Rodger Saffold back on the field after scary injury

Posted by Darin Gantt on September 12, 2012, 5:13 PM EDT

AP

As frightening as it looked when Rams left tackle Rodger Saffold was carted off Sunday, it was hard to imagine a quick return.

But Saffold was back on the practice field in a limited role Wednesday.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher said earlier this week they were fortunate that it was nothing more than a neck strain. Saffold was immobilized and carted off the field, and stayed overnight in a Detroit hospital.

While a return this week would seem quick, and isn’t necessarily expected, the simple fact he’s up and moving is good news.

Defensive tackles Michael Brockers (ankle) and Matt Conrath (knee) were held out of practice, along with guard Rokevious Watkins (ankle), and defensive tackle Darell Scott (knee) was limited.

Without Watkins, they’ll likely have to play newly signed Quinn Ojinnaka this week, as injuries mount along the line. Former Jets whipping boy Wayne Hunter would start at left tackle if Saffold can’t go.

Darrelle Revis still not cleared for contact

Posted by Josh Alper on September 12, 2012, 12:14 PM EDT

AP

The Jets returned to the practice field on Wednesday, but cornerback Darrelle Revis won’t be able to join his teammates.

Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports that Revis has been cleared to resume physical activity after suffering a concussion in the season-opening victory over the Bills. That means he can run and lift, but he hasn’t yet been cleared for contact and, as a result, won’t be able to participate in practice. Missing practice shouldn’t be a huge deal for a player with Revis’ experience and the fact that he’s been given some clearance would seem to bode well for his chances of playing against the Steelers.

Ultimately that choice isn’t in the hands of Revis or the coaches. As Florio pointed out on Tuesday, Revis’ status is up to an independent neurologist because of the NFL’s concussion protocols. The fact that the Jets are calling it a “mild” concussion means nothing because a player either has or hasn’t been concussed under the terms of the program. Revis will have to pass all of the tests before he’s allowed to get back on the field.

If he can’t, the Jets will turn to Kyle Wilson as a starting corner across from Antonio Cromartie. Wilson had an interception against Buffalo, but he’s still a big step down from Revis on the field.

Greg Jennings doubtful for Thursday

Posted by Mike Florio on September 12, 2012, 1:57 PM EDT

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When the 0-1 Packers face the 1-0 Bears on Thursday night for a key NFC North swing game, there’s a good chance they won’t have receiver Greg Jennings.

Technically, there’s a 75-percent chance they won’t have him.

Jennings has been listed as doubtful for the midweek blue-suit-guy special on NFL Network, with a groin injury suffered against the 49ers in Week One.  Jennings, who is in a contract year, didn’t practice Tuesday and wasn’t practicing during the portion of practice at which media was present, via multiple reporters.

Per Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com, coach Mike McCarthy has not ruled Jennings out.

And Jennings could indeed still play.  Last week, Cowboys tight end Jason Wittenwas doubtful with a lacerated spleen, but he still played.

If Jennings doesn’t play, the good news is that maybe Donald Driver will get more than two snaps.

Raiders lose Ronald Bartell for 4 to 6 weeks

Posted by Evan Silva on September 12, 2012, 11:06 AM EDT

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The Raiders got bad news Tuesday when they learned slot receiver Jacoby Ford would require foot surgery, shelving him for an extended period of time and possibly the season’s remainder. They got more bad news on top cornerback Ronald Bartell.

Bill Williamson of ESPN.com reports that Bartell has a broken left shoulder blade. Although Bartell does not need surgery, the Raiders’ “hope” is that he’ll return at the optimistic end of a four- to six-week timetable.

Bartell is currently meeting with a specialist for more information.

Bartell was expected to be the Raiders’ No. 1 corner this season. San Diego wide receivers regularly got open against Oakland’s secondary on Monday Night Football even with Bartell playing, so his loss will be felt.

Backup Patrick Lee has been in the league since 2008 and started just one career game.

Marcell Dareus brother murdered in Alabama

Posted by Mike Florio on September 11, 2012, 11:10 PM EDT

AP

The brother of Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, was one of the victims of a triple homicide in Pelham, Alabama, according to CBS42.

