The New York Giants are wary of the noise they'll face in Qwest Field this Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Ernie Sims was fined $50,000 for his hit on Titans wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins in Week 7.

Jason Reid of the Washington Post looks at the highs and lows of the Washington Redskins defense during the first half of the season.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer is ready to rebound from a slow start, writes Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Six members of the New Orleans Saints, including running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, did not practice on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Josh Freeman share an elaborate root system, writes Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes took an unlikely path to the NFL, writes Jeff Haws of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams' foot sprain kept him out of Wednesday's practice.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson won't talk smack about Revis Island, writes John Niyo of The Detroit News.

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler needs to play with a sense of urgency, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice returned to the practice field on Wednesday.

With Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver out on Sunday, James Jones and Jordy Nelson will have increased roles in the offense.

St. Louis Rams first-round quarterback Sam Bradford sees plenty of room for improvement, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The concerns about the Seattle Seahawks' reshuffled offensive line are compounded by uncertainty at quarterback, writes Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith's separated shoulder also severed his connectivity with head coach Mike Singletary, writes Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt chose his starting quarterback on Wednesday.

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates tore the plantar fascia in his right foot.

Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski split the snaps during Wednesday's practice.

The Denver Broncos offensive line needs time to form a cohesive unit, writes Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post.

Starting with Sunday's trip to the Black Hole, five of the next seven games for the Kansas City Chiefs are away from Arrowhead.

Indianapolis Colts first-round defensive end Jerry Hughes made an impact during his increased workload on Monday night.

You may have heard this already, but Randy Moss is now a member of the Tennessee Titans. David Climer of The Tennessean weighs the pros and cons of adding Moss.

Despite a solid running game, Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub is taking more hits this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker is an emerging play-maker, writes Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.

Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter picked up his second straight AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is bothered by the missed opportunities from the Packers game.

New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins discussed his return to the team on Wednesday.

Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix thinks Shawne Merriman can help their 29th-ranked defense.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer discussed facing a Dick LeBeau-coached defense with Troy Polamalu in the secondary.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy will likely start this Sunday against New England.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison had a "semi-productive" meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis isn't satisfied with where he ranks on the NFL Network's list of the greatest players in NFL history.

Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals fullback Nehemiah Broughton (28), Panthers third-round wide receiver Brandon LaFell (24), Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (28), Cowboys first-round wide receiver Dez Bryant (22), Packers tight end Tom Crabtree (25), Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert (26), Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork (29), Steelers offensive lineman Tony Hills (26), Chargers wide receiver Gary Banks (29), Rams practice squad offensive tackle Ryan McKee (24), and Redskins safety Reed Doughty (28). Free agent cornerback Tyler Everett (27), defensive end Erasmus James (28), guards Adrian Martinez (23) and Isaac Snell (29), tight ends Richard Owens (30) and Matt Schobel (32), wide receivers Ryne Robinson (26) and Bryan Walters (23). Retired left tackle Orlando Pace (35), linebacker Monte Coleman (53), and running back Ron Springs (54).