Advertisement

NFL-National Football League roundup

Sept 24 (The Sports Xchange) - The Green Bay Packers ruled out linebacker Clay Matthews and safety Morgan Burnett for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. The two players were downgraded on Saturday after previously being listed as doubtful. Matthews aggravated an ankle injury in a loss to the Vikings last Sunday and also is dealing with a hamstring injury. Burnett had a hamstring injury in the second half against the Vikings, but was listed on this week's injury report with a groin injury. -- The Lions signed linebacker Zaviar Gooden to the active roster and waived wide receiver Aaron Dobson. Gooden was signed to the practice squad this week after originally participating in training camp. Injured cornerback Adairius Barnes and linebackers DeAndre Levy and Antwione Williams were downgraded to out for Sunday's game at Green Bay. -- Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, listed as doubtful for Sunday night's game against the Cowboys because of a sprained right thumb, made the trip to Dallas. Cutler suffered the injury during last Monday night's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears also announced that running back Ka'Deem Carey and nose tackle Eddie Goldman will not play against the Cowboys. Linebacker Danny Trevathan (thumb) already had been ruled out. -- San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick joined players and coaches of a high school football team in Oakland, Calif., on Friday night in their protest during the national anthem. Kaepernick kneeled with the team and numerous players were photographed lying on their backs with their hands raised. Kaepernick said earlier this week he has received death threats for protesting what he calls racial inequalities and injustices taking place in America, including fatal police shootings. He visited with players from Castlemont High School and spoke with the team in the locker room before the game. "You are important, you make a difference, this matters. Everything you do matters," Kaepernick told the players in videos circulating Saturday morning on social media. -- Lady Gaga is expected to be the headline performer at halftime of Super Bowl 51 in Houston. Sources told SportsBusiness Daily that the official announcement likely will be made on Sunday during FOX's NFL pregame show. Gaga received rave reviews for her rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. Coldplay was the halftime act. -- The New York Giants promoted rookie safety Andrew Adams from the practice squad because of recent injuries to safeties Mykkele Thompson and Darian Thompson. Cornerback Michael Hunter, who was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday, was waived. Mykkele Thompson was placed on season-ending injured reserve this week with a knee injury and the Giants said rookie starting free safety Darian Thompson would miss Sunday's home game against the Washington Redskins with a foot injury. -- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the New Orleans Saints but returned to practice in a limited capacity Saturday while recovering from a calf injury. Jones, held out of practice Thursday and Friday, told reporters Saturday he will be ready to play. He caught five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' 35-28 win over the Oakland Raiders last Sunday in which he was injured after colliding with two Raiders defenders. (Editing by Larry Fine) ))