Coleman Crashed to Avoid a Deer

Atlanta Falcon defensive tackle Rod Coleman swerved to avoid a deer and flipped his luxury vehicle, authorities said Wednesday, finally revealing details of a mysterious wreck last weekend.

Coleman, who needed minor knee surgery and will sit out his second straight game, had been drinking but wasn’t considered under the influence.

Hall County sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Strickland, citing an accident report, said Coleman wrecked at 4:30 a.m. Saturday.

During a brief appearance in front of his locker, Coleman spoke about the wreck for the first time Wednesday.

“It’s just something that happened, man,” he said. “It’s no big deal.”

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Wide receiver Andre’ Davis has a cast on his left foot and may sit out Cleveland’s game Sunday’s against the Philadelphia Eagles.... Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is nearly ready to return to the Arizona Cardinal lineup for the first time since being sidelined two months ago by knee surgery. He said he expects to resume practice Monday and should be ready to play at Buffalo on Oct. 31.... Buffalo Bill safety Lawyer Milloy is prepared to make his season debut at Baltimore this weekend after sitting out seven weeks because of a broken right forearm.

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Jacksonville Coach Jack Del Rio suspended defensive tackle Willie Blade for one week for conduct detrimental to the team but refused to provide any details except to say that Blade would play again this season.

Meanwhile, Jaguar quarterback Byron Leftwich sat out most of practice because of a sprained right ankle but was optimistic he would play Sunday at Indianapolis.

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Carolina linebacker Mark Fields returned to practice the same day running back Stephen Davis headed to the sidelines because of a lingering knee injury.

Davis returned from a three-game absence last week against Philadelphia, rushing for 66 yards in 15 carries. Fields returned to practice after sitting out three games because of a back injury.

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The Miami Dolphins released defensive end Chidi Ahanotu, who left the team last week after complaining about a lack of playing time.... Pittsburgh Steeler nose tackle Casey Hampton, who has torn right knee ligaments, and backup safety Mike Logan, who has a hamstring injury, were put on injured reserve and will sit out the rest of the season. Cornerback Chad Scott is expected to sit out four to six weeks because of an injured quadriceps tendon.... Rich Gannon was put on injured reserve by the Oakland Raiders, an expected move since the quarterback had a broken vertebra in his neck.... The Pro Bowl will remain in Hawaii through 2009 after the state and the NFL reached agreement on a new contract.