Edwards gets vote of confidence from owner
After a week of bungled attempts to clear up Herman Edwards’ future with the New York Jets, team owner Woody Johnson finally made an emphatic statement.
“Herm’s not leaving,” Johnson said Wednesday.
Johnson addressed the situation following an embarrassing week of rampant speculation that had Edwards leaving for Kansas City should Dick Vermeil retire. Edwards fed the flames last Wednesday when he wondered about his place in the organization, then backpedaled and reiterated he wanted to stay and help the Jets win a Super Bowl.
Johnson decided it would be in his best interest to put the speculation to rest and give Edwards a vote of confidence despite the way the season has gone for the Jets (2-8).
Roethlisberger expects to play
Now that Ben Roethlisberger is back, the Pittsburgh Steelers can only hope that the rest of their offense returns with him.
Roethlisberger ran the offense in practice for the first time in nearly a month after missing three consecutive games and four of six with knee injuries. He expects to play Monday night against the unbeaten Colts.
“It feels like an eternity since I’ve been out there,” Roethlisberger said. “I can’t wait to get out there and on the field so the guys know I’m back. Hopefully I’m back to stay for a while.”
Grossman plans on suiting up
Rex Grossman expects to be in uniform for the first time this season when the Chicago Bears visit the Buccaneers on Sunday.
The projected starter at quarterback before breaking his left ankle in the preseason, he is listed as questionable and would be the third-stringer behind Kyle Orton and Jeff Blake.
Gates could be game-time decision
The Chargers probably won’t know until just before kickoff Sunday whether record-setting tight end Antonio Gates will be able to play against the Washington Redskins.
Gates wasn’t able to test his sprained right foot when the Chargers (6-4) returned to practice, but remained hopeful he’ll be able to play in the road game.
“It feels good,” he said. “It feels better than it felt yesterday. That’s always a good sign.”
Gates was still limping Wednesday and wearing a protective boot. He said he’ll definitely test the foot either today or Friday.
Funeral held for Belichick’s dad
Those in attendance at Steve Belichick’s funeral spoke of his three loves: his family, football and the United States Naval Academy.
Belichick, who died Saturday at 86 at his Annapolis-area home, had been associated with the academy’s football program for 50 years, 33 as an assistant coach and scout.
Bill Belichick skipped the Patriots’ practice to attend the funeral. About 200 people attended the memorial service at the academy chapel, including Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi, and Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis.
Around the league
Greg Hall of Cincinnati, the fan who ran onto the field during a Bengals game and took the football from Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre was placed on 14 months’ probation after pleading guilty to charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct while intoxicated. … The Redskins brought back receiver and kick returner Antonio Brown, filling a major hole following injuries to James Thrash, Ladell Betts and David Patten. … Tight end Ryan Krause was put on injured reserve by the Chargers due to a foot injury. … Titans quarterback Steve McNair sat out practice to rest his back and was listed as questionable for Tennessee’s game with the 49ers. … Bengals defensive tackle Bryan Robinson may miss Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens because of a sprained foot. … The Eagles claimed receiver Carl Ford off waivers. … Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi, whose contract was due to expire after the season, has decided to delay retirement for at least a year.
Hall of Fame center Frank Gatski, a powerful blocker who played in 10 straight championship games for the Cleveland Browns, died Tuesday in Morgantown, W.Va. The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton lists Gatski’s age as 83, but family members are not certain what year he was born. … Rams Strong safety Adam Archuleta, who sustained a concussion in last week’s loss to the Cardinals, has been ruled out for Sunday’s game at Houston. … Encouraged by the progress he’s made, Bills coach Mike Mularkey said J.P. Losman will start his second straight game at quarterback when the Bills host Carolina. … Phillip Buchanon‘s disappointing first season with the Texans ended when he was put on injured reserve list with a high ankle sprain. … Warren Sapp is listed as doubtful to play for the Raiders in Sunday’s game against Miami because of a shoulder injury. … Long-snapper extraordinaire Kendall Gammon is out for the rest of the season after he was placed on injured reserve by the Chiefs.