Per the report, Dareus is making plans to travel to Birmingham to be with his family.

Dareus’ brother, 19-year-old Simeon Gilmore, was shot and killed on Sunday afternoon, along with 22-year old Casey Cumberland and 22-year-old Joshua Smith.  A 20-year-old man, Jon Staggs, has been charged with three counts of capital murder.

We extend our condolences to Dareus and his family.

Wednesday morning one-liners

Posted by Michael David Smith on September 12, 2012, 8:49 AM EDT

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Said Bills coach Chan Gailey of talking to his team after their loss to the Jets, “It hurts. It is no fun. It is awful, all of the above. We made too many mistakes to win a game like that. You can’t make mistakes and win games like that. I told them to not feel sorry for themselves and not to mope around. I am not going to tolerate that.”

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill’s dismal passer rating of 39.0 was somewhat overlooked because Browns QB Brandon Weeden’s horrid passer rating of 5.1 got all the attention.

PFT’s power rankings aren’t the only ones that have the Patriots at No. 1.

The Jets made a couple of moves on Tuesday, waiving WR Patrick Turner and signing LB Ricky Sapp to the practice squad.

Ravens S Ed Reed was a guest on Rich Eisen’s podcast.

Said Bengals CB Nate Clements of the secondary’s play in the opener, “We got out-executed. We were prepared. We anticipated the no-huddle, but it all boils down to who can execute and be more consistent throughout. They did a better job of that than we did.”

Browns WR Greg Little is getting the blame for one of QB Brandon Weeden’s interceptions.

A year later, folks in Pittsburgh are still debating whether Warren Sapp’s “old and slow” criticism is an accurate description of the Steelers’ defense.

Says Texans CB Johnathan Joseph of how he plans to play Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon, “Just try to make it as tough as possible. Show him different looks, different disguises so it takes him a little while to sort of read your coverages to figure out how he has to run his route.”

Some Colts fans are unhappy with Jim Irsay for dumping Peyton Manning.

Jaguars K Josh Scobee is taking some criticism for his short overtime kickoff on Sunday.

The Titans released DE Pannel Egboh and OT Troy Kropog to make room for the return of WR Kenny Britt from suspension and signing G Deuce Lutui.

The Broncos think they found the right guy in CB Tracy Porter.

Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel says fixing his defense won’t be like it would have been in the old days: “You could have contact, padded practice, for however long it took. But this is a different day and age. We have to work within the rules that are set forth. You talk to them. You show them tape.’’

The run defense was the Raiders’ strength in their loss to the Chargers.

The Chargers are still in wait-and-see mode on the health of RB Ryan Mathews.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says CB Mike Jenkins has looked impressive in practice.

Giants S Antrel Rolle says his team let Cowboys QB Tony Romo get too comfortable in the opener.

The Eagles are warning fans that if they get kicked out of the stadium, they’ll have to take a class on proper conduct before they’re allowed back in.

Upgrading the speed of the offense has been a big deal for the Redskins.

Despite injury questions, the Bears expect to be at full strength on defense on Thursday night.

The Lions would love to avenge last year’s loss to the 49ers.

The Packers may do some shuffling in their secondary.

Fran Tarkenton thinks there’s a lot to like about this year’s Vikings.

The Falcons are hoping CB Christopher Owens will be ready to play well against Peyton Manning and the Broncos on Monday night.

Said Panthers LB Luke Kuechly of his first NFL game, “I was playing too fast. I wasn’t where I needed to be on a couple of plays. One person breaks down on defense, and the whole defense breaks down.”

The Saints looked like they were playing on their heels against the Redskins.

In Tampa Bay, there’s optimism that the Bucs have a trio of rookies who can change the franchise.

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb is trying to block out the noise.

The Rams’ defense was at its worst when it mattered most on Sunday, allowing Lions QB Matthew Stafford to play his best in the Lions’ final two drives.

The 49ers’ receivers are opening up space for TE Vernon Davis.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll hinted that he wasn’t happy with the replacement officials before adding, “But we have to do a better job. It’s totally on us, not on them.”