Texans sweep locker room
Houston Texans owner Bob McNair ordered the team’s staff to go through the locker room to make sure no players are using banned substances.
USA Today first reported the Texans had staff members remove any products from lockers that are not approved by the NFL. Two of Houston’s players – left tackle Duane Brown and linebacker Brian Cushing – served four-game suspensions this season for different violations of the league’s policy on banned substances.
McNair said Friday he wanted to take a step to prevent future occurrences. He says the Texans have the right to control players while they’re in the team’s facilities.
“We concluded that one thing we can do is to just go through the locker room and make sure that if anybody is using anything, it’s a product from one of the approved manufacturers,” McNair said.
The NFL Players Association did not respond to a request for comment.
Jackson signs tender, reports to Chargers
Disgruntled Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson signed his contact tender with the San Diego Chargers.
He can’t play in the next three games, though, because of a team-imposed suspension.
By reporting now, he can serve his suspension and then play in the final six games to accrue his sixth season toward unrestricted free agency. Jackson will be available beginning with a game at Indianapolis on Nov. 28.
Counting the six games he plays and the bye week, Jackson will earn $240,058 rather than the $3,268,000 he would have made had he signed his tender as a restricted free agent before the season.
Johnson interested in role with Dolphins
Magic Johnson said he would be interested in becoming the Miami Dolphins’ latest celebrity limited partner, although his priority is to help Los Angeles get an NFL team.
Johnson said he recently met with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to discuss business, but he offered no details about the conversation.
“He’s a smart businessman, and he’s a fun businessman,” Johnson said. “See, that’s the difference between a lot of owners. He understands marketing and making it fun; a great atmosphere.
“But my No. 1 priority is to bring the NFL back to L.A.”
Johnson recently sold his small ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.
Around the league
Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre (ankle) was on the field for drills with limited participation in practice for the first time this week, though he remains listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against New England. … Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher said “there is a good chance” quarterback Vince Young will start Sunday against San Diego. Young (knee) went through a full week of practice after missing last Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. … Reggie Bush (leg) and Pierre Thomas (ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. … Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams missed his third straight practice and is doubtful for Sunday’s game at St. Louis with an unspecified foot injury.