he felt while making his way to the trainer's room following practice.

Gailey said Spiller's potential of playing leaves open the opportunity for the Bills to use their wildcat formations.

Jackson's recovery is ahead of schedule after he was initially expected to miss at least three weeks. Jackson, however, has kept open the possibility of playing against New England because the Patriots are a division rival. He added he's not afraid of potentially aggravating the injury.

"There's always going to be a risk, you always have to be aware of that," Jackson said. "But that's part of the game. That could happen this week, it could happen Week 13. So just go out there and play."

On a separate matter, special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven had his first opportunity Friday to discuss the Bills' decision to cut punter Brian Moorman.

DeHaven declined to go into specifics on what led to the 12-year team veteran being released Tuesday. He instead referred to general manager Buddy Nix, who said the team saw an opportunity to improve the position by signing rookie Shawn Powell, who had been one of the Bills' final cuts before the start of the season.

"I don't want to say anything that would denigrate Brian in any way," DeHaven said. "He had a great career here. He's got a great reputation in town. The move has been made and I don't want to say anything that might be misconstrued as something negative about Brian, to be honest with you."

Moorman's agent, Ron Raccuia, questioned DeHaven's comments.

In a text sent to the Associated Press, Raccuia wrote: "Now isn't the time to discuss Bruce DeHaven, but it's nice to hear that he's done saying things to denigrate Brian."

Raccuia didn't elaborate further.

Moorman and DeHaven never developed a close relationship during their two-plus seasons together in Buffalo.

DeHaven said he wasn't aware of any rift between him and the player.

"I can't speak for Brian, but I know if there was anything there between him and I, it didn't come from me," DeHaven said.

Moorman's departure came as a surprise to his teammates and Bills fans. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Moorman was a team captain, respected leader and popular in the community because of his work with charitable organizations. Moorman has since signed with Dallas.

Moorman's numbers have slipped in part because DeHaven favors more directional punts to limit returns.

DeHaven said he was pleased with three of Moorman's six punts that sailed out of bounds against Cleveland.

Notes

DeHaven said backup QB Tyler Thigpen will take over Moorman's job as being the holder on place kicks on Sunday. CB Leodis McKelvin (groin) practiced for a second straight day and is listed as probable. 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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Revis ready, will play vs. Dolphins; Keller (hamstring) questionable for Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Darrelle Revis is fully recovered from a concussion and will play for the New York Jets after practicing fully for the second straight day.

The All-Pro cornerback is listed as probable on the team's injury report Friday, meaning he'll be back in Rex Ryan's secondary on Sunday in Miami after he missed last week's game at Pittsburgh. Revis suffered what the team called a "minor concussion" in the season opener against Buffalo.

Tight end Dustin Keller (right hamstring) is questionable after missing last week's game, as is defensive back Ellis Lankster (lower back).

Ryan says fullback John Conner (right knee) and linebacker Bryan Thomas (hamstring) are doubtful and unlikely to play. Tight end Konrad Reuland would fill in for Conner if he can't go.

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Steelers defensive stars Polamalu, Harrison questionable for Jets visit

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison did not practice on Friday and are questionable for Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

Neither Polamalu, who is nursing a strained right calf, and Harrison, who is recovering from a minor procedure on his left knee, practiced this week. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin typically does not let players who did not participate during the week play in the ensuing game.

Harrison, who hasn't suited up for a game since a playoff loss to Denver last January, said he "felt great" but allowed there's a risk in coming back too quickly. The knee has been bothering Harrison since minicamp and he underwent arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 15.

"What it comes down to is that there's no need to hurry up and rush yourself back and end up doing more damage so you have to deal with the injury for the rest of the season, instead of saying that you'll sit out a few weeks and get it back healthy rather than to go play a game, re-injure it," Harrison said.

Polamalu declined to speculate on his status but added while he could "do mental repetitions on the sideline" while watching the defense, it "would be better to be on the field."

The All-Pro has made 18 straight regular-season starts dating back to 2010.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall, who is recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered in the 2011 regular-season finale against Cleveland, practiced all week but has been listed as doubtful while linebacker Stevenson Sylvester is out with a left knee injury.

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Panthers' Smith, Stewart questionable; Rivera expects both vs. Saints

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he expects wide receiver Steve Smith and running back Jonathan Stewart will play Sunday against New Orleans, although both are listed as questionable on the team's injury report.

Both practiced on a limited basis Friday.

