What happened on September 14, 2012
NEWS
SPORTS
Packers throttle Bears DAILY NEWS WIRE REPORTS A person familiar with the plans tells the Associated Press that Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma will meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday to discuss Vilma's suspension that was temporarily lifted last week. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting has not been announced. Vilma was suspended for the 2012 season for his role in the Saints' bounties program that ran from 2009-11. But an appeals panel ruled last Friday that Goodell must clarify his earlier rulings to ensure no part of his decisions was based on salary-cap violations. Goodell still could reinstate the suspensions to Vilma and three other players for participating in a pay-for-injure program that violates the league's detrimental conduct policy. Buffalo defensive tackle Marcell Dareus has returned to practice after being excused to be with his family in Alabama to mourn the shooting death of his younger brother. Though absent in the locker room before practice, Dareus was on the field working out Thursday afternoon. That means he should be ready to play in the Bills' home opener against Kansas City on Sunday. Minnesota cornerback Antoine Winfield missed practice to attend his brother's funeral. Anthony Travis was murdered last week in Winfield's hometown of Akron, Ohio, and laid to rest on Thursday. Winfield played in the season opener against Jacksonville days after the 30-year-old Travis' death. St. Louis re-signed quarterback Kellen Clemens, released in the final round of cuts before the opener. Defensive tackle Darell Scott was released to make room for Clemens, who understood he'd be the backup behind Sam Bradford on Sunday against Washington in the home opener. Rookie Austin Davis was the backup for the opener. Miami running back Daniel Thomas sat out practice for the second day in a row because of a concussion, increasing the likelihood Lamar Miller will make his NFL debut Sunday against Oakland. Thomas, the backup to starter Reggie Bush, was hurt in the second quarter of Sunday's season-opening loss at Houston. Running back Ryan Mathews has been cleared for contact but was limited in practice as the San Diego Chargers continued preparing for their home opener Sunday against Tennessee. Mathews has been out since breaking his collarbone on his first carry in the exhibition opener on Aug. 9. Tight end Antonio Gates sat out his second straight practice with sore ribs. Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt is inching closer to acknowledging that Kevin Kolb will be the starting quarterback Sunday at New England. "We still have time," Whisenhunt said. "It doesn't look great for John Skelton being able to play, but Kevin's had a very good week of practice and has played well."
Phil's Picks, Week 2 By Phil Anastasia, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
BUSINESS