Griese Tripped by His Dog, Injures Ankle

Denver Bronco quarterback Brian Griese was limping on a sprained left ankle Thursday, the result of being tripped by his dog on some stairs at his home Wednesday night.

Griese’s availability for Monday night’s game in Baltimore was uncertain.

He was listed as probable on the team’s injury report, but he said his ankle was sore and still somewhat swollen.

Coach Mike Shanahan said the injury was severe enough that X-rays were taken to be sure there was no fracture. Griese did not participate in Thursday’s practice, the first of two major workouts this week.

“I was walking down the stairs and my dog came barreling down the stairs after me and clipped me, and I kind of twisted my ankle on the stairs,” Griese said.

On May 5, Griese tripped on a steep driveway at then-teammate Terrell Davis’ house and was knocked unconscious, bruising his face.

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The St. Louis Rams will have to climb out of their 0-3 hole without Orlando Pace. The All-Pro offensive tackle tore his left calf muscle in practice Wednesday and will be sidelined two to three weeks. The Rams also announced that running back Marshall Faulk was officially cleared to play, although he said there was never a doubt. Faulk underwent an MRI exam earlier in the day, three days after he strained his neck, and the test showed no problems.

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Randy Moss apologized to his team, family and friends, but insisted he wasn’t looking for trouble when he was arrested on charges of pushing a traffic officer with his car. The Minnesota Viking receiver spent a night in jail and was charged with two misdemeanors but no felonies. Moss will start Sunday’s game against Seattle, and his agent said the team will fine him, although the amount hasn’t yet been determined.

“I’m sorry for what I’ve caused and what I brought on everyone who really cares about me or this team,” Moss said during a news conference. “I am human. I am a man. I do take care of my responsibilities, and I stand up for my actions.”

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Detroit Lion running back Lamont Warren has an injured shoulder and will miss at least Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. He will be replaced by Richard Huntley, who was signed last week.... Miami Dolphin quarterback Jay Fiedler, recovering from an injured finger on his throwing hand, returned to practice Thursday and will play Sunday at Kansas City, Coach Dave Wannstedt said.... Atlanta Falcon linebacker Keith Brooking was fined $5,000 by the NFL for taking off his helmet on the field during Sunday’s game against Cincinnati.