• No byes Week 10
• CHI MLB Urlacher hurts foot
• SD OLB Merriman begins suspension, backup Harris makes impact
• SEA racks up nine sacks, led by reserve DT
• NE SS Harrison has broken shoulder blade
• Injury-plagued NYG shuffles to fill defensive spots
• GB DE Kampman leads NFL in sacks
• BUF DE Schobel on hot sack streak
• DET DLine short-handed, but LB situation is crowded
• BAL LB Bart Scott no longer piling up numbers
• ATL MLB Hartwell out again
• MIA WLB Crowder piling up tackles recently
• KC DE Allen moving up team's sack list
• JAX Mathis takes league in INT, leaves injured
• WAS SS Archuleta bumped as starter, Vincent takes over
• Strange eye problem limits SF LB Smith
• DEN safeties hit hardest among plethora of defensive injuries
• IND MLB Brackett hurt, rookie Keiaho gets chance in game
• DAL Keith Davis gets shot a FS…for now

Reserve LB James Darling had an injury-plagued season come to an end when he was put on the IR this week. Journeyman vet Monty Beisel was signed to fill the roster spot.

MLB Gerald Hayes, in the midst of breakout season, was signed to a five-year extension. He appears to be locked in as the starting MLB in AZ for the near future.

Atlanta
Injury problems continue to hurt the Falcons defense. DE John Abraham remained out after abdominal surgery two weeks ago. He is expected to be out at least two more weeks with November 19th at BAL now being viewed as an “optimistic” return date, per the Atlanta Constitution-Journal. Chauncey Davis continued to start in his place opposite DE Patrick Kearney. Both had three tackles. MLB Edgerton Hartwell lasted just two games after returning from preseason surgery on both knees. He was inactive again on Sunday after a setback with ongoing soreness in the knees. The Falcons went back to moving Keith Brooking to the middle and Demorrio Williams returning to the starting lineup at WLB. Brooking had his first sack of the season among his 9 tackles (7 solo) and had another QB hurry, as well. Williams (1 solo) and SLB Michael Boley (5 solo) each had five tackles. The absence of Abraham has increased the utilization of Boley, who sees time at end in the nickel package.

CB Jason Webster continues to play well through a stress fracture. He led the team with 10 tackles (7 solo) and broke up a pass. SS Lawyer Milloy had his first sack as a Falcon. Reserve DT Jonathan Babineaux got his first career INT on a misfired shovel pass.

Nickel CB Kevin Mathis suffered a neck injury on the opening kickoff and left the game immobilized on a support board. It was reported he had feeling in his body and use of his limbs, but he was placed on the IR and he apparently suffered a spine injury that could be career-threatening. Allen Rossum replaced him as the nickel corner on Sunday, but this likely means a big opportunity for rookie Jimmy Williams.

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com reported that DE Patrick Kerney can void his contract after the 2006 season, and intends to, in order to get a long-term deal to remain a Falcon. He said both sides want to get a deal done. This is significant because Kearney, who has been dinged this year, may play a bit cautious until the deal is finalized, as a major injury would seem to stop this from occurring.

Baltimore
FS Ed Reed has not been the playmaker he was in the past since returning from a severe ankle injury last year. While he didn’t make the original play, he did score his first TD since 2004 on Sunday. CB Samari Rolle grabbed a pick early in the first quarter at mid-field. After returning it halfway, he handed it off to Reed before getting tackles and Reed took it the final 25 yards for a score. In the fourth quarter, Reed was again in the right place at the right time. On a long catch by CIN WR Chris Henry, he tried to stretch for a TD and the ball popped out as he fell. Reed picked up the ball and on the ensuing return, crashed in to MLB Ray Lewis. Reed was flipped over at the knees, losing his helmet, and Lewis looked like he took two knees to the ribs. Both players were down and Lewis was writhing in pain, but both players would return the next play after a long rest for review where the fumble was overturned on replay because the ground caused it. Rolle and Reed each also had 3 solo tackles and Rolle broke up another pass. Lewis led the team with 8 tackles (2 solo), and broke up a pass. CB Chris McAllister sealed the victory with his team-leading fourth INT on the final on a desperation heave by CIN QB Carson Palmer with 18 seconds left.

OLB Adalius Thomas had his team-leading seventh sack and DE Trevor Pryce had a sack, as well.

