9/11 commemorated throughout league
Across the NFL on Sunday, teams observed moments of silence, rolled out U.S. flags and arranged for jet fighters to fly over stadiums to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In Nashville, Aaron Neville sang the national anthem as part of the Titans’ ceremony, which also featured what was billed as he first operational flyover by four F-22A Raptors, the single-pilot stealth fighter jet.
During pregame festivities before the New Orleans Saints-Browns game in Cleveland, Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” as a 100-yard long American flag was unfurled and held by members of the Marine Corps.
At halftime in Charlotte, N.C., the Panthers set up a satellite connection for chosen area families to talk with their loved ones stationed in Iraq. Portions of the calls were then played back on the big screens.
In St. Louis, the Rams showed a video montage called “Everyday Heroes” at halftime honoring police and firefighters. Dozens of local law enforcement personnel and paramedics unfurled a giant flag.
Green takes vicious hit
More than 77,000 fans sat motionless in their seats at Arrowhead Stadium as Trent Green failed to move after he was belted by Cincinnati’s Robert Gathers. He was taken to a hospital with severe neck trauma, but preliminary X-rays on his neck came back negative.
Green, who has made 81 straight starts, regained all his senses and feeling in his arms and legs.
The hit took place when Green appeared to be sliding feet first – a move that legally bars a defender from taking a shot at a quarterback – but Gathers was either unable to let up or chose not to, landing a vicious blow that left Green unconscious. The league is expected to review the hit to decide if Gathers should be punished.
Titans finally reveal starter
The Tennessee Titans ended the speculation 90 minutes before kickoff and named Kerry Collins their starter for the season opener with the New York Jets in Nashville, Tenn.
In his 12th season, Collins is starting for his fifth NFL team after signing a one-year contract with Tennessee. The Titans listed Billy Volek, who was named the starter in June after Steve McNair was traded to Baltimore, as their third quarterback behind rookie Vince Young.
Smith still on Panther sideline
Carolina Panthers All-Pro receiver Steve Smith was on the inactive list for the game against Atlanta.
Smith, who was plagued by injuries during training camp, injured his right hamstring in practice Tuesday and missed the next three days of workouts. Without Smith, Drew Carter and Keary Colbert will split time at receiver opposite Keyshawn Johnson.
Injured on first possession of season
San Francisco guard Larry Allen left the game against the Arizona Cardinals with a sprained knee during the 49ers’ first possession in Glendale, Ariz.