LITTLE ROCK — NFL
Jones on committee
IRVING, Texas - Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones, 45, has joined the NFL's competition committee, a prestigious post previously held by his father, Jerry Jones, and longtime team President Tex Schramm.
"This is both an honor and a great responsibility," Stephen Jones said. "I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute."
Jones, a Little Rock Catholic graduate who played at Arkansas, has helped run the club since his father bought the team in 1989.
The appointment came from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Jones fills the post vacated when Mark Richardson resigned as president of the Carolina Panthers.
The committee's co-chairmen are Tennessee Titans Coach Jeff Fisher and Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay. Other members are Cincinnati Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis, New York Giants President John Mara, Baltimore Ravens executive Ozzie Newsome, Indianapolis Colts President Bill Polian and Houston Texans General Manager Rick Smith.
Each year, the group recommends rules changes to the entire ownership group at the NFL's annual spring meeting.
Steelers safety fined
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers safety Tyrone Carter was fined $5,000 for a hit on Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen on Sunday that left him with a bruised left thigh.
Carter played hurt the rest of the game and said he might have given up a game-tying touchdown pass because of it. The Bears won 17-14.
"They said I led with the crown of my helmet," Carter said. "I watched the play over and over again and I hit him in the shoulder. So I don't know. Ask the league. Of course, I'm going to appeal." COWBOYS Barber practices
IRVING, Texas - Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber participated in some of practice Thursday and his status remains undetermined for the Monday night game against the Carolina Panthers.
Barber hurt his left thigh at the end of a 35-yard run on his final carry of the game against the New York Giants on Sunday night.
Backups Felix Jones (Arkansas Razorbacks) and Tashard Choice got extra work in Barber's place Thursday. CHIEFS LB to miss game
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson, who's made at least one big play in both games this year, says a pulled groin muscle will keep him out of Sunday's game at Philadelphia.
Johnson, a four-year starter whose playing time has been reduced by Coach Todd Haley, said he was hurt in the final minutes of Sunday's loss to Oakland. He had an interception and a long return that set up a touchdown in the opener and an early sack of JaMarcus Russell against the Raiders.
EAGLES McNabb still out
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabbis still not able to practice and it appears unlikely he will play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
McNabb, who suffered a broken rib in a season-opening victory over the Carolina Panthers, is expected to miss his second consecutive game.
Third-year quarterback Kevin Kolb started Sunday in a loss to the New Orleans Saints and is expected to start again.
Veterans Jeff Garcia and Michael Vick, back from his league suspension, will be the backups.
GIANTS
Safety out for season
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Safety Kenny Phillips' season with the New York Giants ended just days after the best game of his career.
Phillips, who had two interceptions in Sunday night's victory over the Dallas Cowboys, was placed on injured reserve because of an unhealthy left knee.
Phillips was leading the team in interceptions (2) and tackles (16) and was tied for the lead in passes defended (2).
Sports, Pages 27 on 09/25/2009