NFL says HGH testing will begin

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Two congressmen and the NFL say after a meeting with the players union that testing for human growth hormone will begin shortly, but the union is less committal.

Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told reporters Friday that the sides agreed to begin testing “immediately.” He added that what to do with the test results will be dealt with in the coming weeks.

But NFLPA spokesman George Atallah, speaking a few minutes later, said testing will begin after a fair and safe system is in place. He said players will do that “as fast as possible.”

The latest collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players includes a provision to begin testing players for HGH — contingent on the union agreeing to the testing methods.

Browns

BEREA

Pro Bowl center Alex Mack returned to practice for the first time since undergoing an appendectomy and could play Sunday against Oakland (3-2).

Browns cornerback Joe Haden did not practice again because of a sprained left knee. It’s unlikely the Browns (2-2) will have their top defensive back on Sunday.

Steelers

PITTSBURGH

Rookie tackle Marcus Gilbert will miss Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4), meaning Pittsburgh (3-2) will start its sixth different combination of offensive linemen in six games.

Former starting left tackle Jonathan Scott will start in Gilbert’s place on the right side. Gilbert injured his right shoulder three weeks ago in a win at Indianapolis and aggravated the injury last week against Tennessee. Scott — since replaced at left tackle when Max Starks was signed last week — came in for Gilbert at right tackle.

Third-down running back Mewelde Moore also was ruled out for Sunday, meaning those duties will fall to Isaac Redman or Jonathan Dwyer.