NFL: Ditka wants action on head injuries

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith are scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, along with former players and medical experts, and Ditka said he hoped they "come to a conclusion and quit financing these studies" so more ailing retirees can get the help they need.

Smith said the union has differences with the NFL over how to address head injuries suffered during pro football games, but they're not fighting about it.

Smith credited the NFL with doing a "tremendous job" to improve player safety in the last five years.

"This is not a battle between us and the league," Smith said.

In the past, Ditka has criticized the players' association for ignoring the medical needs of former players with serious injuries who can't afford to pay for their care. His stance has softened now that Smith is leading the union.

Redskins. A doctor's second opinion on Chris Cooley's broken right ankle gave Washington's tight end hope that he can return to the field in a month.

The two-time Pro Bowl player will have surgery today.

The team's most reliable pass-catching threat, Cooley stumbled to the turf without contact on the first play of the second quarter against the Eagles on Monday night. After the game, coach Jim Zorn said he would miss six to eight weeks.

Titans. Team owner Bud Adams has told coach Jeff Fisher he wants quarterback Vince Young to start over Kerry Collins this Sunday against Jacksonville, the Nashville Tennessean reported.

Fisher declined Monday to say who his starter would be.

Buccaneers. Tampa Bay released offensive lineman Marcus Johnson after his arrest on a charge of driving under the influence. Johnson, 27, was arrested on Sunday in Tampa, Fla., and later released on $500 bail.

Chiefs. Kansas City running back Larry Johnson apologized and was told to stay away from the team while the NFL and the Chiefs complete their investigation into his use of a gay slur.

Coach Todd Haley refused to address the matter, saying it was still being investigated.

49ers. San Francisco took a big blow to an already struggling offensive line when right tackle Tony Pashos was ruled out for the season with a broken left shoulder blade.

The 49ers placed Pashos on injured reserve.

Noteworthy.

Former New Orleans Saints running back Aaron Stecker signed with Atlanta. The teams meet in New Orleans on Monday night. . . . The New York Jets re-signed cornerback/kick returner Justin Miller to replace the injured Leon Washington on special teams. . . . Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner has been placed in a first-time offenders program with probation for three months, resolving a disorderly conduct case in Cleveland.