Bears’ Marshall has broken ribs
Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall has been ruled out for the team’s Dec. 15 home game against New Orleans due to two fractured ribs and a lung injury suffered in Thursday night’s loss to Dallas.
Marshall was hit in the ribs by the knee of Dallas defensive back Barry Church in the second quarter. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance.
A team spokesman said whether Marshall is able to play again this season will be determined once there is a better understanding of the injuries. Coach Marc Trestman said he visited Marshall at the hospital and the receiver was “in good spirits.”
Marshall has 61 catches for 721 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bears (5-8).
Bucs, coordinator Tedford part ways
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will never know what their offense would have looked like under Jeff Tedford’s guidance.
The former University of California coach and first-year NFL offensive coordinator was released from his contract with the team on Friday, less than four months after undergoing a heart procedure.
Tedford, 53, last called plays for the third preseason game in August. He returned to work within a few weeks but eventually was granted an indefinite leave.
In Tedford’s absence, quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo – despite having no previous pro coaching experience – has called plays for the Bucs (2-10), who rank 26th in total offense and 28th in scoring.
Charles available Sunday vs. Cards
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles will be available for Sunday’s game at Arizona despite bruising his knee in last weekend’s loss to the Broncos.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said that Charles did not miss a snap all week in practice and will start. Charles had just 10 carries for 35 yards against Denver.
Reid said that wide receiver Junior Hemingway and defensive lineman Allen Bailey are out after sustaining concussions.
Cards’ Ellington, Fanaika out
Two Arizona Cardinals starters, running back Andre Ellington and right guard Paul Fanaika, have been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Kansas City.
Ellington sustained a hip pointer in last Sunday’s loss at Atlanta.
Fanaika has a high ankle sprain. The injury will clear the way for Jonathan Cooper, last year’s first-round draft pick, to make his first pro start.
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was listed as questionable on Friday after going through a full practice for the first time since bruising his left knee against Detroit on Nov. 16. Fitzgerald had missed the last two games, both losses.