Art Shell said he would look at some outside options if he determines the Raiders need an additional quarterback because of the pectoral strain that will sideline starter Aaron Brooks for two to four weeks. That could open a door for Jeff George, but there is no guarantee. George is atop the Raiders' ready list. The Raiders coach said Brooks will return as the starting quarterback once he is healthy.
Behind the Freak: No team can make up for the loss of a starting defensive player such as Jevon Kearse, but the Eagles at least have options. The Eagles are 10 deep along the defensive line, and are so deep they deactivated former first-round pick Jerome McDougle, an end, and Sam Rayburn, a pretty good tackle. With Kearse out for the season after hurting three knee ligaments, McDougle will be active in games and in the defensive end rotation.
Cincy shuffle: The Bengals won't have center Rich Braham (knee), safety Dexter Jackson (ankle) and linebacker David Pollack (season-ending neck injury) for Sunday's game against the Steelers, but they should have wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and left tackle Levi Jones back in the lineup. Houshmanzadeh and Jones sat out Sunday's victory over the Browns. Wide receiver Chad Johnson suffered a slight shoulder injury and was knocked silly on a hit that sent his helmet flying but he is expected to be able to play.
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John Clayton
