NFL-National Football League roundup
Oct 31 (The Sports Xchange) - The Cincinnati Bengals activated linebacker Vontaze Burfict from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday. Burfict was cleared to rejoin the team in practice on Thursday after being on the unable to perform list since Sept. 5. Burfict was added to the active 53-man roster after practice Saturday and is expected to play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking his return to the field for the first time since Oct. 26, 2014. Burfict, a fourth-year player, was the Bengals' leading tackler in both 2012 and 2013. He was a Pro Bowl selection for the 2013 season. He played in five of the first seven games last season but missed the last nine games due to a left knee injury. - - - Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is hoping to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Bryant has been recovering from surgery to repair a broken right foot. He participated in team practice this week for the first time since sustaining the injury in the season opener on Sept. 13. "We want to see how I feel with this week of practice," Bryant said Friday in his first interview with the media since the injury. "It feels good being back there with my teammates. Practice has been great. I'm just trying to be smart about it. My confidence stays high. If the decision was left all up to me, you know I'd be playing." Bryant underwent a bone graft procedure during Sept. 14 surgery to help repair his broken fifth metatarsal. He also was given an injection of stem cells in Colorado to help with his recovery. - - - The Green Bay Packers upgraded cornerback Damarious Randall and defensive tackle B.J. Raji to probable on their injury report for Sunday night's game against the Denver Broncos. Randall has an ankle injury and Raji has a groin injury. - - - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers promoted defensive end Josh Shirley from the practice squad and waived (injured) tackle Reid Fragel. - - - The San Francisco 49ers promoted running back Kendall Gaskins to the active roster from the team's practice squad and waived running back Jarryd Hayne. Gaskins originally signed with the 49ers' practice squad in 2014. - - - Two days after losing Cameron Wake to a season-ending Achilles tendon injury, the Miami Dolphins placed the veteran defensive end on injured reserve. Wake was injured during the third quarter of Thursday night's 36-7 loss at New England when he attempted to sack quarterback Tom Brady. He was taken off the field and into the locker room on a cart and may have ended his seven-year run with the Dolphins. - - - Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and center Khaled Holmes were ruled out of Monday night's game at the Carolina Panthers. Dorsett is expected miss four to six weeks after having surgery to repair a fractured ankle. He has 11 catches for 167 yards with a touchdown. He was injured during last Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Holmes missed the second half of last Sunday's game due to a neck injury. He did not practice this week. Jonotthan Harrison will likely start in Holmes' place. - - - Panthers Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil was listed on the team's injury report as doubtful for Monday night's game with an ankle injury. If he is unable to play, Fernando Velasco will start in his place. Rookie linebacker Shaq Thompson is also doubtful with a knee injury. (Editing by Gene Cherry)
