The Facts: Roethlisberger and team president Art Rooney II will meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell Friday morning in New York, but they will not be politicking to have his suspension reduced beyond two games, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has learned.  Reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Diehards Line: Reports have suggested that Rooney is accompanying Roethlisberger to the meeting to have his suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy reduced from six games to three games. But that is not the case. "That door is not open," a source who is familiar with the meeting told Post-Gazette Gerry Dulac. ... This news comes after a number of observers suggested that such a request might not go over well with Goodell -- the sole arbiter of Roethlisberger's fate.

Profile

The Facts: Based on what information is available regarding the fractured thumb of RB Michael Bush, Tribune staffer Jerry McDonald reports it’s highly unlikely Bush will be ready to play in the opener and could miss up to a quarter of the season or more. Reported by the Oakland Tribune

Diehards Line: HC Tom Cable confirmed the thumbe was fractured and said on Monday “he’ll need a procedure on it, and whether that keeps him out or not remains to be seen.” Cable has since declined to discuss the injury and wouldn’t confirm the surgery had taken place. McDonald, however, consulted with an othepedic surgeon familiar with the procedure who suggested a 4-to-6 week recovery period. If Bush were to be out four weeks from the time of surgery, he would be available to practice for the in the days preceding the Houston Texans game on Oct. 3 in Week 4. Six weeks would mean Bush could be ready to face the 49ers on On Oct. 6 in Week 6. ... Stay tuned. We'll continue to watch for more on this one.

Profile

The Facts: In their meeting scheduled for Friday, Roethlisberger's representatives plan to ask commissioner Roger Goodell to reduce the six-game suspension by at least three games, bringing along team president Arthur J. Rooney II to the New York meeting to support the QB's case.  Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: Goodell has made it clear he would consider reducing the length of the suspension if Roethlisberger complied with a number of league imposed conditions, including a comprehensive behavioral evaluation, and stayed clear of any other off field problems. As ESPN's Sal Paolantonio notes, most observers believe Goodell has had in his mind all along to reduce the suspension by two games to four. But Roethlisberger's attorney, David Cornwell, is expected to ask for a greater reduction in the suspension. ... Stay tuned. Some reduction seems all but certain. It'll be interesting to see how Roethlisberger's request is met by the commissioner.

Profile

The Facts: HC Mike Shanahan said the team will place injury-plagued WR Malcolm Kelly on injured reserve Tuesday, ending the third-year player's season because of a recurring hamstring problem. Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: Kelly, who practiced just three times during training camp and the preseason, suffered a setback during Monday's workout, his first since July 30. Further evaluation showed that he would likely miss six weeks, Shanahan said. The Redskins could have released Kelly Tuesday, reaching an injury settlement. By putting him on injured reserve, they retain his rights for the future. Shanahan, though, made it clear that Kelly is guaranteed nothing with the Redskins -- even after his hamstring heals.

Profile

The Facts: The Buccaneers have cut Ward and WR Terrence Nunn. HC Raheem Morris announced the roster moves after Tuesday's practice. Reported by PewterReport.com

Diehards Line: Morris said that Ward, who signed to a lucrative, four-year, $17 million deal in 2009, didn't fit the long-term plan for the Buccaneers. Second-year pro Kareem Huggins, a 2009 undrafted free agent out of Hofstra, beat out Ward for the backup spot to starter Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. In three presesaon games Huggins has run for 97 yards on 19 carries (5.1 average) with two receptions for 16 yards. Huggins brings more speed and big-play ability to the Buccaneers backup running back position.

Profile

The Facts: The Texans announced Monday that Daniels has passed a physical and has been removed from the active/Physically Unable to Perform list.  Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: This allows Daniels to resume practicing with the team less than two weeks before the regular-season opener against Indianapolis. While that's good news, we'll remind you that HC Gary Kubiak said on Sunday the best-case scenario for Daniels, coming off a torn ACL, is probably that he plays 15-20 snaps against the Colts in Week 1. Those who are able might want to watch his progress this week before investing on draft day.

