CHIEFS: Rookie running back Larry Johnson is applying for the Johnson County district attorney's domestic violence diversion program, his attorney told a judge.
Johnson, 24, was charged last month with aggravated assault, a felony, and misdemeanor domestic battery after an incident involving a woman at his house in Leawood.
He did not comment during Wednesday's appearance in Johnson County District Court.
Attorney Kevin Regan said Johnson has a diversion conference scheduled this month with District Attorney Paul Morrison. District Judge John Bennett set the case over until Feb. 18 to see whether diversion is granted.
The diversion program allows first-time offenders to have charges against them dismissed if they avoid trouble and complete other requirements such as anger-control counseling.
COLTS: Receivers Reggie Wayne and Troy Walters and defensive end Robert Mathis missed practice with minor injuries.
Mathis was bothered by a sore groin but should be able to practice today before the Colts leave for Kansas City and Sunday's playoff game, coach Tony Dungy said.
Walters, who also returns punts, hurt his foot running a route late in practice Wednesday.
"We held Reggie Wayne out more precautionary, kind of tired legs," Dungy said. "I think Reggie will be able to work (today). Troy, we're not as sure on."
PATRIOTS: Saturday night's game will be played in subfreezing, perhaps subzero, temperatures. But despite Adam Vinatieri's struggles this season, the Patriots would have no problem if the game came down to their kicker again.
"Adam is about as consistent of a person as you could have," coach Bill Belichick. "He is a very consistent, hard working, dependable player."
There is good reason for Belichick's confidence.
Vinatieri proved his worth in the famous "Tuck Rule" playoff game against the Raiders on Jan. 19, 2002. The South Dakota native kicked a 46-yarder through a blizzard in the final minute of regulation to send the game to overtime, then won it with a 23-yarder as long snapper Lonie Paxton famously dropped to the field to make snow angels.
Last season, Vinatieri hit 90 percent of his field-goal attempts, and he took a streak of 33 from 40 yards or less into the Oct. 5 game against Tennessee. But he missed twice in New England's 38-30 victory, part of a three-week span in which he went 3-for-7.
Since then, Vinatieri has recovered. He went 18-for-23 to close the regular season.
Asked how he would characterize his season, Vinatieri said, "Room for improvement." But he also said he was more concerned with the team's record; at 14-2, the Patriots were the best in the NFL.
"As long as we continue to win, that's all that's going to matter," he said.
TITANS: Running back Eddie George will face the Patriots despite missing a third straight day of practice with a left ankle injury.
George also has a sore left shoulder he dislocated in a first-round victory over Baltimore.
"He's still got some swelling, but it's improving daily," coach Jeff Fisher said. "He'll play. That's not a concern of ours."
Everyone else practiced Thursday, including quarterback Steve McNair, who has been hobbled by a sprained left ankle with a cracked bone spur and a strained right calf muscle.
"It was his first time in a long time where he's had two good days of practice, which is important to us," Fisher said.
