McCoy's head injury prompts league to act

THE NFL will require teams to place certified athletic trainers in the press box to help monitor head injuries, a change prompted by the Browns' failure to test quarterback Colt McCoy for a concussion.

League spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that memos are being sent to all 32 clubs to explain the new protocol, which is expected to begin with this week's games. Aiello said the trainer will be able to monitor the entire game without distraction and inform medical personnel on the sideline of any potential head injuries.

McCoy remains sidelined with the concussion suffered Dec. 8 when he was laid out on an illegal helmet-to-face mask hit by Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison. Although he was flattened by Harrison's vicious hit, the second-year QB was not tested for a concussion, and the Browns sent him back in the game after two plays.

McCoy has not yet been cleared to practice by Browns doctors. Coach Pat Shurmur said Seneca Wallace will "likely" make his second straight start for Cleveland on Saturday in Baltimore.

Shurmur refused to officially name Wallace his starter, but said, "At this point, more than likely he'll be the starter, for sure."

By adding an overseeing trainer, the league is hoping an extra set of eyes will help medical staffs on the sideline spot injuries and get injured players necessary care.

Authorities are investigating a report that New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley physically abused his 5-year-old son in Gadsden, Ala., his hometown.

Etowah County District Attorney Jimmie Harp said an investigation into the allegations made by the child's mother has just begun and evidence will be presented to a grand jury if it's determined there's probable cause.

* Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said he never thought of benching Ben Roethlisberger, despite the quarterback's bad ankle and shaky performance during Monday night's loss to San Francisco. Tomlin's stance contradicts what Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. According to Roethlisberger, Tomlin wanted to remove him late in the game, but the quarterback refused.

* Tennessee running back Chris Johnson said he originally feared he had hurt his right ankle badly, but expects to play Saturday as the Titans (7-7) try to keep their faint playoff hopes alive against Jacksonville.

* Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell said quarterback Peyton Manning, who had neck surgery on Sept. 8, will not participate in the Colts' team practices the rest of the season.

* Miami signed quarterback Pat Devlin from its practice squad and placed linebacker Koa Misi on injured reserve because of a left shoulder injury.

Devlin, from Downingtown East High, played two seasons at Penn State before transferring to Delaware. The Dolphins signed him as an undrafted free agent in July.

* Green Bay placed tackle Derek Sherrod on injured reserve and signed tackle Herb Taylor to provide offensive-line depth. Sherrod, the team's first-round pick in the 2011 draft, broke his right leg in the Packers' loss at Kansas City on Sunday.

* Buffalo placed tight end Lee Smith has on injured reserve after the rookie free agent hurt his left ankle in Sunday's loss to Miami.