NFL ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be limited in practice this week because of a sore shoulder but is expected to play this weekend at Cleveland. Roethlisberger played three quarters of the Steelers’ 38-17 win over the Houston Texans in the season opener Sunday. “We will see what he looks like when he comes in here [today],” coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. “It was just a little sore from playing in the football game.” Roethlisberger was thrown to the turf on a second-quarter sack by Houston’s Mario Williams. He also appeared shaken on the next-to-last play of the first half after taking a shot to the leg by Amobi Okoye after completing a pass. He remained in the game, however, and was pulled in the second half only because of Pittsburgh’s lopsided lead. Roethlisberger, a Pro Bowl selection last season who completed 13-of-14 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, has missed at least one game in each of the last three seasons because of injury. Tomlin also said left tackle Marvel Smith and cornerback Deshea Townsend won’t fully participate in practice this week. Smith has a groin strain and Townsend a bruised heel. Both are expected to play Sunday.

Jaguars: Looking to bolster an offensive line following injuries to guards Vince Manuwai and Maurice Williams, Jacksonville signed veterans Milford Brown and Chad Slaughter. The Jaguars placed Manuwai on injured reserve and waived rookie cornerback Isaiah Gardner. The team also waived offensive tackle Cliff Louis from the practice squad.

Also, the lead detective in the shooting of Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Richard Collier says investigators believe the player was targeted. Sheriff’s Detective Dennis Sullivan says Collier remains in critical but stable condition at a Jacksonville hospital, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was shot in his car outside an apartment last Tuesday.

Dolphins: Rookie starting guard Donald Thomas was placed on the injured reserve list. Thomas suffered a foot injury in Sunday’s season opener against the New York Jets.

Seahawks: Seattle released punter Ryan Plackemeier, running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Jordan Kent. The moves are likely to open a pair of roster spots for nickel back Jordan Babineaux and starting defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, both of whom missed the opener under league suspension. Seattle also placed wide receiver Nate Burleson on injured reserve.

Chargers: Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman pulled the plug on the season when he told the team he’ll have surgery on the two torn ligaments in his left knee. Merriman’s decision came two days after he barely resembled the player who had an NFL-high 391‚Ñ2 sacks in the past three seasons and played in three straight Pro Bowls.

Patriots: Coach Bill Belichick says he’s in no rush to sign a new quarterback. The coach said quarterbacks Tim Rattay and Chris Simms were in Foxborough Monday, but they didn’t work out or take physicals. It appears the team will go into Sunday’s game against the New York Jets with two quarterbacks — veteran backup Matt Cassel and rookie Kevin O’Connell. Cassel replaced Brady in New England’s 17-10 win over Kansas City,

Associated Press