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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Phillips Once More Among The Missing

Compiled From Wire Services

Lawrence Phillips is in trouble again.

The St. Louis Rams don’t quite know what to do with their second-year running back, who after a sitdown with coach Dick Vermeil early Wednesday skipped a team meeting and then was a no-show for practice. So far, no disciplinary action has been taken.

The Rams could release Phillips, who has a personal behavior clause in his contract, although they’re not to that point yet. But Vermeil said he doesn’t know if Phillips will play again this year and plans on starting Jerald Moore at tailback against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Heath Shuler was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury and will miss the rest of the season. University of Idaho product Doug Nussmeier will become the starter. The Saints signed former University of Washington quarterback Billy Joe Hobert as a backup.

Wide receiver Brian Blades, who has a broken left hand, was placed on injured reserve by the Seattle Seahawks. Cornerback Dexter Seigler, who was waived last Friday, was re-signed to take Blades’ place.

Drew Bledsoe and two Patriots teammates who jumped off a nightclub stage during a rock concert won’t be charged in connection with the injury of a woman in the crowd. After interviewing Bledsoe, fellow quarterback Scott Zolak and offensive lineman Max Lane, police and prosecutors decided not to file charges.

Kansas City Chiefs center Tim Grunhard said he regrets making remarks on his weekly radio show that suggested coach Marty Schottenheimer urged his players to intentionally injure Denver Broncos players.

Baltimore Ravens coach Ted Marchibroda will return next season for the final year of his contract, team owner Art Modell said.

Cincinnati Bengals coach Bruce Coslet said Boomer Esiason will replace ineffective starter Jeff Blake at quarterback against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

The NFL set a single-week attendance record last weekend when nearly one million people bought tickets to games.