Sports: Around the NFC

Around the NFC

Compiled from Times wires

BEARS: Offensive tackle James Williams made his ninth consecutive season-opening start for Chicago and his 119th consecutive start overall. ... Defensive end Phillip Daniels (ankle) and defensive back R.W. McQuarters (knee) left in the second quarter.

CARDINALS: John Fina, an offensive tackle who went to two Super Bowls with the Bills in the 1990s, signed a one-year contract. ... Fullback Joel Makovicka (hamstring) is out 5-7 days, fullback Dennis McKinley (hamstring) 2-3 weeks and defensive end Fred Wakefield (bruised leg) out 2-3 days.

COWBOYS: They had nine penalties for 117 yards, and their first seven drives ended in six punts and an interception.

EAGLES: Quarterback Donovan McNabb has 736 completions, moving him into fourth on the team's all-time list.

FALCONS: They lost their opener in overtime for the second straight season. Last season it was 16-13 at San Francisco.

LIONS: Receiver Desmond Howard had a concussion, and defensive tackle Luther Elliss left in the first quarter with a bruised right thigh. ... Running back James Stewart, who bruised his left knee in an exhibition game Aug. 4, was inactive.

PACKERS: Receiver Terry Glenn returned after a mild concussion in the first quarter. ... Quarterback Brett Favre tied Terry Bradshaw's NFL record by improving to 67-12 in home starts. ... Running back Rondell Mealey, who gained 30 yards on five carries and scored his first touchdown from scrimmage, strained his right hamstring.

PANTHERS: They won for the first time at Ericsson Stadium since Dec. 17, 2000.

RAMS: Running back Marshall Faulk had 1 yard on five carries in the first half against the Broncos. ... Kicker Jeff Wilkins was 3-for-4 while wearing an Ace bandage on his foot instead of a shoe.

REDSKINS: Coach Steve Spurrier used Champ Bailey as a receiver for a few plays. The cornerback was a decoy on a fake reverse, but he never handled the ball.

SAINTS: Cornerback Fred Thomas broke his right hand in three places and was scheduled for surgery.

SEAHAWKS: Because realignment has separated the longtime AFC West rivals, Seattle, now in the NFC West, is not slated to return to Oakland in the regular season until 2010.

VIKINGS: Tight end Byron Chamberlain left the game against the Bears with a knee injury.