PRO FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : AROUND THE NFL : Tagliabue Has No Decision After Dickerson Meeting

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue met with Eric Dickerson and Indianapolis Colt General Manager Jim Irsay but didn’t make an immediate decision on the running back’s suspension.

Dickerson, placed on the non-football injury list Aug. 29 after refusing to take a physical, had nothing to say after a three-hour meeting at the NFL offices. His lawyer, Arn Tellum, made a brief statement.

“We believe and hope the commissioner, after reviewing the facts and considering the law, will find the Colts’ decision to place Mr. Dickerson on the non-football injury list was improper and will reverse it,” Tellum said. “Eric is healthy, has been healthy, and is ready and willing and able to play football.”

Dickerson, the seventh-leading rusher in NFL history with 11,236 yards, cannot be activated until Oct. 17, in time for an Oct. 21 game against Denver. Dickerson has had an injured left hamstring but says the injury has healed.

Linebacker Billy Ray Smith has a stomach muscle pull and will be sidelined for at least a month, San Diego Charger Coach Dan Henning said.

“The doctors have informed me that it’s at least a four-week injury,” Henning said. “He’s a good player and you can’t afford to lose good players. He’s also one of our veteran leaders and that’s always something to be concerned about.”