Titans’ Chuck Cecil fined $40,000 by the NFL

Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil was fined $40,000 by the NFL on Monday for his obscene gesture at game officials Sunday.

The NFL said Cecil violated a rule that prohibits use of abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures to game officials.

Television cameras caught Cecil using his right hand to make the gesture when officials flagged his defense for a neutral zone infraction during the second quarter of the Titans’ game against Denver. The penalty gave the Broncos a first and goal and Kyle Orton threw a two-yard touchdown pass on the next play for a 7-0 lead.

Titans Coach Jeff Fisher called the league’s punishment swift and appropriate.

Vick’s return from injury uncertain

An MRI exam revealed that quarterback Michael Vick injured the cartilage that connects his second and third ribs to his sternum in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 17-12 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

Coach Andy Reid would not speculate how long Vick could be sidelined.

Panthers’ Smith probably will sit out

Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith was limping and wearing a protective boot because of a high- ankle sprain and said he is day to day. The four-time Pro Bowl selection added that there is a slight chance of a speedy recovery, putting in doubt his availability for the game against Chicago on Sunday.

Smith injured the left ankle in the third quarter of Carolina’s 16-14 loss at New Orleans on Sunday when a defender fell on his leg after he made a catch along the sideline.

Chargers’ Tucker is out for season

Outside linebacker Jyles Tucker was put on injured reserve by the San Diego Chargers because of a torn chest muscle, meaning his season is over.

Tucker was injured in San Diego’s 41-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Chargerrs strong safety Steve Gregory was suspended by the NFL for four games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Jaguars sour on Harvey

Jacksonville Coach Jack Del Rio indicated that defensive end Derrick Harvey, the eighth overall selection in the 2008 draft, will have less playing time when the Jaguars (2-2) play at winless Buffalo on Sunday, a move predicated on Harvey’s lack of production this season.

Packers approve union decertification

Green Bay Packers players have become the latest team to give the NFL Players Assn. approval to decertify in the event of a lockout next year.

George Atallah, the NFL Players Assn.’s assistant executive director of external affairs, told the Associated Press that players voted Monday to decertify.

Decertification would give players the right to sue the NFL under antitrust laws if there is a lockout, a threat that could strengthen the players’ position in negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.