New Orleans Saints 12/05/2006 5:27 PMAP reports Saints DT Hollis Thomas was suspended for the final four games of the regular season Tuesday for violating the league's steroid policy. Thomas, backed by the team, appealed the suspension, which he said was caused by using asthma medication. He uses an inhaler daily and it apparently contained a banned steroid.Read more
Jacksonville Jaguars 12/05/2006 12:39 PMThe Florida Times-Union reports Jaguars RB Maurice Drew burst through several arm tackles on Sunday against Miami during a 32-yard scoring romp in the fourth quarter. For the sixth consecutive game the Jags outgained an opponent in total offense. But Drew wasn't surprised by the performance, even if it came against Miami's defense, which was ranked No. 5 coming into the game. "It was a big win in a way, but [this] was just us getting back to being us," Drew said. "If we play our game, it's going to be tough for a team to beat us. The past couple of weeks we weren't playing our game. We were turning the ball over and not working on the fundamentals. "This week, it was more about fundamentals. It was about running the ball; throwing and completing; catching the ball and that's all we wanted to do." In the process, Drew scored his team-high ninth touchdown. Jones has scored nine TDs in the last 10 games. He's also run for a touchdown in four consecutive games.Read more
San Francisco 49ers 12/05/2006 12:31 PMThe Contra Costa Times reports at least two more key players will join injured TE Eric Johnson on the 49ers sideline this weekend. Starting LB Derek Smith (hamstring) and OT Adam Snyder (knee/ankle) were declared out for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Each suffered injuries Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Johnson was already out because of a knee problem sustained in practice last week. "Those are all injuries that could go beyond this week," 49ers HC Mike Nolan said Monday, although he had no further timetable.Read more
Seattle Seahawks 12/05/2006 12:27 PMThe Seattle Times reports K Josh Brown tied an NFL record with his four winning kicks in the final minute of regulation this season, which included Sunday's 50-yard winner. K Ryan Longwell had four for the Green Bay Packers in 2004. Brown has made six winning kicks in his career, including two last season. He tied Norm Johnson's club record with 10 career field goals of 50 or more yards.Read more
