Sports: NFL briefs

NFL briefs

Compiled from Times wires

Shoulder to sideline Griese for 3-4 weeks

DENVER -- Quarterback Brian Griese, who led the Broncos to victory Monday night despite playing with a separated throwing shoulder, will be sidelined 3-4 weeks and possibly longer.

"I'm looking to come back in a month or so and see if I can throw the ball and help this team out, because that's my responsibility," Griese said.

Griese was injured in the first quarter Monday when, on a scramble, he was tackled and landed on by Oakland linebacker Elijah Alexander.

Meanwhile, the Broncos learned guard Mark Schlereth's injured left knee will force him to miss the rest of the season and could end his 12-year career.

CARRUTH TRIAL: Testimony will begin Monday in the murder trial of former Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth instead of today, the first anniversary of the shooting.

BLACK CASE: William H. "Tank" Black, the sports agent accused of bilking millions of dollars from former University of Florida stars Ike Hilliard and Fred Taylor, will go to trial in a Gainesville federal district court. The court rejected his efforts to have the claim dismissed. A trial date has not been set.

MNF LIKELY TO KEEP MILLER: Comedian Dennis Miller probably will return for a second season with ABC's Monday Night Football, show producer Don Ohlmeyer said.

BEARS: The team and city officials agreed on a $587-million renovation of Soldier Field that will add 17 acres of parkland and facilities to complement three nearby museums.

CHARGERS: Quarterback Ryan Leaf might play Sunday against Denver despite a slightly strained left hamstring.

DOLPHINS: Running back Thurman Thomas, considering retirement after a season-ending knee injury, will wait until after the season to talk about his future.

JETS: Erratic quarterback Vinny Testaverde received a vow of support from coach Al Groh. "He came to me and said we're going to do it with me in there, or we aren't going to do it," Testaverde said.

PATRIOTS: Quarterback Drew Bledsoe says his jammed right thumb won't keep him from starting.

RAIDERS: Rookie kicker Sebastian Janikowski returned to practice after missing two games because of a bacterial infection in his foot. Coach Jon Gruden said he should be ready to play Sunday in New Orleans.

REDSKINS: Nickel back Darrell Green and linebacker Shawn Barber will return for Monday night's game at St. Louis, but quarterback Brad Johnson will miss his second straight game.

SAINTS: Two screws and a small plate were inserted in running back Ricky Williams' broken left ankle.

STEELERS: For the third time this season, the NFL has told the team an officiating crew made an incorrect call in a game Pittsburgh lost. League officials said referee Dick Hantak's crew should have penalized Philadelphia for improperly blocking Hines Ward on an onside kick attempt that proved crucial in the Eagles' 26-23 overtime victory.

VIKINGS: Fullback Jim Kleinsasser will miss one or two games with a hamstring injury.

OBITUARY: Eddie Miller, the former New Mexico State quarterback believed to be the first from New Mexico to play in the NFL, died of heart failure at 84.