nfl roundup Other news

Eagles: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, one of Philadelphia’s celebrated free agency acquisitions, injured his left knee during practice Thursday and was taken off the field on a cart. The Eagles had no comment on the extent of the injury and a team spokesman said Asomugha’s status would be updated on today. Asomugha was participating in a non-contact drill on the grass fields adjacent to the team’s NovaCare Complex when he was hurt. The 30-year-old, a three-time Pro Bowl pick and four-time All-Pro selection, leads the Eagles (4-6) with three interceptions — two in his last four games. With Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie already out with an ankle injury, the Eagles could be down to just one of their celebrated Pro Bowl cornerback trio of Asante Samuel, Rodgers-Cromartie and Asomugha when they face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots (7-3) at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday.

Falcons: Head coach Mike Smith worked two full-time jobs before joining his family for dinner Thursday. The event-filled Thanksgiving was a whirlwind that included practice and meetings at the Falcons’ training complex in Flowery Branch and community service 50 miles south at the Georgia World Congress Center. Smith wouldn’t have it any other way, but you would hardly know it. In his fourth season as an NFL head coach, Smith has 39 career victories, two playoff appearances and one NFC South title, yet he’s a master at deflecting from himself and to his team. A few fans approached him to say hello and take pictures as Smith mingled among 6,000 people at Atlanta’s annual Hosea Feed the Hungry event. But Smith mostly blended in and worked quietly without notice.

Bears: New Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown hasn’t take an NFL snap since 2009, but familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Martz may help him get quickly up to speed. McCown worked out with the Bears for the first time Thursday, hours after agreeing to a one-year contract as a backup quarterback following last Sunday’s injury to starter Jay Cutler. A 32-year-old veteran of eight NFL seasons, McCown took snaps during the 2-hour plus Thanksgiving drill, conducted under overcast skies and brisk conditions at the Bears’ Halas Hall training center. Wearing a No. 15 orange jersey, McCown alternated with new Bears’ starter Caleb Hanie and rookie reserve Nathan Enderle during offensive drills.

Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks placed rookie offensive tackle James Carpenter on injured reserve, a week after he tore an anterior cruciate ligament in practice. Carpenter, the former Alabama player drafted 25th overall this year, started nine games this season — eight at right tackle and one at left guard. He was hurt last week in practice. The Seahawks also signed offensive tackle Allen Barbre. Barbre made three starts for Seattle last season. He was released by Miami on Sept 6.

Texans: Injured quarterback Matt Schaub was back at practice on Thanksgiving, keeping a close eye on his replacement, Matt Leinart. Schaub was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after meeting with a foot specialist in Charlotte. Schaub sustained a Lisfranc injury in Houston’s 37-9 win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 13, and he wore a protective boot on his right foot on Thursday. Leinart will make his first start for Houston (7-3) in Jacksonville (3-7) on Sunday.

Broncos: Forget the Tim Tebow hype machine for a moment. It’s Miller Time in Denver. Broncos linebacker Von Miller, the second overall selection in the draft, has led Denver’s defensive revival along with pass-rushing partner Elvis Dumervil. The duo has been collecting sacks and crumpling quarterbacks at a prolific pace over the last three weeks, battering Carson Palmer, Matt Cassel and Mark Sanchez. They’ve combined for seven sacks over that span and have become the first pair of teammates in more than a decade to share a QB sandwich sack in three straight games. With Dumervil full speed again after dealing with nagging shoulder and ankle ailments, he and Miller have finally been able to unleash a potent 1-2 punch that Miller has dubbed “Batman and Robin.”

Associated Press