http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Professional_FootballFind stories, videos, and photos about Professional Football from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:03:00 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Professional_Football14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Professional Football from CNN.com.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/07/law.broncos.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/07/law.broncos.ap/index.htmlENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- The Denver Broncos have shored up their secondary with another veteran, signing cornerback Ty Law.Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:46:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/houshmandzadeh.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/houshmandzadeh.ap/index.htmlRENTON, Wash. (AP) -- No one in Seattle will ever confuse T.J. Houshmandzadeh with Steve Largent.Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:37:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/broncos.law.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/broncos.law.ap/index.htmlENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Defensive back Ty Law has agreed to terms on a deal with the Denver Broncos.Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/colts.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/colts.ap/index.htmlINDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The injury bug is still haunting the Indianapolis Colts.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:11:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/sl_price/11/06/redskins/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/sl_price/11/06/redskins/index.htmlIt's all about him now. Whether Dan Snyder secretly wanted this when he bought the Washington Redskins a decade ago is less intriguing a question than why it took so long to become clear, but then, there were so many distractions along the way. There was so much free-agent cash thrown about, year after year, and the rise and fall of Steve Spurrier, and the return of Joe Gibbs, and the slew of forgettable quarterbacks, and the strange hiring of Jim Zorn -- so many high-drama ideas gone wrong -- that it was hard to cut through and see that maybe this was the real plan all along.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:08:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/lions.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/lions.ap/index.htmlALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz says he's optimistic that wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith will play Sunday at Seattle.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:34:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/06/gameplan/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/06/gameplan/index.htmlThree things on my mind entering the line-of-demarcation week of the 2009 NFL season:Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/xos/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/06/xos/index.htmlThe NFL is cautiously optimistic a deal is within reach in the coming days between it and the eight major college football conferences that have so far refused to release digitized versions of their 2009 game tapes for scouting and evaluation purposes, league sources told SI.com Friday.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/11/06/week.9/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/11/06/week.9/index.htmlMy weekly look at key matchups and storylines to watch in one game at each time slot. (All times Eastern).Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:55:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/adam_duerson/11/06/week.9/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/adam_duerson/11/06/week.9/index.htmlBreaking down Sunday's Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles game (8:20 p.m., NBC)...Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:11:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/05/browns/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/05/browns/index.htmlCleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner, under fire after parting ways with general manager George Kokinis midway through his first season as GM, denied today that Kokinis had been fired and said he hoped to find a veteran NFL general manager-type like Ernie Accorsi or Mike Holmgren to help shape the organization and help embattled coach Eric Mangini.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:01:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/05/browns/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/05/browns/index.htmlBy now, I imagine your typical Cleveland Browns fan has started to look back on 1996-98, the three seasons they had no NFL team to follow, with a mixture of nostalgia and fondness. Given the almost constant state of despair Browns fans have resided in since the franchise was re-born as an expansion entry in 1999, who could blame them for remembering those days as relatively pain-free compared to the misery to come?Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:25:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/kerry_byrne/11/05/sacks/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/kerry_byrne/11/05/sacks/index.htmlIf you watched the Vikings' two wins over the Packers this season, specifically Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen introducing himself to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers 7.5 times, you might think the sack is alive and well in the NFL.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:41:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/rivers.manning.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/rivers.manning.ap/index.htmlSAN DIEGO (AP) -- When Eli Manning and Philip Rivers play at Giants Stadium on Sunday, it'll be the first matchup between the two quarterbacks who were swapped for each other during the first round of the 2004 draft.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:28:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/rams.brown.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/rams.brown.ap/index.htmlST. LOUIS (AP) -- Josh Brown's first NFL pass was not a thing of beauty but he doesn't care about style points.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:51:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/dirty/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/dirty/index.htmlHines Ward is the dirtiest player in the NFL, according to a Sports Illustrated poll of 296 players released this week.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:25:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/11/04/coaches/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/11/04/coaches/index.htmlLost amid the drama of Brett Favre's return to Lambeau Field on Sunday was that a very important game in the NFC North was lost almost exclusively because of poor coaching and game-planning by the Packers. The failure to have a better plan in place to help out young offensive tackles was inexcusable. Perhaps worse was the decision to continue kicking deep to Vikings return man Percy Harvin.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:44:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/01/mmqb.week.8/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/01/mmqb.week.8/index.htmlFootball Insiders:Check out Stewart Mandel's College Football Overtime column.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:33:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/Bills.McGee.