Close call for Cards
Matt Leinart’s shoulder injury is not serious and Arizona coach Dennis Green said Friday that the rookie quarterback might be available for the regular season opener Sept. 10.
“It’s good news,” Green said of the MRI exam that came back negative.
Leinart is slated to back up starter Kurt Warner.
The left-handed Leinart sprained his right shoulder when he was sacked by Patrick Chukwurah in the third quarter of Thursday night’s preseason finale against Denver.
After the game, Leinart said the injury was no big deal, that his shoulder popped out of its socket, then back in.
Grievance filed for Branch
The NFL Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of holdout wide receiver Deion Branch after the New England Patriots did not trade him before the team-imposed deadline for him to seek a deal.
Richard Berthelsen, lawyer for the union, said the grievance alleges that the Patriots “reneged” on an agreement to trade their best receiver, who is entering the last season of a five-year contract he signed as a rookie.
On Aug. 25, the Patriots gave Branch, who is scheduled to make $1.045 million this year, permission to negotiate a contract with other teams and seek a trade until 4 p.m. on Sept. 1.
At 4:02 p.m., the Patriots issued a statement saying, “No trade has been consummated. Deion Branch remains under contract to the New England Patriots.”
Around the league
The wife of former Seattle Seahawks and Washington State University defensive tackle Chad Eaton will not be charged after an incident investigated as domestic violence, King County prosecutors said. Eaton does not want to pursue the case against his wife Tina. … Former Pro Bowl running back Stephen Davis agreed to a contract with St. Louis. The one year deal was worth $810,000. … Indianapolis kicker Adam Vinatieri has a sprained ligament and a bone chip in his non-kicking leg.
On the field
Bengals 20, Colts 3: At Indianapolis, Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson hooked up for three completions, Rudi Johnson ran for 45 yards and Chris Henry caught a 14-yard TD leading Cincinnati past the Colts.
Jets 20, Eagles 17: At East Rutherford N.J., two days after being re-signed by Philadelphia, A.J. Feeley led the Eagles on three straight scoring drives, but New York held on for the victory.
Titans 35, Packers 21: At Green Bay, Wis., Vince Young was impressive in his first exhibition start for Tennessee, consistently turning third downs into first downs in a victory over the Packers.
49ers 23, Chargers 14: At San Francisco, Michael Robinson ran for two touchdowns in the second quarter to help San Francisco end the preseason with a victory over San Diego.