Chiefs’ Johnson out indefinitely

Larry Johnson, already facing possible suspension by the NFL, was charged Monday with simple assault for spitting his drink in a woman’s face.

Several hours later, the Kansas City Chiefs indicated the two-time Pro Bowl running back would not play for the foreseeable future.

A person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that Johnson would meet with league officials in New York today. The person requested anonymity because the league has not announced the meeting.

Carl Peterson, the Chiefs’ president and general manager, released a written statement saying that “at present, we do not believe Larry can contribute to our team on the field” until his personal issues “are resolved.”

49ers’ Hill to start

Shaun Hill will replace turnover-prone J.T. O’Sullivan at starting quarterback for San Francisco 49ers. Coach Mike Singletary explained the move by saying: “Some of the things that have happened with the turnovers and all that, J.T. just needed to take a little time and gather himself.”

Raiders’ Griffith out for season

An MRI exam revealed that Oakland Raiders starting fullback Justin Griffith will need knee surgery that will keep him out the rest of the season. Griffith tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The only available fullback on the roster is Luke Lawton, who has primarily played on special teams after being brought in late in training camp when Oren O’Neal suffered a knee injury.

Hasselbeck has back checked again

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck returned to Los Angeles to have a back surgeon give him a second evaluation on a bulging disk.

That left Coach Mike Holmgren to prepare for Sunday’s game against Philadelphia with Seneca Wallace as the starting quarterback.

Winslow returns

Tight end Kellen Winslow didn’t say a word about staph infections or suspensions as he returned to the Cleveland Browns after a contentious week in which the club suspended him for one game but later rescinded its penalty.

“I’m ready to move on and just play football,” Winslow said.

Etc.

Dallas Cowboys Coach Wade Phillips opened the door for a quarterback controversy by hesitating to say whether backup Brad Johnson will remain the starter Sunday against the New York Giants in what should be the final game Tony Romo misses because of a broken pinkie finger on his throwing hand. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes apologized for being involved in a marijuana-related case that caused Coach Mike Tomlin to bench him for Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants. . . . Josh Reed is out indefinitely because of injuries to his ankle and Achilles’ tendon, leaving the Buffalo Bills without one of their most reliable third-down receivers.