The NFL is partnering with Boston University brain researchers who have been critical of the league’s stance on concussions, The Associated Press learned Sunday.
The league plans to encourage current and former NFL players to agree to donate their brains to the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, which has said it found links between repeated head trauma and brain damage in boxers, football players and, most recently, a former NHL player.
“It’s huge that the NFL actively gets behind this research,” said Robert Cantu, a co-director of the BU center who has spoken negatively about the league in the past. “It forwards the research. It allows players to realize the NFL is concerned about the possibility that they could have this problem.”
Cantu said three current NFL players — Cardinals wide receiver Sean Morey, Ravens center Matt Birk and Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu — already agreed to donate their brains for research after death.
Bears GM is uncertain about Smith’s fate
BALTIMORE — Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the future of coach Lovie Smith has not been decided.
Before the game against the Ravens, Angelo shot down a report from Comcast SportsNet/ Chicago on Friday that cited unnamed sources saying Smith would return for the next to last year of his contract in 2010.
A review of Smith will be conducted after the Bears finish the season against Minnesota and Detroit.
“At the end of the year, we sit down, we talk,” Angelo said.
Rams honor Olsen
ST. LOUIS — The Rams honored Hall of Fame defensive lineman Merlin Olsen during halftime of their game against the Texans.
The Rams showed a video tribute narrated by Dick Enberg, who worked on NFL broadcasts with Olsen as his color man. The video touched on highlights of Olsen’s career as a member of the defensive line known as the “Fearsome Foursome” in the 1960s, when the franchise was in Los Angeles.
Olsen, who lives in Utah, was unable to attend the game because of health issues and was represented by one of his sons, Nathan Olsen.
Injury updates.
Bears defensive lineman Adewale Ogunleye broke his left leg in a loss to the Ravens.
• Seahawks rookie linebacker Aaron Curry left the game against the Bucs in the second half with a left shoulder stinger.
• Tampa Bay rookie wide receiver Sammie Stroughter left with a foot sprain, and Bucs safety Tanard Jackson joined him on the sideline later with a knee injury.
