NFL-National Football League roundup
Sept 25 (The Sports Xchange) - Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson did not practice for the second straight day because of a right ankle injury and his status for Sunday's game against the New York Jets is uncertain. Johnson sustained the injury late in last Sunday's 19-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers but said after the game and again on Wednesday that he did not think it was a long-term problem. - - - Running backs Jamaal Charles and Joe McKnight were limited in practice Thursday as the Kansas City Chiefs prepared for a Monday night visit by the New England Patriots. Charles is still bothered by an ankle he sprained on Sept. 14. The Chiefs are fairly confident that Charles should be available for duty against New England. McKnight has an Achilles tendon problem that the team believes is not a major issue.. Running back/receiver De'Anthony Thomas also was a limited participant in practice Thursday because of the hamstring injury he suffered Sept. 3. - - - With quarterback Josh McCown hurting, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday promoted quarterback Mike Kafka from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. McCown tore ligaments in his right thumb against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 18. The Buccaneers have not said whether McCown will miss time, but backup Mike Glennon is expected to get the start against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. - - - Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews vowed after practice Thursday that he will be on the field for Sunday's potentially key early season game at the Chicago Bears. Matthews had limited work in practice for the second straight day as he tries to bounce back from a groin injury that kept him out of the final quarter of a 19-7 loss at the Detroit Lions last Sunday. - - - Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway's streak of playing in 115 games appears in dire jeopardy after he missed practice again Thursday because of a broken hand and a broken rib. - - - The Houston Texans reported Thursday that injured running back Arian Foster and punter Shane Lechler will be game-time decisions on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Foster (hamstring), who was inactive last week, was listed as day to day at the beginning of the week and his condition has not really changed. Lechler has a hip flexor injury. - - - Oakland running back Maurice Jones-Drew said he is healthy and expects to see plenty of action when the Raiders and the Miami Dolphins play Sunday in London. Jones-Drew had a full practice Thursday for the first time since injuring his hand in week one against the New York Jets. The injury forced him to miss the past two games. - - - Indianapolis Colts wide receiver TY Hilton returned for full practice on Thursday after seeing a light workout Wednesday on his bad ankle. He is expected to start Sunday against Tennessee. - - - The Atlanta Falcons received welcome news when veteran wide receiver Roddy White said he is ready to play and expects to be back in action Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. White missed last week's 56-14 thrashing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a hamstring strain. (Editing by Gene Cherry)
