ESPN Insider Peep Show 11-19

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Peep Show

By Darrell Trimble

ESPN Insider

http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/story?id=1665544

Indianapolis Colts: With injuries thinning the wideout ranks, the team signed WR JaJuan Dawson Wednesday. One reason Dawson was signed was because of his familiarity with fellow Louisiana native QB Peyton Manning. Dawson, 6'1", 197, has worked out at the quarterback's off-season passing camp. "I'm happy to be here," Dawson told the Indianapolis Star. "I've been working out and staying in good shape. I'm familiar with the offense and (quarterback) Peyton Manning."

Baltimore Ravens: RB Jamal Lewis was the only player working out at the team's complex by the middle of the afternoon on their day off Tuesday, in an attempt to figure out how to cure his sudden fumbling problem. Lewis has fumbled three times in the last two games, and they've been costly. His fumble against the Dolphins led to Miami's overtime win and his two drops in St. Louis helped the Rams seal a victory. "Against St. Louis, OK, I fumbled the football, I dropped the ball two times," Lewis told the Baltimore Sun. "And I own up to that. And what I did all [last] week, I concentrated on keeping the ball, and I told the safeties and cornerbacks and linebackers to swing at the ball [during practice]. That's the only thing you can do. So I concentrated on it all game, and it never happened. Then on the last play of the game, whether I dropped the ball or fumbled - nobody touched me. We'll just go out this week and get ready for Seattle."

Washington Redskins: QB Patrick Ramsey was in noticeable pain Tuesday, as broken bones in the feet have been known to cause, and was unsure he'd be able to play this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. "I don't want to be negative, because I felt like this last week and I was able to play," Ramsey told the Washington Post. "I'm going to do everything I can do to play." Last week Ramsey's injured foot started to feel significantly better Thursday, and he hopes that pattern holds true this week. However, he told the Post he feels worse this week "without a doubt."... Team officials were awaiting the results of an X-ray on RB Ladell Betts's forearm. If he is cleared to play, he could be the featured tailback Sunday. RB Trung Canidate has been ineffective in the two games he has played since missing two games with a sprained ankle and Rock Cartwright was wearing a protective boot on his left foot Tuesday after suffering a sprained ankle in the Carolina game.

Pittsburgh Steelers: LT Marvel Smith, who has missed six games with a pinched nerve in his neck, is expected to practice today and could possibly start Sunday at Cleveland if the pinched nerve in his neck. "We will not be in pads [today], but he took some hits last week and, if all goes well, we might be able to upgrade him as the week goes on," coach Bill Cowher told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Smith has struggled for weeks with the injury and played through the pain at times early this season. There had been speculation that OL Alan Faneca would remain at left tackle when Smith returned, but it looks like he'll move back to guard.

Minnesota Vikings: DE Kenny Mixon was charged with drunken driving Tuesday, and he also could be charged with possession of an open bottle of alcohol and driving with a revoked license. If Mixon is convicted, the league will likely suspend him for several games. It is his third alcohol-related incident since joining the Vikings in March 2002 and at least the fourth of his six-year NFL career. Sources told the Minneapolis Star Tribune the Vikings plan to fine both Mixon and rookie DE Kevin Williams, who was charged with a similar offense six days ago, but neither will be suspended. "We fashion ourselves as a football family," coach Mike Tice said. "We have issues within the family and will deal with them as a family. How you handle success and how you handle failure oftentimes shows the maturity of a young man. It's obvious to me that we need to handle both better."

Arizona Cardinals: RB Emmitt Smith apparently has tired of carrying clipboards on the sideline and is ready to get back in the game. Coach Dave McGinnis said Tuesday that Smith will practice with the team today on a limited basis and may be able to practice in pads by the end of the week. "We'll see how he does (today)," McGinnis told the Arizona Republic.