NFL BY PAUL NEEDELL

NFL analysis by The Star-Ledger columnist

Cowboys WR Sam Hurd out indefinitely with high ankle sprain

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Friday August 29, 2008, 7:20 PM

Hurd is the No. 3 wideout for Dallas behind Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton. He was injured during the preseason finale vs. the Vikings Thursday night.

Now, the third wideout for "America's Team" in the Sept. 7 opener vs. the Browns may be Pro Bowl TE Jason Witten.

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Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie suspended first four games for violating NFL conduct policy

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Friday August 29, 2008, 6:45 PM

Someone else will be protecting the blind side of QB Tarvaris Jackson. McKinnie faces one felony charge and four misdemeanors stemming from a fight outside a Miami night club in February.

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Colts coach Tony Dungy 'will be shocked' if Peyton Manning misses Game 1

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Friday August 29, 2008, 3:30 PM

For those sweating out whether the seemingly indestructible QB might actually still be sidelined by the 'scope to remove a bursa sac in his left knee come the Sept. 7 opener vs. the Bears, you can rest easy now.

Eli's big brother Peyton will be there against Chicago. Take it from my man Dungy, who wouldn't say it if it wasn't true.

Good news for everyone but Da Bears.

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NFL commish Goodell reinstates Dallas Cowboys CB-PR Adam Jones

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Thursday August 28, 2008, 2:44 PM

Not surprising by NFL commisioner Roger Goodell, considering "Don't call me Pacman" has landed in no more off-the-field trouble that we know of. The story was broken by the Dallas Morning News. An official announcement from the league is expected later today.

This means Jones can suit up for the Sept. 7 opener vs. the Browns.

UPDATE: It was confirmed by the league at about 5 p.m.

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Inidianapolis Colts C Jeff Saturday (knee) out at least six weeks

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Thursday August 28, 2008, 11:15 AM

Could be even longer if the Pro Bowler opts for surgery to repair a torn medial collateral ligament, unlike foolish Chargers LB Shawne Merriman. If Saturday undergoes surgery, agent Ralph Cindrich expects him to be out until the second half of the season.

This is headline news because Saturday is the true yin to QB Peyton Manning's yang. The Colts have proven they can survive without the likes of WR Marvin Harrison for long stretches of time. However, Saturday is the indisputable leader of an offensive line that takes such good care of Manning.

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San Diego Chargers star LB Shawne Merriman says 'no' to knee surgery

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 6:01 PM

And we say he's crazy. Four orthopedic surgeons have told Merriman he needs season-ending surgery to repair the two torn ligaments in his left knee. He is stubbornly vowing to play on, even though further damage could turn the injury into a career-threatening one.

When you're 24 and have had 39.5 sacks in three seasons, guess you feel bulletproof. I'm amazed the Chargers -- who should know better -- are on board with Merriman taking such a chance.

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Giants, Jets: PSL spin doctors out in full force on this day after

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 12:37 PM

You knew this was coming, with valid points from both sides of the fan aisle. The only common refrain: These PSLs stink.

Jets owner Woody Johnson brags about "listening to the fans" by not hitting upper deck season-ticket holders with $1,000-$5,000 one-time charges to permanently control their tickets, which the Giants opted to do.

However, to make up for that lost revenue stream, Giants' supporters point out that Johnson is covering up a money grab with the no PSL "public-relations ploy." True, 27,000 seats come without those PSLs. But looking closer, the actual price of the upper tier tix are $10 more for the Jets than the Giants. Ten bucks

Ten bucks more per ticket for the Jets, winners of zero Super Bowls since the 1968 season. Ten bucks more than the Giants, the defending Super Bowl champs for the third time since '86.

That's 100 bucks a year for 10 home games. Or 500 bucks over five years; that's the $1,000 cost of the PSL over 10.

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Ex-Giants K Jay Feely's career with K.C. Chiefs lasts one day

by Paul Needell/The Star-Ledger

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:15 PM

Well, if the Giants want to bring back K Jay Feely, he's available again. He was cut by the Dolphins about two weeks ago before signing with the Chiefs yesterday.

Quite a negative impression Feely made in 24 hours in K.C. He was just cut again for his trouble. Hope he hadn't packed much.

We know the NFL is renowned for standing for, "Not For Long," but that's not even a cup of coffee long. Rough business.

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