Goodell reviewing Johnson case
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will review next week whether to reduce Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tank Johnson’s suspension from eight to six games.
“I did talk to Tank about a week ago and I’m going to be reviewing his case shortly,” Goodell said Monday. “He has been doing some very positive things about changing his life and making better decisions going forward.”
Goodell said he plans to begin his review next week, but did not hint which way he might be leaning.
Johnson, who signed a two-year contract with the Cowboys last month, is serving an eight-game NFL suspension for violating probation on a gun charge, one of several run-ins with the law that led the Chicago Bears to release him in June.
Green’s future in doubt
Miami quarterback Trent Green’s concussion was diagnosed as grade three, the most severe, and he’ll undergo further tests to determine his future.
He has been ruled out of Sunday’s game at Cleveland, and Dolphins coach Cam Cameron declined to discuss the possibility the injury will force the 37-year-old Green to retire.
Cleo Lemon, who replaced Green at Houston, will make his second NFL start against the Browns. Second-round draft pick John Beck is the backup.
Falcons’ QB questions continue
Five games into the post-Michael Vick era, the Atlanta Falcons already have a quarterback controversy and plenty of grumbling players.
Rookie coach Bobby Petrino insisted that Joey Harrington is still the No. 1 quarterback, but former Jacksonville starter Byron Leftwich is waiting in the wings for his chance to lead the struggling team.
Around the league
Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard is awaiting test results on his bruised shoulder that will determine if he can play this week against Cincinnati. If Huard is out, backup Brodie Croyle will start. … The Cleveland Browns were awaiting MRI results on running back Jamal Lewis‘ sprained right foot. Browns coach Romeo Crennel said X-rays on Lewis’ foot were negative. … Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman could be sidelined up to two months with an ankle sprain. … Denver center Tom Nalen tore his right biceps muscle and will be out for the season.