NFL

Buffalo stays mum on Moulds situation

By wire services
Published December 10, 2005

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Bills coach Mike Mularkey said Friday that receiver Eric Moulds was suspended for "conduct detrimental to our team."

"I'm not going to elaborate on the reasons why," Mularkey said. "I know it's an interest to the fans, but on behalf of Eric and our team, I don't think it benefits anybody talking about this thing anymore. The issue has been settled. We're focusing on the Patriots, and Eric will be back here on Monday."

Sam Aiken, who has excelled in recent weeks on special teams, will take Moulds' place. He has three catches this season.

After meeting with Mularkey and owner Ralph Wilson on Thursday, Moulds, who leads the Bills with 54 catches and 511 yards, told the Buffalo News the owner made him feel wanted even after the suspension was handed down.

"The thing he told me is that he's in my corner and he appreciates everything that I've done over the past 10 years," Moulds said. "He said I'm one of the players that he knows goes out and plays every play. For him to say that, it meant more to me than anything."

It is believed that Moulds, a 10-year veteran, was suspended because of a sideline confrontation with receivers coach Tyke Tolbert during Sunday's 24-23 loss to Miami.

Moulds' adviser, Greg Johnson, said the dispute occurred when Moulds left the field after experiencing pain in his Achilles' tendon. Moulds wanted to have the tendon examined by a trainer when Tolbert asked Moulds to get back on the field, Johnson said. Moulds declined and was benched for most of the final three quarters.

Meanwhile, Bills running back Willis McGahee didn't practice because of an illness. But McGahee, tied for fifth in the AFC with 1,029 yards, expects to play Sunday.

PHILADELPHIA - Tuesday, the Eagles announced an MRI exam showed running back Brian Westbrook had a Lisfanc sprain in his right foot and would miss the rest of the season.

But a foot specialist who examined Westbrook after the announcement has a different interpretation, which might get Westbrook back on the field.

"I would call it a mid foot injury," Dr. Mark Myerson said. "And you have to get the rest from the team."

Friday, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said only that Westbrook is out for Sunday's game against the Giants. Beyond that, he is taking a wait-and-see attitude.

Westbrook sustained the injury after making a 10-yard reception during the second quarter of Monday's 42-0 loss to Seattle. He returned three plays later and stayed in the game for the rest of the half but didn't play in the second half.

BEARS: Offensive linemen Olin Kreutz and Fred Miller were fined $50,000 by the league for a fight that violated its personal conduct policy. The incident took place last month at the FBI shooting range in the Chicago area, prompting an internal investigation by the bureau.

Kreutz broke the jaw of Miller, who needed surgery and originally said he was hurt in a fall at home. Bears coach Lovie Smith was unaware of the fight until a few days after it occurred. Miller, who declined comment, sat out Nov.13 against the 49ers, ending a run of 110 consecutive starts dating to 1998. Kreutz, who said he would appeal, did not miss any games.

CHARGERS: LaDainian Tomlinson practiced for the first time this week and expects to play Sunday. The league's fifth-leading rusher said he bruised his chest last week when Raiders linebacker Danny Clark dug his fist into his chest near the end of a tackle.

FALCONS: Receiver Dez White was put on injured reserve because of a sprained knee. He lost his job with the first-team offense two months ago and was inactive in four of the past six games. In six games, he has two catches for 25 yards and one touchdown. Also, Ronnie Heard will start at free safety for Bryan Scott, whose poor play contributed to two scoring drives against Carolina last week.

JAGUARS: Running back Fred Taylor will play Sunday against Indianapolis after missing three of the past four games with an injured ankle. Taylor's bruised his right ankle on Nov.6. He was inactive the next week then held to minus-8 yards on six carries. He later said he returned too early. Coach Jack Del Rio did not say if Taylor will start. Also, starting center Brad Meester was put on injured reserve because of a biceps injury sustained Sunday. He is scheduled for surgery Tuesday. Former Miami lineman Brett Romberg was singed from the practice squad to replace him.

JETS: Running back Curtis Martin will be a game-time decision Sunday because of a sore right knee. Martin, 32, who has played nearly all season with the injury, has not practiced this week. He last missed a game in 1998 and has missed four during his 11-year career.

RAVENS: Offensive tackle Orlando Brown was put on injured reserve because of back problems. He has missed the past three games after his car was rear-ended last month.

REDSKINS: Linebacker LaVar Arrington missed practice because of a bruised right thigh sustained Sunday against St. Louis and likely will sit against Arizona. If so, Chris Clemons or Warrick Holdman would start. Also, leading receiver Santana Moss practiced and is expected to play.

SEAHAWKS: Linebacker Jamie Sharper was put on injured reserve. Signed to a five-year, $17.5-million deal in April, he started the first eight games before being sidelined by a staph infection in his right knee.

[Last modified December 10, 2005, 00:51:18]