Ravens Close to Signing Morris, Green

The Baltimore Ravens could sign running back Bam Morris and tight end Eric Green as early as today, the Baltimore Sun reported.

The team has tentatively scheduled a news conference for 3 p.m. today to announce the signing of Morris or both Morris and Green to two-year contracts.

Morris, who rushed for 1,395 yards during his two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, cleared the Ravens’ final hurdle Monday morning when he passed his physical. Morris can’t practice with the team until Oct. 7 or play in a game until Oct. 12 because he violated the league’s policy on substance abuse after pleading guilty to a marijuana-possession charge on June 26.

Green worked out in front of the entire Raven offensive staff and strength and conditioning coach Jerry Simmons Monday afternoon, and was expected to take a physical this morning.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) released starting cornerback Vinnie Clark. “There will be further roster moves . . . some to accommodate injuries, others to try to make people understand that what we’re about is performance,” Coach Tom Coughlin said.

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The Oakland Raiders’ tailback debate has been settled for at least one week. With Harvey Williams sidelined because of a strained calf, Napoleon Kaufman--averaging 9.0 yards per carry--will get his first start of the season Sunday at Chicago.

Williams, who rushed for 1,114 yards last season and leads the Raiders with 50 carries this year, was injured in the third quarter of Sunday’s 40-34 loss to San Diego.

Coach Mike White said Williams will sit out at least one game and that an MRI test will determine if there is serious damage to the right calf.

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Josh Miller is too sore to kick, forcing the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign another punter before Sunday’s game against Houston.

Miller, signed late in the preseason as Rohn Stark’s replacement, has a hernia that might require surgery as early as today. He is expected to sit out at least two weeks.