NFL notes

— NFL COMMISSIONER Replacement refs likely

NEW YORK - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says possibly using replacement referees for regular-season games is worthwhile to ensure long-term improvements to officiating.

The league and the NFL Referees Association have yet to reach an agreement, and Goodell acknowledged Thursday that time was running out to make the regular officials available for the openers.

“We’re anxious to get a deal done, but it has to get done that it’s going to help us for the long term,” Goodell said at a fantasy football event in Times Square. “It’s not a short-term issue.”

Of the replacement refs who have been calling preseason games, Goodell said: “We think they’ll do a very credible job.”

Officials probably need a week to 10 days to prepare for the season, Goodell said, and the first game is Sept. 5, 13 days away. The first fullSunday of games is Sept. 9.

NFLRA lead negotiator Mike Arnold said Thursday that officials have been training on their own during the lockout and would need less than a week to prep.

“We’re ready to go,” he said.

While the NFL and officials disagree on some financial matters, Goodell also characterized the differences as “philosophical.” The NFL’s proposal includes making some refs full-time - currently all game officials work part time with outside jobs - and adding more crews.

Arnold said that the union was open to discussing such issues but any proposal to increase the number of officials while decreasing the pay for current refs was not viable.

Increasing the pool of officials would allow the league to replace individual officials or entire crews that are not performing well, Goodell said.

“Then it’s based on performance,which is what fans all want, players all want, coaches all want,” he said.

FALCONS Less action for Turner?

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Michael Turner, who has the most carries in the NFL the past four seasons, is facing the possibility of a diminished role this season.

Turner has flourished in Atlanta’s run-first offense, claiming the Falcons’ career record for rushing touchdowns in only four seasons.

There are new questions for the 30-year-old Turner in a pass-first offense. He looked slower late last season and in limited carries in his first two preseason games.

New offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s scheme is emphasizing Matt Ryan’s passes, including screens that may better suit the skills of second-year running back Jacquizz Rodgers.

Coach Mike Smith said this week Turner is still “our No. 1 back.” The veteran has a chance to disprove his doubters in the Falcons’ preseason game at Miami tonight.

REDSKINS Hightower returns

ASHBURN, Va. - Tim Hightower is set to play in his first game since reconstructive knee surgery, while two other running backs contending for the Washington Redskins starting job will sit out Saturday’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday that, barring a setback, Hightower will get some plays against the Colts but not start.

Hightower tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last season and has been gradually increasing his workload in practice. He said he’s no longer hesitating or thinking about contact when he hits the hole.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” Hightower said. “You wake up each day, you don’t know how you’re goingto feel. My mind is ready to practice and play and do everything, but you’ve just got to take it dayto-day. This morning I woke up and felt great, so that was definitely a good sign.”

Hightower’s return is timely because Evan Royster and Roy Helu Jr. will miss the game with injuries. Helu woke up two days ago with a sore right knee and hasn’t been able to practice. A magnetic resonance imaging was negative.

“I guess they’re just being cautious with it,” Royster said. “I’d still like to play Saturday. It’s nothing serious. I just woke up with a sore knee.”

Helu, who has two sore Achilles, will miss his second game in a row.

STEELERS Special teams coach fired

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers fired special teams coordinator Al Everest on Thursday and replaced him with former assistant special teams coach Amos Jones.

Everest, who held his position since 2010, presided over units that ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in kick return, punt return and net punting average yardage last season.

Everest was about to enter his 16th season as an NFL special teams coach.

“We are continually evaluating our coaching staff and support staff, and we have decided to go in a different direction with respect to the coaching of our special teams,” Coach Mike Tomlin said. “I want to thank Al for his contributions and efforts, and I wish him well in the future.”

Jones was on Tomlin’s original staff in 2007, first as an assistant to special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky before staying on to work under Everest for the Steelers.

Sports, Pages 24 on 08/24/2012

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