Herndon Fined for Illegal Block

Denver Bronco guard Steve Herndon was fined one game’s pay, $17,647, by the NFL on Thursday for an illegal block on San Diego Charger defensive tackle Jamal Williams.

Herndon’s clip came in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers and ended Williams’ season.

Herndon, a first-year guard, makes $300,000 this season.

Herndon and Bronco Coach Mike Shanahan apologized to Williams and the Chargers on Wednesday, the same day Williams was put on injured reserve because of a dislocated left ankle. Williams had surgery Monday.

In the third quarter of San Diego’s 30-27 overtime win, Williams was hit from behind by Herndon as Williams chased Denver running back Clinton Portis on a screen pass.

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Tennessee defensive end Jevon Kearse is as close to playing as he has been since breaking his left foot in the season opener.

He did not practice Thursday, but Coach Jeff Fisher said Kearse was better after running outside the last two days, which was encouraging. The Titans (7-5) play the Indianapolis Colts (8-4) Sunday for control of the AFC South.

“We’re going to pick it up tomorrow and see how he is,” Fisher said. “Let him work with the defense a bit, shut him down Saturday, and he’ll probably be a realistic game-time decision.”

Quarterback Steve McNair watched practice for a second straight day. He has not practiced in nearly two weeks, and Fisher said he hopes McNair can practice some today.

McNair had the second-best performance of his career last week in a 32-29 overtime victory over the New York Giants despite sore ribs, a sore shin and turf toe. McNair completed 30 of 43 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

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Tampa Bay wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson filed for a divorce from his wife, Shikiri, citing irreconcilable differences.

Johnson, 30, and his wife separated Sept. 2, according to the filing Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The former USC star and his wife were married on Feb. 14, 1998. They have a daughter, Maia, 6, and a son, Keyshawn, 4.

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Miami quarterback Ray Lucas and defensive end Rob Burnett were held out of practice because of injuries but are expected to be available against the Chicago Bears.

Lucas, who has a strained shoulder after suffering a stinger in Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, sat out practice for the second straight day.

Coach Dave Wannstedt said Lucas will practice today and is expected to be the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Jay Fiedler on Monday night.

As a precaution, the Dolphins signed quarterback Dave Dickenson to the practice squad.