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2B Daily News – Thursday, October 27, 2011 Braylon Edwards might not be ready to face Browns SANTA CLARA (AP) — As much as Braylon Edwards wants to get back on the field Sunday for the 49ers, he won't do it if it means risking further injury to his surgically repaired right knee. Even if it's his old Cleveland team coming to town. The veter- an wideout wants to be healthy for the long haul. ''If the knee's not ready, then we're not going to go, regardless of who it is,'' Edwards said after practice Wednesday. ''If the knee is ready, then so be it. It just so happens to be a team I used to play for.'' 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday he is less opti- mistic about Edwards returning for Sunday's game with the Browns (3-3). Edwards practiced Tuesday for the first time since his injury early in the game Sept. 18 against Dallas, the lone loss for San Francisco (5-1) so far. While he looked to be running and cutting well during the short portion of the workout open to the media, Harbaugh said Wednesday there still needs to be ''more evalua- tion'' of Edwards this week to determine his status for Sunday. ''I'm not as confident as I was or as optimistic as I was the other day,'' Harbaugh said. ''It will be determined over the next couple days.'' Edwards was back on the prac- tice field Wednesday running routes and catching passes from quarterback Alex Smith and cer- tainly appeared to be full strength. Smith threw to Edwards some during the bye week, too. Could this be a little games- manship on Harbaugh's part to keep the Browns' ''salty'' defense — as he refers to it — guessing ahead of the game? You never know with the Niners' first-year coach, who insists he needs no friends across the league but only those within team headquarters and the players he goes to work with every Sunday. Cleveland native and San Francisco safety Donte Whitner figures Edwards will do all he can to get on the field Sunday at Candlestick Park. ''I hope he does. I think he will,'' Whitner said. ''I'm sure he'll be pretty fired up to play against those guys, and I would be too if I used to play for them.'' Harbaugh said several other injured players he hoped to have back also remain question marks for Sunday, including right guard Adam Snyder (right shoulder stinger), linebacker Parys Haral- son (hamstring) and cornerback Tramaine Brock (broken left hand). ''I might have been a little overly optimistic in general about the guys who may be back for this ballgame,'' Harbaugh said. ''We'll assess it and sort of take it day by day. I might have been overly optimistic how far along some of the fellas were. ... The guys are going through some- thing right now and they're work- ing through it.'' Edwards spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Browns, making the Pro Bowl in 2007, before playing the past two with the New York Jets. The 49ers are eager to get him back for his big-play ability, especially after losing Joshua Morgan to a season-ending leg injury Oct. 9 against Tampa Bay. Morgan underwent surgery to have pins inserted in a broken bone in his lower right leg. ''You hope to get him back but who knows,'' Smith said of Edwards. ''It'll be a little adjust- ment. He's out for a few weeks coming back.'' The 28-year-old Edwards received a $3.5 million, one-year contract in August, giving him a fresh start out West in the West Coast offense run by Harbaugh, another Michigan man who chal- lenged Edwards to take responsi- bility for his actions at last. Harbaugh and Edwards walked off the practice field together Wednesday before the wide receiver chose his words careful- ly while addressing the media. ''It's one of those things where it's new,'' Edwards said of his comeback. ''Getting back out there, it's a mental thing as well as a physical standpoint, you have to see where you are — so, running full speed, and then kind of gauge and trying to bend a lit- tle extra or go a direction and see how your body and your limbs handle it, and so far it's been OK.'' Edwards made 53 receptions for 904 yards and seven touch- downs last season for the Jets and was determined to build on that with his new team. Until the injury delayed his progress. Edwards, the No. 3 pick in the 2005 draft who has four catches for 48 yards this year, had his share of legal run-ins as well as successes during his tenure with the Browns. His father, Stan, has said he never felt his son was embraced by the Cleveland fans because of his Michigan ties. No hard feelings for the younger Edwards at this stage of his career. ''They gave me an opportuni- ty. They drafted me in the