NFL-National Football League roundup

Oct 15 (The Sports Xchange) - Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton officially was cleared from the league's concussion protocol by an independent physician, the team announced Saturday. Barring any setbacks, Newton will return from a one-game absence on Sunday as the slumping Panthers (1-4) face the New Orleans Saints (1-3). The reigning NFL MVP sat out a 17-14 home loss to Tampa Bay on Monday night because of repercussions from the concussion he sustained in a Week 4 loss to Atlanta. Coach Ron Rivera said running back Jonathan Stewart, listed as questionable, will start against the Saints after missing the last three games because of a hamstring injury. Starting left tackle Michael Oher (concussion), cornerback James Bradberry (foot), cornerback Robert McClain (hamstring), defensive tackle Vernon Butler (ankle) and defensive tackle Paul Soliai (foot) were ruled out on Friday's injury report. - - - NFL owners reportedly have approached the NFL Players Association multiple times in recent months about negotiating an extension to the current collective bargaining agreement. The owners plan to initiate those discussions again soon with the NFLPA, sources told ESPN's Dan Graziano. According to ESPN, one reason the owners want an extension is because they have exhausted all of the stadium credits that were negotiated in the 10-year deal with the players that was signed in 2011. The league wants to secure money to help fund a stadium in Las Vegas for the Oakland Raiders and possibly another facility in San Diego, sources told ESPN. - - - Linebacker David Harris could miss his first game since 2008 when the New York Jets visit the Arizona Cardinals on Monday. Harris, who has started 121 consecutive games, is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury for New York (1-4), which is mired in a three-game losing streak. The Jets are hopeful of getting back cornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring), who is listed as questionable. Revis was injured in Week 4 and sat out last week's 31-13 loss at Pittsburgh. Also listed as questionable for New York is center Nick Mangold (knee) and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle). - - - Running back James Starks of the Green Bay Packers was downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. His absence because of a knee injury looms large for the Packers (3-1), who could also be without Eddie Lacy against the Cowboys (4-1). The bruising back is listed as questionable with an ailing ankle. Fullback Aaron Ripkowski is the only other available running back for Green Bay, which also has wide receivers Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery line up in the backfield on occasion. Lacy is off to a nice start this season with 295 rushing yards and an average of 5.5 yards per carry in four games. Starks has gained only 42 yards on the ground and is averaging only 1.8 yards per rush. - - - The New England Patriots signed defensive linemen Geneo Grissom and Anthony Johnson to the 53-man roster from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals Linebacker Jonathan Freeny and tight end Greg Scruggs were placed on injured reserve. - - - Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed and safety Su'a Cravens were downgraded to out by the team for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Reed, the Redskins' leading receiver, has been dealing with a concussion since Tuesday, when he reported issues to the team. Washington ruled out rookie receiver Josh Doctson (Achilles) on the Friday injury report. Cornerback Bashaud Breeland (ankle) and Dashaun Phillips (hamstring) were listed as questionable. - - - The Baltimore Ravens promoted linebacker Patrick Onwuasor from their practice squad to add depth at the position. Linebacker Elvis Dumervil (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at the New York Giants and linebacker C.J. Mosley (thigh) is doubtful. To make room for the 53-man roster, the Ravens waived guard/tackle Billy Turner, who was claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday. (Editing by Andrew Both)