Smith has been wearing a brace this week in practice because of soreness in his right knee. However, Rivera said Smith had a good day of practice and that "I'd be surprised if he doesn't play."

Stewart missed Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with a sprained right ankle but Rivera said he's making better cuts. Rivera says barring any setbacks Stewart will play. Without Stewart the Panthers were limited to 10 yards rushing in last week's 16-10 loss to Tampa Bay.

Guard Mike Pollack is doubtful with a shoulder stinger.

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Peterson questionable for opener; Vikes waiting until Sunday to decide

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings are willing to wait until game time to determine whether running back Adrian Peterson plays in the season opener against Jacksonville.

Coach Leslie Frazier said after Friday's practice there is no reason to decide before the active list must be declared 90 minutes ahead of kickoff on Sunday. This was a back track from Thursday, when Frazier said the Vikings would figure out Peterson's status on Friday night or Saturday morning.

"We'll definitely have an answer on Sunday, one way or another," Frazier said, innocently stating the obvious.

Peterson was listed as questionable to play the Jaguars on the injury report, which by definition gives him a 50-50 chance. The 27-year-old two-time All-Pro pick is recovering from reconstructive surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee last Christmas Eve. He's had no setbacks during his rehabilitation, and all signs have pointed to his participation.

Frazier has repeatedly refused to grant Peterson, arguably the franchise's most important player, clearance ahead of time. The coaches and trainers will discuss Peterson's status further this weekend, Frazier said, before reaching their decision. But the Vikings have already acknowledged their plan to limit Peterson's carries, with Toby Gerhart getting the majority of the work, and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said on Thursday he doesn't have much doubt that Peterson will be able to play.

Peterson, of course, has been the one pushing the conversation. As fiercely determined as any player in the NFL, he has steadfastly assured his readiness for the start of the 2012 season since he began working out in the spring.

The Vikings ruled three backups and special teams players out of Sunday's game: linebacker Marvin Mitchell, safety Andrew Sendejo and wide receiver Jarius Wright. They all have sprained ankles; the team hasn't specified on which legs. Backup cornerback Marcus Sherels, the primary punt returner and alternate kickoff returner when Percy Harvin is given a break, has recovered from his sprained ankle, however, and was listed as probable.

Four other players who were fighting injuries at the end of training camp have healed and are probable for Sunday as well: safety Robert Blanton, tight end John Carlson, defensive tackle Letroy Guion and guard Geoff Schwartz. Guion and Carlson are starters. They each suffered sprained right knees earlier in the preseason.

Frazier also said the Vikings will likely use both rookie Josh Robinson and second-year player Brandon Burton as their third cornerback in the nickel defense, when middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley comes out of the game. Late roster additions cornerbackA.J. Jefferson and offensive tackle Mark Asper, both acquired last weekend, will be probably be inactive for Sundy's game, Frazier said.

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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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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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Vikings' Peterson, Ponder questionable; Harvin probable

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings are bracing for the possibility that they will be missing both quarterback Christian Ponder and running back Adrian Peterson against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Both are listed as questionable for the game, with Ponder bothered by a hip pointer and Peterson still recuperating from a high ankle sprain. Ponder missed the first two practices of the week before returning to work on Friday and Peterson practiced on a limited basis with that injured left ankle.

Coach Leslie Frazier said both would be evaluated on Saturday to see if they make improvement.

"I think I'll be pushing for it no matter what," Peterson said. "But I feel like coach Frazier has my best interests at hand, so we'll see how things go. Hopefully I wake up feeling great and I'll be able to kind of distinguish tomorrow when I run on it and things like that, see how I feel if I'll be able to play."

The Vikings' leading rusher with 872 yards and 12 total touchdowns has missed two straight games.

Ponder suffered a hip pointer last weekend against Denver that noticeably limited his mobility in the game.

"It's OK, definitely better," Ponder said. "It was really sore on Monday and Tuesday. I felt like I was moving around not too badly out there today. It's really gotten better the past 36 hours. So, we'll see how it feels tomorrow and Sunday."

Backup Joe Webb would start if Ponder isn't ready.

Receiver Percy Harvin was limited again Friday after tearing a ligament in his finger during Wednesday's practice. Harvin is probable for Sunday.

Peterson signed the richest contract for a running back in league history in the offseason, and at 2-10 the Vikings have little to play for. So it would make sense that the team would be extra cautious with their prized player, but Frazier said if Peterson is healthy enough to play, he'll be in the lineup.

