NFL ROUNDUP News and notes

Bills: Running back Willis McGahee was activated Wednesday, even though the first-round pick isn't ready to play his first NFL game. The long-anticipated move comes after the former Miami (Fla.) standout tore ligaments in his left knee during the Hurricanes' loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. McGahee has spent the past three weeks practicing with the team after opening the season on the non-football injury list. Had the Bills not activated McGahee by Wednesday's 4 p.m. deadline, he would have been placed on injured reserve and barred from practicing with the team for the remainder of the season.
Redskins: Steve Spurrier and Bruce Smith talked, but it didn't seem to clear the air. The coach and 40-year-old defensive end met during the players' day off Tuesday to discuss Smith's displeasure at not starting Sunday's 21-14 loss to Dallas. It was the first time since 1986 that Smith played in a game he didn't start.
Raiders: Coach Bill Callahan met with cornerback Charles Woodson Wednesday after being criticized by the four-time Pro Bowler. Twice in five days Woodson complained about the second-year coach. Woodson said Callahan was stubborn and had lost control of his team, and that the Raiders were falling apart. On Monday, Callahan called the comments "inappropriate and inaccurate" and said he would deal with the situation when he was ready. Callahan initiated the meeting. Also, injured backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo was placed on injured reserve with a completely torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee. His roster spot was filled by practice squad quarterback Tee Martin. Oakland also signed quarterback Rob Johnson Tuesday, and Johnson will likely be the No. 3 quarterback for Sunday's game against the New York Jets behind starter Rick Mirer and Martin.
Texans: David Carr made it through his first practice in 10 days since spraining his right ankle at Indianapolis, and said he expects to start at Cincinnati this weekend.
Jaguars: Prosecutors dropped charges against former Jacksonville linebacker T.J. Slaughter, accused of pointing a gun at two men in a passing car while he was driving.
Chargers: Former Jacksonville wide receiver Micah Ross was signed to fill the spot left vacant when Eric Parker was put on injured reserve.
Colts: Kick returner Brad Pyatt will miss about six weeks with a minor fracture in his vertebrae.
Eagles: Pro Bowl cornerback Bobby Taylor and running back/returner Brian Westbrook probably will miss Monday's game against the Packers. Taylor, who has played one game since hurting his foot in the season opener, and Westbrook, who sat out last week with a high left-ankle sprain, are doubtful. All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins, out since the opener with a foot injury, won't play.
Jets: Though Wayne Chrebet no longer has a concussion, he will be held out of Sunday's game against the Raiders. Dr. Elliot Pellman, chairman of the Jets' medical department, does not know whether Chrebet has post-concussion syndrome, so he will undergo more tests and be evaluated by an independent neurologist.
Rams: After six weeks, Marshall Faulk is ready to return to action. Faulk broke his left hand Sept. 21 and had surgery on his right knee, which turned out to be the more serious of the two injuries -- although at the time the procedure was portrayed as a mere cleanup operation. Faulk dressed for the last two games, but did not play. On Wednesday, Faulk was back with the first-team offense. On Sunday he'll jump into the fire, trying to find holes in the Baltimore Ravens' defense. Faulk has only 116 yards and a 2.8-yard average. He's not sure if the knee was a factor in his early-season woes and won't use it as an excuse. The Rams' rebuilt offensive line also struggled at the start.
-- Associated Press