Another Bronco Starter Put on Injured Reserve

Free safety Eric Brown, the leading tackler for the Denver Broncos, was put on injured reserve Thursday, and safety Jason Moore was activated from the practice squad.

Brown became the ninth starter lost to injury this season, the result of a torn knee ligament suffered last Sunday in Seattle.

The Broncos also signed safety Brad Trout to replace Moore on the practice squad.

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Arizona Cardinal running back Michael Pittman, who ignited Arizona’s sputtering offense in his first NFL start last week, has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys because of an injured left big toe.

“It doesn’t look good right now,” Coach Vince Tobin said after the team’s practice Thursday. “It’s getting better, but he has turf toe and when he’s going to be able to play remains to be seen.”

Last Sunday, the second-year pro from Fresno State gained 133 yards in 23 carries in Arizona’s 23-19 victory over the Lions.

If Pittman can’t play, the Cardinals will go back to Adrian Murrell, who started the first eight games.

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Troy Drayton has a suggestion to help the Miami Dolphins’ offense: Throw more to Troy Drayton.

“You see guys around the league less talented than you catch the ball,” he said. “But there’s not much you can do about it.”

But lately his inactivity has been glaring, with no catches in the past three games. Miami has scored just three touchdowns in that span and totaled only six first downs last Sunday in a 23-3 loss at Buffalo.

Drayton hopes to be busier Sunday when Miami (7-2) plays New England (6-3).

“I’ve been going through the same thing for seven years and learning how to deal with it,” said Drayton, 29. “In the past I’ve done it by yelling and screaming and throwing tirades. As the years have gone on, I’ve learned how to deal with the frustration.”