ESPN NFL

Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Keith Mitchell may be physically recovered from the bruised spinal cord he suffered Sept. 14 against Buffalo, but he's still not mentally ready to pay. Mitchell has been inactive for the past three games, and coach Jack Del Rio was not optimistic Tuesday that the seven-year veteran would return to the active lineup anytime soon. "He is still suffering, I believe, from the traumatic effects of what he went through," Del Rio told the Florida Times-Union. "It's a tough situation to go through. He's gotten better in practice and is to the point where he's enjoying himself and competing again, but we don't feel he's at a level where he can come in and significantly help us."

Washington Redskins: Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson interviewed Tuesday for the coaching position at Duke University. According to the Washington Times, Redskins coach Steve Spurrier, who coached Duke from 1987 to 1989, apparently recommended Jackson. Spurrier has a good deal of respect for Jackson. He was just one of two assistants that Ball Coach kept when he became Redskins head coach, and Spurrier trusted him enough to let him call plays for two consecutive games.

Pittsburgh Steelers: C Jeff Hartings left Sunday's game in the second quarter with an injured right knee, and feared he would miss a minimum of two games. But it appears there is a 25 percent chance he could be back in the lineup next week. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports coach Bill Cowher listed Hartings as doubtful and said the injury, an MCL sprain, is not as serious as he first thought. However, the injury occurred on his left knee, which is missing cartilage and has caused him most of his problems the past few seasons.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider