Tuesday, September 09, 2014
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National Football League roundup

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[September 09, 2014]  Sept 8 (The Sports Xchange) - The Baltimore Ravens released running back Ray Rice and the NFL suspended him indefinitely on Monday, hours after a graphic video surfaced showing him knocking out his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City hotel elevator in February.

Within minutes of the Ravens' decision, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Rice's suspension. Rice's two-game suspension for assaulting Janay Palmer was scheduled to end Friday.

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Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will be out four to six weeks.

The operation was performed to repair a torn meniscus sustained during Sunday's 17-6 season-opening victory over Washington, according to the Houston Chronicle.

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Suspended Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis is likely to miss the entire season with a torn Achilles.

Mathis had 19.5 sacks in 2013, but was suspended four games for testing positive for testosterone.

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The Miami Dolphins placed starting linebacker Dannell Ellerbe on season-ending injured reserve after he suffered a hip injury in the season opener.

The Dolphins will sign Kelvin Sheppard to take Ellerbe's spot on the roster.

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Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis of the Philadelphia Eagles could be out for several weeks because of a strained MCL in his right knee sustained in Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to media reports.

One source said the Eagles believe it is a Grade 3 sprain, or a complete tear, which could sideline Mathis for between four-to-eight weeks.

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The Chicago Bears signed safety Ahmad Dixon off of the Minnesota Vikings practice squad and waived cornerback Demontre Hurst.

Safety has been a long-running trouble spot for Bears.

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The Sunday Night Game on NBC between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts dropped 9 percent from last year, according to overnight Nielsen numbers.

Overall ratings declined for the NFL's Week 1 telecasts on Sunday possibly because of blowout games for many marquee matchups.

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Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin, a safety on the original Denver Broncos in 1960, has died at the age of 76.

Gonsoulin, a member of the team's first Ring of Fame class in 1984, played for the Broncos from 1960-66. He was the all-time American Football League leader in interceptions with 43.

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The Atlanta Falcons were relieved to learn that X-rays were negative on the left ankle of prized rookie offensive tackle Jake Matthews, who limped to the sideline during Sunday' 37-34 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Matthews' ability to play against Cincinnati Sunday will depend on how well he is able to move and how sore the injury is.

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The San Francisco 49ers released running back LaMichael James and signed wide receiver Kassim Osgood, the team announced.

Osgood played in one game for the 49ers last year, making one catch for 17 yards.

James, who is in third year in the NFL, was behind Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde at the running back position, and James' agent, Jeff Sperbeck, said James requested the release.

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Two important members of the Washington Redskins -- tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) and nose tackle Barry Cofield (high ankle sprain) -- are both expected to miss "some time," head coach Jay Gruden said.
 


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Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson and defensive end Mike DeVito both tore the Achilles tendon in their right leg and are headed for surgery, putting them out for the season. (Editing by Frank Pingue)

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