IDP Notes

Panthers S Jarrod Cooper, primarilly a special teamer, has been suspended four games by the NFL. This comes after Cooper was arrested in December for driving while impaired.

Four Raiders tested positive for the steroid THG- LB Bill Romanowski, C Barrett Robbins, DT Dana Stubblefield, and DT Chris Cooper - but they will not face discipline from the NFL. The positive results came before the league started testing for the newly found steroid.

Patriots S Eugene Wilson was fined $7,500 by the NFL for leading with his helmet on a tackle of Dallas Cowboys WR Randal Williams during week 11.

Saints LB Sedrick Hodge has been fined $5,000 for violating the NFLs uniform policy during New Orleans week 11 game against Atlanta. He wore his socks too low. (seriously)

Last week it was reported that six Tennessee Titans were fined for excessive celebration during their November 9th game against Miami. Make it seven. DL Juqua Thomas has also been fined $5,000 by the NFL and, like the others, will likely appeal.

Last wek news came that Vikings defensive linemates Kenny Mixon and Kevin Williams were both arrested for DUI's. While neither has faced league sanctions (it is not Mixon's first run-in), Minnesota has fined each of them "up to" $25,000 for conduct detrimental to the team. They remained in the starting lineup this past weekend.

You always see that players plan on appealing fines, but rarely do we see the outcome. Bills S Lawyer Milloy had been fined $25,000 for bumping an official in October, but through the appeal process it has been reduced to $2,500.

Patriots SS Rodney Harrison, who in 10 NFL seasons is believed to have accumulated more on-field fines than any player in history, has decided on his post-football career...NFL referee. "It allows you to stay close to the game," Harrison said. "I love the game. I thought about coaching, but then felt, 'What if I have a chance to be a referee?' I want to actually be on the field when I'm done playing and still be involved. Because I played it for so long, I know the speed of the game. I think I can foresee certain things before they happen. It's just like anticipating certain situations as a player." I doubt we see many players trying to bump and/or intimidate Harrison.

The Raiders have placed both LB Travian Smith (knee) and DE Trace Armstrong (shoulder) on the injured reserve, officially ending their seasons. Smith had been a surprise fantasy performer since taking over for the injured Bill Romanowski (also in the IR), so his loss will be felt. At 38 years old, Armstrong had very little fantasy value and his playing days may be over.

The New York Giants have placed DE Kenny Holmes on the injured reserve after he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to flush out loose particles. He had been hampered by the knee all season and finally decided to give in. DE Keith Washington started in place of Holmes on Monday night, but he'll likely split time with rooke DE Osi Umenyiora.

The Giants also placed S Shaun Williams on the injured reserve because of an injured knee tendon. He'll be replaced in the lineup by a combination of Johnnie Harris and Ryan Clark.

The Bears have placed LB Joe Odom on the injured reserve because of an injured groin that he suffered during week 11.

The Redskins have placed DT Jermaine Haley on injured reserve because of a fractured thumb.

It's been a busy week for the injured reserve as the Chargers place S Kwamie Lassiter on the IR because of a knee injury. Lassiter, who had been starting at free safety, will be replaced by Jerry Wilson, who had been San Diego's starting strong safety. This opens up a starting spot for rookie Terrence Kiel at SS.

Broncos DT Daryl Gardener was suspended by the team one game (week 12) for conduct detrimental to the team. This started a war of words through the media between he and head coach Mike Shanahan in which Gardener referred to Shanahan as "that little man up there" on a Denver radio station. Once considered a semi-prize free-agent pickup during the offseason, it looks like his days as a Bronco are numbered. They were set to meet on Tuesday to discuss Gardener's future with the team.

John Abraham made it back to the field on Sunday, but it was a short-lived visit. Playing primarilly as a nickel rusher, he aggravated the groin injury that kept him out of the previous three games and now will likely miss this weeks game. Linemate Shaun Ellis continues to roll, with or without Abraham in the lineup, although his tackle numbers have taken a dive. Ellis has picked up ar least a partial sack in all but one game this year.

After playing during week 11, Eagles S Brian Dawkins missed Sundays game, but it wasn't because he re-injured the foot that had kept him out since week one. He was feeling the affects of his first game back and hopes to be back in the lineup this week. If he can't go, Clinton Hart, who's played well in place of Dawkins, will once again be in the starting lineup.

