FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Michael Vick had a setback Wednesday in his attempt to return to the lineup this weekend.
A Falcons teammate stepped on the quarterback's right ankle in a walkthrough. Vick, out since fracturing his right leg in a preseason game, was unable to participate in afternoon drills.
Team orthopedist Andrew Bishop and trainer Ron Medlin said Vick did not sustain further damage to his right foot. They said he rolled his ankle after taking a snap and trying to step to his right as his foot was caught.
Vick hoped to take snaps this week with the first-team offense.
Meantime, coach Dan Reeves selected Doug Johnson to replace Kurt Kittner as the starting quarterback Sunday against Tennessee. Johnson, who started the season, and Kittner have combined for 16 interceptions.
Browns player stabbed
The fiancee of Cleveland running back William Green was arrested Wednesday night on charges she stabbed him in the back.
Green sustained a puncture wound under his left shoulder blade during a fight at his suburban Westlake home, police said. It did not require stitches.
Asia Gray, who earlier in the day made an emergency call to police saying Green had cut himself, was arrested for felonious assault and domestic violence. Gray, 22, who has had two children with Green, is being held in city jail pending arraignment.
Green, currently under suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse program, told police earlier in the day he was injured when he fell down stairs.
Under terms of his suspension, the Browns are not allowed to have contact with Green. But team president Carmen Policy said they are hoping the league will make an exception so they can help Green deal with his problems and aid his recovery.
BILLS: Safety Lawyer Milloy's fine for bumping an NFL official during a game was reduced from $25,000 to $2,500 after an appeal to the league.
CARDINALS: Kicker Bill Gramatica, brother of Bucs kicker Martin, was placed on injured reserve and will not play again this season. He had been inactive the past six games because of a back injury.
Meantime, running back Emmitt Smith practiced for the first time since breaking his left shoulder blade nearly seven weeks ago. "We'll put him in pads tomorrow and see where he is," coach Dave McGinnis said. Smith remains doubtful for Sunday's game against St. Louis.
DOLPHINS: Desperate to upgrade its receiving corps, the team re-signed Oronde Gadsden, who last played more than a year ago. He has 223 career receptions, all with Miami. But at age 32, he's unsure how much he has left. He has been out since dislocating his left foot in training camp in early August.
Meantime, quarterback Jay Fiedler said he was encouraged by his most extensive work since being sidelined with a sprained knee a month ago and likes his chances of being able to play against the Redskins. Coach Dave Wannstedt said he hasn't decided whether to start Fiedler or Brian Griese.
GIANTS: The defense suffered two more blows when end Kenny Holmes and strong safety Shaun Williams were placed on season-ending injured reserve with right knee injuries. They are the second and third defensive starters lost for the season, joining cornerback Will Peterson (back). The Giants re-signed defensive end Frank Ferrara and safety Clarence LeBlanc, who were waived in August.
PANTHERS: Safety Jarrod Cooper was suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The special teams standout will be eligible to return for the final two games. Cooper was arrested in September for driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, speeding and driving with a revoked license.
RAIDERS: Three more players were placed on injured reserve, including veteran defensive end and former Gator Trace Armstrong, starting linebacker Travian Smith and backup running back Justin Fargas. The Raiders have lost eight players to season-ending injuries since the regular season began.
