Every week is a battle of attrition in NFL as shown by the injury report from week 7. The following players left games with injuries this week: Steelers CB Bryant McFadden (arm injury), Steelers SS Troy Polamalu (head – possible concussion), Saints RB Reggie Bush (will not make the trip to London as he will have surgery on his left knee and will miss 3-4 weeks), Saints C Jonathan Goodwin (left knee injury), Bills reserve LB John DiGiorgio (right knee injury), Cowboys LB Bradie James (hyperextended left elbow), Bills RG Brad Butler (strained left knee), Bears WR/KR Devin Hester (quad injury), Jets RT Damien Woody (left leg injury), Chiefs QB Damon Huard (thumb), Broncos starting QB Jay Cutler (finger), Patriots FS Rodney Harrison (knee), Broncos CB Champ Bailey (groin), Broncos LB Boss Bailey (knee) and 49ers SS Michael Lewis (sprained knee).
Additionally the following players suffered injuries in week 7 that will cause them to miss the rest of the 2008 season: Chiefs starting QB Brodie Croyle (right knee injury), Cowboys SS Roy Williams (broken right forearm), and Bengals rookie LB Keith Rivers (broken jaw).
By the way we all know about Steelers safety Troy Polamalu’s running feud with Commissioner Roger Goodell over fines and reprimands for “safety-related/dirty” plays not flagged during games. Well Steelers receiver Hines Ward should expect another hit to his wallet from the NFL for actions in the Steelers 38-10 shellacking of the Bengals. I am sure Goodell and Assistant Commissioner Gene Washington are already reviewing the tape of his devastating block of Keith Rivers that caused the rookie to be blown-up thus suffering the aforementioned season-ending broken jaw.
Many Steelers fans will say that Hines Ward is a gritty player, but plays like the block on Rivers will justifiably draw the ire of the NFL. Ward is no doubt a tough player and I have respected his play over his borderline Hall of Fame career. But to hit a guy away from the play while leaving your feet to deliver a blow is over the top in my opinion. In the future, Ward better not only watch for league actions, but also actions from angry defensive players seeking retribution.
Taking it to the House 