Detroit Lions receiver Charles Rogers will be suspended for four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, according to one report last night.

Unless Rogers appeals, the suspension could be announced this week.

"A player's status in the National Football League substance abuse program is strictly confidential unless the NFL announces a player's suspension," the Lions said in a statement. "Any questions regarding the policy should be directed to the NFL."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league had no comment.

Falcons

Quarterback Michael Vick is expected to start against New England this week after an MRI confirmed that he did not seriously injure his right knee Sunday in Atlanta's victory against Minnesota. Vick was injured when Minnesota rookie defensive end Erasmus James knocked him to the turf and fell on his leg in the second quarter of Atlanta's 30-10 win.

Chiefs

Police sprayed mace on Kansas City tight ends coach Jason Verduzco before Sunday's loss to the Eagles after he became combative when he wasn't allowed to turn into the stadium entrance he said he normally uses. Verduzco, 35, also was cited for trying to harm an officer. According to a police report, the altercation started when police tried to stop Verduzco from turning into one of the gates because of heavy traffic from arriving fans. But Verduzco turned anyway, and police said he got so close to an officer that the bumper of his sports utility vehicle was touching the officer's leg.

Buccaneers

Running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams may be limited in practice this week because of a sore hamstring and sprained foot. Coach Jon Gruden stressed it was too early to say if the rookie will play against the New York Jets.

Chargers

Left guard Toniu Fonoti will have further surgery on his broken right hand is expected to be out two to three more weeks. Fonoti's hand was broken in practice Sept. 14 and played the following Sunday in a loss at Denver.

Elsewhere

Raiders center Jake Grove had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and likely will miss three to four weeks. ... Antrell Rolle, the Cardinals' first-round draft pick this year, will miss the rest of the season because of a left knee injury.