nfl news & notes

Bears: The Chicago Bears have waived former Super Bowl MVP receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes signed a one-year deal with Chicago in August after being released by the New York Jets in March. He had eight receptions for 67 yards along with nine punt returns for 50 yards. A first-round draft pick by Pittsburgh in 2006, Holmes was the Super Bowl MVP in his third year. He had his best season statistically the following year in 2009 with 79 catches for 1,248 yards and five touchdowns. The Bears also signed former Northwestern receiver Rashad Lawrence to the practice squad Tuesday and terminated the practice squad contract of linebacker Terrell Manning. Manning appeared in three games for the Bears this season.

Seahawks: Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane will miss the rest of the season for the Seattle Seahawks after being placed on injured reserve following a hamstring injury in a win over the New York Giants. Mebane was hurt during the first half of Seattle’s 38-17 win. Mebane’s loss is a blow to Seattle’s run defense, which ranks fourth in the league at 79.8 yards per game. While his stats don’t jump out, Mebane’s ability to clog running lanes and control blockers has allowed Seattle’s linebackers to step up and stop ball carries.

Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys have activated defensive tackle Josh Brent, another step toward his return to the field almost two years after a drunken-driving crash that led to his conviction for intoxication manslaughter. Brent was placed on the 53-man roster Tuesday. The NFL granted his petition for reinstatement before the season but suspended him for 10 games. Coach Jason Garrett hasn’t indicated when Brent will be ready to play. He says Brent, who has been practicing for two weeks, is overweight. The Cowboys are off this week before playing at the New York Giants on Nov. 23. The 26-year-old Brent’s last game was Dec. 2, 2012, six days before the crash that killed teammate Jerry Brown in the Dallas suburb of Irving.

Dolphins: The Miami Dolphins are taking the high road following comments by Buffalo cornerback Leodis McKelvin, who says he is certain the Bills will win when the teams play Thursday night. Some of Miami’s players feigned ignorance when asked about McKelvin’s remarks. McKelvin said after Sunday’s game that he wasn’t “going to lose no sleep, man,” over Miami.

Associated Press