By The Associated Press

Published: Friday, November 2, 2012, 9:26 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, January 2, 2013

As if the New Orleans Saints weren't dealing with enough problems, now they'll have to get by without one of the NFL's most versatile players.

Running back and return specialist Darren Sproles underwent surgery for a broken hand and won't be able to play Monday night when the Saints (2-5) take on the Philadelphia Eagles at the Superdome.

Interim coach Joe Vitt revealed the injury after Monday's practice, though he wouldn't say which hand was hurt. Sproles will be re-evaluated next week to determine if he can play against the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons.

Sproles set an NFL record with 2,696 all-purpose yards last season.

Lions RB Best done for year

Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best, who hasn't played in more than a year because of concussion problems, will stay on the physically-unable-to-perform list for the year. Detroit drafted Best in the first round in 2010 and he accounted for 1,000-plus yards and six touchdowns. He was limited to six games last season after having what he said was the third concussion of his career.

Broncos CB Porter ruled out

Denver Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter didn't travel with the team to Cincinnati and will miss his third straight game as doctors continue to regulate his medication to control seizures.

Browns activate DT Taylor

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor was activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list and will play Sunday against Baltimore. Also, wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring), who missed the last five games, practiced all week and likely will play Sunday.

Seahawks WR Baldwin expected to play

Just two weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain, Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin is expected to play against the Vikings on Sunday.

RB Charles says he's ‘fine'

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles said he passed concussion tests and will be available to play in Week 10 against the Steelers. “I'm fine right now,” he told the Kansas City Star. “I feel good. I came off the field pretty good. I feel like I could have gone back in, but they told me to relax.”

Conte fined $21K for hit

Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte has been fined $21,000 by the NFL for striking Panthers receiver Brandon LaFell in the head and neck area when LaFell was defenseless.

Bills GM Nix backs Gailey; QB still a question

Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey's job is secure, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick could be facing a challenge for the starting job next season.

That was the assessment general manager Buddy Nix provided, as the Bills (3-4) come out of their bye week preparing to play at Houston (6-1) on Sunday.

Odds and ends

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Indianapolis, and coach Joe Philbin said there's no timetable for a decision on whether he'll play. ... Washington Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon and safety Brandon Meriweather have been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. … Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (foot) will miss Sunday's night's game with the Atlanta Falcons.

1. Coach Tomlin, Steelers facing plenty of questions as OTAs start
2. Steelers rookie moves on after PSU scandal
3. Steelers reach agreement with sixth-round pick Williams
4. Steelers might be looking at a youth movement in 2013
5. Ex-Steelers QB Batch learns new form of 2-minute drill
6. Robinson: Steelers’ draft grades well ... for now
7. Steelers ink fourth-round pick Thomas to 4-year deal
8. Steelers’ Clark: Polamalu third-best safety in NFL
9. Undrafted lineman Embernate hopes he can stick with Steelers
10. Steelers’ Tomlin keeps expections in check for first-year players
11. Steelers hope they have ringer in running back Bell

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