Ex-MU wideout Gage is ailing

Tennessee receiver Justin Gage has several broken transverse process bones in his lower back, and he is unlikely to play Sunday against Buffalo. Gage, in his seventh NFL season out of Missouri, was injured when he fell to the ground after making a leaping catch to set up the go-ahead touchdown in last week's 34-27 win at San Francisco. He finished the game with a season-high 97 yards receiving.

Gage started hurting once the adrenaline wore off, and the Titans ran a variety of X-rays and scans. The injury does not involve any structure crucial to the spine, and Gage said he has had no problem moving his hands and feet.



Portis is out — Redskins running back Clinton Portis' concussion will keep him from playing Sunday against Denver. Portis was hurt in a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Sunday's 31-17 loss to Atlanta. His injury means Ladell Betts will get his first start since 2006, assuming Betts is able to play. The backup is nursing a sprained ankle and did not practice Thursday.

Eagles shuffle lineup — Injuries and a suspension will force the Eagles to use several players in different roles Sunday against San Diego. Chris Gocong, usually the strongside linebacker, will move to middle linebacker to replace Will Witherspoon, who will go to the weak side and rookie Moise Fokou gets his second start on the strong side.

The latest switches were prompted by a knee injury to starting weak side linebacker Akeem Jordan. The Eagles already have lost injured linebackers Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither for the season.

Those aren't the only changes. Seldom-used cornerback Dimitri Patterson will play nickel back in place of Ellis Hobbs, who is out for the season with a neck injury, and Joselio Hanson, who was suspended four games this week for violating the NFL's drug policy. Quintin Demps will replace Hobbs as the team's primary kickoff returner.

Meanwhile, running back Brian Westbrook practiced Thursday and is expected to return Sunday after being sidelined by a concussion and ankle ailment.



Elsewhere — Chargers center Nick Hardwick is not likely to play this weekend because of a sore ankle. ... Dolphins starting guard Justin Smiley was sent to a doctor because of a shoulder injury and might not play this weekend. Also sitting out practice Thursday for a second consecutive day was starting outside linebacker Joey Porter (knee). ... Bills coach Dick Jauron remains hopeful wideout Terrell Owens will play Sunday despite missing practice again because of a strained hip. ... The Associated Press, citing sources, said Falcons coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a sideline scuffle last weekend that involved Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who avoided punishment. The NFL also fined Redskins safety LaRon Landry $7,500, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth $5,000 and Falcons director of athletic performance Jeff Fish $2,500. Hall was not fined. (From news services)