After starting the season on fire with 33 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 pass defenses, and a pick in his first four games, WLB Bart Scott has 23 tackles and one pass defense in his last four games.

Buffalo
Forcing four turnovers keyed a win over Green Bay, beginning and ending with an interception. MLB London Fletcher took his second INT of the season 17 yards for a TD to give the Bills a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. Problems with the exchange between center and GB QB Brett Favre helped as both DT Larry Triplett and DE Aaron Schobel both recovered fumbles off snaps in the second quarter. Still, offensive struggles left the Bills up by just seven halfway through the fourth quarter. Favre drove GB down to the Buffalo one-yard line and tried to surprise the Bills with a quick snap, but CB Nate Clements tipped a pass to rookie FS Ko Simpson who returned it 76 yards and to set up a game-clinching TD.

In addition to returning his first INT for a TD in his career, Fletcher broke up four other passes and led the team with 14 tackles (11 solo). He leads the team on the season in tackles. Schobel also had two sacks for the second straight game, taking back the team lead. He had six sacks in the last four games with at least one in each.

CB Terrence McGee was back in the starting lineup after being benched during their last game, before the Week 8 bye. He had six solo tackles. Top backup DE Ryan Denney was back after leaving their last game with a hamstring injury. Recently acquired Tony Hargrove was pushed back in the rotation.

Carolina
CB Ken Lucas, who had to leave their Week 8 game with a groin injury, is expected back this week.

Chicago
Adding injury to insult, MLB Brian Urlacher left late in the surprising loss with a foot injury. A replay showed noticeable pain on Urlacher’s face as his foot was pinned at the bottom of a pile late in the game on Sunday. He led the team with 12 tackles (10 solo) in the game. The injury was a sprained big toe and HC Lovie Smith is optimistic Urlacher can play this week. If he cannot, SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer would likely shift to the middle and special teams’ ace Brendon Ayanbadejo would move in to the starting lineup.

For the first time this season, the defense was held without a sack. Among the few highlights were two interceptions, the only turnovers they defense forced, while the offense and special teams gave up the ball six times. DE Alex Brown prevented the game from getting out of hand early after Miami had a 14-3 lead and had just forced another turnover in Chicago territory. Brown leaped to knock down a MIA QB Joey Harrington pass and ended up coming down with the ball. It was his second pick of the season. After establishing himself as a playmaker his first two seasons and leading the team in picks last year, CB Nathan Vasher had a quiet first half of the season. He showed some signs of returning to being a difference-maker with a nice break and diving pick in the second half for his first INT of the season.

Cincinnati
The team had no sacks, no turnovers, and no answers for a rejuvenated Baltimore offense. FS Madieu Williams led the team with 12 tackles (11 solo) and DE Justin Smith (DE, LB) had 10 tackles (6 solo).

SLB Brian Simmons was inactive as lingering neck problems returned. Rashad Jeanty, who began the season as the starting SLB when Simmons was moved to MLB, was back in the starting lineup. Jeanty had 8 tackles (6 solo). Rookie Ahmad Brooks seems locked at the starting MLB job, as he was in that spot for the fourth straight game, but his production continues to decrease. He had 3 tackles (1 solo). Landon Johnson was at his normal WLB job, posting 8 tackles (6 solo). Reserve LB Caleb Miller continues to be used extensively, posting 5 tackles (4 solo).

Rookie CB Johnathan Joseph replaced Deltha O’Neal in the starting lineup. Both O’Neal and Tory James, who was yanked last week after giving up a long TD, have struggled this year. O’Neal ended up more productive than James in the end, posting 5 solo tackles and breaking up a pass, while James had just one solo tackle as he left at halftime with a knee injury. James is questionable for this week. Third safety Kevin Kaesviharn was inactive with a knee injury suffered in the previous game. He started for several games while SS Dexter Jackson was out.

Cleveland
OLB Willie McGinest was inactive with an ankle injury and is questionable for this week. Matt Stewart replaced him in the starting lineup. Rookie OLB Kamerion Wimbley had 1.5 sacks in the game and now leads the team with 4.5. Fellow rookie ILB D’Qwell Jackson led the team with 7 tackles (6 solo, including one on special teams).

