Broncos’ Lynch to Appeal Fine

Denver’s John Lynch has the distinction of being the first player to draw a fine from the NFL this season.

The league sent the safety a letter Wednesday demanding $7,500 for a hit on Kansas City receiver Dante Hall in Denver’s 34-24 victory Sunday night. Lynch plans to appeal.

Hall, who was not hurt, joked that the fine should have been $25,000 “for my pain and suffering.”

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Green Bay’s Mike McKenzie ended his holdout and returned to the team.

Coach and General Manager Mike Sherman said that McKenzie’s contract has not been reworked as the cornerback was hoping but that he could play Sunday against Chicago. McKenzie did not comment.

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The New Orleans Saints moved practices to San Antonio as Hurricane Ivan approached Louisiana. The team has no plans to relocate Sunday’s home game against San Francisco and plans to return to New Orleans after Friday’s practice.

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Miami running back Travis Minor will sit out Sunday’s game against Cincinnati because of an ankle injury. Lamar Gordon will get the bulk of the carries. The Dolphins also announced that A.J. Feeley will start at quarterback.... Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger injured his right knee during a passing drill and the team said the rookie suffered a bone bruise.... Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren said running back Shaun Alexander (sore right knee) would play against Tampa Bay only if he returned to practice by Friday.

The New York Jets re-signed guard Brent Smith, less than a week after the team cut him. Smith started 16 games last year at right guard.