Cincinnati ? Terrell Owens acknowledged on Tuesday night that he violated the NFL’s rules against tweeting shortly before games by sending one out an hour before a loss to Tampa Bay.

His defense? It was for a good cause.

The Bengals receiver said on the first episode of a new cable television show Tuesday night that he won’t object if the NFL fines him for breaking the rules. Coaches and players are prohibited from using social networks 90 minutes before a game, during a game and shortly afterward.

The policy went into effect before last season. The only one to violate it until Sunday had been teammate Chad Ochocinco, who was fined $25,000 for tweeting shortly before and during a preseason game in August.

Owens’ tweet was one of the subjects on the first episode of “The T.Ocho Show” on the Versus cable network.

“If I get fined for it, then that’s cool,” Owens said.

An hour before a 24-21 loss to Tampa Bay, the receiver sent a tweet from Paul Brown Stadium that he said was part of his work with a charity that helps children in Kenya.

“A lucky fan wearing my jersey 2day will get a signed football by Me & Ocho Cinco! My asst will pick U out!! Good luck!” he tweeted.

Owens said he intended to post the tweet earlier in the day, but he left his home late and forgot to take his cell phone with him. He said he had an assistant bring his cell phone to Paul Brown Stadium.

Saints sign RB Jones, release K John Carney

New Orleans — The New Orleans Saints decided they needed a new running back more than two field goal kickers.

Hoping to boost a running game that ranks 31st in the NFL through five games, the Saints on Tuesday signed former Seattle running back Julius Jones and released 46-year-old kicker John Carney.

Jones was the Seahawks’ leading rusher the past two seasons, gaining 663 yards last season and 698 yards in 2008.

Vikings lose CB again

Eden Prairie, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have lost starting cornerback Cedric Griffin for the rest of the season to another significant knee injury. Coach Brad Childress confirmed Tuesday that Griffin hurt his right knee against the New York Jets the night before and won’t return in 2010.

Browns re-sign QB

Cleveland — The Cleveland Browns have re-signed quarterback Brett Ratliff, giving them two healthy QBs for this week’s game in Pittsburgh. The Browns were desperate for a quarterback, with both Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace out due to severe ankle sprains.

Chargers ink WR

San Diego — The San Diego Chargers have signed receiver Richard Goodman from the practice squad to the active roster. The addition of Goodman apparently is an attempt to shore up the Chargers’ porous special teams. Goodman played well during the exhibition season as a kickoff returner and on kick coverage.

Patriots place OL on IR

Foxborough, Mass. — The New England Patriots have placed offensive lineman Nick Kaczur on injured reserve because of a back problem. Kaczur was hurt on the second day of training camp. He underwent back surgery in August and hasn’t played all season.

Bears may start Cutler

Chicago — The NFL Network is reporting that Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is scheduled to start against Seattle on Sunday, two weeks after suffering a concussion. The Bears refused to confirm Tuesday’s report by the NFL Network, which cited a league source it did not identify.

Rams promote WR

St. Louis — The St. Louis Rams promoted wide receiver Danario Alexander from the practice squad to the active roster to replace injured Mark Clayton. Alexander was a star at Missouri last season but wasn’t drafted after undergoing a fourth operation on his left knee in February.

Seattle signs CB Cox

Renton, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks have signed cornerback Kennard Cox to the active roster, taking the opening left when wide receiver Deion Branch was traded to New England.