Charges against Ravens CB Chris McAlister for driving under the influence and refusing to submit a breath test have been dropped. He was originally arrested and charged with a DUI on August 18th.

The last thing that Dolphins DE Jason Taylor needs right now is to have the league start taking his sacks away, but that's just what happened during the past week. Originally credited with a sack during their November 23rd game against the Ravens, it has been changed to a tackle-for-loss, dropping his season total to 3.5. Looking to make up for his "deduction", Taylor picked up two sacks during week 12 and was named the AFCs Defensive Player of the Week.

Packers LB Nick Barnett has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during week 11. Barnett led the team with 10 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery, and two passes-defensed. Unfortunately for Barnett, who looks like the frontrunner for this years Defensive Rookie of the Year award, he suffered an ankle injury on Sunday and may miss this weeks game.

Jets DL Josh Evans made his first appearance of the year during week 12, seeing limited action in the nickel package and picking up two solo tackles. He had missed the seasons first ten games while serving an eight week league-imposed suspension.

Eagles CB Troy Vincent, who lines up against the opponents top receiver on a weekly basis, has yet to allow a touchdown reception this year. If the schedule plays out accordingly, his only true test during the remainder of the season may be during week 16 against Terrell Owens.

Jets CB Donnie Abraham played on Sunday for the first time since week two. He's been out with a shoulder injury, but felt good after playing in the nickel and dime packages. He may return to the starting lineup this week, sending Ray Mickens back to his nickel back duties.

DE Lamar King's last sack came during week 12 of of the '02 season. On Sunday, when his Seahawks visited his hometown Baltimore Ravens (he went to high school and JC in the Baltimore area), he picked up four solo tackles, a sack and a pass defended. Hopefully, for King's sake, we won't have to wait another full year before his next sack.

Going into Sundays Baltimore/Seattle game, the only member of the Ravens secondary who had faced a Mike Holmgren-led team was CB Corey Fuller (nine times in nine seasons). It showed as Matt Hasslebeck threw for 333 yards with five touchdown passes (122.3 QB rating).

With Patriots FB Fred McCrary going on the injured reserve, we may see more of rookie NT Dan Klecko in regular fullback situations. He has been the goal-line fullback at times for New England this year and, like any defensive player would be, he looks forward to seeing more snaps on offense.

In a scary scene, Raiders S Derick Gibson was carted off the field on Sunday after he laid motionless for a few minutes. He was taken to a hospital for observation after injuring his neck, but was said to have movement in his arms and legs. A CAT scan and X-rays came back negative on Monday, it's said to be a bruise, and he may see the field this weekend.

Lions CB Dre Bly re-aggravated a hamstring strain on Sunday and wasn't able to finish the game. It's the same injury that forced him to miss weeks 9-10, and his status for the Thanksgiving Day game is uncertain.

Browns LB Ben Taylor was admitted to a hospital on Saturday with a high fever and remained there on Monday after being diagnosed with a staph infection in his elbow. He will likely miss this weekends game, being replaced by Brant Boyer (if healthy) and rookie Chaun Thompson.

Colts DE Dwight Freeney, who picked up his ninth sack on Sunday, now has 22 during his first two years in the league, which ranks him fifth all-time among pass rushers in their first two seasons. He still has five games to move up this list: DE Reggie White 31, LB Derrick Thomas 30, DE Jevon Kearse 26, DE Anthony Smith 23.5.

Speaking of Reggie White, Bruce Smith picked up a half sack on Sunday, tying White for the all-time career lead with 198. After the game, instead of rejoicing, Smith complained about not receiving enough playing time. Oh well.

Chiefs LB Shawn Barber suffered a dislocated bone in his wrist on Sunday but is expected to be on the field this weekend. He'll likely wear a soft cast on the wrist.

Falcons S Bryan Scott will likely undergo arthroscopic knee surgery this week and miss at least one game. He was injured this past weekend, and an MRI revealed torn cartilage.

After missing the last four games with a torn pectoral muscle, Rams DE Leonard Little is expected to practice this week and play on Sunday.

There's also a chance that Titans DE JeVon Kearse will make it back onto the field. A high ankle sprain, suffered during week 11, forced him to sit during last weeks victory over Atlanta. He's considered questionable.