Brown may have required surgery. He hadn't played in several weeks, although the extent of his injury was never clear. Jon Alston will finish out 2009 as the Raiders' starting strong-side linebacker. Brown will be only 26 next season and figures to re-sign with Oakland to compete for a starting role.

Federkeil was nothing more than a deep reserve. He'll be a restricted free agent after the season.

The former Raiders' bust is getting another shot after being waived on Nov. 9. He'll give the Jags some depth at both guard and tackle.

Ruseell, 31, isn't even needed in the secondary with Rashean Mathis (groin) out.

Harris was a sixth-round pick out of USC in April. He's too slow to play corner for most teams, but Buffalo's Tampa 2 scheme suits his skills as a sure tackler. He may also see some action at free safety on the practice field.

Ellison presumably tore his quads when he went down early this month. 26 in February, Ellison is eligible for free agency in the offseason. He was averaging an outstanding 8.5 tackles per game before the injury, but would be a backup/nickel linebacker on a good team. Ellison doesn't play the run well.

By putting him on I.R. with seven games left, the Lions are essentially admitting that Peterman's ankle surgery was extensive. He probably could've came back from a "scope" in a few weeks. Peterman, 28 in January, signed a new five-year deal last offseason. He will likely return as a starter in 2010.