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[October 06, 2016]  The Sports Xchange

10/05/2016 NFL Note - Green Bay Packers Matthews, Clay

OLB Clay Matthews practiced Wednesday, albeit in limited fashion, and looks to be on track to play Sunday night against the New York Giants. The defensive standout returned to the field Monday after the team's bye week. Matthews missed the pre-bye win over the Detroit Lions on Sept. 25 because of ankle and hamstring injuries.

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NFL Note - Green Bay Packers Shields, Sam

CB Sam Shields remained out Wednesday, not a promising sign for his availability against the Giants on Sunday night. The veteran starter has been sidelined since suffering a concussion in the season-opening victory at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 11. Without Shields, the Packers would continue to rely on a young trio of Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins and LaDarius Gunter as their top cornerbacks against a prolific Giants passing attack.

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NFL Note - Green Bay Packers Cook, Jared

TE Jared Cook is sidelined indefinitely because of an injury to his right ankle and isn't expected to play Sunday night against the Giants. The veteran suffered the setback in the pre-bye victory over the Lions on Sept. 25. Richard Rodgers will be Green Bay's top tight end going forward until Cook returns.

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NFL Note - Green Bay Packers Guion, Letroy

NT Letroy Guion practiced Wednesday after returning to the field two days earlier. The veteran starter had been out since sustaining an injury to his left knee in the Week 2 loss at the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 18. Guion was listed as having limited work Wednesday, so more on his status for Sunday night's game against the Giants won't be known until later in the week.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Rhodes, Luke

LB Luke Rhodes was signed to the Colts' practice squad. The 6--2, 242-pound Rhodes participated in Tampa Bay's 2016 offseason program and training camp before being waived during final cuts on Sept. 3. He originally signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent on May 2.

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NFL Note - Jacksonville Jaguars Thomas, Julius

TE Julius Thomas missed last week's game against Indianapolis because of an elbow injury. With the Jaguars in their bye week, Thomas is expected to be ready when Jacksonville plays at Chicago a week from Sunday.

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NFL Note - Cleveland Browns Telfer, Randall

TE Randall Telfer (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. He is expected to miss four to six weeks.

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NFL Note - Cleveland Browns Williams, Tramon

CB Tramon Williams (shoulder) was limited. He did not play against the Redskins last week.

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NFL Note - Green Bay Packers Randall, Damarious

CB Damarious Randall was a new addition to the injury report Wednesday. The second-year starter has a groin injury, which made him a limited practice participant Wednesday. It's unknown whether the injury could impact Randall's availability for the game Sunday night.

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NFL Note - Green Bay Packers Burnett, Morgan

SS Morgan Burnett continued to practice Wednesday after getting back on the field Monday. The veteran starter missed the pre-bye week win over the Lions because of a groin injury.

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NFL Note - Green Bay Packers Rodgers, Richard

TE Richard Rodgers has had the door opened to be the primary tight end with Jared Cook sidelined by an ankle injury. Rodgers' role in his third pro season had been diminished after the Packers made Cook their lone free-agent acquisition of significance in the offseason. Cook was supposed to give Aaron Rodgers a big-play target over the middle of the field but had only six catches for 53 yards on the season before leaving with the sprained ankle in the first half of the Week 3 win over the Detroit Lions. Richard Rodgers made his first start of the season in that game. Yet, he hasn't been productive with only five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown through three games. Just a season ago, Rodgers flourished with 58 catches for 510 yards and eight touchdowns. "We have all of the confidence in the world in Rich," receiver Jordy Nelson said Wednesday. "There's not a person that's second-guessed anything when Jared went down, which we don't want, but it's part of the game. We expect Rich to do what he does. He's got great hands and creates separation and makes the plays that we need him to make."

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NFL Note - Cleveland Browns Erving, Cameron

C Cameron Erving (bruised lung) is week to week and is not practicing. He hasn't played since being diagnosed with a pulmonary contusion following a game versus Baltimore last month.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Walden, Erik

OLB Erik Walden (chest) did not practice Wednesday. However, Walden should be good to go for Sunday's home game against Chicago. He is expected to return to practice on Thursday.

