It was not a healthy Sunday for NFL running backs.

        Jacksonville's Fred Taylor strained his left groin against Tennessee. Taylor, who has struggled with injuries throughout his four-year career, lost a fumble as he fell to the ground without contact in the second quarter. The severity of the injury won't be known until at least today.

        Elsewhere:

        • Garrison Hearst, who missed the last two seasons while recovering from a broken leg, suffered a concussion in the second quarter of San Francisco's game against St. Louis. He left the field under his own power and even returned for two plays. But after a halftime examination, the 49ers kept him out.

        • Philadelphia running back Duce Staley partially dislocated his right shoulder in the first quarter against Seattle. Staley missed 11 games last season with a foot injury.

        • New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe left in the fourth quarter after a hard hit by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis. He was taken to a hospital for an examination after “he had his bell rung,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.

        • Bears QB Shane Matthews left the game with Minnesota in the second quarter with bruised ribs.

        • Cowboys receiver Raghib Ismail, who had a career-long 80-yard TD catch against San Diego, left in the second quarter with a sprained right knee. Ismail missed the last six games of last season with torn right knee ligaments.

        “I heard a popping sound,” Ismail said, expressing fear that it could be another torn ligament.

        • Dallas tight end Jackie Harris suffered a strained groin.

        • Titans receiver Derrick Mason left in the first quarter with a sprained left ankle. X-rays were negative.

        • Minnesota safety Robert Griffith broke his right leg on the opening kickoff against the Bears.

        • Chiefs wide receiver Marvin Minnis landed hard on the back of his head on a 49-yard reception in the third quarter against the Giants and did not return.

Toughness, turnovers key win vs. Ravens Daugherty: How about that, Elvis? Sullivan: New outlook, newfound success Bengals Notebook Bengals report card Offensive line up to challenge Rackers has worst day as pro Smith on NFL debut: 'It was awesome' Victim salute, upset win put emotions on display Four's not a crowd in Indy Jaguars' Taylor among NFL's injured Super loss for New Orleans?

Good start, bad end for Reds' Dessens
Bad break for Boone - again
Reds notebook
Athletics wrap up wild-card berth
Long (ball) day for Bonds, Sosa
Earnhardt rolls at Dover
College football roundup
Huggins, Bearcats pursue recruit
Div. II, III boys sectional golf on tap

• Return to Bengals front page...