News briefs: Eagles re-sign LB Trotter, release QB Garcia
CBSSports.com wire reports
PHILADELPHIA -- Jeremiah Trotter is back with the Philadelphia Eagles after a year away from the NFL.
The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker signed with the team Tuesday. To make room for him, the Eagles released quarterback Jeff Garcia.
A 10-year veteran, Trotter, 32, last played with Tampa Bay in December 2007. He has credited knee surgery last year with making him feel he could return to the field.
Exactly what role Trotter will play is unclear. Starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley is on injured reserve after tearing a knee ligament in training camp. Omar Gaither has started the first three games this season in his place.
The 6-foot-1, 262-pound Trotter likely will serve as a run-stuffing specialist for the Eagles, who are ranked 15th in the league against the run, giving up 106 yards per game through the first three weeks of the season.
A third-round pick by the Eagles in 1998, Trotter went to Pro Bowls in 2000 and 2001. He left as a free agent for Washington for two years and returned in 2004, eventually winning the starting job and making two more Pro Bowls. Full story
Steelers might bench drop-plagued Sweed
PITTSBURGH -- Steelers receiver Limas Sweed may have dropped his way onto the bench.
Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin says he may deactivate Sweed, the team's second-round pick last year, for Sunday night's game against the San Diego Chargers (2-1).
"Absolutely," Tomlin said at his news conference when asked if he was considering benching Sweed in favor of veteran Shaun McDonald.
Sweed had one catch for 5 yards and dropped a pass in the end zone in the third quarter on Sunday as the Steelers fell to 1-2 with a 23-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1). Sweed, who missed the previous game with a foot injury, has a history of dropped passes in his young career -- most famously a drop while wide open during last season's AFC Championship game.
Titans place punter Hentrich on IR
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans have brought back veteran returner Mark Jones weeks after releasing him to fix their struggling special teams.
The Titans (0-3) signed Jones this offseason, then cut him Sept. 4. But using rookies as their returners resulted in two turnovers and 14 points in last weekend's 24-17 loss to the New York Jets.
They gave Jones a physical and signed him back to the roster.
Tennessee placed veteran punter Craig Hentrich on injured reserve. He strained a calf muscle Sept. 20. Running back Chris Henry was released from the roster with running back Rodney Ferguson cut from the practice squad.
Bills' Whitner seeks dismissal as first-time offender
CLEVELAND -- Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner wants his disorderly conduct case in Cleveland dismissed through a probation program for first-time offenders.
Whitner's attorney asked Municipal Court Judge Angela Stokes to approve his participation in the program that would allow the player to clear his record once he finishes probation. Court spokesman Ed Ferenc says Stokes scheduled an Oct. 27 hearing.
The prosecutor's office didn't object to Whitner's request.
Whitner was arrested in April on allegations of trying to force his way past police officers dealing with a crowd outside a nightclub. He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Bears sign LB McClover, release CB Smith
LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears have signed linebacker Darrell McClover to a one-year contract and released cornerback DeAngelo Smith.
The terms of McClover's deal were not disclosed.
McClover appeared in 22 games with the Bears from 2006-08 registering 36 special teams tackles and two blocked punts. For his NFL career, the 2004 seventh-round draft pick of the New York Jets has 61 special teams tackles in 38 games.
Smith was inactive for the Bears last two contests after being claimed off waivers in Week 2.
Vikings swap backup centers
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have swapped backup centers again, waiving Kory Lichtensteiger and signing Jon Cooper from the practice squad.
Cooper made the final cut out of training camp, but was waived the next day when Lichtensteiger was signed after being dropped by the Denver Broncos. The undrafted rookie Cooper was then placed on the practice squad.
John Sullivan is set as the starter. Reserve lineman Ryan Cook can also fill in at center.
Also, the Vikings signed offensive tackle Patrick Brown and wide receiver Vinny Perretta to the practice squad. Wide receiver Nick Moore was released from the eight-person squad.