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NFL Note - Atlanta Falcons Ryan, Matt

QB Matt Ryan has completed 101 of 140 passes for 1,473 yards with 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He has a league-leading passer rating of 126.3 and passed for a career-high and franchise-record 503 yards against the Panthers last Sunday.

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NFL Note - Atlanta Falcons Freeney, Dwight

DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related) did not practice on Wednesday. He had a sack and two quarterback hits against the Panthers.

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NFL Note - Atlanta Falcons Freeman, Devonta

RB Devonta Freeman had his first rushing touchdown of the season. He has rushed 55 times for 322 yards (5.9 yards per carry).

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NFL Note - Atlanta Falcons Campbell, DeVondre

LB De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. He has four tackles this season.

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NFL Note - Atlanta Falcons Alford, Robert

CB Robert Alford had two interceptions against Carolina. He also leads the team with six pass deflections.

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NFL Note - Atlanta Falcons Neal, Keanu

SS Keanu Neal led the Falcons with nine tackles against the Panthers. His 13 tackles this season are eighth-best on the team.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Pouncey, Mike

C Mike Pouncey (hip) was limited in Wednesday's practice. Pouncey seems determined to play Sunday against Tennessee, which would mark his season debut, but coach Adam Gase remains more cautious.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Howard, *Xavien

CB Xavien Howard (knee) was injured during Tuesday's practice when he got tangled up with a teammate. There's no word on the severity. "We're going to get through the rest of this week (and) kind of see where we're at," coach Adam Gase said. "If he needed to go somewhere, we can't send him anywhere (because of Hurricane Matthew). Our doctors are still looking at him. We'll keep doing our deal with our trainers and our local doctors and kind of see where it takes us here leading up to Sunday."

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Jenkins, Jelani

LB Jelani Jenkins (groin) didn't practice Wednesday and seems as though he'll miss Sunday's game against Tennessee. Jenkins didn't play last week and was replaced by Newville Hewitt.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Albert, Branden

LT Branden Albert (illness) didn't practice Wednesday for the second consecutive day. Albert missed the Cincinnati game because of an ankle injury and sat out 12 of 40 games (30 percent) with the Dolphins.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Foster, Arian

RB Arian Foster (groin/hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. Foster seems unlikely to play Sunday against Tennessee, however.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Misi, Koa

LB Koa Misi (neck) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. Misi, who missed last week's loss at Cincinnati, has struggled to stay healthy his entire career while missing 16 games in five seasons.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Steen, Anthony

C Anthony Steen (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday after missing last week's loss at Cincinnati. Steen, who drew rave reviews for his work at center while Mike Pouncey was sidelined, could return to his original LG position this week with C Kraig Urbik possibly serving as Pouncey's backup.

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NFL Note - New Orleans Saints Hill, Josh

TE Josh Hill has missed three games in a row since spraining an ankle in the season opener. A timetable for his return has not been divulged.

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NFL Note - New Orleans Saints Ellerbe, Dannell

LB Dannell Ellerbe (quad) hasn't played in the regular season, but worked on a limited basis last week. He may be ready to return after the bye week.

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NFL Note - New Orleans Saints Kelemete, Senio

G/C Senio Kelemete, who can play every position on the offensive line, missed last week's game with a hamstring injury. A timetable for his return has not been divulged.

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NFL Note - Arizona Cardinals Palmer, Carson

QB Carson Palmer is out for Week 5 at San Francisco with a concussion.

He left Sunday's loss at the Los Angeles Rams with the injury and did not clear the NFL's mandated medical protocol on a short week of preparation.

Drew Stanton, who was intercepted twice last week in relief of Palmer, will start against the 49ers.

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NFL Note - Arizona Cardinals Stanton, Drew

QB Drew Stanton will start Week 5 at San Francisco.

Stanton, who was 5-3 in 2014, replaces injured starter Carson Palmer (concussion).

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NFL Note - Cincinnati Bengals Clarke, Will

DE Will Clarke, a third-year defensive end, came into training camp looking to earn snaps, at least enough to open up a spot for him on the 53-man roster. The West Virginia product has done much more than that through four games.

