Cowboys’ Brent returns after serving manslaughter sentence
Defensive tackle Josh Brent officially returned to the NFL on Tuesday when he was activated to the 53-man active roster of the Dallas Cowboys.
Head coach Jason Garrett announced the roster move at his press conference Tuesday afternoon.
Following this week’s bye, Brent is eligible to play Nov. 23 against the New York Giants, his first game since being convicted of intoxication manslaughter in the December 2012 car accident that killed teammate Jerry Brown.
Brent completed a 10-game suspension for his role in the accident.
Brent spent the final 45 days of his 180-day jail sentence in a treatment facility.
Panthers coach Rivera denies new Newton injury
Quarterback Cam Newton has a right foot injury the Carolina Panthers believe might be the result of compensating for the lingering soreness in his left ankle, according to media reports.
However, coach Ron Rivera opened his news conference on Tuesday by denying that Newton has a foot injury and does not know where the report came from, but there is no doubt that Newton is hobbling.
Newton was unable to avoid the pressure of the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night and was sacked nine times in a 45-21 defeat. He also was observed stretching what might be a groin or hamstring injury.
Penguins’ Maatta skates 7 days after surgery
Defenseman Olli Maatta of the Pittsburgh Penguins was back on the ice in full gear on Tuesday, seven days after having a potentially cancerous tumor removed from his thyroid gland.
However, Penguins coach Mike Johnston said he was not ready to alter the four-week schedule doctors set for Maatta’s return at the time of the surgery.
“We’ll see what happens as far as a timeline goes for him participating with the whole team, but it really is amazing how he handles things,” Johnston said.
NFL to rule on Peterson by Nov. 22
Running back Adrian Peterson should know his playing status by Nov. 22 based on the timeline mandated in the collective bargaining agreement for hearing grievances.
The NFL Players Association filed an expedited, non-injury grievance on behalf of Peterson, requesting removal from the Commissioner’s Exempt list. The official grievance was filed Monday, requiring a hearing within seven days and a ruling no more than five days later.
The hearing was scheduled for Nov. 17.
Peterson’s plea bargain on child abuse charges in Texas last week ended the legal process but the Minnesota Vikings said he will remain on the Commissioner-Exempt list while the league reviews the case under the personal conduct policy.
NBA grants Lakers roster exception
A disabled player exception was granted to the Los Angeles Lakers by the NBA to allow the team to fill the roster spot of rookie forward Julius Randle, who is out for the season with a broken leg suffered in the regular-season opener.
Randle’s roster spot can be filled for around $1.5 million, approximately 50 percent of his rookie salary.
No such exception was applied for by the Lakers to replace point guard Steve Nash. His $9.7 million salary could still be used to recoup an asset near the trade deadline. Nash has been ruled out for the season because of chronic nerve issues in his back.