first round in 2005, so I'm very grate- ful to that society and the organi- zation for taking a chance,'' Edwards said. ''Had some good times, we had some bad times, as you do in life. But I hold no grudges toward anybody there and I still have some friends from that area.'' A Cleveland judge spared Edwards jail time in July but extended his Ohio probation by one year for violating terms by driving drunk in New York City in September 2010. In January 2010, he pleaded no contest in Cleveland to aggravat- ed disorderly conduct after being accused of punching a friend of NBA star LeBron James. While on his 18-month proba- tion from the Cleveland case, Edwards was charged with dri- ving while intoxicated in his Land Rover in Manhattan in Sep- tember 2010. Police said his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit. Now, Edwards' lone focus is getting back to helping the 49ers reach the playoffs after an eight- year absence — and not disrupt- ing an offense that's going so well. ''I'm optimistic with anything. I'm 28. I want to be out there,'' Edwards said. ''It's pride, it's confidence, it's just wanting to get back out there. It's competi- tion, but I have to be smart. That's one thing my mom talks to me every day about: 'You have to be smart about it Braylon, just relax and see how it goes. Don't force yourself. If I'm not ready, then I'm not ready.''' NOTES: C Jonathan Goodwin was limited in practice because of a concussion. ... FB Moran Norris, who had been expected back to practice this week, wasn't in uniform as he continues to heal from a broken left fibula. NBAsides meeting in hopes of ending lockout NEW YORK (AP) — NBA through Christmas would be in jeopardy if there wasn't a deal last week. Stern rejoined the talks owners and players were engaged in another marathon session Wednesday, meeting for more than 10 hours in talks aimed at ending the lockout. The two sides got back to the table with a small group meeting less than a week after three intense days of mediation didn't produce a new labor deal. Negotiations broke down last Thursday when players said owners insisted they agree to a 50-50 split of revenues as a con- dition to further discuss the salary cap system. The first two weeks of the sea- son already have been canceled, and there's little time left to save any basketball in November. Commissioner David Stern has said he feared even games RAIN (Continued from page 1B) Washington isn't hedg- ing on his decision for a potential Game 7. He'll bring back Matt Harri- son on five days of rest rather than Derek Hol- land on regular rest. Holland took a two- hit shutout into the ninth inning for a 4-0 victory in Game 4. Harrison, let down by his defense, managed only 11 outs in a Game 3 loss. ''It means a lot. I'm glad he has that trust in me,'' Harrison said. ''I'll treat it like any other day.'' Rain has caused some switches over the years. Wednesday after missing last Thursday's session with the flu. He was joined by Deputy Com- missioner Adam Silver, owners Peter Holt of San Antonio, Glen Taylor of Minnesota and James Dolan of New York, and a pair of league office attorneys. The union was represented by executive director Billy Hunter, president Derek Fisher of the Lakers and vice president Mau- rice Evans of the Wizards, attor- ney Ron Klempner and econo- mist Kevin Murphy. The players have lowered their proposal to 52.5 percent of basketball-related income, leav- ing the sides about $100 million apart annually, based on last sea- son's revenues. Players were guaranteed 57 percent of BRI In 1962, three straight days of wet weather pushed back Game 6 in San Francisco, but both teams stayed with their scheduled starters and Billy Pierce pitched a two-hitter to beat the Yankees and Whitey Ford 5-2. Then, in a rematch of Game 5, New York's Ralph Terry pitched a four-hitter to defeat Jack Sanford and the Giants 1-0. In 1975, Boston's Bill Lee and Cincinnati's Jack Billingham were scheduled to start Game 6 at Fenway Park before a three-day storm. By the time play resumed, Boston brought back Luis Tiant, who won Games 1 and 4, and Cincinnati went with AP Source: WVU to Big 12 not done deal (AP)—The Big 12 is still deciding: West Virginia or Louisville? Could be one or the other, or maybe neither. Conference realignment took a strange turn Wednesday when, a day after it appeared that the Big 12 had decided West Virginia would eventually replace Missouri as the league's 10th member, the Mountaineers' Big East rival Lousiville re-entered the picture. The result was conflicting stories about what happened and a U.S. Senator threatening an investigation — while the Big East was left to