NFL notes: Browns' Jason Pinkston hospitalized with blood clots in lungs

A stirring week for the Cleveland Browns has turned sobering.

Starting left guard Jason Pinkston remains hospitalized with blood clots in his lungs, a life-threatening condition he's grateful was detected early. After the Browns revealed Pinkston's condition after practice on Friday, he confirmed his illness on Twitter while being treated at the Cleveland Clinic.

"The news is true I've been hospitalized with blood clots in my lungs very thankful our medical staff did a great job of taking action," Pinkston wrote on his account. "And catching it at a early stage it's obviously clear I won't be playing for sometime but more importantly I'm thankful to be alive."

It's believed the blood clot contributed to him becoming ill in last week's win over Cincinnati. Pinkston will not play Sunday against Indianapolis and the Browns do not know when the second-year guard will be released from the hospital or cleared to return.

Redskins, Bills fined over injury reports

The NFL fined the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills $20,000 each Friday for violating league procedures on reporting injuries.

The injuries involved Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III and Bills defensive end Mario Williams.

Washington was fined for not properly updating media on Griffin's status during the Oct. 7 game against Atlanta after he left with a head injury that turned out to be a mild concussion. Coach Mike Shanahan had described Griffin as being "shaken up."

"In reviewing the matter, the appropriate medical care for Griffin was never in question," the NFL said in a statement Friday. "The Redskins' medical staff acted appropriately and with great care for Griffin's well-being."

Goodell appoints Tagliabue for bounty appeals

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appointed predecessor Paul Tagliabue to hear the appeals of four players suspended in the Saints' bounty scandal.

Goodell said Friday he notified Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove, as well as the players' union, that Tagliabue would be the hearing officer to "decide the appeals and bring the matter to a prompt and fair conclusion."

The union and the four players had asked Goodell to recuse himself, contending he could not fairly rule. Their second set of appeals will be heard Oct. 30.

Around the league

Panthers • Carolina coach Ron Rivera said starting cornerback Chris Gamble will have an MRI on his right shoulder to determine if he has a torn labrum, the same injury that sent offensive lineman Mike Pollak to injured reserve earlier this season.

Gamble has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Dallas and Rivera is "concerned" he may end up on injured reserve.

Jets •Rex Ryan says New York Jets running back-kick returner Joe McKnight will be a "game-time decision" on whether he plays Sunday in an AFC East showdown with the New England Patriots.

McKnight is questionable with a sprained left ankle suffered in last week's win over Indianapolis. He did not practice Friday, but told reporters Thursday: "I'm playing. For first place, I'm in there." —

NFL schedule

Thursday

• San Francisco 13, Seattle 6

Sunday

• Arizona at Minnesota, 11 a.m.

• Green Bay at St. Louis, 11 a.m.

• Baltimore at Houston, 11 a.m., Ch. 2

• Washington at N.Y. Giants, 11 a.m., Ch. 13

• Dallas at Carolina, 11 a.m.

• New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 11 a.m.

• Cleveland at Indianapolis, 11 a.m.

• Tennessee at Buffalo, 11 a.m.

• Jacksonville at Oakland,2:25 p.m.

• N.Y. Jets at New England,2:25 p.m., Ch. 2

• Pittsburgh at Cincinnati,6:20 p.m., Ch. 5

Open • Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego

Monday

• Detroit at Chicago, 6:30 p.m., ESPN