"He would have liked to have played the last two weeks if it were just purely his decision," Frazier said. "But it would not have been a good thing to put him out there the last couple of weeks."

The Vikings have more of an interest in getting Ponder back onto the field right away. The rookie, who took over the starting job in Week 7, needs all the seasoning and experience he can get to make him better prepared for next year.

"I'm confident that I'll be able to go," he said. "I think it's a matter of my effectiveness. I don't know how effective I'll be. I would like to think that I'd be playing at 100 percent, but I don't know if that's 100 percent true. We'll see."

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News briefs: Cowboys' Garrett stands by questionable decisions

IRVING, Texas -- Upon further review, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett still sees nothing wrong with how he managed the end of regulation in a loss to Arizona.

He insisted Monday there was no need to call a timeout after getting a first down at the 31-yard line with about 25 seconds left, even though Dallas could have run a few plays in hopes of setting up a shorter field goal.

He maintained he "thought it was the right thing to do" in letting the clock wind down and settle for a 49-yard field goal by a rookie kicker who'd already missed from 53 yards, and who'd made a 50-yarder only because of a fortuitous ricochet off an upright.

And he considered it "not really appropriate" to think he may have added to the pressure on his kicker by then calling a timeout just before the rookie was trying that 49-yarder.

OK, then: How about the decision for Tony Romo to spike the ball after getting the first down that started the wild finish; was that Romo's choice or Garrett's?

Asked next about what special teams coach Joe DeCamillis was saying right before Garrett called the timeout, Garrett again said, "I don't have a great answer for you on that." Full Story

Colts place two CBs on injured reserve

INDIANAPOLIS -- The winless Indianapolis Colts have put cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Terrence Johnson on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

Powers started all 12 games, intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown before hurting his elbow in Sunday's 31-24 loss at New England.

Johnson played in 10 games, made two starts and had 33 tackles before getting injured Sunday. The Colts did not have an update on linebacker Pat Angerer, who led the NFL in tackles before getting hurt on the first play of the Patriots game, or his backup, A.J. Eads, also injured Sunday.

Indy claimed linebacker Zac Diles from Tampa Bay and waived tight end Mike McNeill. The Colts are likely to make more moves this week.

Lawsuit: Painkillers used to treat concussions

A lawsuit filed by 12 former football players against the NFL about its concussion policies says there was widespread pregame use of an anti-inflammatory drug that could put someone with a head injury at increased risk.

Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn is among the plaintiffs named in the complaint that attorney Christopher Seeger said was filed in federal court in New Jersey on Monday.

It's one of about a half-dozen suits filed against the NFL in recent months by past players who say the league did not do enough to protect them from concussions. As in other complaints against the league, the latest criticizes the NFL's original committee on brain injuries and says the league concealed risks of concussions.

"The difference with this case is what we've learned from our players is that they used to administer a drug called Toradol, which is basically a painkiller ... even when players didn't have symptoms," Seeger said in a telephone interview. "Our experts say that's the worst thing you can do for a brain injury or a concussion."

Jets RB McKnight (hyperextended elbow) might sit

NEW YORK -- Jets running back Joe McKnight, who leads the NFL in kick return average, has a hyperextended right elbow that could sideline him for the team's next game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rex Ryan says Monday that McKnight had an MRI exam on the elbow, but the coach wasn't immediately certain of the results. Ryan says he doesn't anticipate McKnight practicing Wednesday, and his status would be determined later in the week.

McKnight, injured Sunday at Washington, could not bend his elbow. "Obviously if you're a running back, you have to be able to grip the ball and protect it, so that's something," Ryan said.

LaDainian Tomlinson left briefly with a left knee injury when he slipped on the sideline after a tackle, but Ryan expects him to be fine.

Bills TE Chandler, CB Williams likely to miss Week 14

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey is not optimistic either tight end Scott Chandler or rookie cornerback Aaron Williams will play at San Diego this weekend.

Gailey provided the update, a day after both were hurt in the third quarter of a 23-17 loss to Tennessee. He gave Chandler an "outside chance" of playing after the team's top tight end hurt his left ankle while being gang-tackled and stripped of the ball.

Gailey calls the injury to Williams' right knee not as severe as initially expected. He gave him a "real shot" of returning Dec. 11, when Buffalo hosts Miami.

Buffalo (5-7) has lost five straight.

Gailey expects starting safety George Wilson to miss his fourth straight game with a neck injury.

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