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

Broncos’ Mays out for season

Associated Press

Joe Mays is out for the season after suffering a serious injury to his lower left leg in the Denver Broncos’ 34-14 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Mays fractured the fibula just above his left ankle while blocking for punt returner Trindon Holliday in the fourth quarter Sunday night when a Saints player inadvertently leg-whipped him.

Coach John Fox said it’s doubtful Mays was a candidate to be placed on recallable injured reserve “just because of what’s left in the season.”

Mays has had a rough season since signing a three-year, $12 million deal in the offseason. He was suspended for a game and docked $50,000 for an illegal hit on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub and lost his starting middle linebacker job two weeks ago to veteran Keith Brooking following a poor performance by the defense.

That relegated Mays, who was making $4.5 million this season, to special teams duty. But he maintained his locker room leadership, teammates said.

AP sources: Vick still starter

Three people familiar with the decision tell the Associated Press that Michael Vick hasn’t been benched by Eagles coach Andy Reid.

The three people spoke on condition of anonymity because all announcements about the Philadelphia starting lineup come from Reid.

Vick, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, has struggled this season and Philadelphia (3-4) has lost three straight games.

Reid didn’t endorse Vick after Sunday’s 30-17 loss to Atlanta, saying he’s going to evaluate all his starters.

But Reid is sticking with Vick over unproven fourth-round rookie Nick Foles as of now, the sources said.

Broncos survive QB scare

The Denver Broncos are relieved Peyton Manning wasn’t seriously injured on a hard hit by New Orleans Saints defensive end Martez Wilson.

Manning acknowledged he was “probably a little bit lucky” that he banged the thumbnail and not the knuckle of his throwing hand on Wilson’s helmet.

Coach John Fox said that Manning’s thumb was fine.

NFL moves trade deadline

The NFL has moved its trade deadline back two days to Thursday because of potential complications from Hurricane Sandy.

All 32 teams were notified the league offices would be closed through today because of the storm. So the deadline now is 4 p.m. ET Thursday, when waivers for vested veterans also begin.

This is the second time the trade deadline has been moved this year. After negotiations with the players’ union, the deadline was switched from after games of Week 6 to after games of Week 8.