Union, NFL work on retroactive testing

Chicago — The NFL and its players association are working on a plan for a retroactive test for the previously undetectable designer steroid THG.

The NFL, with a strict steroid policy, announced last week that THG would be included in current testing for banned substances.

On another topic, commissioner Paul Tagliabue said owners weren’t in favor of changing the current preseason format of four games by adding two of the exhibitions to the regular season and creating an 18-game schedule.

NFLPA president Upshaw questions Slaughter cut

Jacksonville, Fla. — The head of the NFL players’ union is “concerned” about the decision by the Jacksonville Jaguars to cut linebacker T.J. Slaughter a day after he was arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at two people in a car on the highway. NFL Players’ Association president Gene Upshaw said Slaughter had 45 days to file an appeal of his release.

Upshaw conceded, however, that Slaughter’s case could be hindered by the team’s assertion that Slaughter was cut for performance-related reasons.

Favre throwing again

Green Bay, Wis. — Brett Favre threw several passes Wednesday in his first practice since breaking his right thumb 10 days earlier and was listed as probable for Sunday’s game at Minnesota. He broke the thumb Oct. 19 at St. Louis, when he struck guard Mike Wahle’s right shoulder pad on a follow-through. He stayed in the game and went 23-of-32 for 268 yards and two touchdowns.

Green pleads innocent

Westlake, Ohio — Cleveland Browns running back William Green pleaded innocent Wednesday to charges of marijuana possession and driving under the influence. Green, who leads Cleveland with 559 yards on 142 carries, was released on bond.

McCaffrey still ailing

Denver — Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey will not practice this week and will likely see limited playing time even if his sore knee is well enough to play Monday night against New England. McCaffrey missed the past two games because of a chronic condition in his right knee.

Griese to start for Miami

Davie, Fla. — Quarterback Brian Griese will start for the second consecutive week for the Miami Dolphins when they play Indianapolis Sunday. Griese made his season debut against San Diego Monday, throwing for 192 yards and three TDs in Miami’s 26-10 win.

Redskins sign Russell

Ashburn, Va. — Deciding the need was worth the risk, the Washington Redskins signed defensive tackle Darrell Russell to a one-year, $790,000 contract Wednesday. Russell joins the team two days after he was reinstated by the NFL following a 1 1/2-year suspension for a second violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy.

Jurevicius practicing

Tampa, Fla. — Tampa Bay receiver Joe Jurevicius tested his injured right knee in practice Wednesday and remains questionable for this week’s game against the New Orleans Saints. The sixth-year pro participated in most full-speed drills for the first time since tearing the medial collateral ligament in his knee against the Carolina Panthers Sept. 14.

Cowboys sign Murrell

Irving, Texas — Troy Hambrick is struggling. Richie Anderson is hurting. And the Dallas Cowboys are going into the make-or-break part of their schedule. With a little of each in mind, Bill Parcells signed Adrian Murrell Wednesday to add more versatility to the Cowboys’ running game. A 1,000-yard rusher from 1996-98, Murrell last played as a backup for Washington in 2000.