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/04/Bills.McGee.ap/index.htmlORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Bills coach Dick Jauron wasn't kidding when he wondered whether he'd have enough players available to practice during the team's bye week.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:44:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/Chiefs.Chambers.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/Chiefs.Chambers.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Kansas City Chiefs have announced they were awarded wide receiver Chris Chambers, who was waived by San Diego, via a waiver claim.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:18:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/Seahawks.James.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/Seahawks.James.ap/index.htmlRENTON, Wash. (AP) -- The Edgerrin James experiment in Seattle is over.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:41:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/browns.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/browns.ap/index.htmlBEREA, Ohio (AP) -- The convoluted ouster of George Kokinis as Cleveland's general manager barely made a ripple in the Browns' locker room.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:43:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/richard_deitsch/11/02/media.circus/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/richard_deitsch/11/02/media.circus/index.htmlEach week SI.com's Richard Deitsch will report on newsmakers from the world of TV, radio and the Web.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/bears/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/bears/index.htmlThere's a widely accepted axiom in the NFL that you are what your record says you are. The Chicago Bears hit November with a 4-3 mark, same as last year's after seven games. If they're running in place, it's viewed as regression because of the wild-eyed expectations generated by Jay Cutler's arrival from Denver in an uncharacteristically bold trade made last April.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:54:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/03/mail/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/11/03/mail/index.htmlThe Browns are a certifiable train wreck now. That much we know, in the wake of the departure of general manager George Kokinis from the organization. I've heard the ESPN report that the Browns are investigating firing Kokinis "for cause,'' which means he may have done something untoward to get him canned. And let me say that in conversations with three front-office people in the league who know Kokinis well, I could hear their jaws drop when that nugget was relayed. I know Kokinis, but I'm not close to him. Those who are describe him the way you'd describe a trusted friend and honest to a fault. So we'll see where this leads.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:54:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/03/falcons.saints.5things/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/03/falcons.saints.5things/index.htmlThings we learned from the Saints' 35-27 win over the Falcons Monday night at the Superdome ...Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:10:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/kokinis.fired.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/kokinis.fired.ap/index.htmlThe Cleveland Browns' invisible general manager has disappeared.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:54:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/seahawks.changes.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/03/seahawks.changes.ap/index.htmlThe skidding Seahawks aren't worried about T.J. Houshmandzadeh's stomping and gesturing after he doesn't get the ball.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:48:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/49ers.injuries.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/49ers.injuries.ap/index.htmlLeft tackle Joe Staley limped through the 49ers locker room with a bulky brace on his sprained right knee. Cornerback Nate Clements cradled his broken right shoulder blade in a sling.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:13:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/raiders.cable.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/raiders.cable.ap/index.htmlThe Oakland Raiders will undertake a "serious evaluation" of allegations that coach Tom Cable has a history of violent behavior toward women.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:13:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlThe Kansas City Chiefs, apparently fearful of losing in arbitration, agreed Monday to cut Larry Johnson's suspension in half for making gay slurs.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:49:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/risers/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/risers/index.htmlAfter undergoing successful surgery on his throwing shoulder last week, Sam Bradford is likely to enter next April's draft. If so, it remains to be seen where he will land. The recovery time for his surgery is predicted to be four to six months, meaning there's a real possibility he will not throw for scouts prior to April's draft.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:25:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/texans.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/texans.ap/index.htmlHOUSTON (AP) -- Houston tight end Owen Daniels has a torn knee ligament and will have season-ending surgery to repair the injury.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:06:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/chambers.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/chambers.ap/index.htmlSAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Chargers have released wide receiver Chris Chambers a day after he had a key catch in a 24-16 win over the Oakland Raiders.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:14:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/browns.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/browns.ap/index.htmlCLEVELAND (AP) -- Two longtime Cleveland Browns season ticket-holders organizing a protest to show their disgust with a decade of losing will meet with team owner Randy Lerner.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:46:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/25/mmqb/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/25/mmqb/index.htmlFootball Insiders: Check out Stewart Mandel's College Football Overtime column.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/01/snap.judgments/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/01/snap.judgments/index.htmlGREEN Bay, Wis. -- Musings, observations and the occasional insight as a rather unconventional but fascinating homecoming weekend here in Titletown wrapped up with the Vikings' 38-26 win over the Packers ...Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:40:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/01/vikings.packers/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/11/01/vikings.packers/index.htmlGREEN BAY, Wis. -- Now that it's over, and the circus portion of the Minnesota Vikings schedule has concluded with smiles and vindication all around, where do Brett Favre and his latest (and, according to him, greatest) team go from here?Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:39:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/daniels.texans.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/02/daniels.texans.ap/index.htmlThe Houston Texans' offense lost Owen Daniels on Sunday, and the star tight end feared his season might be over after hurting his right knee on Sunday.