NFL briefs

Dolphins’ Lucas likely to start against Jets

Davie, Fla. ” Miami Dolphins quarterback Ray Lucas, nursing a bruised throwing shoulder, took half the snaps in practice Thursday and probably will start Sunday night against the New York Jets.

“He’s still not 100 percent, but he worked,” coach Dave Wannstedt said. “Unless something would happen Friday, I think he’ll be fine to start.”

Lucas, who didn’t talk to reporters, took part in all drills wearing pads. He remained listed as questionable on the injury report.

Neck injury threatens Oakland’s Bryant

Alameda, Calif. ” Oakland Raiders defensive end Tony Bryant will undergo a third MRI exam that will help determine whether he will play again this season.

Bryant was carted off the field after injuring his neck during overtime in last Sunday’s loss to San Francisco. Bryant didn’t practice this week, and has been declared out for Monday night’s game in Denver.

Bryant met with a doctor in North Carolina earlier in the week, and he’s expected to meet with team doctors this weekend to determine his future.

More people watching NFL games this season

New York ” The highest scoring in 35 years. More overtime games. A new team in a big market. Whatever the reason, the NFL is a TV hit halfway through the season.

The league’s games are drawing an average of 14.1 million people per telecast, 9 percent higher than in 2001 and 2 percent higher than two years ago.

And the networks ” ABC, Fox, CBS and ESPN ” with NFL deals are sharing the rewards. They have had varying increases, when compared to last season through Week 9: ABC’s ratings went from 11.2 to 11.5 (2.7 percent); Fox’s went from 9.7 to 10.2 (5.2 percent); CBS’s went from 8.9 to 9.3 (4.5 percent); and ESPN’s from 5.8 to 7.3 (25.9 percent).