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Beyond the Box Score

The Sports Professor, Rick Horrow, goes beyond the box score to talk sports business and chats with Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

Crayton wants out of Big D

After getting no catches during Thursday's preseason finale against the Dolphins and finishing the preseason with three catches for 24 yards, Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton wants out of the Big D. The Dallas Morning News reports Crayton's agent is going to ask for his client's release. "It seems he doesn't figure in their plans so it's not logical to be on the roster until Saturday," Fred Lyles said. "We don't see the use in prolonging it."

Ivory leaves game with injury

New Orleans No. 3 running back Chris Ivory left Thursday's preseason finale against Tennessee with an undisclosed leg injury. He had been impressing the Saints this preseason as he was solidifying a spot on the roster. Ivory ran the ball four times for five yards before leaving the game.

Davis defends criticizing Crabtree in front of team

Vernon Davis' frustrations with Michael Crabtree finally came to a boiling point, and the San Francisco 49ers' Pro Bowl tight end let his teammate have it -- and for everyone to see.

Charles finishes stellar preseason

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles was able to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Packers after sustaining an elbow injury last Friday against the Eagles. He didn't start, but he replaced Thomas Jones on the second series -- his only series of the game. Charles had one carry for 2 yards and two catches for 26 yards. Charles had 16 carries for 105 yards and eight catches for 75 yards in the preseason.

McFadden returns to action

Steelers DB Bryant McFadden returned to action for Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers. He had missed the team's previous preseason game due to a pectoral injury suffered in practice. McFadden got the start at right corner back.

Farrior back in preseason action

Pittsburgh linebacker James Farrior was able to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers after he left the Steelers' preseason game at Denver on Sunday after suffering a head laceration. He did not start, but entered the game as a substitute.

Matthews absent in preseason

Packers LB Clay Matthews finished the preseason on Thursday against the Chiefs without playing a game. He failed to make it onto the field because of a hamstring injury.

Finnegan makes presence felt

Tennessee DB Cortland Finnegan missed some time this preseason with a few minor injuries, but saw some action in Thursday's finale versus the Saints. He recorded six tackles and defended one pass for the Titans.

Clark plays in preseason finale

Steelers DB Ryan Clark was able to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers. He got the start after missing last Sunday's preseason game against Denver when the high altitude caused complications with his blood. Clark has sickle cell anemia.

Jennings' back is no issue

Packers WR Greg Jennings started the final preseason game against the Chiefs after sitting out one game with back spasms. Jennings played only one drive, but he was tested. All three of Matt Flynn's opening-drive passes went to Jennings, who finished with two catches for 9 yards. He had six receptions for 133 yards in the preseason. He also had one touchdown.

Raiders vs. Seahawks highlights

Chargers vs. 49ers highlights

Hardesty's latest knee problem puts damper on Browns' win

Turnover-prone early, Tebow bounces back in Broncos' loss to Vikings

Rookie QB Bradford perfect in preseason finale as Rams edge Ravens

Hall steals show in Cardinals' victory over Redskins

Smith misses entire preseason

As expected, Panthers WR Steve Smith did not play in his team's final preseason game against the Steelers. He declared on Monday, however, that he expects to play in the team's regular season opener against the Giants.

Hurd finds endzone vs. Miami

Dallas WR Sam Hurd showcased his skills on Thursday against Miami as Dez Bryant, Roy E. Williams, Miles Austin and Jason Witten are sat out the preseason finale. Hurd was targeted four times, catching two passes for 47 yards. His one catch from QB Stephen McGee was a 43-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter. Hurd was pushed down the depth chart after the Cowboys drafted Bryant.

Decision ahead for Cardinals on QB Matt Leinart

Davis stands by criticism of Crabtree (AP)

Vernon Davis' frustrations with Michael Crabtree finally came to a boiling point, and the San Francisco 49ers' Pro Bowl tight end let his teammate have it -- and for everyone to see. Davis angrily confronted Crabtree during Wednesday's practice and coach Mike Singletary had to step between them.

Dansby plays for Miami in finale

Miami linebacker Karlos Dansby started the Dolphins preseason finale on Thursday against the Cowboys, but did not record a stat. Dansby was hit in the knee during last week's preseason game with Atlanta, but said the hit was "standard stuff" and he'd be OK.

Casey has eight-catch outing

Texans TE James Casey might be a lock to make the roster after his performance in Thursday's preseason finale against the Bucs. Casey, who was starting for the injured Owen Daniels, set a team record for receptions in a game during the preseason with eight catches for 81 yards. Unfortunately, none of his receptions came from starting QB Matt Schaub, who was a healthy scratch.

Anderson starts, Leinart plays in Cards' win

Max Hall, the undrafted rookie from BYU completed 7 of 9 passes for 126 yards and scored on a 6-yard run in the Cardinals' 20-10 victory Thursday night over a Washington Redskins team made up almost entirely of reserves.

Dixon now Steelers starter

Steelers QB Byron Leftwich has been diagnosed with a torn MCL, according to his management company. The injury leaves Dennis Dixon as the No. 1 starter going into the regular seasonduring Ben Roethlisberger's six-game suspension. Leftwich is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. "I have to be prepared," Dixon said after the game. "I've been working hard, and I'm ready to go. I'll rely on the veterans and lean on them for direction."