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Around the AFC

BROWNS: Starting quarterback Tim Couch probably will not play Sunday, but running back William Green will be ready. Coach Butch Davis said that backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb probably will start. Couch has a sore right arm after tearing scar tissue near his elbow in the preseason. Green missed practice Thursday with a back spasm. He was added to the injury report and listed as probable but ran full speed during practice Friday.

JAGUARS: Jacksonville added Mark Brunell and Donovin Darius to its injury report, listing both as probable. Brunell strained his groin in practice, and Darius still is having problems with an ankle he sprained in the preseason. Both are scheduled to start Sunday. ... Linebacker T.J. Slaughter was suspended for four games after violating the NFL policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. Slaughter, a three-year veteran, will not be eligible to return until Oct. 7.

PATRIOTS: Linebacker Ted Johnson returned to the team but declined to give a reason for his three-day absence. "There were some things that happened earlier in the week, and I felt that to protect myself and my self-interest, I did what I had to do," he said. The seven-year veteran turned down an offseason offer from the Packers to return to New England, with the understanding he would get playing time if he were healthy.

STEELERS: The special teams, which played poorly in giving up two touchdowns in a playoff loss against the Patriots last season, have been much improved. As Pittsburgh goes into Monday night's rematch with New England, special teams coach Kevin Spencer no longer hears himself being compared -- and not favorably -- to Jay Hayes, the special teams coach of a year ago. Hayes was fired two days after the loss to New England. "I've been pleased," coach Bill Cowher said. "Kevin has done a very good job. Hopefully, we'll be able to make some big plays." Spencer is a former Colts assistant.

TEXANS: Besieged by injuries to its offensive line, Houston re-signed guard Jeremy McKinney, five days after releasing him. McKinney was needed because starting left guard Ryan Schau sprained his right knee in practice this week and reserve guard Cameron Spikes is hobbled with a bruised left thigh.

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