NFL ROUNDUP News and notes

Drug suspensions: Jacksonville wide receiver Jimmy Smith was one of four suspended players reinstated by the NFL on Monday after violating the league's substance abuse policy. Smith, the leading receiver in Jaguars' history, missed four games. Also reinstated were Denver safety Lee Flowers, New England running back Mike Cloud and Atlanta linebacker Keith Newman. Smith tested positive for cocaine after being stopped for speeding in Jacksonville two years ago, although he was never charged. At the time, Smith denied taking drugs. When he was suspended this preseason, he acknowledged having a problem. Newman was suspended after testing positive for steroids. He could start Sunday against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings since starters Sam Rogers and Will Overstreet most likely won't play with injuries. Cloud was signed by the Patriots from the Chiefs in the offseason even though the team knew the former Boston College star was facing a four-game ban. He tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone although he has said he didn't know the substance was in an over-the-counter protein supplement. Flowers, signed by the Broncos from Pittsburgh in the off-season, tested positive for the banned stimulant ephedra. He also said he wasn't aware the supplement was in his system.
Bengals: Running back Corey Dillon is expected to miss Sunday's game because of a strained groin. Dillon had trouble cutting and carried only four times for 20 yards in the first half against Cleveland. He sat out the second half. Coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that he will probably rest him during the next game in Buffalo. The Bengals (1-3) then have their bye week, which would give Dillon a chance to let the injury heal for two weeks.
Jaguars: Although coach Jack Del Rio gave quarterback Byron Leftwich good reviews for his first career start, he stopped short of saying the rookie start again Sunday against San Diego. With Mark Brunell's elbow on the mend, Del Rio was a bit evasive when asked if he believes a starting quarterback could lose his job due to injury. "I try not to paint those pictures, make blanket statements like that," Del Rio said. He said Brunell could not have worked out had the Jaguars (0-4) practiced Monday, but that his status will be evaluated again Wednesday. Unlike last week, the coach would not guarantee Brunell the start if he's healthy. "We'll see how he's doing, and make a determination later in the week," Del Rio said. Leftwich, the team's first-round draft pick, went 17-for-36 for 231 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in a 24-20 loss Sunday to Houston. He also lost a crucial fumble late in the game that set up the Texans' winning touchdown drive.
Vikings: The team will decide later this week whether Daunte Culpepper's back has healed enough for him to return as the starting quarterback. Backup Gus Frerotte posted a near-perfect passer rating of 157.2 in a 35-7 rout of the 49ers. Minnesota plays at Atlanta this Sunday and has a bye the following weekend. That could give Culpepper four weeks to heal before coming back Oct. 19 against Denver. The Vikings might delay announcing their decision until just before kickoff against the Falcons.
Rams: Jason Sehorn, out since late July with a broken left foot, is expected to start at free safety Oct. 13. The move would allow Aeneas Williams to return to cornerback, where he's made it to seven Pro Bowls. Sehorn signed a one-year, $1 million deal in the offseason after being released by the Giants. He has played cornerback his entire career, but was working at safety before his injury.
Titans: Linebacker Peter Sirmon was released from a Pittsburgh hospital and flew home Monday. He broke two small bones in his back on the opening drive of Sunday's game. Coach Jeff Fisher said Sirmon could be out two to four weeks. Fisher said back spasms were Sirmon's biggest problem, but that he was feeling much better Monday. The Titans also got some good news when tight end Frank Wycheck, who hasn't practiced since suffering a concussion in the opener against Oakland, took part in a short workout.
Giants: Defensive tackle Keith Hamilton had a status hearing with Morris County prosecutors Monday regarding drug charges resulting from an arrest in May. The sides could not reach a plea agreement, and the case might go to the grand jury, said Lt. Jeffrey S. Paul, a spokesman for the prosecutor's office. Hamilton has been charged with cocaine possession, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and motor vehicles offenses.
Eagles: Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent could miss this Sunday's game against the Redskins because of a strained hamstring. Vincent left Sunday's game against Buffalo after the team's first defensive series and didn't return. Coach Andy Reid said Monday that Vincent will be re-evaluated in a few days. The Eagles already were without half their starting secondary. All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins and Pro Bowl cornerback Bobby Taylor have missed the last two games with foot injuries. Reid said Dawkins won't practice this week. Taylor is making progress, and it's possible he could return.
Cowboys: Defensive end Greg Ellis has signed a seven-year contract extension. The deal includes a $4.2 million signing bonus.
Dolphins: Punter Mark Royals was released Monday and Matt Turk was signed. Turk was the Dolphins' punter in 2000 and 2001. He spent last season with the New York Jets, who released him in March after he averaged just 41.0 yards per punt and netted 34.9 -- both career lows. Royals averaged 40.2 yards in Miami's first three games, placing him among the lower third of the NFL.