Browns LB Hambrick arrested on theft charge

Berea, Ohio Cleveland Browns linebacker Darren Hambrick practiced Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend at Tampa Bay after surrendering to police on charges that he stole a check from the Carolina Panthers.

The 27-year-old Hambrick is accused of stealing a $5,682.51 check from the Panthers three weeks after joining the team in October 2001, according to court records.

Hambrick flew to Florida on Monday and turned himself into authorities, who had issued an arrest warrant for the fifth-year linebacker in August, just days before he signed with the Browns.

On Wednesday, Browns coach Butch Davis said the team was not planning any disciplinary action against Hambrick, their starting strongside linebacker.

Ravens’ Lewis doubtful for Sunday’s contest

Owings Mills, Md. Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis missed practice Wednesday because of a sore shoulder and was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Indianapolis.

Lewis partially dislocated his left shoulder Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns. Playing without him in the fourth quarter, the Ravens blew most of a 23-0 lead but escaped with a 26-21 victory.

The Ravens now face the prospect of playing an entire game without the five-time Pro Bowler, whose 69 tackles over four games is nearly twice that of any of his teammates. He also has two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

“This is the next big challenge for us,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said. “If indeed Ray can’t go, we’re going to see how this team responds.”

Rams QB Martin misses practice again

St. Louis Jamie Martin, Kurt Warner’s replacement, missed practice Wednesday because of a bruised left knee, but coach Mike Martz said there’s no doubt he will be the St. Louis Rams’ quarterback this weekend.

The Rams (0-5) will play the undefeated Oakland Raiders (4-0) on Sunday.

Martin’s bruised knee, which swelled after St. Louis’ loss at San Francisco last weekend, continued to limit his range of motion. How much practice he’ll see this week remains unknown.

“We’ll see how it feels (today),” Martin said.

Bears’ Terrell estimates he’ll miss several weeks

Lake Forest, Ill. David Terrell is the latest player to sport what’s become the hot, new trend among the Chicago Bears this season crutches.

Terrell will have surgery today to repair a broken bone in his foot, and the wide receiver said he expects to miss about a month.

That timetable for his return isn’t exactly certain, though. Depending on who was talking Wednesday, Terrell could miss a couple of weeks, a month or the rest of the season.

Garner questionable for game at St. Louis

Alameda, Calif. Raiders running back Charlie Garner didn’t practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury and is questionable for Oakland’s game at St. Louis on Sunday.

Garner was hurt while scoring on a 69-yard touchdown pass reception from Rich Gannon early in the fourth quarter of the Raiders’ 49-31 victory against Buffalo on Oct. 6.

The Raiders also re-signed linebacker Mike Jones on Wednesday. Jones will play Sunday if rookie Napoleon Harris is unable to play because of a shoulder injury.

Giants’ lineup mixed up because of injuries

East Rutherford, N.J. A series of nagging injuries may result in some shuffles in the New York Giants starting lineup for Sunday’s game with Atlanta.

Dusty Ziegler, the Giants’ center for the past two seasons, hasn’t played a down this year while recovering from knee surgery. Now he may start at left guard in place of Jason Whittle, who’s listed as doubtful because of back spasms.

Jason Sehorn has been playing nickel back. On Wednesday, he played cornerback for the first time because starting right cornerback Will Peterson has a toe injury.

Browns QB Couch likely to play Sunday

Berea, Ohio As Tim Couch described the stadium swaying after he sustained his concussion, Kelly Holcomb, Cleveland’s backup quarterback, hobbled into the locker room on crutches.

But Couch, who was knocked out of Sunday night’s 26-21 loss to Baltimore, was medically cleared to practice on Wednesday and should be able to play Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Josh Booty will be his backup, and Holcomb is expected to miss at least the next three weeks.