Blood testing for human growth hormone is going nowhere fast in the NFL.
Everyone says they want it — so much so that it was included in the collective bargaining agreement struck between the league and players this summer. That, however, is where any agreement ends.
The odds of implementing tests this season dwindled as the union raised objections to detection methods and scientists dismissed those concerns as invalid.
Testing that was to be in place at the start of the season was delayed while the union tried to gather more information about a blood test that the World Anti-Doping Agency, which is responsible for the data, isn’t willing to provide.
Even if the program does get underway, the fact that the test in question can only detect HGH in a person’s system for about 24 hours means only the sloppiest of dopers would have the chance to get caught.
Footnotes.
Texans star receiver Andre Johnson expects to be out a couple of weeks after a minor procedure to repair a right hamstring injury.
• The Patriots released running back Eric Kettani from their practice squad after he was ordered back to duty with the Navy.
• The Vikings signed long snapper Cullen Loeffler to a three-year extension.
• Curtis Painter will make his second consecutive start as the Colts’ quarterback against the Chiefs.
• Seahawks starting wide receiver Mike Williams, who was injured last week, has been ruled out of Seattle’s game against the Giants.
• Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga will not play at Atlanta, missing his second consecutive game with a knee injury.
• Titans tight end Craig Stevens (ribs) is questionable against Pittsburgh after being able to return to limited practice.
