Indianapolis Colts: Middle linebacker Rob Morris, the starter for the Indianapolis Colts in 30 of the team's last 32 games, has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and he is expected to miss two preseason contests.

The Colts' first-round choice in the 2000 draft, Morris injured his knee in practice on Tuesday, when he banged it against a teammate. An MRI exam indicated that there was no structural damage, but the swelling in the knee convinced team officials to have the procedure done quickly, to clean out some loose particles.

Coach Tony Dungy said that Morris will be rehabilitated in time for the regular-season opener at Cleveland on Sept. 7. The alternative to immediate surgery would have been for Morris to begin the season, likely in some discomfort, and then to have the arthroscopic procedure performed during the club's bye week on Oct. 19.

"Everyone just figured it was better to do it now, especially since there's really nothing going on, other than some debris in there," Morris said. "It's just a tune-up, that's how I'm viewing it, and I'll be ready to roll for the opener."

The former Brigham Young star has experienced knee problems in the past and they limited him during his rookie season. He has posted two strong seasons since then, with over 100 tackles each in 2001 and 2002. Morris, 28, has 225 tackles for his career.
-- Len Pasquarelli

Dallas Cowboys: Rookie center Al Johnson, who had already claimed the starting job for the Dallas Cowboys in training camp, underwent surgery on his right knee Friday and is expected to miss the season.

After an exploratory arthroscopic procedure in Colorado revealed significant degeneration of the cartilage in Johnson's knee, more extensive surgery was done to repair it, the team said.

The second-round draft choice from Wisconsin, elevated to the No. 1 unit after just three days of camp and a competition with second-year pro Tyson Walter, sprained the knee last week.

Dallas earlier this week signed unrestricted free-agent center Gennaro DiNapoli, who played every snap for the Tennessee Titans in 2002, to a one-year contract to serve as an insurance policy against Johnson missing extended playing time.

DiNapoli is expected to play Saturday night for the Cowboys in their preseason opener at Arizona even though he has been through only four practices. Matt Lehr, a second-year guard/center, probably will start.

Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens, shy a linebacker after backup Bernardo Harris suffered a broken leg earlier this week, have signed unrestricted free agent Johnny Rutledge to a two-year contract. Financial details of the deal were not immediately available.

Rutledge, 26, spent all four of his previous NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, and was the team's second-round choice in the 1999 draft. The former University of Florida star became an unrestricted free agent earlier this spring. He was close at one point to a deal with the Houston Texans but that agreement was never consummated.

In his four seasons with the Cardinals, Rutledge was a disappointment, as he started in just three of 40 appearances and registered only 26 tackles and had one forced fumble. Harris is expected to be sideline for about six weeks.
-- Len Pasquarelli

Washington Redskins: A freak injury has sidelined Washington Redskins kicker John Hall and forced the club to scramble to sign a replacement for Saturday's preseason game at Carolina.

Hall suffered a strained groin during the Thursday practice and, while club officials said he would be able to kick in a regular-season contest, opted to handle the situation with some prudence for Saturday's contest.

"Basically, it's just a one-game deal," said vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato. "He'll be fine. We just didn't see any sense in risking further injury in a game that doesn't mean anything. If he had to kick, he could, but we're holding him back."

Instead, the kicking chores will be handled by Matt Simonton, a former Southern Illinois star who was on the St. Louis Rams' roster for one game in 2002. Simonton, 26, did not have any placement tries or even kick off in that game. His hope, he allowed, is that he makes the most of his one-game cameo with the Redskins, does well, and then attracts some attention from a team that might need a full-time kicker down the road.

Hall was one of the several prominent unrestricted free agents signed by Washington in the offseason.
-- Len Pasquarelli

Cleveland Browns: With incumbent Robert Griffith sidelined by a broken right index finger, third-year veteran Michael Jameson has become the Cleveland Browns' new starter at the strong safety position, and the team apparently feels he can be a fixture in the future as well.

The Browns have signed Jameson, 24, to a two-year contract extension through the 2005 season and the deal is worth about $1.311 million in so-called new money.

Jameson received a $200,000 signing bonus. His base salary for 2003 remained at the $300,000 he was scheduled to earn, but the Browns added two years at $500,000 and $600,000. He will receive workout bonuses of $5,600 for 2004 and $6,160 for 2005. By signing the extension, Jameson, an aggressive player Cleveland coaches very much like, bypassed his restricted and unrestricted free agent years.

Griffith, one of the team's unquestioned leaders, is expected to return in time for the regular season opener.
-- Len Pasquarelli

San Diego Chargers: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson probably won't play in the Chargers' exhibition opener at the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday as a precaution.

Tomlinson isn't among the many injured Chargers, and the team wants to keep it that way. He's a key part of the offense, and there's a lack of proven depth behind him.

Coach Marty Schottenheimer said he is leaning toward sitting Tomlinson. The player has given hints he won't play.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.