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

Spiller, Bills beat Colts

Associated Press

It took four plays for rookie first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller to begin delivering on his dynamic billing, as the running back sparked the Buffalo Bills in a 34-21 preseason victory over Indianapolis on Thursday in Toronto.

Starting in place of injured veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, Spiller opened the scoring on a powerful 31-yard run 3 minutes in. Drafted ninth overall out of Clemson, Spiller finished with 10 carries on 54 yards.

After opening with a three-and-out, Peyton Manning engineered two scoring drives on the next four series for the Colts, including a perfectly placed 21-yard touchdown pass over the middle to tight end Jacob Tamme on a third-and-9. Joseph Addai also scored on a 17-yard run.

Patriots 28, Falcons 10

New England’s offense looks just fine, especially with Wes Welker back at receiver. The Falcons’ defense appears to need more work.

Tom Brady threw for a touchdown, Fred Taylor ran for a score and the Patriots cruised past host Atlanta.

Welker, who had 346 catches over the last three years, played for the first time since tearing up his left knee in January.

New England (2-0) scored on two of its three possessions with the first-team offense.

Orton signs extension

The Denver Broncos have signed QB Kyle Orton to a contract extension, reportedly through 2011, throwing a wrench into rookie Tim Tebow’s designs on taking away his starting job any time soon.

Harvin suffers migrane

Percy Harvin experienced the scariest episode yet in a career plagued by migraine headaches when he collapsed at Minnesota Vikings’ practice and was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Coach Brad Childress left team headquarters after practice and spent the rest of the afternoon at the hospital with Harvin, who also got visits from other coaches and teammates.

Sorgi out 2-3 weeks

New York Giants backup quarterback Jim Sorgi had an MRI and was diagnosed with a torn capsule in his right shoulder that will sideline him two to three weeks, said Matt Brei, his agent. The good news is that the injury does not involve Sorgi’s labrum, which was an issue last season. With starter Eli Manning also injured, first-year pro Rhett Bomar will start this weekend.

Bigby to miss 4-8 weeks

Green Bay Packers safety Atari Bigby will miss at least four weeks after having ankle surgery earlier this month, putting his availability in doubt for the team’s season opener at Philadelphia.