NFL notes: Eagles player says practice scuffle related to WR's slur

Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper and cornerback Cary Williams got into a heated scuffle at Thursday's practice, and a player close to the incident indicated to The Philadelphia Inquirer that it was directly related to a video that surfaced five weeks ago of Cooper using a racial slur at a June concert.

According to the player, who did not want to be named, Williams used the same slur on Thursday that Cooper used in the video. The player quoted Williams as saying, "I'm not a n——- you [mess] with."

In June, Cooper attended a Kenny Chesney concert at Lincoln Financial Field and, by his own admission, got into an altercation with a security guard. During the argument, Cooper said he would "fight every n——- here."

Cooper, who apologized to the Eagles after the video became public on July 31, downplayed Thursday's scuffle after practice and said it had nothing to do with the racist comment in the video.

"Both being super competitive, going for the ball, and we were tangled," Cooper said.

Williams did not comment after practice. When approached, he responded, "Don't even come by here. I'm not talking at all."

Around the league

Lions • Rookie Ziggy Ansah was able to practice Thursday, a sign that his recovery from a concussion may be progressing. The defensive end, who was the No. 5 pick in this year's draft out of BYU, took part in drills during practice.

Falcons • Receiver Roddy White, who sprained his right ankle in Atlanta's second preseason game and was held out of the team's last two preseason games, guaranteed he'll be on the field for the team's opener at the Saints on Sunday.

Texans • Safety Ed Reed could play when Houston opens the season at San Diego on Monday night after returning to practice this week as he recovers from hip surgery. The nine-time Pro Bowler, signed in the offseason, will practice in pads for the first time on Friday.

Panthers • Coach Ron Rivera said quarterback Cam Newton was selected by his teammates as co-captain for the first time in his career. Ex-Utah players Steve Smith and Jordan Gross are also among the co-captains.