Friday, October 17, 2014
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[October 17, 2014]  Oct 16 (The Sports Xchange) - Players Association president Eric Winston criticized Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis for downplaying head injuries.

"Always good to see the NFL educating their HCs on health/safety. Glad they are taking the lead on serious issues like concussions. #sarcasm," Winston wrote (@ericwinston) on Twitter.

Lewis was asked if he was concerned about middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict as a player and a person because of his history of head injuries and helmet-to-helmet hits.

"Again, I coached defense and linebackers for a long time and concussions didn't linger," Lewis said. "Now we've found that because of the media and things they seem to linger longer. There's a lot of attention paid to it. I don't know why they linger longer, but I don't remember them lingering like they do now."

Asked later to clarify, Lewis declined, saying he probably should not have spoken on the topic the first time.

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Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will appeal his $25,000 fine for twisting the ankles of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen during last week's game, ESPN reported.

Both Olson and Newton complained, saying that Burfict was intentionally trying to hurt them. Burfict can be seen twisting the ankles of Newton and Olsen after touchdown scores.

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The Cincinnati Bengals probably will be without wide receiver A.J. Green when they face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Green did not participate in practice and has an appointment on Friday with a foot specialist. At that time, the Bengals should have a better idea if Green will be able to play, but the prevailing thought is that he will be sidelined.

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson missed practice again on Thursday and likely will miss Week 7 with a high ankle sprain.

In fact, Johnson has said he doesn't want to play if he is just going to be used as a decoy. He sat out last week's win over the Minnesota Vikings.

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The New England Patriots placed linebacker Jerod Mayo and running back Stevan Ridley on injured reserve and signed offensive lineman Chris Barker and running back Jonas Gray from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Mayo and Ridley suffered knee injuries on Sunday during the Patriots' 37-22 win over the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.J.

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A sexual assault claim filed by a woman in Oklahoma against Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in September was dismissed. Both parties signed an agreed judgment that prohibits either side from discussing the case.

An attorney for Jones said in September that the suit was clearly a "shakedown."

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired player development director Isaiah Harris who was arrested and charged with driving under the influence earlier in the day.

Harris came to Tampa Bay along with coach Lovie Smith from the Chicago Bears, where he worked in the same capacity from 2008-2013.

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Carolina rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin missed practice, his second straight of being sidelined because of a concussion suffered in Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Benjamin's status for Sunday's game at Green Bay is uncertain, but coach Ron Rivera said he will have a better idea on Friday if Benjamin will suit up.

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Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, who missed practice Wednesday due to ankle and back injuries, returned to practice on a limited basis.

Romo's left ankle was clearly taped. He was able to work on passing drills, but did not participate in drills that involved handing the ball off to running backs. (Editing by Frank Pingue)

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