Hargrove still AWOL
Anthony Hargrove’s unexcused two-day absence remained unresolved on Friday for the St. Louis Rams. The only certainty is that the defensive end will not be on the field this weekend.
Coach Scott Linehan said Hargrove had not been suspended, but would be fined. Rookie Victor Adeyanju will replace him in the lineup Sunday at Arizona and Brandon Green, inactive the first two games, will be the backup at right end.
Hargrove’s agent, Reggie Blackwell, said Hargrove was “going through some family and personal issues” that came to a head in a conversation with his parents on Wednesday. That night, Blackwell told Hargrove to call the Rams to tell them he needed a break.
“He just didn’t handle the communication,” Blackwell said. “It kind of overwhelmed him and he shut it down.
“It’s a mistake and he’s aware of the consequences.”
Giants pass catchers hobbled
The good news for the New York Giants is that the four bags of intravenous fluids given to Amani Toomer after their overtime win in Philadelphia apparently did the trick.
The bad news is that the 11-year veteran, who was so depleted after the game Sunday that he needed help walking back to his locker, may be the healthiest pass-catcher the team can rely on this Sunday in Seattle.
While Toomer bounced back and had a good week of practice, the rest of the receiving corps was in various stages of disrepair.
Plaxico Burress missed practice Thursday and Friday with a stiff back that he said stemmed from a play against Philadelphia. He was listed as probable, as was Tim Carter (ankle), who missed practice Friday.
Tight end Jeremy Shockey also is nursing a sore ankle and is expected to play Sunday, although his participation could be limited.
Colts may sign Gramatica
The Indianapolis Colts likely will sign kicker Martin Gramatica for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville as a possible replacement for Adam Vinatieri, who is nursing a groin injury.
Around the league
Carolina Panthers All-Pro receiver Steve Smith practiced for the second straight day as he recovers from a strained right hamstring. He will be a game-time decision if Smith plays Sunday at Tampa Bay…. Laveranues Coles was limited again in practice because of an unspecified calf injury, and remained questionable for the New York Jets’ game at Buffalo on Sunday. … Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson requires surgery for cartilage damage in his right knee and will likely be out three to four weeks. … Vic Sears, a tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles championship teams of 1948-49, has died at 88 in Winston-Salem, N.C.