National Football League roundup

[September 21, 2016]  Sept 19 (The Sports Xchange) - Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler sustained a sprained right thumb in Monday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and his status is day-to-day, according to coach John Fox.

Fox said on Tuesday that the injury will not require surgery. He said Cutler will undergo rehab. Cutler is scheduled to undergo more tests on Tuesday to determine the severity.

Chicago also lost outside linebacker Lamarr Houston to a potentially season-ending knee injury in the contest while inside linebacker Danny Trevathan injured a thumb that will require surgery, although he might not be finished for the season.

Cutler injured his thumb in the season opener against the Houston Texans and said he aggravated it early in Monday's game and had trouble gripping the football.

If Cutler is unable to play, journeyman Brian Hoyer would start Sunday's road game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Bears also released fullback Paul Lasike, one day after he rushed for two yards on his lone carry of his NFL career.

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The Cleveland Browns signed center Austin Reiter off the Washington Redskins' practice squad and also added quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.

To make room, Cleveland terminated the contract of defensive tackle John Hughes III and waived LB Scooby Wright III.

The Browns are preparing to play at the Miami Dolphins in Week Three without new starting center Cameron Erving, who was hospitalized on Sunday and diagnosed with a pulmonary contusion. Reiter may be asked to start in Week Three.

Cleveland will be starting a third quarterback -- rookie third-round pick Cody Kessler -- in three games.

Josh McCown (shoulder) started Week Two but was already ruled out for Sunday's game. Week One starter Robert Griffin III (shoulder) could miss 3-4 months.

Whitehurst, who appeared in four games with Indianapolis last season, has played in 24 career contests with San Diego, Seattle, Tennessee and the Colts.

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Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson will appeal a 10-game suspension during Philadelphia's Week Four bye.

Johnson is permitted to play during the appeals process, including the first two games, and on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Johnson was previously banned four games in 2014 for what he said was "foolishly" ingesting a banned prescription drug.

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The Indianapolis Colts released safety Winston Guy. Guy took over at safety after Clayton Geathers left with a foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos.

Speculation at the time was that Guy could start at safety in the Colts' next game if Geathers and T.J. Green (knee) remain out. Tuesday's move suggests Geathers and/or Green will be ready for Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET).

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Free-agent running back C.J. Spiller paid a visit to the Green Bay Packers, according to a report by ESPN.

The 29-year-old, who was cut by the New Orleans Saints last week, could be used as a change-of-pace back behind bruising Eddie Lacy if the Packers decide to sign him.

Green Bay has an available roster spot after recently waiving running back Jhurell Pressley.

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New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick reminded the media he is not a doctor.

Belichick is in his third day of redirecting questions about what the Patriots will do at quarterback on Thursday night against the Houston Texans after Jimmy Garoppolo, starting in place of suspended Tom Brady, left the Week Two win over the Miami Dolphins with a shoulder injury.

Garoppolo did not practice fully on Tuesday, but was listed as a limited participant. He was not present at the start of practice with media present.

"I'm a football coach. I'm not a doctor," Belichick said. "Medical staff is the medical staff. I coach the team, medical people handle the injuries. They don't call plays, I don't do surgeries. We have a great deal here. It works out."

Rookie third-round pick Jacoby Brissett, drafted 91st overall in April, is likely to start against the Texans.

- - - (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)

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