News briefs: Redskins CB Springs might play despite missing practice

ASHBURN, Va. -- Shawn Springs, Jason Taylor and Stephon Heyer all sat out practice again for the Washington Redskins on Friday, although coach Jim Zorn held out hope Springs would be able to play Sunday against the Eagles.

Springs strained a calf muscle in the second half of last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Zorn had initially indicated he would need to see Springs practice during the week before allowing him to play, but Friday the coach said he'll give the veteran cornerback more time to heal over the weekend.

"Shawn Springs to me is still a question mark," Zorn said. "I just want to see on Sunday for him. He would be one guy I would definitely play without the (practice) reps."

Springs was listed as questionable on the injury report.

As expected, defensive end Taylor was officially ruled out. It will be the second game he has missed since undergoing emergency calf surgery Sept. 22.

"I can't predict when that's going to all come together," Zorn said. Full story

Gage doubtful for Ravens game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans might be without wide receiver Justin Gage for the second time in three games when they travel to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher said Friday that Gage, second on the team with 12 receptions, would be listed as doubtful because of a right knee injury that has kept him out of practice all week.

Gage missed a game two weeks ago against Houston because of a groin injury, but had five receptions for 92 yards in last Sunday's 30-17 victory over the Vikings.

Fisher said Gage's injury should not linger past the bye, which comes Oct. 12.

Vick's legal team asks for mediator

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Lawyers for Michael Vick asked a federal bankruptcy judge to appoint a mediator to help settle his debts to creditors, saying a third party might expedite a resolution in the case.

Vick, once the highest-paid player in the NFL, listened in silently by telephone from the federal prison at Leavenworth, Kan., where he is serving a 23-month sentence for a dogfighting conviction last summer that magnified his financial troubles.

The mediation proposal came near the end of a 90-minute pretrial conference to discuss Assistant U.S. Trustee Kenneth N. Whitehurst III's motion asking for a trustee to take control of Vick's assets as the bankruptcy case proceeds.

Vick's attorneys argued against appointing a trustee, saying that liquidating the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback's assets could hinder his ability to get back in the NFL when he is released from prison next summer.