NFL roundup News and notes
Browns: Versatile running back Jason Wright was placed on injured reserve by the injury-riddled Browns. Wright hurt his ankle in Sunday’s 14-0 loss to Cincinnati, the Browns’ fifth straight and the fifth game in a row they failed to score an offensive touchdown. Wright played in every game this season on offense and special teams. He rushed for 85 yards on 23 carries and caught 22 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown. The Browns (4-11) have been banged up all season and may have to start recently signed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski in Sunday’s finale at Pittsburgh. Quarterback Ken Dorsey hurt his ribs and sustained a mild concussion against the Bengals. He was only playing because both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn were lost with season-ending injuries. Gradkowski, signed as a free agent Dec. 2, replaced Dorsey in the fourth quarter against the Bengals and was 2-of-5 with one interception. Coach Crennel may sign quarterback Richard Bartel off the practice squad, and if Gradkowski starts, return specialist Josh Cribbs could get more time at quarterback. With tight ends Kellen Winslow (ankle) and Steve Heiden (knee surgery) sidelined and Darnell Dinkins slowed by an ankle injury, the Browns signed tight end Brad Cieslak to the active roster. Cieslak was with the Browns in training camp before he was waived Aug. 30.
Steelers: Santa Claus’ visit to Mike Tomlin’s weekly news conference didn’t elicit a “ho, ho, ho” from the less-than-amused Steelers coach. Bill DiFabio, a sports announcer from Washington, Pa., traditionally dresses up as Santa for the pre-Christmas press gathering and often pokes fun at the Steelers coach for a few moments. Former coach Bill Cowher often went along with the gag. Tomlin also played along initially, asking, “What have you got for me, Santa?” and inviting DiFabio to join him at his desk in front of the room But when DiFabio commandeered the news conference for more than five minutes, passing out gifts and cracking jokes about fellow sportscasters, the Browns and Cowboys, nose tackle Casey Hampton’s weight and the woebegone Pirates, Tomlin became impatient. To end the unrehearsed skit, Tomlin — who could be heard sighing several times throughout the comedy bit — grudgingly agreed to toss a football to the fake Santa. “If that will get you out of here,” Tomlin said. Tomlin repeatedly emphasized the Steelers (11-4) would not treat Sunday’s meaningless game against the Browns (4-11) like an exhibition, and he apparently did not appreciate a comedy skit interfering with his message. Later, the Steelers said there would be no future appearances from Santa at any of their news conferences.
Associated Press