wonder not only if it had to replace another member, but which one. A person with knowledge of the Big 12's discussions told The Associated Press that no decision was made by the con- ference to add West Virginia, and that Louisville is still a can- didate to be invited to join. The person spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the Big 12's internal discussions are being conduct- ed privately. The person added that a decision about expan- sion is not expected before next week. On Tuesday, West Virginia to the Big 12 seemed to be certain after the Big 12 board of directors met the night before. But the person with knowledge of the talks said ''no real decision was made on Monday'' and the Big 12 is not committed to any school. West Virginia Athletic Director Oliver Luck declined comment in a text message to the AP. However, another person with knowledge of the situation, also speaking on condition of anonymity because of the negotiations are not being made public, said West Virginia was preparing Tuesday to announce the move with a news conference on campus with Big 12 officials on Wednesday. The school and the league also were working on a news release when university leaders received a call from the con- ference telling them to put those plans on hold, the person said. ''I think all of this should have great clarity within the next 10 days or less,'' University of Oklahoma President David Boren said Wednesday after a regents meeting in Lawton, Okla. One thing seems sure — the Big 12 is going to need a replacement for Missouri, which has been working on a move to the Southeastern Conference. The person with knowledge of the Big 12's discussions said conference officials are not holding out hope that Mis- souri will stay, but said West Virginia and Louisville should not be considered finalists to become the Big 12's next mem- ber. ''Those two certainly have been discussed a lot,'' the per- son said. ''And I wouldn't rule out other schools just yet.'' BYU also has been considered as a potential new mem- ber by the Big 12. The person said no meetings have been set up with Big 12 officials and schools outside the conference. ''We're still discussing among ourselves,' the person said. Big 12 leaders have also discussed possibly expanding back to 12 members, the number it had before Colorado and Nebraska left after last season and Texas A&M announced earlier this month that it was moving to the SEC. The Big 12 has already replaced the Aggies with TCU, another blow to the beleaguered Big East. TCU planned to leave the Moun- tain West Conference to join the Big East in 2012, but was instead diverted by the Big 12 to reunite with former South- west Conference rivals Texas, Baylor and Texas Tech. The person said it is unlikely the Big 12 would go the 12- team route and invite both West Virginia and Louisville in the process. under the previous collective bargaining agreement. The system is the other chief hurdle. Seeking greater parity among their 30 teams, owners are looking to reduce the ways that teams can exceed the salary cap so that big markets won't have a significant payroll advan- tage. They have proposed raising the taxes the highest spenders would pay, but players fear the penalties would be so punitive they would act like a hard salary cap. The sides also are struggling over items such as the length of the deal, players' contract lengths and the size of their rais- es. Silver said last week it was ''unclear'' to him whether an 82- game schedule was still possible. The league could try to resched- ule the lost games if a deal can be reached soon. Game 3 starter Gary Nolan. Billingham relieved in the third inning, and the Red Sox went on to win one of baseball's greatest games, 7-6 on Carlton Fisk's 12th-inning homer. Lee started Game 7 against Don Gullett, and neither got a decision as the Reds won 4-3. When rain hits, man- agers get to tinker. Asked whether he would use Carpenter in relief for Game 6, La Russa immediately replied: ''No chance.'' MLS Playoffs Wild Card Round Wednesday:New York at FC Dallas, late Today: Columbus at Colorado, 7 p.m. A moment later, he revised his response. ''Little chance.'' Then he stated the No. 1 thought on his mind. ''We've got to get to 7,'' he said. NCAA Top 25 Schedule Thursday's game No. 18 Houston vs. Rice, 5 p.m. Saturday's games No. 3 Oklahoma State vs.Baylor, 12:30 p.m. No. 4 Stanford at Southern Cal, 5 p.m. No. 6 Clemson at Georgia Tech, 5 p.m. No. 7 Oregon vs.Washington State, Noon No. 8 Arkansas at Vanderbilt, 9:21 a.m. No.9 Michigan St.at No.13 Nebraska, 9 a.m. No.10 Kansas St.vs.No.11 Okla., 12:30 p.m. No. 12 Wisconsin at Ohio