NFL notebook: Chiefs’ McCluster has infection in ankle

The Kansas City Chiefs will be missing their starting left tackle, top tight end, leading pass rusher and now potentially their most dangerous punt returner for Sunday’s game at Oakland.

Dexter McCluster, who has already brought back two punts for touchdowns this season, was listed as questionable Friday for the Raiders game after a small cut on his ankle that he picked up against Washington got infected.

The Chiefs were already preparing to play without LT Branden Albert (knee), TE Anthony Fasano (concussion) and LB Justin Houston (elbow).

Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said Friday that an MRI and X-rays on McCluster’s ankle showed no structural damage. But swabs taken at the infection site have not been analyzed, and Burkholder said “the big question is ‘Does he have MRSA?’ and we don’t know that yet.”

MRSA is a potentially deadly strain of staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics and recently generated headlines when an infection hit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers locker room earlier this season.

McCluster is the Chiefs’ third-leading receiver with 46 catches for 438 yards and a touchdown, but his real value comes on special teams.

Suspects detained

Investigators say the stabbing of at least three people in a parking lot at the Denver Broncos’ stadium after Thursday night’s game stemmed from a fight over a near fender-bender.

Police spokesman Steve Warneke said officers were called to a “very chaotic” scene just before 10 p.m. and found three people suffering from non-life-threatening stab wounds. A fourth may have been stabbed, but that person left the area by the time officers arrived.

Justin Lee Manzanares, 29, is being held for investigation of assault charges, Warneke said. Two others were taken into custody but were released pending further investigation.

Around the league

New York Giants (5-8) DE Jason Pierre-Paul will miss his third straight game with a shoulder injury. Coach Tom Coughlin said that Pierre-Paul, CB Corey Webster (ankle) and rookie S Copper Taylor (hamstring) are out for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks (11-2). … The Green Bay Packers (6-6-1) ruled out injured QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) for the road matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (7-6) on Sunday. Rodgers, who practiced on a limited basis this week, will miss his sixth straight game. Matt Flynn will get the start. … RB Adrian Peterson returned to practice for the Minnesota Vikings (3-9-1), but his status for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-5) is questionable because of a sprained right foot. Peterson practiced after being held out on Wednesday and Thursday. … Miami Dolphins (7-6) C Mike Pouncey confirmed he missed practice to fly to Boston, but he declined to say whether the trip was related to the criminal case there involving his former college teammate, ex-New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez. Pouncey was served with a grand jury subpoena in the case following the Dolphins’ game at New England in October. They play the Patriots (10-3) again Sunday in Miami.