A thin secondary got anorexic when Leigh Bodden suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday. UDFA rookie Jereme Perry saw significant action as Ralph Brown was already in the starting lineup because Daven Holly (illness) was inactive. Bodden injured his left ankle and had missed two of last three games with a right ankle sprain. He is expected to miss this week, while Holly is expected to return. Brodney Pool is likely to see more time at CB again, or the team could recall Antonio Perkins from the practice squad.

DE Orpheus Roye is questionable this week with a hamstring.

Dallas
OLB Demarcus Ware had the only sack of the game for Dallas, his fourth of the season, continuing a pattern of a sack every other game this year for him. Ware also had 3 QB hurries, deflected a pass, and had 5 other solo tackles. ILB Bradie James led the team with 8 tackles (4 solo).

Keith Davis got the shot to start at FS this week. Rookie Pat Watkins, who started the first six games of the season, was inactive again and is out of the short term plans for the team until his coverage skills show improvement in practice. Veteran Marcus Coleman saw some time, but allowed a long gain by WAS TE Chris Cooley early in the game and got burned on a TD later. Davis had 4 tackles (2 solo, including 1 on special teams), but also drew an unnecessary roughness personal foul that contributed to a TD drive for the Redskins. Aaron Glenn, who started at FS the previous week, was back in most pass packages, where SS Roy Williams is the only safety used. Basically, stay away from the DAL FS situation.

Denver
The safety position took several hits, literally and figuratively, on Sunday. FS Nick Ferguson suffered a concussion on a block by PIT WR Hines Ward in the first half. He tried to come back in the game, but left a few plays later for good. Sam Brandon replaced him and tore his ACL late in the game. He is done for the season. Curome Cox was forced in to action late in the game and came up huge with a fumble recovery forced by SS John Lynch and a pick on the final two drives to seal the win. Lynch also suffered a concussion at the hands of Ward.

CB Darrent Williams separated his shoulder in the game. If he can’t play this week, Dominique Foxworth would likely get the start.

OLB Ian Gold left in the first half with a hamstring injury and had an MRI on Monday. Patrick Chukwurah, who replaced him, also strained his hamstring in the game and will have an MRI. Keith Burns or Louis Green would be next in line.

MLB Al Wilson led the team with 9 solo tackles. He also suffered a concussion in the game. DE Kenard Lang had two sacks and rookie Elvis Dumervil had one to push his team-leading total to six for the season. CB Champ Bailey had his fifth pick of the season.

In an interesting move, the team signed backup MLB Nate Webster to a two-year contract extension last week. Webster, a former starting with the Bengals and occasionally in Tampa Bay, has not dressed for a game yet this year. Al Wilson is still under contract for two more years.

Detroit
Coming off a bye, the Lions were missing three quarters of their DLine. DT Shaun Rogers would serve the second game of his suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, while DE James Hall (shoulder) would miss the game and DT Shaun Cody (dislocated toe) would miss his third straight game. Hall is questionable for this week. Marcus Bell continued to start in place of Rogers, with Cory Redding again sliding down from DE to UT while Jared DeVries and Kalimba Edwards got the starts at DE. Regardless, they complimented a strong offensive effort by helping to contain ATL QB Mike Vick and contribute to the team’s second win. Hall was a game-time decision after visiting a specialist last Thursday the strength in shoulder was deemed sufficient, but pain was a problem and the belief he couldn’t fully contribute led to the pregame decision to scratch him Sunday.

They got off to a good start on the Falcons first possession when Redding tackled ATL RB Warrick Dunn for a four year loss on second-and-ten. On the next play, Vick tried to scramble and lost the ball at the line of scrimmage (a team sack was credited, although no one appeared to touch him). WLB Ernie Sims recovered in ATL territory and the offensive would score a TD three plays later. Sims (one solo) tied Boss Bailey (5 solo) for the team lead in tackles with six. As expected, LB Teddy Lehman (Lisfranc fracture dislocation) was activated from the PUP and LB Alex Lewis (knee) returned. Neither started, but both were active and saw time on defense. Lehman reportedly saw 15 snaps on defense and 15 on special teams. Paris Lenon was not supplanted as a starter, but Detroit media indicates the plan will be Lehman (at MLB) and Lewis (regaining his SLB job) to be back in the starting lineup. Standout rookie Ernie Sims appears the only one with job security. He and Lenon, who has impressed with his pass defense this year, remained the nickel backers. Sims, who leads the team in tackles by a significant margin, should remain the top producing LB on the team and the only player definitely worth a roster is spot in all formats. Lenon is not in the long term plans, and while he may remain in some pass packages, is no longer worth owning as the team needs to look at their higher upside young players. The intriguing question is where Bailey fits in to the plans. He seems the odd man out, as HC Rod Marinelli has indicated the SLB job is Lewis’s to lose, but it is likely Bailey will still see time in the middle and at SLB with a chance to take over either position. A real fantasy mess, other Sims.

