Concussion suffered by Dolphins' Green judged 'most severe'

Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Trent Green suffered the most severe form of a concussion in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans, and there is no timetable for his return.

Cleo Lemon, a fourth-year veteran who filled in for Green during the 22-19 loss, was named the starter for Sunday's road game against Cleveland, and likely will retain the job as long as he performs at a high level, and Green remains sidelined by the effects of his Grade 3 concussion.

When asked why Green, a 14-year NFL veteran who has a history of suffering bad concussions, should prolong his career instead of retiring, coach Cam Cameron sidestepped the question by pointing out there are too many unknowns at this time.

"I don't think we really know the full extend of [the injury]. There are some ongoing tests that are going to take place," Cameron said. "... Right now, I just think there are too many unknowns, and I don't see a reason to go there at this point."

Green laid unconscious on the field for less than five minutes after his head collided with the knee of Houston defensive tackle Travis Johnson while making a legal cut block on a botched reverse. He was taken to a nearby hospital for observation but released shortly after.

Broncos' Nalen tears biceps, is out for year

Denver Broncos center Tom Nalen tore his right biceps muscle and will be out for the season.

The five-time Pro Bowler was injured in the first quarter of a 41-3 loss to San Diego on Sunday, but kept playing.

"We couldn't even run inside running plays, had to run outside running plays," coach Mike Shanahan said. "He didn't have any strength in there. It kind of gives you an idea of what he's made of."

The Broncos also lost tight end Nate Jackson for the season because of a torn groin. Cornerback Champ Bailey, who injured his left quadriceps against the Chargers, should be ready for the Pittsburgh game on Oct. 21.

Injury ends career of Seahawks' Strong

Seahawks fullback Mack Strong has a spinal cord condition that is ending his career immediately -- but not affecting his quality of life.

And for that, the 36-year-old Pro Bowler, husband and father of two is grateful.

"I've played a long time, 15 years. I felt like I was pretty lucky, pretty blessed," a teary-eyed Strong said Monday after learning that a herniated disk in his neck is pinching his spinal cord -- and ending an unheralded, improbable career that began as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 1993.

Etc.

• After experiencing pain trying to throw Monday, Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme decided to have season-ending ligament-replacement surgery on his elbow next week, leaving the Panthers without their leader on offense and scrambling to find another quarterback.

• Guard Scott Wells will miss next week's game against Washington after he broke a bone around his eye when he was poked by a defensive lineman, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. McCarthy also said wide receiver Greg Jennings' sprained shoulder was feeling better.

• The Cleveland Browns were awaiting MRI results on running back Jamal Lewis' sprained right foot, an injury that knocked him out after one play in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots.

• Irritated over what he thought was a cheap shot in the closing seconds of Sunday's 34-17 loss, Brown guard Steinbach called Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel "classless" on Monday and hopes the NFL fines one of New England's top players. Steinbach felt Vrabel purposely dived at the knees of rookie tackle Joe Thomas' legs with 11 seconds remaining on a play that was stopped when Browns quarterback Derek Anderson spiked the ball.

• Tampa Bay's Michael Pitt- man could be sidelined up to two months with an ankle sprain that has the Buccaneers scrambling for experienced help at running back.

• The Bears' victory over the Packers on Sunday night fired a 20.5 rating and 33 share on local NBC affiliate KARE (Ch. 11), placing this market behind only Milwaukee (46.1/63) and Chicago (30.9/46) among the metered markets in the United States.