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Ashburn, Va. • There was a major sigh of relief at Redskins Park Wednesday when Washington rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III practiced and showed no effects from a mild concussion.

Barring any unexpected setbacks between now and Sunday, Griffin will start against the visiting Minnesota Vikings.

"It's a serious issue, but I felt fine when I left the locker room" after being injured in Sunday's game against Atlanta, Griffin said. "I went home, watched some TV and kinda just relaxed. I haven't had any symptoms at all. Practice went good. I felt sharp. I felt good. No symptoms of a concussion: no dizziness or [feeling] off-balance. I feel right today. We'll see what happens come Sunday."

Against the Falcons, Griffin was hit by Atlanta linebacker Sean Witherspoon while scrambling on third-and-goal in a 7-7 game, which the Redskins lost 24-17.

Around the league

Packers • Running back Cedric Benson was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, but designated to return.

His loss is another blow to Green Bay's struggling offense.

Benson sprained his left foot in Sunday's 30-27 loss at Indianapolis. He must sit out eight games before he can return, though he's eligible to practice after six weeks.

Panthers • Carolina announced Wednesday that Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil is out for the season after suffering a left foot injury.

Kalil was injured in Carolina's 16-12 loss to Seattle, although he continued playing.

Kalil went to see Dr. James Anderson on Tuesday and it was determined he had a Lisfranc injury — torn a ligament that supports the middle of his foot.

Bills • Defensive end Mark Anderson is out indefinitely after hurting his left knee in what becomes the latest blow for a porous defense.

General manager Buddy Nix told the team's website Wednesday that the injury is not season-ending, but Anderson will miss significant time.

Browns • Linebacker Scott Fujita has criticized NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for the way he has handled his suspension in the New Orleans Saints' bounty case.

Fujita had his three-game suspension reduced to one on Tuesday by Goodell, who sent the veteran a letter. Fujita says he's pleased Goodell acknowledged he never participated in the pay-for-hits program, but did not like the commissioner's "condescending tone" in a letter to the linebacker.

Fujita says Goodell's letter is "neither accurate nor productive." Fujita adds the reduced suspension implies he is being suspended for "failing to confront my former defensive coordinator for his inappropriate use of language."

Fujita says it "seems like an extremely desperate attempt to punish me. I also think it sets a dangerous precedent when players can be disciplined for not challenging the behavior of their superiors.

"This is an absolute abuse of the power that's been afforded to the commissioner." —

Week 6 schedule

Thursday

Pittsburgh at Tennessee, 6:20 p.m., NFL Network

Sunday

• Oakland at Atlanta,11 a.m.

• Kansas City at Tampa Bay, 11 a.m.

• Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets, 11 a.m.

• Cincinnati at Cleveland, 11 a.m.

• Detroit at Philadelphia, 11 a.m.

• St. Louis at Miami, 11 a.m.

• Dallas at Baltimore,11 a.m.

• Buffalo at Arizona, 2:05 p.m.

• New England at Seattle, 2:05 p.m., Ch. 2

• N.Y. Giants at San Francisco, 2:25 p.m.

• Minnesota at Washington, 2:25 p.m.

• Green Bay at Houston, 6:20 p.m., Ch. 5

Open • Carolina, Chicago, Jacksonville, New Orleans

Monday

Denver at San Diego, 6:30 p.m., ESPN