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LaDainian Tomlinson was back at practice Wednesday for the first time since spraining his right ankle in the season opener, an encouraging sign for a San Diego Chargers team that has struggled to run the ball. After missing two straight games for the first time in his brilliant career, Tomlinson hopes he can play Sunday night at Pittsburgh.

Two years ago, the Cleveland Browns turned their woeful offense over to Derek Anderson and won 10 games. Eric Mangini can only hope it happens again. With his first season in Cleveland already unraveling, Mangini benched Brady Quinn in favor of Anderson, who rode a similar opportunity in 2007 to an appearance in the Pro Bowl.

The Miami Dolphins' new starting quarterback held the ball to his ear, spotted his target 25 yards downfield and threw a tight spiral on a line that hit Ted Ginn Jr. in full stride over the middle. One person applauded: head coach Tony Sparano. "That's it!" he shouted. The Dolphins haven't given anyone much to cheer about lately, losing their first three games and Chad…

Dwight Freeney walked in and out of the Colts locker room with no detectable limp and no crutches Wednesday. It's a long way from competing on game day. Indy's best pass-rushing end told reporters he hopes to recover quickly enough from a strained right quadriceps to play Sunday against Seattle even though that appears unlikely.

Retired professional football players may have a higher rate than normal of Alzheimer's disease or other memory problems, suggests a preliminary study that provides more fuel for concerns about long-term risk of concussions. Experts said that the work was not definitive but that it fit in with other studies suggesting a long-term risk from head injuries in sports.

The banged-up New York Giants have another injury to worry about. With 10 players already on their injury report, coach Tom Coughlin found a new name on the list Wednesday: backup halfback Ahmad Bradshaw, who rushed for 104 yards in New York's 24-0 win over Tampa Bay this past weekend. Bradshaw walked to practice wearing a boot on his right foot to protect sprains to his ankle and foot.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has agreed to repay at least $416,000 that he is accused of illegally withdrawing from a pension plan. The Labor Department said Wednesday the payment settles a lawsuit against Vick for making transfers from the plan sponsored by a celebrity marketing company he once owned.

When Tampa Bay Coach Raheem Morris named the first-round pick Josh Freeman the backup quarterback at the end of training camp, he said it would only be a matter of time before Freeman took over the top job. ”Everything we do has a thought process in Josh Freeman,” Morris said. ”Everything we do has to. We are married to him.”

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Vernon Davis declared from Day 1 this season that he could be a key playmaker.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — If Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is touching a raw nerve with coach Mike Tomlin by appearing at a wrestling show less than 24 hours after Sunday’s game against San Diego, the coach isn’t saying.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams was fined by the NFL for the third straight week, the latest for kicking at Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Imagine how many yards the Dallas Cowboys would be running for if they could keep their running backs healthy.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Kerry Rhodes were limited in practice Wednesday with injuries that aren’t expected to sideline them against the New Orleans Saints.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Derrick Mason never choreographed an end zone celebration or yelled at his quarterback for not throwing his way. He doesn’t mind running into the middle of the field to make a catch, even if it means taking a vicious hit from an overzealous defensive back.

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins’ new starting quarterback held the ball to his ear, spotted his target 25 yards downfield and threw a tight spiral on a line that hit Ted Ginn Jr. in full stride over the middle.

If you have Clinton Portis on your fantasy football team, you’re probably feeling a little paranoid right now.