Robinson in limbo
Koren Robinson believes he’ll be allowed to play a full season for the Green Bay Packers this year. But even if he can’t, he hopes the Packers won’t give up on him.
General manager Ted Thompson gave the troubled receiver a two-year deal last month – an indication, perhaps, that the team is willing to ride out his mounting legal problems and a possible one-year suspension from the NFL.
“I hope so,” Robinson said Tuesday. “It’s a two-year deal. I feel like the organization knows my situation, so I’m very thankful that Ted gave me the opportunity. … I feel like they’ve got my back regardless of what happens.”
Robinson was sentenced last week to 90 days in jail for violating a probation sentence issued after he pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge in Washington state last year.
He will be allowed to serve that sentence after the season, but he still faces a drunken driving charge in Minnesota next week for a separate incident in August, and has a possible league suspension hanging over his head.
Gaffney one happy Patriot
Terin Gaffney’s favorite NFL quarterback is Tom Brady. Her husband is also part of the fan club now.
Jabar Gaffney stood in front of his new locker – the one right next to Brady’s – on his first full day as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. After four seasons with Houston and six months with Philadelphia, he was happy to be on a winning team that wanted him.
“It’s going to be great,” Gaffney said. “He’s actually my wife’s favorite quarterback so she was excited to hear. I was also excited.”
Gaffney will stay in Foxborough, Mass., during the Patriots’ bye week to study his new offensive system and try to cram enough to play the next game Oct. 22 at Buffalo.
“It’s a little bit similar to what I was doing at Houston,” Gaffney said. “When we go to Buffalo, I expect to be out there.”
Redskins sign Novak
Nick Novak is taking over from John Hall as Washington Redskins kicker for the second time in as many years.
The Redskins signed Novak after the former University of Maryland kicker won a four-way competition among available free agents.
Hall has two injuries in his kicking leg – a strained groin and a strained quadriceps – and was placed on injured reserve.
Around the league
A third day of tests found no broken bones in the right foot or ankle of New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, who was hobbled during last Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins. … The Baltimore Ravens’ team plane made an unscheduled landing in Pittsburgh so cornerback Corey Ivy could go to a hospital to treat a kidney injury. Ivy was in stable condition at UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, where he was expected to stay at least through today for testing, observation and examination by renal specialists. … The Buffalo Bills released tight end C.J. Leak from the practice squad and signed offensive tackle Randy Hand. … Running back Lee Suggs was waived by the Miami Dolphins. … Cornerback Ahmad Carroll agreed to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a week after he was waived by the Green Bay Packers. … The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Bethel Johnson and cut quarterback Drew Henson from the practice squad. The Vikings also released receiver Maurice Mann to make room on the active roster for Johnson. … The Oakland Raiders’ Oct. 22 home game against the Arizona Cardinals would be pushed back to Monday night if the Oakland Athletics make the World Series. … New Orleans rookie safety Roman Harper has a torn ligament in his knee and will miss the rest of the season. … The Denver Broncos cut veteran punter Todd Sauerbrun, who was eligible to return after a four-game suspension for using the banned dietary supplement ephedra.