NFL notes: Players' union gets behind HGH testing

The NFL Players Association "tentatively agreed" to let the league take 40 blood samples for HGH tests each week during the season, with a positive result drawing a four-game suspension, according to a memo the union sent players.

A copy of the NFLPA's email was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. The memo says "a computer program will randomly select" five players apiece from eight teams each week to take the blood tests.

No date has been set for the start of testing, because there are still issues that need to be negotiated between the NFL and union, including whether the commissioner or a neutral arbitrator will handle certain types of appeals of discipline.

Around the league

Dolphins • The Miami team that achieved the only perfect season in NFL history will be honored by the White House next Tuesday, more than 40 years after its accomplishment. President Barack Obama will welcome the 1972 Dolphins for the ceremony honoring the only team to go 17-0. Coach Don Shula plans to accompany players from the team to the event. The '72 Dolphins didn't make it to the White House after their Super Bowl victory because President Richard Nixon was immersed in the Watergate scandal.

Chiefs • Running back Jamaal Charles had his ailing right foot examined by two orthopedic surgeons and they confirmed Kansas City's diagnosis of a mild strain. It's unclear how long Charles will be out of practice, but it appears unlikely that he will play in Friday night's preseason game against San Francisco.

Giants • Safety Antrel Rolle says he suffered a "pretty good" sprain to his right ankle in practice on Monday and does not know when he will be able to return to the field. —

NFL schedule

Thursday

Detroit at Cleveland, 5:30 p.m.

Atlanta at Baltimore, 5:30 p.m.

Carolina at Philadelphia, 5:30 p.m.

San Diego at Chicago, 6 p.m.

Friday

Minnesota at Buffalo, 5 p.m.

Oakland at New Orleans, 6 p.m.

San Francisco at Kansas City, 6 p.m.

Tampa Bay at New England, 6 p.m.

Saturday

Dallas at Arizona, 2:30 p.m.

Tennessee at Cincinnati, 5 p.m.

Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets, 5:30 p.m.

Green Bay at St. Louis, 6 p.m.

Miami at Houston, 6 p.m.

Denver at Seattle, 8 p.m.

Sunday

Indianapolis at N.Y. Giants, 5 p.m.

Monday

Pittsburgh at Washington, 6 p.m.