NEW YORK – That Indianapolis Colts-New England Patriots matchup that looked so attractive in the preseason has lost its prime-time television slot.

With Indianapolis winless and Peyton Manning-less, the NFL decided to move the Dec. 4 game off “Sunday Night Football” under its flexible scheduling policy. The league will decide on a replacement by Nov. 22. The NFL said Tuesday that the game at New England would now be at 1 p.m. on CBS.

The critical NFC East matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants on Nov. 20 will remain on Sunday night on NBC. The Titans-Falcons game that day will move from 1 p.m. to 4:15 on CBS.

The NFL can use flexible scheduling starting in Week 10 to ensure meaningful matchups in high-profile time slots.

SEAHAWKS: Seattle activated wide receiver Deon Butler from the physically unable to perform list.

Butler broke his right leg during a touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter against San Francisco last December. He’s been practicing with the team the last three weeks and was activated on the last day he could remain on the PUP list.

Advertisement

BUCCANEERS: Tampa Bay signed defensive tackle John McCargo, filling a roster spot that opened when Gerald McCoy was lost for the season with a torn right biceps.

McCargo spent five seasons with Buffalo after being selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. McCoy was placed on injured reserve after being injured in last weekend’s game at New Orleans.

BILLS: Buffalo placed starting defensive tackle Kyle Williams on injured reserve because of a left foot injury and signed journeyman kicker Dave Rayner to fill in for injured veteran Rian Lindell.

Williams’ season being over doesn’t come as a surprise. He was scheduled to be examined by a specialist this week. Williams has missed the past three games and been bothered by the injury since training camp.

RAIDERS: At times in his first start for Oakland, quarterback Carson Palmer showed just why the team gave up so much to acquire him.

He threaded a 40-yard touchdown pass down the middle of the field to a well-covered Marcel Reece, connected on a pretty 18-yard score to Jacoby Ford, and got a ball in between a few defenders to T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a 28-yard gain.

Advertisement

The problem is along with those jaw-dropping throws were three more that were intercepted.

The task is to eliminate as many of those mistakes as possible Thursday night when the Raiders (4-4) visit San Diego (4-4).

PANTHERS: Practice squad linebacker Lawrence Wilson was released after being cited for speeding and marijuana possession during Carolina’s bye week.

The team also added rookie cornerback Brandon Hogan to the 53-man roster from the physically unable to perform list and signed rookie defensive end Thomas Keiser. To make room on the roster, the Panthers placed linebacker Thomas Williams on injured reserve because of a neck injury and released veteran defensive tackle Ron Fields.

JAGUARS: Jacksonville promoted rookie linebacker Mike Lockley to the active roster and placed tight end Martin Rucker on injured reserve with a back injury.

The team also signed second-year offensive lineman George Bussey to the practice squad.

Advertisement

BEARS: Veteran center Roberto Garza agreed on a two-year contract extension through 2013.

Primarily a guard his first 10 seasons, Garza replaced the departed Olin Kreutz at center and helped stabilize the line.

BROWNS: Cleveland signed fullback Eddie Williams to its practice squad and released fullback Will Ta’ufo’ou.

 

Copy the Story Link

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.