Injured Saints quarterback Drew Brews expects to play on Sunday

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said he is confident he will be able to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers despite a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder.

Brees said the key is balancing rest and rehab through the week so that he’s as strong as possible by kickoff.

Brees says he did not throw at all at Wednesday’s practice, but was on the field studying the construction and timing of each play the Saints were working on.

Since joining the Saints in 2006, Brees has never missed a start because of an injury.

While Brees is tending to his right shoulder, he and the rest of the offense are also trying to pinpoint what they can do to be more productive than they’ve been during their 0-2 start.

Rodgers-Cromartie out

New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is going to miss Thursday night’s game against the Washington Redskins with a concussion.

The Giants also announced on that first-round draft pick Ereck Flowers is doubtful for the NFC East game with an ankle injury.

Also out for New York are receiver Victor Cruz, tight end Jerome Cunningham, defensive tackle Markus Kuhn and defensive end Owa Odighizuwa. Defensive end Robert Ayers is questionable. Middle linebacker Jon Beason is probable to play for the first time this season.

Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson continues to be sidelined with a hamstring injury. Also out is cornerback Justin Rogers and linebacker Martrell Spaight.

Murray injured at practice

Team officials say Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray left practice with a hamstring injury.

The team did not give details of the injury or a timetable for Murray to return.

Backup running back Ryan Mathews, who would take over if Murray was out, said after practice that he didn’t think the injury was serious and that Murray would be back at practice on Thursday.

Murray has been held to 11 yards on 21 carries in his first two games with the Eagles. He signed as a free agent this offseason.

Around the league

The city prosecutor said suspended Browns offensive line coach Andy Moeller will not be charged following a review of an alleged assault at his home. The team said in a statement that Moeller’s suspension “remains indefinite.” … Browns QB Josh McCown will start ahead of Johnny Manziel on Sunday against Oakland after passing the NFL’s protocol on concussions.