Colts’ Freeney may miss 2-3 weeks

INDIANAPOLIS - Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney could miss two to three weeks with an injured right quadriceps, according to a report on ESPN's Web site.

The article cited an unnamed league source.

A Colts spokesman said the team would not provide a more detailed injury report until today. Freeney's agent did not respond to e-mails sent by The Associated Press.

Freeney was injured on the last play of the third quarter of Sunday's victory over Arizona. Freeney has four sacks this season, fourth in the NFL and AFC, and is a former league sacks leader.

Pennington on IR; Miami gets Thigpen

MIAMI - Chad Pennington's season officially ended with a trade that didn't involve him. The Miami Dolphins placed Pennington on the reserve-injured list to create a roster spot for quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who was acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick.

Pennington hurt his right shoulder Sunday at San Diego, an injury that leaves his career in jeopardy. At 33, he likely faces a third operation on the shoulder since 2005.

Thigpen shores up depth behind second-year pro Chad Henne, who is expected to make his first NFL start Sunday against Buffalo. Rookie Pat White is the Dolphins' other quarterback.

Thigpen, a third-year pro, went 1-10 as a starter for the woeful Chiefs last year and three for 2,608 yards with 18 TDs and 12 interceptions.

Trotter back with Eagles; Garcia cut

PHILADELPHIA - Jeremiah Trotter is back with the Philadelphia Eagles after a year away from the NFL. The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker signed with the team yesterday. To make room for him, the Eagles released quarterback Jeff Garcia.

"Jeremiah Trotter has always been one of my favorite players," coach Andy Reid said. "He has worked very hard to keep himself in shape and we are pleased with where he is physically."

A 10-year veteran, Trotter, 32, last played with Tampa Bay in December 2007. He has credited knee surgery last year with making him feel he could return to the field.

Exactly what role Trotter will play is unclear. Starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley is on injured reserve after tearing a knee ligament in training camp. Omar Gaither has started the first three games this season in his place.

Donovan McNabb's recovery from a broken rib in the season opener, the strong play of backup Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick's return from suspension made Garcia expendable. The Eagles signed Garcia to back up Kolb after McNabb was hurt on a touchdown run against Carolina.

Police investigating case involving Pats CB

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. - Police in Massachusetts are investigating a weekend incident at the home of New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Wilhite that resulted in him suffering a minor injury.

North Attleboro police said officers responded to a call from Wilhite on Sunday morning concerning suspicious activity. Wilhite told police that two people were in the parking lot outside his residence when he arrived home, and one approached him and yelled at him.

Wilhite said he ran to a convenience store where he asked the clerk to call police. Wilhite told police he pulled his groin while running. No arrests were reported.

Wilhite, who was not on the Patriots' final injury report last week, was a surprise scratch for Sunday's game, a 26-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Rams LB suspended

ST. LOUIS - The NFL suspended St. Louis Rams linebacker David Vobora without pay for the next four games for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances. The NFL said Vobora's suspension begins immediately. He can return to the active roster Oct. 26. Vobora was the last overall pick of last year's draft. He became a starter this year.

Sweed to bench?

PITTSBURGH - Steelers receiver Limas Sweed may have dropped his way onto the bench. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said he may deactivate Sweed, the team's second-round pick last year, for Sunday night's game against the San Diego Chargers (2-1).

Sweed had one catch for 5 yards and dropped a pass in the end zone in the third quarter Sunday as the defending Super Bowl champions fell to 1-2 with a 23-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1).

Elsewhere

• New Orleans placed former Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown on injured reserve because of his hip injury, ending his season. Brown had been sidelined since early in the preseason, first by a sports hernia and later by a left hip injury that required surgery.

• Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner wants his disorderly conduct case in Cleveland dismissed through a probation program for first-time offenders. Whitner's attorney asked Municipal Court Judge Angela Stokes to approve his participation in the program that would allow the player to clear his record once he finishes probation. Court spokesman Ed Ferenc said Stokes scheduled an Oct. 27 hearing.

• Tennessee brought back veteran returner Mark Jones weeks after releasing him to fix their struggling special teams. The Titans (0-3) signed Jones this offseason, then cut him Sept. 4. But using rookies as their returners resulted in two turnovers and 14 points in last weekend's 24-17 loss to the New York Jets. Tennessee placed veteran punter Craig Hentrich on injured reserve. He strained a calf muscle Sept. 20. Running back Chris Henry was released from the roster with running back Rodney Ferguson cut from the practice squad.

• Chicago signed linebacker Darrell McClover to a one-year contract and released cornerback DeAngelo Smith. McClover appeared in 22 games with the Bears during 2006-08, registering 36 special teams tackles and two blocked punts.