Alex Karras was recently released from a California hospital after having kidney failure so he could spend his final days with family in Los Angeles.
Karras, a former Monday Night Football analyst, was a four-time All-Pro defensive tackle who played 12 NFL seasons with the Lions and retired in 1970. He had a well-known appearance as Mongo in the 1974 movie “Blazing Saddles“ and was a star in the 1980s sitcom “Webster.’’
Karras, 77, has been suffering from dementia. He is among the many former NFL players suing the league regarding the treatment of head injuries.
* Linebacker Brian Cushing is out for the season with a torn left knee ligament, leaving the unbeaten Texans without their top tackler and one of their emotional leaders.
Cushing was hurt in the second quarter of Monday night’s 23-17 win over the Jets on a low block by guard Matt Slauson. Cushing walked off the field on his own, but didn’t return.
Coach Gary Kubiak said Cushing has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will need surgery in two to three weeks, after the swelling subsides.
* Quarterback Robert Griffin III is expected to participate in the Washington Redskins’ practice today, but there is no guarantee he will play in Sunday’s home game against the Vikings.
Griffin is following the NFL-mandated testing procedures after suffering a concussion during Sunday’s loss to the Falcons.
* The Cardinals said they are putting running back Ryan Williams on injured reserve with a left shoulder injury, officially ending his season.
The team also said it has re-signed cornerback Crezdon Butler, who spent the preseason with the Cardinals until he was released in the team’s final roster cuts on Aug. 31.
* Bills general manager Buddy Nix yesterday maintained his trust in coach Chan Gailey, whose job status has suddenly come into question in his third season, and amid concerns that the Bills (2-3) have quit on him the past two games.
“Chan has never lost it. He’s even keel, he’s the same every day. He’s not going to panic,” Nix said. “He knows what he’s doing. And he won’t lose this team, neither. We will get them back.’’