NFL: Cracked bone in foot can't stop Bradshaw
New York Giants backup running back Ahmad Bradshaw will continue to play this season despite having a cracked bone on his right foot.
Bradshaw, who is averaging 5.7 yards per run, and the Giants (5-2) play the Eagles (4-2) Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
DAVID J. PHILLIP / Associated Press
Texans running back Steve Slaton dives into the end zone for a touchdown as 49ers defensive end Isaac Sopoaga defends.
The third-year running back flew to North Carolina on Wednesday and was examined by foot and ankle specialist Robert Anderson, who confirmed the diagnosis by Giants physicians: a cracked fifth metatarsal. It is a bone that runs along the outside the foot between the ankle and the toes.
Bradshaw said doctors told him the bone could break if he continues playing.
"I just plan on going out there and giving it my all, and if it breaks, it does," Bradshaw said. "I'll get surgery."
Seahawks. Seattle's three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, Lofa Tatupu, went on the injured reserve list while he was having surgery to repair a torn left pectoral muscle in Alabama. Tatupu traveled there to consult with orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.
The defensive captain was injured in the first half of Seattle's loss to Arizona on Oct. 18.
Texans. With six fumbles, Houston running back Steve Slaton has coughed up the ball more than any non-quarterback in the NFL. He has lost four of the six, leaving him tied for second in that category behind struggling Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
The Texans don't know why Slaton, a graduate of Conwell-Egan High, is struggling with ball security this season after fumbling just three times as a rookie last year.
The Texans have emphasized keeping two hands on the ball in certain situations and have added drills in practice in which everyone lines up and tries to knock it loose.
Slaton set a franchise record with 1,282 yards rushing last season.
Titans. Tennessee owner Bud Adams wants more of Vince Young, so his winless team will switch from veteran Kerry Collins back to the 2006 offensive rookie of the year. Coach Jeff Fisher announced the expected move after practice for the 0-6 Titans. Young will start Sunday against Jacksonville (3-3).
Saints. New Orleans signed former Eagles fullback Kyle Eckel after learning that Heath Evans has a torn right knee ligament that will sideline him for the rest of the season. Eckel, an Episcopal Academy graduate who attended Navy, has spent time with Miami, New England and the Eagles in his three seasons.
Steelers. A scoring change has given the Minnesota Vikings an additional sack of Ben Roethlisberger during Pittsburgh's 27-17 victory on Sunday. Roethlisberger was sacked four times, giving him 20 for the season.
Browns. Lifelong Browns fan and season-ticket holder Mike Randall is encouraging other Cleveland fans to stay away from their seats for the opening kickoff of the Browns' Nov. 16 home game against Baltimore.
Randall hopes the sight of empty seats for the start of the Monday night game will send a message to owner Randy Lerner that fans have had enough.
Ratings bonanza. The Vikings-Steelers and Falcons-Cowboys games combined to help draw record television ratings on Sunday. The doubleheader on Fox averaged a 14.1 rating, a 29 share, and 23.5 million viewers, a record audience for the network.