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:19:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/10/28/owners/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/10/28/owners/index.htmlThe general consensus among fans in our nation's capital is that Jim Zorn is not the problem. It's not that they think he's a good head coach, because they don't. It's more that firing Zorn is like putting a band-aid over a gunshot wound. It may cover up the hole momentarily, but the problem is still there. Namely in team owner Daniel Snyder.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:32:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/favre.booed.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/favre.booed.ap/index.htmlGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Tom Fields had pretty much every piece of Brett Favre memorabilia there is, and he and his buddies had already planned their road trip for whenever the quarterback is enshrined in the Hall of Fame.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:12:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/raiders.cable.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/raiders.cable.ap/index.htmlThe former wife of Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable and a recent girlfriend claim Cable has a history of violent behavior toward women, and asked that he seek help for his anger.Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:44:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/bears.payton.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/bears.payton.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- Ten years to the day he died, Walter Payton was honored by the Chicago Bears with a ceremony at halftime of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/dolphins.jets.skirmish.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/11/01/dolphins.jets.skirmish.ap/index.htmlEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes and a few Miami Dolphins players got into a shoving match on the field about a half-hour before the teams' game.Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:54:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/31/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/31/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Larry Johnson's agent said he and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed Saturday night to cut the running back's two-week suspension in half, saving him more than $300,000.Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:07:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/30/vikings.winfield.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/30/vikings.winfield.ap/index.htmlEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings will be without Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield when they face the Green Bay Packers in a pivotal NFC North game on Sunday.Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/30/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/30/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Larry Johnson remained a member of the Kansas City Chiefs late Friday afternoon, but no one could say how much longer that might be the case.Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:35:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_trotter/10/30/week.8/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_trotter/10/30/week.8/index.htmlBreaking down Sunday's Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens game (1 p.m., CBS)...Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:13:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/10/30/week.8/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/10/30/week.8/index.htmlMy weekly look at key matchups and storylines to watch in one game at each time slot. (All times Eastern).Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:27:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/30/gameplan/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/30/gameplan/index.htmlBrett Favre's pretty much gone underground this week, except for his regular Wednesday press conference, Thursday's NFL Network interview with Steve Mariucci and a one-on-one with Terry Bradshaw, which will air on the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show. It's not a week for him to be out there very much. It's a week to shut up and play. So what's going through his mind right now, on the verge of the strangest game of his career?Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/10/29/smith/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/10/29/smith/index.htmlIf he cares to, when Alex Smith looks across the field Sunday in Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium, he'll see a fellow No. 1 overall draft pick who has been everything at the quarterback position he has not: Productive from day one, durable to the point of almost freakishness, and fortunate enough to be with a winning franchise and in an offensive system known for its pursuit of continuity and consistency.Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:44:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/29/seahawks.tatupu.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/29/seahawks.tatupu.ap/index.htmlSeattle's fourth fallen star had his season end Thursday.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:59:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/29/browns.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/29/browns.ap/index.htmlOne of the most loyal Dawg Pounders is done barking about the sad state of his beloved Cleveland Browns. It's time to bite.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:30:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/29/titans.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/29/titans.ap/index.htmlNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams wants more of Vince Young. He's getting just that with his winless team switching from veteran Kerry Collins back to the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:12:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/paul_daugherty/10/29/benson/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/paul_daugherty/10/29/benson/index.htmlThe Cincinnati Bengals are the halfway house of the NFL, the Grand Central Waystation for second chancers, last dancers and chronic screwups. The owner, Mike Brown, believes in extending lifelines, partly because they don't cost much, but also because he has a bit of savior in him. Brown once referred to himself as a "redeemer.''Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:06:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/chiefs.johnson.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who made two gay slurs within a 24-hour period, was given what amounts to a one-game suspension Wednesday night, but Johnson's agent said he would appeal.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:38:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/seahawks.jones.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/seahawks.jones.ap/index.htmlRENTON, Wash. (AP) -- Never one to bask in attention, Walter Jones sat down in front of prying eyes and ears. And he sighed.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:51:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/favre.return.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/favre.return.ap/index.htmlEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Before Brett Favre's first preseason game with Minnesota, a meaningless performance featuring all of six snaps, he was nervous and nauseous.