NFL notes: Rodgers set to lead Packers vs. Seahawks

Published 11:37 pm Friday, October 10, 2008

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Despite not making a single throw in practice this week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is prepared to start for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Seattle.

Coach Mike McCarthy said the team made a medical decision to keep Rodgers, who has a sprained right shoulder, from throwing in practice Friday.

“Dr. (Pat) McKenzie in his evaluation this morning felt it was best for Aaron not to throw today. That’s why his practice reps were limited,” McCarthy said. “He’ll be ready to go Sunday.”

The Packers listed Rodgers as probable on their injury report.

Rodgers made only a few throws in practice last week after suffering the injury Sept. 28 at Tampa Bay.

The first-year starter was cleared to play last Sunday a few hours before the Packers’ home game against Atlanta and had one of his top performances this season. Rodgers completed 25 of 37 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in Green Bay’s 27-24 loss.

“I feel like I’m going to be able to be good for Sunday,” Rodgers said Friday. “I would’ve liked to do a little throwing, but I did as much as I could (in practice) with the run game and took the mental reps. I feel good about the game plan and my preparation.”

Bengals’ Palmer won’t start

Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis says quarterback Carson Palmer will not start Sunday’s game against the New York Jets because of a sore right elbow but that he could play. Backup Ryan Fitzpatrick will get his second start of the season for the Bengals. He started against the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago, the week after Palmer injured his elbow in a loss to the New York Giants and threw three interceptions and lost a fumble while being sacked. Palmer started last week at Dallas and threw two touchdowns and one interception.

Browns’ Winslow in hospital

Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow will spend a second night in the hospital with an undisclosed illness that could keep him out of Monday night’s game against the New York Giants. Winslow was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday. He practiced Monday but had been feeling ill for several days and the team sent him to the doctor for further tests and evaluation.

Cards S Wilson fined for hit

Arizona strong safety Adrian Wilson has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for a hit on Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards last Sunday. Wilson said Friday he will appeal, and that league officials also put him on notice he may face heavier fines or a suspension for future incidents.

Bolts’ WR Chambers doubtful

San Diego wide receiver Chris Chambers was listed as doubtful because of a sprained left ankle and may miss Sunday night’s game against the New England Patriots. Chambers sprained his ankle during last Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins and didn’t practice this week.

‘Pacman’ scuffle under review

The NFL’s review of Adam “Pacman” Jones’ scuffle with his bodyguard won’t be completed until next week. The Dallas Cowboys had already said they won’t discipline Jones, so that means the cornerback will play Sunday at Arizona. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail Friday that the league’s review won’t be completed until next week. He didn’t provide a specific time.

Three Dolphins fined

Ronnie Brown and two Miami teammates were fined $10,000 each by the NFL for excessive celebrating. After Brown scored a touchdown Sunday against San Diego, he performed a dance shuffle in the end zone with offensive linemen Vernon Carey and Ikechuku Ndukwe. Choreographed celebrations by two or more players aren’t permitted, league spokesman Corry Rush said.

Eagles’ Westbrook out

All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook will miss his second game in three weeks when Philadelphia visits San Francisco on Sunday. Westbrook broke two ribs in the Eagles’ 23-17 loss to Washington last Sunday, though he kept playing and finished the game. He sat out a 24-20 loss at Chicago on Sept. 28 because of an ankle injury.

Ravens CB Washington out

Baltimore cornerback Fabian Washington will miss Sunday’s game against Indianapolis with a dislocated right shoulder, further thinning a secondary poised to face Peyton Manning. Washington was filling in for starter Samari Rolle, who is out at least a month following neck surgery last week. Frank Walker will start at cornerback, backed up by Corey Ivy.

Redskins’ Taylor set to play

Washington defensive end Jason Taylor practiced for the second straight day Friday and appears set to play in Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams. Taylor has missed two games since undergoing surgery on his left calf Sept. 22.

NFL fines 3 Vikings

The NFL fined Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield $10,000 for using the goalpost in his celebration after returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown on Monday night against the Saints. Linebacker Chad Greenway was fined $7,500 for his facemask pull of Reggie Bush even though referee Ed Hochuli’s crew did not flag him for a penalty. Receiver Robert Ferguson was fined $5,000 for a late hit on a punt return in the third quarter.

Warrant issued for Kircus

An arrest warrant has been issued for former Denver wide receiver David Kircus after he failed to show up for a court hearing in Centennial, Colo. His lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, said Kircus didn’t know he needed to be present at Friday’s hearing.

Kircus pleaded not guilty to a felony assault charge stemming from a fight at a party in suburban Denver in May 2007. Friday’s hearing was rescheduled for Oct. 17. His trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 20. If convicted, Kircus could be sentenced to 5 to 16 years in prison.

Montana court appearance set for Henry

Former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court Oct. 30 in Billings, Mont., on cocaine trafficking charges.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby initially set Henry’s arraignment for Oct. 14, but on Friday delayed it by two weeks at the request of attorneys. Henry is expected to enter a plea to a three-count indictment charging him with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in the Billings area from March 2006 until September.

Henry, 30, was arrested along with a co-defendant, James Mack, during an undercover drug deal on Sept. 30 in the Denver area. Mack, 29, also is set to appear in Billings on Oct. 30.