News briefs: Rams practice without Jackson, Boller

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams returned to the practice field Friday, a day after an undisclosed number of swine flu cases on the team forced them to cancel a workout.

Running back Steven Jackson and quarterback Kyle Boller were among four players who missed the outdoor workout due to flu-like symptoms.

Boller also missed practice Wednesday so the Rams are almost certain to go with rookie Keith Null for a second straight week against the Houston Texans.

Wide receiver Brandon Gibson and defensive tackle Darell Scott also missed Friday's practice, while center Jason Brown confirmed he was diagnosed with swine flu. Full story

Giants' Ross reinjures hamstring, skips practice

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Defensive back Aaron Ross reinjured his troublesome left hamstring and his status for the New York Giants' crucial game against the Washington Redskins on Monday night is uncertain.

Coach Tom Coughlin said Ross was hurt Thursday afternoon and he was unable to practice a day later.

Ross hurt the hamstring twice in training camp and he missed the first nine weeks of the season. He made his first start last Sunday, playing safety against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cornerback Corey Webster sprained his left knee against Philadelphia and he has not been able to practice this week. It seemed the Giants were going to move Ross back to cornerback, where he would join Terrell Thomas as the other starter.

Packers' Pickett may return Sunday

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Nose tackle Ryan Pickett has been the anchor of a Green Bay Packers defense that ranks second in the NFL against the run and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in the past 10 games.

Pickett missed the last game with a hamstring injury but has a chance to be a factor again in Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.

Coach Mike McCarthy says Pickett's status will be determined Saturday. Pickett is listed as questionable but says he's confident he will return to the starting lineup Sunday.

Cornerback Charles Woodson (shoulder), linebacker Nick Barnett (knee) and defensive end Johnny Jolly (knee) are probable.

Broncos' Buckhalter misses another practice, doubtful

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Oakland after missing all of this week's practices with a sprained ankle.

Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno, who has a less severe ankle injury, is probable for Sunday after his second straight full practice.

Safety Renaldo Hill also is expected to miss the game after sitting out all week with an ankle injury, and cornerback Ty Law (hamstring) returned to practice after missing two workouts and is listed as questionable.

Also, Elvis Dumervil, the NFL sacks leader with 15, is expected to play after his second straight full practice. He missed Wednesday's workout with a toe injury.

Runyan: U.S. spending motivating Congress run

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. -- San Diego Chargers offensive lineman Jon Runyan said that concerns about federal spending are a main reason he wants to run for Congress as a Republican.

The lineman, who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, announced last month that he would retire from football after finishing this season with the Chargers and make his first run for elected office.

Runyan is the first Republican to declare he's running, and it's not clear whether he might face a primary battle next year. His goal is to unseat first-term Democrat John Adler in New Jersey's 3rd District, which stretches from the Philadelphia suburbs to the shore.

After spending the past several weeks studying public issues, along with his football playbook, Runyan gave his first interviews to political reporters by phone from San Diego.

Bills' Simmons fifth O-lineman on IR

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills right guard Kendall Simmons was placed on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury.

The eight-year NFL veteran had started the past three games after signing in late November to help an offensive line devastated by injuries. He becomes the Bills' fifth offensive lineman put on season-ending IR.

Richie Incognito, acquired off waivers on Wednesday, will likely get the start at right guard Sunday against New England.

Receiver Terrell Owens (illness) is questionable for the Patriots game after missing his second straight practice Friday. Left tackle Jonathan Scott (eye) is also questionable.

Skrepenak admits taking bribe

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- A former NFL lineman who became a county commissioner in northeastern Pennsylvania has resigned and agreed to plead guilty to accepting a bribe.

Greg Skrepenak is accused of taking $5,000 from a developer for supporting a tax-incentive program. He faces at least 33 months in prison under the terms of the plea agreement filed Friday in federal court.

Defense attorney Peter Moses says Skrepenak accepts responsibility for his actions but declined further comment.

Seahawks' Curry probable for Sunday

RENTON, Wash. -- Despite barely being able to walk earlier this week, rookie Aaron Curry will be able to play for Seattle.

Curry is probable after fully participating in practice the last two days with a hip pointer injury.

Curry was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Seattle Seahawks' 34-7 loss to the Houston Texans. Curry was trying to get off a block to tackle Texans running back Arian Foster when teammate David Hawthorne came flying in and put his helmet in Curry's right hip.

Friday was the best he'd felt all week.