Clarke has five tackles and three sacks, and he's played well enough to not only become a regular part of the rotation, but a guy who opposing defenses must account for.

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NFL Note - Cincinnati Bengals Eifert, Tyler

TE Tyler Eifert (left ankle) appears to be have suffered a setback in his recovery. On Monday, he was in the locker room with a noticeable limp. On Wednesday, he didn't practice at all. Head coach Marvin Lewis has remained mum on a timeline for Eifert's return, which is interesting since as of two weeks ago it appeared almost imminent.

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NFL Note - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Keyes, Josh

LB Josh Keyes was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad on Wednesday. Keyes, 23, signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College in 2015 and bounced on and off the team's practice squad. Keyes, who was waived earlier this week from the 53-man roster, has played in all four games for Tampa Bay this season, totaling three special teams tackles.

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NFL Note - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hansbrough, Russell

RB Russell Hansbrough was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad on Wednesday. Hansbrough, 22, joined Tampa Bay as a college free agent out of Missouri this offseason. He was with the Bucs through the preseason and spent time on the team's practice squad earlier this year.

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NFL Note - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Krause, Jonathan

WR Jonathan Krause was released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad on Wednesday. He originally entered the league as a college free agent out of Vanderbilt with the Cleveland Browns in 2014.

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NFL Note - Kansas City Chiefs Charles, Jamaal

RB Jamaal Charles received his first playing time against Pittsburgh on Sunday night since suffering a torn ACL in his right knee nearly one year ago in a game against Chicago. Charles was on the field for 10 snaps and had two rushing attempts for seven yards. Will he return as Kansas City's feature back when the team comes off the bye week and faces Oakland and is he capable of the form he displayed from 2012-14, when he produced 5,049 offensive yards on 845 touches with 39 touchdowns? "We'll see," coach Andy Reid said. "We'll play it by ear, see how it rolls as we go and see how he feels. ... We've got 12 games to figure that out."

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NFL Note - Kansas City Chiefs Houston, Justin

OLB Justin Houston (knee) and his status for the 2016 season could gain some clarity this week with a scheduled checkup he has with orthopedic surgeon to the sports stars, Dr. James Andrews. Houston sustained a knee injury against Buffalo on Nov. 29, 2015. He was hit on the left knee by a teammate on a play at the four-minute mark of the first quarter and did not return to the field that day. He missed the last five regular season games. Houston was in the starting lineup against the Texans in the wild-card game and was on the field for 44 of 64 plays, but played just eight of 58 defensive snaps the following week versus New England. That was the last time Houston was seen on the field of play. After originally believing there was no problem with his ACL in late 2015, Houston underwent surgery on Feb. 16 - not because the ligament was torn, but was inactive and not functioning properly, according to Dr. Andrews. Placed on the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 30, Houston can practice as early as Oct. 24 and the Chiefs would then have 21 days to evaluate whether he's ready to play. Kansas City can only hope the news is positive as the Chiefs have five sacks in four games and are tied for 28th in sacks on the season.

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NFL Note - Kansas City Chiefs White, D.J.

CB D.J. White got a rude rookie experience on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The sixth-round draft choice out of Georgia Tech was victimized several times in coverage by the Steelers' passing game, as he played 29 of 59 snaps. Most of his coverage time was spent on wide receivers Sammie Coates and Markus Wheaton. White gave up a 30-yard touchdown catch to Wheaton when it appeared he lost contact with the Pittsburgh receiver. His position coach Al Harris is not worried about White's confidence moving forward. "D.J. is going to be OK," Harris said. "He is a young guy, no excuses. If he's out there, I expect him to be just like a starter. That's the mentality we have: next man up. We have to watch the tape and let it soak in a little bit. He'll come back fine." With Phillip Gaines continuing to have problems with his surgically repaired knee, White may see a lot of playing time in coming games.