SS Kennoy Kennedy returned after missing five games with a foot injury. With both he and FS Terrence Holt back, Jon McGraw and rookie Daniel Bullocks went back to backup roles. However, McGraw and Bullocks have pushed base SS Kennoy Kennedy out of the nickel package, lowering Kennedy’s value. Bullocks had his first career sack in the game.

After the offense failed fourth-and-one conversion attempt in the second quarter at the Atlanta two-yard line, the defense bailed them out. CB Dre’ Bly had his first pick of the year on the next series with Vick throwing out of his own end zone. Bly returned it back to the ATL two-yard line and this time the offense needed one play to convert the eventual game-winning TD.

Green Bay
Five sacks weren’t enough as a defense that failed to force a turnover got little help from an offense that committed four. With five career sacks coming in to the game, reserve DT Corey Williams, led the team with three sacks in the game. Fellow backup DT Cullen Jenkins had his second sack in his first game back after missing time with an ankle sprain. DE Aaron Kampman also had a sack to take the NFL lead with 9.5 sacks on the year. He led the team in tackles with 9 (8 solo).

After being listed as Doubtful most of the week with a left knee injury, CB Charles Woodson was upgraded to Questionable when he practiced for the first time last Friday and started on Sunday. He had four solo tackles.

FS Nick Collins bruised his lower back during the game and HC Mike McCarthy reported he needed to have his “kidneys tested” after the game. Collins is expected to play this week. Rookie Tyrone Culver would replace him if he cannot go this week. Culver also saw action in the game when SS Marquand Manuel had to briefly leave after getting the wind knocked out of him.

Ben Taylor returned from a hamstring injury, but Brady Poppinga retained the starting SLB role. Reserve LB Abdul Hodge remained inactive with a badly bruised knee. MLB Nick Barnett said last week he expects to play with pain in his ankle all year, that something feels “loose”, but he vowed to play every game. His production hasn’t been great lately, but it sounds like he’ll wait until the off-season for surgery. Hodge’s injury makes it even more imperative he continues to play.

Houston
First overall pick DE Mario William set a franchise sack record for rookies when he recorded a sack in the second quarter. It was gift-wrapped when NYG QB Eli Manning fell and it still took him a few seconds to be the first one there, but he still felt it worthy of celebrating with a jump shot mocking the Giants sack celebration. He now leads the team with 4.5 on the season, all in the last five games. Fellow standout rookie MLB DeMeco Ryans also had a sack and led the team with 10 tackles (8 solo). Ryans leads the team, and all rookies, with 73 tackles this season, fourth overall in the entire league.

SS Glenn Earl had his first pick of the season, the only turnover they forced in the game. It was just the second INT for the team this year.

LB Kailee Wong, recently activated from the PUP returning from a massive knee injury, suffered a setback in practice. A hamstring injury kept him inactive Sunday. He could eventually replace Shantee Orr at SLB in the base defense.

Indianapolis
WLB Cato June was in the right place at the right time twice Sunday night, grabbing two tipped Tom Brady passes for his first two interceptions of the season. He also had 9 tackles (3 solo) and quietly moved into the league lead in tackles with 77 on the season.

MLB Gary Brackett left the game with a hamstring injury and will have an MRI this week. He had 9 tackles (4 solo) and is tied for second in the league in tackles this season. With Rob Morris inactive with a hamstring injury, rookie Freddie Keiaho was thrust into action. Keiaho took advantage of the opportunity, posting 6 tackles (4 solo). Brackett is expected to miss this week, but Morris is expected to return, so he and/or Keiaho would replace Brackett.

FS Bob Sanders returned after missing five games with a knee injury. He led the team with 11 tackles (8 solo) and grabbed a pick. Antoine Bethea moved back to SS and had 9 tackles (5 solo) and his first career INT.

DT Montae Reagor remained inactive and is expected to miss at least six weeks. He was involved in a serious car accident two weeks ago.

