NFL briefs

Bills finalizing deal with Miami’s McGahee

Baltimore — Willis McGahee and the Buffalo Bills are close to a deal, the first-round pick’s agent said Saturday after a two-hour meeting with team president Tom Donahoe.

“We made significant progress on a number of issues, including the term of the agreement, the signing bonus and the incentives,” agent Drew Rosenhaus said. “We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to iron out some details and close in on an agreement … and possibly have a deal done by early next week.”

It’s the first time the sides met in an attempt to spur talks, and Rosenhaus plans to make contact again Monday. The Bills won’t discuss the status of talks with the Miami running back recovering from knee surgery.

McGahee tore left knee ligaments during Miami’s loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Once McGahee signs, the team is expected to place him on the physically unable to perform list.

Gramatica will sit out game against Rams

Tampa, Fla. — Tampa Bay kicker Martin Gramatica will be held out of practice and next week’s preseason game at St. Louis because of a sore groin.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden said Saturday that the former Kansas State kicker would get treatment.

Gramatica was not in uniform for Friday night’s 20-19 exhibition win over Miami. He kicked a 37-yard field goal against the New York Jets in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener but was not used on kickoffs.

Ralf Kleinmann, who missed a 25-yard field goal against the Dolphins, will fill in for Gramatica against the Rams Aug. 18.

Gramatica, one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, converted 32 of 39 field-goal attempts in 2002 and has not missed an extra point (127-for-127) in four pro seasons.

Gruden did report one serious injury from Friday night. Rookie cornerback Torrie Cox, a sixth-round draft pick, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and is out for the season.