Shanahan Fined for Critical Comment

The NFL fined Denver Bronco Coach Mike Shanahan $20,000 Friday for his criticism of the call that reversed Darrent Williams’ punt return for a touchdown last Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Officials called Denver for too many men on the field toward the end of Williams’ 61-yard punt return after a few Broncos ran off the sideline to prepare for the extra-point attempt. None of the Broncos who ran onto the field were within 15 yards of the play.

“It was a horrible call. Horrible call,” Shanahan said Monday. “You wouldn’t see a lot of calls like that in high school.”

On Friday, Shanahan acknowledged he had been fined.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been fined,” Shanahan said jokingly. “That is pretty impressive.”

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Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich and defensive end Reggie Hayward were upgraded to probable for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Both players had been listed as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report. Leftwich injured his groin during last week’s loss at Indianapolis. Hayward was sidelined because of a back injury.

“I’m not 100%, but who in the NFL is 100% during the season?” Leftwich said. “But I’ll be out there playing on Sunday. I won’t be limited in any way come Sunday.”

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New York Giant defensive end Michael Strahan did not practice Friday because of a sore back and was listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game at San Diego.

Strahan also sat out some practice time last week because of back spasms before recording five tackles and a sack against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

Giant Coach Tom Coughlin said Strahan would seek treatment from a chiropractor.

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Quarterback Michael Vick practiced for the second straight day and probably will start Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons play at Buffalo.

Vick tweaked his left hamstring during the fourth quarter of last week’s loss at Seattle and left the game on each of the last two possessions.

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Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook did not practice because of a knee injury but was expected to start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.

Eagle Coach Andy Reid said Westbrook was hit above the knee during Sunday’s win against San Francisco and is listed as probable.