After a half-sack last week broke his drought, DE Dwight Freeney went sackless again Sunday night. A contract year for him, he continues to struggles with shoulder problems and a buttocks injury.

Jacksonville
CB Rashean Mathis had his second multi-INT day of the year and fourth of his career. As he tried to return the second of two he had on the day for a TD, he was pushed out of bounds and aggravated a hamstring injury he had coming in to the game. He left and did not return. His status for this week is unknown. Mathis now leads the league with six picks.

DT Marcus Stroud remained inactive continuing to battle an ankle sprain, bone bruise, and groin injuries. Rob Meier started in his place and shared a sack with rookie DT Tony McDaniel. McDaniel saw significant time when DT John Henderson left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. The status of both is in question for this week.

Rookie WLB Clint Ingram led the team with 10 tackles (9 solo, including one on special teams).

Kansas City
DE Jared Allen was a one-man wrecking crew in the first half. He recorded both of his sacks in the first half, stripping STL QB Marc Bulger on one, and also forced a fumble he recovered on a tackle of STL RB Steven Jackson. He totaled 7 solo tackles in the game. It was Allen’s sixth career multi-sack game and he has 25 in his two-plus year career, already good for tenth on the Chiefs all-time list. MLB Kawika Mitchell led the team with 8 solo tackles.

OLB Derrick Johnson aggravated an ankle he injured during practice the week before the game and had to leave. He did not return and was replaced by Keyaron Fox who also had to leave for cramps, giving Kris Griffin some rare work with defense. Fox had 5 solo tackles in the game. Johnson’s condition is uncertain for this week and Fox would start if he can’t go. FS Greg Wesley left the game and did not return with a shoulder injury. He will have an MRI this week. Rookie Jarrad Page replaced him and had 4 solo tackles, including one on special teams. First round pick Tamba Hali will undergo an MRI this week for a hip pointer. He had 2 solo tackles in the game.

Miami
Once again the Dolphins broke up an undefeated season for the Bears and this time the defense led the way. After a muffed punt by the Chicago led to a quick TD and 7-3 lead for the ‘Fins, DE Jason Taylor continue the turnover theme. Taylor would intercept the next pass from scrimmage and return it for a TD. On the next series, he would force a fumble on a sack that DE Kevin Carter recovered. Taylor would break up another pass and add two other solo tackles in the game. He left the game briefly with what appeared to be a leg cramp, but returned. Carter and DL David Bowens would each also have a sack in the game.

WLB Channing Crowder led the team with 10 tackles (8 solo). After a slow start, Crowder has had three consecutive double-digit tackle games. He is yet to turn in some big plays, however he had two QB hurries in the game. Crowder had been questionable during the week with a foot problem. MLB Zach Thomas had 8 tackles (6 solo).

Yeremiah Bell remained the starting SS and played well. He had 5 solo tackles, broke up two passes, and forced a fumble that CB Andre’ Goodman recovered. Travares Tillman, who Bell replaced, did not see a snap on defense. CB Travis Daniels (knee) was active after the bye, but saw limited work as Goodman remained the starter. FS Renaldo Hill had his first pick of the year and first round pick backup S Jason Allen had his first career pick on a ball he tipped to himself. Allen will continue to rotate with Hill and be eased in to more action, limiting the fantasy output of both.

Reserve DB Eddie Jackson, who recovered a muffed punt in the first quarter that helped the Dolphins jump out to a lead, left the game limping with a leg injury in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota
MLB Napoleon Harris was inactive with a dislocated wrist giving Dontarrious Thomas a start in the middle. Thomas, an outcast in the previous Tice regime, took advantage of his opportunity. Thomas (4 solo) tied WLB E.J. Henderson (2 solo) for the team lead with 8 tackles. Thomas also got his first sack of the season. SS Darren Sharper and DT Kevin Williams each had a sack, as well. Williams leads the team with five sacks. Harris is questionable again this week.

DE Darrion Scott suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s game. The end position is already thin with Erasmus James on the IR. Rookie Ray Edwards would get the start if Scott, who is questionable, can’t go. Kevin Williams could also see some time at end in Scott’s absence. Williams is also playing through a high ankle sprain.

CB Fred Smoot left the team this week after his brother was killed in a car accident. His status for this week is unknown.