Profile

The Facts: Bush will undergo surgery on his broken left thumb Monday and could be back in time for the season opener.Bush broke the thumb when he was hit on the hand by a helmet on his final carry Saturday night against San Francisco. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: HC Tom Cable said Sunday there was a "good chance" Bush would be ready to play Sept. 12 in Tennessee and that he would likely not need a cast on the finger. ... Bush led the team with 589 yards rushing last season and was expected to do even more this season now that Justin Fargas has been released. Bush and Darren McFadden will share the bulk of the running load this season, although both have now been hampered by injuries in the preseason.

Profile

The Facts: Campbell's stinger that knocked him out of the exhibition loss to the 49ers does not appear to be serious, HC Tom Cable said. But Campbell hurt his right wrist on the previous series in the game, which is more of an immediate concern. He underwent an MRI on Sunday and will be evaluated again later this week. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: "Usually I recover pretty fast," Campbell said after the game. "Right now there's no timetable. The thing is just to improve and continue to keep getting better. We don't know the timetable or anything, but at the same time, I haven't really missed any time before. ..." Campbell led Oakland to a touchdown on the opening drive for the second straight week, completing all four of his passes for 67 yards. But the Raiders did not get another first down with Campbell in the game.

Profile

The Facts: According to FOXSports insider Jay Glazer, Roethlisberger will meet with commissioner Roger Goodell following next Thursday's pre-season game. Goodell will make a final determination on Roethlisberger's suspension, which currently stands at six games. It could be reduced to four. Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: The report indicates that Goodell will inform Roethlisberger and the Steelers of his decision in advance of the regular-season opener. There have been indications -- including comments by Goodell suggesting that Roethlisberger has gone above and beyond in his efforts to meet the requirements necessary -- the suspension will indeed be reduced. ... Stay tuned. We'll be obviously be watching for the official announcement.

Profile

The Facts: The Rams announced that Avery, who suffered a torn ACL in last Thursday's win over the Patriots, has been placed on the injured reserve list. Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: The move, which officially ends Avery's season, comes as no real surprise. HC Steve Spagnuolo made no secret of the fact it was a season-ending injury on Friday. The only real question remains unanswered, however: Who replaces Avery as the starter opposite Laurent Robinson? Danny Amendola and Mardy Gilyard were the first candidates mentioned by the coach, who also suggested Keenan Burton as a possibility. Others on the roster included Brandon Gibson, Danario Alexander, Dominique Curry, Jordan Kent and Brandon McRae.

Profile

The Facts: The Jets announced they released Coles earlier today.  Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: Coles, brought on board in the hopes he could provide depth during Santonio Holmes' four-game suspension, could be of interest to other teams with issues at the position. In fact, Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio thinks it will be interesting to see whether Brett Favre makes a pitch for the receiver-needy Vikings to sign Coles, who caught 70 passes for 850 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in 2008, when Favre and Coles were teammates in New York. As Florio summed up, "We don't know what Coles has left, but he surely has more than Javon Walker." Coles, however, has subsequently suggested he might be ready to call it a career.

Profile

The Facts: In a move that shouldn't come as a huge surprise, the Bengals have released Bryant. Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: As ESPN insider Adam Schefter notes, Bryant leaves with the $8 million guaranteed portion of his $28 million contract. Although Bryant claims his troublesome knee is close to allowing a return, it remains to be seen if he's close enough to draw interest from other teams.

Profile

The Facts: HC Tom Cable said Bush sustained a thumb fracture and his status would not be determined until he saw a hand specialist Sunday. Reported by the Oakland Tribune

Diehards Line: According to Tribune staffer Jerry McDonald, Bush needed teammate Michael Bennett to tie his shoes as he dressed in the locker room after the game. Bush echoed Cable’s statements that he didn’t know if or how long he’d be out and he would know more Sunday. ... As for Campbell, Cable said the stinger which caused him to leave the game shouldn’t prevent him from playing in the season opener. Campbell said he wasn’t sure what his status was. ... Stay tuned.

