Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte will sit out Chicago’s game against St. Louis on Sunday because of a sprained right ankle.
Forte also missed the final four games last season because of a sprained collateral ligament in his right knee. With Forte out, Michael Bush figures to be the primary ball carrier.
J-E-T-Z-Z-Z-Z
Hoping that catching a few extra zzzs translates into better performance on the field, the Jets brought in sleep specialists to help the players get more rest.
Coach Rex Ryan also pushed back the team’s schedule by about 90 minutes this week, giving the players a chance to be more energized and attentive during meetings and practice.
“We bring in these specialists for a reason. I just think it’s wise to do that, listening to people with a lot more knowledge than myself about it,” Ryan said.
“If we can gain a little advantage, then we’re going to look for it.”
EXTRA POINTS
The NFL and its locked-out officials met the past two days, but a source said the sides remain far apart and no further talks are scheduled. ... Linebacker James Harrison (knee) and safety Troy Polamalu (calf) did not take part in the Steelers’ final practice and will not play Sunday at Oakland. ... The Buffalo Bills are closing in on a deal to extend their series of playing regular-season games in Toronto. The Seahawks play the Bills at Toronto’s Rogers Centre on Dec. 16. ... Panthers receiver Steve Smith said he” lit into” Cam Newton about his actions on the sideline when the young quarterback was replaced late in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s 36-7 loss to the Giants. ... The status of Rams running back Steven Jackson is day-to-day after the nine-year veteran sat out his second consecutive practice with a groin injury. ... Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon appears likely to miss his second consecutive game with a sore right foot. ... The NFL warned teams that it won’t tolerate confrontational behavior toward replacement officials. ... Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (upper hamstring) practiced in full for the third consecutive day and will start at Indianapolis. ... Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin won’t play at Arizona on Sunday because of a hip injury. ... Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis recovered from a concussion and will play Sunday after practicing fully for the second consecutive day, but tight end Dustin Keller (right hamstring) is questionable. ... Time Warner, the nation’s second-largest cable provider, agreed to carry NFL Network, the last major holdout in the channel’s push into more homes.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.