Raiders coach declines to discuss alleged fight

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable declined to comment Monday about reports he punched defensive assistant Randy Hanson in the jaw and caused injuries that required treatment at a hospital earlier this month.

According to AOL Fanhouse, Cable hit Hanson on Aug. 5 for unknown reasons. A report filed with the Napa Police Department describes an unnamed 41-year-old assistant coach being treated at the Queen of the Valley Hospital for a jaw injury, which the victim alleges was caused by an unidentified member of the Raiders coaching staff.

Cable, who replaced Lane Kiffin as Oakland's head coach four games into the 2008 season, repeatedly sidestepped questions Monday about the incident and declined to discuss his involvement.

"It's an internal issue that we are dealing with, and that's all I'm going to say," said Cable, who repeated the phrase when questioned if he was involved. "I'm not going to comment on that."

DE Smith traded from Patriots to Broncos

The Denver Broncos needed more muscle and hustle in their defensive line, and they knew right where to go to get it, acquiring versatile end Le Kevin Smith from New England for a draft pick on Monday.

The Patriots, loaded with talent and depth along the defensive line, needed a fifth-round draft pick to send to the Oakland Raiders to complete their recent trade for defensive end Derrick Burgess, and the Broncos needed more athleticism and strength up front to make their conversion to a 3-4 scheme successful.

Bulger has finger fracture, likely out two weeks

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger has fractured the pinkie finger of his throwing hand and could be out for at least two weeks.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Bulger will not play in Friday's preseason game against Atlanta and is doubtful for the Aug. 27 game at Cincinnati.

Bulger, 32, jammed the finger taking a snap during Monday's practice and an X-ray revealed a small fracture.

Jets' Jenkins returns to practice after two weeks

New York Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins returned to practice Monday on a limited basis after missing more than two weeks with a strained left calf muscle.

Jenkins, injured on Aug. 1, participated in individual drills during both practice sessions Monday, but hasn't been cleared to take part in full team drills. The team wants to ease Jenkins back into practice to prevent an aggravation of the injury.

WR Williams, CB Newman back at Cowboys practice

Dallas Cowboys receiver Roy Williams returned to practice Monday with his sprained left wrist protectively taped. Cornerback Terence Newman was back as well.

Williams was first in line to catch a pass from Tony Romo when the offense started its warmup session.

After coming down hard on his wrist in the first workout Sunday, Williams missed the afternoon session while having X-rays that were negative.

Newman had been sidelined by a slight groin strain since Aug. 8.