NFL notes
Published 10:38 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008
BEARS: Chicago suspended defensive tackle Tommie Harris for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Coach Lovie Smith said Thursday that Harris broke a team rule, but he didn’t immediately explain what it was.
“He’ll continue to rehab but won’t practice with the football team this week,” Smith said. “Monday he’ll be back with the team, hopefully ready to go and I’ll kind of go from there.”
Harris didn’t play over the weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a knee injury. But the three-time Pro Bowler had been expected to play in Detroit. Harris will be replaced by Israel Idonije, with defensive tackle Anthony Adams also getting playing time.
Smith said he met Thursday with Harris and told him of the suspension. Harris was not available for comment.
“It’s always disappointing when you have to suspend one of your players, but nothing’s bigger than the team, so we’ll kind of move on from there,” Smith said.
“Injuries happen, players don’t play from time to time, you have to move on,” he said. “We played last week without Tommie, so we’ve been in that situation before.”
Harris received a $40 million contract extension before the season. Smith wouldn’t say whether Harris will be paid through the suspension, but Harris will be allowed to continue rehabbing his knee this week at Halas Hall.
Smith said Harris’ large contract did not make the situation more disappointing.
“No, it’s disappointing, period, no matter how much money someone is making,” he said.
BILLS: Wide receiver Lee Evans signed a four-year contract extension worth $37.25 million in a deal that prevents the Buffalo Bills’ star from becoming a free agent after this season. Evans, who is guaranteed to make $18.25 million in the new deal that runs through 2012, earned a significant raise over the base salary of $2.25 million he’ll make this season, the final year of the rookie contract he signed after the Bills selected him 13th overall in the 2004 draft out Wisconsin.
PANTHERS: Jordan Gross has started every game for Carolina since he was drafted. Now the streak is in jeopardy as he recovers from a concussion. Gross and Jeff Otah were held out of Thursday’s workout, increasing the likelihood that the Panthers will have a patchwork offensive line this weekend when they play host to the Kansas City Chiefs. Gross’ streak covers 84 games over eight seasons.
VIKINGS: Minnesota will probably be without standout middle linebacker E.J. Henderson this week. The swelling in Henderson’s two dislocated toes has not subsided since he suffered the injury to his left foot in Sunday’s game against Tennessee. The Vikings medical staff can’t properly assess his condition until the swelling goes down. Minnesota visits New Orleans on Monday night.
Associated Press
