Ray Rice’s appeal hearing begins Wednesday in New York, nearly two months after the former Pro Bowl running back was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Baltimore Ravens.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, league security chief Jeffery Miller, Ravens President Dick Cass and Rice are among the key witnesses expected to testify in the two-day hearing. Rice’s wife, Janay, might testify.

Rice was suspended indefinitely Sept. 8 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after a video of him hitting his then-fiancee was released publicly. Goodell originally had suspended the running back for two games. The incident occurred inside an elevator at an Atlantic City casino. The couple married a month later.

The league considered the video to be new evidence, giving Goodell the authority to amend Rice’s suspension. But Rice’s attorneys will argue he should not be punished twice, citing Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement.

Former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones is the neutral arbiter selected to hear the appeal. Jones was jointly picked by the commissioner and the players’ union to hear the appeal. It’s uncertain how long Jones will take to make a decision.

Rice is seeking immediate reinstatement, though it’s unlikely a team would sign him this season. Rice has also filed a separate wrongful termination grievance against the Ravens.

Goodell still could avoid testifying if the league and Rice reach a last-minute settlement.

Saints

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have placed fullback Austin Johnson on injured reserve, ending his season.

Johnson, whose knee injury shelved him for New Orleans’ previous game at Carolina, played in seven games this season with one start.

The Saints needed Johnson to play a regular role while fellow fullback Erik Lorig, who is now healthy, worked his way back from a preseason ankle injury.

Johnson carried eight times for 22 yards and caught two passes, including a 13-yard touchdown reception.

Also Tuesday, the Saints signed offensive tackle Nick Becton from the New York Giants’ practice squad.

Becton is a second-year pro out of Virginia Tech who played in one game last season with San Diego.

Becton’s signing comes after right tackle Zach Strief played through a back injury at Carolina.

Seahawks

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Veteran tight end Tony Moeaki has signed with Seattle, giving the Seahawks three healthy tight ends on the active roster.

The Seahawks also resigned wide receiver Bryan Walters on Tuesday. Seattle waived linebacker L.J. Fort and defensive back Terrance Parks with an injury settlement to clear the active roster spots.

Moeaki has been out of the NFL this season after reaching an injury settlement and being released by the Bills. His most productive season came in his rookie season of 2010 when he had 47 receptions for 556 yards and three touchdowns with Kansas City. Moeaki appeared in only two games with Buffalo last season.

Walters was cut last weekend so Parks could be added to the roster because of depth concerns in Seattle’s secondary. Walters has been Seattle’s primary punt returner all season and has five receptions.

Colts

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis has activated safety LaRon Landry and offensive lineman Xavier Nixon.

Landry went on the commissioner’s exempt list last week after completing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substance policy. Nixon was placed on injured reserve with the designation to return after having arthroscopic surgery on an injured knee in August.

To make room on the roster, Indy (6-3) waived cornerback Jalil Brown and offensive tackle Jamon Meredith on Tuesday. The Colts also waived fullback Stanley Havili, who failed a physical after spending the entire season on the physically unable to perform list.

Indy also released receiver Chandler Jones from the practice squad and replaced him with another receiver, Eric Thomas.