NFL

Sapp's year comes to a quick close

By wire services
Published November 27, 2005

ALAMEDA, Calif. - The Oakland Raiders placed defensive tackle and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Warren Sapp on injured reserve Saturday with a right shoulder injury, prematurely ending his 11th NFL season.

Sapp, who turns 33 next month, had been listed as doubtful during the week for today's home game against the Miami Dolphins after injuring his shoulder during the Raiders' 16-13 win at Washington last Sunday.

He has a torn rotator cuff, the team said.

Sapp wasn't sure when he got hurt in the game. He had an MRI exam Wednesday and coach Norv Turner didn't immediately know the results, though Oakland downgraded Sapp to out on Friday's injury report.

"It's not a separation, no," Turner said Friday. "They're just making sure in terms of the structure and everything inside. I think we'll know something in a few days where he's at."

The team decided Saturday to place Sapp on IR for the final six games because the injury wasn't getting better. But it isn't considered career-threatening.

The loss of Sapp is a big blow for a Raiders defense that has made significant strides this season, and Sapp was having a comeback year after struggling in his first season with the Raiders in 2004 after nine years with the Buccaneers. He agreed to a seven-year, $36.6-million contract with the Raiders in March 2004.

To take Sapp's roster spot, the Raiders promoted offensive tackle Brad Lekkerkerker from the practice squad to the active roster. The 6-foot-7, 330-pound Lekkerkerker also was on the Raiders practice squad last season.

JAGUARS: Running back Fred Taylor is expected to miss today's game against the Arizona Cardinals with a bruised ankle. Taylor aggravated the injury three weeks ago against Houston, and missed the following week's game with Baltimore. He returned last Sunday for the Tennessee game, but was held to 8 yards on six carries.

COLTS: Indianapolis will be making its third appearance on Monday night this season, and so far, they have been worth the billing. They beat St. Louis 45-28, then took down New England 40-21. In fact, the Colts have averaged more than 32 points in their past eight Monday night appearances dating to the 2000 season, quarterback Peyton Manning 's third season in the league.

BROWNS: While veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer was miffed that coach Romeo Crennel put rookie Charlie Frye into the last week's game against the Dolphins in the first half, he isn't letting it effect his relationship with Frye. Frye, a third-round pick from nearby Akron and a local favorite, went to Dilfer's house for Thanksgiving.

CARDINALS: Kicker Neil Rackers is on pace to break Miami kicker Olindo Mare 's record of 39 field goals set in 1999 (and since tied by Jeff Wilkins of St. Louis in 2003). Through 10 games, Rackers has 31, which puts him on pace for 50. That said, the most impressive part is Rackers hasn't missed this season.

[Last modified November 27, 2005, 01:18:21]