State, 5 p.m. No.14 S. Carolina at Tennessee, 4:15 p.m. No. 15 Virginia Tech at Duke, 9:30 a.m. No. 16 Texas A&M vs. Missouri, 9 a.m. No. 17 Michigan vs. Purdue, 9 a.m. No. 19 Texas Tech vs. Iowa State, 4 p.m. No. 21 Penn State vs. Illinois, 12:30 p.m. No. 22 Georgia vs. Florida, 12:30 p.m. No. 23 Arizona St. vs. Colorado, 3:30 p.m. No. 25 W. Virginia at Rutgers, 12:30 p.m. There were media reports Wednesday that Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell reached out to Big 12 officials to lobby for Louisville and that helped put the brakes on West Virginia's invitation. ''There's been outside influences for every school,'' the person said. ''Everybody's politicians are calling. I don't mean that in a negative way. They've all been positive and no one has tried to coerce anybody into anything.'' West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller, who is chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Commit- tee, which has oversight of sports, released a statement Wednesday saying that he, too, is involved. ''The Big 12 picked WVU on the strength of its program — period. Now the media reports that political games may upend that. That's just flat wrong. I am doing and will do whatever it takes to get us back to the merits,'' he said. NFL AFC West WL T Pct PF PA Chargers 4 2 0 .667 141 136 RAIDERS 43 0 .571 160 178 Kansas City 3 3 0 .500 105 150 Denver 2 4 0 .333 123 155 East WL T Pct PF PA N. England 5 1 0 .833 185 135 Buffalo 4 2 0 .667 188 147 N.Y. Jets 4 3 0 .571 172 152 Miami South 0 6 0 .000 90 146 WL T Pct PF PA Houston 4 3 0 .571 182 131 Tennessee 3 3 0 .500 112 135 Jacksonville 2 5 0 .286 84 139 Indianapolis 0 7 0 .000 111 225 North WL T Pct PF PA Pittsburgh 5 2 0 .714 151 122 Cincinnati 4 2 0 .667 137 111 Baltimore 4 2 0 .667 155 83 Cleveland 3 3 0 .500 97 120 NFC West WL T Pct PF PA 49ERS 51 0 .833 167 97 Seattle 2 4 0 .333 97 128 Arizona 1 5 0 .167 116 153 St. Louis 0 6 0 .000 56 171 East N.Y. Giants 4 2 0 .667 154 147 Dallas WL T Pct PF PA 3 3 0 .500 149 128 Washington 3 3 0 .500 116 116 Philadelphia 2 4 0 .333 145 145 South WL T Pct PF PA N. Orleans 5 2 0 .714 239 158 Tampa Bay 4 3 0 .571 131 169 Atlanta 4 3 0 .571 158 163 Carolina 2 5 0 .286 166 183 North Green Bay 7 0 0 1.000230 141 Detroit WL T Pct PF PA 5 2 0 .714 194 137 Chicago 4 3 0 .571 170 150 Minnesota 1 6 0 .143 148 178 —————————————————— Sunday's games Cleveland at San Francisco, 1:15 p.m. Arizona at Baltimore, 10 a.m. Indianapolis at Tennessee, 10 a.m. Jacksonville at Houston, 10 a.m. Miami at N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m. Minnesota at Carolina, 10 a.m. New Orleans at St. Louis, 10 a.m. Detroit at Denver, 1:05 p.m. Washington vs. Buffalo at Toronto, 1:05 p.m. Cincinnati at Seattle, 1:15 p.m. New England at Pittsburgh, 1:15 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 5:20 p.m. Monday's game San Diego at Kansas City, 5:30 p.m. Open: Oakland, Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Tampa Bay NHL WESTERN CONFERENCE Pacific Division WL OT Pts GF GA 7 2 0 14 22 17 5 2 1 11 17 13 4 3 1 9 18 20 Dallas Kings Ducks SHARKS 43 0 8 21 17 Phoenix 3 3 2 8 22 25 Central Division WL OT Pts GF GA Chicago 5 1 2 12 27 20 Detroit 5 2 0 10 20 18 St. Louis 4 4 0 8 22 24 Nashville 3 4 1 7 16 23 Columbus 1 7 1 3 21 30 Northwest Division WL OT Pts GF GA Colorado 6 2 0 12 26 20 Edmonton 4 2 2 10 16 14 Minnesota 3 2 3 9 18 20 Vancouver 4 4 1 9 24 26 Calgary 2 4 1 5 15 20 EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division WL OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 7 2 2 16 33 22 Philadelphia 5 3 1 11 28 26 New Jersey 4 2 1 9 16 16 N.Y. Rangers 3 2 2 8 14 14 N.Y. Islanders 3 4 0 6 14 17 Northeast Division WL OT Pts GF GA Toronto 5 2 1 11 26 27 Buffalo 5 3 0 10 23 17 Ottawa 4 5 0 8 27 36 Boston 3 5 0 6 19 19 Montreal 2 5 2 6 23 27 Southeast Division WL OT Pts GF GA Washington 7 0 0 14 30 14 Florida 5 3 0 10 20 19 Tampa Bay 4 3 2 10 29 30 Carolina 3 3 3 9 24 30 Winnipeg 2 5 1 5 17 27 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. —————————————————— Wednesday's results Montreal 5, Philadelphia 1 Colorado at Calgary, late St. Louis at Vancouver, late Today's games Columbus at Buffalo, 4 p.m. Montreal at Boston, 4 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m. Toronto at N.Y. Rangers, 4 p.m. Winnipeg at Philadelphia, 4 p.m. Florida at Ottawa, 4:30 p.m. Anaheim at Minnesota, 5 p.m. Tampa Bay at Nashville, 5 p.m. Los Angeles at Dallas, 5:30 p.m. Washington at Edmonton, 6:30 p.m. New Jersey at Phoenix, 7 p.m. Friday's games San Jose at Detroit, 4:30 p.m. Chicago at Carolina, 4 p.m. Edmonton at Colorado, 6 p.m. St. Louis at Calgary, 6 p.m.