nfl roundup \ News and notes

NFL Network: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league’s policies for airing games on the NFL Network in a letter to Sen. Arlen Specter. Goodell responded to a letter sent by Specter and 12 other senators last week. The two sides have repeatedly sparred over whether games on the network should be available to more viewers on free TV. Thursday’s game between the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos will air on NFL Network and will not be available in the Youngstown market, although it will be picked up in Cleveland. Goodell’s letter was released Tuesday and echoes his comments made to reporters a day earlier. The NFL Network is available in fewer than 40 percent of U.S. homes. The league believes that the fault lies with the major cable companies that refuse to carry the channel on a basic tier.

Broncos: A slew of reinforcements arrived in Denver on Tuesday following the Broncos’ latest spate of injuries. The Broncos (4-4) lost leading tackler D.J. Williams for up to a month with a left knee injury on Sunday, when they also lost running backs Michael Pittman (neck) and Andre Hall (hand) for the season and safety Marlon McCree for several weeks with a high ankle sprain. To fill the spots, the Broncos signed linebacker Mario Haggan and defensive back Roderick Rogers to their active roster on Tuesday and also promoted running back P.J. Pope from their practice squad. They waived tight end Chad Mustard and signed running back Cory Boyd and linebacker Tyson Smith to their practice squad. Denver, which plays at Cleveland (3-5) on Thursday night, already had lost of Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey (groin) for a month, backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey (hand) and linebacker Boss Bailey (knee) at New England two weeks ago.

Bengals: The Bengals got a one-week roster exemption Tuesday for linebacker Darryl Blackstock, who was suspended the past four games for using a nutritional supplement that contained a substance banned by the NFL. Blackstock is allowed to participate in meeting and practices this week — the team’s bye week — without counting toward the 53-man roster. They would have to open a roster spot for him by next Monday if they want him to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 16. Blackstock played in the first five games, including one start, and had four tackles on defense. The Bengals also waived cornerback Herana-Daze Jones from the injured reserve list after reaching a financial settlement. Jones went on the list Oct. 17 with a hamstring injury.

Lions: Daunte Culpepper passed his physical and signed with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday — and could be ready to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 31-year-old Culpepper, who earlier this season had announced his retirement after failing to find a team that fit his needs, signed a two-year deal with the winless Lions (0-8). The one-time Pro Bowler for the Vikings, who started six games for Oakland last season after a year in Miami, had said he had hoped to find a team for which he could start. But he said Monday in an e-mail to The Associated Press: “I hope to contribute to the team in whatever role coach (Rod) Marinelli needs for me to play.” That could mean starting Sunday if Dan Orlovsky’s thumb injury keeps him out. Orlovsky, who has started four straight games since Jon Kitna was injured, sprained his thumb in the Lions’ 27-23 loss in Chicago last week. He threw for 292 yards in the game but Marinelli declined to say if he would be able to start this week, and added he wanted to keep the Jaguars in the dark about who might be starting. Over nine NFL seasons, Culpepper has completed 64 percent of his passes, thrown 142 touchdowns and run for 33 scores. He had career highs in yards (4,717), touchdowns (39) and passer rating (110.9) in 2004 with the Vikings.

Rams: The Rams placed wide receiver Drew Bennett and wide receiver/kick returner Dante Hall on injured reserve Tuesday, a day after coach Jim Haslett said both would be out for the season. Bennett broke his leg in the first quarter of the season opener and struggled in rehab efforts. Hall sustained a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s 34-13 loss to the Cardinals. Concerned about depth at running back moved the Rams to sign free agent Samkon Gado, who played for the Texans and Dolphins last year but has not played this season. Steven Jackson returned last week after missing one game with a thigh injury but had only 17 yards on seven carries and sat out most of the second half. Backup Antonio Pittman injured his hamstring on the first play and Travis Minor sustained a concussion. The only other running back on the roster is Kenneth Darby, who has yet to dress for a game.

Associated Press