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:30:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/favre.homecoming.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/favre.homecoming.ap/index.htmlGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The city of Green Bay is renaming Minnesota Avenue in honor of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- for this week, anyway.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:21:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/obit.walls.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/obit.walls.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Darvin Wallis, a longtime NFL assistant coach with Cleveland and Kansas City, has died.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:09:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/obit.thomas.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/obit.thomas.ap/index.htmlEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings say former Vikings strong safety Orlando Thomas has died after battling Lou Gehrig's Disease.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:50:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/bills.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/bills.ap/index.htmlORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Trent Edwards' first priority is getting healthy before he'll worry about reclaiming his job as the Bills' starting quarterback.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:19:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/westbrook.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/westbrook.ap/index.htmlPHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Brian Westbrook will be a game-time decision for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants on Sunday after suffering a concussion earlier this week.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:49:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/28/judiciary.nfl/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/28/judiciary.nfl/index.html#cnnSTCTextAre professional football players at greater risk of dementia and other neurological problems?Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:36:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/stafford.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/28/stafford.ap/index.htmlALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford took another step toward being able to play.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/chiefs.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/chiefs.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson issued his second apology in 12 months Tuesday and was told to stay away from the team while the NFL and the Chiefs complete their investigation into his use of a gay slur.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:38:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/Titans.quarterbacks.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/Titans.quarterbacks.ap/index.htmlNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Jeff Fisher has stayed away from a quarterback controversy all through the Tennessee Titans' dreadful start.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:41:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/Eagles.Westbrook.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/Eagles.Westbrook.ap/index.htmlPHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Brian Westbrook was knocked out with a concussion. He was on the ground, motionless, with only his brother and Eagles coach Andy Reid allowed near him.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:17:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/stafford.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/stafford.ap/index.htmlALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Matthew Stafford took part in the early part of Detroit Lions practice Tuesday as he continues to recover from a knee injury.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:09:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/miller.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/miller.ap/index.htmlFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- The New York Jets have re-signed cornerback-kick returner Justin Miller, acquiring a replacement for the injured Leon Washington on special teams.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:07:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/10/27/revenge/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/10/27/revenge/index.htmlThough it threatens to become as over-played as the no-respect angle, did you notice how the revenge factor was all the rage in the NFL on Sunday?Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/27/mail/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/27/mail/index.htmlSeems to me we have nine bad teams in football right now. For all of you in Buffalo, Chicago and Seattle who want me to include your team in this grouping, sorry. You've show too many signs of life to make the Bottom Nine.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:03:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/johnson.texans.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/johnson.texans.ap/index.htmlHouston receiver Andre Johnson has a bruised lung and will be listed as day to day this week as the Texans prepare for the Buffalo Bills.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/cooley.redskins.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/cooley.redskins.ap/index.htmlWashington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley broke his right ankle on the first play of the second quarter of Monday night's 27-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:13:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/ware.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/ware.ap/index.htmlThree-time Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware finally has his big contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He just won't be getting paid as much as some of the elite quarterbacks he will be trying to sack.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:12:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/eagles.westbrook.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/eagles.westbrook.ap/index.htmlPhiladelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook left with a concussion in the first quarter of Monday night's 27-17 victory over the Washington Redskins and will go through medical tests before his status for next week is determined.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/haynesworth.redskins.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/haynesworth.redskins.ap/index.htmlHis voice low, his words sharp, Albert Haynesworth questioned teammates' desire after his Washington Redskins' 27-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/risers.sliders/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/27/risers.sliders/index.htmlCollege football's regular season heads down the stretch, as teams battle for a coveted shot at the national title. Several draft-eligible players continue to impress NFL scouts and are watching their stock rise. For some well-named prospects, time is running out and they must quickly turn their games around. Here are the risers and sliders after Week 8 of the season.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:46:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/lj.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/lj.ap/index.htmlKansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson used a gay slur for the second time in as many days Monday, the Kansas City Star reported on its Web site.