Associated Press
BOSTON ó Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable will be subject to NFL discipline if he is implicated by police in their investigation of an alleged assault on an assistant coach.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday that workplace violence is specifically identified in the league’s personal conduct policy and, if Cable is charged with any crimes, he could be punished by the NFL.
Goodell expects to receive a report “in the next couple weeks” on the Napa, Calif., police investigation, which is in the hands of the district attorney. He said the league is “allowing the criminal process to go forward for some period of time” before potentially getting involved.
STEELERS
PITTSBURGH ó Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith has a right shoulder injury that coach Mike Tomlin said “potentially could be significant.”
Smith, injured Sunday in Detroit, was being evaluated Tuesday. The Steelers are not yet certain how long one of their most reliable and productive players will be out, although they apparently are anticipating an extended absence.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who has missed four games due to a torn left knee ligament, and running back Willie Parker (left big toe) are expected to return Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
BILLS
BUFFALO, N.Y. ó The Bills signed linebacker Chris Draft and safety Todd Johnson in a bid to improve their injury-riddled defense. Draft is a 10-year veteran who had 38 tackles for the Rams last season.
BENGALS
CINCINNATI ó The Bengals made a change at long snapper, releasing Brad St. Louis after his string of errant snaps cost Cincinnati on field goals and extra-point attempts.
SEAHAWKS
RENTON, Wash. ó Injury problems continued to mount for the Seattle Seahawks offensive line as left tackle Brandon Frye was placed on injured reserve. He suffered a neck injury early in Sunday’s 41-0 win over Jacksonville.
RAVENS
OWINGS MILLS, Md. ó The Baltimore Ravens have signed David Tyree, who played in 73 games with the New York Giants before being cut last month.
Tyree is expected to contribute to special teams and could see time at receiver. He missed last season with a hamstring injury and this summer missed two preseason games because of a series of injuries.
RAMS
BOSTON ó Rush Limbaugh’s bid to buy the St. Louis Rams ran into opposition within the NFL when Colts owner Jim Irsay vowed to vote against him and commissioner Roger Goodell said the conservative commentator’s “divisive” comments would not be tolerated from any NFL insider.
PATRIOTS
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. ó Junior Seau is back with the Patriots, coming out of retirement for a third time to sign a contract for a 20th season.
The signing was announced by Versus, the television network on which Seau has a show. The Patriots have not announced the signing, which had been expected, although the team said he had a physical and a workout last week.