Titans May Cut Haynesworth

The Tennessee Titans want back some of Albert Haynesworth’s bonus money. And that might be just the start of the paybacks.

Coach Jeff Fisher told a national radio show Thursday that Haynesworth -- the defensive tackle suspended five games by the NFL for stepping on Dallas center Andre Gurode’s face -- may never be back in the building again. Team spokesman Robbie Bohren also said the Titans are investigating their options.

“We’ve moved on,” Fisher said after practice Friday. “I have no intention of addressing the Haynesworth issue now or at any time between now and the time he comes back. I’m done with Albert, and this team is moving on. As far as specifics on his future, I’m not going to comment any further on that.”

Under the collective bargaining agreement, punishment from the commissioner overrides any team sanctions.

But Haynesworth’s stepping on a player while defenseless on the ground without his helmet left Gurode with 30 stitches and cost Haynesworth $190,000 in lost salary. It also has resulted in unanimous condemnation and calls for the Titans to fire the tackle.

The Titans could release Haynesworth, even though he’s under contract for 2007 for $5.5 million. Considering he started the first four games, that could be fought by Haynesworth and the players’ union.

General Manager Floyd Reese referred reporters to Fisher to clarify his comments that Haynesworth might not be back. Reese said he didn’t think any decision would be made on Haynesworth until his suspension ended. Asked whether a team could release a player after a suspension, he said a team could do what it wants.

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The Indianapolis Colts will not pay the rest of defensive tackle Corey Simon’s salary while he is out because of an undisclosed illness.

The team said the illness was not football-related and that Simon, who has not played or practiced since the first week of training camp in early August, would sit out the rest of the season.

Colts owner Jim Irsay told the Indianapolis Star that the balance of Simon’s salary, about $2 million, would be withheld, a statement confirmed by Irsay spokeswoman Myra Borshoff Cook.

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Cincinnati receiver Chris Henry received a two-game suspension from the NFL for violating its conduct and substance abuse policies. He also was fined $20,000 by the league.

The Bengals have their bye this weekend, so Henry will sit out games against Tampa Bay and Carolina this month.

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Cornerback Lito Sheppard plans to play Sunday, giving Philadelphia’s secondary a lift against the Dallas Cowboys. He has sat out three consecutive games since injuring his ankle during the first series of the season opener.

Meanwhile, the offense could be hampered if receiver Donte’ Stallworth and running back Brian Westbrook do not play. Stallworth, who has a hamstring injury, is listed as doubtful. Westbrook, who is listed as questionable, has been bothered by swelling in his knee all season.

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Miami quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who has a bruised right shoulder, was able to practice, but the Dolphins have not decided whether he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game against New England. If he can’t play, Joey Harrington will start.