New England
Subs in the secondary is not how you want to face IND QB Peyton Manning, but that was the situation the Pats faced on Sunday night. Artrell Hawkins started at FS in place of Eugene Wilson. He had 3 tackles (1 solo) on defense, but had an impact on special teams. He had 2 solo tackles, including forcing and recovering a fumble on a kick return. In the first quarter, SS Rodney Harrison had to leave after landing awkwardly on his arm on a tackle of WR Marvin Harrison. CB Chad Scott replaced him and had 2 tackles (1 solo) and grabbed a pick. The injury was a broken right shoulder blade and he is out indefinitely. The team signed Rashad Baker, recently released by the Vikings, to provide depth. Scott is likely to replace Harrison.

ILB Junior Seau looked the player he was a decade ago as he led the team with 11 tackles (7 solo) and had his first sack of the season. OLB Rosey Colvin had a solo sack and shared another with OLB Mike Vrabel in the game.

New Orleans
DE Charles Grant sealed the victory with his fourth sack of the season in the fourth quarter, on which he forced and recovered a fumble. Grant totaled 5 tackles (3 solo) on the day and knocked down a pass. On the other end, Will Smith had 7 tackles (3 solo), including two sack. He forced a fumble on one that the Bucs recovered. Smith leads the team with 5.5 sacks on the season.

Reserve CB Jason Craft left with a concussion in the third quarter and did not return.

New York Giants
First round pick DE Mathias Kiwanuka once again eased the absence of Osi Umenyiora. Kiwanuka had 7 solo tackles and a sack for the second straight game starting in place of Umenyiora at RE. Umenyiora missed his second straight game with a hip flexor and is expected to be out this week too. The DLine took another hit this week when LE Michael Strahan was injured. He hurt his right foot in the second quarter, left the game, and did not return. With Justin Tuck already inactive for the second straight game with a foot injury, Adrian Awasom replaced Strahan. Awasom, who was activated from the practice squad the previous week to take LaVar Arrington’s roster spot, had 2 solo tackles. Awasom was a three-time Sun Belt All-Conference performer at North Texas and signed as an UDFA rookie last year. Strahan has a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot and estimates on time he’ll miss range from two-to-eight weeks. He’ll be on crutches for at least a week. Kiwanuka looks locked in to a starting spot for some time, while Awasom will compete for time with Tuck when he returns and possibly DT Fred Robbins, who could slide outside on running downs.

The injury problems were not just up front. CB Sam Madison missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury. R.W. McQuarters started in his place again with rookie Kevin Dockery replacing him at nickel. Madison is expected to be back this week. Carlos Emmons replaced Arrington, who went on the IR the previous week, at SLB. Emmons led the team with 8 solo tackles. Brandon Short, who stepped up at WLB when Emmons was out, missed the game with a quad injury he suffered in the previous game. Rookie Gerris Wilkinson replaced Short, posting 3 tackles (2 solo) and forcing a fumble. The fumble, recovered by CB Corey Webster, was the only turnover the team caused and sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter. Short is expected to miss this week, as well. With all the injuries at LB, the team signed Chris Claiborne last week. Claiborne, a former first round pick with the Vikings, was last seen as a bust for the Rams last year.

New York Jets
CB Justin Miller appear to have regained his starting role from rookie Drew Coleman. CB David Barrett (hip) returned to action before the bye and is expected to play this week.

Oakland
A complete offensive meltdown got little help from a defense that was unable to force a turnover on a QB in only his second career start and a backup RB for the Seahawks.

The biggest story was a scuffle at the end of the game between SEA TE Jerramy Stevens and DE Tyler Brayton that ended when Brayton threw a knee at Stevens’ groin. While Brayton was provoked by Stevens, he seems certain to at least face a fine. Brayton was ejected from the game

DE Derrick Burgess had a sack to up his team-leading total to eight. DT Warren Sapp had his fourth sack of the season and missed another on a call that could have gone either way and was ruled an incomplete pass. Injury-prone OLB Sam Williams, who was drafted to be a pass rush threat as a converted collegiate DE four years ago, finally got his first career sack.

First round pick SS Michael Huff left the game after a blow to the head. He had six solo tackles before leaving. He was playing through a shoulder injury the previous week.

Philadelphia
After a big day in Week 8, Sean Considine appears locked in at SS for the near future. Michael Lewis can be dropped in redraft league, but remains a solid dynasty prospect, although probably not with the Eagles as he has rejected recent extension offers.

