Associated Press
The NFL notebook …
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. ó Rex Ryan still expects to win the Lombardi Trophy before the Oscar.
Even if he does show some serious acting chops in his new movie role. After all, the New York Jets coach was cast as a Boston-based lawyer who loves ó of all teams ó the New England Patriots in an upcoming Adam Sandler film called, “I Hate You, Dad.”
“It was funny because it really wasn’t a Patriots thing, but my suit, it’s pretty obvious it was a New England deal,” Ryan said Friday. “It was a lot of fun, but I’m not going to make a guarantee that there’s an Oscar coming up. I’m not making that guarantee.”
The bold, brash coach thinks he might have something on Robert De Niro.
“De Niro, Ryan,” he said Friday with a big grin, moving both hands up and down. “I don’t know. You have to see the movie and let me know what you think.”
VIKINGS
ST. PAUL, Minn. ó The Minnesota Vikings’ drive to line up state money for building a new football stadium regained momentum just hours after it had seemed to fall apart.
The team’s lead allies in the House and Senate said they would introduce a detailed stadium proposal then air it in public hearings, with a goal of passing a plan before the regular legislative session starts in late January.
RAIDERS
ALAMEDA, Calif. ó Oakland Raiders star running back Darren McFadden will not play Sunday against Denver because of a sprained right foot.
STEELERS
PITTSBURGH ó Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley will not play Sunday night in the AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens due to a hamstring injury sustained in last week’s win over New England.
RAMS
ST. LOUIS ó Quarterback Sam Bradford was active in practice Friday for the St. Louis Rams, who have listed him as questionable for this Sunday’s game at Arizona.
Bradford, who has missed two games with a high left ankle sprain, worked in 7-on-7 drills as well as doing some individual work.