Lynch Says Hit Was Unnecessary

Denver is involved in another controversy over blocking, but this time the Broncos paid the price.

John Lynch suffered a broken bone above his tailbone when Atlanta receiver Brian Finneran blocked the safety 30 yards away from the play during the Falcons’ victory Sunday in Denver.

Lynch was yelling toward the Atlanta huddle as he limped off the field.

Falcon Coach Jim Mora’s response: “What goes around comes around.”

Said Lynch: “I don’t think etiquette and football really go together -- but there’s a code of conduct. Thirty yards away from the ball, I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Lynch conceded the hit was legal, but maybe not necessary -- a conclusion that was easy to figure simply by seeing his reaction afterward.

The Finneran-Lynch imbroglio was a continuation of last week’s debate, when Bronco offensive lineman George Foster was accused of a cheap shot on Cincinnati defender Tony Williams. Foster cut-blocked Williams, broke his ankle and ended his season. Lynch is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Houston.

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Minnesota receiver Randy Moss had an MRI exam on his ailing right hamstring, which revealed a slight tear that will keep him below full speed for three to four weeks. Moss is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game at Indianapolis. Linebacker Raonall Smith will sit out the game because of lingering effects from a concussion, and running back Mewelde Moore might not play because of a sprained left ankle.

San Diego’s home game Sunday against New Orleans will not be shown on local TV because 9,500 general admission tickets remained unsold at Thursday’s deadline.... San Francisco defensive end Andre Carter will play Sunday against Seattle after sitting out the team’s previous six games. Brandon Whiting, who started in Carter’s place at right end, was lost for the season because of torn knee ligaments suffered during Sunday’s loss in Chicago. Quarterback Tim Rattay (forearm injury) is expected to start, but cornerback Ahmed Plummer is doubtful because of a bulging disk in his neck.... Chicago defensive end Adewale Ogunleye sat out practice because of an ankle injury and wasn’t sure whether he would play Sunday against the New York Giants. Running back Thomas Jones is listed as questionable because of a sprained left big toe.

Jerry Rice’s sprained right ankle healed enough for him to practice, but the Seattle receiver is questionable for Sunday’s game at San Francisco. Seahawk receivers Bobby Engram and Darrell Jackson also are questionable because of ankle sprains.... New York Jet linebacker Sam Cowart (sprained left knee) says he might not be able to play Sunday against Buffalo.... Running back Stephen Davis (knee injury) practiced for the second consecutive day, leaving Carolina hopeful he could play Sunday against Oakland.... Jacksonville linebacker Darryl Smith has a partially torn ligament in his left knee and could sit out the Jaguars’ Nov. 14 game against Detroit, but running back Fred Taylor, who has a hip pointer, should be ready to play.... Sheldon Brown signed a six-year extension with Philadelphia, keeping the cornerback with the Eagles through the 2012 season.