PORTIS EXPECTED FOR KANSAS CITY GAME
DENVER -- Running back Clinton Portis expects to play for the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs after testing his bruised chest in contact drills yesterday.
Portis missed last week's game against Detroit and played half the previous two games after being hit in the chest against San Diego on Sept. 14. He went through light drills Wednesday, then took some hits in full pads yesterday.
VICK THROWS, CAN'T RUN
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Michael Vick threw the football lightly yesterday for the second straight day but the Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback says his injured right shin is still too tender for him to practise.
Vick, who hasn't played since breaking his fibula Aug. 16, will try to do some light jogging for the first time tomorrow morning.
"The thing I'm trying to do now is put some pressure on my toes," Vick said. "If I can get some push, I'll be all right.
Although the Falcons (1-3) have lost three straight entering a home game Sunday against Minnesota (4-0), Vick isn't pressing to return too quickly. The 23-year-old began working lightly with weights last week. He has tried to maintain his conditioning by riding a stationary bicycle.
CULPEPPER MISSES PRACTICE
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Daunte Culpepper missed his second straight practice yesterday, increasing the probability that Gus Frerotte will start this weekend when Minnesota visits Atlanta.
The undefeated Vikings (4-0) have a bye next weekend, which would give Culpepper more time to heal after breaking three small bones -- another one was partially fractured -- in his lower back Sept. 21 against Detroit.
CAROLINA'S GROSS FINED FOR HIT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina right tackle Jordan Gross was fined $5,000 by the NFL yesterday for a hit against the Atlanta Falcons.
Gross, a rookie, was fined for hitting an Atlanta defensive player as the player attempted to get up off the ground.
It was the first fine for the Panthers' top pick in April's draft, and his teammates took delight in it. Punter Todd Sauerbrun hand-delivered the letter to Gross, almost skipping through the locker-room to hand it to him.
The rest of the offensive line then called attention to it, with left tackle Todd Steussie shouting "Jordan got his first fine. Breaking news. See it here first."
FOUR DOLPHINS INFECTED
DAVIE, Fla. -- At least four Miami Dolphins have gotten staph infections, including linebacker Junior Seau and return specialist Charlie Rogers, who were hospitalized because of the ailment.
None of the players is on the injury report, and all are expected to be available for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
A recent increase in such contagious skin infections involving NFL and college teams prompted a warning from the NFL to each club regarding the possibility of infections.
LEFTWICH TAKES REINS AGAIN
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich will start Sunday against San Diego, leaving a healthy Mark Brunell on the bench.
For the second straight day, Leftwich said, he took the majority of the snaps with the first team during yesterday's practice. Brunell said he didn't take any.
The left-handed Brunell is listed as questionable for Sunday with a cut on his left elbow. He said the elbow is fine, however, and he looked good throwing.
http://www.canoe.ca/WinnipegSports/ws.ws-10-03-0056.html
DENVER -- Running back Clinton Portis expects to play for the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs after testing his bruised chest in contact drills yesterday.
Portis missed last week's game against Detroit and played half the previous two games after being hit in the chest against San Diego on Sept. 14. He went through light drills Wednesday, then took some hits in full pads yesterday.
VICK THROWS, CAN'T RUN
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Michael Vick threw the football lightly yesterday for the second straight day but the Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback says his injured right shin is still too tender for him to practise.
Vick, who hasn't played since breaking his fibula Aug. 16, will try to do some light jogging for the first time tomorrow morning.
"The thing I'm trying to do now is put some pressure on my toes," Vick said. "If I can get some push, I'll be all right.
Although the Falcons (1-3) have lost three straight entering a home game Sunday against Minnesota (4-0), Vick isn't pressing to return too quickly. The 23-year-old began working lightly with weights last week. He has tried to maintain his conditioning by riding a stationary bicycle.
CULPEPPER MISSES PRACTICE
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Daunte Culpepper missed his second straight practice yesterday, increasing the probability that Gus Frerotte will start this weekend when Minnesota visits Atlanta.
The undefeated Vikings (4-0) have a bye next weekend, which would give Culpepper more time to heal after breaking three small bones -- another one was partially fractured -- in his lower back Sept. 21 against Detroit.
CAROLINA'S GROSS FINED FOR HIT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina right tackle Jordan Gross was fined $5,000 by the NFL yesterday for a hit against the Atlanta Falcons.
Gross, a rookie, was fined for hitting an Atlanta defensive player as the player attempted to get up off the ground.
It was the first fine for the Panthers' top pick in April's draft, and his teammates took delight in it. Punter Todd Sauerbrun hand-delivered the letter to Gross, almost skipping through the locker-room to hand it to him.
The rest of the offensive line then called attention to it, with left tackle Todd Steussie shouting "Jordan got his first fine. Breaking news. See it here first."
FOUR DOLPHINS INFECTED
DAVIE, Fla. -- At least four Miami Dolphins have gotten staph infections, including linebacker Junior Seau and return specialist Charlie Rogers, who were hospitalized because of the ailment.
None of the players is on the injury report, and all are expected to be available for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
A recent increase in such contagious skin infections involving NFL and college teams prompted a warning from the NFL to each club regarding the possibility of infections.
LEFTWICH TAKES REINS AGAIN
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich will start Sunday against San Diego, leaving a healthy Mark Brunell on the bench.
For the second straight day, Leftwich said, he took the majority of the snaps with the first team during yesterday's practice. Brunell said he didn't take any.
The left-handed Brunell is listed as questionable for Sunday with a cut on his left elbow. He said the elbow is fine, however, and he looked good throwing.
http://www.canoe.ca/WinnipegSports/ws.ws-10-03-0056.html
