Once again, Gramatica eyed to take over for Vinatieri

September 23, 2006|Associated Press

The Indianapolis Colts likely will sign veteran kicker Martin Gramatica for tomorrow's game against Jacksonville as a possible replacement for Adam Vinatieri, who is nursing a groin injury and has not practiced all week.

Gramatica tried out with the Colts Wednesday. Although he was not signed after the workout, coach Tony Dungy said yesterday the team was leaning toward signing Gramatica, at least for kickoffs. ``He may do everything," Dungy said.

It would be Gramatica's second stint with the Colts and his third with Dungy, who coached Gramatica at Tampa Bay before he became the Colts coach in 2002. Gramatica, signed with Indianapolis in December 2004, a week after he was cut by Tampa Bay. Gramatica didn't play last year and was cut by New England in the preseason last month, losing out to Stephen Gostkowski in the competition to win the job of Vinatieri's replacement.

Rams' Hargrove to sit Anthony Hargrove's unexcused two-day absence remained unresolved for the St. Louis Rams. The only certainty is that the defensive end will not be on the field this weekend. Coach Scott Linehan said Hargrove had not been suspended, but would be fined. Rookie Victor Adeyanju will replace him in the lineup at Arizona. Hargrove's agent, Reggie Blackwell, said Hargrove was ``going through some family and personal issues" that came to a head in a conversation with his parents Wednesday. That night, Blackwell told Hargrove to call the Rams to tell them he needed a break. ``It's a mistake and he's aware of the consequences," he said . . . Jets receiver Laveranues Coles was limited again in practice because of an unspecified left calf injury, and remained questionable for the game at Buffalo tomorrow . . . Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes, questionable with a right hamstring injury, didn't practice yesterday, putting his status in doubt to play against the Jets . . . Running back Shaun Alexander, who practiced for the first time this week yesterday, will start for the Seahawks against the Giants despite a sore left foot . . . Vikings third-string quarterback Tarvaris Jackson requires surgery for cartilage damage in his right knee and will likely be out 3-4 weeks.