The Oakland Raiders have become the final team to vote to give the NFL Players Association the option of decertifying if there is a lockout next year. Union spokesman Carl Francis said the Raiders’ players voted Thursday on the issue.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has returned to practice after sitting out two days with an Achilles’ tendon injury and is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Oakland.
Tampa Bay’s Mike Williams did not practice after his arrest on a DUI charge early Friday, however coach Raheem Morris said the rookie who leads the Buccaneers in receiving will travel to San Francisco and play Sunday against the 49ers. The fourth-round draft pick out of Syracuse was arrested after Florida authorities spotted his black Escalade speeding and weaving in and out of traffic around…
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed former Ohio State University kicker Aaron Pettrey to replace another former Buckeye. Kicker Mike Nugent was lost for the season after tearing a knee ligament during a successful onside kick play in the closing minutes of Sunday’s 23-17 loss at Indianapolis.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams says he plans to play “a couple more years” beyond this season. The 38-year-old Williams is the oldest defensive player in the NFL. He has spoke about contemplating retirement the last few offseasons.
Kansas City coach Todd Haley apologized Monday for refusing to shake hands with Denver coach Josh McDaniels after the Chiefs’ blowout loss the day before. Haley, who’s generally done a good job this season of holding his temper in check, made a single comment to McDaniels as the Denver coach held out his hand after the Broncos’ 49-29 victory in Denver.
Atlanta Falcons receiver Roddy White has returned to Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay after leaving in the first half with a knee injury. White, who came into the day leading the NFL with 56 catches, was injured in the first quarter during an 11-yard reception
New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey has left the stadium in an ambulance with injured ribs after scoring a touchdown on his 500th career catch. Shockey caught a 7-yard TD pass from Drew Brees late in the first quarter Sunday before he was hit hard by Carolina’s Charles Godfrey
Cornerback Dunta Robinson returned from a concussion Sunday and was listed as a starter for the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay rookie Erik Lorig, a seventh-round draft pick and former defensive end from Stanford, made his NFL debut as the starting fullback for Earnest Graham (hamstring)
Vikings receiver Percy Harvin has been activated for Minnesota’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Harvin was listed as questionable Friday with a sprained left ankle