Profile

The Facts: Following up on the previous item. ... Stallworth broke his foot in Saturday night’s game against the New York Giants and will probably be sidelined for two months.  Reported by the Associated Press

Diehards Line: HC John Harbaugh said Stallworth will have a screw placed in his foot. Harbaugh said he hopes to have Stallworth back on the field around the time the team has its bye week Oct. 31. ... Again, Mark Clayton, who left tonight's game with a minor concussion, tightens his grip on the No. 3 spot with Stallwoth injured.

Profile

The Facts: Campbell left Saturday night's game against the 49ers after being injured on a sack. He was diagnosed with a stinger.  Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: ampbell landed hard on his right shoulder. He was down on the ground for about five minutes before being carted off the field. Campbell was 6-for-8 for 93 yards before leaving the game. ... Bruce Gradkowski replaced Campbell to make his first appearance of the preseason. ... We'll follow up as developments warrant.

Profile

The Facts: HC John Harbaugh announced after Saturday night's win over the Giants that Stallworth suffered a broken foot in the game.  Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: Harbaugh told reporters the injury is not season-ending, but it will clearly cost Stallworth significant time. It should also be noted that Mark Clayton had been getting more work as the third WR anyhow. Now the deal is sealed. Adjust your rankings accordingly.

Profile

The Facts: Following up on the previous item. ... In addition to agent Adisa Bakari, Florida Times-Union staffer Tania Ganguli is citing a second independent source as disputing the reported rumor that Jones-Drew had athroscopic knee surgery. "Absolutely false," Bakari said. "Maurice did not have surgery. ..."  Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: Jones-Drew, who sat out three practices this week, told Ganguli directly on Thursday that he wasn't injured, just needed a break. ... Worth noting: The initial report was that Jones-Drew had the procedure "recently." Considering Jones-Drew was practicing prior to this week, it would be a rather quick -- as in unprecedented -- turnaround. As Bakari put it: "What arthroscopic surgery is there that a player can return in one week? There isn't one. ..." Of course, "recently" is vague enough to leave ample wiggle room. And there is reason to wonder why a fully healthy Jones-Drew wouldn't be on the field against the Buccaneers tomorrow. Jacksonville plans to have its starters in, health permitting, for the first three quarters. "It doesn't make sense for him to go out for three quarters and get smashed in a preseason game," Bakari said. "The organization has made a very smart decision to rest him." No argument with that. And no reason at this point to believe Jones-Drew won't be ready to go full speed come Week 1.

Profile

The Facts: Following up the previous item. ... HC Steve Spagnuolo confirmed on Friday that Avery suffered a torn ACL in last night's game against the Patriots. He will miss the entire season after undergoing reconstructive surgery.  Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line: The procedure will be performed when the swelling subsides sufficiently. ... As previously noted, Brandon Gibson is the most likely candidate to move into the starting spot opposite Laurent Robinson with Danny Amendola and rookie Marty Gilyard also contributing.

Profile

The Facts: Jones-Drew is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason due to a minor knee injury, according to several NFL sources with knowledge of the situation. It's been rumored that Jones-Drew recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure to clean out his knee from wear and tear. Reported by The National Football Post

Diehards Line: Per NFP's Aaron Wilson, sources say Jones-Drew had been dealing with lingering meniscus issues. One source told Wilson that Jones-Drew would be able to play as soon as this weekend's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if it were a regular-season game. However, the Jaguars are proceeding with caution with their featured back. Jones hasn't practiced all week and has insisted to reporters that he's not hurt. "It's like Allen Iverson said, it's practice," Jones-Drew said Thursday. "There's no worries. ..." Wilson agrees, writing, "At this point, there's no cause for concern as far as his availability for the regular season." Does it drop him below Ray Rice on your draft list? That's another question. ...

Profile

The Facts: Avery left Thursday night's preseason game against the New England Patriots with a right knee injury. Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line: Avery, who led Rams wide receivers with 47 catches last season, was hurt with 1:32 left in the first half. He jumped for Sam Bradford's long pass down the right sideline, fell and clutched his right knee as the ball dropped incomplete. FOXSports.com's Adam Caplan is reporting that team officials fear the injury is season-ending. ... Stay tuned. More as further details come to light.

Profile