Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking says the defense received a "wake-up call" on Monday night.

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Victor Cruz is staying positive after being placed on injured reserve.

The Philadelphia Eagles have no plans to change defensive coordinators, reports Rueben Frank of CSNPhilly.com.

Tracee Hamilton of the Washington Post writes that the Washington Redskins have to take the Lions seriously.

Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams is doubtful for tomorrow's game against St. Louis with a sprained foot.

Head coach Mike Smith has the 5-2 Atlanta Falcons focused, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Davin Joseph has a lot of respect for Darnell Dockett.

The New Orleans Saints will wear their black jerseys in the Superdome for the first time this season.

Detroit Lions first-round running back Jahvid Best is getting closer to 100%, reports Tom Kowalski of MLive.com.

Chicago Bears safety Danieal Manning is a dangerous return man, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre returned to the practice field and wants to start.

The Green Bay Packers are plugging holes on the defensive line, writes Bob McGinn of the Journal-Sentinel.

St. Louis Rams rookie wide receiver Danario Alexander will miss 2-to-4 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee.

Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells is now the starter, replacing the fumble-prone Tim Hightower.

San Francisco 49ers linebackers Parys Haralson and Travis LaBoy will take turns going against Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady.

Seattle Seahawks guard Chester Pitts will definitely get a jersey on Sunday for the first time this season.

Quarterback Jason Campbell will get a third straight start for the Oakland Raiders.

San Diego Chargers first-round running back Ryan Mathews hopes to benefit from increased reps during practice, writes Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Playing in London this week has helped the Denver Broncos move on from last week's 59-14 loss, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Officially listed as questionable, Kansas City Chiefs second-round wide receiver Dexter McCluster's status for Sunday is unknown.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster is expected to be a target of the Colts defense on Monday night.

After being named a starter, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey broke his right hand during practice.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young appears ready to start on Sunday against the Chargers.

Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown expects to play on Monday night.

A hip injury kept him from practicing on Thursday, but Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is "ready to rock" tomorrow against the Dolphins.

Cleveland Browns linebacker and aspiring NFL coach David Bowens is still making plays at age 33.

Sunday night's game against New Orleans will be a homecoming for five members of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo discussed his recovery and rehab from the first major injury of his NFL career with Don Markus of the Baltimore Sun.

The New York Jets offensive linemen are aware of Packers linebacker Clay Matthews.

Buffalo Bills guard Andy Levitre's nasty streak has helped him develop into one of the offense's more reliable players, writes Allen Wilson of the Buffalo News.

New England Patriots cornerback Darius Butler has responded positively to his decreased playing time.

Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai has been a stabilizing force on the interior of the defense, writes Juan Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel.

Today's NFL birthdays: Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking (35), Jaguars quarterback Trent Edwards (27), Vikings fullback Naufahu Tahi (29), Saints fullback Marcus Mailei (24), Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons (29) and wide receiver Ben Obomanu (27), Titans sixth-round safety Myron Rolle (24), free agent linebacker Brandon Archer (27), offensive lineman Adrian Battles (24) and Todd Wade (34), defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald (23), former NFL quarterback Ty Detmer (43), defensive linemen Ellis Johnson (37), and the late Joe Delaney would be 52 today.