NFL News & Rumors: Thursday 9/20

49ers

• The 49ers brought in free agent OLB Shawne Merriman in for a visit on Wednesday. (Scout.com)
• Brandon Jacobs “appears doubtful” for Week 3’s game against the Vikings. (CSN Bay Area)

Bears

• Bears head coach Lovie Smith mentioned that he has confidence in Michael Bush handling their ground game while Matt Forte is out. (ChicagoBears.com)
• Matt Forte say out of Thursday’s practice. (Vaughn McClure)

Browns

• Browns CB Sheldon Brown has lost his starting job to Buster Skrine. (ESPN Cleveland)

Buccaneers

• The Buccaneers released WR Preston Parker.
• The Buccaneers re-signed WR Tiquan Underwood.
• Buccaneers sign WR Chris Owusu. (Michael Gehlken)

Cardinals

• Todd Heap‘s knee injury will give Rob Housler an expanded role this weekend.  (Arizona Republic)
• Todd Heap was able to practice on a limited basis today. (Kent Somers)
• John Skelton returned to practice on Thursday, but was still limited. (Kent Somers)
• Ryan Williams was limited during Thursday’s practice. (Darren Urban)

Chargers

• Norv Turner mentioned that TE Antonio Gates was “moving fast” and “looked good” during a limited practice on Wednesday.  (Union-Tribune San Diego)
• Chargers G Johnnie Troutman recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.  (Union-Tribune San Diego)

Dolphins

• Rookie RB Lamar Miller has a chance to remain active this weekend, despite the return of Daniel Thomas. (Miami Herald)

Eagles

• WR DeSean Jackson practicing again on Thursday. (Geoff Mosher)

Giants

• Giants WR Hakeem Nicks reportedly did not suffer a setback to his injured foot during Week 2’s game.  (Newark Star-Ledger)
• Andre Brown is expected to start tonight’s game against the Panthers. (Newark Star-Ledger)

Jets

• TE Dustin Keller is expected to practice on a limited basis on Thursday. (Manish Mehta)

Lions

• Kevin Smith wound up taking most of the first-team reps during the portion of Wednesday’s practice that was open to the media. (Detroit News)
• Lions CB Bill Bentley has been cleared for contact. (Fox Sports Detroit)
• FS Louis Delmas is not close to returning from a knee injury that has been hampering him. (Detroit Free Press)

Patriots

• Patriots signed WR Greg Salas to the practice squad. (Mike Reiss)
• WR Brandon Lloyd was limited during Thursday’s practice.  (Aaron Wilson)

Ravens

• The Ravens have moved TE Dennis Pitta ahead of Ed Dickson on their official depth chart.  (Baltimore Sun)
• Ravens S Bernard Pollard mentioned that he expects to play against the Patriots. (Aaron Wilson)

Raiders

• Raiders LB Rolando McClain and CB Coye Francies both resumed practicing on Thursday. (CSN Bay Area)

Texans

• Texans RB coach Chick Harris mentioned that Ben Tate‘s workload with be determined by the “flow of the game.” (Houston Chronicle)

Titans

• Titans RB Javon Ringer mentioned that he expects to have small role in Sunday’s game against the Lions, despite Chris Johnson‘s recent struggles. (Nashville Tennessean)