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:13:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/10/26/larry/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/10/26/larry/index.htmlMy father played for coach from "rememeber the titans". Our coach played golf. My father played with redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn. -- Twitter from @toonicon (Larry Johnson).Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:48:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/allen.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/allen.ap/index.htmlDAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Will Allen's season-ending knee injury will force the Miami Dolphins to go with two rookie cornerbacks beginning Sunday against the New York Jets.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:42:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/bills.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/26/bills.ap/index.htmlORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Bills backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his second straight start this weekend while Trent Edwards continues to recover from a concussion.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:59:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/19/week6/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/19/week6/index.htmlFootball Insiders: Check out Stewart Mandel's College Football Overtime column.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/10/25/Week7.snaps/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/10/25/Week7.snaps/index.htmlMusings, observations and the occasional insight as we watch a week heavy on blowouts -- seven games with winning margins of 16 to 38 points -- unfold around the NFL map....Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:09:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/22/nfl.la/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/22/nfl.la/index.htmlThe windowless suite on the second floor of the Pacific Palms, a resort 20 miles east of Los Angeles, is prosaically named the NFL Presentation Room. In this sterile bunker, decorated with maps, charts, schematics, architectural models and a wall-mounted flat screen tuned to the NFL Network, Southern California real estate developer Ed Roski greets visitors and lays out his plan to build a gleaming pro football stadium a few miles down the road, where the 57 and 60 freeways intersect in the City of Industry.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/Texans.Johnson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/Texans.Johnson.ap/index.htmlHOUSTON (AP) -- Houston receiver Andre Johnson bruised his chest in the Texans' 24-21 win over the 49ers on Sunday.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:15:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/10/25/gibbs.nfl.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/10/25/gibbs.nfl.ap/index.htmlMARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Hall of Fame former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said Sunday he has no plans to return to the struggling team.Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:14:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/norman_chad/10/25/counch.slouch/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/norman_chad/10/25/counch.slouch/index.htmlEvery Sunday, I sit in a bar, look up at multiple TV screens and wonder, "What am I doing with myself?" People, what are we doing with ourselves?Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/colts.injuries.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/colts.injuries.ap/index.htmlST. LOUIS (AP) -- Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne and running back Donald Brown have been injured in Indianapolis' game against the St. Louis Rams.Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/texans.bushes.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/texans.bushes.ap/index.htmlHOUSTON (AP) -- Former presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush are attending Sunday's 49ers-Texans game in Houston.Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/49ers.crabtree.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/25/49ers.crabtree.ap/index.htmlHOUSTON (AP) -- Michael Crabtree is starting for the San Francisco 49ers.Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/redskins.samuels.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/redskins.samuels.ap/index.htmlWashington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels said Friday night he will need a couple of months before deciding whether he can play again.Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:01:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/xos.nfl/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/xos.nfl/index.htmlThe NFL's college advisory committee may find it next to impossible to render informed opinions on the readiness of juniors who are potential 2010 draft prospects because the league has been locked in a multi-million dollar standoff with a Boston-area company that produces and disseminates digitized content of NCAA games for eight major conferences, league sources told SI.com.Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:54:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/bears.harris.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/bears.harris.ap/index.htmlChicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a nagging left knee injury.Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/browns.wright.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/browns.wright.ap/index.htmlBrowns cornerback Eric Wright was back at practice hours after flipping his car on a wet highway entrance ramp. He may play Sunday against Green Bay.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:57:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/browns.james.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/browns.james.ap/index.htmlBEREA, Ohio (AP) -- The NFL says the Cleveland Browns did not violate any league policies when rookie running back James Davis was injured during a recent practice.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:46:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/23/gameplan/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/10/23/gameplan/index.htmlMaybe I've got the story of the week wrong. In this space, I always try to look at the aspect of the weekend's games that fascinates me the most, and the thing that really hit me the other day when looking over the 13 games on tap was this: Dick LeBeau and the Steelers against the two-headed Brett Favre/Adrian Peterson monster of the Vikings.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:12:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/winfield.steelers.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/10/23/winfield.steelers.ap/index.htmlEDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings' challenge against Ben Roethlisberger and those passing Pittsburgh Steelers looks even greater now.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/10/23/Week7/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/10/23/Week7/index.htmlMy weekly look at key matchups and storylines to watch in one game at each time slot. (All times Eastern).Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:12:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/adam_duerson/10/23/week.7/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/adam_duerson/10/23/week.7/index.htmlBreaking down Sunday's Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals game (4:15 p.m., Fox)...Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:46:00 EDT