NFL Network analyst Brian Billick was on hand as 49ers QB Alex Smith nearly led a second-half comeback against the Texans, and the former Ravens coach came away impressed.

NFL Network analyst and former Pro Bowl receiver Sterling Sharpe will be back for his weekly live chat with fans on NFL.com on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.

Kansas City Star columnist Jason Whitlock writes that the Larry Johnson distraction is just what Haley and general manager Scott Pioli need, and that the problems Johnson is causing are no reason to cut the guy.

I’m calling it right now: Blowout week is over. We got that out of our system. Week 8′s slate of games is pretty exciting. Out of 13 games, there are six that are highly compelling. Not a bad ratio at all.

The Eagles are pleased with the progress of RB Brian Westbrook, who left Monday night’s win over the Redskins in the first quarter due to a concussion. A team source said Tuesday Westbrook is doing well.

NFL Network analyst and former head coach Brian Billick will be chatting live with fans Tuesday on NFL.com at 7:15 p.m. ET.

The 49ers announced Tuesday that they have placed RT Tony Pashos on season-ending injured reserve, leaving coach Mike Singletary needing to shuffle his offensive line yet again.

Anquan Boldin didn’t suffer any setbacks while playing on a high ankle sprain during the Cardinals’ 24-17 victory over the Giants on Sunday night, and the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is expected to play against the Panthers this weekend, Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt told NFL.com.

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It’s time to cut ties with Chiefs RB Larry Johnson in all fantasy leagues.

The Chiefs barred RB Larry Johnson from practicing with the team or participating in team activities Tuesday, saying they are continuing to investigate his recent comments in which he reportedly belittled coach Todd Haley via Twitter and reportedly used a gay slur while addressing the media in the locker room.

The Buccaneers released OL Marcus Johnson on Tuesday morning following his arrest on DUI charges, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports via league sources.

The Kansas City Chiefs just announed they’ll be holding a news conference Tuesday where coach Todd Haley is expected to address the recent comments made by RB Larry Johnson.

Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn said injured TE Chris Cooley will “probably” end up on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in Monday night’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

It’s interesting to watch what happens in the heat of an NFL moment. We had two such moments over the weekend, and one will have lasting consequences.