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Raiders' Johnson tends to tragedy

OAKLAND RAIDERS cornerback Chris Johnson left the team yesterday in the wake of a shooting that left his sister dead and his mother wounded, according to a report.

OAKLAND RAIDERS cornerback Chris Johnson left the team yesterday in the wake of a shooting that left his sister dead and his mother wounded, according to a report.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that police said a 46-year-old man fatally shot his estranged girlfriend, Jennifer Johnson, 33, and wounded her mother, 53-year-old Della Johnson in the parking lot of an east Fort Worth apartment complex on Monday.

According to the report, Eugene Esters had been told to move out of the apartment he had shared Jennifer Johnson. Homicide detectives believe that Esters had slept in his car Sunday night because he wanted to see his 2 1/2-year-old daughter on Monday.

Police allege that Esters argued with Jennifer Johnson and shot her several times. He also shot Della Johnson, was is expected to recover. The couples daughter was away at the time.

Esters was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.

Raiders coach Hue Jackson said he expected Johnson to be back with the team in time to play in Sunday's game in Green Bay.

Noteworthy * 

Green Bay linebacker Erik Walden was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conductdomestic abuse following a fight with his girlfriend.

Walden did not appear for a Brown County (Wis.) Circuit Court hearing and defense attorney Steve Richards entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Walden remains free on bond and is due back in court Dec. 27. He was arrested after a Nov. 25 dispute with Erika T. Palmer. If convicted, Walden would face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

In other news, the Packers signed quarterback Graham Harrell from the practice squad to the active roster. Also, Packers cornerback Charles Woodson returned to practice on a limited basis. He is recovering from a concussion sustained in last Sunday's victory over the Giants. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he expects Woodson to play Sunday against Oakland.

* Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler told ESPNChicago.com he hopes to begin throwing in a few weeks as he recovers from surgery on his right thumb, which he broke against San Diego on Nov. 20.

In other news, Mike Martz said he expects to return as the offensive coordinator next year, dismissing a report he will be gone after the season.

* Jeff Garcia signed with Houston and will be the Texans' No. 3 quarterback behind rookie starter T.J. Yates and Jake Delhomme. Houston signed Delhomme last week after Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart were injured.

* Dallas receiver Miles Austin returned to action for the first time since Nov. 6 when he suffered a right hamstring injury suffered in a game against Seattle.

* Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, who has missed three game with a high left ankle sprain, said he is "70 percent" and wants to play Sunday against Detroit.

* Denver linebacker Von Miller practiced with a cast on his right thumb. Miller, who didn't play last week, leads all rookies with 10 1/2 sacks. He had surgery to repair ligaments he tore during a game at San Diego on Nov. 27.