Sports Desk
Football
Shockey out 3-6 weeks with a sports hernia
Tight end Jeremy Shockey, the Saints' second-leading receiver through three games, is expected to be out for three to six weeks because of a sports hernia.
Shockey, who was acquired from the New York Giants in a trade shortly before training camp, had 16 receptions for 151 yards during the Saints' first three regular-season games. He played Sunday in New Orleans' 34-32 loss at Denver, catching five passes for 56 yards.
On yesterday afternoon, Saints spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed a report on the (New Orleans) Times-Picayune's Web site that Shockey was scheduled to have surgery this week.
A sports hernia is the weakening of muscles or tendons in the lower abdominal wall. For Shockey, it's the second serious injury in as many seasons. He broke his left leg last December and missed all of the Giants' postseason run to a Super Bowl championship.
Westbrook day to day with ankle strain
Brian Westbrook limped around without crutches Monday. He could be back to running and slashing this week.
The All-Pro running back is day to day with a strained ankle, encouraging news for a Philadelphia Eagles team that can't afford to lose its top offensive player.
"I'm sure it'll be a race to get him ready for Sunday," coach Andy Reid. "We'll see how he does. I think we can manage it."
Westbrook injured his right ankle while hurdling a teammate on a 2-yard run on the first play of the second quarter of Sunday's 15-6 win over Pittsburgh. He walked to the locker room without help, but didn't return and left the stadium on crutches.
Browns considering switch to Quinn at QB
Brady Quinn hurried from the shower, dressed quickly and hustled out of Cleveland's locker room so he wouldn't be late for yesterday's team meeting.
"Sorry, guys," he said to reporters after taking only a few questions.
Quinn was on the run, and the Browns' popular backup quarterback could soon be moving up the depth chart.
With his team off to an unexpected 0-3 start and Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson coming off another rough performance, Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel said he is assessing his team and considering personnel changes leading into Sunday's game against the winless Cincinnati Bengals.
Packers' Harris tested amid report of ruptured spleen
Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris underwent additional medical tests yesterday amid a report he might have ruptured his spleen in Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
The National Football Post, a Web site that lists Harris' agent as a contributor, reported that the injury could end Harris' season, but Harris was seeking a second opinion. Agent Jack Bechta did not immediately return a message from the Associated Press.
Earlier in the day, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the team's medical staff was "just doing scans" on Harris and were "checking for everything." A team spokesman said no additional information was available.
Ford Jr.: Lions' Millen should leave team
Bill Ford Jr. has seen enough of the way team president Matt Millen is running his father's Detroit Lions. The Ford Motor Co. executive chairman spoke to reporters yesterday after a Detroit Economic Club meeting. The vice chairman of the Lions said he was disappointed in the team's performance and said fans deserve better. When asked, Ford said Millen should leave the team, but he didn't have the authority to make such a significant change.
Baseball
Carmona, Sheffield, 2 others suspended for brawl
Cleveland pitcher Fausto Carmona was suspended six games and Detroit slugger Gary Sheffield was penalized four games yesterday for their brawl last week.
Indians catcher Victor Martinez and infielder Asdrubal Cabrera were suspended three games each and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson.
Sheffield was hit by a pitch from Carmona last Friday night in Cleveland. Moments later, the designated hitter charged the mound from first base, starting a bench-clearing scrap.
"I've been in a lot of brawls, being a peacemaker, and when someone's back is to you, you pull them away — that's what you are supposed to do," said Sheffield, who will not appeal.
"You don't take cheap shots, and that's what happened. I take that personally, and when I find out who it was, they are going to have to deal with me," he said.