The Eagles took care of two of their promising young DLinemen over the bye. DT Mike Patterson and DE Trent Cole were both signed to long extensions. Patterson broke his hand in Week 8 but is expected to play this week.

To add depth in a dinged secondary, the Eagles gave former NYG CB William James, formerly known as William Peterson, another chance. James/Peterson left the Giants in the offseason after battling a career-threatening back injury his last season there.

Pittsburgh
On a night when Deshea Townsend took his starting corner job back from Bryant McFadden after McFadden failed in a two-game audition to take over, Ike Taylor was burned for two scores by DEN WR Javon Walker. Other problems were the team failed to force a turnover and had just one sack, by DE Aaron Smith.

ILB James Farrior led the team with 12 tackles (9 solo). Reserve LB Arnold Harrison was placed on the IR with a torn ACL. The team signed former Tampa Bay third round pick Marquis Cooper for depth.

OLB Joey Porter was fined $15,000 for threatening to “go after” a ref in a previous game.

St. Louis
OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa was active, but for the second straight week did not play because of a broken left hand. He had already been wearing a brace to play through a dislocated elbow on the same arm. Dexter Coakley started in his place and posted 3 solo tackles and broke up a pass. He sprained his knee in the game, but is expected to play this week while Tinoisamoa remains questionable. MLB Will Witherspoon led the team with 6 tackles (5 solo), but lost KC TE Tony Gonzalez on one of his two TD catches. On the play, CB Travis Fisher came on a blitz and appeared to have a clear blind-side shot at KC QB Damon Huard, but tripped and fell at Huard’s feet. There was some confusion in reports about Fisher injuring his knee in the game, but is was backup RB Tony Fisher who was injured.

DE Leonard Little had his third multi-sack game of the season, finishing with two and three QB hurries. Little leads the team with seven sacks on the season. He suffered a bruised knee in the first half, but did not leave the game and reported he was “OK” after the game. He is expected to play this week.

Reserve S Jerome Carter suffered an elbow injury in the second quarter, but returned in the second half.

San Diego
With OLB Shaun Phillips out with a calf injury and OLB Shawne Merriman starting his four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, a key backup continues to make an impact in place of their playmakers. OLB Marques Harris, starting in place of Phillips got his first career TD when he recovered a fumble forced by ILB Randall Godfrey on a sack of CLE QB Charlie Frye in the end zone. Harris had a sack of his own among his 6 tackles (3 solo) and a pass defensed. Phillips is expected back at practice this week. Stephen Cooper starting in place of Merriman, but Harris should see the majority of the work when Phillips returns.

ILB Donnie Edwards left the game in the second quarter with a hip injury. He would return later and finish with a pick and tie Godfrey for the team lead in tackles with 9 (5 solo).

DE Luis Castillo had to leave the game after recording his fifth sack of the season in the second quarter. He suffered a leg injury and was carted off the field and is questionable for this week. DE Igor Olshansky was out recovering from knee surgery. In his place, Jacques Cesaire had two sacks.

San Francisco
ILB Derek Smith is limited by an unusual left eye injury. He severely strained one of the muscles that control eye movement. He is playing through pain and problems with his perception and balance, but it is hurting his performance. Two months of rest is the recommended treatment, so Smith is unlikely to improve during the season. He is wearing a visor he hopes to correct the problem, but the outlook for the team’s leading tackler for the last five years does not look good.

The safety situation remains unsettled in Bay City. Keith Lewis got the start at FS and rotated with Mike Adams. Similarly, Mark Roman started at SS and rotated with Tony Parrish. Both backups outperformed the starters. Parrish (3 solo) and Adams (2 solo) each had 5 tackles. Adams also broke up a pass.

With the 49ers now employing a base 4-3, ILB Jeff Ulbrich has been bumped from the starting lineup. OLB Brandon Moore is an emerging IDP value who is thriving in the system. He led the team with 14 tackles (7 solo). He also had a sack and DE Bryant Young had a half-sack in the game. A fumble was forced on the play, credited to Young, that rookie OLB Manny Lawson recovered. Moore and Young lead the team with 3.5 on the year.

Seattle
The defense made OAK QB Andrew Walter a tackling dummy on Monday night, sacking him nine times, with five in the first quarter including on three successive plays. Reserve DT Claude Terrill, who had two sacks in his three-year career, had led the way with three sacks. OLB Julian Peterson had one to move his team-leading total to eight, including six sacks in his last four games. DE Grant Wistrom had two sacks, his first multi-sack game since September 2004.

