Chiefs Suspend Thomas

Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Thomas was suspended for one game Tuesday and linebacker Wayne Simmons was waived, a day after Kansas City Chief owner Lamar Hunt said their actions “disgraced this organization as well as the community.”

Thomas, Simmons and defensive end Chester McGlockton drew five personal foul penalties in the final minutes of Denver’s 30-7 victory.

Thomas, who’s been to the Pro Bowl each of his nine seasons, was flagged once for hitting quarterback Bubby Brister in the head when he was on the ground and twice for pulling and twisting Denver tight end Shannon Sharpe’s facemask.

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The owner of the New England Patriots and the governor of Connecticut have talked for seven hours over the last four days about the possibility of moving the NFL team to a proposed football stadium in Hartford, but state lawmakers sought to downplay the talks. . . . Indianapolis Colt fullback Craig Heyward, recuperating from surgery for a benign tumor on his brain, is expected to leave the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis within the next few days. . . . Miami Dolphin offensive tackle Jeff Buckey underwent successful surgery to correct a disc problem in his lower back. Buckey will be reevaluated in two to three months, the team said. . . . Buffalo Bill linebacker John Holecek will likely miss two to four weeks because of a sprained knee, the team said. Holecek suffered the injury in the first half of Buffalo’s 13-10 victory over New England on Sunday. Joe Cummings is expected to replace him in the lineup.

NFL Daily Report / NFC: Sanders’ Status Is in Doubt

This could be a lucky week for the downtrodden Seattle Seahawks. They may not have to face Deion Sanders on Sunday as a punt returner or a wide receiver.

Sanders, who has returned punts 59 and 69 yards for touchdowns, injured his left big toe early in Sunday’s 35-28 victory over Arizona. He had to wear a slipper on the foot on the plane ride back from Phoenix and has been limping around the Cowboys’ practice facility.

Dallas Coach Chan Gailey said it didn’t look good for Sanders to be playing on special teams or offense.

Kevin Smith, the Cowboys’ left cornerback, was expected to be ready for the Seahawks although he suffered a separated shoulder against Arizona.

Trainers popped the shoulder back in place and Smith was experiencing some soreness.

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The New York Giants placed veteran tight end Al Pupunu on injured reserve because of a sprained medial collateral in his right knee injury, losing him for the season. To fill Pupunu’s roster spot, the Giants signed tight end Andy Haase from the practice squad.