Rams' QB Bulger has bruised rotator cuff
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Marc Bulger's status for Sunday is in doubt after St. Louis Coach Steve Spagnuolo revealed Monday the Rams quarterback has a bruised rotator cuff.
Bulger took a hit Sunday from Aaron Kampman in a 36-17 loss to Green Bay. He left the game late in the first quarter and did not return.
The Rams next play San Francisco.
"We'll see where he's at tomorrow and Wednesday and if he'll do anything at all but that's what it is," Spagnuolo said. "It's not torn; it's a bruised rotator cuff. I don't want to speak for him but I know he's very sore today and we're going to be careful with it. If he can throw Wednesday, he will, if he can't he won't."
Bulger has thrown for 339 yards and a touchdown on 35-of-68 passing in three games this season.
Status of injured Dolphins QB questionable
DAVIE, Fla., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Miami Coach Tony Sparano said Monday the status of injured Dolphins' quarterback Chad Pennington is still uncertain.
ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported that Pennington is out for the rest of the season with a torn capsule in his right shoulder. But Sparano said he was "still waiting" on information to assess the severity of the injury.
Pennington left Sunday's 23-13 loss to San Diego after being hit in the third quarter. Sparano termed the injury "a weird looking deal" and said it appeared to have happened at the point of initial contact and not after he hit the ground.
The 10th-year pro was 8-of-12 for 54 yards and has thrown for 413 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 51-of-74 passing in three games this season.
Backup Chad Henne took over for Pennington Sunday and completed 10-of-19 passes for 92 yards with an interception. The Dolphins also have rookie Pat White available at the quarterback position.
Kyle Boller took over in Bulger's absence Sunday and completed 16-of-31 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Leftwich benched by Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich was demoted Monday, clearing the way for Josh Johnson to start for Tampa Bay at Washington next week.
Leftwich started all of the Buccaneers' games this season, all of which ended in losses. Tampa Bay is 0-3 on the year and ranks 28th in the NFL in points scored and 26th in total offense.
The Bucs were shut out Sunday at home against the New York Giants and managed 86 yards of offense. Leftwich completed 7-of-16 passes for 22 yards before being lifted for Johnson.
Leftwich, in his seventh season and on his fourth NFL team, on Monday was made the team's No. 3 quarterback behind Johnson and rookie Josh Freeman.
"It's not all about Byron," Bucs Coach Raheem Morris said. "I talked to Byron this morning and he looked me right in the face and said he knew he had to get some wins early."
Johnson was a fifth-round draft pick by Tampa Bay in 2008 but was listed as inactive for each game last season. His appearance Sunday, in which he was 4-of-10 for 36 yards, is his only NFL experience.
USC running back injured in weight room
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Southern Cal running back Stafon Johnson had emergency surgery Monday after a weightlifting bar slipped from his hand and landed on his throat, the school said.
Johnson was spitting up blood after the incident and was taken to a nearby hospital for surgery, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"It was an unfortunate accident, and Stafon is getting great care right now," USC head Coach Pete Carroll said. "We don't have a lot of information at this point, and we'll keep everyone updated, but our thoughts and prayers are with Stafon."
Johnson, a senior, has rushed for 157 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns on 32 carries this season.
