NFL Notebook: Injury-plagued Browns sitting

Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 21, 2008

Associated Press
The NFL notebook …
BEREA, Ohio ó Quarterback Derek Anderson and five teammates did not practice on Wednesday and weren’t expected to play against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
Anderson was out with a concussion he suffered when Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora sacked him early in the second quarter of Monday’s 37-34 loss to the New York Giants. Anderson didn’t visit the Browns practice field Wednesday and hasn’t talked to reporters since the game.
Running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring), receiver Braylon Edwards (foot), kick returner Joshua Cribbs (ankle), safety Brodney Pool (concussion) and linebacker Willie McGinest (groin) also didn’t practice.
All but Edwards were hurt Monday.
PANTHERS
CHARLOTTEó When free agent Keydrick Vincent was shopping for a new team this offseason, he was intrigued with the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers were determined to get bigger and more physical on the offensive line. And at 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Vincent certainly fit the profile.Vincent signed with Carolina, then quickly beat out fellow newcomer Toniu Fonoti for the starting job at right guard.
– CHARLOTTE ó The Panthers released injured defensive tackle Ian Scott and signed receiver Sean Bailey on Wednesday.
RAMS
ST. LOUIS ó St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson ended his holdout on Wednesday while his agent continues negotiations for a new contract.
The 235-pound Jackson, a bruising runner and the centerpiece of the team’s offense, is entering the final year of a five-year, $7 million deal he signed in 2004.
RAVENS
OWINGS MILLS, Md.ó Troy Smith will be the Ravens starting quarterback for Saturday’s preseason game against the St. Louis Rams, coach John Harbaugh said. The former Heisman Trophy winner may play as much as three quarters as the Ravens want to evaluate him as they try to determine who will be the QB in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.
Former starter Kyle Boller is Smith’s chief competition, yet he might not even play.