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NFL Note - Kansas City Chiefs Peters, Marcus

CB Marcus Peters says he understands life on the corner in the NFL. The penthouse-to-outhouse nature of the position can change at the drop of the hat. Peters entered Sunday's game against Pittsburgh as the hottest cornerback in the NFL, with four interceptions in three contests. After a fourth game, he still has four interceptions. The Steelers went after Peters on their first offensive play of the game and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger connected with wide receiver Sammie Coates on a 47-yard completion. Peters was actually in good coverage position, but he did not make a play on the ball as it landed in Coates' arms. The rest of the night was a struggle for Peters and the entire Kansas City defense as the team surrendered 300 passing yards to Pittsburgh. That did not dampen the Chiefs' evaluation of their second-year corner. "Right now, I think he's ahead of the game," said assistant coach Emmitt Thomas, who also happens to be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his career at cornerback. "He's got great ball skills, great hands, just have to get him a little bit more discipline with his eyes. But right now, I think he's on top of his game." How does a Hall of Famer like Thomas teach his young charge to be more disciplined? "You can't take his instincts away from him," Thomas said. "He's always going to be that type of player. But there's a protocol of when and when not to. So, we have to get him to manage his game a little bit better."

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NFL Note - Jacksonville Jaguars Odrick, Jared

DE Jared Odrick did not make the trip to London with his teammates because of a triceps injury that ruled him out of the game. Odrick is expected to be healthy enough to return for the Bears game.

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NFL Note - Jacksonville Jaguars Gipson, Tashaun

FS Tashaun Gipson has a right knee sprain and will undergo rehab this week. His status will be updated later in the week.

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NFL Note - Jacksonville Jaguars Harris, Bryce

T Bryce Harris has been signed by the Jaguars to fill OL Luke Joeckel's spot on the roster. Harris, 6-6, 300, has appeared in 34 career games with four starts after originally signing with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2012.

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NFL Note - Jacksonville Jaguars Colvin, Aaron

CB Aaron Colvin is back with the Jaguars after having missing the first four games while serving a suspension for violation of the league's substance-abuse policy. The Jaguars received a one-week roster exemption for Colvin and will have until Monday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. to cut a player to make room for Colvin on the 53-man roster.

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NFL Note - Jacksonville Jaguars Koyack, Ben

TE Ben Koyack had left knee surgery and probably will return to the team later this season.

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NFL Note - Jacksonville Jaguars Skuta, Dan

OLB Dan Skuta continues to rehab the right hip strain that he sustained a couple weeks ago and that forced him to miss the trip to London for the game with Indianapolis.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Gore, Frank

RB Frank Gore (chest) sat out Wednesday's workout. Gore is expected to start for Indianapolis Sunday against Chicago.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Verrett, Jason

CB Jason Verrett (knee) didn't practice on Wednesday and said his season is over because of a torn ligament.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Gates, Antonio

TE Antonio Gates (hamstring), who has missed the last two games, was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Bosa, *Joey

DE Joey Bosa (hamstring) was a full participant on Wednesday. It appears Bosa, the draft's No. 3 pick, will make his debut on Sunday against the Raiders.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Dunlap, King

LT King Dunlap didn't work on Wednesday. Dunlap is suffering from migraines and didn't play on Sunday.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Perry, Joshua

ILB Joshua Perry (hamstring) was limited in practice on Wednesday.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Jones, Dominique

TE Dominique Jones, who was released during the final round of cuts in September, was signed Monday, an indication TE Jordan Cameron (concussion) isn't like to play this week.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Lippett, Tony

CB Tony Lippett figures to play a key role in this week's game as he matches up against Titans WR Rishard Matthews, a physical player who spent his first four seasons with Miami. Matthews (12 receptions, 180 yards) has become a reliable target for QB Marcus Mariota and Lippett has struggled with players such as Cleveland's Terrelle Pryor and Cincinnati's A.J. Green the last two weeks.

