NFL ROUNDUP News and notes

Browns: Five players were signed Wednesday after four starters were lost to season-ending injuries. Among the additions is kicker Brett Conway, who was released three weeks ago by the New York Giants. The four starters -- defensive end Courtney Brown (biceps), running back James Jackson (knee), kicker Phil Dawson (arm) and guard Chad Beasley (ankle) -- were placed on injured reserve. The club also signed defensive lineman Felipe Claybrooks and defensive back Ron Israel from the practice squad, as well as free agent running backs Nick Maddox and fullback Josh Mallard. Derrick Frost and defensive end Corey Jackson were added to the practice squad.
Steelers: Running back Verron Haynes was placed on the injured reserve list after having arthroscopic right knee surgery. Haynes, injured Sunday against Oakland, rushed for 63 yards on 20 carries and caught seven passes for 57 yards while being used mostly as a third-down back. To replace Haynes, the former Panthers running back Dee Brown was signed. Brown ran for 360 yards and four touchdowns and caught 17 passes last season after missing the 2001 season with an ankle injury.
Falcons: Dan Reeves was fired abruptly Wednesday and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will take over for the rest of the season. Owner Arthur Blank told Reeves -- the sixth-winningest coach in NFL history -- that he would be fired at the end of the season but wanted him to coach the rest of the way. Reeves asked to be let go immediately.
Bengals: Left tackle Levi Jones had torn cartilage repaired in his right knee on Monday, and the club listed him as doubtful for Sunday's home game against San Francisco.
Broncos: Fullback Mike Anderson was reinstated after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Anderson was suspended Nov. 11 after testing positive for marijuana. He claimed the positive test was from secondhand smoke and his lawyers threatened to sue the league because the amount was the below the legal limit in Colorado.
Redskins: Even though he now owns the NFL career sack record, Bruce Smith just can't bring himself to say absolutely, positively that he's retiring. He acknowledged again that this "more than likely" will be his final season. Smith essentially conceded back in training camp that this would be his final season. In various interviews this week, Smith has sometimes seemed to shut the door firmly, only to reopen it again. Asked Wednesday what under circumstance he would play again, Smith would only say: "I never go into a situation saying I'll never do something."
Rams: Middle linebacker Robert Thomas has a torn groin and will be sidelined up to a month. Thomas leads the team in tackles and the Rams (10-3) hope he will be back for the playoffs. For now, Jamie Duncan will replace him.
Raiders: Defensive tackle John Parrella was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. The 34-year-old Parrella was hurt Oct. 5 at Chicago. He missed his first game in nine years the following week at Cleveland and hasn't played since despite constant rehab work.
Texans: Aaron Glenn's season ended when a lingering groin injury finally landed the cornerback on the injured reserve. Glenn, a 10-year veteran, initially strained his groin Sept. 28 at home against the Jaguars and missed the next two games. He never was the same after his return and became a fixture on the injury report until last Sunday, when he aggravated the injury against Jacksonville. Glenn, a three-time Pro Bowler, was to undergo surgery Thursday.
Bears: Rex Grossman will make his first NFL appearance Sunday against the Vikings. Grossman's debut comes against the team that leads the NFL in interceptions with 25. Kordell Stewart was 2-5 as a starter and Chris Chandler 3-3. The Bears (5-8) were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss at Green Bay on Sunday.
Jaguars: Receiver Matthew Hatchette was waived and linebacker Courtland Bullard was claimed off waivers. After playing six games, and starting four, Hatchette was inactive the last seven games, having fallen behind Troy Edwards and Kevin Johnson. He finished with 15 receptions for 203 yards.
Patriots: Fullback Larry Centers was re-signed almost two months after the team released him following a knee injury. In order to make room for Centers, the Patriots released wide receiver J.J. Stokes, who signed with New England three weeks ago from Jacksonville.
Jets: Linebacker Sam Cowart will not play Sunday against the Steelers because of a bruised left thigh.
Dolphins: Quarterback Jay Fiedler tested his sore left knee Wednesday and expects to start against Philadelphia. Listed as questionable is defensive tackle Tim Bowens (calf strain). Defensive end Jason Taylor (shoulder) and linebackers Zach Thomas (hip), Junior Seau (shoulder and finger) and Morlon Greenwood (thigh) were all listed as probable.
-- Associated Press