OLB Leroy Hill left the game with a pinched nerve in his neck, he was replaced by Kevin Bentley. Hill is expected to play this week.

MLB Lofa Tatupu led the team with 6 tackles (5 solo), including a half-sack.

Tampa Bay
MLB Shelton Quarles left the game in the third quarter with a high ankle sprain. Barrett Ruud replaced him. Both players finished with 6 tackles (5 solo) on defense. Ruud also had a solo and assisted tackle on special teams. Ruud would again replace the oft-injured Quarles if he is out this week. Quarles has most recently been dealing with lingering knee problems. DE Simeon Rice (shoulder, knee) and DT Ellis Wyms (ankle) both started, but struggled with lingering injuries. The team had no sacks and forced no turnovers. Quarles, Rice, and Wyms are all questionable this week.

After a quiet October, WLB Derrick Brooks had his first double-digit tackle game since Week 3. He posted a game-high 13 tackles (9 solo). Brooks became the all-time leader in games-played for the Bucs on Sunday. His 184th appearance passed OT Paul Gruber by one game.

Recently acquired CB Phillip Buchanon saw his first significant action on defense, getting some work in the nickel package. CB Juran Bolden left the game with a thigh injury, but returned in the first half. Bolden will continue to start across from Rhonde Barber the rest of the year after Brian Kelly’s season officially ended on the IR the previous week.

Tennessee
An extremely short-handed Titan defense was overwhelmed by Jacksonville and allowed JAX QB David Garrard look like a Pro Bowler.

CB Adam “Pacman” Jones was, surprise, again involved in off-field problems. He was suspended one game after a misdemeanor assault charge for spitting on a female Tennessee State student in a nightclub two weeks ago. This is the second time he has been accused of spitting on a woman in the past three months. HC Jeff Fisher reportedly wanted to suspend him four games, but the NFLPA interceded. Former first round pick Andre Woolfolk started in his place and two of three TD passes were in his direction. Woolfolk finished with 2 solo tackles. Jones returned to practice this week.

OLB David Thornton had his snaps again limited to pass packages due to a shoulder injury. MLB Peter Sirmon replaced Thornton on the outside and rookie Stephen Tulloch got his first career start at MLB. Tulloch had 3 tackles (1 solo) on defense and shared his first career sack with Sirmon. Tulloch also had 2 solo tackles on special teams. Reserve OLB Robert Reynolds, who was suspended the previous game for a domestic violence charge, was inactive again on Sunday with a thigh injury.

DE Antwan Odom was inactive. He was carted off the field the previous week with a right knee injury. Fisher did not disclose specifics, but he is expected to miss at least this week, as well. Travis LaBoy started and posted 3 tackles (2 solo), a pass defense, and shared a sack with DT Randy Starks. Starks continues to start while DT Albert Haynesworth continues serving his suspension for stomping on an opponent.

Washington
The offense failed to convert a fourth down from the one-yard line on their first drive of the game, but the defense put points up on the next play. DAL RB Julius Jones was tackled for a safety by MLB Lemar Marshall to give the Redskins a 2-0 lead. Replay showed the ball appeared out of the end zone when Jones was down, but it was not challenged. Marshall was back in his starting role after missing the previous game with an ankle injury and posted 8 tackles (5 solo). OLB Marcus Washington (OLB, S) had his first solo sack of the season among his team-high 9 tackles (8 solo). He leads the team in tackles for the year. DT Cornelius Griffin returned after missing two games (hip injury) and had his first sack of the season.

Veteran Troy Vincent supplanted Adam Archuleta, signed this off-season for big money, as the starting SS. Vincent had 6 tackles (4 solo) and blocked the game-winning FG attempt in the fourth quarter that FS Sean Taylor recovered and tried to run back before time expired. However, during the return, Taylor was face-masked. As a half can’t end on a defensive penalty, the Redskins got an untimed down and the yardage from the penalty put them in FG range where K Nick Novak converted the win for Washington. Archuleta did rotate in, in fact he gave up a 28-yard pass to DAL TE Jason Witten that set up the FG attempt for Dallas. Archuleta finished with 3 tackles (2 solo) and two more assisted tackles on special teams.

CB Carlos Rogers was active after missing the previous game with a broken thumb.