Quick Kicks

Cowboys face suspensions

Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl defensive lineman Leon Lett and reserve cornerback Clayton Holmes could be suspended for as long as six weeks after tests indicated the players violated the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, a source said Sunday.

Approached in the locker room after the team’s 28-13 triumph over the Atlanta Falcons, Lett initially denied the league had informed him he had tested positive for a second time and would therefore be suspended.

But minutes later, he said, “I don’t know what they’ve got on me. I have to call my agent and see what’s up.”

Holmes departed the locker room before he could be reached for comment. Whether he was a first- or second-time offender was not clear.

NBC’s Will McDonough reported that two unnamed players were facing suspensions and had appealed the test results.

The NFL’s substance-abuse policy forbids the use of illegal drugs and steroids, and alcohol abuse.

Jones, Floyd injured

Fullback William Floyd and tight end Brent Jones may miss the rest of the San Francisco 49ers’ season because of knee injuries suffered in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans.

“I think both of them are about as bad as they can get,” 49ers coach George Seifert said. “It looks like surgery. From what I hear, it looks like they’re out for the season.”

Jones sprained ligaments in his right knee in the first half and did not return in the 11-7 loss. Floyd was injured while trying to make a tackle after an interception late in the third quarter, and was helped off the field.

The 49ers already are missing quarterback Steve Young.

Quick facts

Jerry Rice of San Francisco became the NFL’s career leader in receiving yards, passing James Lofton’s record of 14,004.

Rice surpassed Lofton’s total when he caught a 13-yard pass from Elvis Grbac in the second quarter. Rice finished with 108 yards and has 14,040 for his career.

The Packers have lost nine straight on artificial turf.

Michael Irvin of Dallas has six straight 100-yard receiving games, tying the second-longest streak in NFL history. The record of seven is held by Charley Hennigan and Bill Groman, both of Houston in the AFL in 1961.

Deion Sanders of Dallas debuted with a 6-yard reception and a quiet day at cornerback. He left in the fourth quarter with tightness in his left hamstring.

Pittsburgh’s Kordell Stewart moved from receiver to quarterback, and Neil O’Donnell played wide receiver. The play worked for a 15-yard gain the first time and no gain the second.

Local watch

Former Washington State quarterback Drew Bledsoe completed 22 of 44 passes for 228 yards with no TDs and no interceptions as his Patriots lost in overtime to expansion Carolina.

Former Washington State and Mead kicker Jason Hanson was 3 for 3 on extra points and made his only field-goal attempt, a 38-yarder, for Detroit.

Monday night matchup

Chicago (5-2) visits Minnesota (3-4) for a 6 p.m. PDT matchup.

With a win, Chicago takes over sole possession of first in the NFC Central.2 offense.

, DataTimes