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NFL Note - Miami Dolphins Tannehill, Ryan

QB Ryan Tannehill (6 TDs, 5 INTs, 87.3 passer rating) is having a so-so season, but one thing he'd like to see improve are his sack numbers. Tannehill has been sacked 11 times through four games (seventh in the NFL) and is on pace for 44 sacks. While that sack total would have been tied for sixth-most in the NFL last year, it would be his fewest sacks in the last four years.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Butler, Darius

CB Darius Butler (hamstring) had limited work Wednesday. Butler did not play against Jacksonville last week. His status for Sunday's game with the Bears will be updated after Friday's workout.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Good, Denzelle

G Denzelle Good (back) got limited practice time on Wednesday. Good hopes to be given the green light to play Sunday against Chicago. A final determination on his status will be made later in the week.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Reitz, Joe

T Joe Reitz (back) was limited during Wednesday's workout. Reitz has been bothered by back issues since the end of training camp. His availability for Sunday's game with the Bears will be determined Friday.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Mathis, Robert

OLB Robert Mathis (rest) had Wednesday's practice off. Mathis usually gets one day off per week. He is expected to fully practice on Thursday and start Sunday against the Bears.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Harrison, Jonotthan

--G Jonotthan Harrison (appendix) is continuing to recover after undergoing an emergency appendectomy last week. Harrison has been ruled out of the Chicago game. He will not practice this week. It's hoped that he will be cleared to resume workouts next week.

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NFL Note - Indianapolis Colts Moncrief, Donte

WR Donte Moncrief (shoulder) is not expected to be cleared to resume practice for a few more weeks. His rehab remains on schedule. Moncrief was initially slated to be sidelined from four-to-six weeks because of the injury he sustained against Denver in the second week of the season.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Barksdale, Joe

RT Joe Barksdale (foot) was limited in practice on Wednesday.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Hairston, Chris

T Chris Hairston (groin) was limited in practice on Wednesday.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Flowers, Brandon

CB Brandon Flowers (concussion) remains out after not playing on Sunday.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Addae, Jahleel

SS Jahleel Addae (clavicle) is out this week.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Dzubnar, Nick

ILB Nick Dzubnar (knee) wasn't able to practice on Wednesday.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Franklin, Orlando

LG Orlando Franklin (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Flowers, Brandon

CB Brandon Flowers (concussion) has yet to be cleared to practice after getting hurt on Sunday.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Perryman, Denzel

ILB Denzel Perryman (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Square, Damion

DE Damion Square returned to the roster after being suspended the first four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Williams, Steve

CB Steve Williams was signed as he begins his second stint with the club.

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NFL Note - San Diego Chargers Carrethers, Ryan

NT Ryan Carrethers was released.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders Heeney, Ben

LB Ben Heeney (ankle) was placed on injured reserve.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders Smith, Lee

TE Lee Smith (ankle) was placed on injured reserve and will be out for the season.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders O'Malley, Ryan

TE Ryan O'Malley was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders Murray, Latavius

RB Latavius Murray (foot) did not practice on Wednesday and his status is unknown for San Diego.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders Walford, Clive

TE Clive Walford (leg) did not practice and his status is not known for San Diego.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders Smith, Malcolm

LB Malcolm Smith (groin) did not practice because and his status is unknown for San Diego.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders Watson, Menelik

T Menelik Watson (groin) did not practice and his status is unknown for San Diego.

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NFL Note - Oakland Raiders Howard, Austin

T Austin Howard (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday.

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NFL Note - Seattle Seahawks Michael, Christine

RB Christine Michael has rushed for 290 yards through the first month of the season, which puts him 10th in the league in rushing.

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NFL Note - Buffalo Bills Gilmore, Stephon

CB Stephon Gilmore endured one of his toughest games as a pro as Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets wide receivers lit him up. Since then, Gilmore has bounced back with two outstanding performances including a two-interception game against the Cardinals, and last week's lock down of the Patriots' wideouts, specifically Julian Edelman who had one catch for 16 yards. Gilmore is due to be a free agent at the end of the year, and he's trying to prove his worth, so big things are expected moving forward. Sunday, he'll be in charge of taking Kenny Britt out of the Rams offense.

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NFL Note - Buffalo Bills Taylor, Tyrod

QB Tyrod Taylor ranks second in quarterback rushing yards with 140, behind only Cam Newton of the Panthers who has 147.

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NFL Note - Buffalo Bills Dareus, Marcell

DT Marcell Dareus has completed his four-game suspension and he will most likely start Sunday against the Rams. End of Part 1 - more to follow

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